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
Friday, July 27, 2007
They brighten my life like polysterene hats.
Words: Jess
Photos and Video: Joelle
A little over ten years ago, when I was roughly nine years old, there was quite a bit of snow one morning, leading to a delayed opening. I had extra time before catching the bus to go to my third grade class, so I decided to watch some TV. I flipped to MTV in the middle of a music video that sounded a smidgen like Nirvana, but with a much more beautiful frontman. The song was "Tomorrow" and the band was silverchair.
Since that day, I have been an avid fan and follower of these lovely Australian imports, from their grunge beginnings to their electrifying evolution to an almost operatic, ultra-melodic rock band. They are one of the rare acts that continuously and exponentially improves with every record.
Last night, for the first time in the ten years I'd been in love with silverchair, I finally saw them live. They played selections from every album sans Frogstomp, which is understandable. While that record wasn't by any means bad, when you compare it to the art they're creating now, it's probably a little cringe worthy for them. It'd be like Michelangelo putting childhood fingerpaintings inside the Sistene Chapel.
I could easily go on for days about their energy, their crowd work, their sheer musical genius--except it was so moving that I honestly can't find words for them. In fact, I almost fainted. I can sum it up with when my pal/hair stylist/fiancee-to-Joelle Michael asked, "Isn't it a dream come true?"
I nodded profusely, then went back to gaping at the image of Chris Joannou's glittering silver bass, Ben Gillies' constant smiling, and the image of a shirtless, nipple-pierced Daniel Johns dancing and shredding with his teeth. When, at the closing of the show, he kissed his guitar? Never have I wanted to be used as an instrument more.
*By Jess, whose throat is sore today from all the screaming she did last night. At the show, so get your head out of the gutter please.
PS--- We have an interview with Silverchair coming very, very soon!
AND NOW---- WATCH EXCLUSIVE PLANET VERGE CLIPS OF THE SHOW! Hold your applause for the end. I just want to say that I have been pretty jaded lately with the whole music scene. But Silverchair has rekindled my faith that superior musicianship still exists and there is a reason to shut off the television (ok so I technically cheated and taped General Hospital on Soapnet) and go out to shows again. I don't think mainstream America is worthy of Silverchair, quite honestly. But I'll share them with anyone if it means getting the band to tour here more often!
<3 Joelle
"Emotion Sickness"
"Ana's Song" Intro
"Straight Lines"
Daniel's Bird Joke
"If You Keep Loosing Sleep"
"Freak"
Jessica from Planet Verge and Perfuma's commentary after the show!
Photos and Video: Joelle
A little over ten years ago, when I was roughly nine years old, there was quite a bit of snow one morning, leading to a delayed opening. I had extra time before catching the bus to go to my third grade class, so I decided to watch some TV. I flipped to MTV in the middle of a music video that sounded a smidgen like Nirvana, but with a much more beautiful frontman. The song was "Tomorrow" and the band was silverchair.
Since that day, I have been an avid fan and follower of these lovely Australian imports, from their grunge beginnings to their electrifying evolution to an almost operatic, ultra-melodic rock band. They are one of the rare acts that continuously and exponentially improves with every record.
Last night, for the first time in the ten years I'd been in love with silverchair, I finally saw them live. They played selections from every album sans Frogstomp, which is understandable. While that record wasn't by any means bad, when you compare it to the art they're creating now, it's probably a little cringe worthy for them. It'd be like Michelangelo putting childhood fingerpaintings inside the Sistene Chapel.
I could easily go on for days about their energy, their crowd work, their sheer musical genius--except it was so moving that I honestly can't find words for them. In fact, I almost fainted. I can sum it up with when my pal/hair stylist/fiancee-to-Joelle Michael asked, "Isn't it a dream come true?"
I nodded profusely, then went back to gaping at the image of Chris Joannou's glittering silver bass, Ben Gillies' constant smiling, and the image of a shirtless, nipple-pierced Daniel Johns dancing and shredding with his teeth. When, at the closing of the show, he kissed his guitar? Never have I wanted to be used as an instrument more.
*By Jess, whose throat is sore today from all the screaming she did last night. At the show, so get your head out of the gutter please.
PS--- We have an interview with Silverchair coming very, very soon!
AND NOW---- WATCH EXCLUSIVE PLANET VERGE CLIPS OF THE SHOW! Hold your applause for the end. I just want to say that I have been pretty jaded lately with the whole music scene. But Silverchair has rekindled my faith that superior musicianship still exists and there is a reason to shut off the television (ok so I technically cheated and taped General Hospital on Soapnet) and go out to shows again. I don't think mainstream America is worthy of Silverchair, quite honestly. But I'll share them with anyone if it means getting the band to tour here more often!
<3 Joelle
"Emotion Sickness"
"Ana's Song" Intro
"Straight Lines"
Daniel's Bird Joke
"If You Keep Loosing Sleep"
"Freak"
Jessica from Planet Verge and Perfuma's commentary after the show!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
shoes with soul.
TOMS shoes is making the world a bit comfier one step at a time. for every pair of TOMS shoes bought, a pair is donated to a barefoot child in need. check this new foot phenom out at www.tomsshoes.com. treat yourself to a fab pair and feel good knowing that you made the road a child in need walks on a little less rough.
*posted by Britt, who wishes she had enough battery power to...
-elaborate on TOMS
-review Rooney's sophomore album 'Calling the World'
-stir up Perfuma's leaky cauldron of album secrets
*Brittany
*posted by Britt, who wishes she had enough battery power to...
