Eu acordei de um sonho de passagem.
Foi no meio da noite.
Eu estava acordado? Eu estava dormindo?
O que eu estava fazendo lá fora?

Eu vi um homem vindo das árvores
Ele veio e sentou ao meu lado
Ele disse: “Rapaz, se você não seguir os seus sonhos,
Você vai morrer um dia. Assim como eu.”
Então ele se levantou e foi embora
E comecei a pensar.
Ele se virou, eu vi seu rosto
E eu olhei profundamente em seus olhos,
E me dei conta de que o homem era eu.

Você não é para este mundo,
Este mundo é para você
E agora é a hora.
(Não há amanhã!)
Então, faça o máximo de cada dia
Enquanto você está vivo
(Erga-se para alguma coisa!)

Contemplo todos os meus dias
E tudo que eu tenho medo de mudar.
Nunca bom o suficiente, demasiadamente tarde?
Sempre desculpas.
Eu costumava pensar que se eu nunca tentei,
Eu nunca iria falhar.
Agora eu percebo, não posso fazer nada.

Você não é para este mundo,
Este mundo é para você
E agora é a hora.
(Não há amanhã!)
Então, faça o máximo de cada dia
Enquanto você está vivo
(Erga-se para alguma coisa!)

Um pouco tarde demais
E aí você morre
E ninguém sabe sequer o seu nome.
Não deixe que sua sabedoria derrote seu coração
Seu coração dá-lhe os melhores conselhos.

Acredite!
Acredite!

Você não é para este mundo,
Este mundo é para você
E agora é a hora.
(Não há amanhã!)
Então, faça o máximo de cada dia
Enquanto você está vivo
(Erga-se para alguma coisa!)

Pelo quê você acredita.
Pelo quê você acredita.

A Green Day szinte futószalagon hozza ki újabb és újabb videóit a májusban megjelent ‘21st Century Breakdown‘ lemezről. Ezúttal épp a címadó dalra esett a választás, melyet ide kattintva érhettek el. A Madina Lake a november 15-én megjelenő kislemez, a ‘Welcome to Oblivion’-hoz készített el legújabb kisfilmjét, ide bökjetek, ha meg akarjátok nézni. A nap legminimálabb klipje minden bizonnyal az Arctic Monkeys nevéhez kötődik. A ‘Cornerstone‘ bármennyire is semmilyennek tűnik, a rendezést maga Richard Ayaode jegyzi, aki komikusként a Kockafejekben és a The Mighty Boosh-ban is szerepelt és korábban a Kasabiannak is rendezett már. Nézzétek meg itt nálunk:

You can watch Madina Lake’s video for “Welcome To Oblivion” here.

From/De: EA

LeAnn Rimes, Fefe Dobson, Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head and More Each Sing a Tune in Simlish for EA’S The Sims 3 World Adventures

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct 13, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Sims(TM) fans around the world will be rockin’ out to new Simlish music in The Sims(TM) 3 World Adventures Expansion Pack* for the PC and Mac(R) this November. The EA(TM) Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced over a dozen additional artists who will lend their Simlish voice stylings to The Sims 3 World Adventures including GRAMMY Award-winner LeAnn Rimes and hot rising stars Fefe Dobson, Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head, Katie Melua, Esme Denters, Evan Taubenfeld, Madina Lake, and more.

“Once again, the musical world of The Sims comes to life with some of the world’s biggest stars of today and tomorrow performing their hits in Simlish,” says Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music for EA. “In the future, look for exciting music videos to accompany some of these songs, which will further demonstrate that Simlish is truly a global language.”

“My friends have told me about The Sims for years, and I’ve also heard Natasha Bedingfield and Black Eyed Peas versions of their songs in Simlish, so I was thrilled to be in on the fun,” said LeAnn Rimes. “It’s so cool to have my own music in such an iconic game.”

New global artists with Simlish songs in The Sims 3 World Adventures include:

• LeAnn Rimes – “You’ve Ruined Me”
• Fefe Dobson – “I Want You”
• Katie Melua – “If the lights go out”
• Madina Lake – “Lets Get Outta Here”
• Manchester Orchestra – “I’ve Got Friends”
• Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head – “Me + Yr Daughter”
• Esme Denters – “Outta Here”
• Hot Chelle Rae – “Say”
• Audrye Sessions – “Turn Me Off”
• Metalkpretty – “Wake Up, Wake Up”
• Evan Taubenfeld – “Pumpkin Pie”
• Friday Night Boys – “Can’t Take That Away”
• Cassie Steele – “Summer Nights”
• Broken Hearts Club – “Na Na Na”

Previously announced artists and songs featured in the game include:

• Nelly Furtado – “Manos al Aire”
• Pixie Lott – “Mama Do”
• Stefanie Heinzmann – “No One (Can Ever Change My Mind)”
• Matt & Kim – “Daylight”
• Young Punx – “Juice and Sim”

