Honorable Mention...

With CD sales dropping like they're hot (another 13%!!!) I have decided not to fight the trend. Music consumers are finding songs to write home about on the wonderful musical 7-11 (as I like to call it....cause well, its got just about everything...), ITUNES.

Instead of telling you go to out to your car, get in the car, start it up and then drive to the closest record shop, I'll stick to a more modern- "go to itunes."

Here are come albums/records/media files you need to have. Like, ten minutes ago...

IVORYLINE- THERE CAME A LION

With true musical talent getting lost and blinded by the drive to produce something that will just sell it’s a rarity that we find bands and artists that put their true values and taste before pondering the success factor. Often I have found that the most successful albums happen when artists put everything aside and write and produce what they want…that seems to be what Ivoryline did. Their sound is captivating and leaves an impression. I say with confidence that this band...this album is what music needs today. Its ambient and melodic yet just a hop over the fence to a more heavy alternative field of complete ROCK. Buy it.


GWEN STACY- THE LIFE I KNOW

Psht, really. These are some of the nicest guys I have ever met, and they certainly know how to rock. While they are just getting their foot in the door of success after listening to their new album ‘The Life I know’ I can hear and see inevitable hordes of fans flocking to them. Gwen Stacy is far from just a studio band, they put on a live performance that I would be so bold as to compare to As I Lay Dying’s performance…I know…I’m bold. Watch out for them, and go buy their new album.

A.K.A.S (ARE EVERYWHERE)- EVERYBODY MAKE SOME NOISE!

Psht, should I say more?

OCEANA- THE TIDE

A new twist on a sound that has been bangin’ out some ‘top of the charts’ bands…. These young dudes took an innovative approach to giving alternative/rock fans exactly what they want.

EVERY AVENUE- SHH. JUST GO WITH IT

Catchy, catchy tunes. This album could bring this band to the next level. While they have a more light hearted approach to the pop-punk genre, they are definitely satisfying to your undying need for some ear-candy…and some eye candy…


You also should make sure that you have:
Scary Kids Scaring Kids
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's new album....oh hello, its hella good.
Haste the Day
Chiodos
The Teenagers
Rilo Kiley
...and...Bob Marley.


By Amanda who will be leaving for Bahston soon.

BAND OF THE WEEK!!

Well, boys and girls, I am so terribly sorry for the nail-biting wait for my second band of the week....but I promise, this one won't let you down!!!

BLESSTHEFALL



After experiencing the loss of vocalist Craig, BTF was determined not to let their heavy hearts hold them down. The guys finished off the last two weeks of their European tour with bassist Jared doing the screaming and having Eric do a bunch of the singing parts. While they had a lot of fun the reality of missing a bass player set in and they realized that they needed to fill in the sound... While they will be doing the notorious Taste of Chaos Tour without a permanent new vocalist, Jared will be putting down the bass again to compensate and BTF will be bringing along a friend to fill in the missing thumps of the bass. Having already jumped right back into the studio the remaining four members have been hard at work to bring their fans an album to be proud of and hope to have a new lead vocalist to finish off the record by the time Taste of Chaos is wrapping up.

I had the pleasure of talking with drummer Matt earlier last week...check it out!

What has been your biggest inspiration?
Each other really, we push each other to the limits and we push each other to do bigger and better things.

Describe your music in one word.
Cheetos.

How has your sound changed since you started the band?
Our sound has changed a lot since we started the band about 3 years ago. We have grown a lot and our musical ability has grown so with our new record I think it's going to be a bit more mature, not in the sense that it's going to be mainstream rock, but we have matured as musicians and allowed for more experimentation with our sound. I think it's going to be a better record.

What can we expect on this new record?
It's going to be just like the last one but better. There will be some ambient melodic stuff but there's also going to be some heavier darker stuff too. It's going to show our growth. This is going to be a better album.

Biggest hurdle you've had to overcome as a band?
I think we're still going through our biggest hurdle. We are looking for a new singer, and we really don't want to rush into anyone, we want the person to fit the sound and feel of this new album, so we're going to hold lots of trials and wait for that person... Taste of Chaos is just going to be the four of us and we're going to bring along a friend to pick up the bass...we're going to work it like how we did the last two weeks in Europe, we're just gonna have a bassist.

What's the funniest thing thats ever happened to you guys?
Everyday is really a funny day- we are nonstop laughing.

---SIDENOTE---Check out the guys video blogs on their myspace, they really are hysterical....

Best show ever?!
ummmmm, I think the Montreal Warped Tour. We won the Energizer contest and got to play ten minutes longer and we got bumped up to main stage...it was awesome. A big day for us.



Blessthefall has certainly been through a lot recently, however they seem to have the right idea- a bump in the road can't break your dreams. They haven't been down too much and they are working harder than ever to prove to themselves and their fans that this next album will be kick ass. I am stoked to see them on Taste of Chaos, they have a solid sound and are extremely talented. Watch out for their new album!



By Amanda who is going to be in Bahston this weekend.

Don't Shit Where You Eat – Part 2

It seemed like a harmless flirtation at first.  I had begun working on a campaign with a new creative hot shot who teased me about my obsession with squats.

We worked on an athletic brand, so talk often turned to the gym.  When he found out that squats were part of my morning routine, he ragged on me relentlessly.

"How many squats did you do this morning?" He'd ask and then he'd follow with something like, "When are we going out?  Can we do squats together?"

Our banter continued in that tone for a few weeks.  I didn't think of it as something that could lead to anything.  There were lots of men at the office who flirted with me and even one or two who had asked me out to dinner.  As far as I was concerned, workplace flirtation ended where it began – shitting in the cafeteria wasn't an option.

To even further make the case against the creative hot shot, he was far from my type.  If we were at a bar, I wouldn't look twice.  He was at least an inch shorter than me, out of shape and didn't go a day without eating fast-food.  Since I had left my personal trainer, I was hitting the gym six days a week and I hadn't eaten at a McDonalds since junior high when it was on the itinerary of a school field trip.