-elaborate on TOMS
-review Rooney's sophomore album 'Calling the World'
-stir up Perfuma's leaky cauldron of album secrets
*Brittany
Friday, July 13, 2007
Warped Tour 2007 (Ventura, CA)
Written By: Jackie Rudolph
Photos By: Jackie Rudolph & Farah Tamaddon
Ventura, California’s Seaside Park Warped Tour probably ranks as one of the best locations for Warped. With a huge plot of land used as fairgrounds smack dab next to the Pacific Ocean with its breeze making you survive the heat waves is the luxury provided for this hot summer, Southern California day. It’s definitely interesting to see all the bands that roll into Warped year after year. This year’s headlining bands consisted of bands like Pepper, Circle Jerks, Gallows, Pennywise, and last but not least, Bad Religion. Being at Warped Tour for about 8 hours that day was pretty much an enthralling experience, and even being there years before, it still doesn’t get old.
Don’t you just love it when thousands of people are in the crowd with you singing along to the same words that are coming out of the lead singer’s mouth? Being able to be apart of that experience is such a momentous event. Who cares if you’re next to a big old sweaty shirtless guy, it’s okay because you’re just living it up at Warped. It’s the day that everyone looks forward to in the summer where they don’t have any guilt about ditching school or work, because dude, it’s Warped Tour.
With seeing all the sick performances, I was even able to speak with a couple of the bands which was pretty sweet I must say. The bands that were breathing the same air as me that day were: The Spill Canvas, Paramore, and The Automatic Automatic. Right when I got to the concert, it was straight to the press booth to chat it up with Nick (vocals) and Joe (drums) from The Spill Canvas. Proudly sporting Sire Records, these South Dakota guys have in their words, “pieced together the puzzle” with their hard work and commitment as they started as an acoustic act and came up to what they are now over the past few years. Especially with South Dakota not having such as big of a music scene like other places, these guys were able to make a great success by working hard and making it big. With guys like The Spill Canvas, they show that they have an unstoppable motivation that can get them anywhere. So when asked what their favorite part about Warped was, they easily responded back “the camaraderie.” With being on Warped Tour with so many different bands for the summer, how is it not easy to become BFF with another band? These guys say they are buddies with bands like Circa Survive, Yellowcard, and Cute is What We Aim For…how cute. (pun intended…haha) So you better make sure to watch out for these South Dakota studs because they’ll sweep you off their feet with their tunes and make you coming back for more! Be sure to check them at out www.myspace.com/tsc.
After the interview with The Spill Canvas, I wandered through the fairgrounds and came across The Circle Jerks and The Unseen. Being at Warped is nice since there’s a good number of stages so if you’re not really digging one band’s style, it’s cool because you can just continue on to the next one. It was good to hear some more intense music than the other bands. The Circle Jerks took the main stage and showed how they rocked out in front of everyone, where as The Unseen were on a smaller stage, but were still able to attract a huge crowd. And let me tell you, I LOVED this crowd. Seeing these punks with enormous Mohawks and decked out in the coolest clothes, they were passionate about singing along with the band. This crowd was loud, intense, and probably one of the best crowds around who really showed you what it was like to be at a great show.
Later day that I got to talk to Paramore which consists of Hayley (18), Zach (17), Josh (19), and Jeremy (22). Young ages, huh? One must wonder … did the members of Paramore finish high school since they’re so young? Hayley explained that they graduated at different times, and she added that she even took the SAT…now I must say, recording, touring, and taking the SAT, that’s pretty amazing. Not many can conquer that task. But what about their families being accepting of their young offspring going out and playing in the rock scene instead of staying at home? Fortunately for them, their families are really cool with it, especially since they’re all really close. With the four of them starting in 2004, they have had 3 years of being together, and hopefully many more to come in the future. This is their 3rd year on Warped Tour and are not even close to being sick of it. “It’s like summer camp, we hang out with our friends,” Hayley mentioned. If Warped Tour were my summer camp, wow, I’d be in Heaven. With bands playing from morning to night, food stands all over the place, thousands of people, and booths galore, what’s not missing? I came across one booth which Paramore is deeply involved in which is known as To Write Love On Her Arms. It’s a good cause that deals with suicide prevention, and if Paramore truly believes in it, as well as so many other people, then you might want to check it out at http://www.twloha.com.
Right after speaking with Paramore, I was able to have a nice conversation with Rob, the lead singer of the up and coming band, The Automatic Automatic. This Welsh guy was quite the character I must say. His stories were hilarious and if you have a chance to go see The Automatic Automatic, go for it! The band is new to America, but they are on the right track to doing well out here. A humorous story that Rob mentioned in the interview was that one time back in the U.K. during a summer concert, the venue was boiling, “it felt like a greenhouse.” Since it was so hot, the guys decided to play an encore in their boxer shorts for the hundreds of people that were in the crowd that night. Rob continued his story with saying, “After we knew it, there were loads of people who started stripping off their clothes!” Even if it was a joke that the band wanted to do at first, they inspired the majority of the crowd to get naked. So watch out everyone, because it’s hot this summer and The Automatic Automatic is coming to a town near you! Besides their success with getting their fans naked, they have been quite the roar back home in the U.K. with selling a numerous amount of records. But now that they’re in the U.S. of A, it’s a new game since the U.S. is the biggest market, and like how Rob puts it, “each state is like its own country.” At least the guys seem to get along with each other since they met when they were very young. Rob explains, “I met the guitarist when I was either 4 or 5 years old, so we got our music together for 15-16 years.” These guys seem like they are ready to take on the U.S., with their high ranked album back in the U.K., and their touring this summer, one must question…what will they come up with next? Well, just be ready to be taken by storm, America…and that goes for Canada too!
