Don't Judge a Book by its Cover

You know what? I am sick of people looking at me and the bands I listen to like we're uneducated drunks who just like to slam on guitars and scream into microphones. Credit needs to be given where credit is due. And folks, I'd like to point out that these alternative bands, as well as myself, are educated and have an amazing sense of literature which they have woven into their music and messages. 

The list could go on forever, but I'll try to keep it short. 

First, let me start with a little band known as Envy On The Coast. These boys, in their early 20s, have

exploded onto the scene with a sound all their own. But not without a little help from a poet named Homer. 

Remember, he wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey. You probably read them a long time ago. Anyway, EOTC are familiar with these epics, and have pulled on ideas from the Odyssey to form their latest album Lucy Gray. 

Check out how the 12th song entitled "I'm Breathing...Are You Breathing Too?" starts:

No, there is no Odyssey.

There's no Penelope,

just maids and suitors.

Hmm. Kind of makes you think they read it, huh?

Let's move onto a band named Silverstein. Yes, they got their name from writer Shel Silverstein, but that's not the point. Have a listen to a song named "Your Sword vs. My Dagger" and you might just hear some hints to this old English dude named Shakespeare. That's right, everybody's favorite. Weird, these guys kind of understand his writing. 

Check out the lyrics:

Drink the poison when you think it's over.

Stabbing yourself when you think it's too late.

Tragic endings are your thing, you love them.

You love letting go, the ending's the same.

Drink the poison when you think it's over.

Inevitable, Verona lives inside of you.

You might want to re-read Romeo and Juliet and Two Men From Verona to "get" this. Good luck.

Not enough to convince you? Okay, well let's take a look a some hot names in the alternative scene. We'll just see how disconnected from literature these bands really are. Would anyone like to know where the band Chiodos got the name for their last album? It was named Bone Palace Ballet. That's funny, I seem to remember an author

named Charles Bukowski releasing a few poems aptly named Bone Palace Ballet. Since Bukowski's work came out in 1998, I'm assuming lead singer Craig Owens read it, and decided it would be fitting for his band's 2007 release. Wait, he must have read it? Yes.

Oh, and while we're talking about Bukowski, let's not forget another one of his works entitled The Pleasures of the Damned. Sound sort of familiar, kids? That's right, Bayside played off this title with one of their songs. Remember? The Tortures of the Damned.

Like I said, the list could go on forever. I'm trying to keep it short, but I can't help myself. This makes me angry. 

Anyone ever heard of a band called, As I Lay Dying? That's a bad-ass name right? Do you realize that As I Lay Dying is the name of one of American author William Faulkner's most popular novels? No? Oh, you've got so much to learn. 

Okay, one last example for you haters. The band Aiden is recording again, and this time lead singer Wil Francis is looking to a new place for inspiration. Literature. 

He explained this in a brief interview in the latest issue of Alternative Press:

"I spent the last year or so just reading book after book after book, instead of sitting online and e-mailing people or watching TV. I've tried to expand my mind in a literary sense. Instead of writing every song about things that have happened in my life, I'm writing songs about stories, short stories that I've written in the past and turned into songs, or different things that I think are interesting."

Okay, I'm done. Seriously, if this doesn't prove the point that we're not all stupid and we understand literature, I don't know what will. That's really the beauty of music in general though. It can expand your mind into different avenues you didn't know were even out there. Hopefully, some people will recognize the literary influence on the alternative scene today and give us a little credit. We know how to read too!

Yes, I Ate the Last Slice of Pizza

Hey, has anybody noticed that our music scene is saturated with stick figures? That's right, I mean all those kids who look like they haven't eaten in about three years. Honestly, half the bands out there look like Kate Moss with tattoos. It's lame. Where's the love for us scene-sters with a little bit of extra around the mid section?

Well, as a dismayed music lover I have chosen to take a look around the business and find some awesome musicians who not only wear size XL tee-shirts, but freakin' rock too.

The first dude to come to mind is obviously Fat Mike from NOFX. He's an original.

Seriously, he was hefty before it was even popular to be skinny. NOFX has been around since 1983, and since then Fat Mike has been a vocal advocate for drinking in excess, eating too much and genuinely being lazy. A fat kid's paradise. He doesn't look like a rock-star, but he sure as hell lives the lifestyle. And even better, he's not ashamed of his weight. I mean, he's called Fat Mike!

Still need some convincing that it's okay to carry that spare tire around to the local shows?

