The Moldy Peaches

"What? Punk rocker/Ska nerd silverunity is posting on an indie band? I just lost 10 scene points for listening to a band liked by someone who likes ska!!!! Say it ain't so!"

Oh but it is... it is so. To be honest, I don't know too much about this band, besides the fact they are a lo-fi, anti-folk, hipstertastic band (whatever the fuck that all means) from NYC (although originally Washington State). So how the hell did I hear of these guys?

About four years ago, me and a friend ran a radio show in college, and one night, we had another friend of ours come up and play some music he liked. He found "The Moldy Peaches" buried in the shelves, and played it for us (and everyone listening to our show, which was probably just us actually.) Anyways, we found it hysterical and loved these moldy fruits since.

MP3:
The Moldy Peaches - On Top
The Moldy Peaches - NYC's Like A Graveyard

BUY:
Amazon

Twin Peaks

Me and the roommates watched David Lynch’s Blue Velvet last night and it made me want to start watching Twin Peaks again. I’ve watched the first season and a couple episodes into the second but I’m definitely ready to finish the series off. I miss special agent Dale Cooper and of course everyone’s favorite character the Log Lady. I’m always shocked by how such a bizarre show got so much mainstream attention. It aired on ABC and was one of its most successful shows in the first season. I can’t imagine ABC airing anything that strange and awesome today.

MP3: Angelo Badalamenti- Twin Peaks Theme
MP3: Angelo Badalamenti- Freshly Squeezed

Some people think the M. Ward song I'll Be Yr Bird is about Twin Peaks:

“I cannot resist the opportunity to speculate on a few lyrics from the end of the song, which closes with three repetitions of the lines “I'll hide your locket under the dirt / I'll be yr bird.” The ears of any good Twin Peaks fan would perk up at this line, and part of me cannot help but think that the song is really meant to be from sweet, stupid James Hurley to the ghost of sweet, dead Laura Palmer. I mean, come on! We all saw him stash his half of the locket in the dirt off the road at the end of the pilot episode.” – Jared Bland

MP3: M. Ward- I'll Be Yr Bird

Arrah and the Ferns- The Interview!

Since getting a copy of Arrah and the Ferns début album Evan is a Vegan I’ve listened to it either on my own or in my friend Andy’s car 7.5 million times.* Being a Housewives favorite they’re one of our most blogged bands (weirdly enough so is Journey). So I was really pumped to get a chance to talk to them before their show in Long Island City a couple weeks ago. Read on to learn what the band thinks about Third Eye Blind, singing with dead people, and of course breakfast cereal.

If you had to describe Arrah and the Ferns to someone who’d never heard you what would you say?
Carl- I would say indie-pop with a folk twist.
Arrah- Sounds like potatoes and unicorns and summers eves, yeah folk, pop, indie-rock, we’re hybrids of alot of things.

What would you say your major influences are?
Arrah- For me alot of female musicians like Mira or... it kinda depends on who I’m listening to at the moment. It’s always like, this song’s influenced by this band that I’m listening to at the moment. I dunno, but alot of poppy stuff and lately it’s been more rocking angsty stuff.
Carl- As far as for Arrah and the Ferns guitarists I really like the guitarist from Deerhoof, I guess that’s a big influence. I don’t play very much like his style. Then bands, Wolf Parade we’ll throw that in, we all really like Wolf Parade. I can’t really think of anything else off the top of my head.
Joey- Having just joined the band I haven’t really been in the writing process very much so I dunno. I really like Modest Mouse’s bass player, I’d like to play like that guy.
Dave- I guess a drummer I look up to and try to keep in mind is the drummer from Deerhoof, Greg.

Do any of you have any musical guilty pleasures?
Joey- I listen to Tool, Blink 182.
Carl- We all like to pop in the Third Eye Blind.
Arrah- As a joke.
Carl- That’s a guilty pleasure.
Arrah- Ok, I mean we don’t like it.
Joey- I think it’s good.
Arrah- Oh, well I don’t like it.
Carl- And then Taking Back Sunday.
Joey- Speak for yourself.
Carl- Joey doesn’t like Taking Back Sunday.
Arrah- I don’t have any guilty pleasures, I don’t really feel guilty for what I listen to.
Carl- I still listen to Coheed and Cambria when it comes up on my itunes. Yeah, I don’t really feel guilty but I guess that’s stuff that’s not cool.
Joey- I only listen to Brittany Spears.

So what would a dream collaboration be?
Joey- Neutral Milk Hotel for me.
Dave- I dunno, probably some jazz band.
Arrah- I would like to sing in a choir with all my favorite vocalists, so lots of different people. Particulatly Billie Holiday, Niko, people that are dead. I wanna have a women’s choir with lots of dead people.
Carl- Taking Back Sunday, I wanna do a split with them.
Arrah- I think on the whole though, Arrah and the Ferns would have alot of fun with Architecture in Helsinki. That would be alot of fun.

If Arrah and the Ferns were a breakfast cereal what would they be?
Joey- Fruit Loops
Arrah- Coco Puffs
Dave- Probably Lucky Charms or something, something with alot of colors.
Joey- Something with alot of sugar.
Arrah- Or Reeses Cups, candy for breakfast.
Joey- I think Lucky Charms is good.
Carl- Yeah Lucky Charms.
Arrah- No I know what I would be! Oops All Berries!