So with ending the day as the sun set into the Pacific Ocean waves, and Killswitch Engage being the final performance on the main stage, I am able to say that this was a successful Warped Tour. The performances from bands like Bad Religion, Circle Jerks, Circa Survive, Pennywise, Pepper, Gallows, Paramore, The Spill Canvas, The Automatic Automatic, and all the others on the lineup of that day were pretty much amazing. So you still have time to catch a Warped Tour since it doesn’t end until late August, so if you haven’t been yet…GO! Because I know you don’t want to wait until next year while you still have the chance to go now!
Photos By: Jackie Rudolph & Farah Tamaddon
Ventura, California’s Seaside Park Warped Tour probably ranks as one of the best locations for Warped. With a huge plot of land used as fairgrounds smack dab next to the Pacific Ocean with its breeze making you survive the heat waves is the luxury provided for this hot summer, Southern California day. It’s definitely interesting to see all the bands that roll into Warped year after year. This year’s headlining bands consisted of bands like Pepper, Circle Jerks, Gallows, Pennywise, and last but not least, Bad Religion. Being at Warped Tour for about 8 hours that day was pretty much an enthralling experience, and even being there years before, it still doesn’t get old.
Don’t you just love it when thousands of people are in the crowd with you singing along to the same words that are coming out of the lead singer’s mouth? Being able to be apart of that experience is such a momentous event. Who cares if you’re next to a big old sweaty shirtless guy, it’s okay because you’re just living it up at Warped. It’s the day that everyone looks forward to in the summer where they don’t have any guilt about ditching school or work, because dude, it’s Warped Tour.
With seeing all the sick performances, I was even able to speak with a couple of the bands which was pretty sweet I must say. The bands that were breathing the same air as me that day were: The Spill Canvas, Paramore, and The Automatic Automatic. Right when I got to the concert, it was straight to the press booth to chat it up with Nick (vocals) and Joe (drums) from The Spill Canvas. Proudly sporting Sire Records, these South Dakota guys have in their words, “pieced together the puzzle” with their hard work and commitment as they started as an acoustic act and came up to what they are now over the past few years. Especially with South Dakota not having such as big of a music scene like other places, these guys were able to make a great success by working hard and making it big. With guys like The Spill Canvas, they show that they have an unstoppable motivation that can get them anywhere. So when asked what their favorite part about Warped was, they easily responded back “the camaraderie.” With being on Warped Tour with so many different bands for the summer, how is it not easy to become BFF with another band? These guys say they are buddies with bands like Circa Survive, Yellowcard, and Cute is What We Aim For…how cute. (pun intended…haha) So you better make sure to watch out for these South Dakota studs because they’ll sweep you off their feet with their tunes and make you coming back for more! Be sure to check them at out www.myspace.com/tsc.
After the interview with The Spill Canvas, I wandered through the fairgrounds and came across The Circle Jerks and The Unseen. Being at Warped is nice since there’s a good number of stages so if you’re not really digging one band’s style, it’s cool because you can just continue on to the next one. It was good to hear some more intense music than the other bands. The Circle Jerks took the main stage and showed how they rocked out in front of everyone, where as The Unseen were on a smaller stage, but were still able to attract a huge crowd. And let me tell you, I LOVED this crowd. Seeing these punks with enormous Mohawks and decked out in the coolest clothes, they were passionate about singing along with the band. This crowd was loud, intense, and probably one of the best crowds around who really showed you what it was like to be at a great show.
Later day that I got to talk to Paramore which consists of Hayley (18), Zach (17), Josh (19), and Jeremy (22). Young ages, huh? One must wonder … did the members of Paramore finish high school since they’re so young? Hayley explained that they graduated at different times, and she added that she even took the SAT…now I must say, recording, touring, and taking the SAT, that’s pretty amazing. Not many can conquer that task. But what about their families being accepting of their young offspring going out and playing in the rock scene instead of staying at home? Fortunately for them, their families are really cool with it, especially since they’re all really close. With the four of them starting in 2004, they have had 3 years of being together, and hopefully many more to come in the future. This is their 3rd year on Warped Tour and are not even close to being sick of it. “It’s like summer camp, we hang out with our friends,” Hayley mentioned. If Warped Tour were my summer camp, wow, I’d be in Heaven. With bands playing from morning to night, food stands all over the place, thousands of people, and booths galore, what’s not missing? I came across one booth which Paramore is deeply involved in which is known as To Write Love On Her Arms. It’s a good cause that deals with suicide prevention, and if Paramore truly believes in it, as well as so many other people, then you might want to check it out at http://www.twloha.com.
Right after speaking with Paramore, I was able to have a nice conversation with Rob, the lead singer of the up and coming band, The Automatic Automatic. This Welsh guy was quite the character I must say. His stories were hilarious and if you have a chance to go see The Automatic Automatic, go for it! The band is new to America, but they are on the right track to doing well out here. A humorous story that Rob mentioned in the interview was that one time back in the U.K. during a summer concert, the venue was boiling, “it felt like a greenhouse.” Since it was so hot, the guys decided to play an encore in their boxer shorts for the hundreds of people that were in the crowd that night. Rob continued his story with saying, “After we knew it, there were loads of people who started stripping off their clothes!” Even if it was a joke that the band wanted to do at first, they inspired the majority of the crowd to get naked. So watch out everyone, because it’s hot this summer and The Automatic Automatic is coming to a town near you! Besides their success with getting their fans naked, they have been quite the roar back home in the U.K. with selling a numerous amount of records. But now that they’re in the U.S. of A, it’s a new game since the U.S. is the biggest market, and like how Rob puts it, “each state is like its own country.” At least the guys seem to get along with each other since they met when they were very young. Rob explains, “I met the guitarist when I was either 4 or 5 years old, so we got our music together for 15-16 years.” These guys seem like they are ready to take on the U.S., with their high ranked album back in the U.K., and their touring this summer, one must question…what will they come up with next? Well, just be ready to be taken by storm, America…and that goes for Canada too!
