So today I made a field trip to Hoboken to go to the Beauty Parlour for a haircut and glaze (I like the word "glaze" because it makes me think of donuts, and I really like donuts) and to see The Gay Blades play at Maxwell's with Readymade Breakup, Hero Pattern, and some soft rock band (their words, dude). This blog was originally going to be about that, but then I drove home.
Through my first ever DWI checkpoint.
Having never consumed a drop of alcohol in my life, I wasn't expecting any problems, but they came, and they came in bulk. My first issue was with simply pulling up to the stop area. The cop's foot was on the line, so I stopped short of it, which, through some masochistic tendency that I don't care to dwell on, the officer disliked.
Then he proceeded to ask me what in the world I was doing in Hoboken. I told him, "I went to see the bands playing at Maxwell's."
He asked if they were any good.
"Three out of four were wonderful. One out of four was mediocre at best."
He kept scowling with skepticism, and at this point, I didn't know what to do. So I asked him plaintively and politely, "Sir, is there anything further I have to do here?" I thought since he wasn't letting me pass, he was going to ask me to walk in a straight line. This terrified me, because my billboard-sized birthin' hips don't allow that to happen, alcohol or no; in addition, my inch worm of an attention span would probably prohibit me from reciting the alphabet backwards without long pauses to look at shiny things.
The officer then handed me a drunk driving pamphlet and told me to read it and be on my way. I told him I wouldn't read it til I got home so I could keep my [lash-batting] eyes on the road. He glared at me. I rolled off.
The moral of the story is, don't drink and drive so I won't have to go through shit like this. I don't have the patience to argue with the poh-leese at 2 AM.
*By Jess, who was instructed to blog about the show by the newly bearded Jason Kundrath, but wound up getting offtopic
Friday, August 31, 2007
THE HIGH COURT
With fresh battle wounds still looming from their summer spent on Warped Tour, the New Jersey natives The High Court embarked on yet another tour, this time with the likes of The Cursive Memory and other more local talents. The band is made up of four charismatic guys named JB (vocals), Mike (guitar), Shell (bass), Denny (guitar), and Lou (drums). Last night they played a tiny, hot, sweaty venue all the Red Bank area kids know as the Internet Café. One might think that going from playing the Kevin Says! stage on this summers Warped Tour to playing a venue where there really isn’t a stage might be difficult or hard on the ego, not for THC…the guys seemed to feel even more at home.
Last night I had the opportunity to pull aside Mike and Shell and ask them about everything from their non-stop touring to liking the band Boys Like Girls….
Q: What was it like to be on such a huge national tour like Warped Tour?
Shell and Mike: It was awesome, probably the most fun we have ever had....You're out on Warped Tour NO sleeping allowed...
Q: What has been the hardest thing to over come as a band?
Shall: Being able to drop everything...leave your girlfriend at home and go and be broke for months...
Q:Where do you get your biggest inspiration?
Mike and Shell: The fans, when we are writing or recording we are sitting in a room picturing a room full of people listening and enjoying our music...
Q: If you could only play one more show where would it be and who would it be with?
Mike: Central park and maybe with Butch Walker.
Q:What do you do in your free time?
Shell: I'm a snowboarder, so I like doing that... Lou is a party animal, his friends stood by him, haha and he is also kinda an interenet hound.
Q: Who are you guys listening to?
Mike: We just got the new Envy on the Coast Cd and we have that in the van right now, they are awesome...
Shell: I'm really into Maroon 5 right now, they are such a solid talented band...
BOTTOM LINE- Go see them perform, and say hi...they are the nicest guys ever.
By Amanda who is thankful for The High Court and their fun-loving, always smiling personalities...
Last night I had the opportunity to pull aside Mike and Shell and ask them about everything from their non-stop touring to liking the band Boys Like Girls….
Q: What was it like to be on such a huge national tour like Warped Tour?
Shell and Mike: It was awesome, probably the most fun we have ever had....You're out on Warped Tour NO sleeping allowed...
Q: What has been the hardest thing to over come as a band?
Shall: Being able to drop everything...leave your girlfriend at home and go and be broke for months...
Q:Where do you get your biggest inspiration?
Mike and Shell: The fans, when we are writing or recording we are sitting in a room picturing a room full of people listening and enjoying our music...