What’s the best and worst thing about Indiana?
Joey- Alright, the best thing is that because of its size there aren’t very many people there so in the music scene it’s really easy to get your name around, people hear about you alot easier. The worst thing is... you’re living in Indiana. There’s not really much to do for fun there.
Arrah- The scenery’s pretty bad
Joey- Oh yeah, it’s completely flat. Everyone assumes we like racing alot when they hear we’re from Indiana.

Joey, has it been your lifelong ambition to become a Fern or how did you get into this gig?
Joey- I wanted to for a long time. Dave and Arrah and me have this side project band called Woodlands where I played guitar and they just asked if I wanted to play bass and I was like yeah sure I’ll do that. I dunno I just kinda fell into it I guess.

If you guys could play any presidential inauguration whose would it be?
Arrah- William McKinley!
Carl- Why William McKinley?
Arrah- Because he’s my uncle. No, everyone wants him, what about Garfield. We can’t agree.
Joey- See I would say Roosevelt but whatever.
Carl- I would just be happy for the free food, I’d imagine there’s alot of that involved in playing an inauguration.
Joey- Wait, what if we played at Bill Clinton’s and he played saxophone with us. That’d be sweet.

When can we expect a new album out from you guys?
Arrah- Hopefully by spring, early spring. I have most of the songs written for the next album and we have alot of new songs we’re playing but we still need to work on alot of stuff and we’re gonna take our time in the studio whatever we do. I’d like to start recording in the fall and get it done by Christmas time. It depends on how things pan out because Dave’s gonna be living a couple hours away from us but I’d really like to see it out by spring. But for sure next year by next summer.

MP3: Arrah and the Ferns- Science Books
MP3: Arrah and the Ferns- Bernadette

Buy: Insound, Amazon

*This is a rough estimate; the actual number might be higher.

Haunted by song all day.

I've had a Misfits song in my head for the past two days, and i'm not even a big fan of the Misfits. Anyway, this song is amazing, and maybe if I post it, it will get out of my head finally. So in the words of The Misfits: "Oh dear god, set me free....Stop haunting me."

P.S I sense a battle of Atom vs the misfits soon... stay tuned!

Buy:
Amazon

NME's Greatest Indie Anthems Ever

I was poking around the internet and found NME’s list of the 50 greatest indie anthems ever. It’s not a bad list, a little heavy on the Oasis maybe and I’m not sure what definition of “indie” they’re using but an ok list nonetheless. Here are their top ten:

1.Oasis - 'Live Forever'
2. Nirvana - 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'
3. Pulp - 'Common People'
4. The Smiths - 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out'
5. The Libertines - 'Don't Look Back Into The Sun'
6. The Libertines - 'Time For Heroes'
7. The Smiths - 'How Soon Is Now?'
8. The Stone Roses - 'I Am The Resurrection'
9 The Strokes - 'Last Nite'
10 Arctic Monkeys - 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor

And here are some songs I can't believe they left out:

MP3: The New Pornographers- The Laws Have Changed
MP3: Wolf Parade- I'll Believe in Anything
MP3: Neutral Milk Hotel- Holland, 1945
MP3: The Shins- Kissing the Lipless
MP3: The Decemberists- The Sporting Life

MP3: Built to Spill- Big Dipper
MP3: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah- The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth

Buy:
Insound
Amazon

DEVOtional 2007

Other blogs might cover SXSW in Austin, CMJ in New York or Lollapalooza in Chicago but who would travel out to Cleveland to cover the DEVOtional (a yearly Devo convention)? That’s right dear readers, the Midwestern Housewives!

So to be honest I’m not a massive Devo fan (or Devotee as they’re called) but when I was offered a trip out to Cleveland I though sure, why the hell not. It was a decision I did not regret. The Devo convention turned out to be a pretty good time plus I got a chance to explore the lovely city of Cleveland.


Now I’m a pretty huge nerd, I mean c’mon I’m a blogger and up until this weekend I assumed ska fans (myself included) were the nerdiest music fans around. To my dismay I found that Devo fans really give us rudies a run for our money. Actually that was the best part of the trip. The folks at the DEVOtional were so unselfconsciously pumped for Devo, doing goofy dances and wearing Devo themed costumes, their enthusiasm was contagious. The highlight of the whole trip for me was seeing people rocking out hardcore during Devo karaoke.

Other events included the excellent Devo cover band Spudboys and a Q and A with Devo bassist Gerald Casale. Although Casale seemed like a pretty bitter guy during his talk he was cool enough to get on stage and perform a few Devo favorites with Spudboys.



MP3: Devo- Watch Us Work It
MP3: Devo- Gut Feeling

Buy:
Insound
Amazon

Fugazi Vs. Atom and His Package

(The famous "hand wave of death and inevitable destruction)

Looks like Fugazi has some military allies. Atom is going to have to watch out for Puerto Rico's army if he wants to come out alive.