So with ending the day as the sun set into the Pacific Ocean waves, and Killswitch Engage being the final performance on the main stage, I am able to say that this was a successful Warped Tour. The performances from bands like Bad Religion, Circle Jerks, Circa Survive, Pennywise, Pepper, Gallows, Paramore, The Spill Canvas, The Automatic Automatic, and all the others on the lineup of that day were pretty much amazing. So you still have time to catch a Warped Tour since it doesn’t end until late August, so if you haven’t been yet…GO! Because I know you don’t want to wait until next year while you still have the chance to go now!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
coming at u from the wrong side of day.
Being a completely nocturnal person at the moment, I'm typing this at 2am UK time whilst working on finishing illustrations for a learning game. I have also never posted on here so i best introduce myself, I'm Gina. No stranger to this planet verge business I have been somewhat absent from it for a while. So why am i writing? To rant and rave and share my thoughts like the other girls do. and hell I'm starting with this.
The live earth concerts.
The live earth concert in the uk (held at webly areana) was staged a week after the Diana tribute concert and was at the same venue, with similar artists. Not only was i comfused as to which highlights from which concert i was watching on TV, it really ruined the 'specialniss' (its not a real word, i know) of the Diana tribute. This is a sidenote to what I want to rant about however.
HOW ON EARTH DOES 7 OR 8 CONCERTS WORLDWIDE DO ANYTHING TO HELP THE STATE OF THE EARTH?! The concert is live earth, it aims to raise awareness of climate control throughout the world through music. I do not understand how using as much lighting, energy and resources as it did to host 8 worldwide concerts really helps to control the energy levels. How does hosting these huge concerts really contribute to helping the matter? Can music really bring people together to take action against an issue like this? Concerts to 'raise awareness' of matters really are the biggest gimic in the book. Any excuse for a charity or company to gather together some huge names getting paid rediculious ammounts so they can get some TV air time does not constitute to helping solve a problem. Now the concert is over, the television coverage in the UK to promote the cause has plummeted right back down to minimal again and the issue has now been swept under the carpet and in its place is 'the next big thing' we have to throw a concert and a party about to try and 'resolve'. For every person i have asked who watched it, not one of them have responded with 'that was a good concert, what are your views on the climate change?' or 'what a good way to raise awareness' , they have simply spoke of the bands who played or something along the lines of the pussycat dolls wearing next to nothing on stage. How that helps solve the situation i DON'T KNOW!.
So the next time some charity wants to raise awareness of a situation, think outside the box and don't put on a concert, you're raising nothing but the profiles of the people who play it, not the issue you wish to promote.
On a totaly different note, if you are hitting warped tour this year please PLEASE go and see BIFFY CLYRO. I have to fly the patriotic scottish flag here, and yes i am probably very biased but whether they came from Ayr, scotland or the middle of nowhere, they are one of my favourite bands ever. Their new album 'puzzle' hit number 2 in the UK charts but if it all sounds a bit too generic rock for you, look into older LP's such as 'Blackened Sky' and 'The vertigo of bliss'. Hit up Itunes and download '27', '57', 'justboy' 'glitter and trauma' and/or 'Saturday superhouse' to get a taster. their dates are as follows...
28 Jul 2007 12:00
First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre Chicago, Illinois
29 Jul 2007 12:00
Metrodome Minneapolis, Minnesota
31 Jul 2007 12:00
Marcus Amphitheatre Milwaukee, Wisconsin
1 Aug 2007 12:00
Riverbend Music Center Cincinnati, Ohio
3 Aug 2007 12:00
Tweeter Center at the Waterfront Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
4 Aug 2007 12:00
Nassau Coliseum New York City, New York
5 Aug 2007 12:00
Raceway Park Englishtown, New Jersey
7 Aug 2007 12:00
Verizon Wireless Center Indianapolis, Indiana
8 Aug 2007 12:00
Post Gazette Pavilion Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
9 Aug 2007 12:00
Tweeter Center Boston, Massachusetts
10 Aug 2007 12:00
Darien Lakes Field Buffalo, New York
11 Aug 2007 12:00
Park Place Toronto, Ontario
12 Aug 2007 12:00
Parc Jean-Drapeau Montreal, Quebec
14 Aug 2007 12:00
UMB Bank Pavilion St Louis, Missouri
15 Aug 2007 12:00
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Kansas City, Kansas
Other UK bands to get on your myspace whilst I'm at it:
Tellison, from London. With their astounding album contact! contact! www.myspace.com/tellison
and also
Hell is for heroes - this band have been on the UK circuit for years, yet when i recently went to london to see them at one very small Barfly venue, they as always, tore the place apart with both new and old material. Best songs to download, 'I can climb mountains' and 'you drove me to it'
www.myspace.com/hellisforheroes.
That's all for now, must crash, More UK bands and useless banter to be added soon!
Gina xo
The live earth concerts.
The live earth concert in the uk (held at webly areana) was staged a week after the Diana tribute concert and was at the same venue, with similar artists. Not only was i comfused as to which highlights from which concert i was watching on TV, it really ruined the 'specialniss' (its not a real word, i know) of the Diana tribute. This is a sidenote to what I want to rant about however.