Okay, well take a look at New Found Glory's bassist Ian Grushka. I don't know if anyone has ever seen him play with a shirt on. And frankly, it might be easier on the eyes if he did. He is by no means small, but it's cool. We've still got mad love, Ian. Seriously, who can't respect a dude who will play bass in the snow half-naked? Especially when he represents those of us that have bulked up a bit for the winter. Hell yea dude. 

Hey drummers, don't think I've forgotten about you. Not everyone can be as small as Travis Barker. Case-in-point: Brandon Saller from Atreyu and Brandon Barnes of Rise Against. (note - being named Brandon does not automatically make you fat, nor does it mean you're good at drumming - they're two things you've really got to work on) Anyway, these dudes freakin' own on the skins, and they're not sticks. (pun intended) Plus they're both married. Finally, some hope that girls actually like normal looking guys. Yes! Personal win.

So there you have it. Chunky people can still rock. Don't get too down on yourself kids. If you're like me, and had to shop for "husky-sized" jeans with your mom when you were little, you now know there's hope. Besides, in a scene that prides itself on individuality, we're going to be the only ones who don't look like everyone else. With that said, I'm going to have a bowl of ice cream in bed and work on my figure. Now that's punk-rock.

What Would You Do?

It's time to evaluate your music morality. 

Question:

If one of your favorite bands' upcoming record leaked onto the internet a few weeks early, would you listen to it? And moreover, would you still buy it when it was released?

I'm assuming most people would listen to it, and save the few bucks for something else. I'll play the role of saint on this one, though. I admit I try never to listen to leaked albums, and I'll always go out and buy the CD

when it's released. Thus is the case with the upcoming New Found Glory record, Not Without A Fight.

In the beginning of February, NWAF leaked all over the net and killed the ton of anticipation that was surrounding NFG's sixth full-length album. The band don't seem too worried about it though. They actually like the idea of fans responding early to the new music. 

A post by guitarist Chad Gilbert explains their position:

 

"It is a bumm out that some of the anticipation is lost. the whole building up to release date loses a bit of its excitement but to be honest the fans that would go out of their way to download it are the true fans that go out of their way to buy merch and post online about how much they like it and are the ones that will know the words first and sing every song at the show. You are driven to get it because you like NFG so how can I be bummed at that!"

Well, as much as I respect Gilbert and his band, I'm still going to wait for the CD. That doesn't make me any less of a fan though. I'll still know every song on the album within a week, and will still be singing along when NFG comes to the House of Blues this spring. 

So back off guys, I'm still going to be putting money into your pockets come March 10th when the album drops. I could easily just grab it now, but I won't. You've got to give some credit to that, right? I'd like to think I'm still a true fan. 

It seems like commonplace lately that new albums hit the net early. NFG are just the latest victims. I won't preach to you, but I do have some advice. Stay true to who you are and your music morality. Download it if need to, buy the CD if you can wait. Go see the show, and pick up a shirt at the merch table. Just don't forget to support the band you follow, because remember, this is their career. 

Blurring The Lines

Bud Light and Lime, a combination you thought you'd never see, right? The two just don't seem like they'd go together, but it's been done anyway. The same can be said for Hip-Hop and Rock 'n Roll. The two opposing genres are suddenly clashing as more and more bands team up with rap artists. But this scene kid isn't convinced the taste is all that sweet.

It seems like rapper Lil' Wayne is popping up all over the alternative rock scene lately. Late last year he did a guest vocal on "Tiffany Blews," a track off Fall Out Boy's latest album Folie a Deux. And now the rock-stars are paying back the favor as they will be appearing on Wayne's upcoming record Rebirth.

The Rap 'n Roll collaboration doesn't stop there though. Lil' Wayne has decided to take Gym Class Heroes out on tour with him this spring. It seems fitting as Gym Class Heroes are some sort of hybrid mix of Hip-Hop and rock. I mean, they're well known around the alternative rock scene. They have a guitarist, bassist, drummer and a rapping lead singer. Odd. They've played the Warped Tour, supported acts such as The Starting Line and the All-American Rejects and have gotten every suburban white kid at a show to throw his or her middle finger up in the air.