He was also a pompous asshole.  Unfortunately, that helped his case.

I find confidence extremely captivating.  I love the battle for dominance with a guy.  Sometimes I like to win, but often I am
more content losing. I spend my day giving orders and setting other people's priorities. At the end of my day, I'm over it.  The
fact that this short, slightly pudgy guy was oozing with so much confidence was sadly appealing.

My journey down shit's creek started when I invited him to a party in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn.   The train ride was over an hour long, 
giving us plenty of time to chat and one up each other with
 scandalous stories.  My stories about cutting high school to go to concerts didn't rival his stories about being mistakenly arrested in Hawaii.  Twice.

At the party that night my friend Michael went out of his way to tell me that this guy wasn't good enough for me.  Did Michael think I was sleeping with this guy?  Or that I was going to sleep with him?  I began to wonder myself. Was I going to make an even bigger shit-storm than I had when I slept with my personal trainer?  I was confused.

Meanwhile hot shot staring at me.  I gave him my standard "Are you serious? Leave me alone!" face.  He looked away.

On the subway ride back to Manhattan we continued sharing scandalous stories.  The conversation turned to sex – where was the craziest place, with who, what was the most shocking story…

He leaned in and tried to kiss me.

I gave him my face again, this time with a side of shock in the expression.   I hadn't made up my mind yet about what I was (or was not) going to
let happenwith him.  Every force in the universe was telling me no, but I was actually having a lot of fun.  Then again, he did just try to kiss me on the subway which was not sexy at all.  Think about it - underground at 1am with complete strangers on an ancient train car with finger-printed metal poles from greasy unwashed hands and an underlying smell of rancid liquor and urine in the air; why would he try to kiss me here?

"Okay…." His voice trailed off, rejected but not defeated.  We rode in silence and eventually he changed the subject.

When we finally reached 42nd street, I still hadn't made up my mind. I decided to roll with it since I wasn't tired yet.

We went to a lounge about 20 blocks from my apartment and sipped martinis until the lights went on at 4am.

When we got outside, it was drizzling.  The alcohol was pumping through my veins and with my inhibitions low, I pressed against his lips.  We kissed until the rain became unbearable and before I knew it, we were stepping out of a cab in front of my apartment.  He followed me upstairs.

In the morning I pondered aloud, "Did we really do that?"

We did that again.  It was fantastic.

Work got a bit more exciting over the next few weeks, despite how wrong I knew it was to be sleeping with someone on my team.

I was addicted to the high of it all, but I knew the shit was inevitable.  It was completely hedonistic and not at all realistic.  And even with the fun and the rush of it, my head began to cloud up with questions.  Mainly I wondered if he was sleeping with other women, particularly his ex.

Though he didn't talk about his ex much, I knew they saw each other pretty often.  I had a sense that there were unresolved issues with her.

In my gut I knew that if I asked him about it, I'd probably ruin what we had.  But what did we have, anyway?

"Are you still sleeping with your ex?"

The beginning of the end.

Don't shit where you eat, don't shit where you eat!  The office was about to get stinky.

His answer was no, but he was frustrated with me for asking about it. He wanted to know what I was looking for from him because a relationship was "out of the question."

I didn't know what I was looking for and having him tell me that a relationship was out of the question was a curveball.  Did I want a relationship with him?  How would that work?  The more I thought about it, the question was actually: how would it end, because surely it wouldn't last.

In asking friends about shitting at the office, most agreed that it is a no-go. However, there was one friend I spoke to who had actually married a coworker.  And this has helped me come to the following conclusion: if you don't think there is potential for an office fling to lead to marriage or a long-term relationship then you must just say no.

But I didn't get to be the one to say no. I was the one getting turned down.  I didn't want to lose this battle, but I was beaten.

I craved him and it messed up my judgment.  I never considered the ending stench when I made my move.

We stopped having sex.  We stopped talking.  My ego was trampled.  I was rejected by the short guy whose cardio was playing Wii on Saturday nights.

I have to walk by his desk every morning.  There is no other route to the water cooler, the kitchen, the bathroom or the
printer.  It is a constant reminder of my carelessness.  But that's what it took for me to learn my sister's lesson.


*By a still completely anonymous and even more ashamed PV staffer

oh well, we tried

Today the Bush/Cheney Administration is officially eliminating vital federal protections for wolves in Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Rockies by officially opening the door to the shooting, trapping, and killing of up to 1,200 wolves.

Under existing state management plans -- plans approved by the Bush Administration -- all but 300 hundred wolves could be killed. That’s 80% of the wild wolves in Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Rockies!

Idaho officials want to use aerial gunning to kill wolves in their state. Wyoming agencies have left the door open to the use of traps and poison to eliminate wolves. And officials in both states -- and Montana -- have proposed wolf hunts.

:( *joelle, who is not really political-unless it involves animals or women's rights

Spring into the season with a new hair style

I stole this article off www.sheknows.com because it's informative and Jessica, Jen, Lori and I all go to The Beauty Parlour to get our locks in tip top shape.

Visit the salon at www.hobokenbeautyparlour.com and www.myspace.com/thebeautyparlour
and if you're in the area, get your butt in their chairs! Seriously, everyone will complement your hair.

Added bonus-- there's a DJ booth so fear not, the guido stations will NOT be played!

*joelle, who suggests you ask for her man Michael and tip him well because then he can take her out to dinner. ;)






Is your hair all frizzed out this winter? Do you want to know what's new in hair color and styles for Spring? We went right to the experts to get all the answers. Christopher and Maira Padula, co-owners of The Beauty Parlour in Hoboken, NJ, took time out to share these haircare tips and trends with SheKnows readers. Christopher has vast experience working runway shows, including Oscar De La Renta, Yohji Yamamoto, Michael Kors and Diane Von Furstenburg. Maira Padula has extensive and color training from the likes of Wella, Paul Mitchell, L'Oreal, Farouk, and Redken.



