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Babble Blog: Weekend + Punk Rock + Friends + Beer = Great Hang

11 October, 2009 Brian Mc Leave a comment

What a weekend… Time to blog about it!

I’m sitting here right now next to my trusty electric radiator as I really need some heat now that the temperatures are dropping here in tropical Ohio. I just finished some hot tea, have the pups cuddled up next to me as I type this, and have the final football game of the evening playing in the background. It’s no surprise the Colts are kicking ass currently and I am still grinning slightly at the Browns’ first win, even if it was pathetic and ugly…

As of late my weekends have been amazing thanks to my gang of pals. It might help that I am putting myself out there finally after all that I had been going through. It would appear that I am moving on in the right direction. Beer helps too. I have been good, so do not worry. I am not in the mood to getting plastered. I have really been appreciating the finer beers in life such as Great Lakes and of course my elixir, Guinness.

My weekend started off a little early this week as some of my punk rock friends and I hit up the Grog Shop to see Strike Anywhere, Polar Bear Club, Crime In Stereo, and Ruiner play. There is nothing quite like a punk rock show on a rainy evening with good friends and huge cans of PBR.

Ruiner started the evening with a hardcore performance that set the level rather high for the night. The way they played without care reminded me that sometimes playing show is all about fun. At times their new drummer missed a couple of beats but the band was quick to laugh it off and start over.

Crime In Stereo was one of the bands I had not heard of before. Let’s just say I will be buying all of their CDs soon. They were freaking awesome with their high energy punk rock as well as emo shifts comparable to Brand New, but it was Polar Bear Club and of course Strike Anywhere that won the night over for me.

Having already heard Polar Bear Club’s recent album Chasing Hamburg I already knew I was going enjoy their show. They sounded amazing and the kids in the pit went nuts singing along and thrashing about. I stood in the back, I am too old for the jumping around and getting close with my fellow concert goers and I am ok with that. With my trusty PBR I was contempt with observing and rocking my head to the beat.

Strike Anywhere took the stage in full force and rocked out until their last song. The political heavy hardcore punk rockers were excited to be back in Cleveland and really put on a great show to all the fans who came out for the night. Dread-locked lead vocalist Thomas Barnett admitted that even though the band has been around for 10 years that they had not done one thing in Cleveland but were able to earlier in the day as they finally made it to the Rock Hall for a tour. I hope they enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed their performance.

All of the bands are currently on Bridge Nine Records so there was plenty of merch to be sold at the show. Sadly the shirt I wanted was not in my size and I was strapped for cash so there was no indulging in vinyl goodness. Thankfully the internet will be my merch table when I have a few extra bucks to help support those bands. Here are all of the performing bands newest releases if you care so much to check them out:

After the show a couple of friends and I went to Steak N Shake for a late night stack. I felt like we were in a creepy movie with the 3rd shift staff looking a little sketchy but they were pleasant, the onion rings were good, and the milk shake was satisfying.

Friday night after my late shift I met up with my pals at a local bar for some beers. It was not the best choice of bars as I think we could have found something a little more entertaining but it was still nice to sit around at a table and just converse. My one friend had it in his head that he was going to find girls for us but it did not happen and honestly I was ok with that.

Getting home late night I rest my head on the pillow and before I knew it the sun was up and I was starting on what would turn into a crazy busy day.

I took some time in the morning to update my iPods and got ready for my visit with Matt from Addicted To Vinyl. Yes folks, Matt visited me. He drove all the way down to my place with no intention on sitting in my back seat as I escorted him to a festival of sorts. He was coming to hang out and I was excited like…I don’t know, I was just happy for the hang.

We had a early lunch at Mike’s Place in Kent where our waitress cracked us up with her table departing “You’re Welcome” that was clearly fake and practiced ever so hard. After eating mad amounts of tater tots and a delicious veggie reuben we made our way into the beautiful downtown area to visit Spin More Records.

Matt had never been to the shop so I was happy to take him there. We shopped, heckled at an autographed Tesla CD, and did a fair amount of BS’n in the store. Good times. Upon leaving the store Matt handed me a 45 of a promo only copy of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts‘ “Roadrunner (Cleveland)”. Matt explained a lot to me about the song and honestly I value the 45 even more now. As soon as we got back to my house I dropped the needle on it and we listened to it at high levels. Matt pointed out the Cleveland references throughout. Good jam.