The Sims are on the adventure of their lifetime in The Sims^(TM) 3 World Adventures, the first expansion pack to the #1 best-selling PC game of calendar 2009**, The Sims 3. Players will guide their Sims to acclaimed fortune–or potential doom. Gamers will take their Sims to famous real-world inspired destinations to conquer challenges, find treasures, discover what’s lurking in hidden caves, and more with the first ever adventure gameplay. From mastering martial arts in Shang Simla, China, discovering rich culture and famous landmarks on a romantic getaway to Champs Les Sims, France or exploring the depths of ancient tombs in Al Simhara, Egypt, Sims will learn new skills and chase down new personal opportunities, meet new Sims with unique personalities, share their culture and bring them home, discover new styles on their travels, and share everything they encounter on their adventures with the world through personal photographs, movies, and stories. Those who register their copy of the PC/Mac version of the game online will receive 1,000 SimPoints*** to be used in The Sims 3 Store. Adventure is on the horizon — what will the Sims discover?

The Sims 3 World Adventures Expansion Pack for the PC and Mac will ship to retailers worldwide the week of November 16, 2009. For those who haven’t already purchased The Sims 3 or need a good gift idea for friends or family, a special limited Holiday Collector’s Edition will be available on November 17, 2009. The special edition will feature The Sims 3 Collector’s Edition along with new holiday content.

For more information about The Sims 3 World Adventures or The Sims 3, please visit www.TheSims3.com. Developed by The Sims Studio, The Sims 3World Adventures is rated T for Teen by the ESRB. To download artwork, please visit www.info.ea.com. To pre-order the standard edition game visit www.thesims3.com/game/ep1/order.

*Requires The Sims 3 for PC/MAC to play.

**According to NPD data.

***INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED, see product pack or digital distribution rules for details.

About The Sims

The Sims franchise celebrates an impressive over 100 million units sold since its launch in February 2000. Now translated into 22 different languages and available in 60 different countries, The Sims quickly has become a universal gaming and cultural phenomenon. The Sims 3 sold 3.7 millioncopies since launch through June 30, 2009 and was the best-selling PC launch in EA’s history. Fan intensity is evidenced through the nearly 65 million downloads of player created content including: Sims, houses, stories and more. The Sims 3 YouTube Channel is within the top 5 most viewed sponsored channels of all time with more than 22 million video views. The Sims 3 took the social media sites by storm with half a million fans on the official Facebook page for the game and nearly 30,000 followers on the Twitter official game page making it one of the most popular games on Twitter. Visit The Sims 3 official website to see what the players are creating at www.TheSims3.com or the official YouTube Channel for The Sims at http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSims.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA^TM, EA SPORTS^TM, EA Mobile ^TM and POGO^TM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, POGO, and The Sims are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE: Electronic Arts Inc.

Day 19 – Busy, Busy, Busy: Forgive me for living in the past somewhat, but today has all been about yesterday for me.  I’ve spent the whole day editing a mountain of pics from last night’s Papa Roach gig in Wolverhampton, which is why today’s pic is another from then.  The guy in today’s shot is Matthew Leone, a very nice chap who plays bass with Madina Lake.  I interviewed him for The Daily Dust and grabbed a few shots of him afterwards.  He was very welcoming and genuine, as were the rest of his bandmates, and it was a pleasure to get to meet him!

Day 18 – Are You Ready to Rock?: So, I’ve just got back from one of the gigs of the year at Wolverhampton Civic Hall, and I was lucky enough to meet all of the bands involved and get some cool portraits of them.  The show was headlined by the stars of today’s picture – Papa Roach – who were really friendly and welcoming people and a pleasure to do a portrait session with as they are one of my all-time favourites.  Then there was support from Madina Lake who were possible the nicest and most genuine guys I’ve ever met in a band, and also British lot Heaven’s Basement.  I was covering the gig for my new live music section on the Daily Dust, so keep checking there for the review and interviews from tonight’s show.

Catch Madina Lake at 3 in-store signings over the UK at the times stated after the break!

October
7th – Nottingham – 5-6pm @ Blue Banana
11th – Manchester – 3:30-4:30pm@ Pulp
14th – Sheffield – 5-6pm @ Blue Banana

You and me, we hit the streets
‘Cause the thrill of living gives me energy.
I wanna steal a car and rob a bank.
I wanna find a cure that’ll save the world.
‘Cause our lives are going up in flames
As we watch like it’s a movie.
I come alive with you.
You’re like the drug inside of my head!

Let’s burn this town
Right to the ground
And we’ll go down like every legend before us.
We’ll part the seas,
Make history,
While chasing dreams like every legend before us.

Madina Lake – Legends

Reading 09…fuck I don’t even know where to start. How about: THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY FUCKING LIFE. EVAH.