Frizzy Hair: The BEST solution is learning how to control frizz is to learn how to give yourself a thorough and proper blow-dry. Hair becomes frizzy when it’s not completely dry at the start. That said ... if your hair is looking dry and frizzy because of the weather (or all that static coming from your favorite cashmere sweater) there are good products to help smooth it down. For a quick fix, use a weightless styling crème like L'oreal Texture Expert "Smooth Essence." This should be every girl’s best friend. While I like this product though, any clean and light product that does not disrupt your style or weigh it down should be sufficient to control fly aways and static. – Chris Padula

Spring Hair Color: This season, it is all about showing off gorgeous hair with a bright and noticeable color. Bold and rich hair is going to be a bigger hit this Spring than natural and subtle colors, so it is a great time to have some fun and try something new and exotic. Nature seldom gives us better rich color than a bottle, so for those looking to experiment with hair color, now is a good time to get started. Complement your new look by letting the color do all the talking. Move away from abrupt heavy styles, a la the Katie Holmes bob, and move toward something a bit lighter, looser ... and more care free. – Maira Padula

Short Hair: The most important thing to do when contemplating a short hairdo is to go to a stylist that you trust completely. There are too many stylists out there do not understand how to do a great, feminine-looking short cut. You should ask questions to find out if the stylist understands bone structure (not everyone can pull of a Mia Farrow) and that that the closer they cut to the hairline, the more "boyish" it will look. We suggest leaving a short cut with something around the edges to play with, flip out, curl under and add some texture.

If it is already too late, you can make your short cut look more feminine by curling it a little with soft curls or waves. If you try to straighten it too much, it will clamp to your head and you look like a politician ... a male one. Just use a little pomade and let the texture do the work. – Chris and Maira Padula

Flirty Waves: After doing hair for fourteen years I realize most woman want to look and feel great, but don't want to let their date think that they went TOO out of your way for him. Here are my suggestions for bouncy, flirty, easy date hair. Avoid the severe "blow it straight and iron it" process and try something new.

Here's how: Invest in some medium sized velcro rollers, some long metal rollers, and a great volumizer (I recommend the Loreal Serie Expert "Volume Extreme" Spray). After you get out of the shower, towel dry your hair as much as possible so you do not dilute the product. Spray a few sections of your crown at the root with the volumizer for body and then just dust the ends with the same product to attain some control.

Then, with a blow dryer, roughly dry your all of your hair, concentrating on the roots. When your hair is about 95-98% dry, put in the rollers. You don't have to get too precise with how you place them ... if you have a good cut, the shape will do the hard work for you. Once the rollers are in place, dry your hair that last little bit while it is on the rollers. It is very important to let your hair cool on the rollers (This is a great time to do your make up!). With minimum fuss, your hair should have some nice bouncy, flirty waves when you take it down. Give it a shake and your ready to go!" – Chris Padula

With more than 14 years of salon experience, Chris Padula has serviced salons in New York City, including Gil Gamlieli, Brad Johns, Prive, Laicalle and Joseph Martin. Furthermore, Christopher has styled magazine write-ups, television preparation and the Mariah Carey "Fantasy" video. Maira Padula is one of the best colorists in the area. Formerly of renowned Mad One Jacks in Hoboken, Maira has more than 10 years of salon coloring experience. If you are in the Hoboken area, make at an appointment at The Beauty Parlour.

Do something meaningfull TODAY-Save the Wolf

You all know me as the Save the Tiger girl, but there is also another animal near and dear to my heart-- the Wolf. Maybe it's because my dog (a Siberian Husky) is the closest relative to the Wolf. And some wolf hybrids are part Husky.

Anyway---------


Please take one minute (literally) out of your day and dial the number below. Press "0" to speak with someone and just say you are FOR the protection of Wolves. That's it.

These are beautiful creatures that don't deserve to be hunted. Just think of your dog at home!

more info: www.fws.gov

Love,

Joelle



This is me with Takota the wolf at a recent Exotic Pet show. Takota is a Grey Wolf/Eastern Wolf rescued by www.howlingwoods.org




Takota up close. Breathtaking!


As soon as tomorrow, Interior Secretary Kempthorne is expected to announce the elimination of federal protections for hundreds of endangered wolves in Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Rockies.

Please take a moment right now to call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 1-800-344-WILD (9453) and deliver this simple message:

“My name is________ and I’m calling _______. I understand that the federal government may remove wolves in the Greater Yellowstone and Central Idaho regions tomorrow from the list of federally protected threatened and endangered species.

I want your department to know that I strongly oppose the weakening of protections for these wolves and expect you to fulfill your obligation to secure a lasting future in the Northern Rockies for these amazing animals.”
The lives of hundreds of wolves are at stake. Please call tonight before 8 PM Eastern Time or first thing tomorrow morning.

In a matter of hours, newspapers across the country could be reporting on the Bush/Cheney Administration's expected announcement … and its potentially devastating impact on some of America’s most beloved wolves.
But today I need your help to let these federal officials know that Americans love our wolves and want to see them protected.

Please call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 1-800-344-WILD (9453) and speak out for our wolves. Leave a message if you can, and remember to let us know that you called.
Respectfully,

Rodger Schlickeisen
President
Defenders of Wildlife

Major labels - Falling on deaf ears?

Major record labels – falling on deaf ears?

There is no denying that the mainstream music labels (EMI, Sony BMG, Warner, and Island/Def jam) are in a critical yet sorry state at the moment. After the redundancy of 1800 EMI employees in December, problems have surfaced concerning the future of music industry employees and even the artists themselves. Cautious not to follow the well trodden road which asks ‘is illegal downloading to blame?’ the question should really be what happens next? And although signing to a major label can have its endless promotional advantages, can doing it on your own be just as effective?