Laaaadies and gentlemen! Step right up! Tonight, the main event is the champion "Ol Fighting" Fugazi vs. "The Annihilating" Atom and his Package! Victories shall be glorious, defeats shall be painful, and heroes WILL be made!

Currently Fugazi is the champion with their #1 chartbuster, "Waiting Room". However, Atom and his oh so notorious Package plan to strip that title from them and make it his very own with his rendition of "Waiting Room". Ohhh scandalous! Atom could not be reached for comment on the issue, however this is our interpretation of what he would probably say: "Uhh. Hi."

There you have it folks! Ol' Annihilation Mcgee has spoken!

Fugazi could also not be reached, but they would probably respond: “Yeah? Think he can beat us? I’ll wait (and wait and wait) for the day that happens.”


Round 1: Emotion
While Atom and his Package makes a valiant effort, he just seems slightly annoyed about waiting. I’m assuming Atom was sitting in some very heavy traffic while writing this tune. Fugazi on the other hand, seriously seems PAINED by waiting any longer, my guess is that they were writing about the new Streetlight Manifesto release. Fugazi wins this round.

Round 2: Dancability
Fugazi could definitely get a crowd swaying back in forth, all eyes closed screaming along. However, Atom’s rendition is known to cause sudden urges to do “the robot”, “the macarana”, and in severe cases, “the funky chicken”. Sorry Fugazi, Atom wins Round 2.

Round 3: Best Gang Vocals
Hmm… Fugazi’s gang vocals sound like a bunch of depressed 80s rockers, while Atom’s gang vocals resemble those of drunken Russian skinheads doing the Can-Can.

Winner of round 3?
These guys.

MP3:
Fugazi - Waiting Room
Atom And His Package - Waiting Room

BUY:
Fugazi
Atom And His Package

Hub City Stompers And The Slackers Show Review

Think ska was killed by a stake through the heart years ago? Think again. Ska is alive and kicking, almost as much as everyone at the First Unitarian Church last night. While there were 4 bands on the bill, I only caught 2, The Hub City Stompers (who I went to go see), and The Slackers.


If you don't know who The Hub City Stompers are, they are a skinhead influenced self
proclaimed "Ska for people who hate ska" band out of New Brunswick NJ. Now to all you people who just stopped reading at the word "skinhead" and are actually ignorant enough to believe that all skins are racist neo-nazis... let me quelm your fears by saying the lead singer (a skinhead) is half Irish, half black. So you can continue reading now.

Their lineup changed quite a bit from the last time I saw them, but they still put out that delicious stomp steady beat. Playing songs mostly off of their newest album "Dirty Jersey", they ripped through a rather short yet solid set. The crowd was getting pretty into them,skanking away to all of the favorites. They gave their usual shout out to the larger women before busting into "Mass Appeal" and talked about people who talk tough behind the shadows of the internet before playing "Chatterbox".

Although, the highlight of their set for me is when Reverend Sinister stated that it was a girl's first time at a ska show, and swore "They are usually much dorkier than this." At this point, they busted into a slower reggae tune making fun of rude boys and girls everywhere called something like "Dork Train to Skaville" (I don't remember the exact title.) The crowd took this all in good humor with the chorus "You're a fucking dork". In the middle of the song, the tempo suddenly changed to a fast paced typical ska progression, in which the lead singer shouted "Come on you fucking dorks! Do your circle thing". The crowd went completely insane at this point.

I think this is most of the setlist, and this isn't in order by any means, but here is what I remember from the show:

Setlist:
Wtfiu?
Skinhead Boi
Skins Don't Cry
Johhny Date Rape
Chatterbox
Dork Train To Skaville
Trojan Night
Mass Appeal
I've Got A Boot
Bumbl-b

MP3:
Hub City Stompers - Johnny Date Rape
Hub City Stompers - Wtfiu?



I skipped the next band (Westbound Train) to go get some fresh air (it was ridiculously hot in that basement), however I made it back in time for The Slackers. I was definitely not prepared for what I was about to see. A crowd of maybe 100 now easily quadrupled in size, and the entire basement was filled with people skanking to the sweet sweet sounds of the Slackers. There was even a 70 yr old couple there, dancing the night away (let this be a lesson to anyone who thinks they are too old for shows). I'm not even really familiar with any songs by The Slackers, but I had the time of my life. I would love to have gotten a set list for you guys, but unfortunately, I don't know much of their songs. However, let me make this recommendation... If you like ska, and The Slackers are coming to your area, even
if you don't know any songs GO SEE THEM.

MP3:
The Slackers - Married Girl

BUY:
The Slackers
Hub City Stompers

Mates of State- All Day EP

So apparently this EP has already been out for three years, whatever I just got it so I’m reviewing it now. Awesome. Very awesome. I loved their last album Bring It Back, I actually had a dream about the song So Many Ways last week and couldn’t get it out of my head all morning. Anyway the song Along For The Ride might top even that. It’s your typical Mates of State duet with lots of synth and joyful yelling/singing.

MP3: Mates of State- Along For the Ride

Buy:
Insound
Amazon

A Little Blast From The Past (And Now I've Turned Into A VH1 Special...)