It just doesn't seem like it fits together all that well. Now, while I did enjoy watching all the 12 year-olds 

acting "hood" at last year's Warped Tour during the Gym Class set, I'm still not convinced it's what the scene needs to survive. What ever happened to the days of punk bands playing their shows in kid's basements and backyards? (cough cough, Fall Out Boy - Dead on Arrival)

Maybe it's just me getting older and having some nostalgia for the original records and songs that changed my life, but it seems that the Hollywood influence of someone like Lil' Wayne on the alternative scene will do nothing but turn us into a corporate trend. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy "Tiffany Blews," but I'd much rather pump "Calm Before The Storm" through the speakers of my stock Honda Accord (that's right, stock - no wing on the trunk or rims).

But I guess complaining isn't going to get us anywhere, huh? So let's crack open a cold one and try to enjoy the music. Bud Light Lime? No thanks, I'll stick to an original. Toss me a Sam Adams. 

Back to Basics: Finally, a Punk-Rock Tour!

Hey Boston, are you sick of winter yet? Are you thinking this horrid weather is never going to end? Well, don't let it get you down. You've got a lot to look forward to, believe me.

In case you haven't noticed, this summer is set to be huge in the alternative music world. Not only are blink-182 reuniting, but the Vans Warped Tour is making two stops in New England, Boston and Hartford. Is that enough to break your winter blues? No? Well, how about throwing another sweet tour into that mix, packed with an insane line-up. That's right Boston, on Thursday, Rise Against announced a summer headlining tour with special guests Rancid

and Billy Talent. And they'll be playing the House of Blues, twice.

Rise Against have been touring non-stop since early last fall. They're currently bouncing around the U.K., and will soon be heading off to Australia to give their international fans a taste of their latest album, Appeal To Reason. They'll be back stateside in May for Bamboozle, and come June, Rise Against will be taking the states by storm again.

Is this band really anything short of amazing? They've crafted their music, message and image on some basic ideals of equality, freedom and animal rights. Whether you agree with them or not, you've got to give them credit for standing up for what they believe in. Besides, their music transcends party lines. Democrat, Republican or Independent, I'm pretty sure anyone can feel something from songs like "Swing Life Away" or "Ready To Fall." 

Rise Against have an amazing talent to blend heartfelt emotion with political activism and a message. They're a working man's band. They've gotten to where they are because of their dedication and persistence. And boy am I thankful for that, because now I get to see one hell of a tour this summer. 

                                    

Now, let's not forget about the other awesome talent that will be joining the Chicago natives. Rancid are set to open for the entire tour. How cool is that? These guys are the fathers of modern punk-rock. They've been playing together since 1991, post Operation Ivy, of course. Think about it though, 1991. How old were you? Five or six? You definitely weren't sweating it out in the pit with Tim Armstrong. Neither was I for that matter, but it will still be awesome seeing the guys this summer. I wonder if Armstrong will still wear his leather jacket come late-July when they're in Boston. Hmm..

Billy Talent is also on the bill this summer. Don't know much about these dudes? Don't worry, most of America doesn't. They're Canadian, but totally worth a listen. Trust me, you'll like them more than our other Canadian friends, Sum 41. Billy Talent are actually really popular overseas (I first heard them in France, and have been hooked since),

but for some odd reason they haven't caught on in the U.S.. Maybe this tour can change that. They've got some really catchy hooks, and a sound that's all their own. And isn't that what all of us indie kids are looking for these days anyway? So make sure you show up when the show starts. You won't want to miss their live performance.

As for the tour itself, it's nameless as of now. I know, boring. But like I mentioned earlier, Boston is lucky enough to have two shows listed. July 28th and 29th at the House of Blues. How exciting, I know you all miss those late nights on Lansdowne Street. 

So is that enough to make you smile? Did you forget the fact that it's snowing outside for a hot second? I hope so. Be happy Boston, you've got a great summer coming up. Awesome tours, awesome music and warm weather. It doesn't get much better than that kids.

Check this out:

Last October I was lucky enough to interview Rise Against on the day Appeal To Reason came out. They played two free shows in Boston that night. One at Newbury Comics, and another at T.T. the Bear's. It was small, intimate and one of the coolest experiences of my life. I would personally like to thank the band for being so kind to me (especially Tim, I'll never forget the handshake and the hug!). These guys deserve all the credit in the world. So thank you Rise Against, you helped me earn my first 'A' in graduate school. You've got a friend and a fan for life. Here's the video from the interview:

Mainstream - The New Black

It doesn't look like Escape The Fate can escape the fate - the fate of online advertising that is. The truth is no band really can these days. 

If your band is online, chances are you're on myspace. It's perfect, really. Fans can hear your

music, see your pictures, be "friends" with you, watch videos and leave comments on how wonderful (or crappy) your music really is. Sounds appetizing, doesn't it?

