From the morning inbox haul: Switchfoot will be appearing Wednesday(the 29th) on The Late Show with David Letterman. I don't know what song they'll be doing, but my money's on 'Dare You To Move'. Is this their network television debut? I don't remember them playing Leno or Letter or anything before. Maybe I'm wrong.
Not like I could care less about Canadian Idol or its American or British counterparts, but the dude who won CI the latest installment did it singing a rendition of a MercyMe song. They're a pretty good band. I don't even care enough to mention the winner's name. Is that bad? [renown]
Some Haste the Day news: their new video for 'The Closest Thing To Closure' is complete and online over here, the band is touring with labelmates Project 86(who're recovering from a seven-thousand-dollar theft in Phoenix - good on them), and on top of all that, they're playing CBGB's in New York City alongside Norma Jean as part of the CMJ festivities next month. Talk about a band on the way up. [hxc]
A band I had the pleasure of working with last year shot a video with Thursday guitarist Tom Pedullah directing - and here now is Beloved's 'Death To Traitors'. Ta da! You can go read the interview with Beloved vocalist Josh Moore and Norma Jean's Scottie in the interviews section too. Even though it's almost a year old.
The new Veggie Tales project, Sumo of the Opera, has sold more than sixty thousand copies so far! We'll keep you posted!
...we're big fans here. Yesh. [cmcentral]
The new mewithoutYou album, Catch For Us the Foxes, comes out in a week, and while I've only heard snippets, I've already heard opinions both pro and con. For what it's worth, here's an advance review from the fine folks at buzzgrinder, and do yourself a favour and get the album when it hits.
From Hide Nothing, here's the video for lead single 'There's A Light' from Further Seems Forever. Click.
This entire post has had a distinct advertising-Tooth-and-Nail-Records tinge, hasn't it? That's four of their all-star acts I've mentioned already. Weird. Well, deal with it.
In Holy Crap That's Some Metal Goodness news, The Number Twelve Looks Like You will release their Eyeball Records debut next May; you might have heard of this label - they released the earliest material from the aforementioned Thursday waaaay back in the day. #12 are purely out of control tech abandonment. Worrrd. [lambgoat]
Seattle Mariners star Ichiro Suzuki is threatening to break the all-time record for hits in a single season. As of last night he's at 252. This guy is unreal. And this post is almost entirely for Amy. Mariners SUCK haaahahaha.
A joint bit of news: fresh off quitting Burnt By The Sun, drumming phenom(seriously, I saw this guy and he's unreal) Dave Witte is reportedly soon to join Agoraphobic Nosebleed, particularly for live shows. What a band name that is. Secondly, BBTS have said that they've replaced at least one of the members that quit two weeks ago, and that "2005 will be a good year at Camp BBTS". Good on them.
Say what you will about Alexisonfire, but the laddies from St. Catharines are road warriors; every time I turn around they're somewhere else on the globe. This time it's opening for the legendary Hot Water Music:
(with Don't Look Down)
10/13 San Deigo CA @ Soma
10/14 Anaheim CA @ House Of Blues
10/15 Hollywood CA @ Troubadour
10/16 Hollywood CA @ Troubadour
10/17 San Francisco CA @ Slim's
10/18 Santa Cruz CA @ Santa Cruz Vet's Hall
10/20 Seattle WA @ Graceland
10/21 Portland OR @ Nocturnal
(with Planes Mistaken For Stars)
10/23 Denver CO @ Ogden Theatre
10/24 Albuquerque NM @ Launchpad
10/25 El Paso TX @ T Lounge
10/26 Houston TX @ Mary Jane's
10/27 Austin TX @ Emo's
11/2 Atlanta GA @ The Masquerade
11/3 Richmond VA @ Alley Katz
11/4 Baltimore MD @ The Ottobar
11/5 Sayreville NJ @ Starland Ballroom
11/6 New York NY @ B.B. Kings Blues Club
11/9 Millvale PA @ Mr Smalls Theater
11/10 Cleveland Heights OH @ Grog Shop
11/11 Albany NY @ Trinity Church
11/12 Providence RI @ Living Room
11/13 Cambridge MA @ Middle East
Once again, I'd like to express my bitterness that so many tours are skipping Ottawa this fall.
One of Canada's underrated hardcore bands, Newfoundland's Bucket Truck, have a ton going on: a new album coming as a prelude to the real new album Favour the Bull, some touring with big names like Candiria and Full Blown Chaos, and...I'm exhausted just writing this. Keep your eyes open for BT. [theprp]
Fear Before the March of Flames: a mix of two bands already mentioned here: Norma Jean and mewithoutYou, with a helping of later-era Blamed thrown in. I'm a FAN.
Essential Listening for today, September 28th, is As Night Falls - despite the unbearably emo/metal name, this band has their shizzle wired tight. Like a drum. Check out their website and you'll hear it for yourself. Plus the female quotient in the band is very, very hot. Yesh.
Orillia, for all the crap the natives talk about it, has a good scene - I know this because quite a few kids turned out Friday night to see Is Grace Enough opening up for The Sleeping(killer band from Long Island; ex-skycamefalling), who were last-minute adds, and wound up headlining after Sleeper Set Sail's van blew up in Mississauga(boooo!). Locals To Cherish opened the show with a tight set. Thanks to all those bought IGE merch from yours truly.
Project 86, one of my all-time favourite bands and truly dedicated to what they do, had seven thousand dollars' worth of their property stolen in Phoenix recently. So, to the crook(s) in Phoenix: eat it, jerkwad(s). To everyone else, you can donate if you feel led by cutting a check payable to the band and sending it here:
Project 86
2525 Perimeter Place Dr. Suite 112-A
Nashville TN 37214.
Thanks.
Good Friday morning. Waiting for people sucks, doesn't it? This is being written in the home Ryan B., with whose band I'm hopping in the van to head to head to Orillia for a show there tonight alongside Sleeper Set Sail and To Cherish You; Midway State were scheduled, but have had to cancel due to illness - boooo, because they're a terrific band. The show's set for around seven tonight(Friday), 143 Mississauga St. in Orillia. Seven bucks. Bring ten to be on the safe side and get a drink or something.
Jake Bannon(Converge)'s co-owned label, Deathwish Inc., has signed Boston's own Draw Blood; their debut EP was released on Trash Art! a while ago - check out some tunes over here while you wait for the full-length due early next year. [lambgoat]
Somehow the big day passed me right by until just now: September 19th(last Sunday) marked One Year for us here at sweetdisaster. To take a line from the Oscars and Grammys, "there's some people I wanna thank..." Anyway. Here goes. It might get long - I don't take people for granted.
The Flikkemas - for being who they are and for helping get this trolley on the tracks
Omnifik - for being the main man who got my back - people might think one year is a long time; try the decade our enforcer and I have been down. Thanks brah
Pennsylvania Heidi - for everything. You know how much I love you. Chin up
Illinois Ally - for up and going to Cornerstone Festival and spreading the word about a 'zine run by a dude she's never even met and for being so ridiculously dope I almost can't take it
Al Lustie - for stepping into the breach out of the blue and helping keep sweetdisaster afloat when it was really necessary; thanks, buddy. You sold the Tercel yet??
