You know what’s cool about being an old punk? Years and years worth of building punk connections that lead to amazing friendships. Friends who, even if you do not talk to them nearly as much as you used to, carry that common ethos that transformed your youth forever. Friends who still surround you in one way or another be it at a show or reaching out saying they want you to check out their new band’s EP. Yeah, that’s cool and always will be to me.
Yesterday, my pal Jason asked me if I could maybe do a little write-up on a project he’s been working in featuring members of Akron’s Worship This!. Of course I said yes.
I knew they were writing some songs, but had not been made privy to any of it yet. I remember when they told me the were having weekly sessions, I was so stoked about it because I always enjoyed their style and could not wait to see what they came up with.
Akron’s House Crimes will be streaming their debut 4-song EP titled The LarkBoy Tapes Pt 1 this Sunday. I lucked the hell out and got an early taste of it and let me tell you, it rules.
Melodic DIY punk from dudes who have surrounded their lives in the genre. They did this for themselves and decided to share it with everyone else out there. Featuring Josh Taylor (WT), Aaron Novak (WT), Jeff Fargo (WT), and Jason Utes (Model Martel), this band certainly carries some seasoned talent.
“Bad Energy” is a quick one, but good ol’ Taylor opens his pipes up without any hesitation. Sure, it carries a Worship This! style, but has this renewed energy to it. Hell, they even did a music video for it so you know they are excited about it too:
“Goodbye February” carries collective singing by all and is beyond fun. I loved the drumming throughout as well as just the message of continuance and drive even if results aren’t quite there.
A different path was taken with “Prom Night” that offsets the other tracks. I am not going to ruin it for y’all, but this was a crazy, poignant one that kept me thinking for a few after it ended. Really loved the way things went with this one from the music style to the overall storyline.
“Humanity is a Cult” was a punk rock call out. This track carried contributions from all to make it just a straight up banger with a message to be heard.
Overall, this was a damn good EP to listen to. It is quick mind you, but it is memorable from a bunch of dudes who cut their teeth on punk rock way before streaming existed.
I admit, I was rather hyped up to do this writeup as it brought back a lot of memories from some really remarkable humans. I likely will dig in deep to some DIY punk tonight and reminisce more.
March 1st you will be able to check out The LarkBoy Tapes Pt 1. If we are lucky, they will drop a full-length before the year ends. I personally am stoked for some House Crimes.
I woke up this morning unlike any other morning I have had in quite some time. Today was the day that Foxy Shazam‘s self-titled album finally dropped. The moment I woke up my iPhone was in my hands and I purchased the deluxe album version off of iTunes.
Words that I will use to describe this new album: Punk, Fierce, Soulful, Wreckless, Unforgettable
These guys have the potential to go in a history of sorts where the rock bands of the 70’s rest with high honors. Cincinnati’s Foxy Shazam could very well go down in a shameful self-destructing crash of defeat and still be one of the best acts of their time – yea, I know bold statement from me. They just have that quality of awesomeness I have not seen or heard in years. Think Iggy Pop/Freddie Mercury energy mixed with arena rock qualities and soul like no other. Foxy Shazam will be heard.
Can’t say that everyone is going to dig this album but if you want something different – you know what to do.
Hey Jawbox fans, have you been looking for something to tide you over until they finally drop something new this year? I can’t promise that they will even release new material but that set on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon really brought suspicions to the table. Let’s hope for the best and until then I have a recommendation for you.
The band I speak of is called The Bomb. Why should you check them out you ask? Simple, J. Robbins of Jawbox recorded and mixed The Bomb’s most recent album Speed Is Everything. He might have also contributed some singing throughout the album as did Dan Yemin from Paint It Black. This is The Bomb’s second release and was released on No Idea Records.
Need more reason to check out this band I speak of? Well I can tell you that the band includes former members of Naked Raygun, The Methadones, and even Four Star Alarm. Oh I might as well throw in that they also cover a Flock Of Seagulls song – more on that in a bit.
This Chicago foursome features Jeff Pezzati, as well as Jeff Dean, Pete Mittler, and Mike Soucy. With years of experience in the music world they came together and dropped a sophomore release that can stand strong next to a two decade old Naked Raygun album with no intimidation at all. Perhaps that is a bold statement but after listening to it I think many of you can and will agree. To me it has a sound that fits in that, dare I say classic, era perfectly.
“The Kids” and “Holiday” really have a post-punk sound straight from the early nineties and fans of that era will appreciate. “The Rescue” was interesting as the song was sung from a hero point of view with interesting lyrics including hiding the goods. “Haver” had a little harder punk feel throughout making for a good listen.