Here’s my review on the acts we saw starting with friday

Madina Lake:  12:45 MAIN STAGE

Having not known anything about Madina Lake I was pleasantly surprised. To be honestly they’re not the sort of thing I’d usually listen to – a bit too teeny bopper for my tastes. However it was hard not to get caught up in lead singer Nathan Leone’s immense enthusiasm. I’m always heartened by a band who seem so genuinely psyched to be there, even that low down on the bill. His stage presence and interaction with the crowd was brilliant and there were some die-hard young fans down the front who looked like they’d died and gone to heaven. Musically, to be honest I wouldn’t be able to remember any of the songs if you asked me except for the great sing-a-long Let’s Get Outta Here. All in all, a fun set and good start to the festival.

Tim Minchin: 14:45 ALTERNATIVE STAGE

Another one of the great things about Reading is they also offer amazing alternative comedy shows and we were extremely excited about seeing Tim. Our excitement briefly turned to panic when we arrived at the Alternative Stage and it looked like we wouldn’t get in but luckily we did. The tent was crammed and overflowing outside – apparently 3,500 people turned up to see Tim and he didn’t let us down!! An absolute gem from start to finish. He went through hits such as Taboo, Canvas Bag, If I Didn’t Have You, and many more in between some awesome audience interaction. It was obvious that Tim was stunned and overjoyed by his reaction and why not? This rising star is going to become a comedy legend! watch this space…

Fall Out Boy 17:55 MAIN STAGE

Fall Out Boy!! OMYFUCKINGGOD FALL OUT BOY! We were so freaking excited to see these boys! Having been a fan right from the start and wanting to see them for ages, Starlight and I were hopped up like kids on candy! (when in fact we were girls on cider) The shrieks that greeted the band when they came on stage were deafening – yeah and fair enough probably the loudest coming from us The boys put on a great set. Patrick’s vocals on fine form, Pete is an amazing showman – bouncing round stage and gearing the crowd up. The band played through all of their hits. Personal highlights included: Thnks fr th mmrs, Dance Dance, Where Is Your Boy Tonight?, This Ain’t A Scene…. and I Don’t Care. After some teasing of Patrick about his night in jail, and informing us that FOB had become the poster kids for those with “Bad haircuts and Skinny Jeans” ( but Pete! we heart your hair bb!) Pete announced that they were going to have some fun and sing their countries National Anthem. There was a brief silence and a kind of WTF? fell over the crowd until we heard the unmistakable chords of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing. This got the crowd wild and a mass sing-a-long ensued. It truly was a magnificent-goosebump-inducing-moment that I will never ever forget. I did get separated from Starlight and ..the thing we were with…towards the end but it didn’t matter as the crowd all came together (almost literally in my case – Pete in that black hoodie? GUH!) and we were all singing and dancing as one. A fantastic set from a fantastic band and I can’t wait to see them live again!

Kaiser Chiefs: 20:30 MAIN STAGE

Kaiser Chiefs…I don’t even know where to start. Their set was undoubtably one of the highlights of the festival for me. Ricky’s stage presence from start to finish was absolutely mindblowing. His immense energy, crowd interaction and showman-ship was a sight to behold. From climbing up the stage during the epic I Predict A Riot, to leading crowd scream-a-thons, and getting down with all sorts of percussions. ( Ricky we fucking love your tambourine bb!!! ) The live playing was flawless too. They played some of the stuff which sounds brilliant, – can’t wait to get the album! along with anthems such as Ruby, Modern Way, Oh My God and ended the set with a truly awesome Angry Mob. The band all looked so psyched to be there – special shout out to Nick – Smiliest Drummer Ever! ™ The crowd were brilliant – everyone was having such a great time there was no stupid pushing or fighting. It was the perfect set – everything you’d want, Awesome music, Euphoria, fun and just…wow oh wow. Also, Ricky? REALLY FUCKING HOT RIGHT NOW! well done on the weightloss bb you look fantastic.

“Are you ready to sing?”

“Are you ready to clap?”

“Are you ready to dance?”

“Are you ready to have a fucking good time?”

The Word Alive have announced dates on two very awesome tours this fall! The first is the Revolver Presents Tour with Eyes Set To Kill, Dreaming Of Eden and After Midnight Project. That tour starts October 4th and ends on the 22nd. Starting only 6 days later will be TWA’s tour with Silverstein, Madina Lake and I See Stars. Both of these tours seem pretty awesome so if you’re lucky enough to have both hit your area, we suggest you see them both!

