Wednesday, August 31, 2011
New Poll: Who Will Be the First Indie Punk Band Inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame?
I've posted a new poll on the left asking the question "Who Will Be the First Indie Punk Band Inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame?" I tried tried to include of of the important bands, but if I missed any, please add them in the comments section.
Video of the Day
“Old Time Melody” by O Fidelis and Ryan Lawson
This song is FANTASTIC!!!!!
Thanks to Oklahoma Rock Newsblog for the find.
This song is FANTASTIC!!!!!
Thanks to Oklahoma Rock Newsblog for the find.
Which is the Better Customizable Internet Radio: Pandora or Last.fm?
I’ve been playing around with customizable internet radio sites the past few days, specifically with Pandora and Last.fm, but I can’t decide which one I like better. Both have their pluses and minuses. Overall I find Pandora a bit cumbersome and often missing some of the artists I’d like to listen to, but it doesn’t just play the artists that I ask it to (which can be good and bad). What I like about Last.fm is that it is more than a radio site, in fact the radio function is just one feature. It also has tons of artists, especially ones on very small labels and that I like a lot, but I’ve noticed that some songs seem to get repeated more than others and that is a bit frustrating. I’m relatively new to using these types of services/sites so I’d like to get some opinions from those who have more experience with them. What is your favorite customizable internet radio site and why?
With All the Talk of Budget Woes…
Why doesn’t the government first do a systematic audit of all departments to cut waste and fraud? We could save billions be simply figuring out where the money that we do spend actually goes and tighten up from there.
Here’s a perfect example –
As much as $60 billion in U.S. tax dollars has been lost to waste and fraud in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past decade due to lax oversight of contractors, poor planning and corruption, according to an independent panel.
[…]
The commission cited numerous examples of waste, including a $360 million U.S.-financed agricultural development program in Afghanistan. The effort began as a $60 million project in 2009 to distribute vouchers for wheat seed and fertilizer in drought-stricken areas of northern Afghanistan. The program expanded into the south and east. Soon the U.S. was spending a $1 million a day on the program, creating an environment ripe for waste and abuse, the commission said.
"Paying villagers for what they used to do voluntarily destroyed local initiatives and diverted project goods into Pakistan for resale," the commission said.
The Afghan insurgency's second largest funding source after the illegal drug trade is the diversion of money from U.S.-backed construction projects and transportation contracts, according to the commission. But the report does not say how much money has been funneled to the insurgency. The money typically is lost when insurgents and warlords threaten Afghan subcontractors with violence unless they pay for protection, according to the report.
The Associated Press reported earlier this month that U.S. military authorities in Kabul believe $360 million in U.S. tax dollars has ended up in the hands of people the American-led coalition has spent nearly a decade battling: the Taliban, criminals and power brokers with ties to both. The military said only a small percentage of the $360 million has been garnered by the Taliban and insurgent groups. Most of the money was lost to profiteering, bribery and extortion by criminals and power brokers.
Talk about a waste of money. Before we start gutting programs, why not first figure out what in the world is actually being done with our tax dollars and then streamline, reorganize, and cut waste and fraud? Wouldn’t it make more sense to actually understand the budget before we start cutting programs? I know that there are people on both sides on the isle that just want to cut things that they don’t like, but that attitude is asinine. Our politicians need to do a real and true assessment of the budget and go from there, first gutting waste and fraud and then determining which things need to be cut.
