Best of 2008

I had to do this for work and figured I should post here, too.

Hope I'm not forgetting anything!

* By Joelle, who is drinking Egg Nog coffee. Yum!


The Only 2008 Releases I Bought & Therefore Love (in no order)



*The Kooks, KONK

* Butch Walker, Sycamore Meadows

* Val Emmich, Little Daggers

* The Matches, A Band in Hope

* She & Him (Vol. 1)

* Hanson, The Walk



Shows That Rocked My '08:

The Kooks @ Terminal 5

Sohodolls @ CMJ

Stone Temple Pilots @ PNC

Butch Walker (multiple shows)

Hanson @ The Wellmont

The Matches @ Stone Pony

Val Emmich @ Maxwells

Perfuma @ CMJ

The Gay Blades @ Irving Plaza



Band I Wish Toured in '08: lostprophets

The Matches Make Getting Lost on the Way to a Show Worth It

Dearest readers,

I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the most intriguing, multi-talented and alluring frontmen in music -- Shawn Harris (The Matches)-- for On the Verge this past weekend. I must say, it was one of the most relaxing interviews I've ever conducted. He is so laid back and fun, it's like talking to a friend- A swave friend who efficiently manages to plug all his passions and projects before you even get a chance to ask about them.

There's some inside scoop for you. The rest, you'll have to watch On the Verge to find out.


And if you have yet to.... Read my review of A Band in Hope and more about why we love The Matches: http://planetverge.blogspot.com/search/label/the%20matches


*By Joelle, who is posting these videos for Shawn. You'll know why once you watch On the Verge







ENJOY THESE PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW!






























Dying to know what Joelle talked to Shawn about? Then tune into On The Verge and watch the interview! Details on our debut on the way...

If I Were You... I'd Buy the Matches New CD

Hope is no longer on a frayed rope. It’s a thriving 14-track album that proves there is indeed something to look forward to in the future of the music industry. Once again, there’s a reason to purchase an album (not just download it online) because a band that is the complete package does in fact exist- The Matches.

This act oozes art through its songs, appearance and stage presence right down to the visual representation in drawings, videos and personal ponderings displayed online. The members of the Matches are on their way to establishing themselves as true Rock Stars and this generation is fortunate enough to witness every step of the way. Vocalist Shawn Harris and company may have started out with short, snappy punk rock tunes on E. Von Dahl Killed The Locals, but they have metamorphosed into something so much more.



In a time when every band is trying to sound like everyone else, The Matches defy odds and break the pace. On the upcoming Epitaph release, A Band in Hope, Harris and his commrades show they are skillful craftsmen who compose auditory works of art, without a care as to what anyone will say about it. With risk and assurance, the band has departed from earlier roots that cemented a dedicated following (which spread far beyond its home state of California) and instead deliver an intellectual Pop portfolio that will stand the test of time, thanks to hints of operatic choruses and vintage moods set.

Listeners may be challenged and surprised at first, especially by first single, “Wake the Sun,” which isn’t as catchy as come other tracks, like “Yankees in a Chip Shop” or “If I Were You.” But it’s a great way to introduce the album to the masses. A plethora of producers really bring a variety of elements to the table, and hey, if Nick Hexum (311) has his hands in the mix then you know disappointment is not lurking anywhere nearby. “Clouds Crash” would fit in perfect on Butch Walker’s The Rise and Fall of Butch Walker and the Let’s Go Out Tonites album and that’s not easy to accomplish by any means.



“More than we know, there’s a reason we exist. We won’t be this easily dismissed.” - Lyrics from “Point Me Toward the Morning.”


Neither is putting on a captivating live show that keeps audiences eyes glued to the stage every second of it, but no problem there, either. Harris is one of the most engaging front men commanding the stage today. But what’s most appealing is the band’s DIY-ethic, dreams-to-reality approach that really made The Matches what it is today.

Sure, it’s ballsy to stream your entire album online before it comes out. But who ever said conforming to the norm gets you anywhere?

If no one took risks, the world would be a pretty boring place.


Planet Verge on You Tube brings you The Matches at Bamboozle:



And The School of Rock:




* By Joelle, who has something special to say:

Back when Planet Verge first started, we got sent a promo from the Matches. For some reason, I pretty much dismissed it. But TWO of our writers gave the CD raving reviews. Then, about a year ago, I was working in A&R and went to go scout a band that happened to be playing with The Matches. That band didn't have a chance in hell of getting my interest once they took the stage after the Matches, who stole the show. Soon after, Bamboozle came around and I didn't miss any of The Matches sets. The band's live show is just THAT GOOD. I pulled out that old promo CD and haven't put it away since. It's very, very rare that I become a fan of a because of seeing them live. Or that I even pay attention to a band on stage that I don't know. But the Matches have that charisma that pulls you in. And I'm glad it did.