w/ Eyes Set to Kill, After Midnight Project & Dreaming Of Eden
Oct 4 – El Paso, Texas @ Chics Bar and Billiards
Oct 5 – McAllen, Texas @ Incubator
Oct 6 – Houston, Texas @ Meridian
Oct 8 – Jacksonville, Florida @ Jack Rabbits
Oct 9 – Orlando, Florida @ Backbooth
Oct 10 – Tampa, Florida @ The Orpheum
Oct 11 – Atlanta, Georgia @ Masquerade- Downstairs
Oct 13 – Charlotte, North Carolina @ Tremont Music Hall
Oct 14 – Virginia Beach, Virginia @ Peppermint Beach Club
Oct 15 – West Springfield, Virginia @ Jaxx
Oct 16 – Vineland, New Jersey @ Hangar 84
Oct 17 – Asbury Park, New Jersey @ Jennies
Oct 18 – Baltimore, Maryland @ Ottobar
Oct 20 – Hartford, Connecticut @ Webster Underground
Oct 21 – Buffalo, New York @ Mohawk Place
Oct 22 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania @ Diesel

w/ Silverstein, Madina Lake & I See Stars
Oct 28 – Winooski, VT @ Higher Ground
Oct 29 – Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon
Oct 30 – New Haven, CT @ Toads Place
Oct 31 – Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock
Nov 02 – Carrborro, NC @ Cats Cradle
Nov 03 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
Nov 04 – Nashville, TN @ Rocketown
Nov 06 – Tulsa, OK @ Marquee
Nov 07 – Little Rock, AR @ The Village
Nov 08 – Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
Nov 09 – Columbia, MO @ Blue Note
Nov 10 – Louisville, KY @ Headliners
Nov 12 – Wilmington, DE @ Harmony Grange
Nov 13 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance

The Word Alive on MySpace: myspace.com/thewordalive

Well, here we are. Three days of unbridled musical joy spaced out over 6 different stages encompassing every genre imaginable and whetting the appetites of tens of thousands of avid festival-goers. This is Leeds Festival, the culmination of the UK’s festival calendar, and a grand display of the UK, and beyond’s musical expertise. Expectations were high. Tickets prices even higher. The amount of fat blokes in wedding dresses even higher still.

FRIDAY – 28/08/09

The beginning of a music festival dedicated to the finest in rock ‘n’ roll starts, very naturally, with Mariachi music. Here we have the musical stylings of Mariachi El Bronx (6/10), the confusingly ‘different’ side-project of punk titans The Bronx. It takes a while to get your head around, so the fact that I arrive only for the last two songs means I, for one, conclude their set with a mindset in flux.

Fightstar (3/10) continue proceedings on the main stage. It’s dreadful. Be it the faltering acoustics on the main stage out in the open, or the completely falsified ‘rockstar’ gestures these guys try in vain to pull off, there’s just something about this set that irritates me. A setlist that relies too heavily on newer songs denies people the sing-a-longs they hoped for, and things only pick up on set closer Deathcar when these fans are finally given the opportunity to stir up some pits.

Enter Shikari (6/10) are, surprisingly, below form today. Again, probably to do with the sound problems out on the cavernous pastures of the main stage, Shikari’s sound seems to process as very two-dimensional, with the gap between the rock music and the use of synths too far to bridge on this occasion. It comes across that they are attempting two inherently dissimilar genres and undercutting each. It doesn’t help that latest single No Sleep Tonight is omitted from the set due to a technical fault, and that my two personal favourites, Anything Can Happen In The Next Half Hour and We Can Breathe In Space, They Just Don’t Want Us To Escape, both fail to make an appearance either.

Next up should have been Set Your Goals, but then news filtered through of something a lot more special. Yes, this was the (not-so) secret set of supergroup Them Crooked Vultures (8.5/10), the newly-surfaced side project of Queen Of The Stone Age’s Josh Homme and Alain Johannes, ex-Nirvana and Foo Fighter’s Dave Grohl and Led Zep’s John Paul Jones. Luckily, I get a spot close to the front, prior to the inevitable exodus of thousands from elsewhere, and two rows behind Eagles of Death Metal frontman Jesse Hughes, who, bizarrely, was filming the set. The roar they receive when they walk on-stage could probably be heard in Reading, yet they take it all in their stride and jam away. The music really was second-place to the spectacle, they could literally stand there and do nothing for an hour and the crowd would still be in rapture. The music itself however was very good, deriving mainly from Homme’s stoner-rock influences, and played with the razor-sharp precision you’d expect from such exceptional performers.

A tidal wave of people leaving the NME tent is replaced by an opposing tidal wave of kiddlywinks here for You Me At Six (8/10). That this rather large tent is filled to the brim and beyond at such an early hour in the day is a reminder of just how far these guys have come, having played the 4th-from-last set in the Festival Republic tent just one-year ago. Having only a handful of songs to choose from, there aren’t any surprises to be found within, just a band now firmly at the top of their game. Hits like Jealous Minds Think Alike and Save It For The Bedroom however, are wasted on an utterly ridiculous crowd of obvious first-timers. Don’t call me an old fart, but when you see a 14-year-old girl cry because she went into a circle pit by accident, you know this kind of stuff should be past your time.

