WE'VE MOVED!

ALL MATERIAL/WRITING HAS MOVED!

CHECK IT OUT AT:

http://backstage-press.blogspot.com/

BACKSTAGE PRESS IS THE NEW PROFESSIONAL ONLINE BLOG.

SAME GREAT BLOG, BRAND NEW LOOK.

THANKS FOR READING.

The Best Boston Has To Offer

Well it's been about a year that I've been living near Boston. In that time I've been able to see a ton of shows in and around the city (not counting the four years of undergrad I spent commuting to the city to mosh). And in that time I've had the pleasure of being to some of the best clubs Boston has to offer, so I figured I'd let you in on some of my favorites.

House of Blues - Boston

The HOB just opened it's doors early this year, and has quickly become the gem of Lansdowne Street. Taking over where the Avalon and Axis once stood, the HOB boasts a 2,500 person capacity, three levels of viewing and at least

one bar on every level. So far their line-up has been nothing short of stellar. Jimmy Eat World, Bayside and New Found Glory have already taken the stage. Rise Against, Rancid, Taking Back Sunday, Anberlin and Envy on the Coast are all set to perform this summer. Intimate, yet large enough to support bigger acts, the HOB has got my vote of approval.

Harper's Ferry - Allston, MA

Located in the heart of Allston Rock City, Harper's stands as one of the greatest clubs Boston has to offer. It's small, so seeing one of your favorite bands play here is like having them play in your parent's basement. You can always

meet up with the band before or after the set. Chances are they'll be walking around the little dig. If that isn't enough to hook you, check out their bar. This place has got the cleanest, coldest and best tasting beer I've ever had from a tap. You won't be disappointed.

T.T. the Bear's - Cambridge, MA

This place is great if you're into the local scene, or just seeing live music seven nights a week. Every once in a while T.T.'s hosts a bigger act such as Rise Against who packed the small club last October. Check out a video I did with the band from that show here. The place is really easy to find too. Just a short walk from the red line, and located directly next to the Middle East, T.T.'s screams locality. A staple for any Boston scenster. 

The Middle East - Cambridge, MA

Speak of the devil. Yep, the Middle East, as I was saying, is yet another jewel in Boston's rock club line-up. Right on Mass. Ave., the club is easy to get to. Be sure to check out the upstairs for a drink and bite to eat before heading downstairs to the stage area. If you're of legal age feel free to grab a wristband and hang in the 21+ area. It's right off to the side of the stage, and gets you practically front row. They've got seats in the back for you, and a bar serving cheap beer and free water (trust me, free water is a big deal). You don't get that kind of deal in the Hartford scene. Rock on Boston.

Newbury Comics - Norwood, MA

In the mood for something acoustic? Want to meet your favorite band, and then shop for some vinyl? Well the Newbury Comics in Norwood has got you covered. It's huge, so you can get anything your little heart desires. And then after that feel free to watch a quick acoustic set on NC's small stage near the back of the store. Since the place opened up late last year everyone from Bayside to Rise Against and Taking Back Sunday have hit this place to connect with their fans. It's a little out of the way, but hey, isn't the journey half the fun?

Well, now you know where to go. So get off your ass, and start moshing. I'm pretty sure each one of these places has got a sweet line-up for the summer. Check it out... and then let me know how it goes. Have fun!

Digital Magazines? How Do You Read That on the Toilet?

It's no surprise that the field of print journalism is dying quicker than Sum 41's career, and as sorry as I am to say it, we in the punk scene are not immune to it. Last week our monthly issued Bible, Alternative Press, officially started an online version of its magazine. 

Now, even though it's quite cool that you'll be able to access AP virtually anywhere from your iphone, I can't help but think this might be the end of our hardcopy. This has been a trend lately in the industry. We as readers are slowly seeing the downsizing of the industry. A while back Rolling Stone Magazine, famous for its oversized rag, downsized to your normal run-of-the-mill 8.5 x 11 inch sizing.

Unfortunately, it didn't stop there. Apparently the idea spread around the entertainment industry, and soon enough we saw AP downsizing its very own specially sized magazine. 