Hey indie kids and punk rockers alike! Have you heard of NoFX's Punk in Drublic? Of course you have, it's nearly 13 years old. So why the hell am I making a post on it? Because, chances are, if you are over 20 yrs old, regardless if you still listen to punk or have gone on to indie, you have owned or at least liked some songs off this album at one stage of your life. Like the Giving Tree, you have shunned what has once given you joy and hapiness (shame on you!) But don't worry, I'm here to make peace between you and NOFX. Because contrary to common belief, it is NOT my job to keep punk rock elite. Who knows, maybe you'll still know some of the words!

PS: Linoleum always made me want to name my dog "dog". Oh and The Brews made me wish I was Jewish (ok not really, but I do want an "Anti-Swastika" tattoo).

MP3:
NOFX - Linoleum
NOFX - Perfect Government
NOFX - The Brews
NOFX - Jeff Wears Birkenstocks

Buy:
Epitaph

Rock Plaza Central- Are We Not Horses

Ok, I actually got this album by accident (I was looking for Scotland Yard Gospel Choir) but I’m not upset because Are We Not Horses is pretty cool. If I’m not mistaken the album features the accordion, trumpet, mandolin and violin along with typical rock band instruments. I definitely hear some Will Oldham in this album, people say there are also Neutral Milk Hotel influences but those are harder to spot I think. The album is mixed in an interesting way so that I keep glancing over my shoulder and slipping off my headphones to see if some sounds are coming from the music or the subway, neighbors, people on the street, etc. it’s a little disarming but I like it.

MP3: Rock Plaza Central- How Shall I To Heaven Aspire?
MP3: Rock Plaza Central- Anthem for the Already Defeated

Buy:
Insound
Amazon

Hello Again

Hello again readers! I know it’s been awhile (nothing like the great blogger drought of April 07’ of course). Anyway I’ve been a little busy lately but I’m back and trust me there are some good things coming so keep an eye on this page


Today I’d like to talk about whistling. I wish I could whistle, unfortunately all I can manage is that toneless shrill sound people who don’t know how to whistle made when they try to whistle, it’s really unpleasant. Maybe it’s for the best, did you know that in theater whistling, especially on-stage, is considered unlucky? This isn’t much of a consolation for me because I don’t happen to be in theater and spend no time on stage. I love it when bands use whistling in songs maybe because I feel I can live vicariously through them? Check out some of my favorite whistling songs below, also feel free to leave a comment and tell me yours.

MP3: Andrew Bird- Spare-Ohs
MP3: M. Ward- Lullaby+Exile
MP3: Single of the Moment- Adam and Eve
MP3: The Vandals- My Girlfriend’s Dead
MP3: Peter Bjorn And John- Young Folks (I know I know you’re sick of this song but c’mon it’s become a pretty quintessential whistling song)

Also even if you're not a big Andrew Bird fan definitely check out this video of him preforming Spare-Ohs for La Blogotheque. Simply put, it's the greatest whistling I've ever seen.

#45.3 - Andrew Bird - Spare-Oh
Uploaded by lablogotheque

Buy: Andrew Bird, M. Ward, Single of the Moment, The Vandals, Peter Bjorn And John

Bouncing Souls and Lifetime at Electric Factory Review and Setlists

On Friday night, I went to go see my favorite band, the Bouncing Souls at the Electric Factory. I've seen them 9 or 10 times now, and this time was quite possibly the best set I've ever seen (as good as when I first saw them years ago). I was more amped than a schoolboy who just snorted crack.

SHORT VERSION: I had a lot of fun, and the Bouncing Souls played a sick setlist. I was especially excited that every band was from New Jersey (being a native myself). Scroll down for the setlist and mp3s you lazy ass.

LONG VERSION: We finally arrived at the venue after fighting off lightning and crazy parking lot attendants, and we already missed Static Radio NJ. The Ergs came on stage, and had a hard time getting the crowd pumped. Sorry for all you Ergs fans, but I don't know much about them, and they kind of bored me (I figure I give them a second chance this show too, since I saw them a week ago with Armalite). However some songs I remember are "Books about Miles Davis" and... actually that's all I remember.



Lifetime came up next, who I've always liked, but not a dedicated fan. It was good to see them, since I started listening to them after they broke up (I'd be much more excited if Kid Dynamite got back together, however). The second they took the stage, a bunch of kids started their dojo kung fu shit, which was especially hilarious since it was to the midtempo of Lifetime. They played a pretty tight set, some highlights including Daneurysm, Irony Is For Suckers, and Just a Quiet Evening. I was actually really impressed how much older stuff they played. Ari told the crowd to "chill out" while they were yelling requests for songs, which I found odd... and apparently Dan felt the same: "Dude, did you seriously just tell them to chill out?"