Q: If you could only play one more show where would it be and who would it be with?
Mike: Central park and maybe with Butch Walker.
Q:What do you do in your free time?
Shell: I'm a snowboarder, so I like doing that... Lou is a party animal, his friends stood by him, haha and he is also kinda an interenet hound.
Q: Who are you guys listening to?
Mike: We just got the new Envy on the Coast Cd and we have that in the van right now, they are awesome...
Shell: I'm really into Maroon 5 right now, they are such a solid talented band...
BOTTOM LINE- Go see them perform, and say hi...they are the nicest guys ever.
By Amanda who is thankful for The High Court and their fun-loving, always smiling personalities...
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Quietdrive: One On One With Guitarist, Matt Kirby
House of Blues: Anaheim, California
By: Jackie Rudolph
There’s nothing quiet about this band, which goes by the name of Quietdrive. Representing Quietdrive was guitarist, Matt Kirby, who took the plate at explaining what the band truly stands for. Coming from Minneapolis, Minnesota, these guys were used to somewhat of a city life. They grew up in a great little music town which was both artsy and eclectic. No wonder why they’re so creative. Minneapolis was just enough for them, as if it was like a mini Chicago. Although these guys basically left their hearts at home, it’s the joy at the end of the day which keeps them going day by day.
Quietdrive’s success all started back in December of 2004 when Epic approached them for a major label signing, but it didn’t all happen so quickly. It took a couple of years for the guys to really put themselves out there and make themselves a worthy band. With so much experience in touring, these guys couldn’t and still can’t stop hitting a road. Matt describes them as a ‘touring band,’ since they are constantly on the road. Maybe one day they will be able to fly overseas instead of driving around the states and Canada in their tour van! But what are the best places to tour according to the band? Simple, home is where the heart is. Matt explained how coming home is the best thing, especially since the guys barely visit their hometown.
Speaking of their hometown, some of the lyrics are able to relate to home. With their song, “Rush Together,” Matt explains that vocalist, Kevin Truckenmiller ,wrote this song when he was in London, while the other guys were in college back in the states. Kevin wrote this song in Hyde Park about a real life person who he grew up with. Matt commented, “I would probably consider this song the most powerful song on the record.” As for the mystery behind the lyrics, the guys also change it up with a little cover work of the song, Time After Time, originally done by Cyndi Lauper. It’s an interesting story because one day, Kevin (vocalist) was at Kmart and heard the song on the loud speaker. He was not even that familiar with the song, so he made a techno beat for it. Then they changed the beat to rock, and finally it all fell into place as the guys made the song their own. The band seems to not believe in boundaries, but just know that the sky is the limit.
As for the artwork of their lyrics, their album artwork is breathtaking as well. Matt explained how their deadline for the album’s artwork was approaching and they were on the very last minute of time. With the concern of this artwork being the first stamp they were putting on themselves, they had to make a good first impression. The deadline was noon, and it was already 3am. The guys grabbed some drinks, and a friend who designed shirts. They went to the city that never sleeps, and got some shots of the drummer, Brandon, alone in the streets of Times Square, and finally, the artwork was on its way to a meaningful impression after a couple digitized details. Interesting how a place in which you’ve probably have made a visit to, shows off its true beauty on the band’s cover, amazing, is it not? Catching such a quiet, yet meaningful photo in such a loud and awake city is truly an unspoken vision of amazement.
With their album produced by Butch Walker, can there even be one single doubt that this music is true beauty? Matt commented, “There’s not a single bad word to ever talk about him. I’m a fan of Butch Walker’s production work. He’s amazing and so kind. He was trying to prepare for Avril Lavigne in Japan, so we only had 5 days with him before he left. Every night we were with him, he took us out to dinner and got to know us personally. He’s an awesome dude. He’s a total rockstar and the most down to earth kind of guy. We all totally look up to him.” With the love of Mr. Butch Walker, the guys also have a brotherly love for each other. Being on the road so long, they still are a group of great friends, and basically, family. “I’m married to like four dudes,” Matt mentioned. The guys have all grown so much with each other, and continue to day by day as they share their passion of music. Hopefully this is just the start of Quietdrive’s success, and most likely is, especially with the help of Butch Walker, whom we all love oh so much.