Matt had to get going to I slammed the door in his face and did not pay him for The Avett Brother’s I & Love & You LP he so kindly fetched for me from Music Saves (honestly is anyone else as shocked as I am that he is being so nice to me as of late???).

My best buds came over a couple of hours later and we headed to my one friend’s sister’s boyfriend’s housewarming party…phew!

The house was in Akron in a beautiful neighborhood and honestly I was jealous of it. It was a great looking house with a creepy ass third floor that could very well supply the scenes for future horror movies. A lot of cool people showed up and everyone mingled while drinking an array of beers. I stuck with Great Lakes…yum.

After a taco eating contest (I did not take place in it), managing to piss off one of my pal’s sister’s friends, house to garage jumping, a cornhole win, and a chair mysteriously finding it’s way to the garage roof, I found myself sitting around a fire pit with my good friends. It was the perfect way to end the night. There is nothing quite like sitting around a fire bringing up past stories and burning old lead paint coated cabinet doors.

We headed home earlier than we all anticipated but honestly we were all beat from day long activities. Once I got home I just hung out for a bit with the pups and headed to sleepy land.

I woke up and as soon as I got motivated headed to Solon to meet up with my friend and his folks for breakfast. I had a feeling the jerk was not going to wake up in time and even tried calling him to confirm the meal was still on but received his voicemail. I completely forgot that his phone was dead but still tried to call my other friend who did not answer as well.

Right before I got off the freeway my friend called stating he had no left yet and just woke up. I took the opportunity to head to the Borders Books & Music I used to work at to see who was working. I lucked out as one of my longest known friends was working.

After catching up with him I poked around the store and grabbed this:

Laugh all you want…I’ll be prepared for when it happens. What’s your zombie escape plan?

Once my friend finally called me telling me they were almost there I departed the book store and stuffed my face with breakfast. I love me some breakfast, especially when my friend’s dad insists on paying for it.

We all headed back to the parent’s house for a quick digestion/relaxation and I said my goodbyes as one of my friends had to head back home to Cincinnati. See ya next time pal…

I headed to my brother’s to watch the ugly Cleveland Browns game and upon the end of the game left slightly satisfied with their first win.

By the time I got home I wanted nothing more to do than throw a blanket over my body and fall in and out of sleep during the rest of the football games. Instead I played with the boys for a bit, jammed out to some music, and got some work done.

It was a great weekend. I keep mentioning how great my weekends are and I will continue to do so when they are because it’s times like these that I cherish the most. Being with friends and family.

Next weekend I am heading to see the Northeast Ohio Rock ‘N’ Roller Girls do their thing at the the Summit Country Fairgrounds. This will be their last bout of the season so if you have nothing going on head on out and help cheer them on for a win!

Look for an interview with members of the team shortly! I had the privilege to chat with a couple of them and plan on sharing the outcome with you all soon. Until then, be well.

Cleveland, Live Shows, Music, Music News, Music Video, New Release, Pop, Punk

Contest: “Tweet” New Found Glory

22 September, 2009 Brian Mc 1 Comment

Punk pop rockers New Found Glory (NFG) are asking fans for help in finding local opening acts for their small club headline shows the are playing in the upcoming months. They will be touring in support of their new album they released this past Spring called Not Without A Fight.

So how can you help you ask? Excellent question.

All you have to do is send a “Tweet” to @xchadballx and @steveisdareason on the popular mini-blog site Twitter the local band you think should open for them. They will pick the bands based upon the number of local requests they get.

What a novel idea… The dates for their headlining tour (they will also be touring with Dashboard Confessional this Fall too but this contest does not apply to those shows) are listed below. If you know of a local band you think should open for NFG then I suggest you tweet them a little message.

I have a couple local favorites in mind I will be tweeting them about… I suggest you do the same. Hell, even if you are in a band it could not hurt to tell them from perhaps a friend’s Twitter account how awesome your band is. You never know, they may ask you to open for them!

The above was reshaped and manipulated from a message from Chad Gilbert of NFG. Here’s his take on the whole idea as well as some other words:

Support Your Local Scene!

Before NFG head out on tour with Dashboard Confessional this fall we will be doing a limited amount of smaller intimate club shows. For the past few years NFG have not been able to hook up local bands due to a full traveling line up. We know how important it is to support local bands and local music scenes. That is how NFG got our start. We use to open locally in South Florida for bands like MxPx, the Get Up Kids, Unwritten Law,Bane etc. Playing those shows helped build our band and build our local scene. This tour will give us an opportunity to finally help out a little.