Brian and Becca - indeed, our roots are who we are. Thanks. Enjoy the puppy
Josh at Illect - dude, you keep sending me records even when I can't find time to review them! You gotta stop!...kidding, keep the beats fresh
Ryan B. and his little old rock and roll band - corporate purevolume.com takeover! Thanks for the late nights and cheap laughs, Crackhead Dave disciple
Steph T. - some of the CD reviews you've read here are her work, and if I could write half as well as she does, this site would be miles better
Josh Chambers - dude, where'd you get off to? Get back aboard
Travis Lee - for the logo and initial startup help
Simon Herr - for the Remembering Never review
Samantha at amplify819: for the Hartsfield review - keep it tight
Lori Lenz - for the free swag, for the Starflyer connection, and the Cali cool
Jordan Baker at pastepunk in Long Island - dude, your 'zine is so much better, but at least it gives me something to shoot for
Dan Stephens at The Scene - ditto. Congratulations on the upcoming wedding, brother.
Nick and Jorge at hardcorechristian - no one does it funnier and keeps a potentially insular scene from becoming that way
Jason Dodd at Bandoppler, both online and in print - man alive, it was the first 'zine I ever read in my life and remains at the very top
My family - still supportive even though I kinda took another path
My friends, particularly the old FIF chat kids - you know who you are: Amy, Kristine, Ness, Laura, Brody, Christina, Pliggot(I see you out there somewhere), Oklahoma Heidi(what up, Tulsa), Vicky, Boston Kate(for turning me onto Switchfoot in 2000), Meagan and Speth Down Under, Carol(congrats on your upcoming wedding, too, babe), Nomes(another upcoming wedding...man, 2005'll be busy for me) and lastly, every single reader of this 'zine, every band I've ever worked with, every record-label honcho who's sent stuff and every promoter who's put on the shows I love.
And God. Without You, all this is vapour. Thanks.
Next In Line: turn down the suck, turn up the rock - 'Blacktop' is the name of the newest song they've posted on their purevolume site, conveniently clickable right over here, and if you're in the area, they're playing in San Juan Capistrano, California, tonight(September 24th) at 7:30. Now, it's 7:23pm EST as I write this here, so you have a few hours to get your act together, left coast peoples. Other acts playing include labelmates Dismissed, Waking Ashland, National Product and Brave the Broadcast. It's at the Coachhouse. Ten bucks. Word.
Lickgoldensky have called it quits, in something less than amiable fashion if this post is any indicator. Six years, records released on three different labels, and a tour they've now bailed on with Breather Resist and Coliseum; Gods and Queens will replace them.
In some Bands I Like And Who Cares What You Think news, the new video for 'Tower of Snakes' from Eighteen Visions is over here. [lambgoat]
Relevant head honcho Cameron Strang was flown to New York City over the weekend to be interviewed by 60 Minutes, who're doing a feature story on on the increasing influence of Christians in mainstream music, focusing specifically on Third Day, P.O.D. and Kanye West. No air date yet; keep your eyes peeled.
Today's essential listening is Funeral For A Friend's debut Casually Dressed & Deep In Conversation - nothing new by any stretch, but well-produced and fun to listen to. Heck, they opened for Iron Maiden earlier this year in their native Britain.
This Just In: Jet's breakout hit 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl' is a complete ripoff in structure of The Who's 'My Generation', a song that came out well before any of those Jet blokes were even born. I realized that yesterday at work. Good ol' XS Cargo. It's a new store every week!...or some such rot.
U2 have been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year. If they don't get the nod, heads will roll.
Funny how I mention 'My Generation' and then this pops up: Tooth & Nail's pop-punk kings du jour Hawk Nelson taped an episode of American Dreams(NBC), where they performed the legendary Who song; it'll be on the show's soundtrack. As if that bunch of nerds is blowing up so huge! I saw Jason stick his head in a bucket of ice water last year just because he could!!
...he's the singer, if you were kinda wondering.
Mourning September guitarist Tony somethingorother will join Anberlin this fall on the Nintendo Fusion tour(also featuring a bunch of bigtime radio rock bands, whatever); before that, the two bands are gonna be here in Canada, but not here in Ottawa, so screw them. Word! Recognize!...just kidding, here are the Canadian shows:
Oct 1 – Vancouver, BC Mourning September w/Anberlin, Noise Ratchet and The Beautiful Mistake
Oct 3 – Edmonton, AB w/ Anberlin, Noise Ratchet, and The Beautiful Mistake
Oct 4 – Calgary, AB w/ Anberlin, Noise Ratchet, and The Beautiful Mistake
Oct 5 – Regina, SK w/ Anberlin, Noise Ratchet, and The Beautiful Mistake
Oct 7 – Winnipeg, MB w/ Anberlin, Noise Ratchet, and The Beautiful Mistake
BOOOO to that tour not coming here.
There's an upcoming vinyl release of Underoath's smash-hit-type record They're Only Chasing Safety, and there's a new song here that's gonna be on it. Like a fifteen-word title, which is funny, but I'm too busy to go find out what it is. [buzzgrinder]
New music from mewithoutYou! The Flikkemizer, webmaster extraordinaire, has personally assured me this song "blew his mind", and it's yours right over here! Great band.
Southern Ontario tech metal geeks The End are touring Canada, and not Ottawa, again. What is with this city constantly getting the shaft? If I wasn't so lazy I'd do something about it. Anyway, the tour dates are over here. [lambgoat]
Club Rockit in Toronto is hosting Mosh For Tots December 4th and 5th to help collect money, food and toys for needy families during the holidays; it's a terrific cause, and check this lineup, yo: Flat Earth Society, Burning Bridges, Herod, Dogz Of War, Colin Of Arabia, Names For Graves, Sons Of Azrael, In These Walls, A Day And A Deathwish, Two Knives, Full Recovery, In Time and Proven. Holy crap, that's a lot of bands. Email brassknuckleproductions@hotmail.com for more information.
Some news about two very amazing bands: Cave In and Converge, both products of Massachusetts' Merrimack Valley(read: Boston) have indeed come up with a few tracks together as one massive super-band. A statement from Cave In reads as follows: ""To cap off our summer, we've spent some time out in Salem, MA at Kurt Ballou's God City studio working on a collaborative recording project between us and the Converge fellows. It's been a much-talked about thing between both camps, and with the exception of one jam session a couple years ago, there hasn't been any action made until now. We don't want to completely spoil the surprise, but we can tell you that so far we have five tunes in the making and they all came together pretty quickly. And they are tunes in their own right, as opposed to meandering jams or total self-indulgent wanking. The guys in Piebald joked that it's sort of like the Merrimack Valley's own Temple Of The Dog(a collaboration a decade ago between Seattle monoliths Pearl Jam and Soundgarden -ed), and we'll just end it at that. No word on when the project will be completed or who's going to release this thing - but we'll keep you posted." As well, Cave In have officially acknowledged their split with RCA Records, who released last year's superb Antenna album. The band had this to say concerning that little piece of news: "It's a done deal, and we've come out of it feeling very good about our decision and we're excited to see what happens next for us. Million-dollar contracts may be sent directly to us, but we're asking for all the cash up front before we even set our eyes on another legal document hah hah." Oh, those Cave In guys - what a bunch of kidders. [hxc]
This band I was supposed to interview years ago, New Jersey's Life In Your Way, have booked time in Zing! Studios(owned and operated by Killswitch Engage guitarist and masterful producer Adam D.) to put together their next album, on the heels of their last release on Indianola Records. Looks like we'll wait til next summer for it to come out. Adam D. must be popular these days.