I followed the pre-pubescent tsunami to Go:Audio (2/10) in the Festival Republic Tent, where, over a £6 plate of fish and chips, I witnessed an absolute atrocity of a set. The music, what with its pinpoint synths, girly lyrics and twee hooks, actually came across like an aural business portfolio. It was like music you’d hear on the Tweenies. Some gurning guitarist plodding primary-school riffs and a douchebag frontman whining completely fake sentiments to a completely oblivious group of morons. The next big thing? It was staring me in the face. Expect ‘the UK’s answer to Metro Station’ to explode soon. They’re playing to 2000-3000 people a night on their September tour. Don’t go.

Following that disgrace, anything could be better. And my god, was I right. Back on the main stage, rave-rock legends The Prodigy (9.5/10) took to the stage. This was perfection. All the hits were there, ranging from old favourites like Breathe and Firestarter to new set staples like Omen and Warrior’s Dance. However, what makes this performance so fantastic was not just the delivery, but the spectacle. Picture it – the sun’s gone down, many a drink has been consumed, and tens of thousands of people, young and old, lose their inhibitions together in rampant ecstasy. You couldn’t imagine a more triumphant scene, bar the odd wanker who inexplicably decides to set off a flamethrower. Not just the best set so far at Leeds Fest, possibly one of the best I’ve ever seen in my life.

Following this, I retired once more to the Festival Republic Tent, this time for The Blackout (7.5/10). Here we have a band hell-bent on having a good time when they play, and that’s exactly what they deliver. The songs they have at their disposal may not as yet be up to scratch, but the potential’s definitely there. A few tunes in the mix, I’m A Riot? You’re A Fucking Riot and STFUppercut for instance, get the crowd moving with aplomb. If only they’d stop bloody thanking everybody for everything so much, this is a band worth looking into.

Concluding my Friday are a band from Sheffield, but not the one everyone else is going to see. Headlining the Festival Republic Tent are Bring Me The Horizon (8.5/10). Having successfully turned me with their barnstorming sophomore effort Suicide Season, they turned things up to 11 throughout this apparent ‘homecoming’ set, and did not leave me dissatisfied whatsoever. Widespread screamo-bashery reigns elite, and the crowd, not at all sapped from the rest of the day’s action, get br00tal to anthems like Sleep With One Eye Open and Pray For Plagues. Focus is taken, if only fleetingly, from Oli Sykes’s hair when former I Killed The Prom Queen guitarist Jona Weinhofen makes the peculiar decision to scale the tent’s main scaffolding pole during set-closer Chelsea Smile. A few daredevil (or more likely inebriated) fans follow him up there, much to the dismay of the flapping stewards below. All in all a delightfully vicious end to what is a very so-so day.

SATURDAY – 29/08/09

Kicking off the day’s antics bright and early on the Main Stage were Welsh risers Kids In Glass Houses (3.5/10). Now I’m a big fan, but even I’ll have to admit that today they were far from their best. Maybe to do with the lack of gig practice prior to their perplexing support slot to New Found Glory, or maybe to do with a few too many drinks the night before, tracks like Easy Tiger and Saturday just don’t seem to have the desired effect on an uncaring crowd. An untitled new track shows a potential glimmer of hope for the future, but the reputation loss these guys have sustained of late could scupper their world domination attempts. For now at least.

I then crossed over to the Dance Tent, and to the screamo-crunk frolics of 3OH!3 (8.5/10). Having endured harsh criticism by haters worldwide pooling them in the same pigeon-holes as other hate figures such as BrokeNCYDE and Millionaires, to many, they had a point to prove. To others, they offered a cheap thrill. To me, they were an altogether blinding performance. Stomping onto the stage with archetypal crunk swagger, the likes of Punkbitch and Starstrukk get the crowd hooked right from the start. And although the majority were here for just one song, closer Don’t Trust Me, it’s apparent that throughout their measly half hour early-afternoon set, people are indeed doing the Helen Keller, and talking with their hips.

After such a gaudy and effervescent set, a nice bit of contrast was found settling on a grassy knoll outside the NME Tent for the folk rock croonings of Frank Turner (7/10). Although acoustic heart-warming tends not to be my kind of thing, it was impossible not to take a genial penchant towards this evidently stunned character before us all. Even he didn’t expect this many people to turn out at such a time. Still, he treats it as if he were playing only to 10 people, and steps up to the plate admirably. Toe-tapper The Road really does, well, tap toes, but more importantly, gives you the explicit notion that here’s a guy that could go far.

Off to the main stage next, and to a set from post-hardcore legends Brand New (3/10). I’m not getting it about this main stage so far, every band that seems to step upon it under-performs massively. Brand New are no different. Some people call them complex, the ‘thinking man’s’ kind of music. To me, it’s just bloody boring. Every song seems to drag on for hours. Pedestrian droning from frontman Jesse Lacey does not do justice to killer songs like Jesus Christ, and the otherwise lively crowds down at the front turn to glue. Maybe this is the kind of music that’s just not suited to broad daylight, maybe this would have fared better in the more familiar surroundings of a tent, but you have to think that all those die-hard Brand New fans will re-consider seeing such dross at Wembley Arena in a few months time.