Lifetime Setlist:

Airport Monday Morning
Turnpike Gates
The Boys No Good
Rodeo Clown
Just a Quiet Evening
Daneurysm
Haircuts & Tshirts
Hey Catrine
Young, Loud and Snotty
Irony Is For Suckers
(The Gym Is) Neutral Territory
Northbound Breakdown
Knives, Bats, New Tats
Ostrichsized
25 Cent Giraffes

MP3:
Lifetime - Daneurysm
Lifetime - I Like You OK


The crowd (myself included) was getting restless while the Souls set up. Numerous "Ole" and "Here We go" chants started, and a mosh pit actually broke out before they even took the stage. They finally took the stage, broke out into Hopeless Romantic and continued an onslaught of older songs until they finally took a break to talk 5 songs in. It felt like I was seeing them for the first time at Skate and Surf nearly five years ago, and my energy level was in sonicspeed overdrive. They mentioned they were feeling nostalgic tonight (to my excitement), and burst straight into "Joe Lies (When He Cries)." They played a decent mix of songs from each of their albums and I have the setlist (from what I remember) posted below. Many people complain that the Souls aren't really "into" their show, and to be honest, I've never felt that way. They are the most consistent band I see up on stage, and it's obvious they truly love what they do.
HIGHLIGHT: Their "Guitarmageddon", in which 3 or 4 additional guitar players (including Dan Yemin) came on stage and played along for True Believers.

Bouncing Souls Setlist:

Hopeless Romantic
Say Anything
That Song
Cracked
Joe Lies (When He Cries)
The Gold Song
Private Radio
Quick Check Girl
The Something Special
Lifetime
Here We Go
No Security
Born Free
ExCxFxUx
Lean on Sheena
Kids & Heroes
Kate is Great
Midnight Mile
Fight To Live
Gone
For All The Unheard
--
Anchors Aweigh
True Believers
Night On Earth

MP3:
-Joe Lies (When He Cries)
-Born Free

BUY:
Chunksaah Records
Jade Tree

Anti-Pasti: For Fans Of The Clash

Do you like the Clash? Then you will probably like Anti-Pasti. Despise The Clash? Then you probably love nothing in life and have a heart made out of dead puppies and bleeding kittens... Orphan dead puppies and kittens by the way. Anti-Pasti doesn't kill kittens (you jerk), and these guys were pretty big (for punk) in the UK during the 80s, however, they never really got huge in the states over here. Their music is very similar to that of The Clash, as in not really heavy and pretty mid tempo. Admittingly, I don't listen to them very often, but I really should, and if you like 70s style punk (with a Devo like synth thrown in at random times), then what the hell are you waiting for?


MP3:
Anti-Pasti - Six Guns (first 10 seconds are silent... live with it.)
Anti-Pasti - Burn In Your Own Flames
Anti-Pasti - Caution In The Wind

Buy:
Anagram Records

Guilt By Association

So by now you’ve probably heard of Guilt By Association, an Engine Room Recordings project where indie artist cover mainstream acts. Has anyone else noticed the similarity between the album cover and the old Ike Reilly album Salesman & Racists? Anyway I think the album is pretty hit or miss but for anyone else who loves covers it's worth checking out.

Edit: Due to Record Label Request, other 2 mp3s removed.

MP3: Petra Haden- Don’t Stop Believin’ (Journey cover)
Ugh what a huge disappointment. The housewives are all big fans of the original so maybe I was expecting too much? There’s just no rocking out at all, in fact when she gets to the part where the rocking is supposed to start she TALKS THROUGH IT. Talking, the opposite of rocking!

Edit: Well I'm still not a huge fan of the Petra Haden cover but I just saw the music video over at Three Pints and a Towel and I've gotta admit it's pretty awesome.

Buy:
Insound
Amazon

Murder Mystery

It seems like every time I open my e-mail these days I get news on some awesome new indie-pop band. My cup runneth over with handclaps! Anyway the latest is a New York band called Murder Mystery. Their début album Are You Ready for the Heartache Cause Here it Comes has all the indie-pop trappings of a Mates of State or Bishop Allen along with a healthy dose of Buddy Holly (especially check out What My Baby Said). Half of the band is brother and sister team Jeremy Coleman (vocals, guitar) and Laura Coleman (drums, vocals). The other less related half consists of Kevin Jaszek (guitar and vocals) and the incredible Adam Fels (bass, vocals) keep an ear out for the fantastic bass parts.

MP3: Murder Mystery- What My Baby Said
MP3: Murder Mystery- Love Astronaut

Buy:
Insound
Myspace

Sofapunch Haiku

Sofapunch Haiku:
Catchy nerdy Ska
Song about video games
Skank nerds! We All Skank!

MP3:
Sofapunch - Little Ol' Me
Sofapunch - Love Buttons

Buy:
Sofapunch Official Site

Streetlight Manifesto Promises New CD Samples, Release Date, and Title This Month

Streetlight Manifesto announced some news on their redesigned website today.
From their site:

"A) New Record... OFFICIALLY DONE AND FINISHED AND WRAPPED!
B) New Record title... To be announced right here, this very month!
C) New Record song samples, to be posted here, this very month!
D) New Record release date, to be posted here, this very month!
E) First official Streetlight music video, more info soon, right here
F) Upcoming headline tour plans to be announced here in the next few weeks
G) Overseas tours to be announced by late September, including previously uncharted (by SM) continents..! "

And since this is Streetlight Manifesto, expect to see the new record in about 2011.