Another album that'll come out around summer of 2005 is the next one from As I Lay Dying. I don't think I need to say any more on that topic. The band are recording even as you read this!
A curveball: the top-selling female solo artist this year in Christian music is fifteen-year-old Bethany Dillon, who's also involved in some good deeds-type activities that also involve America's Favourite Football Team. Go read the story. I'm a fan of this Dillon kid too.
A band that recently tore it up here in Ottawa, The Bled, are heading overseas to the U.K. with another band that was here in town that same night - Alexisonfire. If you're reading this from England, take note of the itinerary:
December 1 Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms
2 Plymouth Warehouse
3 Oxford Zodiac
4 Leeds Cockpit
5 Aberdeen Moshulu
6 Glasgow King Tuts
7 Newcastle University
8 Manchester Academy3
9 London Mean fiddler
10 Birmingham Academy
[punktastic]
I haven't gotten around to reviewing this album yet(sorry, Josh, it's coming), but Renown mag did: Simple Moves from rapper/lawyer Sintaxtheterrific is a friggin' dope album, and the review is over here. [Renown]
Some news from the ol' inbox now; I'll just give you the Strikefirst Records news in press release format:
"In the hardcore scene today many would say that the message has turned from a message of unity to a message of divisiveness. Since 2000 Brutal Fight has been working against what would divide the scene. They are a hardcore band that gives grace and embraces compassion to all people.Their hope is to be a band that brings unity back into the scene and to pass on the grace given to them from God. Musically Brutal Fight has been described as one of the most aggressive hardcore bands around. They draw influences from such bands as Turmoil, Buried Alive, Coalesce, Converge and Meshuggah. Their lyrics are written about life and howt hey have experienced it. Brutal Fight has toured the west coast numerous times and has toured Europe twice. After being newly signed to Strikefirst Records they plan to continue touring the world, striving to bring unity and friendship to the scene. Their debut full length will be out in late 2004/early 2005 on Strike First Records. Check them out at brutal-fight.com; some preproduction for the upcoming album can be found over here."
...and more Strikefirst news, because it's always better in twos: "ONCE FOR ALL was formed in 2001 with the goals of having fun as friends, and writing straightforward, Christian hardcore music. The band was started in the basement of John and Adam’s school, and since then they have seen a few member changes, losing Andy(Fred) and T.J., who both joined the Marine Corps. Now, three years later they have played with some of the better bands in hardcore today, including Plan of Attack, The Killer, Blood In Blood Out,
Comeback Kid, Life Or Death, Death Before Dishonor and Hoods. Their goals
haven't changed still focusing on the bond of friendship, and Christian hardcore.
Their debut full length will be out on Strike First in early 2005! Website here; preproduction for upcoming album here. Word.
Illtripp, a decade-plus vet of This Game We Call Rap, has a new album out called Dialog of the Downtrodden, which Illect is releasing entirely online(weird!) right over here. If you've ever heard Deepspace5, you've heard this dude spit it. Recommended.
Jars of Clay's upcoming Where We Are Instead tour - get this - includes a stop in Canada...in NOVA SCOTIA for a Billy Graham Crusade. Bummer! And then my heart nearly stopped when I saw Ottawa listed for October 23rd, til I realized it was Ottawa, Illinois. I'm very pissed now. The whole itinerary(like it's important if Ottawa ONTARIO isn't on it) is over here. The openers are Trevor Morgan(never heard of him) and Sarah Kelly(weirdish voice, good choruses).
Hardcore band Still Remains(outta Grand Rapids, Michigan, where my very mom is from!) have signed with the monolithic Roadrunner Records. I'm not gonna re-spew all the media hype about upcoming albums and producers and touring; just visit their website for all that. [hxc]
The second of two straight nights of Is Grace Enough's brand of scream-core goodness commences in about two hours; hot off opening for The Bled and Senses Fail last night downtown(both bands killed - I've never seen Ottawa kids react to a band like they did for SF), IGE will hit the stage at Greenfields here in lil' ol' Barrhaven(man this place sucks) around ten - around two hours and ten minutes from right now, in other words, so if you don't live near here or have mad car action, you're pretty much screwed.
More news when I have time. I know you all crave your fix. All two of you.
New material up in the Album Reviews section. We just keep on keepin' on around here, no?
This Just In: according to source Fat Mike(you're famous now!), the new record from Death From Above 1979 owns everything and everyone, including you and your family and your pets and houseplants. So there. Check it out. It's called You're A Woman, I'm A Machine....nice. Real nice.
Observe, the depths of delusion to which illusionists can sink. The following is a quote dealing with magician Roy Horn(half of Siegfried and Roy), concerning that whole attacked-by-his-own-tiger-and-mauled-to-within-an-inch-of-his-friggin'-life deal last year: "In an interview with Maria Shriver, Horn said he fainted on stage during the fateful performance and that the tiger was only trying to help him by dragging him off stage." What? Excuse me? You're that friendly with your tiger? Your tabbycat, maybe, but let's be real: this tiger wanted some Royflesh. Geez. [Relevant]
Better Than Ezra are releasing a live DVD soon. Wait, who? Better Then EZRA? As in the band I was listening to when I was SEVENTEEN? That's so rad. Remember them? 'Good'? Great band.
R.E.M. are coming to Ottawa soon. Anyone else going? I really wanna. So are Metallica. I don't think I care.
Another bit from Relevant's masterful online portion: "In honor of all our Canadian readers, congrats on winning the Hockey World Cup. Canada beat Finland 3-2 the other night. To our Finland reader—we feel your pain." That's gold. And yes, we did go - ahem - UNDEFEATED the entire tournament.
Hot on the heels of appearing in Ottawa twice in the last year and a half(no one showed up the first time, the second time they fared a bit better), De La Soul are wrapping up their new record, The Grind Date, due out October 5th. Dope.
Also coming to Ottawa, November 10th at the Corel Centre: the Beastie Boys. Good floor tickets will run you fifty-six dollars; no word on opening acts yet, but there're unsubstantiated rumours around that it'll be Talib Kweli, in which case the heart attack commences immediately. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, September 18th. Here's hoping they still have the decency to do 'So What'cha Want' live. Props to sweetdisaster enforcer DJ Omnifik for the info.