As the start of 2008 kicks in, many record label employees will be feeling the low morale and stress as major companies cut costs, artists and put jobs on the line. CD sales in the US for 2007 plummeted by nineteen percent and there is no sign of a U-turn any time soon. EMI, recently purchased by UK investor Terra Firma, plans to spend £110m ($154m) on restructuring the company. The move is said to generate savings of £98m but will add to their ever growing debt of £1.65bn.

EMI are not the only company guilty here. Island/Def Jam have laid of some of its most important players including A+R VP Rob Stevenson, (who signed Fall out boy and the Killers.) as well as many other top executives in their radio promotions department. Sony BMG have also sacked between seventy and eighty employees within the last two months.

This all may seem like pointless trivia to some and it is obvious being signed to a major label can increase your bands success and reputation to no end. Any major label band will tell you that getting signed is just the beginning, but with resources and money for promotional uses being budgeted into other departments, how much can you achieve on your own before needing help from the men in suits and how can you do it?

Lets start with the obvious and probably most significant fuck you to major labels as of late. Radiohead. After being signed to EMI until 2005
, they decided to release their seventh album ‘In rainbows’ online for any price you please. Having refused to release any financial figures about the experiment, the group were making headlines, proving to everyone who
Opposed the idea that money means nothing. The album claimed number 1 both in the UK and the USA and sold around 7.1 million copies.

DIY culture is something that is highly admired and greatly respected within the music industry. With the right attitude and motivation anything is possible. Take for example, local Edinburgh band The mars patrol. (www.themarspatrol.com). The band have self funded everything they have so far achieved and have self released singles and EP’s to a record label standard. The bands close communication with their fans via online communities and producing a mini TV series (made available throughout Itunes) has gained then the respect they deserve. In this respect This is proof that a band can make their future their own and still retain all creative freedom.

Over in the USA, Californian bands such as Army of freshmen are another living example of self funded success. With major support slots opening for Bowling for soup, multiple tours in the UK and US, funded by even selling their own cars, sacrifice is often the key to success. Having gained a record deal from a Blue hand record, they thought they had cracked it. Blue hand lost all their distrobution as the release of their self titled record loomed. AOF decided to shape their fate and took the records on tours they organized and funded. The bands sold over
10 000 off their own back and lead to such opportunities as a spot on Japans sonic festival which has resulted in this band building is firm base far east.

So if this piece doesn’t at least give you some information on the state of the music business today, it might at least give you a little hope in knowing that making your band you life can be done on your own. It just takes a little hard work.


Gina xo

Butch Walks Away From Major Label

A great gain has been made in the world of Independent music this week. Butch Walker has crossed the line and joined our team.

Yesterday, the double threat musician/producer officially released his new live album, Leaving The Game on Lucky St. as a two-disk FREE download from his newly launched Web site- aptly titled www.therecordbusinessisfucked.com.

In an official announcement sent out earlier, Walker stated "The record business is f---ed, but not for bands. It's the most exciting, positive time for music, as rock n'' roll and indie pop have gone completely back underground. And to see artists be able to release albums whenever they want, for whatever they want, and not have to fear sending in their cover art, only to have the art department airbrush off the singer's mustache (in fear of not selling to a certain demographic or f---ing statistic) is wonderful. Essentially, everything they have or haven't done in the past, I will purposely do the opposite... And probably make my first paycheck."

Epic Records certainly didn't live up to its name during the years it was privileged enough to have Walker on its roster. The label truly had an EPIC talent in its hands. Someone who, if the bigwigs focused on promoting, could've caused such a music frenzy world-wide he'd be the new Elvis. "Letters" is one of the best Pop albums ever written. It combines all the elements: huge hooks, emotional moments and blastable tunes that will become generational anthems. But sadly, there was little press or promotion to the outside world.

Walker quickly quadrupled (at least it seems that way), his fan base once that album was released. MySpace and Internet word of mouth played a big role in it, as did Walker himself. So really, why have a label at all? To suck away money for doing really nothing because it would rather focus on the cheesy flavor of the week act that just like a band on a competitor's roster?

No one can come close to commanding a stage like Walker. His legions of adoring fans around the world already know that. Now that the ball is in HIS court, a lot more should be discovering that, as well. They will also most likely pay the nominal sum of $5.99 to download the higher quality MP3s, and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the soon-to-be-released live DVD.



Another source of eagerness is the upcoming collaborative effort with guitarist Michael Guy Chislett from The Academy Is... and drummer Darren Dodd from the Let's Go Out Tonites, as the band 1969. Get ready America, Butch Walker's time has finally come.

Keep your ear pealed to everything and your eyes locked on www.myspace.com/butchwalker.

If you're new to the Butch Walker world, be sure to check out the Planet Verge Tribute to him at: http://planetverge.com/pv07/interviews/ButchWalker.asp

*By Joelle, who made her entire office Butch Walker mixed CDs for Christmas.

The Anti-Valentine's video

Valentine's Day is a Hallmark Holiday. Invented for candy, card, flower and jewerly companies to rake in profits from people who feel like they have to prove their love to their significant other.

Real love thrives every day. Between two people privately. I'm in a relationship and we are not going to an expensive dinner tonight, or wasting money on gifts we don't need. We're gonna do what we always do at night- curl up in bed with the dog and watch General Hospital. I'm way more interested in finding out who the "text-message killer" is than I am being seen in public holding someone's hand.

Anyway, today Aimee Allen released her anti-Valentine's video. It's sad to see that Scott and Aimee are no more. But if I've learned anything through life, it's that you have to go through a LOT of pain, heartbreak, tears and drama to get to the person you're meant to be with.

Watch the emotional video below. Her dog is adorable. I think most people are better off with dogs than with a boyfriend or girlfriend. You get unconditional, faithful love and your freedom.....



www.myspace.com/aimeeallen

*by joelle, who wants a to start at farm with rescued dogs

Don’t Shit Where You Eat – Part 1

My sister once gave me a great piece of advice. I knew it was wise when she shared it, but I didn’t follow it. And so, unfortunately, this story has two parts as not only did I neglect to follow her advice once, but I made the same relationship mistake twice. That’s right; I took a shit in my own kitchen.