Mustard Plug - In Black And White

When I learned about Mustard Plug's new release scheduled for 9/11/07, I was stoked. Mustard Plug has been one of my favorite ska bands for quite some time, and it's about time for a new album. In Black and White does not disappoint.

The album takes a different direction than the happy, upbeat silly songs of Mustard Plug that we've come to know and love. In Black and White is heavier, both musically and lyrically. The lyrics are much more serious, and with the exception of a few songs, the music isn't all that upbeat, taking a darker (up)stroke of ska. Dave's vocals seem much more gruffer, where he is almost growling the lyrics. Songs like "Puddle Of Blood" and "Over The Edge" emphasize the heavier side of Mustard Plug. However, they are still Mustard Plug, and still give us what we are expecting in songs such as "Hit Me Hit Me" and "What You Say". If you like ska at all, I highly recommend you go and pre-order this album now.


MP3:
Mustard Plug - Hit Me! Hit Me!
Mustard Plug - Over The Edge

Pre-Order

Aramlite Show Review

I went to go see Armalite last night at the First Unitarian Church in Philly, and let me say, it was a sick show.

First up was The Steal hailing from the UK, playing their first show ever in the US. I never heard of these guys before hand, but to my surprise, they put on the best show of the night. The Steal played melodic hardcore along the lines of Kid Dynamite (which they eventually admitted to being their biggest influence, and they were stoked to be sharing the stage with Dan Yemin). They took everything the fans shouted in good humor (ex: "Do a Backflip!" The Steal: "We're not Yellowcard!"). I managed to grab their setlist:

1. Breakout
2. Waiting for The Simple Life
3. World Wide World
4. Clothing Rack
5. New Friend
6. Living For The Weekend
7. Up In Smoke
8. The Steal
9. Wonderstuff

Next up were the Pink Razors, who I swear I've heard of before. Finally, when they went on stage and stated that they were from Richmond, VA, I realized that they were always on the schedule for the Nanci Raygun (R.I.P). Pink Razors play a catchy blend of Pop-Punk (the real stuff), and the first thing I noticed was strong similarities to The Suicide Machine's War Profiteering is Killing Us All. Mixed male and female vocals blended nicely with their sound, and it was apparent that the Pink Razors were there to have a good time.

MP3: The Pink Razors - Sincerity is So Pretenious

By the time the next band came up, I was starting to get a little bored. Both the Pink Razors and The Steal played solid sets, but I didn't know any of the songs, and now The Ergs were coming up and I didn't know anything by them either. They reminded me of The Descendants mixed with Lifetime, both who I like, but am not a huge fan of. Their fans got really into it, and finally broke out into what was the first mosh pit-like (I'm hesitant to call it a mosh pit) of the night. The highlight of their set was a sweet punk cover of that 90's song "Hey Jealousy".

Finally, after waiting forever for them to get out of the bathroom, Philly's own Armalite took the stage. The guitars were having some trouble with feedback, but they managed to get through just fine. In between songs, the band gave some hilarious banter, particulary about how they were worried about us. That we would not have the nutrition to mosh and what not. Therefor, they unveiled the official "Armalite Cookbook". The band ripped through:

1. Dan's Hands Melt
2. New Wave
3. Destination: Not At Home
4. Husker Dave
5. When Nice People Think Dumb Things, Attack, And Vote
6. Entitled
7. Unfinished Business
8. Other Entertainers
9. Listed on Setlist as B-Scratch
10. I am Pancreas, Seek To Understand Me

I asked Atom after the show if they'd be playing more shows now (since they NEVER play), and he told me "Probably not. The other guys are all involved with other full-time bands, and I've got two little ones to look after now" I then suggested that he go back on tour with the Package, and he just laughed and said "those were good times man...."

Buy: Pink Razors
The Steal
Armalite

Okkervil River- The Stage Names

Okkervil River’s new album The Stage Names is the only thing that’s been able to rip me away from Black and Gold lately. It’s just as fantastic as Black Sheep Boy but in a different way. This album is more diverse, it’s got the classic Okkervil sound on songs like Savannah Smiles and A Girl In Port while other songs like Our Life is Not a Movie or Maybe and Unless It's Kicks are more danceable, or if not danceable then at least move-around-able. Both are a good time. One of my favorites from the album is Plus Ones because I love songs that reference other songs and this one references a ton of good ones.

MP3: Okkervil River- Unless It's Kicks
MP3: Okkervil River- Plus Ones

Buy:
Insound
Amazon

Armalite: Atom And His Package and Dan Yemin From Kid Dynamite

We here at housewives love Atom and his Package. I also love Kid Dynamite and Paint it Black. While the music isn't nearly as heavy as Kid Dynamite or Paint it Black, it's nice to hear Adam's voice with some fun catchy punk. To be honest, the music actually reminds me of None More Black (which was started by Jason, the vocalist for Kid Dynamite). While most of the vocals are done by Adam, the songs that don't feature him are just as catchy. I'm (hopefully) going to see them for the first time this week, I'll post a show review soon afterwards. In the meantime:

MP3:
Armalite - I am Pancreas, Seek To Understand Me (my favorite!)
Armalite - Dan's Hands Melt
Armalite - Grace (or the Importance of Being Impermanent)

Buy:
No Idea Records

Pizza Head

Man I love youtube. Where else would I be able to relive the joys of a mid-90s fast food pizza promotion? I was never fooled by that lovable Pizza Head, Pizza Hut still sucks and I’m not sure any anthropomorphic slice of pizza can convince me otherwise. That said, watching these old commercials warms my heart (a sad commentary on the amount of television I used to watch?) If you’re pining for a longer nostalgia trip back to those wacky 90s check out some more Pizza Head adventures below, but watch out for Steve.