These guys tour a ton, so make sure to check them out!
www.quietdrivemusic.com
By: Jackie Rudolph
There’s nothing quiet about this band, which goes by the name of Quietdrive. Representing Quietdrive was guitarist, Matt Kirby, who took the plate at explaining what the band truly stands for. Coming from Minneapolis, Minnesota, these guys were used to somewhat of a city life. They grew up in a great little music town which was both artsy and eclectic. No wonder why they’re so creative. Minneapolis was just enough for them, as if it was like a mini Chicago. Although these guys basically left their hearts at home, it’s the joy at the end of the day which keeps them going day by day.
Quietdrive’s success all started back in December of 2004 when Epic approached them for a major label signing, but it didn’t all happen so quickly. It took a couple of years for the guys to really put themselves out there and make themselves a worthy band. With so much experience in touring, these guys couldn’t and still can’t stop hitting a road. Matt describes them as a ‘touring band,’ since they are constantly on the road. Maybe one day they will be able to fly overseas instead of driving around the states and Canada in their tour van! But what are the best places to tour according to the band? Simple, home is where the heart is. Matt explained how coming home is the best thing, especially since the guys barely visit their hometown.
Speaking of their hometown, some of the lyrics are able to relate to home. With their song, “Rush Together,” Matt explains that vocalist, Kevin Truckenmiller ,wrote this song when he was in London, while the other guys were in college back in the states. Kevin wrote this song in Hyde Park about a real life person who he grew up with. Matt commented, “I would probably consider this song the most powerful song on the record.” As for the mystery behind the lyrics, the guys also change it up with a little cover work of the song, Time After Time, originally done by Cyndi Lauper. It’s an interesting story because one day, Kevin (vocalist) was at Kmart and heard the song on the loud speaker. He was not even that familiar with the song, so he made a techno beat for it. Then they changed the beat to rock, and finally it all fell into place as the guys made the song their own. The band seems to not believe in boundaries, but just know that the sky is the limit.
As for the artwork of their lyrics, their album artwork is breathtaking as well. Matt explained how their deadline for the album’s artwork was approaching and they were on the very last minute of time. With the concern of this artwork being the first stamp they were putting on themselves, they had to make a good first impression. The deadline was noon, and it was already 3am. The guys grabbed some drinks, and a friend who designed shirts. They went to the city that never sleeps, and got some shots of the drummer, Brandon, alone in the streets of Times Square, and finally, the artwork was on its way to a meaningful impression after a couple digitized details. Interesting how a place in which you’ve probably have made a visit to, shows off its true beauty on the band’s cover, amazing, is it not? Catching such a quiet, yet meaningful photo in such a loud and awake city is truly an unspoken vision of amazement.
With their album produced by Butch Walker, can there even be one single doubt that this music is true beauty? Matt commented, “There’s not a single bad word to ever talk about him. I’m a fan of Butch Walker’s production work. He’s amazing and so kind. He was trying to prepare for Avril Lavigne in Japan, so we only had 5 days with him before he left. Every night we were with him, he took us out to dinner and got to know us personally. He’s an awesome dude. He’s a total rockstar and the most down to earth kind of guy. We all totally look up to him.” With the love of Mr. Butch Walker, the guys also have a brotherly love for each other. Being on the road so long, they still are a group of great friends, and basically, family. “I’m married to like four dudes,” Matt mentioned. The guys have all grown so much with each other, and continue to day by day as they share their passion of music. Hopefully this is just the start of Quietdrive’s success, and most likely is, especially with the help of Butch Walker, whom we all love oh so much.
These guys tour a ton, so make sure to check them out!
www.quietdrivemusic.com
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Spotlight: Unsigned Act -- THE MULHOLLANDS
Key Club (West Hollywood, CA)
By: Jackie Rudolph
"It’s always such a sunny day in California." This is just one of the many lyrics by the new, emerging band, The Mulhollands, which they proclaim to their audience…but really, what’s the meaning behind their words? Sarah, front singer and single standing female, explained that even if it is just another sunny day in California, there are other things going on besides the usual sunny days in California, for example, a tragic time. Even if many of the songs, as well as their band name, is Los Angeles based, not all of the members were born and raised in good old LA.