In the Dance Tent once more, this time for the most hilariously obvious DJ Set of all time, the dark and mysterious L’Amour La Morgue (6.5/10). Quite blatantly Lostprophets’ Ian Watkins in sunglasses and a shite neckerchief, here I’m pleasantly surprised by his skills on the turntables. Heavily expecting a self-indulgent recital of an iPod playlist, instead we’re gifted with some decent tunes, with remixes of the likes of Beyonce and Lady GaGa proving popular. Ruined somewhat by the masses of twogs screeching stage-ward to demand if it is indeed the eponymous Watkins behind the ever-slipping neckerchief, he takes it in his stride and keeps schtum throughout. Bringing it to a glorious crescendo with a remix of the Star Wars theme tune, you’re left feeling on an incontestable high.

A lengthy and congested trek to the NME Tent brings us to the perennial freak parade of Crystal Castles (5.5/10). Arriving slightly late, I saunter in to find diminutive frontwoman Alice Glass indiscriminately caterwauling to the soundtrack of dancefloor beats. On the face of it, it appears a pretentious, arty blob of ‘creativity’. However, there’s something strangely alluring about it that makes you want to stick around. I remain long enough to witness aforementioned crazy lady downing a bottle of Jack Daniels and falling from the drum set to the ground. And if that isn’t reason to celebrate, I don’t know what is.

Post-food, I find myself once again in the NME Tent, this time for the punk-rock maelstrom of Gallows (9.5/10). Here, we have a band who have found it impossible not to put their all into every performance. Having latest album Grey Britain dropping to pervasive critical acclaim, the setlist is peppered with angsty, ferocious crushers. Ranging from the sneering Belly Of A Shark to a feral London Is The Reason, people are literally attempting to tear each other’s faces off with delight. Engineering a twofold circle pit, one swallowing up the front, the other sweeping up a human cyclone around a terrified sound desk, frontman Frank Carter looks every bit the enigmatic leader. Fans lap up every word of his socio-politically directed speeches, and a huge wall of death concludes an unforgettable experience for all involved.

Back into the familiar surroundings of the Dance Tent, this time for the electro-dub stylings of French DJ Vitalic (10/10). I knew very little about anything of this man or his performance before I stepped into the tent, only a faint rumour that he’s meant to sound a little bit like Daft Punk. But then, when the lights dimmed, the strobes were released and the beats began to kick, I found myself in dancefloor heaven. This, very much like The Prodigy the night before, was only so faultless due to the grand spectacle of the occasion. Whereas those guys took the tens of thousands of punters and got them all sucking from their collective rave-rock teet, Vitalic’s approach was a lot more subtle and a lot more precise. Raising the atmosphere up sky-high in joyous crescendos and then plunging again into murky basslines, Vitalic was most definitely a man who was in control. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t watching Radiohead or Lostprophets, I felt sorry for the people who haven’t heard or witnessed this incredible hour of complete bliss.

Headlining the Dance Tent tonight was the oversized Canadian rodent, Deadmau5 (6.5/10), specialising in trance, electro and, well, hau5. With new album For Lack Of A Better Name about to drop on us, and with lead single Ghosts n’ Stuff featuring a cameo from Pendulum’s Rob Swire, it would seem that the atmosphere immediately changes from Vitalic to one of dance aficionados to one of people who’d gotten bored of Radiohead. Suddenly the room is packed with way more people than it can cope with, there’s literally no room to dance in an, err, ‘Dance Tent’, and there seems to be an exorbitant amount of grots within pointlessly bellowing ‘YOU WOT? YOU WOT?’. In such a pressure-cooker setting, my hot dog eventually repeats on me in an always-sociable kind of situation, and, coating passer bys in vomit, I storm out the Tent. Good while it lasted, but the illusion inevitably fades when you’re retching your trachea up next to a drunk middle-aged man urinating on the side of a fairground ride.

Switching rapidly from dancefloor dream to disgustingly mainstream, my day ends outside the Festival Republic tent with electro-pop moron La Roux (4.5/10). Here we have an oddly-quiffed frontwoman who’s apparently too afraid to interact with her fans. Although, I’m in time only for two songs, two being the only ones the idiots in this room are aware of, In For The Kill and Bulletproof, she rifles through them as if there’s a gun pulled to her head (therefore, not making her Bulletproof). The set ends a whole ten minutes earlier than it should have done, and it deservedly leaves fans wanting more. A disappointing end to an overall much-improved day.

SUNDAY – 30/08/09

Well and truly hungover, and feeling the effects of recently barfed-up hot dog, I miss ska-punkers Sonic Boom Six on the Main Stage. However, I was in time to see Chicagoan pop-rockers Madina Lake (6/10), hit the Main Stage. As could have been expected at such an ungodly hour, it’s all very dry and uninspiring. Hits like House of Cards and Never Take Us Alive are always going to elicit impassioned sing-a-longs, but there’s nothing within this set that isn’t off the beaten track, regardless of frontman Nathan Leone’s little inspirational ‘don’t be afraid to be yourself’ soundbites.

