The video for Alice’s forthcoming single ‘Let Us Be Loving’ has finally seen the light of day. And we’re glad that it did! Directed by Brighton-based photographer and film-maker Steve Glashier (who has previously created music promos for the likes of Fatboy Slim, Juliette and the Licks and The Rakes), the video was shot entirely with a Canon 5D mkII (for those photography buffs amongst you).

You can also see Alice’s stunning cover of Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’ on Canal + TV here

Alice embarks on a short UK tour (once she returns from the European tour of course) during November. Check out her MySpace for details.

And as if that weren’t enough, Mr Scruff’s remix of Alice’s Got the Hunger? (available on the Pot Of Gold Remixes album) will be iTunes Single of the Week from 10th November. Let Us Be Loving and Got the Hunger? (Mr Scruff Remix) will both be available on iTunes to download for FREE, and you can still download the other remixes from the album for just 79p each.

Most actors/actresses aren’t expected too kindly by the music crowd, but Juliette Lewis, it has to be said, is a truly talented artist. Having discovered her music with ‘The Licks’ a couple of years ago and watched various videos of her live performances at festivals, I’ve been anticipating seeing her in the flesh. Last night, in Manchester, she did not disappoint.

The first support-band ‘Officer Kicks’ was O.K.; the second ‘Attack Attack’ (who apparently have a song on Guitar Hero 5) was a little better, but the bottom line was everyone wanted Juliette to take the stage as soon as possible. There was nearly an hour wait after the last support act had finished, but on she came with her trademark, smudged pink eye shadow and feather boa draped over her shoulders to entertain the crowd with material from her new album Terra Incognita. As an added bonus, her band even helped perform some of the older Juliette and the Licks’ tracks, which really got the crowd going.

I managed to get a few photos (most of them are blurry, but hey) and a couple of videos. You can check them out below:

(Add me on Facebook to view the rest. Or see the best of collection via my website.)

Videos:

I actually ended up vomiting at the end of the night. Now whether this was a result of witnessing the beautiful Juliette in the flesh for the very first time, or the dirty Subway sandwich that I had beforehand, I am not certain. Either way, I do think that this was an indication of an exceptionally good night.

In a busy upcoming schedule of more live music, the next gig I will be going to will be Biffy Clyro, 6/11/09, at Leeds 02. We must rock on.

Every morning when I go to a certain coffee house, I have to look at Scarlet Johansson’s face. Unfortunately, she’s not modeling. No, her pretty mug is on the cover of her new album Break-up with indie darling Pete Yorn. Don’t get me wrong. I love her acting chops, but it seems every time I turn around to get a cup of coffee a new actor or celebrity is making a go at music, saying they’ve been doing music all their life suddenly. To be honest, there are a select few that actually should be dabbling in music. There’s a reason why they’re actors or celebrities first and musicians second. Johansson’s attempt at Him & Her’s Zooey Deschanel style doesn’t compare to her acting. The album sounds good enough, but most of that goodness is coming from Yorn. You’d know what I’m talking about if you heard her solo album Anywhere I Lay My Head. I see the same problem with LANDy, fronted by actor Adam Goldberg, who’s music sounds very similar to band mate Aaron Espinoza’s other group Earlimart. It just seems like actors and celebs need too much help in the music department. So, isn’t that a sign they should stick to what they do best? Hint, hint: Lindsay Lohan, Heidi Montag, Paris Hilton. And what about Phantom Planet? Jason Schwartzman got me all hooked and then left the band. It’s dissapointing… But I don’t hate all celeb music. Even though he’s been tagged as a royal Hollywood douche, I like Jared Leto and his brother in 30 Seconds to Mars. I also really like Juliette and the Licks, fronted by Juliette Lewis, in addition to Keanu Reeve’s Dogstar and Ed Westwick’s Filthy Youth. I am also digging  the most awesome celeb-music find: Jada Pinket Smith fronting  metal band Wicked Wisdom. However, her band like Dogstar and the Licks were on a top ten of worst celeb bands. Sorry guy, but Montag and Lohan are much, much worse. I guess I’m just a picky celeb music consumer. They’re my ears aren’t they?

And now a celebrity Band of the Week that’s a musician first…Julian Casablancas!

I’ve never met a person who hates The Strokes. How can you, with their cool melodies. It seems their commitment to music kept their rich kid background from making too much of an impact. Casablancas is the son of famous modeling agent John Casablanca. Casablanca’s solos project seems to be rooted in the same place at The Strokes melodies, with some added electronic assistance. I love the first single “11th Dimension” off his solo album Phrazes for the Young coming November 3. Look out for the singer in LA to do some live shows. He’s awesome live.