Bamboozle Day 2

By Joelle...

We didn't dress warm enough for Day 2. And didn't eat any more pretzels after it took literally 20 mintues to move through five customers in the line the day before. But we did realize that after this, there's no need for Warped Tour. Oh wait, I lied. Funeral For A Friend are on Warped Tour this year...

Back to Bamboozle:

12:15-12:35 Phil Bensen in the Bamboozle TV studio. He shot the video for his ultra catchy tune "Bruised." Can't wait to see it. The girls love this boy. It's cute to watch. And I'm getting really addicted to the songs.

1:10-1:35 Drive By. No wait, they moved Drive By's stage and the security guard didn't know to where! So we missed them. Luckily, I met up with Chris later and we did an impromtu interview for his company, Rebirth Clothing, during Armor For Sleep's set.


1:50-2:20 The Matches. Two times in two days is not enough of these guys. And guess who we caught in the crowd?

Yep, our old buddy Sprout with his new band, A Hero From A Thousand Paces. Gotta love him.

Speaking of random meetings, we saw Mike from Senses Fail watching Saves The Day and he filled us in on what the band has been up to. Australia tours, if I recall correctly.

Then there was The Banner's Joey Southside watching his brother, Greg, on the comedy stage. Good news- The Banner is back together and Joe has a cool clothing company now.


Greg was the funniest comic of the day. And I'm not just saying that because he was the only comic I saw. Check him out at http://www.myspace.com/gregcoralluzzocomedy and thank me later.

Next sighting of the day- Doug from The Sleeping playing hackey sac with some friends. Doug is awesome.

Most random meeting- Circa Survive's Anthony Green and I tried to have a convo in the middle of a crowd stampeed. It sorta worked. No sausage sandwhich in his hand this year.

2:15-2:45 The Early November. Well, that was the plan. Instead I ended up in the Stadium spilting a cheesesteak with Jen and talking to Adam from Perfuma about his band's set that night:



Adam thanks his fans here.

I later found out that was The Early Novemeber's last show EVER. Oh well, if I really liked them still I guess I would've bought their last album, right?

3:45-4:15 Circa Survive. The big boys. With big balls. Literally. They threw out ginormous balloons to the crowd. It was great. The fans were rowdy and we had to move away from the front of the stage to avoid getting crushed. That's what shows are all about, right? Well not when you are weak girls. lol Anyway, they have a new album coming out and major labels stalking them. I predict a bright future.





Watch Circa Survive's set!



4:15-4:45 Armor For Sleep. The main stage was too insane. So we sipped on some coconut smoothies and baked on the concrete while the band played the soundtrack to our conversation.


4:45-5:15- Killswitch Engage. I wanted to watch them. But I think we were on a mission to find merch for The Matches and The Sleeping. So I simply grazed by.


5:20-5:50- The Sleeping.




They put on such an exciting live show. I didn't see any frontman interact with the crowd as much as Doug did. These videos speak for themselves. And I am still mad that I couldn't find their merch!






6:15- 6:50- Thrice. We got locked out of the TV studio when I wanted to see them. The main stage was chaos, so I watched from afar as I set up Perfuma's merch. But I'm interested in hearing what their new 4 disk concept album will be like. Sounds innovative.


The rest of the night- We FROZE waiting for Perfuma. Froze. Froze. But it was worth the wait. Perfuma are going to be rock stars. Their new songs are a leap forward and as one of The Break Contest winners, it appears people are finally realizing this. www.myspace.com/perfuma. I never miss a show.

Adam interviewed for Bamboozle TV




Watch Perfuma rock Bamboozle!

One Bamboozle of a Recap! DAY One

When Gloria Gaynor penned her tune "I Will Survive," she must have had some psychic insight into music festivals. After avoiding being crushed in a stampeed of people coming from all directions at Bamboozle last year by gripping our fingers into a metal fence (and that was just the first five minutes upon entering festival gates), Jen and I were not all too excited to take on the masses this year. I'd say we pretty much survived by holding hands and weaving our way through what seemed like endless crowds (anyone else get caught in that Yellowcard mess we tried to escpape?) of people and cutting lines to get through the entrance gates.

We prepared in advance by smuggling in caps to water bottles since the vendors conficate them and dressing for comfort. The only thing we failed with was sunblock. Who thought we'd get burned in this cold spring weather? I can only imagine how those high-heeled girls busting out their bras (and ONLY their bras) must have fried.

So Bamboozle... We came, overdosed on bands, and conquered both days.

*By Joelle

Day One:

Wake up call- around 9 am for a 10:30 departure. Much better than when we work at Warped Tour and must load in at 8 am.

