KRS ONE - Return Of The Boom Bap (Best Hip Hop Album EVER)

Return of The Boom Bap by KRS-One is the BEST hip hop album around… period. It’s rare to find a rapper who mixes intelligent lyrics, non-stop flows, and heavy beats that I guarantee will be impossible to get out of your head (go ahead, I dare you to listen to “Sound of Da Police” and try not to tap to the beat).

With songs against sexism, gangs, and police brutality, it’s hard to not draw up comparisons to my favorite style of music: punk rock. I believe even those who aren’t a big fan of hip-hop could easily listen to KRS-One, as he definitely has a different approach than most hip-hop artists. Definitely check him out.

On a random note: Apparently he samples the Billy Joel song “Rosalinda’s Eyes” on “Mortal Thought”, which shocked me, as I love both songs and had no idea.

If you like KRS-One:

The Coup

Buy:

KRS ONE

Raised Fist (Brutal Hardcore Punk From Sweden)

Raised Fist is one of the most brutal hardcore/punk bands to come out of Sweden. Forming back in 1993, Raised Fist plays machine-gun fast hardcore with the energy of 10,000 cheese graters (that’s right, 10,000).

Fans of Disfear and Toxic Narcotic will definitely find refuge in Raised Fist.

Mp3:

Raised Fist – Models On TV

Raised Fist – Twisted Debate

Buy:

Official Site

Spring Heeled Jack - Songs From Suburbia (Catchy Ska)

I’ll put it quite simply: Spring Heeled Jack’s “Songs From Suburbia” is one of the best ska/punk albums around. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most overlooked, even since it came out nearly 10 years ago (Spring Heeled Jack broke up 8 years ago as well).

The songs are incredibly catchy, and unlike most 3^rd wave ska bands, the horns don’t accompany the guitars, but rather are completely integrated, and many are even driven by the horns (see “Jolene”). If you’re a fan of ska, definitely check out this album… and if you were are one of those “I used to like ska before I became emo… then indie…but I never listened to ska!” check this album out anyways, you may rekindle a love.

MP3:

Spring Heeled Jack – Jolene

Spring Heeled Jack - MCMLIX (1959)

Buy:

Amazon

Less Than Jake - GNV FLA

There is a lot at stake with Less Than Jake’s newest release “GNV FLA”. In recent years, Less Than Jake’s releases have been (how should I put this) subpar compared to earlier releases. So when LTJ announced they were getting out of the major label game, us older fans were cautiously excited.

I listened to the album, and let me say, it does not disappoint. “GNV FLA” is very reminiscent of “Borders and Boundaries”, (although the opening track “City of Gainesville” has a very “Dopeman” feel to it).” While it’s a not complete return to “Pezcore” or “Losing Streak” days, if you’re a Less Than Jake fan, you can rest assured that “GNV FLA” is definitely a solid album and one that any LTJ fan should have.

MP3:

Less Than Jake – Conviction Notice

Less Than Jake – The Space They Can’t Touch

Buy:

Less Than Jake

The High School Dropouts (For Fans of Ramones, Vapids, Teenage Bottlerocket, The Copyrights)

High School Dropouts, where have you BEEN all my life? The answer to that question is sadly, within a binder in my car on a disc that I never really listened to, until about 2 days ago. I also don’t really have any excuse, since I’ve owned it for about 3-4 years now… please forgive me; I promise to never neglect you again!

The High School Dropouts “Self Titled” album could seriously be mistaken for a Ramones b-side, and I mean that in the most flattering way possible. You see, years ago, The Ramones found 3 perfect chords, and decided to never stray from them… EVER. Some people will complain that it is too repetitive, but if you love those three chords, then you’ll love this album… guaranteed.

High School Dropouts – Harry Crumb Private Eye

High School Dropouts – Suicide Mission

Buy:

Interpunk

The Ultimate Birthday Mix!

So, I wasn’t going to post this because I thought it was a little conceded, but screw it, I don’t care! Today is my birthday! Although for some reason it doesn’t really feel like it… Anyways, here are the essential songs I listen to on my bday!