Sounds gross right? Obviously, it’s not literal, but thinking about how vulgar it is when you say it reflects how bad it is to make this mistake. Just so we’re all on the same page – this piece of advice refers to creating sexual relationships out of platonic ones – specifically among coworkers and professionals. Think about someone in your life who you see on regular basis with whom you have a strictly professional relationship – it could be a coworker, your massage therapist or even your local postal worker. Now imagine having sex with them. Bad sex. Or even good sex that you only have once. Could you still maintain the same relationship you had prior to the sex? If the answer is no, then sleeping with them would be equivalent to shitting where you eat. It ruins dinner.

The first time I made this mistake was a door-opener for round two, which was even more odious than my first. But before we get to number two, let’s start with number one.

At first, my relationship with my personal trainer was absolutely ideal. He kicked my ass and I hated his guts. As I returned for my torture session each week, we became friendly, and his guts became a little more appealing. As we slowly became friends, I began to enjoy coming to sessions even though he worked me out to exhaustion. This was ok and I definitely condone being friendly with someone you spend this much time with, however it’s when you take a professional relationship out of the platonic realm that you risk ruining what you’ve spent time building.

This trainer was a great find; he helped me get into the best shape of my life and taught me how to intensify and get the most out of my workouts. And then I ruined it all.

In my defense, you try working out with a guy who has a perfect physique, pearly white teeth, bright blue eyes and a sexy French accent without jumping his bones. Losing fifteen pounds is easier.

In between gasping for air, I did my best to flirt during our sessions. I’d ask about his weekend plans, talk about going out and make suggestive jokes when he would do things like tie my feet together and weigh them down to deepen my crunches.

Eventually, he asked to spend time with me outside of the gym. Shortly after, he was calling me every week not just to schedule workouts, but to make weekend plans together. I loved going out with him and showing him off.

At first, things continued rather normally. We were generally able to separate our physical relationship from our professional relationship. I’d work out with him in the gym one day and the next, we were at his apartment.

Things were great and I was delighted. No doubt it was a little confusing, but I felt like I was getting the best of both worlds. No complaints. That is, until things got weird.

It started with a post on my Facebook funwall.

He drew a picture of a vagina on my wall.

The thing is, I thought we had graduated from middle school. Was he drunk? Was this a language barrier?

I sent him a message: “Did you really just draw a vagina on my wall?”

I deleted the vagina before anyone else saw the shenanigan.

Then he drew a penis on my wall and sent this message, “Mister Penis wants to be with Miss Vagina.”

Language gap or straight up immaturity – it didn’t matter, this was not ok.

Had I never started a sexual relationship with my trainer, I never would’ve been exposed to this side of him and we would’ve been able to continue our trainer/trainee relationship.

I shat where I ate and now I was forced to break out a pooper scooper. How was I going to have a professional training relationship with someone who referred to body parts with a prefix of Mister and Miss?

It had to be over. All of it. I ceased communications, ignoring all of his phone calls and text messages until they eventually subsided.

Things weren’t going to be the same and now I needed a new trainer. It made for a great story and it was a great conquest, though the ending leaves a bit to be desired. I still don’t really know what to make of it. What I do know is that if I didn’t take a shit on my own kitchen table, I’d still have a great trainer.

Stay tuned for part number two where I make the same mistake again and even worse, at the office.

You’ve got to take some risks to reap the benefits of a relationship, though as I am slowly learning, some risks are better left untaken.


*By an ashamed and therefore anonymous PV staffer

Band to Watch (Literally)- Sink To See

There's a lot going on in the world of Sink to See right now. Not only is the band working with Tim Pagnotta of Sugarcult (a Planet Verge favorite), but they have a song slated to appear in the up-coming feature film, "Forever Strong," and the band's tune, "Speakers," nabbed a spot on MOTO GP 2007 by Capcom. That means it'll be on a Play Station 2 near you soon.

This is deff. one act to keep an eye on. The Los Angeles natives will be performing at SXSW this year, so make sure to add them to you "Must Not Miss" list.



Those in the LA-area can mingle with the music-makers at the Video release party for "Speakers":

Tues Feb 19, 2008
10:00 pm
FREE!!!
Age: 15+

The band gave Planet Verge some insight on it's making the video experience:


Shawn Bathe (Bass):



First off (hinting that there would be a "second off" but there isn't), when I entered the set, I was impressed by the amount of crew there ready to work. There must have been 15 or so. The director and DP were on their game and you could tell they had done this stuff before. This definitely wasn't just my old neighbor shooting summer water fights on a 1976 plastic panasonic video camera in the backyard type of event. It was a super pro happening. But that's all boring. I liked the food and the drinks and the girls. We got to dressed up lots and tried on all different types of cool gear. When it was my turn to rock, I suddenly realized I don't really know what rocking is. And that I suck at it and that I'd have to learn real quick.

See, I was never in emo-core nu-metal band. My feet never leave the ground. And my guitar neck never goes behind my head. Call me old fashioned, or just lazy. We busted ass for 12 hours sweating, getting makeup done, throwing our instruments around, sweating, drinking, laughing, cheering on our fans and friends that made appearances in the video, sweating. You'd think it was 90 degrees in this warehouse with all the sweating going on! It wasn't. It was raining and cold that day. But those lights are hot and sweat looks cooler in videos.
Go see for yourself.