We ask you to “Tweet” @xchadballx and @steveisdareason some suggestions for local bands to open up the NFG show in their town. Please check http://www.myspace.com/newfoundglory for all the tour dates. Make sure you request bands only for our own headline shows, Not the shows we will be playing with Dashboard Confessional.

We do not want to piss any one off or discourage any bands so NFG will not be picking the specific band. We are just compiling a list of bands that we get the most requests for and submitting it to the local promoter to pick.

Also on all of these shows will be a fellow Floridian band called Fallen From The Sky and Pennsylvania’s TITLE FIGHT!

thanks so much and we hope to see you all this fall!

DONT LET HER PULL YOU DOWN the movie coming soon!

your friend always
@XchadballX

Tour Dates (for their headlining shows only)
Oct 18 2009 – Toads Place (Headline Show) – New Haven, Connecticut
Oct 19 2009 – Chameleon Club (Headline Show) – Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Oct 21 2009 – The Chance (Headline Show) – Poughkeepsie, New York
Oct 22 2009 – Northern Lights (Headline Show) – Clifton Park, New York
Oct 24 2009 – Eleanor Rigby’s (Headline Show) – Jermyn, Pennsylvania
Oct 25 2009 – Higher Ground (Headline Show) – Burlington, Vermont
Oct 27 2009 – The Intersection (Headline Show) – Grand Rapids, Michigan
Oct 28 2009 – Peabody’s Downunder (Headline Show) – Cleveland, Ohio
Oct 30 2009 – Southgate House (Headline Show) – Newport, Kentucky
Oct 31 2009 – The Rave (Headline Show) – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nov 1 2009 – People’s Court (Headline Show) – Des Moines, Iowa
Nov 2 2009 – Slowdown (Headline Show) – Omaha, Nebraska
Nov 3 2009 – Station 4 (Headline Show) – Saint Paul, Minnesota
Nov 5 2009 – New Daisy (Headline Show) – Memphis, Tennessee
Nov 6 2009 – Emerson Theater (Headline Show) – Indianapolis, Indiana
Nov 7 2009 – Pop’s (Headline Show) – Sauget, Illinois
Nov 23 2009 – Cine El Ray (Headline Show) – Mcallen, Texas
Dec 1 2009 – Cat’s Cradle (Headline Show) – Carrboro, North Carolina
Dec 2 2009 – Recher Theatre (Headline show) – Towson, Maryland

Download This!, Music, Music Video, New Release, Punk, Review

Teenage Bottlerocket – They Came From The Shadows – CD Review

16 September, 2009 Brian Mc Leave a comment

It’s not every day that you hear about a Wyoming band cranking out amazing, fast-and-fun punk-rock tunes but that is what Teenage Bottlerocket does best. The foursome, hailing from The Cowboy State, ditched the clichéd Wyoming lifestyle, threw on black leather motorcycle jackets, grabbed their guitars, and created some of the catchiest punk tunes I myself have heard in years.

The band recently released their fourth album, entitled They Came From The Shadows, which happens to also be the band’s first release with the independent punk rock label Fat Wreck Chords.

The band intrigued me with their prior release, Warning Device, when I checked it out last year. With Ramones-like similarities, their pop-punk elegance proved attention-grabbing throughout the disc and I found myself won over by one of the more intelligent bands on the punk scene.

How intelligent? Well it just so happens to be that two members of the band are engineers. Another fun little fact: two members are identical twins.

“Skate Or Die” starts off the album with an ode to younger years of tearing it up complete with classic skate references to the Bones Brigade, street skater legend Rodney Mullen, and even some ’80’s lingo like the term “poseur.” I love the fact that this song is all about the old-school days of skateboarding before it went mainstream.

The girl dodging “Don’t Want To Go” tells of missing the show to avoid the girl at the show. This classic high school tale of shunning from the ex is a cool, likable track.

“Bigger Than Kiss” cracks me up as the band verbally assaults the aging Detroit Rock City make-up wearing men, declaring “Ace Frehley can play guitar but he ain’t no f@cking Kerry King” and shouting, “Calling Dr. Love hey get a load of this, Ray beat the piss out of Peter Criss!” The hilarious song continues to brag that Teenage Bottlerocket will one day be bigger than Kiss and by the end of the song the band seems to think they have proved their boast true.