MP3:

Groovie Ghoulies – Happy Birthday

The Vandals – Happy Birthday To Me

The Vandals – Bad Birthday Bash

Atom and His Package – Happy Birthday General

Big D And The Kids Table – Running Young

7 Seconds – Young ‘Til I Die

Big D And The Kids Table – Good Luck

Bouncing Souls – Born Free

Low Budgets – Born Before The Internet

Kid Dynamite - Birthday

NOFX – New Happy Birthday Song

Kemuri – Birthday

Buy:

Amazon

Interpunk

Smartpunk

Voodoo Glow Skulls / Whole Wheat Bread in Philadelphia (6/11/08)

When I heard that Voodoo Glow Skulls were playing a 21+ show up in North Philly at the North Star Bar on Thursday (6/11/08), I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. I’ve seen the band before, but never in a bar setting, and never a 21+ crowd. On top of that, the venue has a “strict no moshing” rule.

In a narrow, small room to the side of the bar was the stage, and there was about a crowd of no more than 40 people. Half fans of ska and punk, the other half fratboys there to drink.

When I got in, a local Philly ska band was playing, but I did not catch their name, although they did a pretty ridiculous cover of “Everybody Dance Now”.

Knock Out

Next up was a three man band from Riverside, California called Knock Out. Playing a fusion of reggae and so-cal punk, they definitely reminded me of Authority Zero. Definitely a band to check out.

Whole Wheat Bread

In the past, I never was a huge fan of Whole Wheat Bread. Their recorded stuff is a little too poppy for my liking, and their live shows usually are a bit as well. This time around however, they played the rawest set I have ever seen them do. I only own “Minority Rules”, however, they played some material off of their EPs, and it definitely sounded like some solid songs. And for a band mixing crunk and punk, they do it surprisingly well. The crowd was getting really into them (especially the drunk fratties), and I even found myself requesting an encore.

Mp3s:
-Burn

Voodoo Glow Skulls

Yeeeeess! The reason I came to the show. This legendary band (they’ve been rocking it since 1988) took the stage and didn’t waste or let up for a second. The no moshing rule of the venue was instantly broken, and no one even tried to calm the skanking/circling crowd. They played tight as usual, and with just as much energy for us 40 people as they do for 400 people. Everyone dispersed after they left the stage, leaving only 10-20 shouting for an encore, which they graciously complied.

Songs I remember from set:

-Insubordination

-Say Goodnight

-Dogpile

-Nada en la Cabeza

-Fire In The Dancehall

-While My City Sleeps

-The Ballad Of Froggy McNasty

-Shoot The Moon

-Charlie Brown

-Fat Randy

-The Band Geek Mafia

-Left For Dead

Buy:
Knock Out

Whole Wheat Bread

Voodoo Glow Skulls

I Hate Moving.

Who doesn’t love moving into a new place and having some unforeseen problems there (*cough* look at the fourth song posted *cough*)? An ode out to everyone doing the move thing, such as myself and Sasha (who as many of you probably have noticed by the punk rock assault, hasn’t posted on here in quite some time due to her computer being all packed away).

Good luck to everyone else moving!

Mp3:

Dead Kennedys – Let’s Lynch the Landlord

Bouncing Souls – Apartment 5F

Toxic Narcotic – Cockroach

Buy:
Interpunk

Smartpunk

The Damned - Damned Damned Damned (For fans of The Clash)

If you think that The Clash or The Sex Pistols were the first big punk bands from England, you’re wrong. The Damned were the first UK punk band to release a single, an album, and tour the United States, yet they don’t nearly get the recognition they deserve.

This is partly because they changed their style up after their first album “Damned Damned Damned”, but if you’re a fan of 70s style punk in the veins of Anti-Pasti and The Clash, you definitely should check out “Damned Damned Damned”

Buy

Their Site

I Hope Gas Prices Rise!

