It's Christmas, chilluns.
I hope that wherever you are, whatever you're doing, you take time to realize what is is we're commemorating with this here occasion. The greatest gift mankind ever knew in Jesus Christ, and we're just the lucky recipients. Chew on THAT for a minute.
Seriously, I have to take the time to thank the people who made this space you're enjoying possible: webmaster Dave Flikkema and his wife Kelly, and our two hotshot writers, Josh Chambers and Steph Torrealba. Thanks to all for helping me do this. We're goin' to the top, kids. And there are a lot of people who support us in doing this, too many to list, but they know who they are. Thanks.
Boywunder are a great hardcore band from the east coast somewhere(I think), but quite frankly, when you're this good it don't matter where you're from. Check out some new music from the lads. [hxc]
Stretch Arm Strong are playing with Pennywise from January 21st through the 31st, and then with the Mad Caddies February 17th-29th. Hit it up. What a killer band.
Bruce Springsteen raked in a hundred and fifteen million bucks in concert ticket sales this year, second only to the Stones for top-grossing live concert ever. That is one whole heck of a lotta dough. [buzzgrinder]
Comeback Kid, one of 2003's best new bands hands down, are writing for their next album; as well, Holding On's bassist Sean is filling in with CBK while their search for a permanent replacement. Holding On are on Bridge Nine Records, and I like them a lot. [lambgoat]
Check this out: "Cleveland band Integrity have once again disbanded. The group recently released a new full-length with Deathwish Inc. and had been touring the U.S. before an apparent brawl at a Portland show earlier this month seemed to intensify internal conflicts within the band, prompting band members to go their separate ways. No further information is available at this time." This might explain why my boy Phil's band Rise Over Run drove all the way to Buffalo from Toronto to open for Integrity and the show didn't happen. Innneresting.
New Jersey-based Folly are still the only ska/hardcore band I've ever heard. Odd.
We could waste our time listing all kinds of bands that keep getting added to next summer's Warped tour, but forget that noise; just go here.
Name Taken, who appeared on a Tooth and Nail Records compilation last year, have signed with Fiddler Records(former home of Dashboard Confessional and New Found Glory). The debut album should be out in April 2004. [punknews]
pastepunk has their best-of-2003 feature article up, and not to my surprise, Thrice's The Artist in the Ambulance tops it. Their tastes down there on Strong Island mirror ours to a remarkable degree, considering between their twenty best albums and honourable mentions, I own or one point owned thirteen of them. Go Beloved! Merry Christmas to Jordan and the bunch.
The Scene is new this week. What up, Senor Stephens??
Have a safe and amazing holiday, people of Earth.
Posted by mike at December 25, 2003 02:21 AM