The title to U2's forthcoming album, their first since 2000: How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. That's straight off their website, so you betta wreckanize.
Behold: a review of the new Terror disc One With The Underdogs. I happen to like the album - especially 'Not This Time'; what a riff - and Roy Culver seems to think it doesn't measure up their live show...well, I've never heard a band sound as good on CD as they do live. It's very hard to do. [bandoppler]
Pedro The Lion is awesome. Control = one of my favourite records - still.
Greeeeeeetings, Transylvanians. It's a gloomy, overcast afternoon here in Cap City of Canada, and some dude on another computer just kicked my feet, so please excuse me while I go exercise my Pimp Slap. *brief silence* Okay, taken care of.
Last night I almost forgot - remembered just in time - that Killswitch Engage were in town alongside From Autumn to Ashes, Eighteen Visions and 36 Crazyfists. I rolled downtown to the Capital City Music Hall and almost paid the obscenely marked-up price of $28.75 at the door(tickets were sold for twenty even) before some kind lad sold me his ticket for twenty straight up. So: whoever you were, you're rad. Thanks brah. The show featured solid sets from all four bands(18V have changed a lot since I last listened to them years ago, but dang if they don't know how to write a breakdown), particularly FATA and Killswitch, both of whom simply wrecked everything. Good times.
So in keeping with The Live Shows And How Much Rear End They Kick: tomorrow night The Bled will be in town; it's sold out, so if you don't have a ticket, best be finding out who wants to sell theirs. It'll be dope. I'll be chilling with Katie, She Who Has Red Hair. She's dope too.
I'm gonna take heat from Ryan for doing this, but I do like the newest from Taking Back Sunday even though the single does say "I've got a bad feeling about this" approximately 5734778824 times, so here's a review of the record. Word.
Some sad news to pass along, though it's well-known already: Ramones guitarist Johnny Ramone died yesterday at the age of 55 after a five-year fight with cancer. R.I.P. [aversion]
As well, guitar innovator Ernie Ball(believe me, you know the guy's name and the company) died last week at the age of 74, also after a long battle with illness. Man. Depressing.
Essential Listening for today, September 16th, is Derek Webb's late 2003 live album House Show. Webb is ex-Caedmon's Call, one of my favourite acts ever for their intelligence, skill and ability to change the way I felt with a simple word or chord. This guy is gold. Find the record. Listen to the record. Be changed by the record.
I don't really advocate such things, but the new record from Green Day(the first single's so rad) is online over here. You didn't hear it from us. [noisetheory]
The world is ending: in the last seventy-two hours, Burnt By The Sun, Poison the Well and Between the Buried and Me all either lost or kicked out various members. What the frig!
Afternoon earthlings. You know that song that goes "get a haircut and get a real job"? Well, today yours truly did both. Now I look spiffy with the shorter-hair thing and I start at XS Cargo next week. God is good.
To follow up the review of Next In Line's Traffic, which I'm sure you all read over in the reviews section, we have word that the band have posted a new song called 'One In A Million' over here at their purevolume.com site. I bet it's amazing. Too bad I don't have any access to computers with speakers. Oh, and the album referred to is available for six bucks(six!) over here. Get to it.
Essential Listening for today, September 15th, is the new seven-song EP from Jesus Wept, featuring former members of the late great xDisciplex A.D.. It's called Sick City, and it's amazing.
Afternoon, everybody. After a protracted wait of interminable months(I can't get anything done reasonably on time; it's a failing I know) the feature piece with Anberlin singer Stephen Christian(a great dude, despite some misunderstandings between us - meh) is up and there for your reading pleasure, 'bout in inch and a half above these very words. Like you could miss the giant ANBERLIN thing. If you like the picture on our homepage now, well, that's a shot of the lake that webmaster extraordinaire Flikkema and his lovely wife Kelly go to on occasion. Pretty, no? Oh, and Anberlin are touring western Canada soon with Mourning September, The Beautiful Mistake and Noise Ratchet; no word on dates in the Ottawa area - or even eastern Canada - but we'll hope anyway.
We also have a review of Next In Line's debut CD over in the reviews section; great band, great record, worth reading and then buying.
Speaking of great bands, Stavesacre have a new song called 'Handful of Words' on the web, so you can hear what they've been up to by clicking on this.
One of L.A. Symphony's solo efforts has landed in a big spot: Flynn's track 'Superstar' has been selected by Nike to be on their website; part of some workout mixtape thing. I don't really care too much about the details because it's Nike, but it is pretty awesome for Flynn and his label.
Essential Listening for today, September 14th, is Give Us Barabbas, the 2002 album that turned out to be the swan song for one of the seminal bands in my existence, The Blamed. Having gone through the hardcore stage(Frail, 21) and the massively-thick guitar action stage(Germany), the band's last two records, Isolated Incident and then this here album, displayed a penchant for noisy, wildly varied rock and roll. Rough stuff. I love it. R.I.P.
Everything is a-okay here in terms of content being back on the web where it belongs so that you, the loyal reader(and there's probably less of you now that we've demonstrated the ability to completely lose control around here), can read and enjoy. I hope we can get the traffic-stats thing back on track sooner or later. A new interview and album review have been sent to their proper place; hopefully they'll be posted tonight or something.
Some huge hiphop shows coming: High Contrast, J-Live and Eyedea & Abilities are all appearing in Ottawa in the next several months. Word to Kapacity Entertainment for being movers and shakers.
This will end now, because yours truly has to go broker a deal involving a ticket to this Friday's Senses Fail/The Bled/Is Grace Enough blowout(Maverick's, 221 Rideau, be there). Word.
Well, it would appear that sd.com is permanently crippled due to some internal glitch or something that I know nothing about, along with the device that measures traffic and hits and stuff. So it's with a shrug that I say, "Oh well." We'll still post news and upcoming shows and CD reviews and interviews same as usual - just crippled. Can't be helped. If you're in Ottawa and dependable and web-knowledgeable and into what we do here at sd.com, drop us an email. Mine's itacs@hotmail.com. Word.
Some confirmed shows coming up, according to the email I have here from punkottawa: Midtown and Matchbox Romance(Midtown's new record apparently kills) will be in Ottawa November 17th at Babylon; tickets go on sale September 16th, which'd be next Thursday. As well, The Firebird Band(ex-Braid) will be in town at Cafe Dekcuf with openers Sleeper Set Sail, whose album is the latest to be reviewed over in the Reviews section, if you're interested. Great band from southern Ontario. Weakerthans/Constantines is October 2nd at the Capital Music Hall down on Rideau Street. Billy Talent and Death From Above 1979 is the next night, same place. What else? Scanning...Saskatchewan band and Jade Tree Records dudes Despistado are playing Club SAW October 5th with Robot Kill City and The Grey(good band). That's about it for now. Let's not overdo things here. Keep the blood pressure at reasonable levels.