Currently Listening
1. “The Kids Just Sleep” by Buffalo Tom (from Skins Disc 1)
2. “This War” by Chad Price (from Smile Sweet Face)
3. “Until the Next Cliffhanger” by Doug McKean (from Concerto for Second Fiddle)
4. “Little Mascara” by The Replacements (from Tim [Expanded Edition])
5. “See Through” by Sinkhole (from Space Freak)
6. “Killing Time” by Old Man Marley (from Guts n’ Teeth)
7. “Twenty Five” by Great Cynics (from Don’t Need Much)
8. “If I Ever Stray” by Frank Turner (from England Keep My Bones)
9. “Hooidge” by ALL (from Allroy Sez)
10. “Anything But You” by Riverboat Gamblers (from Smash/Grab)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Great Band Alert: Meiko
Meiko is a singer/songwriter originally from Roberta, Georgia. Her sound is a mixture of folk with pop, just listen to her 2008 single “Boys with Girlfriends” below, it is a ridiculously infectious little ditty. She has a new album sue out later this year entitled The Bright Side and is currently on tour opening up for Tulsa’s own Hanson. That tour will be making a stop at Cains Ballroom in September 20th.
For more information on Meiko check out her official website, BandCamp, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Last.fm, and Wikipedia pages.
10 Questions with Fos
Fos is an indie rock/pop band that reminds me of a mixture between Lily Allen, OK SWEETHEART, Lenka, She & Him, and Rilo Kiley. The band recently released their debut EP We Are through BandCamp (see my review here).
This interview was conducted with lead singer KeriLe Blossom via email August 9-28, 2001.
Dave: How did the band get together?
KeriLe Blossom: We all met through the Academy of Contemporary Music (aka ACM@UCO). We are all proud to be apart of the first graduating class from the ACM@UCO.
We joined our musical talents on Dec 19th 2011. I (Keri) have been pursuing a solo music career for awhile. It was a personal goal of mine by the end of my third semester to play a live set, with my mostly original songs and with a backing band. So when I asked Donald, Chavez and Zach to play in this "backing band" it was for this one show. However, to make a long story short, we all really enjoyed each other. Practices were a blast and we realized we not only worked well together as musicians but we work well together professionally. We bonded over the month that we had to prepare for the show. We had a good buzz from our peers and we all had so much fun that we decided that we wanted to make this a "real" band! :D And the rest is history...
Dave: You recently released your debut EP We Are through BandCamp. What made you decide to release it through BandCamp? Are there any plans for a physical release?
KeriLe: Bandcamp has really made a name for itself as far as being easy for musicians to access and fans to find music. There is plans for a physical release in the future :D ...
Dave: What are your thoughts on being a digital only artist versus one that releases music the old fashioned way (i.e. CDs and vinyl records)? Do you think that the digital age has been good for music and musicians?
KeriLe: Turntable.fm was a success for us. At the time of the release we had only been a band for 7 months. Though Fos is creating a nice buzz for ourselves around the metro, we felt that doing a physical release the "old fashion" way would be a bit disappointing. Not that we don't have confidence in our music... however, we are just to young right now to headline a show and to have a very successful turnout. When we came across Turntable.FM this provided opportunity to be unique and for people to make a small commitment to the "show" and we were right! We had about 70 people sign in that night to view our music and about 100 downloads. We have friend from all over the US, so we had people attend our shows from NYC - LA. We thought that was pretty cool! :D
Dave: Will you be touring in support of We Are? Is there anywhere that you’d really like to play or bands/artists that you’d like to play with?
KeriLe: We have a lot of plans for the future, hopefully by the summer of 2012 we can take a small tour. As far as artist we want to play with..... EVERYONE! :D Ha but seriously, there are a handful of local artist we would love to share the stage with ... i.e. Deerpeople, Mayola, Sherree Chamberlain and the list goes on. As far as famous people... um right now it would be pretty cool to open for the Kings of Leon.
Dave: Have you had any interest from any record labels? Are there any labels that you’d like to work with?
KeriLe: We would love to work with a label. Though it seems to be a big bad word in the music industry, we still think this is a good goal. Do we have to be "signed" to a label to be successful, no. However, the partnership with a large group of people who have connections get our music heard sounds good to us! :D
With that being said, no we have not been approached by a label, nor have we shopped ourselves out to labels. There are still many things that we need to have in order before we throw ourselves to the industry. But we will ... soon.
Dave: Do you have any plans for a full length album?