HOW ON EARTH DOES 7 OR 8 CONCERTS WORLDWIDE DO ANYTHING TO HELP THE STATE OF THE EARTH?! The concert is live earth, it aims to raise awareness of climate control throughout the world through music. I do not understand how using as much lighting, energy and resources as it did to host 8 worldwide concerts really helps to control the energy levels. How does hosting these huge concerts really contribute to helping the matter? Can music really bring people together to take action against an issue like this? Concerts to 'raise awareness' of matters really are the biggest gimic in the book. Any excuse for a charity or company to gather together some huge names getting paid rediculious ammounts so they can get some TV air time does not constitute to helping solve a problem. Now the concert is over, the television coverage in the UK to promote the cause has plummeted right back down to minimal again and the issue has now been swept under the carpet and in its place is 'the next big thing' we have to throw a concert and a party about to try and 'resolve'. For every person i have asked who watched it, not one of them have responded with 'that was a good concert, what are your views on the climate change?' or 'what a good way to raise awareness' , they have simply spoke of the bands who played or something along the lines of the pussycat dolls wearing next to nothing on stage. How that helps solve the situation i DON'T KNOW!.
So the next time some charity wants to raise awareness of a situation, think outside the box and don't put on a concert, you're raising nothing but the profiles of the people who play it, not the issue you wish to promote.
On a totaly different note, if you are hitting warped tour this year please PLEASE go and see BIFFY CLYRO. I have to fly the patriotic scottish flag here, and yes i am probably very biased but whether they came from Ayr, scotland or the middle of nowhere, they are one of my favourite bands ever. Their new album 'puzzle' hit number 2 in the UK charts but if it all sounds a bit too generic rock for you, look into older LP's such as 'Blackened Sky' and 'The vertigo of bliss'. Hit up Itunes and download '27', '57', 'justboy' 'glitter and trauma' and/or 'Saturday superhouse' to get a taster. their dates are as follows...
28 Jul 2007 12:00
First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre Chicago, Illinois
29 Jul 2007 12:00
Metrodome Minneapolis, Minnesota
31 Jul 2007 12:00
Marcus Amphitheatre Milwaukee, Wisconsin
1 Aug 2007 12:00
Riverbend Music Center Cincinnati, Ohio
3 Aug 2007 12:00
Tweeter Center at the Waterfront Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
4 Aug 2007 12:00
Nassau Coliseum New York City, New York
5 Aug 2007 12:00
Raceway Park Englishtown, New Jersey
7 Aug 2007 12:00
Verizon Wireless Center Indianapolis, Indiana
8 Aug 2007 12:00
Post Gazette Pavilion Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
9 Aug 2007 12:00
Tweeter Center Boston, Massachusetts
10 Aug 2007 12:00
Darien Lakes Field Buffalo, New York
11 Aug 2007 12:00
Park Place Toronto, Ontario
12 Aug 2007 12:00
Parc Jean-Drapeau Montreal, Quebec
14 Aug 2007 12:00
UMB Bank Pavilion St Louis, Missouri
15 Aug 2007 12:00
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Kansas City, Kansas
Other UK bands to get on your myspace whilst I'm at it:
Tellison, from London. With their astounding album contact! contact! www.myspace.com/tellison
and also
Hell is for heroes - this band have been on the UK circuit for years, yet when i recently went to london to see them at one very small Barfly venue, they as always, tore the place apart with both new and old material. Best songs to download, 'I can climb mountains' and 'you drove me to it'
www.myspace.com/hellisforheroes.
That's all for now, must crash, More UK bands and useless banter to be added soon!
Gina xo
RIP, JANE
Shocking news- JANE magazine will print its last issue this August.
Or... not so shocking?
JANE used to be be the only magazine I read from front to back, each and every line. I loved that each writer's personality was portrayed through their writing. The staff became characters in my mind and I anticipated their next move. Gigi was my favorite. I missed her when she left. But greats like Katy McColl, Stefanie Trong, Annemarie Conte, Erin Flaherty, Esther Haynes, Joshua Lyon and Jeff kept things going. (OK, actually I liked it better when there was an actual music editor).
Then founder, Jane Pratt, left JANE. Things were never the same. My subscription ended and I never renewed it. Issues would arrive at my door and live lifelessly on my desk, having only been flipped through once. Maybe it's because I got too busy living life to read about other people's. Or, the magazine just lost its magic.
I was excited when former Teen People (also RIP) staffer, Laura Morgan went over to JANE. But unfortunately, now matter which magazine she stayed out would have made a difference. They both had the same fate.
Rumor has it that JANE won't even reside online. That's a devastatingly cruel fate. At least archive the articles for future 20-something women to look up to!!
I was excited to see Zooey on the cover of a magazine. What other publication would be brave enough to do that?
Bauer publishing was slated to launch Cocktail, a magazine for 20-something women. It got shut down before employees even got a full day's work in! Chickens. How is anything great going to revolutionize the world if no one takes risks. Publishers should go sit down with label A&R reps and have a little "we suck" party.
And there's all excitement for Fashionista Diaries on SoapNet. I was so excited for that.
Back when Planet Verge first started, JANE was my muse. I tried to inject personal tidbits about our staff to help our audience feel connected to us. I dreamed of one day working a JANE.
Today, I work at The Musician's Atlas. Updating our database on press is upsetting. So many magazines are getting shut down, or dropping in circulation.
I used to be frustrated when Planet Verge never became totally huge or picked up by a major distributor. But now I'm ok with it. It's a bad time for print. And a bad time for music. And I'm a part of both so wish me luck! lol
Seriously, let's all appreciate what JANE magazine did for women-kind. Here's to hoping that someday, we can all get back that feeling of holding a brand new issue is our bands for the first time when we pick up another magazine.