Oh, and Gwar is coming in November too. GWAR. That's so rad. "You're the guitarist from GWAR!" - Empire Records
Essential Listening for today, September 10th, is The Dillinger Escape Plan's landmark 1999 album, Calculating Infinity. Music hacks like myself had to invent new terms for this music, because there was simply no defining it pre-Dillinger. Amazing technical skill - not for the mosh-breakdown crowd though.
Some more New Album feedback:
1) The Tragically Hip - Evolution somethingsomethingsomething: can't remember the full title, but whatever - three songs had me convinced that the Hip are back in fine form. Twenty years in and they still rock.
2) Taking Back Sunday - Where You Want To Be: catchy songs, great production, label run by a guy who I've never read anything positive about(Victory Records) but who still knows his business...all this to say it's very 'in' sounding and will be probably not that a year from now. But fun for now.
Fuel's drummer quit after seven years with the band. Who cares? Actually, years ago I owned their first album, Sunburn. Great record.
An addendum to today's Essential Listening: Dillinger Escape Plan's new record, Miss Machine, is such a complete left-turn for the band it's unbelievable. So good! New vocalist(and by 'new' I mean 'he was on board like two years ago and it just took DEP forever to put out a record') Greg Puciato can straight-up SING.
Sixpence None the Richer, who broke up earlier this year after a very solid ten years and are sorely missed by yours truly, are gonna put out a greatest-hits record. The Best of Sixpence None The Richer, all eighteen tracks(that's a little excessive, no?) will be released on Squint Records October 26th with all the usual trappings that such projects entail. New material, unreleased stuff, rare stuff, etc. [rockrebel]
Bear with us through these technically-plagued days.
From the old inbox: The Kirby, who have one of the greatest band names in the history of history, are also working real hard to bring the rock to you: a three-song EP called Such As Cancer Is This Life - Movements One, Two and Three will be out on Doll House Records next month, and the following shows are lined up to boot:
September 9-St. Louis, MO at The Inferno Room
September 10-East Lansing, MI at Cafe Latte
September 11-Newton, IA at Ace's Teen Club with One Lost Moment
September 25-Arlington, TX at Club 412 with Society's Finest, GODS, and Infirmity
September 28-McAllen, TX at Enthos with mewithoutYou
September 29-Corpus Christi, TX at Enthos with mewithoutyou
October 1-Georgetown TX at The Pagehouse(CD Release Party)
Website here. Purevolume madness here. Rock.
One of our favourite bands here, Dead Poetic, are heading overseas to do some touring with The Hurt Process and Beloved(another of our favourite bands here), but since as far as I know no one reads this overseas, we'll dispense with the dates. But if you are over there, or maybe heading over there on vacation, find the dates on any of those bands' websites. The tour starts tonight in London, England.
The video for Burnthe8track's 'Two Worlds Apart' has been picked up by MuchMusic, so request the heck out of it in support of one of Canada's better bands. Email or call Loud, The Wedge, On Demand,Going Coastal(probably the best bet, in my opinion) and of course The Punk Show. Hit Much's website for the email addresses.
Some new records, or soon-to-be-out records, that we're gonna weigh in on here and now:
1. K-OS, Joyful Rebellion: marvelously inventive hiphop with so many different influences it's impossible to trace them all in this short review; suffice it to say that this brother from Toronto is gonna tear it up in the next year if there's any justice. This is the followup to 2002's Exit, and said to be a "logical progression". I just think it's dope.
2. The Reason, Ravenna: remember Grade? I was never into them, but they say the Reason will be the heir apparent since Grade's demise left a void in the Burlington(Ontario) screamo scene. This record, while the production is a little off in places, is pretty tight; who know vocalist Adam White(formerly of nonsense punk band Sewing With Nancie) could scream like this? Wow!
3. Rise Against, Siren Song of the Counter Culture: I don't actually own this one yet; when I saw it on the listening post at Music World downtown I had to have a listen, and well was I rewarded: Rise Against have not, as some critics feel, sold out to a major label - instead, they've amped it up considerably, and this record blisters. Everything that killed about their last album Revolutions Per Minute(2003, Fat Wreck) they jacked up, and this one lays everyone to waste. And Music World's got it for eleven bucks! Go!
4. The Tea Party, Seven Circles: this was one of the first rock bands I ever listened to ten years ago, and I still think they rock, though in a very radio-friendly way. Worth a listen if you're a fan, anyway. Remember The Edges of Twilight? 1995? Amazing album.
Unearth vocalist Trevor Phipps is interviewed by David Allen(hxc) in the new issue of HM magazine; when asked about playing for much bigger crowds nowadays, Trevor had this to say, and I quote: "My nerves do rattle, like a little bit, and I do get a bit tense, so unfortunately...I take two shots of whiskey before I go on and it helps out. I don't wasted before I go on because then I'll just be a mess, but after two shots of whiskey I totally relax." I find this funny, given that Unearth are such an incredible live band to begin with. I hope HM doesn't come for our hides for reprinting this. Think a link would help? Booyah!
One-21 is rumoured to be in Ottawa and environs later this month; we'll let you know when and if it happens fo' sheezy. I'd actually get my interview, finally! After years of trying! How 'bout that. In Shows That ARE Happening news, Vancouver's Sweatshop Union are in town at Zaphod's tomorrow night(September 9th). Go. Posse hiphop the likes of which you've never seen.
Essential Listening for today, September 8th(bet you figured that out) is Nora's newest album, Dreamers and Deadmen. What a nasty hardcore-tinged rock and roll band. I love them. You all should too.
In some Bands I've Liked For Years But Who Haven't Put Out A Record Since 1999 news, Stavesacre are set to release a new album, just we don't know which label or when or anything like that. Some examples of said new music are available at their website. Good rock and roll band.
Once again the kids at OGS are on the ball(they have lots more time to do this than we do here) with news that MxPx have followed Slick Shoes(in a more indirect routing) from Tooth and Nail Records over to SideOneDummy. A new full-length from the Seattle-area trio is scheduled for sometime in 2005. I like it!
The Coheed & Cambria/Underoath tour now has CanCon: October 13th the tour hits Toronto. Still nothing for Ottawa. Don't get excited either.
Just a warning: reviews of the record from Hazen Street might lead you to believe otherwise, but considering the pedigree involved(members of H2O, Madball and New Found Glory), this album is a major disappointment. There was one riff on the entire album that I heard and liked. One.
ONE!
Bah.
Yo.
So the technical issues have been somehow mysteriously sorted out. How 'bout that. So later today(I feel like crap due to fatigue and thusly am going to bed) there'll be a big long update if time permits. Pray that I find time and motivation to write some reviews and do some transcribing of interviews and stuff.
Peace.
There are some very very stupid recurring technical difficulties being encountered here at sd.com headquarters; bear with us while we restore complete service. And feel free to go peruse all the interviews and CD reviews and such - all of that is still viewable.
Weird!
The upcoming The Bled/Senses Fail/Is Grace Enough show on September 17th is a complete sellout from what we've heard here - and that of course leads to this: if you have an extra ticket you need to lose for whatever reason, someone wants one, so shoot an email over to here and Katie will gladly take it off your hands for a reasonable price.