KeriLe: WE DOOOOO!!!! We are heading back to the studio in Oct. We plan to record 4-5 more songs. As it turns out these songs will be attached to the 4 songs that we released on turntable.fm. We have some cool adjustments to add to the songs that we have already release and we are looking forward to the new songs that we are recording. This album will be packed and sold! :D
Dave: What are your thoughts on the music scene in Oklahoma?
KeriLe: OMG!!! I am so proud of Oklahoma and the musicianship here. So many people are to be admired and respected. We are putting this great state on the maps! :D
Dave: This is a High Fidelity inspired question. What are your top five favorite bands/artists, albums, movies, TV shows, books/authors?
KeriLe: Collectively –
Music
Radio Head- Ok Computer
As Tall as Lions- ALL ALBUMS
Strokes- Is this it
Kings of Leon - Only by the night
Kanya West- Late registration
Vampire Week - contra
Dirty Projectors- Bitte Orca
Arcade Fire- Neon Bible
Brand New- the devil and god are raging inside me
Mogwai
Explosion in the Sky
Blink 182
KT Tunstall
Dead Sea Choir
TV
Dexter
Jersey Shore
Criminal Minds
House
Wilfred
Books/Authors
Kurt Vonnegut
Douglas Adams
The Alchemist- Paulo Coelho
The Twilight Saga
Dave: What’s next for Fos?
KeriLe: Our first headlining show!!!! This is scheduled for the month on January. We will have been a band for 1 year..so this show is going to be BIG!!! A ton of work and preparation is going into this so this is a show you do not want to miss! :D
Dave: Any final thoughts?
KeriLe: Thanks Dave for the interest and asking us these questions. Look forward to seeing you at a future show.
Currently Listening
1. “The Truth” by Drag the River (from Chicken Demos)
2. “All The Time Every Time” by Great Cynics (from Don’t Need Much)
3. “Favorite Thing” by The Replacements (from Let It Be [Deluxe Edition])
4. “Print On Paper” by Stephen Egerton & Chris DeMakes (from The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton)
5. “Feel Wrong” by Wagers (from New Guilt)
6. “Kiss Off” by Violent Femmes (from Violent Femmes)
7. “Texas Cops” by Tim Barry (from Manchester)
8. “Radio” by Junior Battles (from Idle Ages)
9. “Breakin’ Down” by The GC5 (from Never Bet the Devil Your Head)
10. “Never Take It Off” by Automatic Loveletter (from The Kids Will Take Their Monsters On)
2. “All The Time Every Time” by Great Cynics (from Don’t Need Much)
3. “Favorite Thing” by The Replacements (from Let It Be [Deluxe Edition])
4. “Print On Paper” by Stephen Egerton & Chris DeMakes (from The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton)
5. “Feel Wrong” by Wagers (from New Guilt)
6. “Kiss Off” by Violent Femmes (from Violent Femmes)
7. “Texas Cops” by Tim Barry (from Manchester)
8. “Radio” by Junior Battles (from Idle Ages)
9. “Breakin’ Down” by The GC5 (from Never Bet the Devil Your Head)
10. “Never Take It Off” by Automatic Loveletter (from The Kids Will Take Their Monsters On)
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Currently Listening
1. “Crack Whore” by The Fluffy Whites (from Crack Whore)
2. “Home Measures” by Great Cynics (from Don’t Need Much)
3. “Avenue B” by Hudson Falcons (from Dancing Underneath the Moonlight)
4. “Don’t Touch Me” by Klipspringer (from The Trouble with Sebastian)
5. “Living and Learning” by Old Man Markley (from Guts n’ Teeth)
6. “Make It Stop (September’s Children)” by Rise Against (from Endgame)
7. “New Guilt” by Wagers (from New Guilt)
8. “Time on My Own” by Swingin’ Utters (from Here, Under Protest)
9. “Campaign Song ‘93” by Jon Snodgrass and Friends (from Tri-State Record)
10. “Don’t Come Around” by John Moreland (from Earthbound Blues)
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Rediscovering Star Trek
When I was in junior high school I was a huge Star Trek fan, a Trekkie for sure. At the time Star Trek: The Next Generation was in full swing and the original cast was still making movies (Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country came out around this time). I stopped following Star Trek around the time that Star Trek: Deep Space Nine came out and only sporadically caught the films on video (and completely missed the Voyager and Enterprise series). Recently I picked up some of the Next Generation series DVDs from the library and was reminded how much I loved this show and its message. For the past few weeks I’ve been watching various seasons of TNG and yesterday I watched the films First Contact and Nemesis, the latter of which nearly brought me to tears (yes I’m that much of a lush).