Until next time, don’t be “wilted and faded somewhere in Hollywood.” Courtney Love- K

Hot Kiss by Juliette and the Licks.

Conheci roller derby com o Anthony Bourdain. Me apaixonei pelo esporte, virei praticante assídua e tenho muitos hematomas e ossos quebrados para provar. MENTIRA!

Há um tempo, a Juliette Lewis gravou um vídeo contando que ia fazer um novo filme em que interpreta uma roller, a.k.a. Dinah Might (adorei!). Agora saiu o trailer de Whip it!

Whip it!
Diretora: Drew Barrymore
Elenco: Ellen Page, Juliette Lewis, Kristen Wiig, Marcia Gay Harden, Jimmy Fallon
Estréia prevista: 09.10.2009 (EUA)

Falando em Juliette Lewis, o novo albúm do Juliette and the Licks,  Terra Incognita, sai no dia 1˚ de setembro. E, a partir de agosto, ela vai sair em turnê pelos Estados Unidos com a musa mor, Cat Power!!! Deixa a musa te contar:

Hahaha! AMO!!!

*Whip it, Devo

Because of this lack of updates some of these are pretty old, still these are some records that I’ve really enjoyed in the last months…

BIRDS OF A FEATHER – THE PAST THE PRESENT [Refuse Records]
myspace.com/xbirdsofafeatherx | refuserecords.prv.pl

I feel stupid reviewing this record almost one year after JP gave it to me last summer at Fluff Fest, no doubt procrastination is a big problem for me… anyway, at least I’m reviewing this while pre-orders are being taken for the vinyl version of the record, which is also featuring a 12″-sized book entitled “The Past The Present 1982-2007: A History of 25 Years of European Straight Edge” written by Marc and JP, documenting the history of the European straight edge scene through bands going from Lärm to Eye of Judgement as well as Mainstrike and whatever else can come to your mind! Musically expect the good old youth crew sound always backed by Bigma’s socially conscious and positive minded lyrics. Get your hands on the LP + book, definately a European hardcore must-have!

CRUEL HAND – PRYING EYES [Bridge 9 Records]
myspace.com/cruelhand | bridge9.com

Started as a side-project featuring members of Outbreak, this band got many people siked since their first 7″ came out in late 2006. Anyway, since then this band managed to put out an amazing LP, tour both the US and Erope and finally sign a deal with Bridge 9. In fact here they are releasing their B9 debut, “Prying Eyes”. Believe me if I say this is going to be one of the heaviest records released this year, and the 12 songs featured on this LP, a perfect mix of hardcore, metal and crossover influences, can only confirm what I’m saying. Aggressive and brutal are the best words to describe the sound of this band, bringing faster parts with some pretty heavy breakdowns, sure to be the soundtrack of some heavy moshing during their live shows. These dudes are constantly touring, so be sure you don’t miss the chance to have some fun on the dancefloor!

DANNY DIABLO – HARDCORE 4 THE COLD HEARTED [Countdown Records]
myspace.com/lordezec | countdownrecords.com

When you hear the name Danny Diablo you pretty much know what to expect, and this release once again confirms that the DD / Countdown Records combo is nothing but a winning team! After more than ten years of activity it’s time for this NYHC icon to have a collection release… and here it is! On these two CD’s you can find more than 50 songs that include Crown of Thornz, Skarhead and Icepick material as well as Lord Ezec’s solo projects featuring guest appearances of OG dudes such as John “Bloodclot” Joseph, Freddy Madball, Lou of Subzero, Craig Ahead, Roger AF, Danny Boy and Everlast of House of Pain, Skinhead Rob, Necro and many others… grab this shit and go TCOB!

H2O – NOTHING TO PROVE [Bridge 9 Records]
myspace.com/h2ofamily | bridge9.com

Finally, after a 7 years long wait, New York’s hardcore legends are back with a brand new record – and let me assure you it was worth waiting this long! After being around for more than 13 years, they couldn’t pick a better title for this record, as they really have nothing to prove at the point they’re at right now. The formula remains the same: hardcore in its purest form with a lot of melody and catchiness, great lyrics and an energy equal to no one around these days. If you were among those who were let down by their last effort “Go!”, as some people said when it came out, this record is definately going to bring you back on a heavy H2O trip. I really don’t know how they managed to do this, but there is no single song on this record that won’t stick in your mind and that you won’t find yourself humming while driving or walking in the street. Just like everything they released in the past, this is going to be a true classic!