You're not my homie!
Wait, he's not an engineer!
Hey, he's not a coach!
He's no princess!

Aaaand because this is still ostensibly a music blog, here are some of my favorite songs about pizza.

MP3: Ghost Mice- Free Pizza For Life
MP3: The Bouncing Souls- Pizza Song
MP3: The Aquabats- Pizza Day

Buy: Ghost Mice, The Bouncing Souls, The Aquabats

A to Z Clash covers

I know I know didn’t I already do a post about Clash covers? Yes, but who could possibly get enough of the Clash? Apparently not Berkeley Place. BP posted an A to Z of Clash covers some of bands covering the Clash and a few covers by Strummer. Below are my favorites but definitely go get the rest which include a Bedouin Soundclash cover of Guns of Brixton, ArtGel’s cover of Rudie Can’t Fail and Joe Strummer covering Blitzkreig Bop.

MP3: Joe Strummer- The Harder They Come (Jimmy Cliff cover)
MP3: Mike Peters- White Man in Hammersmith Palais (Clash cover)

Get the rest:
Berkeley Place

Garfield Dead? The Creepiest Garfield Comics Ever Seen.

Last night I was minding my own business, when Sasha IMs me and asks me if I knew anything about Garfield dying. Not realizing that I was 2 minutes from being scarred for life, I told her I had not, and I was a pretty big fan of Garfield. After seeing this week long series from 1989, my perception of Garfield as the innocent comic strip about squishing spiders, punting Odie, and hating Mondays suddenly took a turn for the worse. The Halloween week long strip was grim, haunting, and existential. In any other comic, it wouldn't of been as creepy, but this is GARFIELD. There are many internet rumors that claim Garfield actually is now dead, and everything from this strip is his own alternative reality, however, Jim Davis actually cleared this up. I guess writing about spiders, lasagna, and Jon being a loser for 11 years (hold old the strip was in 1989) gets pretty damn boring.

Check Out The Strips:
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth

MP3:
The Low Budgets - Stupid Dead Kitty

Buy:
Low Budgets

Arrah and the Ferns at the Cake Shop

Housewives favorite Arrah and the Ferns played a show opening for The Smittens at the Cake Shop Sunday night. The small but enthusiastic crowd was treated to a handful of new songs as well as favorites from their album Evan is a Vegan (oh wow my spellcheck didn’t recognize Vegan, maybe it really is time to upgrade from windows 2000). This was a third time seeing the band for me in the past year but no, it never gets old. Plus there were a few new surprises. There’s a new member Joey, who plays the bass rounding out the ferns sound really well. On top of that Carl kicked out the jams with a saxophone a few times. All in all another fantastic set from Arrah and the Ferns.

MP3: Arrah and the Ferns- Science Books
MP3: Arrah and the Ferns- Bernadette

Buy:
Insound
Amazon

Mark Berube- What the River Gave the Boat

Mark Berube’s new release, What the River Gave the Boat, is part one of a double album (part two will of course be titled What the Boat Gave the River). All cleverness aside it’s a pretty suitable name for an album that seems to float dreamily from story to story propelled by acoustic guitar, strings, accordion, light percussion and most importantly Berube’s voice. Berube sings with a distinctive reedy voice that sometimes drifts into a Tom Waits style rasp. It’s this voice along with the album’s subtle orchestration that brings the narrative in each song to the forefront. Listen for stories about the world’s last reigning monarch, birds soaring above a burning pizza parlor, and being the passenger of a doomed subway car. I highly recommend album to fans of M. Ward, Hezekiah Jones, Robert Sarazin Blake or Tom Waits.

MP3: Mark Berube- Cloudy Day
MP3: Mark Berube- Pretty Little Bird (The Saint Of Vancouver)

Buy:
CDBaby

The Replacements- Putting On The Ritz (Live- 1987)

The latest from That Truncheon Thing’s Classic Bootleg Series is a 1987 live recording of The Replacements. Recorded at The Ritz in New York during their Pleased To Meet Me tour this is a great find for anyone else nerdy enough to be a Replacements fan (go ahead raise your hands).



Get the rest:
That Truncheon Thing

Aaron Schroeder- Black & Gold

Aaron Schroeder’s new release Black & Gold packs an indie-pop punch that nearly knocked my lights out (or maybe that was Con Edison?) Handclapping and horns. Keyboards and catchy hooks. What more could I possibly ask for? The album has a wonderfully full sound with a sort of New Pornographers style of instrumentation and energetic vocals. I can’t recommend Black & Gold highly enough, I’ve only had it for the past couple days but it’s already got a sure place on my top ten list this year. If you like fun or enjoy happiness check out the tracks below.