They kept going, too. If you were a subscriber of AP before October of last year, you'd know that not only did you get your mag a week earlier than everyone else, but you also got a special subscribers only cover. Well, cross that off your list. In the craze to pinch pennies, AP decided to discontinue subscriber only covers. 

Personally, I think that's a bunch of garbage. Part of the reason I subscribed to AP was for that subscriber only cover. It was always the best looking picture, and was a great collectors item. (And we all know how everyone in our scene is a collector of something or other)

So what's to make of this? I guess we can complain over and over again, but I don't think anything is going to change. Fact of the matter is that we've got to get used to the idea that most likely, within the next few years, most of what we read will be online. 

But it's not all that bad. Hell, you're reading this right now, and... well... you can only get it online. Thanks for checking it out.

Pop-Punk Playlist, Summer '09

Summer is just around the corner which means you'll be driving to a ton of shows, band practices and Taco Bell well after 1 in the morning. So of course, you're going to need some good music to pump through your speakers. That's why I've decided to give you a little help with this playlist of my top 10 pop-punk songs for summer '09. With any luck, this selection can be the soundtrack to your summer.

Capital H - Motion City Soundtrack

This song is like an appetizer to all things pop-punk. MCS's brilliant mix of crunchy guitars and synthesized

melodies via Jesse Johnson's Moog make Capital H a tune that's going to be stuck in your head all summer. I mean, how could you not love a song with lyrics like: Singing songs from the balcony as the city crumbles/Under the powers of an evil doctor rocket science monster/With capabilities to destroy the entire universe. Amazing.

All Downhill From Here - New Found Glory

It's okay to be a little nostalgic for the summer of 2004 so long as you can still rock out to this instant classic off NFG's Catalyst record. All Downhill From Here is the perfect song to accent your playlist. It's fast, catchy and just makes you wanna mosh until you pass out, or die from laughing that you and your friends are actually moshing in your parents' basement. Which ever comes first. 

Burn This City - Cartel

This pop-punk track off Cartel's Chroma is an anthem to youth. It's perfect for summer listening. Complete with group sing alongs, palm muted guitars and a vocal range that only Cartel's Will Pugh could hit, Burn This City will burn itself into your memory as a song you've just got to come back to every summer. 

Reckless Abandon - Blink 182

You didn't think I'd forget about Blink, did you? Reckless Abandon describes pretty much every party you've ever been to, and any party you will go to this summer. Smashing windows, eating pizza, having your dog mistakenly eat your special brownies and finally getting some...in a parking lot. It's all in there. 

Anthem, Part 2 - Blink 182

Okay, no summer pop-punk mix would be complete with only one Blink song! That's why Anthem

has got to be in there. It's probably one of Blink's catchiest songs that didn't make radio. Just let yourself get lost in Tom Delonge's angelic voice and Mark Hoppus' perfect bass playing. Hell, while you're at it, why don't you just listen to all of Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. It can be your backup when you drunkly lose this mix CD at the beach. 

Alex In Wonderland - This Time Next Year

A modern pop-punk masterpiece, Alex In Wonderland is bound to get you singing horribly out of key in your car. Maybe I like it so much because it starts with a drum intro so reminiscent of Blink-182's First Date that you'll be playing both songs over each other to see if there's any difference. Really though, there's not. Check out their video for Alex in Wonderland right here.

Party Scene - All Time Low

I'll admit it, I totally dig this ATL song. Look, if it wasn't for all their 14 year-old fans, I might actually go see them in concert. Until then, I am more than happy to listen to Party Scene off ATL's Put Up or Shut Up. Be ready to toe-tap your way through Warped Tour traffic with this one.

Basket Case - Green Day

While everyone's busy this summer talking about Green Day's latest release, 21st Century Breakdown,

you can rock it old-school style with Basket Case. The best part is that you can actually say you were alive when Dookie came out in 1994. Hell, you were almost 10. That gives you a lot more street cred than those 10 year-olds buying Breakdown this week. Rock on dude, or should I say sir?

Bouncing Off The Walls - Sugarcult

Yea, this song was in National Lampoon's Van Wilder, which makes it just awesome. Duh. Anyway, you can't go wrong with the song that put Sugarcult on the punk rock map. Bouncing Off The Walls is a dance anthem, so be ready to get looks and stares from everyone you pass on the road while on your way to Dairy Queen. 