IRON AGE – THE SLEEPING EYE [Cyclopean Records]
myspace.com/ironagetexas | cyclopeanrecords.com

Long-anticipated by last year’s “The Way Is Narrow” 7″, the new Iron Age record is something I was really looking forward to… unfortunately, not having too much time because of work and touring kept me out of date on this and I didn’t even know it was out, and when I did, it was already sold out (in a day?! amazing!)… curiosity pushed me to download it as soon as I heard t he news, so here I am listening to one amazing metal record, yeah, that’s what it is, it ain’t cheap metal played by a hardcore band, this is good metal played by an amazing hardcore band! Crossover influences of bands such as Crumbsuckers and Corrosion of Conformity perfectly melts with heavy metal and doom atmospheres. Tee Pee Records is re-releasing this in August to the masses, must grab this masterpiece!

OLDE YORK – EMPIRE STATE [Countdown Records]
myspace.com/oldeyork | countdownrecords.com

Two good friends involved in this release, my brother Luca of Countdown Records and my good NYC friend Blake Farber – the first one’s putting out this record while the second one’s playing guitar on it! Was really looking forward to hear this record and believe me, as soon as you put this into your CD player you’ll be brought back in time to CBGB’s matinees. While a lot of band nowadays are trying to get back to the NYHC thing, this is some real NYHC here, influenced by the likes of Warzone, Sick of It All and Breakdown, their fast and furious style is bound to turn heads. One old New York glory brought back on here too, Eddie Sutton of Leeway, featured on the song Talkin’ Smack. Plenty of good and danceable tunes here, so just make sure to grab this if you want some real New York hardcore!

RANCID – LET THE DOMINOES FALL [Epitaph]
myspace.com/rancid | epitaph.com

Six years passed since their last studio album and I’m pretty sure everyody into these legends of punk rock couldn’t wait anymore to listen to the new record! To be honest I was really excited when I heard the single “Last One To  Die”, it featured every single element that made Rancid what they are now, the catchiness and the intensity that only a classic band like them can keep through the years. Listening to the whole record you can hear how they got back to their earlier sound, the dope bass lines, the rocksteady influences, Lars and Tim unique vocals… it’s all there! Some say it’s already a classic, can’t say that as pretty much their whole discography is, but undoubtely an amazing new chapter in their career!

REMAIN – OUT OF ANGER [Not Just Words Records]
myspace.com/remain | njwrecords.com

Featuring ex-members of The Dead Scenestars and Spirit 84, this band already got me pretty siked with the first 7″ that came out a couple of years ago, and I must admit I really couldn’t wait to get this LP to see what was up with these guys right now. All I can say is that my expectations were fully satisfied – nothing has changed about them, they’re still all about straight to your face hardcore. The 14 songs featured on “Out of Anger” are strongly influenced by bands such as Judge, Floorpunch, Right Brigade and No Warning, with some amazing mosh parts here and there, a strong NYHC vibe, all topped by an energy equal to few. Within way too many hypes and meaningless poses, Remain’s taking back some real deal with no frills!

RUINER – I HEARD THESE DUDES ARE ASSHOLES [Bridge 9 Records]
myspace.com/ruiner | bridge9.com

Baltimore’s Ruiner are the perfect example of how a good DIY mentality and hard work can get you good results. These dudes started out by releasing everything by themselves and are now a world touring band releasing records on one of the biggest hardcore labels around right now. After 4 years as a band here they are with their 2nd release on Bridge 9 Records, which is  a collection featuring their “What Could Possibly Go Right” EP, their split with Portugal’s Day of The Dead as well as their first demo ever. Here’s a record to be considered a proof of dedication and loyalty to being a hardcore band.

THE RIVAL MOB – RAW LIFE [Lockin Out Records]
myspace.com/therivalmob | lockinout.com

I had never heard of this band until the first show of our US tour in March when we played The Democracy Center in Cambridge, MA and one of the band on the bill was in fact The Rival Mob. I must admit that even though I was as stoned as an orangutan I really enjoyed their show, these dudes decided to bring back some really old and unusual shit, influnced by bands such as Abused and Warzone what they do is straight up hardcore, some sweet mosh parts here and there, everything played fast and with no frills, shit is real! After the show their singer was cool enough to hook me up with this LP that I spin from time to time to enjoy some good ‘core!