Jason Napier (Vocals):



It was actcually a very cool experience. I kind of wasn't sure what to expect, this wasn't the first time we ever made a video, but it was the first time we ever made a video with any kind of budget, so it was pretty cool for us. I remember the weather being so strange that day. It would be sunny, then suddenly huge dark clouds would roll in and then pouring rain. But, they managed to get a few really cool shots of the band on the rooftop of the buiding we were shooting in. It was sunny and raining at the same time for a few short moments, one of those fleeting amazing moments we happened to get on film. All of the kids we had in the video were great, they did a fantastic job of rocking out to "Speakers" and were really cool people, the crew were fantastic and the director Tanya Nea Thayer was amazing. As a band making a video, you have to really trust the director's vision, and we are so amped about what she put together. Her ideas were great and it was very easy working with her. The video to me serves the song well, and we are thankful to have such talented and cool people involved with us, its not always easy to pull off an effective video, and at the end of the day, I think we did.

Dony West (Guitar):



"This was our first real attempt at what would be considered an MTV worthy video. We thought that it would be fun, and something that we could use in our press kit. Then we showed up and saw and entire crew of people, with set lighting/ grip, camera trolleys and green screen! It was definitely our 'Spinal Tap' moment. The only thing that came to mind when I was doing my shots on the green screen? Miming to my own song is 'all those hours of lip syncing to Bon Jovi and Poison for my grandma and her friends finally paid off!!!"

Without Further Adieu, WATCH THE VIDEO:



Also be sure to check out the self-titled debut from Sink to See. Tim Pagnotta did some mixing and production on it, so you know it's catchy as anything. There's alwasy room for straight-up good rock in any record collection.

Visit: www.myspace.com/sinktosee

* By Joelle, who has "Speakers" stuck in her head.

NYC Fashion Week

Music from our very own Sohodolls is featured in the NYLON TV fashion week episodes.

www.nylonmag.com



SOHODOLLS : "I'm Not Cool" featured on NYLON TV's Alexander Wang NYC Fashion Week Profile!





SOHODOLLS: "1724" featured in Bumble & Bumble Launch Party video



SOHODOLLS : "Prince Harry" featured in Ali Hillfiger Profile video



SOHODOLLS: "Bang Bang Bang Bang" in Fashion Week Hotspots video



friend them: www.myspace.com/sohodollsusa

Gwen Stacy's Album out TODAY!

Not only did Ivoryline release their debut album today, a band that I was fortunate enough to meet and see at a couple dates of the VS. Tour, Gwen Stacy, is ALSO releasing an album today titled "The Life I Know." This is a band of truly talented musicians that have given this album everything they are....and more. They have a sound that certainly sticks out from the others in the screamo/alt genre. They greet the often 'too much to take' screamo with a jagged edge of rock and the powerful presence of Christian beliefs. The combination has named them one of my break out artists for 2008. This is an album you should go buy right now.


Check out what these charismatic guys have been up too....




ALSO- if you weren't able to make it out to see them on the VS. tour's stop in your area, no fear. They will be back around again really soon! Head out to one of their stops on the Night of the Living Tour with Inhale Exhale, Here I Come Falling, and A Girl A Gun A Ghost.

Find a date near you-
www.myspace.com/gwenstacy


By Amanda who is stoked to see them again and pissed that the spellcheck isn't working...hey, its still really early!

There Came A Lion...and Ivoryline....

I decided that it would be a cool thing to do a whole "Amanda's Band of the Week" thing...soooo.... here we go. This week I would like to shine the spotlight all over the incredible talented rockers IVORYLINE. While their first release did not receive as much acclaim as it should have, the guys have come back and will be releasing an album that I think, will bring them to the top. It is an honor to have them as my first band of the week. Congrats Boys!


Tomorrow, the Texas rockers will release the anticipated album There Came A Lionon Tooth and Nail Records. Ivoryline is sure to please fans with their pop-alt sound which vibrantly greets your senses, and can be previewed on their MySpace (www.myspace.com/ivoryline) and purevolume. Enchanting vocals and catchy riffs will certainly set this band up for hits and success. I can not wait to hear the album in its entirety. Ivoryline has been paying their dues and paving the road to the ultimate release of their debut album (out tomorrrrow!) and their perseverance and determination supplied by their passion for making music makes this album inevitably a success. I wish them the best.

Be sure to check them out and buy the album. It will be worth it.





ALSO- check this out- http://www.toothandnail.com/ivoryline/ecard/


By Amanda who will own this album tomorrow

PR-hungry parents vs. sick cyber bullies

I am so sick of Megan Meier's mother (say that five times fast).

Some very brief background: Megan Meier was an eighth grade girl who killed herself after a former friend and her former friend's mother, Lori Drew, made a fake MySpace page of a "hot boy" named Josh. "Josh" started out as friendly and flirtatious with Megan, then grew vicious and vile, after which Meier hung herself with a belt. Megan's mother, Tina, has appeared on every imaginable talk show since her daughter's death to draw attention to the problem of cyber bullying.

Is what Lori Drew and her daughter did justifiable, mature, or intelligent? Of course not. It is despicable, childish, and stupid; and yes, it is harassment, and it should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

However, anyone who lives or dies by MySpace clearly has some psychological problems already that need to be addressed. No mentally healthy human being commits suicide, least of all because of an online acquaintance. An article in Meier's hometown newspaper, The St. Charles Journal, described Megan Meier as a pudgy teenager diagnosed with ADD and periodic bouts with depression. A symptom of depression is weight fluctuation, and shortly before Megan's death, she'd lost weight. Why wasn't Tina Meier paying attention? Why did Tina Meier allow her daughter to talk to strangers online? For all she knew, "Josh" could have been a 43-year-old babyshaking pedophile with a braceface fetish, but that never came to mind until it was too late.

The Tina/Megan Meier media blitz seems more like a ploy for publicity to camouflage mediocre parenting than a method of pushing forward potential legislation. Sure, a high profile case will make lawmakers pay more attention--but seriously, how many Congressmen do you know watch Tyra?


*By Jessica, who is taking a sick day and will surely get flak for this post

HELL YES, GIANTS, HELL FUCKING YES.