12:25-12:55- Phil Bensen on the main stage.

There's a big buzz around this 17 year-old NJ native right now. Several major labels showed up to check out his set and there's little doubt that he'll be signed soon. As Phil played his acoustic jazzy pop spectacular, the crowd just kept growing and growing and cheering. He's already landed opening slots for acts like Blues Traveler, Pete Yorn, Teddy Geiger, Nick Lachey, and Lifehouse. It was great to start off the day with a breath of fresh air and see my old friend Rich Andruska (who is producing for Phil and playing on stage with him) from the bands pete. and Sonicult. If you're in NJ, make sure you come see Phil at the Stone Pony on June 8.

The Crowd for Phil Bensen

12:55-1:25- Forgive Durden. They were a time waster and boring. Not much action on that stage. Why is it that people think they are cool dressing like Gerard Way? Do they not see they are posers? Posers are not cool, Mr. Lead Singer of Forgive Durden!

1:25-1:55- Play Radio Play. I like this kid. He's got spunk. Well, who wouldn't after being in rehab at 14 and is now only 17? If you dig electronic music, then pick up his album (Island Records).



Play Radio Play live at Bamboozle!

4:20- Interview with The Rocket Summer. I like Bryce Avery. He's a really cool, down to earth guy. And pretty lucky because he got to hang out in his tour bus the whole day. Jen and I hopped on board and got talking about his upcoming major label debut on Island Records.

On July 17, the world will know what a tight indie community has known all along- The Rocket rocks. He's a mere 24 years-old with a decade of industry experience under his belt and an enviable talent. But is there pressure now that he upstreamed from The Militia Group to Island?

"There’s no denying that there’s pressure. It’s like ‘OK, it’s up to you to write every song, every word, every note of every part. And if it sucks it your fault. But it’s kind of exciting, it’s an adventure," he revealed.

The whole making-the-album experience is way more intense now-- "I feel the heat. But making the record was awesome. I didn’t have to sleep on a floor," say Avery.

Fans are excited and so is the media. Avery says it's "The coolest thing ever," to be mentioned as a Most Anticipated Release in Alternative Press and that he couldn't be happier than he is right now.

We discussed how he wants to contribute to make the world a better place- like supporting causes such as Write Love On Her Arms. “It’s in my heart to want to do it," he shares. "Some people listen, some people throw things at you.”

And how through his years in the biz, he's found that years “It’s so important to stay true, have a good time and don’t take it to seriously."

He advices fellow musicians to seperate business and music, as hard as it may be.
"I’ve seen peers go from their original love of music to being overwhelmed by the business of it and all of a sudden changing things. It’s kinda gross to watch. I’ve definitely fallen into that category sometimes, too. There’s no getting around it sometimes. Just have fun with it. It’s a beautiful thing. It’s really cool if you get to do it a long time as your business. Work as hard as you can while having a good time.”

While we were talking, his lovely wife and former tour manager was busy selling merch. He hadn't made his way out yet, other than to watch labelmate and fellow hometown native, Play Radio Play, because most of the bands he wanted to see were alas, on the same time as him.

My favorite thing that he said was "I feel like I’m a jaded person sometimes. There’s too many bands doing stuff that doesn’t mean anything. I don’t want to start a fight with anyone, so I’m going to shut up."

We're right there with you. Be sure to catch him on a headlining tour this summer and then Warped Tour!


5:15-5:45 Hit The Lights. Boy these guys have come along way since playing Hamilton Street and Planet Verge buying them dinner a few years ago. The crowd for them was enormous! They were one of the best acts on the bill, no doubt.



Watch Hit The Lights at Bamboozle!


Someunknown time- The Matches in the Bamboozle TV Studio. I don't own any of their albums, but I should. Each time I see this band, I love them more and more. I'd say they were the best band of the day. The lead singer is S-T-A-R.



Watch The Matches Live at Bamboozle!


7:55-8:25 The Rocket Summer performance. It was cold and we were tired but The Rocket Summer lifted our spirits and was a perfect ending to the night. This was my first time seeing TRS, but I'd deff. catch another show. The performance was quite impressive and I think more people should have been there watching!


Watch The Rocket Summer Perform at Bamboozle!



That's all for day one. We deff. wanted to see My Chem and Muse, but fatigue and the fact that we had to get up bright and early and do it all over again the following day put an end to that. Hey, we're like the old ladies of Bamboozle now. lol Although, some bitch did yell at Jen, "What are you, 18?," as she pushed her way through the crowd. Add about eight years on that....


Joelle and Jen. Most Dressed.


PV commentary on Bamboozle.



And one last shout-out to our new friends in Where Legends Die. You may recognize Dom from The Escape Engine. They made a really cool video for us but You Tube is being annoying and won't upload it! Check them out.