Secondly, The Reason's new album, Ravenna, due out soon, is pretty friggin' slamming. Three tracks from their previous effort(a six-song EP from last year) and a sound reminiscent of Thursday with a distinctly more aggressive edge. That's upon first listen, anyway. A proper review will occur some day.
Some Thousand Foot Krutch news from the ol' email inbox: 'Rawkfist' was recently featured behind a highlight reel on ESPN's Sportscentre a couple weeks ago - one of many such instances where TFK's breakout album Phenomenon is concerned. As well, the re-done Set It Off, originally released in 2000 back in Krutch's rap/rock days, is coming out next Tuesday through Tooth and Nail Records; I know it's got the one new song produced by Gavin Brown(Billy Talent), but what I didn't know is that there're five tracks from That's What People Do, TFK's first album, from 1998. Man, I was bumping that in my boy Pete's car in '99. Ah, memories...
...oh, and Krutch are gonna be hitting the road in support of their new record next spring. Ottawa had better be included, because we've always shown the Thousand Foot lads a good time. The record will be out next March, produced by Arnold Lanni, who's worked with a ton of Canada's biggest artists. Word. For all the dirt, hit up TFK's website.
Can you tell I'm a longtime fan of this band? Yeah, I kinda am.
The Scene: home of commentary, news and well-informed reviews of all the latest in hardcore. Do it up!
So I recently moved to Ottawa's south end, the suburb called Barrhaven - or Far-haven, or Barfhaven, whatever you wanna call it - and it took me an hour and a half to drop a friend of mine off and get back home. This involved a thirty-minute walk due to no buses. BOOOO.
Bloodlined Calligraphy(on Strikefirst Records) are female-fronted. I had no idea! And she's cute too!
Remember Every New Day? Winnipeg skate-punk band? They've switched up the program(melodic hardcore is the new name of their game) and done gone signed with Hand of Hope Records down in Florida. Their newest album The Shadows Cast was recorded back in January with John Paul(Figure Four, Comeback Kid) and will be re-released by Hand of Hope later this year. How 'bout that! I was big into these guys when they were on my boy Nils' Salad Dressing Records waaaaaay back. If you wanna listen, check this out. They've transitioned pretty well from what I'm hearing. Very Thrice-sounding. Song's called 'Ashes Fill The Air'. [lambgoat]
Yet another Nirvana retrospective, this time in the form of a three-disc box set, is in the works. I was a fan. Way back in the day. Whatever. [theprp]
Highly-underrated Chicago trio Chevelle are doing a bunch of shows, mainly radio gigs, but any chance to see them live is worth taking...from what I know, since I've never been that lucky...right. Dates:
September 19th Louisville, KY - Waterfront Park
September 20th New York City, NY - The Bowery(feat. Strata)
September 22nd Philadelphia, PA - Northstar(feat. Strata)
September 24th Cleveland, OH - R&R Hall of Fame
September 25th Toronto, ON - Mod Club(editor's note: Mod is a newish club in T-dot that Wilco recently played - good enough for moi)
September 27th Chicago, IL - CRC Studios
September 29th Minneapolis, MN - Ascot Room at The Quest
October 16th Washington, DC - DC101 Chili Cookoff
October 21st Ft Myers, FL - Centennial Park
October 22nd Orlando, FL - Downtown Orlando
October 23rd Miami, FL - Bayfront Park
October 24th Jacksonville, FL - Met Park
October 30th Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Pav.
October 31st Little Rock, AR - Altiel Arena
September 21st will see Chevelle's new record This Type of Thinking Could Do Us In out in stores and all up in your faces.
How come so many amazing tours never come through Ottawa? Can someone please answer that question? Is it okay to refuse to be jaded just 'cause everyone else is? Hmph.
New Deftones in spring '05. Throw ya hands up.
News personally delivered to me by their guitarist, a great dude: Demon Hunter are hosting MTV's Headbanger's Ball in a couple weeks. Rock and roll. Go read the interview we did with said guitarist over here.
Upon the heels of the quasi-successful Guns 'N Roses tribute album they put out, Law of Inertia Records is working on a followup: a Smashing Pumpkins homage. I'd listen to it.
Much to my surprise, my Ottawa Renegades did in fact lose to Montreal tonight in Canadian Football League action. The surprising part? It was only a seven-point loss(23-16). I figured it'd be a total slaughter.
Check out some video action - a slick-looking Hellfest-performance cut of 'Black Cloud', from Converge's upcoming album You Fail Me. Holy crap intense.
Page Hamilton, a.k.a. Helmet's ringleader and by most accounts the father of nu-metal(when it was the straight-up raw deal), broke his collarbone in a pretty bad mountain-biking accident; as a result the tour lined up to coincide with the release of the first Helmet record since '98(Size Matters) has been pushed back - the album will now be out October 5th.
In a sort of surprising-and-yet-not move, rap duo Blackalicious have signed a deal with Epitaph Records. Yes, the punk label that's been around for twenty years. So now rappers Sage Francis and Atmosphere have some company surrounded by all the mohawks. Blackalicious are sick, too.
Barry Bonds Home Run Count as of this moment, 3:43am September 4th, 2004 Anno Domini: 697. Baseball still rules!
Check this out, straight from New York City: "On the evening of Tuesday, August 31st, 2004, along with about 1200 other individuals, I was unlawfully arrested and taken into police custody. I was illegally detained for over 44 hours without being read my charges or given access to a lawyer. I was not released until the evening of Thursday, September 2nd. These illegal arrests were politically motivated and designed to keep people off the street till after the Republican Convention was over. I will be documenting my experiences while in jail for Pastepunk.com, and in the coming days we will be presenting firsthand accounts of arrestees on the BANKSHOT! Records site." Those are words from Bankshot's head honcho, and if it's true, the fur's gonna fly. [punknews]
Another Ottawa band has landed a record deal: the Million Dollar Marxists have signed with Gearhead Records; the debut album Give It A Name will be out September 21st.
Kingston, Ontario band Flood(intelligent pop rock doesn't get much better) are "locked away" at Longshot Studio in K-town working on their fifth record. I personally cannot wait.
Quick Personal Note: my new landlord and lady, i.e. my boy Chris's mother and stepfather along with his brother Cameron, are presently stuck in Florida at the whims of the hurricane trouble there. Word is they have a flight out of Tampa scheduled for Saturday afternoon, but it's quite possible that could be precluded if the storm goes inland. Thoughts and prayers appreciated. Thanks.