Hanging outside of West Hollywood's Key Club, I was able to meet up with the front female singer, Sarah. She explained her history as she came from across the country and settled in LA to try to live out the “Rockstar dream.” Well, she’s almost there at least. The gathering of The Mulhollands came together as the members all found each other and meshed together as a whole. It started when Sarah heard her future band mate jamming while she was hanging out poolside at her new LA apartment. And then it all rolled on from there. But why the name, The Mulhollands? One word, Inspiration. The band’s songwriter usually went up to Mulholland Drive, a well known road in Los Angeles, where one can see the whole city view, to write his lyrics, hence the name of the band. As of now, the band is not officially signed by any record label, but are in the talk of signing with a major label. PV wishes the best of luck to this band!
For more information, check them out at www.myspace.com/themulhollands
And if you're in the Los Angeles area, catch a show throughout all of September!
By: Jackie Rudolph
"It’s always such a sunny day in California." This is just one of the many lyrics by the new, emerging band, The Mulhollands, which they proclaim to their audience…but really, what’s the meaning behind their words? Sarah, front singer and single standing female, explained that even if it is just another sunny day in California, there are other things going on besides the usual sunny days in California, for example, a tragic time. Even if many of the songs, as well as their band name, is Los Angeles based, not all of the members were born and raised in good old LA.
Hanging outside of West Hollywood's Key Club, I was able to meet up with the front female singer, Sarah. She explained her history as she came from across the country and settled in LA to try to live out the “Rockstar dream.” Well, she’s almost there at least. The gathering of The Mulhollands came together as the members all found each other and meshed together as a whole. It started when Sarah heard her future band mate jamming while she was hanging out poolside at her new LA apartment. And then it all rolled on from there. But why the name, The Mulhollands? One word, Inspiration. The band’s songwriter usually went up to Mulholland Drive, a well known road in Los Angeles, where one can see the whole city view, to write his lyrics, hence the name of the band. As of now, the band is not officially signed by any record label, but are in the talk of signing with a major label. PV wishes the best of luck to this band!
For more information, check them out at www.myspace.com/themulhollands
And if you're in the Los Angeles area, catch a show throughout all of September!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Kind of musicaly related but you will be interested post.
I just thought i would drop a quick post with some tour dates...but not of the musical variety. I assure you i think you will like it though!
Chris Gutierrez, professional thought provoker and insanely honest writer is (or has by the time this is posted) hit the road in the US again to read to innocent ears of American civilians everywhere. "famed" (and i use the term loosely) for the Fall out boy name check in 'Take this to your grave's' track 'Hey chris' (Grenade jumper if i remember correctly) he has attracted fans from both this and beyond by setting up his own publishing company, Deadxstop. With his first book selling out and the second book now released, Chris is driving around the US ready to give you an insight to all of his thoughts and childhood stories. If you want to have a read of a few story snippets from the second book, the head on over to http://newbook2.livejournal.com/ and if you want to head on out to a date, which would be highly appreciated and very nice!, then have a look below to see where he is at, which is pretty much everywhere!
1 Aug 2007 18:00
uncommon grounds jacksonville, Florida
22 Aug 2007 19:00
souther folklore memphis, Tennessee
23 Aug 2007 18:00
Walter’s On Washington houston, Texas
24 Aug 2007 18:00
cafe brazil dallas, Texas
25 Aug 2007 13:00
Scooter’s Coffeehouse kansas city, Missouri
26 Aug 2007 18:00
coffee cartel st. louis, Missouri
7 Sep 2007 18:00
TBA las vegas, Nevada
8 Sep 2007 18:00
TBA phoenix, Arizona
9 Sep 2007 11:00
jennifers coffee connection studio city, California
10 Sep 2007 18:00
TBA sna francisco, California
13 Sep 2007 19:00
cutter point cafe tacoma, Washington
14 Sep 2007 18:00
bean scene minneapolis, Minnesota
15 Sep 2007 18:00
TBA milwaukee, Wisconsin
16 Sep 2007 18:00
the fixx coffeebar chicago, Illinois
17 Sep 2007 18:00
AJs cafe ferndale, Michigan
18 Sep 2007 18:00
Brielle’s Coffee and Team Room cleveland, Ohio
19 Sep 2007 18:00
TBA buffalo, New York
20 Sep 2007 18:00
TBA albany, New York
21 Sep 2007 18:00
Umass-lowell lowell, Massachusetts
22 Sep 2007 18:00
voxpop cafe brooklyn, New York
23 Sep 2007 18:00
starbucks Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
24 Sep 2007 18:00
TBA baltimore, Maryland
Some other useful link include!