Next up today were Canuck post-hardcore outfit Alexisonfire (8.5/10), a band renowned for their outstanding live form. And, although such an early placing on the Main Stage was always going to hold them back, they actually manage to pull of this seemingly unenviable task with a degree of merriment. Constantly egging on a lacklustre crowd to get their asses into gear, hits like We Are The Sound and This Could Be Anywhere In The World really do present AOF at their finest- the interplay between the harmonies of Dallas Green and the growls of George Pettit combine superbly, creating a terrific viewing experience.

Staying at the Main Stage, New Found Glory (7/10) were next up. Having warmed themselves up for this weekend’s appearances through the form of an intimate club tour, it becomes clear that their practice pays off. The only thing holding them back, in my opinion, wasn’t themselves, but the stage itself. Playing to such a vast amount of people seemed to take some of the shine off their performance, and made it just a little too deadpan. However, gracing the stage with such dynamism, you’d think they thought they were headlining. Frontman Jordan Pundik makes for an excellent ringmaster, getting the crowd bouncing up and down like a giant pogo stick, the main culprits being effervescent hits like All Downhill From Here and Don’t Let Her Pull You Down, all communicating quite plainly that NFG are seasoned pros when it comes to the festival circuit.

Moving on to a rammed NME Tent, and to current electro-pop darling Little Boots (7.5/10). Sporting with her an awkward-looking backing band, plus a mysterious appliance I’m led to believe is called a ‘Tenori-On’, she proceeds to perform what is actually a very skilful and accessible set. Hit singles New In Town and Remedy naturally have the tent booming with festive sing-along, but it’s in fact on more arbitrary songs, Meddle and Mathematics for example, where this Blackpool songstress really proves her worth, keeping a ravenous crowd relentlessly engaged on her and her spangly attire. Concluding her set by inviting her brother on stage for a happy birthday celebration, there’s a great feeling of delight contained within this tent.

Back out onto the Main Stage, we’re treated to a set by nu-metal titans Deftones (6.5/10). Minus bassist Chi Cheng, who is, at the time of speaking, sadly still in a coma, we still get a comprehensive run-through of all their biggest hits from a bygone era, Change (In The House Of Flies) and Back To School (Mini Maggit) to name a couple. And, while all the grandiosity and pomp of these anthems are broadcasted proficiently from such a spacious arena, there’s a niggling sound problem throughout that detracts from your overall enjoyment of it. From the pits, I doubt it would be as much a concern, but for every other punter, it makes it come across as very dreary and very muddy, and unfortunately, will only preach to the converted.

Staying at the Main Stage, next up were the self-appointed kings of emo, Fall Out Boy (6.5/10), who, regrettably, are far from their best today. This being their last UK jaunt previous to a ‘break’ that could see them out of action for a year or two, you’d think they would make more of an effort to thrill their fans just once more. However, throughout today’s set, it seems they would just prefer to get things over and done with. It’s a set that doesn’t disappoint – all the obligatory tunes, as far-back as Grand Theft Autumn to most recent release I Don’t Care, all make an appearance. Nonetheless, it’s all very ploddy and underwhelming, and the pouring rain does little to elevate spirits. Still, a jovial cover of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, cheekily billed as our and their’s ‘National Anthem’, ends things on a high.

Venturing into the NME Tent for the last time today, I capture a rousing set from Florence and the Machine (8.5/10). Seeing them in place of more conventional sets from Placebo and Leftover Crack, I came here with the feeling that I would either be blown away or bored to tears. And I was blown away. Having praises thrown at her in every direction, frontwoman Florence Welch seems completely undeterred by such high levels of anticipation. It is within the live setting where one inevitably proves their worth, and, by some stretch of the mark, she’s proven herself here tonight. She blasts out songs such as Dog Days Are Over and Cosmic Love with a voice that would be envied by many. Even tackling an audacious cover of Candi Staton’s You’ve Got The Love, the Machine’s set, sadly, is hastily ended by the sound desk Nazis just before crowd favourite Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) – an inauspicious ending to a breathtaking performance.

Returning to the Main Stage, local favourites Kaiser Chiefs (9.5/10) take flight. Claiming this would be their last show ‘in a while’, it’s apparent that this homecoming set would be one to remember. And, in typical British fashion, it’s chucking it down. Still, they’re playing the biggest show of their lives. Something you can plainly fathom from the grins plastered on their faces. As expected from such a lofty festival slot, the set is packed with hits, Ruby and I Predict A Riot attracting thunderous sing-a-longs. Frontman Ricky Wilson is an outstanding master of ceremonies – from the beginning splitting up the colossal crowd into ‘Kaisers’ and ‘Chiefs’, and pitting them against each other in whimsical duels. I, being an ardent Chief, get stuck straight into the action, as myself and the thousands around me hang on every last word. And, by the time set-closer Oh My God swings around, you’re left with a feeling that’s nothing short of ecstatic.