It probably wasn't a good idea for me, as a football fan, to schedule oral surgery for the Friday before Superbowl Sunday, but I figured that would give me a good reason to take off work and watch the game.

I have been screaming so much that I may have ruptured one of my sutures, and there's very little chance of my having a voice tomorrow.

But it's worth it to scream at Belichick and Brady on the screen for being pompous douchebags. Sure, the Giants aren't my Jets. But hey, they aren't the Patriots, either, and I am, in a true testament to irony, taking a stance similar to that of the French in our own Revolutionary War: The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Eli Manning, this makes us bffs.


*By Jessica, who's gonna need more codeine to sleep tonight.

How I Perfectly Met, Dated and Scared off an Adorable Italian Cinematographer

It was a wintry weekend night in December. My friend Yolanda and I were lost in Soho looking for the after party for a movie premiere we had just attended. After walking four blocks in the wrong direction, a nice group of drunk twenty-somethings mapped the route to our destination on one of their iPhones.

We had just about hit the address on Thompson Street, it had to be any one of the next few numbers... We heard reveling coming from a shop window and noticed the party-goers inside were staring at us. I stopped, trying not to be a complete fool by walking past the party we were supposed to attend and having people at the party witness me do so. I went up to the door and Yolanda followed. As I walked in to what I now realized was a coffee shop and bakery (not big enough to fit more than three or four tables), I knew that we had gone to the wrong party.

"Come in, come in!" the man sitting at the door warmly gestured to us in a thick European accent. Another man offered us drinks. Yolanda didn't realize that I had taken her to a strangers' party and so I let her in on the secret as our drinks were being concocted behind the biscotti display on the counter. She just laughed.

Another man came over to get a drink, this man had adorable dimples, messy hair and a very laid back demure. This man was the adorable Italian Cinematographer. I'll refer to him here on out as the AIC.

Yolanda and I chatted with the AIC for close to a half hour. My phone kept vibrating. The host from the movie after party was wondering why we hadn't arrived yet. I gave the AIC my number. His friend insisted we meet up with them later on at a friend's bar on Gold Street.

We didn't end up going to Gold Street later, despite his friend's invitation and the AIC's text messages. Instead, Yolanda and I opted for a late night drink and sweet potato fries at Cafeteria. I had a feeling I'd see the AIC again.

It was the following Friday that I saw him again. We went to a lounge and had Pinot Noir. We talked about our families, our friends, our jobs. He told me about his home in Milan and compared it to NYC. He found NYC far superior. His reasoning was that he found there was far greater cinema and creative talent in Manhattan.

Around 2 am when we left the lounge, I insisted that the weather was far too nice to take a taxi home. Despite that my place was 25 blocks in the wrong direction for him, he walked me all the way to my front steps. He kissed me on both cheeks and asked if he could call me again.

That Sunday night he invited me over to his place for dinner. It had been at least a year since a guy had cooked for me. I attribute that to two things: first, I'm a vegetarian which is all together difficult and confusing to a lot of men; second, this is New York City, men here don't cook, they have online food-ordering accounts.

The AIC was a great cook and it definitely felt like I could get used to his romancing. (Did I just say romance? I feel weird even typing that word). He cooked vegetable risotto and we capped the night off with Italian coffees and watched movie trailers by the director he was currently working with.

For the next week or so we'd see each other and he'd send me sweet text messages saying that taking me out was "always my pleasure" and signing off with "kisses." Who was this guy? If this was the way of the AIC, I never wanted to date an American again.

Except that I was seeing other American men. Nothing special, just fun. Deep down I knew the Italian was just fun also and not "right." I've since realized that I am too young for the "right" guy right now. If he comes along, that's great, but dating all the wrong guys is ok too and it's fun. However, I had not yet has this "wrong guy ok" realization before I sabotaged all of my AIC fun.

Here's how it went down.

We went to see Juno on a Friday night. He wanted to grab food and a drink before the movie, but I told him I was only in the mood for some tea. I wasn't feeling great and instead of telling him that I was under the weather, I just zoned out and had empty conversation. After the movie, it was only 11:30, he said he was in the mood for vino. I said that I was tired and wanted to go to sleep. I was in fact exhausted, but I made the mistake of not sugar-coating it and being a complete drag without telling him that I was getting sick.

He waited for the downtown 1 train as I waited for the uptown. I could see him across the platform and it felt like eternity before the subway got there to wisk me away.

There were no sweet text messages that night. I felt ambivalent.

A few days later, it was New Years Eve day. I was feeling better and thought I'd try to reconcile things with the AIC by getting a coffee with him in his hood. I sent him a text message, but after only a half hour with no response, I called one of the other "wrong" guys for lunch.

The AIC called and texted while I was out to lunch. I didn't answer the call and answered his text with, "Sorry, I'm out, Happy New Year."

I am an asshole.

He sent me text message "kisses" and "wishes" at 4 am on New Years. I didn't respond and I haven't heard from him since.

Maybe things didn't feel "right" with him, but as I said earlier, not being "right" isn't always wrong, especially not when you're a twenty-something in NYC. I did learn this lesson, but time and time again, I feel the need for sabotage and then it starts all over again.

Sometimes I still think about the dimples on his cheeks when he smiles.


*by Jordana

Fit For A King

The Editors are back on tour in the USA and as flawless as ever! Their tour support seems to compliment their cause and liven the sold-out crowds with anticipation. I had the pleasure of enjoying the entire show - front to back - and I'm here to tell you ... grab your tickets now!