http://www.myspace.com/thedeadxstoppublishingcompany
http://www.myspace.com/deadxstopstreetteam
http://www.askheychris.com - for the online store and livejournal
Seriously recommended for people who like the following
Coffee, coffee houses, anything in coffee houses (i recommend the cheesecake, always), being in a coffee house chillin while listening to someone talk FOR FREE, laughing, laughing out loud, using your brain a little, being intreuged, laughing at someone elses embarrasing expense, supporting the DIY ethics of punk rock.
sweet. ok. now go!
Gina x
ps. did anyone watch Biffy Clyro at Warped, if you did what did you think?
Chris Gutierrez, professional thought provoker and insanely honest writer is (or has by the time this is posted) hit the road in the US again to read to innocent ears of American civilians everywhere. "famed" (and i use the term loosely) for the Fall out boy name check in 'Take this to your grave's' track 'Hey chris' (Grenade jumper if i remember correctly) he has attracted fans from both this and beyond by setting up his own publishing company, Deadxstop. With his first book selling out and the second book now released, Chris is driving around the US ready to give you an insight to all of his thoughts and childhood stories. If you want to have a read of a few story snippets from the second book, the head on over to http://newbook2.livejournal.com/ and if you want to head on out to a date, which would be highly appreciated and very nice!, then have a look below to see where he is at, which is pretty much everywhere!
1 Aug 2007 18:00
uncommon grounds jacksonville, Florida
22 Aug 2007 19:00
souther folklore memphis, Tennessee
23 Aug 2007 18:00
Walter’s On Washington houston, Texas
24 Aug 2007 18:00
cafe brazil dallas, Texas
25 Aug 2007 13:00
Scooter’s Coffeehouse kansas city, Missouri
26 Aug 2007 18:00
coffee cartel st. louis, Missouri
7 Sep 2007 18:00
TBA las vegas, Nevada
8 Sep 2007 18:00
TBA phoenix, Arizona
9 Sep 2007 11:00
jennifers coffee connection studio city, California
10 Sep 2007 18:00
TBA sna francisco, California
13 Sep 2007 19:00
cutter point cafe tacoma, Washington
14 Sep 2007 18:00
bean scene minneapolis, Minnesota
15 Sep 2007 18:00
TBA milwaukee, Wisconsin
16 Sep 2007 18:00
the fixx coffeebar chicago, Illinois
17 Sep 2007 18:00
AJs cafe ferndale, Michigan
18 Sep 2007 18:00
Brielle’s Coffee and Team Room cleveland, Ohio
19 Sep 2007 18:00
TBA buffalo, New York
20 Sep 2007 18:00
TBA albany, New York
21 Sep 2007 18:00
Umass-lowell lowell, Massachusetts
22 Sep 2007 18:00
voxpop cafe brooklyn, New York
23 Sep 2007 18:00
starbucks Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
24 Sep 2007 18:00
TBA baltimore, Maryland
Some other useful link include!
http://www.myspace.com/thedeadxstoppublishingcompany
http://www.myspace.com/deadxstopstreetteam
http://www.askheychris.com - for the online store and livejournal
Seriously recommended for people who like the following
Coffee, coffee houses, anything in coffee houses (i recommend the cheesecake, always), being in a coffee house chillin while listening to someone talk FOR FREE, laughing, laughing out loud, using your brain a little, being intreuged, laughing at someone elses embarrasing expense, supporting the DIY ethics of punk rock.
sweet. ok. now go!
Gina x
ps. did anyone watch Biffy Clyro at Warped, if you did what did you think?
Monday, August 20, 2007
My bite is just as bad as my bark.
I, Jessica Sager, at the age of twenty years and eight months, just got orthodontic braces.
Apparently my dentist never noticed that I still had a baby tooth, and as a result, the canine that was supposed to come in its place became "impacted," meaning it never came down and is just chillin' out inside my gum. Now the adult tooth doesn't have enough room to emerge, so everything has to be moved over. My dentist would have gone on not noticing this had I not asked him if he knew why my teeth in that area felt more sensitive than usual. My dentist is a douchebag.