Ok, I’ll say it… I hope gasoline prices keep on rising. Don’t get me wrong, I’m getting hit hard from it and I can barely afford to fill up anymore at all, but it’s the only way people are going to wake up to our addiction. Maybe now instead of just spending and using gasoline in insane amounts, we’ll actually conserve and make a push for alternative energy. And seriously… is this really a shock for anyone? Did anyone actually think oil was going to last our needs? That oil companies are looking out for our best interests?

Sick of oil prices? Here’s an idea… boycott it. And not that one day crap we’re you’re going to fill up the next day anyway… I mean completely. Cut down your mileage. Everyone complains but won’t do anything that slightly inconveniences them. If you actually want change, do something about it, or shut up already.

So reach for the heavens gas prices... reach for the heavens.

MP3:

Propagandhi – A Public Dis-Service Announcement From Shell

Low Budgets – Ripped Off

Buy:
Propagandhi

Low Budgets

Authority Zero

Inquisition (For Fans of Strike Anywhere)

Let’s cut to the chase: most of you are probably already familiar with Strike Anywhere (and if you’re not, then I highly suggest checking them out, one of the best melodic punk/hardcore bands around). Strike Anywhere’s predecessor is a little less known.

Inquisition featured Thomas from Strike Anywhere, and it is nearly impossible to avoid comparisons between the two bands. Inquisition sounds similar to early Strike Anywhere (think “Chorus of One” EP). If you like early Strike Anywhere, check out Inquisition.

MP3:

Inquisition – Pulse

Inquisition – Fuse

Buy:

Inquisition

Hub City Stompers and Tri-State Conspiracy 5/31/08

I love Philadelphia. Why? Because where else can I catch the Hub City Stompers for free on a Saturday night? I headed out to the Rotunda in West Philadelphia (born and raised, on the playgrou… err sorry), which is pretty much a small community center (could hold about 350 people max).

I missed the first band "Drive-Thru Pharmacy", but made it just in time for Abstract Roots.

Abstract Roots

Abstract Root play smooth reggae mixed in with some experimental keyboards. They kind of reminded me of Slightly Stoopid, but a little mellower. Playing a decent set, they got a few kids in the crowd doing some easy skanking. For a brand new band, they weren't bad by any means.

Tri-State Conspiracy

The first thing I noticed about this New York ska/swing fusion ensemble was the lead singer's mannerisms were strikingly similar to Jack Terricloth of World Inferno Friendship Society. Tri-State Conspiracy had by far the most stage energy of the night, with all of the members rocking out. They kept the songs fast paced, with an occasional slower one thrown in to give the numerous people skanking a rest. If they come around, definitely check Tri-State Conspiracy out.

Setlist:

Attitude

Snuff You Out Of My Life

Hell To Pay

Frantic

Call It Quits

The Clone

Murder Fantasy

TSC Stomp

Mr. Huntingworth

Hub City Stompers

It seems like I've been seeing Hub City Stompers a lot lately. Although, this was probably the first time I saw them and they were all completely sober, and it's the nicest they ever were. Instead of the usual "I hate you alls" (we only got one that night), there were a lot of "thanks for coming out tonight" which completely threw me off guard. The second they took the stage, the entire room broke out into a skank mosh frenzy, and it seemed like most people knew the words to all of their songs, even the ones not recorded yet. Definitely a fun set (as usual) and it seemed like everyone was having a good time (Jeffrey from Tri-State Conspiracy was skanking for most of the set).

Might I add, this time around, when Hub City Stompers played Ska Train to Dorkville, no one looked like they were gonna cry (last show in Asbury, one kid who fit the stereotypical "rudie" attire actually looked so upset by the song I thought he was going to cry... lighten up kids!)

Setlist:
Ska Ska Blacksheep
Bumbl-B
Chatterbox
Trojan Night
Bridge Over Troubled Squatter
Skinhead Boi
Mass Appeal
Clutch Tango
Skins Don't Cry
Little Julie Swastiska
Where's My Hooligans?
Leave Me The Fuck Alone
Johnny Date Rape
Phantom
I've Got A Boot
WTFIU?
Ska Train To Dorkville

MP3:
Hub City Stompers - WTFIU?

Buy:
Hub City Stompers
Tri State Conspiracy