As mentioned previously the band took at stab at covering a Flock Of Seagulls song and I honestly like it more than the original. When “Space Age Love Song” started I immediately knew it was a cover but was unable to immediately grab of whom but after a quick Google check that all changed.
Dan Yemin lends his pipes on the fast fist-pumping “Integrity” track that really rises over the rest when it comes to speed in the album. “Spaceman” was another track I appreciated on the album a lot with it’s old school post-hardcore sound. Title track “Speed Is Everything” was another notable track on the album and I even got a kick out of the album ending track “Blown Away”.
I could not help but think of other acts like Husker Du and Jawbreaker while listening to the CD as well as of course Jawbox. Heavy drumming and straight forward guitar playing formulate a solid album of course with post-Naked Raygun singing styles. I am shocked this band has not gotten a ton of hype seeing what they are made of but perhaps that makes this album that much more likable. Old school fans of punk rock will adore this CD, well, at least I do.
Screw all that crunk-punk, emo baby, try too hard crap that recent bands have been dishing out, you kids need to check out The Bomb. God, I feel old now saying that. I feel like I just told all the punk kids to stay off my lawn…
I’ve been kind of busy as of last thanks to a couple of shows Irecentlyreviewed but I finally have found a moment to start playing catch-up. While doing so I came across some music videos that made me a happy camper.
First off is She & Him‘s newest video for “In The Sun”, the first single off their upcoming Volume Two that should be out on March 23rd. If anyone knows me well they know my love obsession (hell who am I kidding) with Zooey Deschanel. I think she is dreamy…yes…dreamy. So yeah before I start to sound like too much of a creep here is the video that recently debuted on Pitchfork TV:
(does anyone else out there think M. Ward looks a little Robert Downey Jr. in this video???)
Next up is a video from one of my favorite artists out there, Frank Turner. The video is for the song “Isabel” that appears on Poetry Of The Deed, his most recent album. For such a sorrowful song about the loss of youth while looking for answers it is visually appealing with Frank Turner walking the Leo Carillo beach in Malibu, CA.
As previously mentioned I got to see Frank Turner live at the House Of Blues in Cleveland. I was in the photo pit for most of his set trying to capture as many memories as possible. When looking at some of the photos the next day I noticed that the one guitar player was crouched down. Apparently I missed seeing him eat the stage after slipping on something but someone in the crowd didn’t and had their phone on video mode at the right moment:
If you looking closely you can see me stealing the band’s soul with my camera…
Finally I end this post that is going nowhere with a live performance of a band I know I am looking forward to hearing, Foxy Shazam. I can’t say everyone will dig them but I know I do. Check out “Rocketeer” from the upcoming album Unstoppable:
Tim Barry, most commonly known for being the lead of punk rock outfit Avail, has done it again his way with his most recent release 28th & Stonewall. Once again he has created an honest solid album heavy on the folk with no bells or whistles that any hardworking music loving American can appreciate. The release is a personable attempt and can relate to any hard working person out there who knows all too well what the American dream really is all about. This is his fourth release on Suburban Home Records.
Still putting time in a 9 to 5 job when not touring, Tim Barry is just like everyone else. The guy is a true American at heart and is not thrilled about emails and technology. He is happiest at home with a beer and might just be one of the friendliest guys out there. Just don’t piss him off as he still has some of that punk rock angst left in him. Recently some drunk idiot found that out while heckling Barry on stage at a show during a more personal song. The result was a fight that should never have happened but proved a point – don’t mess with passion.
Granted he used to front a punk rock band, these days the friendly fellow finds himself more of a folk artist. When time allows he gets together with friends and family in his hometown of Richmond, VA and records songs just for the pure joy of it. Recording most of the songs in a three week period while home on break from seemingly increasing tours the material turned into 28th & Stonewall and really may be his best work yet.
The boot stomping “Thing Of The Past” started off the album with a very direct sincere track about everyday life of not only the singer but many other folk in this world talking about lack of money and living life. With lyrics like “I want nothing and that’s still all I have” as well as “it’s not what you make or do, it’s how you’re living” how could someone not appreciate his lyricism?
“Prosser’s Gabriel” stuck out over all other tracks on the album as Tim Barry told the story of an attempted slavery uprising Virginia by a former slave who was never added to the history books. I was glued to the story throughout the song featuring Tim Barry and his guitar. The song was not something I would have expected Barry to write but it was done so well. Not only did the song stick in my head days later but also intrigued me to learn more about this unknown hero.
One of the most enjoyable songs on the album was “Will Travel” featuring the No BS Band who supplied some heavy New Orleans style horn playing. “Moving On Blue” was a gloomier track pertaining to a relationship laid to rest featuring Daniel Clark (who has helped out Ryan Adams on more than one occasion) on piano.