The Patron Saint of Liars and Fakes - Fall Out Boy

I know it seems like a long way away, but when summer's ending, let this FOB jam be the one to play you out. It finished off Take This to Your Grave beautifully, and will do the same for your '09 playlist. Trust me. Seriously, can you think of a better song to be jamming to mid-August while driving around at dusk? I didn't think so. Enjoy.

So there you have it. You're all set for summer '09. Well, musically at least. Drink up and stay cool kids. It's going to be a scorcher out there!

An Indie Christmas

Hello avid reader. I am back from my month long hiatus. I took some time to reevaluate the alternative scene, and tried to find something positive. Luckily, I did - and it came at a 30 percent discount.

I'm talking about this year's Record Store Day, of course. It's the one day a year where all of us indie kids

can celebrate our holiday. This year marked the third annual RSD, where over 700 independently owned record stores across the country came together to give us music nerds some huge discounts.

I was lucky enough to hit up two Newbury Comics here north of Boston, and found some awesome deals. They were offering a 30 percent discount on all used CDs, and 20 percent off all vinyl. To feed my newly found hunger for rare music memorabilia I headed over to the Burlington store with one of my favorite readers of this blog (also my drummer).

Inside we found some awesome stuff. We were able to score a whole bunch of free vinyl, including a Kings Of Leon 7-inch. They were also giving away tons of free stickers, buttons and even pint glasses.

We did some shopping, too. I snagged three old blink-182 single CDs, which each came with a few live songs. Taking Back Sunday released a special vinyl with a few songs off their upcoming CD, which my partner-in-crime picked up. I was also able to grab AFI's Love Like Winter on 7-inch, as well as New Found Glory's Listen To Your Friends on blue vinyl. Sweat deal.

We left the Burlington Newbury Comics totally pumped about our small vinyl collection and bag full of free stuff. That's when we decided that hitting the Peabody store would pay off, too. Twenty minutes up 128 and we were there. 

It was a quick trip, and within minutes we were out the door with a used copy of The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show, which was snagged for a mere $14 (I dare you to find a better deal anywhere...or a copy of it for that matter), as well as a 12-inch My Chemical Romance vinyl. And once again, bags of free stuff including Duffy and the Hollywood Undead on vinyl. Go ahead, laugh.

It was a great day. The stores were packed, and the vibe was totally relaxed in that chill-indie-kid-mood sort of way. 

Be on the look out for next year's RSD, sometime in April as usual. We didn't stick around until the afternoon, but many stores opt for in-store performances later in the day from bands ranging from local musicians to Disturbed. Remember them? Yeah, they were in Maine this year at a Bull Moose. Weird.

And on an unrelated note, I hit NC this past weekend for a post-RSD shopping spree and picked myself up a blue 7-inch vinyl of blink-182's They Came To Conquer...Uranus. Yeah, that's right, an original copy released in 1995 featuring the songs Wrecked Him, Waggy and Zulu. The back cover has even got photos of Mark, Tom and Scott (yep, Scott Raynor, blink's original drummer). It's okay to be jealous.

 

Side Projects - Love 'em or Leave 'em

Side projects. They're taking over our scene. Everyone and their mother seems to have some sort of "other band" to play with while their main venture is on hiatus. Whether it's in the popular electronic movement, or something a bit more acoustic, side projects are forming, reforming and disappearing quick. So to help you out, I've decided to give you a list of who to check out and who to down right ignore.

Check out:

Cinematic Sunrise

Ahh, the first side project from Mr. Craig Owens of Chiodos. With a catchy back-to-basics punk 

rock feel, CS leaves you a little less weathered than a normal Chiodos record does. No insane screaming and no off key vocal stretches give CS a sound reminiscent of The Academy Is... or Jimmy Eat World. Mixed with keys and dual guitars you've got a recipe for great music. Be sure to check them out, as well as Owens newest side project, Isles & Glaciers.