TRAP THEM – SEIZURES IN BARREN PRAISE [Deathwish Inc.]
myspace.com/trapthem | deathwishinc.com

Allright, this is one of the hardest, heavier and most intense record that came out in 2008, get a fucking clue. People talked about this band called Trap Them and their descriptions didn’t really fit my taste so that I never really got to listen to them until we had the chance to play a show with them on their European tour last year with Grief… I stood open mouth from the first to the last song and ran to their merch table to grab an LP right after the show was over, couldn’t sleep on a band like them! It is pretty hard to define what these guys sound like, all I can say is that their heavy and abrasive sound is something unique and intense, backed by some truly awesome lyrics. The story of a ghost town called “Barren Praise” that will without any doubt make you think about your own life, at least that’s what it did with me…

Now playing:

• Cormega – The Realness
• Diplo DJ set yesterday night was the shit!
• Black Friday ‘29 – The Pursuit of Happiness

I was going to post a fantastic “What’s been going on in my life” segment last night, but then something happened that royaly pissed me off. I’m not sure if I should be as mad as I am…..but, damn….REALLY? I’m not going to go into it because I’m not mad at all parties involved. I don’t even know why it upsets me SO much. For real folks, I didn’t go to sleep last night until 3:00 a.m. I was just sitting in bed, thinking about how pathetic I am for letting this bother me. I bring all of this up for a reason. I’m not writing this long entry, saying “Oh my life sucks! Why me?!” because I want sympathy or anything. I’m actually writing it to help you…my beautiful readers! You guys deserve to be happy and you shouldn’t let insignificant things (or people) make you feel like you’re not worth anything. I need to learn how to follow my own advice, and I’m working on that. The point is, find things that make you happy, whether it’s: old episodes of Star Trek, cupcakes, kittens, whiney Jonas Brothers songs (I’m not knockin’ it. Just stating the facts), or your snarky best friend that threatens to hurt anybody that gets in your way. Luckily, I have the last one….but I also have something else: A totally kick-ass playlist that makes me smile no matter what! I crank that shit up to 11 and I can’t help but feel completely giddy and up-lifted. So, here it is, my friends. If you listen to this, I promise you, it’s an instant tear eraser:

1) Killer by Juliette and The Licks
I always knew you were a killer
I could tell by your hooded eyes
You got the ladies in waiting lighting up like fire flies
Girl power at it’s best. I love everything about Juliette Lewis! She’s smart, talented, and beautiful and she really doesn’t give a fuck. I want to be just like her (which explains why she is the main picture for this post).

2) Ride the Wind by Poison
Ride the wind
I’m still the bravest soul in sin,
Burning till the night is done.
I dare you to listen to this song and NOT smile.

3) Dreams by Van Halen
So baby dry your eyes
Save all the tears you’ve cried
Oh, that’s what dreams are made of.
Just read those lyrics….how can you be sad?

4) Don’t Go Away Mad by Motley Crue
That’s alright, that’s okay
We were walkin’ through some youth
Smilin’ through some pain
That’s alright, that’s okay
Let’s turn the page
I don’t know what it is about this song, but it never fails to make me feel better. Maybe it’s the video. Vince looks delicious in it. Yup, that’s it.

5) No More Mr. Nice Guy by Alice Cooper
I went to church incognito
When everybody rose, the reverend Smith
He recognized me
Punched me in the nose
Alice’s vocals=my fave.

6) Say Goodbye by Tommy Lee
So down this road I travel now
Pass broken buildings where I look for truth, were they true to me, no
Every step is stepped with doubt
But still I walk here trying to find some peace
I’m not going to lie, his solo album isn’t great. I love him to death but…..some of his stuff is kind of ridiculous. But, not this song. I even like Nick Carter’s background vocals.

7) Boom, Boom, Pow by Black Eyed Peas
Do I really need to post the lyrics?
Britt and I made a genius cover of this: just replace BOOM with BOOBS.

Here I Go Again by Whitesnake
An’ here I go again on my own
Goin’ down the only road I’ve ever known,
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
An’ I’ve made up my mind
I ain’t wasting no more time
Best. Song. Ever.

9) I’m A Liar(and That’s The Truth) by Motley Crue
You sleep to dream cause I am your nightmare
Wake up and scream cause this is warfare
I like to play these little games
I’ll take your innocence shot down in flames
It just makes me want to punch people in the face, but in a Fight Club kind of way.

10) Move (if you wanna) by Mims
HOMEY I’M THE PRESIDENT, GOVERNOR AND MA-YOR!!!
I CONTROL EVERYTHING, LIKE A DIC-TATOR!!!
Thank you, Brittney.

So there it is. The longest post that I’ve ever written. I hope it makes you feel better because you are ballin’. There are my words of inspiration for the day.