*By Joelle, who writes little blurbs like this after her name because she loves that JANE did it
Or... not so shocking?
JANE used to be be the only magazine I read from front to back, each and every line. I loved that each writer's personality was portrayed through their writing. The staff became characters in my mind and I anticipated their next move. Gigi was my favorite. I missed her when she left. But greats like Katy McColl, Stefanie Trong, Annemarie Conte, Erin Flaherty, Esther Haynes, Joshua Lyon and Jeff kept things going. (OK, actually I liked it better when there was an actual music editor).
Then founder, Jane Pratt, left JANE. Things were never the same. My subscription ended and I never renewed it. Issues would arrive at my door and live lifelessly on my desk, having only been flipped through once. Maybe it's because I got too busy living life to read about other people's. Or, the magazine just lost its magic.
I was excited when former Teen People (also RIP) staffer, Laura Morgan went over to JANE. But unfortunately, now matter which magazine she stayed out would have made a difference. They both had the same fate.
Rumor has it that JANE won't even reside online. That's a devastatingly cruel fate. At least archive the articles for future 20-something women to look up to!!
I was excited to see Zooey on the cover of a magazine. What other publication would be brave enough to do that?
Bauer publishing was slated to launch Cocktail, a magazine for 20-something women. It got shut down before employees even got a full day's work in! Chickens. How is anything great going to revolutionize the world if no one takes risks. Publishers should go sit down with label A&R reps and have a little "we suck" party.
And there's all excitement for Fashionista Diaries on SoapNet. I was so excited for that.
Back when Planet Verge first started, JANE was my muse. I tried to inject personal tidbits about our staff to help our audience feel connected to us. I dreamed of one day working a JANE.
Today, I work at The Musician's Atlas. Updating our database on press is upsetting. So many magazines are getting shut down, or dropping in circulation.
I used to be frustrated when Planet Verge never became totally huge or picked up by a major distributor. But now I'm ok with it. It's a bad time for print. And a bad time for music. And I'm a part of both so wish me luck! lol
Seriously, let's all appreciate what JANE magazine did for women-kind. Here's to hoping that someday, we can all get back that feeling of holding a brand new issue is our bands for the first time when we pick up another magazine.
*By Joelle, who writes little blurbs like this after her name because she loves that JANE did it
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Jessica's Got Her Gun Out
Just because I don't drink (for personal reasons I don't care to discuss in a public forum) doesn't mean I necessarily have a problem with other people consuming alcohol. Frankly, what others do isn't my business, nor is it my concern.
However, when you go to a show smashed out of your gourd, it becomes a problem.
Last night I went to see Rediscover at the Internet Cafe in Red Bank. Opening for them were Upper Clash Trash and Time and Distance. One of the guys in Time and Distance brought his girlfriend with him to the show. She was a cute, petite blonde, and she was polite to me when squeezing past to use the ladies' room--which, I should point out, is really inconveniently placed behind and slightly to the left of where the bands play (there's no actual stage, they're on the floor), so there's lots of amps, equipment, and musicians in the way when one has to tinkle--so I decided that I liked her and that she was a nice girl.
One of the three drunk girls--one in a green dress with a habit of sitting with her legs wide open and trying (and failing) to dance seductively with her chubby blonde friend whose bra kept coming out of her shirt--tried to kiss this particular member of Time and Distance while his girlfriend was right next to him. When he pushed her away, she became belligerent.
This all went down while I was dancing to Rediscover's killer set, and it partially interrupted it. When the girls began to argue, a big part of the crowd that was in their area moved with them towards the exit, leading frontman Wes to throw his mic down mid-song and chase them to see what was going on. When he and the drunk girl in green returned, he asked the crowd what happened. A girl who looked no more than about twelve years old yelled, "You have to be a slut to try making out with a guy when his girlfriend's right next to him!" The drunk girl in the dress began a slurred soliloquy about how it was "totally, like an accident, seriously guys." The crowd responded with a chant of "GET OUT, SLUT," leading to the ceremonious exit of the Trashed Trio, partially orchestrated by Wes himself, who called her actions "fucked up" and "nuts."
Best of all, those class acts were all captured on video by members of the bands who were clearly influenced as much by Joe Francis as they were by MxPx.
Despite the drunken distractions, Rediscover played an amazing set considering the sound system left a bit to be desired and that most keyboard-based bands aren't great live. Rediscover are an enormous exception to this rule.
And on top of it all? Wes smells really, really good.
Bravo, fellas.
*By Jess, who got serenaded with her friends Ella and Etta. If you don't understand the reference, that's the point.
However, when you go to a show smashed out of your gourd, it becomes a problem.
Last night I went to see Rediscover at the Internet Cafe in Red Bank. Opening for them were Upper Clash Trash and Time and Distance. One of the guys in Time and Distance brought his girlfriend with him to the show. She was a cute, petite blonde, and she was polite to me when squeezing past to use the ladies' room--which, I should point out, is really inconveniently placed behind and slightly to the left of where the bands play (there's no actual stage, they're on the floor), so there's lots of amps, equipment, and musicians in the way when one has to tinkle--so I decided that I liked her and that she was a nice girl.
One of the three drunk girls--one in a green dress with a habit of sitting with her legs wide open and trying (and failing) to dance seductively with her chubby blonde friend whose bra kept coming out of her shirt--tried to kiss this particular member of Time and Distance while his girlfriend was right next to him. When he pushed her away, she became belligerent.