I give, I give: the Get Awesome tour features - ready for this? You ain't - Underoath, The Chariot and Stretch Arm Strong, and though it isn't officially the second edition of the Solid State Tour, it might as well be. They're playing here:
September 17th Tallahassee, FL Florida State University: Oglesby Center
September 21st Pensacola, FL The Gutter Lounge
September 22nd Nashville, TN Blue Sky Court
September 23rd Little Rock, AR Vinos
September 24th Springfield, MO Nu Brew Coffeehouse
September 25th Iowa City, IA Gabes Oasis
September 26th Indianapolis, IN The House Café + Music
September 29th Columbia, SC New Brookland Tavern
September 30th Brunswick, GA Rock Bottom
October 1st Gainesville, FL Common Grounds
October 2nd Jacksonville, FL Thee Imperial
Nowhere near me. *Groundskeeper Willie accent* Crap! [pastepunk]
Some interesting tidbits from Exclaim! mag's new issue: Ben Harper(a personal favourite of mine) has collaborated with the legendary Blind Boys of Alabama for a record called There Will Be A Light. It's out September 21st, and with that much talent crammed onto one disc, it might cause a hernia for this writer. Wow.
The Reason's upcoming Smallman Records debut, Ravenna, comes out on the 14th of this here month of September, and there's a trio of CD-release shows they're doing: the 16th in Hamilton(The Undeground), the 17th in Kitchener at the Registry Theatre and lastly the 18th in Guelph at Knox Presbyterian Church. My father plays the organ at Knox Presbyterian back in my hometown - which isn't Guelph. Coincidence...
...or threat?
Whatever.
So Asterik Studio and its wild gnomes continue to churn out great product in the form of posters and shirts and album artwork and the like; the lads from Seattle had their Very Own Booth at Strhessfest in Cleveland recently, and they'll be out en masse at the Bumbershoot event in Seattle this weekend. They have a weird fixation with monsters. By their own admission. So if your band is moderately wealthy and wants killer graphic work done, you know where to go.
I wondered how long it would take 'em: Illect Recordings, home of Lojique, Stu Dent and Sintaxtheterrific, has signed a Canadian distribution deal with the almighty CMC Canada folks. As well, they have a deal with PGE Distro out of Texas, so basically the world takeover is imminent and you'll all be assimilated. Enjoy the rap rush, baby!! And for some background info on the Lojique crew, check this out.
Some news about one of the best bands, ever, period: U2's new album, which is still untitled, will be out November 21st of this year. What does have a title is the first single, 'Vertigo', which will be serviced to radio and video later this month. I bet this album will kill. Heaven knows we've waited four years for it. [Renown]
According to this here, Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman will go out and play some acoustic numbers, including 'On Fire', for fans who've been turned away by venues due to sellout status. How 'bout that? What a guy.
We got some intial itinerary for the just-announced Coheed & Cambria/Underoath tour:
10/10 Washington DC 9:30 Club
10/12 Cleveland, OH Agora Ballroom
10/15 Boston, MA Avalon Ballroom
10/17 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory
10/18 Pittsburgh, PA Mr Smalls
10/19 Detroit, MI Clutch's Cargo
10/20 Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre
10/23 Minneapolis, MN The Quest
11/23 New York, NY Roseland Ballroom
No big surprises; the usual venues in the usual cities. Ho-hum. [hxc]
As well, Underoath will be playing with Stretch Arm Strong and The Chariot on what's being called the Get Awesome tour(apt), but since it's not coming here or anywhere near here, I'm not bothering with those dates. Do something for yourself for a change. Hmph.
Number of copies The Passion of the Christ moved on DVD the first day out: 4.1 million. That's a lot. [cmcentral]
Flynn< is allegedly reviewed in an upcoming issue of Alternative Press; I scoped out the new issue today(Green Day on the cover) and no sign of a review of In Like Flynn. However, that news is eclipsed by this: the newest Illect Recordings artist, Lojique, is very, very dope. Get on this one. Three white dudes from like Oregon or someplace! Awesome!
Some artists who deserve to be where they are on the Billboard charts, according to the new issue of Rolling Stone(if you're wondering, sweetdisaster enforcer DJ Omnifik and I hit Chapters bookstore today): Switchfoot have been in the top forty for seventy-three weeks now, and other artists in this week's list include Taking Back Sunday, Kanye West(who's made three videos for his massive single 'Jesus Walks'), Yellowcard and Evanescence, who I still like and screw y'all if you hate on me for it.
That is all.
We have a review up - finally; it takes me a very long time to write them sometimes - of Sleeper Set Sail's album of last year, Correlation: Escapism. So check that out by making with the clicky-clicky over here, and here are some upcoming shows for the band if you like them and live somewhere near these places(I don't):
September 11th @ Rancho Relaxo in Toronto, On - Sleeper Set Sail w/Florida Evans, The Smear Campaign & more
September 17th @ Amigo's in Brampton, On - Sleeper Set Sail w/The Junction & more
September 24th @ Masonic Temple in Orillia, On - Sleeper Set Sail w/The Midway State & more
October 1st @ The Green Room in Montreal, Qu - Sleeper Set Sail w/Raising the Fawn, A Northern Chorus (Pop Montreal festival)
December 11th @ The Underground in Hamilton, On - Sleeper Set Sail w/more TBA (Sonic Unyon Christmas Party)
The band has signed with Sonic Unyon Records outta Hamilton, so expect them to be typical SU road warriors. Word.
Check out the Stereotrap and Hartsfield album reviews too. They're good. Especially the Hartsfield one, on account of I didn't write it for a change.
The Weakerthans, in the wake of losing founding bassist John Sutton(great dude, met him one time years ago), are heading out on tour to rekindle the flame, as it were. New guy Greg Smith is filling in on bass for now, and openers are The Fembots and the legendary Constantines. Note the Ottawa stop October 2nd - I am going to move heaven and earth to be at that show.
Sept. 9 - Pits Pub UBC, Vancouver
Sept. 21 - Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio
Sept. 22 - The World, Pittsburgh
Sept. 23 - Beyond Nightclub, Philadelphia
Sept. 24 - Cat's Cradle, Carrboro, N.C.
Sept. 25 - Black Cat, Washington, D.C.
Sept. 26 - Bowery Ballroom, New York
Sept. 28 - Toad's Place, New Haven, Conn.
Sept. 29 - The Call, Providence, R.I.
Sept. 30 - Middle East, Cambridge, Mass.
Oct. 1 - Club Soda, Montreal
Oct. 2 - Capital Music Hall, Ottawa
Oct. 3 - Peter Clark Hall, University Centre, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ont.
We posted the other day, or yesterday, or something, about Green Day's upcoming headlining tour - the openers will be New Found Glory. Wheeeee! [aversion]
Cartel are a lucky band of laddies: their new label, The Militia Group, apparently hadn't even heard of the Atlanta band until some message board participant started talking about how Cartel had already signed with TMG. So basically, kids, what this says is: "talk a lot, and something may happen." Cartel's The Ransom EP will be out, on the Militia, November 16th.
Bad Religion and Rise Against are touring next month, and rumour has it there will be stops in Montreal and Ottawa. Keep the fingers crossed.
Yo, some new material from Slick Shoes has appeared on their myspace.com account. What is this myspace thing? I don't get it. I'm lost in the mists of technological impairment. Anyway, the music's here. [hardcorechristian]
.hopesfall are finished their new album, A Types, and they're actually headed out on tour, including a stop September 17th at Carleton University here in Ottawa. Alexisonfire are also playing. Expect to hear some new .hopesfall stuff. It's a closed function, meaning if you're not a student at Carleton, get one to sign you in. I remember the first time I saw .hopesfall was the first time I saw or even heard of Alexisonfire, and now look what's gone down. Weird.