I thought it would be fun to countdown MY TOP 10:   Music Video Cameos.  That is, music videos with cameos by non-musical personalities who are known for working in other areas of show biz.  My criteria were that:

1) the video be memorable, of course;
2) the featured personality not be another musical artist at the time (now if they became musical artists at a later point that’s another story; they’re still eligible);
3) the featured personality be known at the time (not be an unknown who became known later); and
4) the cameo be a worthwhile part in the video (not just a 2-second spot).

8. Juliette Lewis in Melissa Ethridge’s “Come To My Window”

I’ve stated before that I am a Juliette Lewis fan.  Not as an actor, but once she started to sing.  I liked her as an actor, knew who she was, had seen a lot of her work, but I didn’t f0llow her.   I don’t know what it is with me and actors who try to sing.  It’s a bit of a fetish or something. 

I have all (two) of the Juliette & The Licks CDs including the EP and look forward to the new work of Juliette and The New Romantiques (Yes, The Licks broke up and Juliette has moved on).  I’ve been trying to feature her on popolio for quite some time, but to no avail, so if anyone’s got the connect drop me a line.  I live in Austin and she played SXSW, so that would have been the perfect opportunity, but, alas, it was not to be.

Anyway, this is a great song with a nice video.  Melissa Etheridge brought it home with this one.  And Juliette Lewis plays the type of edgy character that she has come to be associated with.  Enjoy!

Beeldt u in: Een uk die teveel suiker heeft geconsumeerd en zonder halt heen en weer trolt. En bovenstaande titel met volle genot uitschreeuwt.

Dat omschrijft zowat m’n geestestoestand van vandaag.  Waarom? Geen idee. Waarschijnlijk eens met het juiste been uit bed gestapt. Ik heb niets gedroomd. Er stond mij vandaag ook geen aangename verrassing te wachten. Alhoewel, toen ik thuis kwam lag mijn bestelling kledij (2 t-shirts en een jeans) er. Woohoo!

Goedgeluimd dus. Ik hoop dat ik mijn collega niet teveel geïrriteerd heb. Zij had namelijk last van zeetjes.

Morgen meer van dat alstublieft. Ik kan de extra energie gebruiken. Het moge echter gezegd worden: Die Juliette en haar groepje helpen daar alvast heel wat bij. Leuke ontdekking dankzij kameraad Dieter’s muzikale stroom. Merci!

Straks nog een basketmatch spelen. Bèjahie!

Nu efkes Talking Heads opleggen en het huis plat branden.

2. Juliette & The Licks “Got Love To Kill”

I love Juliette & The Licks.  I never was a big Juliette Lewis fan as just an actor.  I liked her enough and I thought she gave above-par performances.  Okay, she was a little different, weird, interesting, and really killed her performances,  actually.  Definitely, fun to watch.

But, I’m a sucker for performers who like to be Renaissance Women.  I love actresses who try to delve into the music scene.  So, once I knew she was an actress trying to do the music thing that made her more appealing to me.  I don’t know what it is about multi-media queens; they just do it for me.

I picked up the EP,…Like A Bolt of Lightning, liked it.  Then, I picked up the debut, You’re Speaking My Language, and loved it.  Second album, Four on the Floor, is okay, but I really love the first.  

What’s fun about Juliette is that most actresses-turned-singers try to do the pop thing.  And I grativate to the pop girls, normally.  But, Juliette is really trying to do the rock-and-roll/punk/band thing and she’s doing it well.   They’ve been cutting their teeth touring in Europe for years now.  I saw them live here in Austin in 2007 and they’re pretty damn good.

She’s not the typical actress and doesn’t pick the typical roles, so why would she do music typically?  She wouldn’t!  There’s actually a lot of soulfulness to the music on the first album and I love the raspiness to her voice.  I wouldn’t have liked the first album, otherwise.

Number 2 is my favorite song from the debut release and as a BONUS I’m throwing in another catchy ditty, “Hot Kiss,” the debut video/single from Four on the Floor.  

Pues en primer lugar por la cantante y al ma del grupo, porque Juliette Lewis representa un icono para muchos jovenes y no tan jóvenes que disfrutaron de sus grandes películas en los años 90 principalmente, desde que en 1991 protagonizará “El cabo del miedo” con esa tremenda escena en la que se siente atraido por Robert de Niro y le chupa los dedos de la mano cual miembro de cualquiera que estuviera en su piel, o sus papeles de compañera de los serial killers Brad Pitt en Kalifornia y Woody Harrelson en Asesinos Natos, que le hacen aparecer a ojos del público como esa chica inadaptada capaz de multiples locuras arrastrada por un enamoramiento muy sui generis.