Hailing from San Diego since 2003, Louis XIV was the opener for the night. I have enjoyed their songs "Air Traffic Control" and "Finding Out True Love Is Blind". I haven't ventured too deep into the sounds of Louis XIV as I feel the vocals of Jason Hill can get a little too rough and disagreeable at times. I really enjoy their brit-pop, retro glam-rock style though - and their confidence was apparent from the moment they stepped onstage. There have been many unfavorable articles put out there regarding the new album 'Slick Dogs & Ponies' (released in January of 2008) and their live show ... but, based on their sexually driven lyrics (and the fact that they are banned from playing in Alabama), I was curious to see which way I would sway on the pass or fail meter. With a performance outshining their recorded content, I will definitely be giving them another shot. The Killers took them out on tour for a reason ... Mark Maigaard was perfect on drums, James Armbrust played an energetic bass, and Jason Hill's vocals were much more adequate live. The only thing that creeped me out was Brian Karscig (guitar, piano) on background vocals ... at times, he has very feminine undertones in his voice. Click here to put your face on Louis XIV's new album cover.


Next up - Canadian band Hot Hot Heat! I love, love, LOOOOVE their song "Dirty Mouth" and I'm a fan of "Outta Heart" as well. Needless to say, I was quite excited to see these guys play live for the first time. Lead singer, Steve Bays was crazy energetic onstage ... but, past that - the performance slowed. Guitarist, Luke Paquin, was definitely the eye candy of the bunch ... but, sadly, none of the other band members stood out. Overall, I felt things ended on a monotone note. I do recommend the Hot Hot Heat album 'Elevator' and I will catch these boys live again as I do really enjoy their indie-rock/dance chemistry.


Headlining the sold-out show was The Editors! If any inch of your body appreciates genuine music, you will take the time to see this band live. I've written about The Editors before - so, I won't bore you with repetition. The sheer passion in each musicians performance is reason enough to treat yourself and every single song is somehow even better as a captivated audience member. I don't know how they do it - but, I'm addicted - and I will continue to push my way through the sold-out crowds to catch a glimpse of Tom Smith (vocals, guitar, piano) rocking out as he crawls on top of his piano. Honestly, they are flawless!

Lastly, I'm hooked on 'Alone - The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo'! It's his first solo attempt away from Weezer and it was released sorta under the radar back in December. It includes the original demo for 'Buddy Holly' and also has Rivers' favorite demos starting as far back as from 1992. Most songs are extremely raw and it feels as if you are sitting across the living room from the artist as he shares with you these unfinished treasures.

*by Jen Panczenko, who is boycotting the SuperBowl this year.

Casualties of the Chicago scene

Why don't they all cover "Another One Bites the Dust?"

Chicago rock band June have called it quits after six years of melodic barnburners.

The split was amicable, and the band has implied that economic factors led to the breakup.

"It really does make us sad when we start sitting and reminiscing about all of the incredible shows we've played, the people we've met, the parties and places we went to everywhere in the US... It was all just amazing. However, it also becomes a harsh reality when you really start having to look at your own life and really building to have a successful career," drummer Mark Sutor said in a letter on the band's blog.

"Unfortunately, the music industry, as awesome as it is to be apart [sic] of, is a tough place to really set yourself up for a stable setting in the future," Sutor wrote.

June are the latest Illinois-based Victory Records band to throw in the musical towel, following Spitalfield in December and The Junior Varsity in fall 2007.

Meanwhile, Chicago pop-rock outfit The Elation have bounced back from break up rumors this week.

The band announced that their Feb. 22nd show at Mojoe's Rock House would be their last, but hope now remains.

After a rather acrimonious split of their drummer, bassist, and a guitarist, brothers Spencer (lead vocals and guitar), 19, and Ross (keyboards) Birkner, 18, have vowed to continue their work as one of the most promising outfits on the Chicago scene.

"Theres [sic] no point in talking about what happened. What matters is that this is not the end for The Elation. We are going to continue on making music," the band said in a statement on their MySpace. "There are going to be a lot of changes. The next time any of you see The Elation, it won't be anything like the one you saw before."

While the brothers Birkner continue their search for replacements for their departed partners, their Feb. 22nd show at Mojoe's Rockhouse is tentatively cancelled.



*By Jessica, who is rooting for the Giants because they aren't the Patriots.

Bullet Hits Again

Bullet for My Valentine could have failed miserably with their sophomore full-length, Scream Aim Fire. It takes a pretty balls-to-the-walls band to enter the studio knowing its lead singer can't speak, yet alone release scorching metal melodies from his mouth, as for which he's been hailed.



The story's been told over and over again on the cover of pretty much every British music magazine on the stands. It's goes like this:

Matt Tuck needed a tonsillectomy,
Tours had to be canceled,
The band considered getting a new singer to record the album,
Matt goes to vocal therapy and comes out a new man.

Literally. His voice is noticably different on this album. It's a little weird at first if you're going to compare it to what the debut sounds like. But, nothing was lost. They say things happen for a reason, and his new vocal tone is very addictive.



Bullet for My Valentine still holds strong as arguaably the best straight-up metal band out there. The band constructs songs in a way that both fans and affaciendos can appreciate. The guitar heavy tracks on this disk will really appeal to musicians as well as mosh-pitters.

Some songs seem like they could easily have slipped onto The Poison, or be rejects from that album, but overall these are fresh sounds worthy of being played on every metal radio station. These songs are hits and if they don't FINALLY break Bullet into a household name in the USA, something is wrong with music programmer's ears.
Even way old schoolers out there who grew up listening to Guns 'N Roses, Iron Maiden and Metallica won't be able to escape Bullet's wrath. They just need to be properly introduced to the band, and not in a gag-me-in-your-face Avenged Sevenfold sorta way.



Can Jive do it? It'll be interesting to watch a label commonly associated with Pop groups take on such an agressive act. But hey, Britney, 'N Sync and Backstreet are called Pop STARS for a reason. Not to put down Trustkill in any way (we love 'em), but perhaps being a unique act on a major roster is just what BFMV need to take over.

Catch Bullet on this year's Taste of Chaos tour. It'll no doubt be the highlight of the night.

Listen now: www.myspace.com/bulletformyvalentine

*Joelle, who first interviewed BFMV for Planet Verge when they played the Knitting Factory in NYC to celebrate the release of their first EP, and plans to meet up with the band soon to bring you more.