A problem that most people resolve in junior high is now being dealt with entering my junior year of college. Even I don't procrastinate that much.
I am still in shock at my transformation from Jessica Sager to Paul Wall in drag, and I've been listening to John Mayer, who will not love me for two years now, and weeping since leaving the office with a mouthful of Pantera.
On the bright side... Wait, what bright side? I went from a 5 to a 2, at best a butterface 4. The only silver lining I can find is the one connecting my brackets.
*By Jess, who has no desire to leave the house for 731 days.
Apparently my dentist never noticed that I still had a baby tooth, and as a result, the canine that was supposed to come in its place became "impacted," meaning it never came down and is just chillin' out inside my gum. Now the adult tooth doesn't have enough room to emerge, so everything has to be moved over. My dentist would have gone on not noticing this had I not asked him if he knew why my teeth in that area felt more sensitive than usual. My dentist is a douchebag.
A problem that most people resolve in junior high is now being dealt with entering my junior year of college. Even I don't procrastinate that much.
I am still in shock at my transformation from Jessica Sager to Paul Wall in drag, and I've been listening to John Mayer, who will not love me for two years now, and weeping since leaving the office with a mouthful of Pantera.
On the bright side... Wait, what bright side? I went from a 5 to a 2, at best a butterface 4. The only silver lining I can find is the one connecting my brackets.
*By Jess, who has no desire to leave the house for 731 days.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Scary Kids to Release NEW Album...
This is Amanda's pick for album of the "end-of-summer"....
After the sucess of their first full length album the Gilbert, Arizona natives are back to shock and awe with a sophomore album that, I think, will blow your minds.
Many of you may have recently been creeping around MySpace and stumble upon the Scary Kids Scaring Kids page and found that they have released their first single off their up coming release (which is self-entitled) which is called "Faces."
Having listened to the first couple tracks that have been released on their MySpace, I feel that it is safe for me to say that this new self entitled may be their best work yet... I can confidently foreshadow that this album will not let you down.
SKSK is currently on tour! Check them out!!!
www.myspace.com/scarykids
BUY IT.
By Amanda who is STOKED to see them on the 28th for their album release.
After the sucess of their first full length album the Gilbert, Arizona natives are back to shock and awe with a sophomore album that, I think, will blow your minds.
Many of you may have recently been creeping around MySpace and stumble upon the Scary Kids Scaring Kids page and found that they have released their first single off their up coming release (which is self-entitled) which is called "Faces."
Having listened to the first couple tracks that have been released on their MySpace, I feel that it is safe for me to say that this new self entitled may be their best work yet... I can confidently foreshadow that this album will not let you down.
SKSK is currently on tour! Check them out!!!
www.myspace.com/scarykids
BUY IT.
By Amanda who is STOKED to see them on the 28th for their album release.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Just a taste, just a taste on the tip of your tongue
The new June album, Make it Blur, is absolutely superb. It's evident that they had more production available to them with this record than with If You Speak Any Faster; their harmonies and drumming have made the clearest improvements, along with the addition on some tracks of a keyboard. And we all know I flippin' loves me some keyboards, especially if they're attached to the shoulder with a strap and played on a diagonal.
That's all I really needed to say for now.
*By Jess, who is in Texas and pretty bored
That's all I really needed to say for now.
*By Jess, who is in Texas and pretty bored
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The Good:
- The new Rooney album, Calling The World; especially "Believe In Me," "Love Me or Leave Me," the title track... Well, darn it, the whole thing with the exception of "Are You Afraid Of Me," which is too slow for an upbeat band and sounds out of place on this record.
- The new Junior Varsity, Cinematographic; especially "I Went Blind," "The Sky"--they're filming a video for that one right now!--and, again, dammit, the whole thing. It's really hard to narrow down. The instrumentation on this album is absolutely sick. If you like shredding, sarcasm, and killer hooks, this is for you. It also features a cameo on "Wunderdrug" by Ken Vasoli of The Starting Line, which leads me to...
- The new Starting Line, Direction; especially "Island" (the first single), and "21." It's classic TSL fare: catchy, earnest, and just a tiny bit lyrically old at times: Kenny, we get it, you grew up on the road and people bitched about your hair. We know. And we love you anyway. This record also marks the band's departure from Drive-Thru and onto major label Virgin.