Y es que Juliette Lewis tiene un punto de morbo que la hace muy atractiva, tiene esa cara de niña traviesa y guarra que pone a los tios a 100, y ese morbo se mantiene con su grupo.

Parece que tras estas pelis el resto de las que ha participado no eran grandes papeles que hayan sido muy conocidos, se especuló con su relación con las drogas y ese alejamiento de la pantalla le ha llevado a algunos papeles secundarios, incluso en alguna serie de televisión como Me llamo Earl y cosas así.

Desde 2003 Juliette and the Licks están en activo, no es que sea una gran banda, pero hacen rock and roll del de toda la vida y la cantante se entrega en cada una de sus actuaciones, aparece vestida ligera de ropa como el público quiere verla y parece que va a comerse el micro como si fuera un plátano cualquiera, no pasan de ser divertidos, pero tienen ese punto rebelde que tanto gusta a la estética del rock and roll y que desde este blog siempre defendemos, porque la estética y la actitud también es muy importante, sino que se lo pregunten a Transvision Vamp, Hole o las mimas L7.

Juliette+and+the+licks

October is Scissors For Lefty Month at popolio pop quiz.  They’re a little known band out of San Francisco made up of members from two families.

If you haven’t heard of them, they’ve toured with Erasure, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Juliette and the Licks. 

We’re featuring each of the SFL guys individually on a weekly basis.  This week, we have the first of the other set of brothers that make up SFL.  Here’s James, the drums of the operation.  Check it out!

Bryan Garza (vocals) pop quiz
Steve Garza (bass) pop quiz
Robby Garza (guitar) pop quiz

October 24, 2008

Name:  James Krimmel [Scissors For Lefty Drums]
Genre:  Indie Rock
Forthcoming Release:  Scissors For Lefty EP
Release Date:  November 18, 2008 (iTunes)/October 24, 2008 (shows)

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? Understream
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)??? Both 
3. Studio or Stage? Stage
4. Spirituality OR Hedonism? Fuck it
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? Sex is lovely

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my hot hot sex.
7. I’m musically inspired by wrong notes.
8. My favorite old school joint is “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven.
9. If I was a super hero I’d be Supertall.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Drugs, Rock, and Sexroll.

Short Answer
11. I make music because:  I rock.
12. I want my fans to:  Come to our shows.
13. If I could share one thing about myself it would be:  One perfect song.
14. Wild Card!  What’s up with people wanting leaders that are just like them?  I want my president to be more smart, charismatic, and certainly more sober than I am.
15. I want my musical legacy to be:  One perfect song.
                                                                                          

Here’s another pre-release exclusive! Take a listen to “Ornamental.”

We promised 2 new songs from this EP this week, but we went ahead and placed “Consumption Junction” where it should have been in the first place.  Check out Robby Garza’s pop quiz to listen to this other pre-release exclusive.

James Krimmel’s favorite old school joint!

Allright, summer 2008 has unfortunately come to an end, and it’s been without any doubt the best time of my life! I finally found some time to update this blog in between tours, shows, festivals and work.  After the European tour with Strength Approach in June finally came the H2O + Strength Approach European tour, which was a real blast. When it comes to hardcore, these 5 dudes from NYC are the real deal, something pretty hard to find nowadays… plus you MUST check their new record “Nothing To Prove” for it’s simply amazing! After almost a month on the road, that got me to see tons of amazing bands such as Death By Stereo (party posse ain’t over yet!), Ice Cube, Life of Agony, Agnostic Front, the Wu-Tang Clan, Merauder and many others, just a few days home to get some rest and it was time for Fluff Fest (CZ), Hageland Fest (BEL) and Sucks N Summer Fest (GER) to have even more fun! The rest of August was spent working and recovering on lost sleeping hours. To end summer in the best way I had an amazing trip to Ieper Fest (BEL) to check otu the best European hardcore festival. Although the new venue sucks pretty bad, and weather didn’t help either, I had an amazing time and had the chance to meet a lot of people I haven’t seen in a good time.; the bill was amazing as well, featuring bands such as H2O, Have Heart, Verse, Shipwreck, Bloodclot, Pulling Teeth, Fucked Up, Backfire!, Rhythm To The Madness, Rise And Fall (4 guitar cabs, that’s amazing!) and way too many others! As you can understand, all this stuff kept me away from working on the fanzine which will be out as soon as possible but well, “as I look back now on this summer vacation, I realize I’ll always be guilty by association”.