“Downtown VCU” tells the story of a girl who was “one part country one part urban thug” (love it!) that passed on a newly enrolled college student. The song is a story of humor that really reminded me of Johnny Cash’s “A Boy Named Sue”. It had a point to it but was also surrounded by all sorts of witty calamity resulting in a fun track.
“Bus Driver” really put an end to the CD in the right way. Tim Barry sang on how he is tired of touring and singing and just wanted to go home. Thanking his booking agent and bashing his tour manager he asks that people let everyone know that he “long gone” and for everyone to “go on” without him. He even requested fans to tip his merch girl because she was not making enough. Not to be taken literally the song is more of a thank you to all the people that surrounded him as he toured.
While listening to the CD on the way to work a couple weeks back my mood changed and I really just wanted to turn around, grab a 12 pack, and just drink myself into a comfortable state while continuing to listen to the CD. No, I am not a closet drunk or anything but this CD just had that effect. Full of storytelling songs I could just hang out on a porch with friends and listen to on repeat all day long.
Tim Barry really outdid himself on this album and proved the point of being a working man by stating that he “could stay home and make a lot more money working at the Richmond Ballet” but confesses that he “wouldn’t feel fulfilled”. Thanks for continuing to do what you fo Tim, it is well appreciated. Look for Tim Barry to tour in a town near you this Spring. (Tour dates listed below)
Tim Barry 2010 Tour:
3/2/2010 Virginia Beach, VA @ Jewish Mother
3/3/2010 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506 w/ Ninja Gun
3/4/2010 Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern w/ Ninja Gun
3/5/2010 Atlanta, GA @ Purgatory at the Masquerade w/ Ninja Gun
3/6/2010 New Orleans, LA @ Zeitgeist w/ Ninja Gun
3/7/2010 Houston, TX @ Walter’s on Washington w/ Ninja Gun
3/8/2010 Austin, TX @ Emo’s w/ Ninja Gun
3/9/2010 Dallas, TX @ the Prophet Bar
3/11/2010 Tempe, AZ @ Yucca Tap Room
3/12/2010 San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar w/ Possessed By Paul James
3/13/2010 Long Beach, CA @ Alex’s Bar w/ Possessed By Paul James
3/14/2010 Los Angeles, CA @Jaunita’s w/ Brian Hanover
3/15/2010 Santa Barbara, CA @ Velvet Jones
3/16/2010 Santa Cruz, CA @ Blue Lagoon
3/17/2010 Sacramento, CA @ Blue Lamp
3/19/2010 Oakland, CA @ The Stork Club
3/20/2010 San Francisco, CA @ Thee Parkside
3/22/2010 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre Lounge w/ Michael Dean Damron
3/23/2010 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon w/ Lizzie Huffman
3/25,2010 Salt Lake City,UT @ Burt’s Tiki Lounge
3/26/2010 Denver, CO @ Three Kings Lounge
3/27/2010 Lawrence, KS @ Replay Lounge
3/29/2010 Louisville, KY @ Skull Alley w/ Red Clay River
3/30/2010 Indianapolis, IN @ the Vollrath Tavern w/ Red Clay River
3/31/2010 Chicago, IL @ Reggies Rock Club w/ Red Clay River
4/1/2010 Detroit, MI @ Smalls w/ Red Clay River
4/2/2010 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern w/ Red Clay River
4/3/2010 Harrisonburg, VA @Court Square Theatre (MacRock) w/ Red Clay River
4/5/2010 Washington, DC @ Black Cat Backstage w/ Red Clay River
4/6/2010 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s w/ The Menzingers, Red Clay River
4/7/2010 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs w/ Red Clay River
4/8/2010 Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory w/ Red Clay River, Jonny Corndawg
4/9/2010 Asbury, NJ @ Asbury Lanes w/ Red Clay River
4/10/2010 Richmond, VA @ The Camel w/ Red Clay River
4/22/2010 The Zoo, Brisbane w/ Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Ben Nichols
4/23/2010 Sydney, Australia @ Annandale Hotel w/ Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Ben Nichols
4/25/2010 Newcastle, Australia @ Cambridge Hotel w/ Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Ben Nichols
4/28/2010 Perth, Australia @ Rosemount w/ Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Ben Nichols
4/29/2010 Adelaide, Australia @ Enigma w/ Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Ben Nichols
4/30/2010 Melbourne, Australia @ Corner w/ Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Ben Nichols
5/1/2010 Hobart, Australia @ Brisbane Hotel w/ Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Ben Nichols
This music blog could have a driver's license by now…