The Almost

Any fans of Underoath might be surprised to see the softer side of their drummer Aaron Gillespie with The Almost. No worries though, Gillespie's new band deliver the goods. Citing their Christian faith as their main influence, The Almost rocketed onto the scene a few years back with their hit "Say This Sooner." Since then they've put out an EP entitled "No Gift To Bring," and hit a few tours including one with Paramore and the Warped Tour. Catchy, heavy, soft and awesome sum these guys up. Give them a listen.

William Control

The solo side project from Wil Francis of Aiden is an electric whirlwind of murder, sex and the London underground. It's dark and pessimistic and leaves you a bit pissed off at your ex. The beat does get you tapping your foot though. I wouldn't suggest listening to this while going to sleep, seeing as the end of the record is an actual 911 call from an old woman getting murdered. Yikes! But overall, WC is worth a listen if you're in a horror movie sort of mood.

Plus 44, Angels and Airwaves, Transplants, Boxcar Racer

I grouped these all together because as we all know, they're the side projects from our blink boys. All well worth a listen. Plus and Boxcar give you that real punk/blink feel. AVA takes you on an electronic ride through space, and the Transplants are about as close to the LA hardcore scene as you want to get. Eclectic is the best way to describe these bands. Check them out if you haven't already. 

Forget About:

The Color Fred

Let's just say this side project is probably why we haven't heard anything from Taking Back Sunday in ages. Guitarist Fred Mascherino started this band after leaving TBS a few years back. Though catchy and pop filled, the music is not on par with TBS stuff. Mascherino is better suited as a back up singer than a lead. They're worth a quick listen, but don't waste your money on the album. It's kind of funny though, TCF is on tour right now with Craig Owens. Oh, side projects. How silly.

Person L

We all loved The Starting Line, and then they had to go and break up in the height of their career. Lead singer Kenny Vasoli decided, at 23, to start a side project called Person L. Coming in a lot more mellow, and a lot more acoustic, Person L can easily be forgotten about while playing on your itunes or at a show. Trust me, I saw them once. Cool, but nothing too memorable. 

Sonny

Sonny Moore is finally back from hiding. Ever since he left From First To Last, the music world has been awaiting his return via his self-titled project. He's on tour right now, but not really worth checking out. Don't count on anything remotely close to FFTL from Sonny. His new work is completely electronic with virtually no singing at all. The music sounds more like a club beat rather than punk rock. It's very disappointing. Heck no to techno kids.

Enjoy the music.

The Internet's Fourth Most Dangerous Word - Emo

Emo. 

It's a word that's starting to generate quite a buzz. It seems that no one wants to be associated with it anymore. 

Over the past few years "emo" has evolved from a term describing emotionally charged music into an insult.

No one associates it with good music anymore. 

Perhaps that's because of an endless stream of bad fashion choices (see Gabe Saporta at right), horrid rap/rock acts taking over Warped Tour (see 3oh!3, Brokencyde) and every teenage kid thinking they can identify with a scene they know nothing about. Let's be real, what 15 year old has ever had his/her heart shattered? Quit bitching, and just take the trash out like your dad asked you to. 

Well, it looks like those damn kids have once again ruined what we love. This week Sentry, an internet parental control organization, released a list of the top 10 words parents are monitoring and blocking from their children. "Emo" was ranked the fourth most dangerous word.

Seriously? What about the word "emo" poses a threat to teens? Is it the stereotype that if your child is "emo" he/she will cut themselves and be depressed all the time? I'm pretty sure "emo" actually refers back to those bands who used their emotional side to make great music (see Jimmy Eat World).

Either way, "emo" came in fourth on this list of most parentally monitored internet searches:

1. Suicide
2. Alone
3. Dope
4. Emo
5. Bully
6. Depressed 
7. Skinny
8. Breasts
9. Willy
10. Hate
    

Maybe it's just me, but I think this is ridiculous. It's been blown out of the water. How horrible was it when My 

Chemical Romance was accused of being a "suicide-cult" by the British media because of the death of a fan? A coroner stated that the fan's suicide was to be blamed on "emo" music's obsession with death. Right, because we're all just so dark. It's absurd and opinionated.

If your kid is looking up suicide and depression on the internet, how about you try talking to them and figuring out what the problem is instead of giving them restrictions. I blame this on bad parenting and the disconnected youth of America that never learned the true meaning of music. What a shame.

What do you think?