Now playing:

• Cold World – Dedicated To Babies Who Came Feet First
• Ice Cube – Raw Footage
• H2O – Nothing To Prove (fuck yeah, I ain’t tired of them!)

Eis que Seattle foi um grande pólo do grunge. Deu-nos o Nirvana, entre outros. E o Kurt Cobain morreu. O carinha conhecido como ‘o baterista do Nirvana’ virou Dave Grohl, um dos caras mais divertidos, bacanas, sérios e de qualidade do rock atual. Já era mega famoso com o Foo Fighters e ainda assim saiu em turnê como baterista do Queens of the Stone Age e fez umas participações especiais na batera da banda da Juliette Lewis, Juliette and the Licks. E ainda tem o Foo Fighters, que apesar de ser chamado de ‘lead vocal’, é esquema ‘truta’ com os caras da banda. Nada de ego à lá Billy Corgan.

Eis que Brasília foi um grande pólo do… de… er, Capital Inicial, Legião Urbana e Paralamas [para mim, o único que se salva]. E o Renato Russo morreu. Aí sobrou o Dado Villa-Lobos, que herdou o sobrenome do tatatatataravô e acha que é bom em fazer música só por causa disso. Ele não sabe que isso só funciona para os Buarque de Hollanda. E o Marcelo Bonfá eu sempre confundo com o Paulo Bonfá, o cara do Rock Gol. Já ouviu algum CD dele [do Marcelo]? Nem precisa. Se no tempo que você gastaria para ouvi-lo você ficar lavando o banheiro do vestiário do seu clube, seu tempo será muito melhor aproveitado. Garanto.

Dave Grohl?
YES, nós temos Marcelo Bonfá.
¬¬

Update: Tanto Dave Grohl, como Marcelo Bonfá eram os bateristas de suas respectivas bandas.

Título: The Who

Pa je mimo. Po mojem mnenju najboljši festival, kar sem jih kdaj obiskal.

Boljše organizacije, raznolikega line-upa, lokacije, vzdušja, pozitivne energije med ljudmi, boljših bejb, cenejšega pira itd…nisem videl ne na Nova Rocku, Frequencyu kaj šele kakšnih slovenskih festivalih. Mogoče le ena slaba stran-oder je bil precej visok, bolj kot prejšnja leta,tarnali so tudi ostali fotografi.

Obisk ponuja res veliko nepozabljivih raznovrstnih zgodb.  Festival sem obiskal prek Kluba Študentov Kranj, in sicer v režiji agencije Supratravel. Proti Srbiji sva jo mahnila skupaj z Andražem in se debaklirala že na parkirišču v Tivolji, saj sva kar nekaj časa iskala najin avtobus. No ampak takoj sva ga vzela na izi, ko sva odprla prvi pir in pogledala na desno stran (Andraž že ve zakaj:)). V Novi Sad, pred hostel v katerem sva bivala, smo prispeli v jutranjih urah četrtka. Sledilo je nekaj beauty spanca (čeprav zgleda pri meni le spanca), nato pa sva jo krenila v mesto, na čevape in pir. Nazaj grede sta najhu v mestu ustavila dva miličnika in zahtevala “ličnu kartu” in preiskali so mi ruzak,štumfe itd..

Ker sva imela polne želodce sva raje najela “taxi” za 100 dinarjev (malo več kot 1€), ki pa je bil eden izmed mnogih, saj je v času Exita več avtomobilov s TAXI oznako na strehi, kot navadnih. Le na karton napišeš TAXI in ga nalimaš na streho . No prišla sva pred vhod,kjer sem bil presenečen, saj je bil to prvi festival, kjer sem videl da te ob vhodu preiščejo policaji, ne pa le varnostniki.

vhod

Na prizorišču je pivo precej poceni, 140 DIN. Res poceni, se vidi da je Srbija revnejša dežela, kar se odraža v tem, da ima večina bejb res hudo postavo, ker nimajo dnarja za nažirat kot npr. kitaste angležinje.Res super.

Prvi večer, v četrtek so na mainstage-u nastopili Nightwish, prvi bend, ki sem jih slikal na EXITU. Koncert mi je bil precej boljši, kot izvajalci ki so jim sledili, N.E.R.D. Pa še Nightwishi so imeli boljšo luč, NERD pa večino časa front lightov nič, povrhu vsega pa so bili še črnci, da se jih ja ni vidl. Edina dobra stvar tega koncerta, je bila miss Exita, vsaj zame lejte jo res huda pa najhuj majco ma.

Nightwish

N.E.R.D.

