We haven't updated this space in a week, and for that we're sorry. Our lives do have stuff in them other than this here, you know. To kickstart you out of the deprivation you no doubt feel, here's today's essential listening: Slick Shoes' 2003 opus Far From Nowhere, chock-full of melodic hardcore/new-school punk rock blitzes. We love it.
The vote isn't quite in yet on the new album from Underoath since we've only heard the one song they've released - until right now: the band has put 'It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door' to their purevolume.com site; stream it over here. [pastepunk]
Also from pastepunk.com comes this: a letter written to an unnamed webzine somewhere out there, and while the issue this deals with is something I rarely see in blatant form, it does happen. Observe.
"Dear Zine X,
I have always supported Zine X, and really enjoy speaking with some of you that support the projects that I am involved in and manage. However, I have been bothered by some of your recent reviews.
Some of your recent reviews have stated the site's(at least of one particular individual) view of bands that contain Christian members. Quoting a recent review, "good thing you can barely tell this band is Christian, or else it'd probably get a lower score."(Beside the point: just because a band is signed to Tooth & Nail doesn't mean anything concerning personal faiths of all individuals in that band. I happen to know the Slick Shoes boys, and only the singer claims to be a Christian). So, as soon as Zine X learns that a band views the world in a certain way, they aren't judged on an equal scale? I find this double standard disturbing and lacking integrity.
My point is furthered by another recent post by the same reviewer, "This Christian hardcore stuff has to stop, really. Hardcore is about values, sure, but stop your preaching. This goes for you sXe (bleep)s too." I have a hard time supporting a site with an intolerant view of humanity. Music exists as an outlet for all members of society, whether they hold the same worldview as you or not. As members of a multireligious society, people need to learn to deal with that. React to the music, and inform the listener of the apparent views of the artist, however keep your personal vendettas to yourself.
These artists receive lower scores due to their personal beliefs, and nobody should be judged differently because of their personal beliefs. Even if a band professes a certain belief, they should be respected for their personal strength, not discriminated against.
Sincerely, Keith Emrick(k_emrick@hotmail.com)"
Draw your own conclusions, kids, but don't dump on someone because of what they believe. We're Christians here at the big D rock train, if you weren't aware, but are you also aware of the fact that we cover bands we like regardless of what they believe? That's what it's about, babies.
Now to more news. A little, anyway, til later.
The Zao-headlined Ferret Records Tour stop in Ottawa has been given a brand-new venue: the MacNabb Community Centre(Bronson Ave. at Gladstone). Still all-ages, still seven pm door time. This'll be fun. Stiff competition that evening from The Fully Down's CD release party, but I'll be at the Zao show. I think. To keep track of all this stuff, make sure you bookmark punkottawa dot com. There're a ton of huge bands playing in the next month, including Unearth, Buried Inside with The Chariot(ex-Norma Jean), Is Grace Enough bringing their rock ruckus a bunch of times, and a lot more. Don't sleep.
Posted by mike at May 28, 2004 04:38 PM