Myspace used to be a social site where bands could really reach their audience personally. But those days are dying, and fast. It was only a matter of time before myspace would find a way to make money off of all you hard-working bands out there. Advertising was the answer to that.

Now, where does Escape The Fate fit into this scenario? Well, we all know them as a slightly dark, glam-rock band from Vegas. They've been through it all. Girls, drugs, jail-time and black leather jackets. 

You wouldn't really expect to see anything pink on their myspace, right? Wrong. Hit up the site, and try to watch their new video for the song "Something." Nine times out of ten you are going to have to first watch an advertisement by either Herbal Essences or Jack-In-The-Box. Now, Jack-In-The-Box I can handle, though I don't quite understand the actual advertisement. Herbal Essences on the other hand, just makes you laugh. 

All you want to do is watch the video for the new mosh-pit anthem. You expect it to be dark, dirty and maybe a little bit greasy, like the band members' hair. But no, adjust your eyes. You first get hit with a bright pink advertisement. "Hydrolicious by Herbal Essences, which one does your hair thirst for?"

It threw me off when I first saw it. Honestly, is that necessary? I want to watch a video of four guys with flat-ironed, slicked-up hair, not an ad for women's shampoo. I guess you would call that irony, huh? A greasy-headed band with a shampoo ad before their video. It makes you laugh.

It doesn't stop there though. I dare you to give their music player a listen through. Yeah, the whole thing. I bet you can't do it without the player stopping to flash an ad asking you to "Take the Dumb Test" or get "Domino's Sandwiches" delivered to your house. 

It's just lame. I doubt Escape The Fate actually eats those Domino's Sandwiches, or even gets a cut of the money from that ad on their site. And for that matter, I'd really like to know what they use for shampoo. Welcome to 2009.

As a side note, ETF will be playing the Middle East in Cambridge this Sunday the 22nd. They'll be joined by Black Tide, Burn Halo, William Control and Attack Attack!. I'll see you there, and don't forget to wash your hair kids.

Blink One-Eighty-Who?

It's been just over a week since the Grammys and it seems like the only thing people are still talking about is the Chris Brown/Rihanna drama. Not to make light of the situation, but we all know the story by now. He screwed up and now he's sorry. Wasn't there anything a little more exciting that happened on stage that night? Hmm...

Oh yeah, I seem to recall blink-182 reuniting somewhere between the Jonas Brothers' and Jay-Z's performances. The sad part is just that. The news went virtually unnoticed among all the big names. Here was one of the most influential bands of the alternative scene announcing they were going to start making music again, and most people couldn't care less.

When Mark Hoppus, Tom Delonge and Travis Barker walked onto stage together, I must admit I was standing in my living room clapping. I never thought I'd see it happen again. 

On February 22nd, 2005 blink-182 went on an "indefinite hiatus." For four years, Delonge had no real contact with either Barker or Hoppus. But sometime after Barker's plane crash in September '08 the trio began talking again. I guess it's safe to say the talks mended friendships, and brought the guys an opportunity to present this year's Grammy for Best Rock Album.

When the news broke a few days early that blink would be appearing on stage together, online communities went nuts. Rumors and websites flared up stating the band were already in the process of recording a new record. With the alternative scene in a buzz and anticipation on high, all eyes were on the Grammys.

But boy, what a let down. The crowd was virtually silent when Hoppus announced, "blink-182 is back!" Granted some people were cheering, but they sounded like they were paid to scream. (just like the seat-fillers, only these people had to make noise)

Did anyone there not remember the impact blink had on music? They were an MTV sensation in the late 90s. They sold 1.5 million copies of Dude Ranch in 1997, debuted No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 with Take Off Your Pants and Jacket in 2001 and toured the world countless numbers of times. So why didn't anyone seem to care that they were finally back together?

I guess we'll never know. People constantly complain about the dismal existence of music nowadays, yet give virtually no credit to those who actually try to better it. It's sad to see such an awesome moment in music's subculture go without notice, but I guess that's life. All I know is there are plenty of people out there who are happy that blink is back. Maybe that's why my phone didn't stop ringing for three hours after the announcement. 

Regardless of all these Hollywood haters, blink-182 are back! It's time to remember what pop-punk feels like. So get rid of that emo haircut and get off myspace. Go outside and get some sun, 'cause summer '09 is coming fast and our boys are set to be the soundtrack. (just like when we were in 8th grade, only better 'cause this time we can legally drink)