I think what I enjoy more than anything in the Star Trek universe is creator Gene Roddenberry’s vision of the future. His vision of a time when humanity has let go of so many of the things that keep us held down and pushed back. TNG was a series of morality tales that tried to answer many of our deepest questions about life, death, and what it is to be human. And to me that is what makes this show, and the movies, so special. Not the flashy special effects or the action, but the stories and the lessons that they teach.
Currently Listening
1. “This Little Girl” by Cady Groves (from This Little Girl)
2. “Stuart and the Ave.” by Green Day (from Insomniac)
3. “Send the Pilots Away” by Junior Battles (from Idle Ages)
4. “Roll with the Punches” by Lenka (from Two)
5. “It’s Really Hard To” by The New Rochelles (from It’s New!)
6. “Parasite Friend” by Riverboat Gamblers (from Smash/Grab)
7. “Henchman” by Teenage Bottlerocket (from Mutilate Me)
8. “Different” by Ximena Sarinana (from Ximena Sarinana)
9. “Meant to Be” by Tommy Stinson (from One Man Mutiny)
10. “Embrace the Sound” by Drag the River (from Closed)
Friday, August 26, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Album Review: The Trouble with Sebastian
Title: The Trouble with Sebastian (BandCamp)
On their Last.fm page, Klipspringer is described as “Hardcore Pop and Softcore Punk.” After listening to The Trouble with Sebastian, the band’s fifth album, I’d have to agree with that tag line. The band has been making sounds since the mid ‘90s but somehow I’ve completely missed them until now (which has certainly been my loss).
The Trouble with Sebastian is an excellent mix of pop, new wave, and punk in a The Rentals meets They Might Be Giants meets The Briefs meets The Epoxies kind of way. The album’s opening track “Same Ol’ Song” is a catchy mid-tempo number that picks up for a crescendo filled chorus. “Make the Suburbs Glow” starts with a haunting piano and turns into a rockin’ number that is just way too fun. For the most part the record continues on in the same fashion (“Happy Birthday Baby” and “A-OK Big Funtime Dancing” do break this mold, the latter being an electronic song and the former a ballad).
After hearing The Trouble with Sebastian I will definitely have to go back and check out Klipspringer’s earlier releases. And if you have never heard Klipspringer but like infectious pop/punk/new wave then I highly suggest you check out The Trouble with Sebastian.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Album Review: Shed
Title Fight play a mixture of post hardcore, pop punk, and emo that harkens back to bands like Sunny Day Real Estate, Hot Water Music, and Seaweed and also reminds me a bit of OKC’s own Red City Radio. Shed is the band’s full length debut record and their first release on SideOneDummy Records.
Produced by the legendary Walter Schreifels (of Gorilla Biscuits and Quicksand fame) Shed is an extremely tight and well produced album. The opening track “Coxton Yard” is one of my favorites on the record. It is a melodic hardcore blast that keeps the head bobbing, while the rest of the album changes from faster style melodic hardcore to mid-tempo to nearly slow post hardcore numbers. Another standout moment is “Flood of ’72.” Overall I think that this record works best during the faster moments, that’s not to say that the slower songs aren’t good because they are, I just prefer the faster ones.