“Aj lajk”

Potem sva z Andražem odšla v Press center na pir.

Polno flašo je teži držat k prazno

Celo v Press centru, je bil postavljen oder. Nisem mogel verjet. Tam sva spila svoje in odšla proti dance areni, kjer mi je zastal dih. Izgledala je kot velikanska fojba, za nekaj tisoč ljudi. Je bilo pa tam vsako jutro nepozabno, saj so nastopali sukači : Sven Vath, Sharam+Dubfire (Deep Dish), Axwell, Laurent Garnier, 2 Many DJ’s itd… ob kombinaciji elektronske glasbe,sončnega vzhoda in pogleda na miljon nabliskancev pod tabo rečeš “svet je res lep”. Res lep zaključek dneva, (sicer ob 9h dopoldne jebiga )

Dance arena

Naslednji dan, petek je zame minil bolj pred Fusion stageom, na main stagu je nastopal Paul Weller, nekakšna easy rock/blues mešanica. Bil pa je najbolj dolgočasen za fotkat. Odpravil sem se raje na Fusion stage, kjer je nastopal Gentleman, za njim pa Let 3. No ratalo mi je priti tudi v backstage, kjer je bilo sicer dovoljeno zadrževanje le izvajalcem in staff osebju.

Gentleman…

…v zaodrju

Dan se je končal z obvezno pleskavico pred spanjem, saj sem bil vsako jutro prestradan dokonca.

Naslednji pa se je zame pričel s koncertom Juliette & The Licksov, band res zanimiv za slikanje, saj je Juliette nastopala res energično, v skladu z njihovo glasbo. Seveda pa je bila večina obiskovalcev najbol vesela nastopa headline banda tega večera Manu Chaota, ki je oder zapustil Afriki Bambaati, legendi v oldsckool hiphopu.

Juliette and the Licks

Manu Chao

Spet je sledila terapija v dance areni do jutra in povratek v hostel, tokrat z avtobusom saj sem imel le še 30 DIN, kar  je bilo ravno dovolj.

V nedeljo sem se zbudil ob 18h, ravno prav, saj sem ta dan najbolj pričakoval. Main stage so odprli KUD Idioti, za njimi so nastopili The Hives, od katerih mi je uspelo po srečnem naklučju dobiti trzalco. Za njimi pa najslabši bend za slikat- Ministry. Nastopili so namreč za nekakšno ograjo, skoraj brez luči itd.. Tudi glasba mi ni preveč dišala če bi jo vohov z ušesi, zato sem odšel v prostor namenjen novinarjem, kjer sem z nekim srbom začel debato in čez nekaj časa smo bili v njo vključeni skoraj vsi prebivalci bivše juge. Zato je nastala tudi tale BRATSTVO I JEDINSTVO fotka.

Bratstvo i jedinstvo: “bolgar,hrvatici,srb,bosanec,slovenec”

The Hives

Zvečer pa so največji razfuk naredili Sex Pistolsi, napolnili so ves prostor pred odrom, ob straneh, za odrom, kjerkoli se je folk lahko razmetaval. In bilo bi čudno če bi stali na miru, saj so res postregli s pravim punkom.

Sex Pistols

Srečal sem tudi Klemena Globočnika, Matjaža Tavčarja in Dareta Čekeliša, skupaj smo pohjakovali naokoli, nazadnje pa smo pristali v press centru kjer smo spoznali dve mladi novinarki z Nizozemske, nisem mogel verjeti, da obstaja bejba, ki pozna vse kitare od Johna Fruscianteja (RHCP kitarist). Lahko sklepate da sva imela kar dolge debate…

Dekleti sta nas zvlekle v dance areno, kjer pa je bilo toliko prahu, da sem naslednji dan smrkal in pljuval dobesedno blato. Ampak je bilo vredno, saj se res nemore nič primerjati s prizorom vzhajajočega sonca in ritmi Deepdish joj ejga.

No softiči so hoteli nazaj proti hostlu, jaz pa sem jim brezglavo sledil ker sem bil preveč lačen da bi ostal še tam.  Poslovili smo se, jaz pa sem se odpravil nazaj proti hostlu, odkjer smo naslednji dan štartali proti domu. Nazaj grede so nas hrvaški cariniki res pregledovali in drkali, kot da bi že na srbsko-hrvaški meji vstopili v Schengen hehe.

Če potegnem črto, (na exitu jo je kar precej folka vlekl), lahko zaključim da je EXIT festival res najboljše kar se da dobit v tem koncu Evrope. Več fotk pa najdete na kškfotogaleriji.