This all went down while I was dancing to Rediscover's killer set, and it partially interrupted it. When the girls began to argue, a big part of the crowd that was in their area moved with them towards the exit, leading frontman Wes to throw his mic down mid-song and chase them to see what was going on. When he and the drunk girl in green returned, he asked the crowd what happened. A girl who looked no more than about twelve years old yelled, "You have to be a slut to try making out with a guy when his girlfriend's right next to him!" The drunk girl in the dress began a slurred soliloquy about how it was "totally, like an accident, seriously guys." The crowd responded with a chant of "GET OUT, SLUT," leading to the ceremonious exit of the Trashed Trio, partially orchestrated by Wes himself, who called her actions "fucked up" and "nuts."
Best of all, those class acts were all captured on video by members of the bands who were clearly influenced as much by Joe Francis as they were by MxPx.
Despite the drunken distractions, Rediscover played an amazing set considering the sound system left a bit to be desired and that most keyboard-based bands aren't great live. Rediscover are an enormous exception to this rule.
And on top of it all? Wes smells really, really good.
Bravo, fellas.
*By Jess, who got serenaded with her friends Ella and Etta. If you don't understand the reference, that's the point.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Thursday, July 05, 2007
sephoratitis.
i went to sephora yesterday. y'all know what that means... planetverge beauty rant!
here it is, ladies. favourite new items:
-stella mccartney eau de parfum roll-ons:
this is by far one of the best things i've bought in a while. it's summer and we ladies have places to be and people to see. with stella mccartney's eau de parfum roll-on, you can just throw the .33 oz bottle in your purse or clutch and jetset anywhere. you will leave a legacy of gorgeous air wherever you go. the fact that they are only $13 is pretty swell. they are sold exclusively at sephora... hop on sephora.com and get one or buy a set of four for $35.
runner up is rosebud salve:
i use rosebud salve on my lips and my cuticles. with just a hint of red, it makes your lips look full and healthy. apply to your lips with your fingers and then rub the excess into your cuticles. you can also use it on your elbows, knees and heels... or anywhere that you desire a sleek, healthy glow. where else can you get flawless skin and a manicure for $6? keep it in your pocket or your purse for on-the-go glossing.
lastly... bare escentuals get started eye kit:
this set is so universal. it comes with 3 neutral colors and a liner shadow that compliment all shades of eyecolor. it also provides you with all the brushes you need to achieve that perfect doe-eyed look. it's $49 but it's worth every pretty penny. locking gazes across a crowded room, a candle-lit table or a campfire will become a snap. get this kit and all eyes will be on you.
*posted by Britt, whose wrists have become permanently attached to her nose. thanks, stella.
here it is, ladies. favourite new items:
-stella mccartney eau de parfum roll-ons:
this is by far one of the best things i've bought in a while. it's summer and we ladies have places to be and people to see. with stella mccartney's eau de parfum roll-on, you can just throw the .33 oz bottle in your purse or clutch and jetset anywhere. you will leave a legacy of gorgeous air wherever you go. the fact that they are only $13 is pretty swell. they are sold exclusively at sephora... hop on sephora.com and get one or buy a set of four for $35.
runner up is rosebud salve:
i use rosebud salve on my lips and my cuticles. with just a hint of red, it makes your lips look full and healthy. apply to your lips with your fingers and then rub the excess into your cuticles. you can also use it on your elbows, knees and heels... or anywhere that you desire a sleek, healthy glow. where else can you get flawless skin and a manicure for $6? keep it in your pocket or your purse for on-the-go glossing.
lastly... bare escentuals get started eye kit:
this set is so universal. it comes with 3 neutral colors and a liner shadow that compliment all shades of eyecolor. it also provides you with all the brushes you need to achieve that perfect doe-eyed look. it's $49 but it's worth every pretty penny. locking gazes across a crowded room, a candle-lit table or a campfire will become a snap. get this kit and all eyes will be on you.
*posted by Britt, whose wrists have become permanently attached to her nose. thanks, stella.
Monday, July 02, 2007
To Hell with Dave Matthews' "boy's dream." This is the real deal.
Shadows Fall? Check.
Driving a badass van? Check.
Zombies and monsters? Check.
Killing things? Check.
Video game? Check.
Honestly, the only things missing from this game are boobs and beer. Men are sure to enjoy this regardless. And I did too, because I have the former and don't like the latter. Get ready to get addicted.
*By Jess, who likes this almost as much as Street Fighter.
Driving a badass van? Check.
Zombies and monsters? Check.
Killing things? Check.
Video game? Check.
Honestly, the only things missing from this game are boobs and beer. Men are sure to enjoy this regardless. And I did too, because I have the former and don't like the latter. Get ready to get addicted.
*By Jess, who likes this almost as much as Street Fighter.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
free neon love
if you've ever fantasized about a five-headed david bowie in gold spandex getting moognasty, your wildest dreams have come true. ever heard of apes and androids? they'll be your new guilty pleasure. the guilty part? well, because they are your standard brooklyn hipster -we play schminstruments and look like the baumer in space drag- organization. the pleasure? their sound is not so standard and their live performance is visual LSD. i had the chance to check them out at the wellsville creative arts center friday night and, let me tell you, it was quite the experience. the denim squeezed the cellulite, the neon bracelets were free and this little western new york village was transformed into a technicolor sonic boomtown. even some local talents got in on some of the action. calvin rocchio organized the show and played some killer hand percussion. calvin is quite a terror on the drumset and has played in a few popular local bands. he's also quite renowned for his photography and impeccable wardrobe. closing the show, the ever-talented and sexy phoebe oglesbee (www.myspace.com/phoebeoglesbee) screamed out a killer rendition of aerosmith's dream on. phoebe has been collaborating with apes and androids for a long time. apes back her tracks and morgan, the keyboard player, produces all of her stuff.