Title Fight is another younger band that shows a lot of promise. If you are a fan of any of the aforementioned bands then I highly suggest you give Title Fight’s Shed a listen.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
EP Review: Smash/Grab
The Riverboat Gamblers latest is Smash/Grab, a four song EP that is their debut for Paper + Plastick Records. The Gamblers have been around for quite a while, yet this is the first time that I’ve ever listened to one of their releases (I did see them live once when they played a show at the Green Door with the Street Dogs, The Briefs, and Throw Rag, and man what a show that was!).
The four songs on Smash/Grab all have great intensity and the almost low fi production gives the EP a nearly live feel to it. The band’s style of garage punk rock comes through on this record, but one can also tell than this is a transition piece, showing their ability to craft some very catchy rock ‘n’ roll songs. The EP’s standout moment is the incredible “Parasite Friend,” and extremely poppy number that reminds me of the great garage rock of the 1960s.
The band that keeps coming to mind when I listened to Smash/Grab is The Weaklings who were this completely killer garage punk band in the late ‘90s. In a lot of ways I think that the Riverboat Gamblers have taken up the mantle that The Weaklings had carried and have run with it. This is truly great stuff!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Album Review: Hither & Yon
Reverse the Curse is a young band (just barely three years out of high school) hailing from Hiram, OH that plays post hardcore in the vein of Hot Water Music, Traindodge, Jawbox, and Seaweed.
Hither & Yon, the band’s debut album, opens with “Bell, Book & Candle,” a song that starts with minimal guitar before opening up with the three-piece’s full power and then going back down for a moment as the vocals start. The track does a great job of setting the stage for the record. The songs are at moments catchy, at moments melodic, and at moments off kilter. My favorite song on the record is “Serotonin,” an incredibly melodic number that reminds me of Seaweed’s best moments and is probably the most traditional rock song on the album.
Reverse the Curse is a band that shows a great deal of promise. Even though they are young, they have played together for a number of years (going back to the 6th grade) and are accomplished musicians. Fans of post hardcore should definitely check out Hither & Yon.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Great Band Alert: Ximena Sariñana
Ximena Sariñana is a singer-songwriter from Guadalajara, Mexico. In 2008 she released her debut album Mediocre and released her self-titled follow up this month. What caught my attention was her fantastic video of the new album’s first single, the uplifting “Different” (see below). Ximena Sariñana is certainly on my list of records to get this year.
For more information on Ximena Sariñana check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, Last.fm, and Wikipedia pages.
Thanks to MTV Buzzworthy Blog for the find.
Album Review: It’s New!
Title: It’s New! (BandCamp)
Hailing from Long Beach, NY The New Rochelles play good times, high energy pop punk in the vein of the Ramones, Screeching Weasel, Teenage Bottlerocket, and The Copyrights. It’s New! is the band’s debut album and what a debut it is. The record, top to bottom, is catchy as hell full with plenty of tongue-in-cheek lyrics and not a song over two minutes. In fact if you’re not careful while listening to it, the 12 songs can fly past before you realized what happened. It’s New! can easily hold it’s own against any of the pop punk classic records and should become a classic itself. If you are a fan of any of the aforementioned bands or The Queers, The Mr. T Experience, Sinkhole, The Methadones, or The Riverdales then you really, really need to check out The New Rochelles.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Isaac Hanson Calls Out Kings of Leon
You gotta love this –
Kings of Leon are clearly going through some inner turmoil with the recent cancellation of their national tour, and fellow Okie Isaac Hanson, who fronts a family-band himself, has no problem voicing his disapproval of KOL’s actions.
In a conversation with WENN, Isaac said, “I have a hard time with musicians who act like pricks because it just makes me mad.” He also feels that artists should be more humble. He continued, “If you’re actually making a living doing it, pinch yourself every day, because it goes if you don’t love it and people will eventually get pissed off.”
Echoing the sentiment of some downtrodden fans, Isaac took on KOL specifically. “I’m gonna call somebody out on it – the Kings of Leon are running some risks,” he said. “They’re irritating people and you can’t do that too much. Eventually the bad boy image affects fans’ willingness to show up.”