Haste The Day are heading into a studio in Somewhereville to record the folllow-up to Burning Bridges. I hope they've matured a little musically.
There's this tour happening next month. Zao, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Every Time I Die and Misery Signals. Too good to be true? Yes. It's a U.S. tour. Doh!
Some notable releases in September, brought to you by the kids Down Under at noisetheory:
9/7 - Fear Before The March Of Flames: Art Damage
9/7 - Senses Fail: Let It Enfold You (Ottawa show September
17th with The Bled and Is Grace Enough)
9/14 - Helmet: Size Matters
9/14 - Green Day: American Idiot
9/21 - Converge: You Fail Me
This entire article is about how Sum 41 are apparently gonna be in some movie with some starlets or other - but at the very end of the piece, the last sentence, is something worth knowing: the band's new record Chuck will be out in October. [chartattack]
I heard about this yesterday and lo, here it is in front of me: fresh off bailing on the Senses Fail tour, Underoath have landed a remarkable slot: opening for Coheed & Cambria on a nationwide tour beginning October 10th. No word on itinerary yet. Maybe Ottawa, likely not though. [Relevant]
Another hurricane, Frances by name, is gearing up to blow through Florida on much the same path that Charley took a few weeks ago. Geez. Experts say the storm could come inland as soon as tomorrow(Friday). Thoughts and prayers, kids.
Amy Sedaris, comedian D.L. Hughley and sports-talk icon Jim Rome will all be guest-hosting The Late Late Show beginning September 20th, following five-year veteran Craig Kilbourne's decision to quit the biz, as it were. Hey, maybe I can get my shot now!!
I have nothing against these guys personally, obviously, but it's always fun when the big money takes a hit: 50 Cent and his broheems G-Unit were booed off the stage twenty-five minutes into a performance over in England recently. I can just hear it now: "What? This isn't Radiohead? Get off the stage!!"
MxPx are apparently doing their first headlining United Kingdom tour, according to the lads at punktastic. There's a confirmed date(November 13th) with more to come. So hop a plane and get over there!
Saves The Day has been dropped by their label, Dreamworks. I believe I'll indulge in a quiet cry now.
Essential listening today, the initialization day of September '04, is a new record from an established band: Beaumont have come outta Burlington, Ontario with their new album First Chance At Forever, featuring buzzsaw punk anthems, decent production and an overall vibe that says 'y'all can't stop this!'. I like it. Check out their website and say whassup.
The new Underoath record, They're Only Chasing Safety, is simply stunning. I cannot get over how well they completed the transition from death metal to screamo-tinged metal to straight up screamo, sounding good over the entire course of three albums. Wow. I think this new record has sold somewhere around sixty thousand copies already too - sixty thousand screaming Underoath fans can't be wrong.
....that last sentence was a Training For Utopia reference, by the way.
The new issue of Exclaim! magazine hit newsstands this week; cover artists Arcade Fire and as they proudly proclaim, 173 reviews. I read all the pertinent ones, but the best news story today concerns Strike Anywhere guitarist Matt Sherwood, whose girlfriend, on the sly, entered him in some contest where out of 1200 faces his was chosen as the Most Irresistible in the USA. His prize was presented to him(a chunk of cash) by starlet Anna Kournikova, who's a much better model than she ever was a tennis player, but that's neither here nor there. This entire story is hilarious, and I can't wait for Strike to come back to Ottawa so we can all holler cutesy things at him. Check out exclaim.ca for more fun stuff, and check this out to see the Face Himself with the starlet girl there.
Wanna look at pictures of bands? Go no further! New design too. Schlick. There's some sweet shots of Yellowcard, New Found Glory, Ottawa boys The Fully Down and Underoath(among about two dozen other bands) ripping the place apart at the Montreal Warped tour stop. The reviews of each band's set are hilarious. I've heard the weather was lousy, and these pictures prove it. Let's hear it for mud.
How is that Midtown were apparently here a week ago and I didn't even know? Who dropped the ball? Frig.
Tomorrow night(September 2nd) will see Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day and MercyMe performing their big ol' collabo 'I See Love', the lead single from The Passion of the Christ: Songs, on The Tonight Show. Just so you're not left wondering, here's the complete track listing from the album, with highlights(from my perspective) noted:
Third Day/Steven Curtis Chapman/MercyMe 'I See Love'
Scott Stapp 'Relearn Love'(Note: The Tea Party are the backup band on this single from the former Creed frontman. Ugh.)
P.O.D. 'Truly Amazing'
Brad Paisley and Sara Evans 'New Again'
Big Dismal 'Rainy Day'
Lauryn Hill 'The Passion'
Kirk Franklin (Featuring Yolanda Adams) 'How Many Lashes'
MxPx f. Blink-182's Mark Hoppus 'The Empire'
Charlotte Church 'Finding My Own Way'
BeBe Winans and Angie Stone 'Miracle of Love
Dan Lavery 'To Give Love'
Big Dismal 'Reason I Live'
[rockrebel]
Green Day are back, and touring behind the new album American Idiot; check the dates. Do note the lack of an Ottawa show. What a shock.
09/16 - Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda
09/18 - Chicago, IL @ The Vic
09/21 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
09/24 - Toronto, ONT @ Phoenix Theatre
10/16 - New Orleans, LA @ Voodoo Fest
10/19 - Ft. Worth, TX @ Convention Center
10/20 - Houston, TX @ Reliant
10/28 - Worcester, MA @ Centrum Center
10/29 - Philadelphia, PA @ Liacouris Center
10/30 - East Rutherford, NJ @ Continental Arena
10/31 - Washington, DC @ Patriot Center
11/03 - Mississauga, ONT @ Arrow Hall
11/04 - Montreal, QUE @ Bell Centre
11/05 - Rochester, NY @ Blue Cross Arena
11/17 - Vancouver, BC @ Pacific Coliseum
11/21 - San Diego, CA @ Cox Arena
11/23 - Long Beach, CA @ Long Beach Arena
11/24 - San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
[soundthesirens]
Just a reminder: Ottawa's Buried Inside are now with Relapse Records. And that's purely awesome.
So this band A Javelin Reign is apparently two things I wasn't aware of until reading something over at QCHC: reputedly Christian and reputedly female-fronted. What? That's insane. If that's really a woman screaming, that is something else. I gotta check out more of these metal freaks.
October 10th: Darkest Hour with Cursed at Babylon. 317 Bank Street. Word.
Just thought I'd let all the Ottawa Silverstein fans(and there are lots) know that they're joining the Senses Fail/The Bled tour September 20th - three days after Ottawa gets it - for the rest of the entire tour. Life is unfair.
Hey, look over there: a review of the new album from Rise Against, Siren Song of the Counter Culture!
Night all.