The disheartening “Not OK” is one of my favorite tracks on the album. I can’t help but to relate this song to many times in my past. “Call In Sick” should be the working class’ national anthem. I could only think of ’80’s punk bands like Black Flag while listening to the song, not because of its music but rather its uncomplicated lyrics that tell a truthful story about the feeling many deal with on a day-to-day basis. “Fatso Goes Nutzoid” contains many elements of ’80’s speed punk, especially with the rifling off of the lyrics.

“Without You” is another track I find myself digging over the others and I love the dual vocals along with the fast-paced drumming. The song bums me out, but in a good way, as it describes missing a special someone who no longer is in the picture. It’s songs like this—you know, the ones you relate to— that make me appreciate music all the more.

The songs on They Came From The Shadows are simple but fun and directly to the point. The album seems to end just as quickly as it begins, begging for another listen. I think that is what I love so much about this band: the simplicity. Not one song here exceeds three-and-a-half minutes, but it doesn’t matter to me at all.

It’s nice to see Teenage Bottlerocket skip out on the extra bells and whistles to sound different. They keep it straightforward on this album (and their previous one, for that matter) and make it sound almost too easy. Fans of the Ramones, Screeching Weasel, the Vandals, and even pre-famed Green Day really need to check out this band if they have not already done so.

Look for Teenage Bottlerocket on tour in support of They Came From The Shadows this fall. From what I have heard, this band is amazing live and I know when they roll though my town next month I will be there to witness it for myself. Click HERE for a complete list of tour dates. This is a punk show not to be missed!!!

DOWNLOAD THIS! – Teenage Bottlerocket – “Skate Or Die”
DOWNLOAD THIS! – Teenage Bottlerocket – “Don’t Want To Go”

Here is the hilarious video for “Skate Or Die”. I can not stop thinking of Gleaming The Cube…

Here’s a video of “In The Basement” off of their previous release Warning Device:

Download This!, Folk, Indie, Music, Music Video, New Release, Review, Rock

Frank Turner – Poetry Of The Deed – CD Review

8 September, 2009 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Folk/punk/rock has never sounded so good thanks to former UK post-hardcore singer Frank Turner who took elements of the genres and self-formed it into something simply wonderful on his latest release. Not to be considered a solo attempt this round, it is clear throughout the album that he has an amazing backing band that helped him and perhaps even added a little of their own style to it.

Having been in multiple bands over the years and working non-stop while doing so, Frank Turner continues his desire to be an amazing musician. After what seemingly felt like an eternity since I first heard word of the release, the hardworking Frank Turner has finally dropped Poetry Of The Deed in the US thanks to Epitaph Records. How hardworking you ask? This will be his third release in three years.

“Live Fast Die Old” starts of the album full forced with more so of an indie rock that immediately captured my attention. As if his singing was not an attraction enough, the supporting music from the full band including keyboard and back up harmonies just seemingly invited me into his world and I must say I felt welcomed. It’s the type of song you tap you foot to and bop your head as well.

“Try This At Home” had a slight upbeat feel that exploded with great, well thought out lyrics about the real DIY musicians in the world who care and work for what they believe in and called out the superficial money hungry performers. One line in particular that stood out over the rest to me declared that there is “no such thing as rock stars, they’re just people who play music, and some of them are just like us, and some of them are dicks.” Well said Mr. Turner.

“Dan’s Song” is the type of song I could only wish was written about me. The reminiscent jam goes from past history to future with sick harmonica playing. “Poetry Of The Deed” to me sounded like a heavy Avett Brothers song with Frank Turner repeatedly bolting out “life is too short, to live without poetry, if you’ve got soul darling, now come on and show it me” at the end of the track.

“The Road” was a sing along favorite of mine on the album. Heavy on the folk and added country twang made for a catchy and happy listen. I especially enjoyed the end of the song that almost sounded like and excited Frank Turner was not done recording the track when everyone else was.

“Our Lady Of The Campfire” had some fun percussion backed with strings reminding me of the folk that helped Frank Turner make this album what it is. The song is well thought out lyrically and musically and there was just so much going on but it fit so well.

Some of the songs seemed to slow up towards the conclusion of the CD as compared to the first half but they were still great listens. The soothing keyboard playing and acoustic strumming were enjoyable especially during “Sunday Nights” and the album ending “Journey Of The Magi”.

I’m serious when I tell you I got a good feeling throughout when hearing this release, the kind of feeling that keeps me going back for more. I remember the first time I heard bands like the Avett Brothers, Gaslight Anthem, Ben Folds, Joe Strummer, and Wilco (just to name a couple) who I knew instantly I would love and cherish for the rest of my music listening years on this planet because of what they created and how they executed it. I can now add Frank Turner to that list because his music just had such an amazing effect on me.