I couldn’t agree more. There is nothing more irritating than musicians with attitudes. The whole rock star mentality is disgusting. These people should be thankful for the opportunities that they have and humbled that they have fans.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Great Band Alert: Alex Winston
Hailing from Bloomfield Hills, MI, Alex Winston is an indie pop singer-songwriter who singed to Island Records earlier this year and released the Sister Wife EP. Winston was classically trained in opera and has an outstanding voice (and one that isn’t easy to describe).
If you are a fan of artists like Kate Nash, OK SWEETHEART, and Eliza Doolittle then I suggest you give Alex Winston a listen.
For more information on Alex Winston check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, Last.fm, and Wikipedia pages.
Thanks to HuffPost Celebrity for the find.
More Pretentious Band Photos
Am I the only one that groans when seeing a picture like this? I’m sure these are some nice kids and all but damn do they look pretentious.
Thanks to Dying Scene for the find.
Album Review: Commerce And Marx
Landmines play high energy melodic hardcore in the vein of Pennywise, Bad Religion, and Rise Against. As one might expect the 13 songs on Commerce And Marx are fast, angry, and leftist (at least from what I can tell without a lyric sheet). The guitars crunch, the drums are at break-neck speeds, and the vocals have that sing-a-long quality that is often popular in hardcore. When I first listened to Commerce And Marx I got the impression that these guys grew up on and love the early ‘90s era Epitaph and Fat bands. The influence of that era is dripping from every note, but upon further listens I also started to hear post hardcore and emo influences, specifically Rise Against.
The band is extremely capable, the production is right, and the songs are pretty good. All in all Commerce And Marx is a pretty good punk rock/melodic hardcore album. If you are a fan of any of the aforementioned bands then I highly suggest you give Landmines’ Commerce And Marx a listen.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Alkaline Trio Posts Cover of the Muppets' “Movin’ Right Along”
Alkaline Trio has posted their cover of the Muppets classic “Movin’ Right Along” on PureVolume. The track is part of the upcoming album Muppets: The Green Album which is due out August 23rd.
Thanks to PunkNews.org for the find.
Ben Weasel Breaks His Silence
Ben Weasel has finally broken his silence five-some-odd months after the incident at SXSW and the aftermath. In traditional Weasel fashion, Ben comes off as a bit of a jerk (he self admits that being an ass is part of his stage act). His version of the imploding of Screeching Weasel differs from that of the former band mates (he states that he fired them). Obviously I have no idea what happened in the moments and days after the incident in Austin, but I suspect that the actual truth of the matter is somewhere in-between Mr. Weasel’s rant and the rest of the band’s press release. I’m sure that Ben felt a sense of betrayal after his longtime partner in Screeching Weasel and Riverdales crime Dan Vapid lead the charge of leaving the band but his complete attack of the man in this blog post seems a bit over the top (not knowing either man I can’t say that he’s wrong or right).
This entire fiasco just seems so sad and needless. I know that there are those that think being in a punk band means that you have to be a dick, but I completely reject that notion. Do some people need to learn to take a joke? Yes. Do drunks act like idiots? Yes. Do people spend too much time worrying about what folks on the internet are going to say? Yes. So here we have a perfect example of a situation where, it appears from the outside at least, a lot of people made a lot of bad choices and many are trying to paint themselves in the best light possible. I’m sure that it will all end well. (If you couldn’t tell I was being sarcastic there.)
Thanks to PunkNews.org for the find.
Thanks to PunkNews.org for the find.
Album Review: Idle Ages
Junior Battles is a pop punk band hailing from Toronto, Canada and Idle Ages is their full-length debut album. The band’s sound reminds me of a mix between The Copyrights and Alkaline Trio, with a huge ‘90s pop punk influence.