MP3: Aaron Schroeder- Fake Crimes
MP3: Aaron Schroeder- If You Please

Pre-order:
AaronSchroeder.com

Capdown Breaks Up (1997-2007)

After 10 ska-core years together, UK's Capdown has decided to disband. Their official statement:

We are now formally announcing that the band will not be continuing to work together as Capdown after the October 2007 tour. After completing our last, and best, album in 2007, we have all decided that we want to explore other experiences in life, outside the band unit.

When I first came down to college a few years ago, I decided to explore the town some by myself. It was Capdown I was listening to as I was exploring, and will always equate them with that new experience.

It's been a while since I've listened to them, but I was listening to some Capdown two days ago, and this happens. Chillingly similar to the I.D.K breakup. I gotta stop listening to music I love.

MP3:
Capdown - Ska Wars
Capdown - I wanna Riot (Rancid Cover)
Capdown - Faith No More
Capdown - An A-political Stand Of Reasons

Buy:
Their Official Site

Folly Demos

Folly brings out the weirdest crowds. You have hardcore kids doing their "I've just been released from the dojo" shit and ska kids skanking at the same time. Of course, there is unfortunately tension between the two groups many times... and interestingly enough, when I saw them back in 2003 a fight broke out, and the ska kids kicked the hardcore kids asses... then they immediately went back to skanking.

Regardless: Here is some of their early works, from various demos and what not. For all you Folly fans, check out "Walk With Me", it's what Folly sounded like before they got their hardcore influences.

MP3:
Folly - Please Don't Shoot The Piano Player
Folly - Broken
Folly - Walk With Me

Buy:
Their official Store

Maritime- Heresy and the Hotel Choir

Maritime have a new album coming out in October titled Heresy and the Hotel Choir. Former band member Eric Axelson (formerly formerly of The Dismemberment Plan) has been replaced by bassist Justin Klug. No worries what I’ve heard so far sounds great, lots of catchy hooks and whatnot. Check it out.

New Stuff
MP3: Maritime- Guns of Navarone
MP3: Maritime- For Science Fiction

Old Favorites:
MP3: Maritime- No One Will Remember You Tonight
MP3: Maritime- We Don't Think, We Know

Buy:
Insound
Amazon

Oh No! Oh My! Cover Huey Lewis and the News

My high school art teacher was a big fan of Huey Lewis and since we had a CD player in the art room I ended up hearing a lot of him. That’s one of the reasons I’m so excited about the upcoming tribute to Huey Lewis “Are You Still With Me?!”
Below is Oh No! Oh My!’s cover of Finally Found A Home. Like the New Pornographer’s cover of Your Daddy Don’t Know, Finally Found A Home is an awesome mix of 80’s cheesiness and indie-pop goofiness.

MP3: Oh No! Oh My!- Finally Found A Home (Huey Lewis and the News cover)

Buy Oh No! Oh My!:
Insound
Amazon

Songs About Chicks

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was sitting in my high school gym class at 7:00 am, groggily staring at the florescent lights as they turned pink to white from warming up. My friend approached me (very brave of her for to approach me at such an early time), and gave me a copy of the CD she let me listen to the day before. "It's my cousin's band, they broke up a while ago, but they're really good".

Since then, President Lemon's Song's About Chicks has been one of my "classic" ska albums. Sure the songs are indeed about chicks, but not in your typical i love her, i miss her way. Oh no, these songs are hilarous and shallow, more in a stalking "I'll tie you up, because that's how I say I love you", settling "I wanted her, but she knew I would be untrue, so if you'll take me, I'll settle for you" type of way. The horns are crisp and clean, the choruses are catchy as hell, and the fun doesn't relent for a second! I never had such a hard time picking songs I wanted to post off the cd, all are so good. After much scrunity, I settled on these. This NJ band may not have been known outside of the state, but definitely worth your time.

NOTE: The site has been taken down, but using the Internet Archive, here's a copy of the website from 2001!

MP3:
President Lemon - POV
President Lemon - Jackie's Fanclub (my favorite!)
President Lemon - I'll Settle For You
President Lemon - She's A Biter

Buy:
Amazon

Radio Zero’s Triumphant Return

Radio Zero is an internet radio show that’s been running on and off since 1998. After a 6-month hiatus Rick and Rose are back and I’m embarrassingly excited. Radio Zero is by far my favorite podcast (This American Life coming in at second place) and I can’t even figure out why. The show is run by Rick and Rose of Poster Children fame, but they rarely mention the band. Usually it’s everyday stuff about raising their kid, seeing movies, the news from Champagne Illinois, or the occasional political rant from Rick (watch out for the hand of logic). I’m having a hard time explaining what’s so appealing about the show. I guess a lot of its charm lies in its lay-person style. This is what the internet was supposed to be, everyday people getting their own spotlight. It’s not fancy, it’s fun. Check out the show HERE and their excellent band the Poster Children below.

MP3: Poster Children- Jane
MP3: Poster Children- The New World (X cover)

Buy:
PosterChildren.com
Insound