- The Soho Dolls are starting to get their British behinds in American gear, and damn, they're good. Think Shiny Toy Guns, only better. And hotter. Oh, yes.
- Under the Influence of Giants. Not only do they make the best dance rock I've heard in quite some time, but they're also really down to earth. I sent them a myspace message asking where I can purchase their new song "On My Own" so I could listen to it on my upcoming flight to Texas, and it turns out, they answered me within five minutes asking for my e-mail so they could send me a present. Keep in mind that I've never met them and they didn't have much incentive to send it to me because I said nothing about being a music writer in my message. They're sweet. And schweeeeeet.
The Bad:
- I don't care how much buzz, hype, etc. surrounds Feist--I can't wrap my head around a song that counts "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10." I suck at math, and even I know there's two numbers missing.
- While the thunder was keeping me awake last night, I decided to watch Cops, in which I counted no less than four instances of arrests without suspects being read their Miranda rights. Oink!
The Ugly:
- As a fan of Neil Strauss' The Game, I was crazy excited to watch the premiere of The Pick Up Artist on VH1, in part so I could put a face to the characters I'd read about. While Mystery is pretty hot, I can guarantee you that "Matador" and "J-Dog" would be regarded as a tool and gay, respectively, by me if I was to be approached by them at a club. "Matador" has slicked back hair and an angry, devious looking face. "J-Dog" looks like the crackbaby lovechild of Thom Yorke, Paul Reubens (better known as "Pee Wee Herman"), and Johnny Rotten. I pray that Pradip, Spoon, and the rest don't follow figurative and literal suit.
*By Jessica, who should probably start packing soon
- The new Rooney album, Calling The World; especially "Believe In Me," "Love Me or Leave Me," the title track... Well, darn it, the whole thing with the exception of "Are You Afraid Of Me," which is too slow for an upbeat band and sounds out of place on this record.
- The new Junior Varsity, Cinematographic; especially "I Went Blind," "The Sky"--they're filming a video for that one right now!--and, again, dammit, the whole thing. It's really hard to narrow down. The instrumentation on this album is absolutely sick. If you like shredding, sarcasm, and killer hooks, this is for you. It also features a cameo on "Wunderdrug" by Ken Vasoli of The Starting Line, which leads me to...
- The new Starting Line, Direction; especially "Island" (the first single), and "21." It's classic TSL fare: catchy, earnest, and just a tiny bit lyrically old at times: Kenny, we get it, you grew up on the road and people bitched about your hair. We know. And we love you anyway. This record also marks the band's departure from Drive-Thru and onto major label Virgin.
- The Soho Dolls are starting to get their British behinds in American gear, and damn, they're good. Think Shiny Toy Guns, only better. And hotter. Oh, yes.
- Under the Influence of Giants. Not only do they make the best dance rock I've heard in quite some time, but they're also really down to earth. I sent them a myspace message asking where I can purchase their new song "On My Own" so I could listen to it on my upcoming flight to Texas, and it turns out, they answered me within five minutes asking for my e-mail so they could send me a present. Keep in mind that I've never met them and they didn't have much incentive to send it to me because I said nothing about being a music writer in my message. They're sweet. And schweeeeeet.
The Bad:
- I don't care how much buzz, hype, etc. surrounds Feist--I can't wrap my head around a song that counts "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10." I suck at math, and even I know there's two numbers missing.
- While the thunder was keeping me awake last night, I decided to watch Cops, in which I counted no less than four instances of arrests without suspects being read their Miranda rights. Oink!
The Ugly:
- As a fan of Neil Strauss' The Game, I was crazy excited to watch the premiere of The Pick Up Artist on VH1, in part so I could put a face to the characters I'd read about. While Mystery is pretty hot, I can guarantee you that "Matador" and "J-Dog" would be regarded as a tool and gay, respectively, by me if I was to be approached by them at a club. "Matador" has slicked back hair and an angry, devious looking face. "J-Dog" looks like the crackbaby lovechild of Thom Yorke, Paul Reubens (better known as "Pee Wee Herman"), and Johnny Rotten. I pray that Pradip, Spoon, and the rest don't follow figurative and literal suit.
*By Jessica, who should probably start packing soon
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