The record opens with “Seventeen,” an anthem about the compromises of growing up. “Twenty Five” and “Nostalgic at 23” also deal with issues of becoming an adult while adding twists to the standard pop punk formula. “Ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated?” and “Birthdayparties vs. Punkroutine” are both songs that have odd start and stop moments that show the band stretching the pop punk model. The rest of the album continues in this same fashion, catchy songs about being young that stretch the boundaries of pop punk.
Idle Ages is a very good debut album from a band that shows a great deal of promise. I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with next. Great for fans of The Copyrights, Alkaline Trio, Jimmy Eat World, and ‘90s pop punk.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
10 Questions with Brian Cagle (of Coyote Teeth and Devil Christ)
Brian Cagle is a singer, songwriter, drummer extraordinaire who is the voice behind Coyote Teeth and the beat behind Devil Christ.
This interview was conducted via email August 11-13, 2011 .
For more information on Coyote Teeth check out their Facebook, MySpace, ReverbNation, and SoundClick pages. For more information about Devil Christ check out their Facebook and ReverbNation pages. And for more information on The Coyote Den check out their official blog.
Dave: When did you first start playing and writing music? How many different instruments can you play?
Brian Cagle: I started playing guitar when I was 7 or 8. I began to focus on writing in my 8th grade creative writing class. I play guitar, bass, drums.
Dave: You are currently playing in Coyote Teeth and Devil Christ. What’s the story behind these bands? How would you describe the music of each to those who are new to your work?
Brian: Coyote Teeth is my singer songwriter project. I spent a few years isolating, focused on writing songs based on my perception of things going on around me in Enid , OK
Devil Christ is the product of my philosophy on playing. Shilo Brown a.k.a. Bloody Ol Mule was warming up at one of my house shows in Enid
Dave: As a musician, is it challenging playing in two different bands, playing different instrument?
Brian: I wouldn't say it's challenging. I'm in a good place when I play for people. I'm the type of musician that feels playing keeps me alive. I love every minute of it. That way I never get bored, or burned out. It also makes the spectrum that I can create in wider.
Dave: What are your favorite places to play and favorite bands/artists to play with?
Brian: Hands down my favorite place to play has been Weber's Deck in French Lake , Minnesota Clarksdale , Mississippi Cookeville , Tenn.
My favorite artists I like to play with, are Shilo Brown, and artists I meet traveling. I met Ryan Russel in Minnesota
Dave: As a songwriter do you have any type of songwriting process? What inspirers you to write?
Brian: I write many of my songs in the car or van. I get a big amount of windshield time, so much of it happens there. Otherwise it pops in my head, and I always keep paper handy.
Dave: Devil Christ just released their debut. What are your future plans for recording/releasing material with Coyote Teeth? Are there any record labels that you’d like to work with (either band)?
Brian: I am in the process this weekend of recording the next Coyote Teeth album. I am taking a D.I.Y. approach and recording it under Coyote Den Records. I'm keeping options open on labels. You never know when an opportunity will arise.
Dave: What are your thoughts on the music scene in Oklahoma
Brian: I'd rather travel.
Dave: This is a High Fidelity inspired question. What are your top five favorite bands/musical artists, albums, movies, TV shows, books/authors?
Brian: -Jimi Hendrix, Elliott Smith, Jeff Buckley, The Band, The Kinks
_The Golden Road , Siamese Dream, Stand by Your Van, From a Basement on a Hill, Electric Ladyland
-Dune, Altered States, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Full Metal Jacket, The Boondock Saints
-WWII in HD, Sealab 2021, Squidbillies, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Robot Chicken
-Das Energi, Be Here Now, Ham on Rye
Dave: What’s next for you?
Brian: Touring, Recording, Merch. Writing, networking, meeting new friends
Dave: Any final thoughts?
Brian: Be and appreciate who you are. If you only have one life, make the best of it. Do what you do for the right reasons.