I admit, I had never heard of Frank Turner until just before this album was released. When I started hearing about the hype about him from various musicians and music fans, my curiosity led me to a YouTube video (see below) of him playing an after-party in someone’s house. Just by seeing that one acoustic jam he played surrounded by singing and screaming fans I understood why so many have been talking him up. He is that talented and with help from an amazing backing band Poetry Of The Deed was worth all the hype.

I expect big things from Frank Turner in the following months even years to come. Slated to be touring with the Gaslight Anthem this fall as well as just finished a tour with The Offspring I think it is pretty clear he is starting to make a bigger name for himself here in the US and very quickly at that.

This is one act fans of music need to at least extend an ear out to even if punk or folk is not your thing. It is that damn good.

DOWNLOAD THIS! – Frank Turner – “The Road”

Blog On, Cleveland, Good Times, Guest Blog, Live Shows, Music

Announcement: Greg Ginn In-Store Performance at Blue Arrow Records 9/15

3 September, 2009 Brian Mc 1 Comment

Here is some exciting news!!! Matt at Addicted To Vinyl and I have decided to stop battling one another and joined forces in putting on a free pre-show performance featuring an amazing musician.

I’ll pass it over to Matt to explain:

A long time ago in a galaxy not really that far away….

Setting the scene: On a random Monday afternoon, Pat the Producer forwards an email my way with an opportunity attached to do something with Black Flag founder and SST Records owner Greg Ginn.

Currently on tour with two of his projects, Jambang, and Greg Ginn and the Taylor Texas Corrugators, Ginn will be at the Beachland Ballroom on Tuesday, September 15th for a low-dough gig in the Tavern.

Once we found this out, Brian and I put our heads together and decided to do something cool!

Prior to the Beachland show, Addicted to Vinyl and Broken Headphones are pleased to present a free special in-store performance at Blue Arrow Records and Books with Greg Ginn and the Taylor Texas Corrugators that will start at 7pm. Ginn will meet and greet with fans after the performance, and then we’ll all head over to the Beachland to rock it up with the Corrugators and Jambang!

Here’s a few Ginn stats for ya:

– #99 on the list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All-Time, according to Rolling Stone Magazine.

– Founded SST Records in 1978, an influential label responsible for a wide variety of releases, including albums from The Meat Puppets, The Minutemen, Husker Du, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr, and Bad Brains, just to name a few.

– Since breaking up Black Flag, Ginn has recorded a few solo albums, and has performed with the bands HOR, Fastgato, The October Faction, Gone, Confront James, EL BAD, Mojack, The Texas Corrugators, Jambang, and also played bass with Tom Troccoli’s Dog.

Enough with the stats, let’s rock!

Here’s a recap of the details:

WHAT: Greg Ginn & The Texas Corrugators, in-store performance

WHEN: Tuesday, September 15th at 7pm

WHERE: Blue Arrow Records and Books, 16001 Waterloo Rd. (down the street from the Beachland)

COST: FREE! Come hang out with Greg Ginn, and then make your way over to the Beachland for a great low-dough night of rock and roll with Ginn, the Corrugators, and Jambang!

We promise that a rip-roaring good time will be had by all, and you’re provided with the additional benefit of having a good reason to go hang out at Blue Arrow Records and Books, the latest and greatest reason to visit Cleveland! Fox 8 News just featured a nice story on Blue Arrow recently – check it out below!

Thanks Matt!

Now I would like to note something about Greg Ginn right quick just before you all start grabbing your entire SST catalog for autographs and making mental notes of all the questions you want to ask him. I asked Greg if he would be interested in doing an interview about his punk history and asked to talk about influences from other punk acts out there that got him to where he is today.

He politely informed me that he does not care to talk about the past but prefers to focus on the present time and future. I can completely respect his decision to deny a chat about the past so don’t be surprised if the former Black Flag front man does not care to discuss his punk history.

Greg is more concerned about his current projects and I completely understand why he prefers not to talk about an era he is no longer involved in. Greg is no longer a punk rocker but more of an amazing musician and has put together some really interesting bands. Think rock, jazz, and jam. I can not wait to see him live.

The pre-show should be a lot of fun so come out and then check him out at the Beachland!

Thanks to Greg Ginn for agreeing to do this little event as well as Matt and Pat for pushing the idea. Major thanks to Pete at Blue Arrow Records for allowing us to invade his store for a few songs.