it has become quite apparent that they create a major scene wherever they haunt. from sxsw to some of the best venues in nyc (they hail from brooklyn) to teeny cafes in the hills of western new york, these five glamournauts bring the rave. check out their myspace (www.myspace.com/apesandandroids) and see and listen for yourself. you'll love it or hate it. even if you do hate it, you'll at least be able to add a scratch or two to your "most retarded..." bedpost.
word on the street is that there is some footage from the wellsville show getting uploaded onto vimeo as we speak. for now, here is a video of apes and androids playing the Four Eyed Monsters DVD release party:
on the way home from the show my pal senneca threw in some matt & kim. i'd heard of them a little while ago and wanted to punch them and say 'jack and meg don't do coattails so don't try riding them.' i gave ol' matt & kim a second listen, though, and i decided that they're actually alright. perfect to hum to while brushing your teeth... or any other activity that doesn't require much brain power.
so there's the weekend in review. your homework: check out apes and androids and phoebe oglesbee. and brush your teeth... not just to make matt & kim's existence less annoying but because it's good for you.
*posted by Britt, who is grateful she survived the great purge of '07 and vowing to post more and poop out less (as in sleep. c'mon now...).
it has become quite apparent that they create a major scene wherever they haunt. from sxsw to some of the best venues in nyc (they hail from brooklyn) to teeny cafes in the hills of western new york, these five glamournauts bring the rave. check out their myspace (www.myspace.com/apesandandroids) and see and listen for yourself. you'll love it or hate it. even if you do hate it, you'll at least be able to add a scratch or two to your "most retarded..." bedpost.
word on the street is that there is some footage from the wellsville show getting uploaded onto vimeo as we speak. for now, here is a video of apes and androids playing the Four Eyed Monsters DVD release party:
on the way home from the show my pal senneca threw in some matt & kim. i'd heard of them a little while ago and wanted to punch them and say 'jack and meg don't do coattails so don't try riding them.' i gave ol' matt & kim a second listen, though, and i decided that they're actually alright. perfect to hum to while brushing your teeth... or any other activity that doesn't require much brain power.
so there's the weekend in review. your homework: check out apes and androids and phoebe oglesbee. and brush your teeth... not just to make matt & kim's existence less annoying but because it's good for you.
*posted by Britt, who is grateful she survived the great purge of '07 and vowing to post more and poop out less (as in sleep. c'mon now...).
Friday, June 29, 2007
Tune In: Tokyo Rose
There must have been something in the water fountains of Bloomfield High School, because some pretty cool people in our little "scene" have emerged to make a name for themselves beyond the hallways.
1. Joey Southside: Hardcore's favorite frontman from The Banner (Ferret Records).
2. Obi Fernandez: Ska-elites all know and love Westbound Train (Hellcat-Epitaph).
3. Matt Reilly: Once a member of Tokyo Rose and former singer for The Finals (Immortal Records).
4. Ryan Dominguez: Singer for Tokyo Rose (Side Cho).
Which brings me to....
The new Tokyo Rose album, The Promise in Compromise, is good I can barely concentrate on writing this review because I'm singing along with it.
Leaps and bounds ahead of the band's past effort, New American Saint, (which was also great), these 11 new tracks show a riskier Tokyo Rose. Track 3, "We Can Be Best Friend's Tonight, But Tomorrow I'll Be..." introduces some dance floor tunes from the band. It's one of my favorites and should be on the playlist at MisShapes if it's not already. I can just picture the hipsters doing the steps along with the song. Classic.
The songwriting comes across as carefully penned and is quite impressive. The choruses are big and the verses are more than just filler. "Love is just a lyric we all sing along to" from track 9 is one of my favorite new lines. The Promise in Compromise should give Tokyo Rose a good push towards the forefront of the scene and by the next album, mainstream recognition shouldn't be too far behind.
On July 31, make sure you get your hands on this disk and if you have the chance to see the band- with a new line-up- I recommed it for a good time.
*By Joelle, who graduated with Obi and Ryan, but writes about them only because she likes the music.
1. Joey Southside: Hardcore's favorite frontman from The Banner (Ferret Records).
2. Obi Fernandez: Ska-elites all know and love Westbound Train (Hellcat-Epitaph).
3. Matt Reilly: Once a member of Tokyo Rose and former singer for The Finals (Immortal Records).
4. Ryan Dominguez: Singer for Tokyo Rose (Side Cho).
Which brings me to....
The new Tokyo Rose album, The Promise in Compromise, is good I can barely concentrate on writing this review because I'm singing along with it.
Leaps and bounds ahead of the band's past effort, New American Saint, (which was also great), these 11 new tracks show a riskier Tokyo Rose. Track 3, "We Can Be Best Friend's Tonight, But Tomorrow I'll Be..." introduces some dance floor tunes from the band. It's one of my favorites and should be on the playlist at MisShapes if it's not already. I can just picture the hipsters doing the steps along with the song. Classic.
The songwriting comes across as carefully penned and is quite impressive. The choruses are big and the verses are more than just filler. "Love is just a lyric we all sing along to" from track 9 is one of my favorite new lines. The Promise in Compromise should give Tokyo Rose a good push towards the forefront of the scene and by the next album, mainstream recognition shouldn't be too far behind.
On July 31, make sure you get your hands on this disk and if you have the chance to see the band- with a new line-up- I recommed it for a good time.
*By Joelle, who graduated with Obi and Ryan, but writes about them only because she likes the music.
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