Album Review: Domesplitter
Direct Hit! plays anthematic (is that even a word?) pop punk that sounds like a mix between The Riverdales and the Street Dogs. The songs are catchy, the choruses are huge, and the energy level is nearing 11, which makes Domesplitter a fun listen. Admittedly this is one of those records that’s a bit hard to review because it is what it is and once stated there’s not much else to say. What can be said is that this is a very, very good punk rock record that can easily hold its own with the likes of Back to the World, Riverdales, Set Your Goals, and Sex, Love, and Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Great for fans of Teenage Bottlerocket, The Riverdales, Ramones, Street Dogs, The Copyrights, The Ducky Boys, CIV, and Social Distortion.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Album Review: The Kids Will Take Their Monsters On
Artist: Automatic Loveletter (Official, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, PureVolume, Last.fm, Wikipedia)
Automatic Loveletter’s follow up last year’s Truth or Dare, and their Paper & Plastick Records debut, is an ambitious step for the band because The Kids Will Take Their Monsters On is primarily acoustic. Despite the acoustic nature of the record, the band stays very true to their sound and style.
Stylistically these songs are emo and pop punk influenced pop. Thematically the record deals with a verity of personal issues ranging from love and relationships to identity. What makes this record and band work is the desperation behind lead singer’s Juliet Simms raspy vocals. She sings with a distinctive passion that brings the emotions of the songs to life.
Like I mentioned in my review of Truth or Dare, I think that Automatic Loveletter has a lot of potential to become an immensely popular band (maybe even the next Paramore). These songs are accessible without being bland or contrived and could really catch on with kids that are growing out of their Radio Disney phase and looking for something a little more down-to-earth.
Controversy on the Street
For years I’ve heard people grumble about Sesame Street. In fact once when I was working in retail I remember hearing someone say that he wouldn’t let his kids watch Sesame Street because Bert and Ernie were gay. At the time I was floored by the ignorance of this gentleman’s proclamation. First there was his obvious distaste for homosexuals (bigotry towards gays has always made me ill). On top of that though was his ridiculous conclusion that these two Muppets were gay. I didn’t go any further on the topic with him but I suspect that he thought they were gay because why else would two men live together, right? Apparently he wasn’t alone in believing that Bert and Ernie were a couple. A petition was circulated on Facebook asking that Bert and Ernie get married.
Okay, I am very pro-gay and have been for years. I also support gay marriage, but Sesame Street is NOT the right forum to be discussing these issues. For one thing, it is ignorant to assume that roommates of the same gender are lovers. For another thing we’re talking about Muppets here people…MUPPETS. They are asexual (you know, kind of like Morrissey…sorry I couldn’t resist). In response to the controversy, the producers of Sesame Street have announced that Bert and Ernie are in fact not gay.
But, in a written statement released yesterday, Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organisation behind Sesame Street, insisted the relationship was strictly Platonic."Bert and Ernie are best friends," it said. "They were created to teach pre-schoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves."
Sadly I’m sure this will not end this absurd debate.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Album Review: Don’t Need Much
Great Cynics is a power pop / indie rock band from the UK
Don’t Need Much opens with the Buffalo
Don’t Need Much is a great full-length debut from a band that I hope to be following for years to come. Their earnest and honest music is great to hear. If you have never heard Great Cynics but are a fan of the likes of The Gaslight Anthem, Billy Bragg, Against Me!, Frank Turner, or Buffalo Tom then I highly suggest that you give Don’t Need Much a listen.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
EP Review: I Do
Title: I Do (BandCamp)
Defining Time play that kind of indie folk that seems to be all the rage these days (see Fleet Foxes, Other Lives, Bon Iver). The songs are slow to mid-tempo with layers of guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums with, at times, hauntingly falsetto lead vocals.
I Do opens with the short “Limelight,” which reminds me of Rilo Kiley, mostly because of the opening notes of the song. “California
I Do is Defining Times debut release and something that I could really see catching on with the modern indie scene. If you are a fan of that brand of indie folk that has been made famous by the like of Fleet Foxes and Other Lives then you should definitely check out Defining Times.
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
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