Drawing the festival to a close were chart-topping alt-rockers Kings Of Leon (10/10), who, in spite of the rain, pulled off an unforgettable 90-minute set. Having been booed off the stage in an apparent spat with the lacklustre crowds at Reading, tonight they had a point to prove. And from start to finish, you’re absolutely captivated by what’s unfolding in front of you. Having such an extensive and wide-ranging back-catalogue, Kings were able to convey so many different facets to their act. The faster-paced, groove-laden older material such as Red Morning Light and Molly’s Chambers clashed with the more recent, more ostentatious, radio-rock anthems like On Call and Notion sublimely, and worked to keep the crowd constantly intrigued. Some truly humbling words from frontman Caleb Followill about how the UK had provided so much inspiration and stimulation for his and his band’s ventures really struck a chord with the masses, and created a magnificent bond between themselves and him. It really came across as if he never wanted the moment to end. Alas, it must. And just like that, the Festival’s all over and it’s back to the day job. One of the greatest experiences of my life has been and gone. And I forgot to buy a t-shirt.

- Ryan Haslam.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Michelle Coutois

President

Papillon Entertainment Group, Inc.

Michelle@papillonentertainment.com

“KEEP IT REAL. KEEP IT GREEN. KEEP IT REAL GREEN”

LOS ANGELES, CA. (August 31^st, 2009) – Rock Musician/Entertainer Avery Watts (www.averywatts.com) and Papillon Entertainment Group join forces with Bamboo Sk8 (www.bamboosk8.com)m New World Artists Management and Out of Step Entertainment to support and promote an “eco friendly environment” through the much celebrated “Green Washed-Ritual” compilation CD.

The Green Revolution is here. New World Management and Bamboo Sk8 and Out of Step Entertainment have teamed up with some of the industry’s hottest musicians to create a compilation CD to promote a greener future.  The compilation is being produced to educate our youth by setting a positive example through sports, music and urban culture.

The Green Washed-Ritual is a 100% digital compilation album of artists who are committed to a greener future. Bamboo Sk8 is changing the landscape of the skate urban culture by putting out decks made of 100% bamboo in lieu of the traditional maple standard deck which is one of the leading causes of today’s deforestation in North America. With every new deck sold, Bamboo Sk8 is giving an access code to the Green Washed-Ritual which gives purchasers access to selected tracks from the 20 artists selected to be part of the Eco-effort compilation. Artists such as CKY and Madina Lake from Roadrunner Records, Story of the Year from Epitaph, It Dies Today from Trustkill Records, Avery Watts and many more have come together to show their support and bring credibility to the idea that no matter what music you listen to, you can plan for the future and STILL be the coolest Kid on the Block. The compilation will be pre- launched at ASR in San Diego on September 10^th-12^th and available on line through www.bamboosk8.com

Avery Watts stated, “It’s encouraging to see someone out there willing to stand up and make a positive change in such a creative way. The idea of uniting artists and extreme athletes for an environmental cause not only sets a new precedent for the youth of our nation, but also speaks in a very powerful way.  I feel like this kind of message will resonate with people on so many levels and will set a long-term standard for a better world.  I’m very honored to be a part of this.”

Geoff Koboldt, President, BambooSK8 commented, “Avery Watts’ “A Cut Above” is the perfect anthem for young skaters to be positive, work hard and be the best.  His sound is a hybrid of many musical elements but his foundation is clearly built on working harder than the next guy.  We are proud to have selected Avery for our Green Washed Ritual digital compilation.”

“Papillon Entertainment is extremely proud to be part of Bamboo Sk8’s green initiative. They are shaping our youth’s involvement through sports and music- environmental awareness and responsibility by setting a positive example!  We do all that we can to “stay green” in our offices and support the artists and labels that do so as well!  It starts with eco friendly merchandising partners, paying attention to carbon foot-printing efforts, using re-usable modular stage set ups for Avery’s live show and goes right down to bio diesel friendly tour buses to get from show to show and last, but not least, simply remembering to recycle!  Papillon Entertainment is proud to be part of a newer, greener music industry!” – Michelle Coutois, President, Papillon Entertainment.

For More information on Avery Watts, Papillon Entertainment Group, Inc, contact:

Michelle Coutois

President

Papillon Entertainment Group, Inc.

(310) 593-0917 x82

Michelle@papillonentertainment.com

For More information on Bamboo Sk8, contact:

Geoff Koboldt

President

(951) 818-1347

Geoff@bamboosk8.com

For More information on New World, contact:

Dave Mabry

CEO

New World

Dave@newworldmgmt.com

July 19– Madina Lake is a band that sets itself apart from any other band in the alternative rock genre. Combining a haunting, yet completely original, sound with an unmatched performing energy, I cherish each and every time I get to see this amazing band perform.

After listening to Madina Lake’s first full-length album, “From Them, Through Us, To You”, I instantly became of a fan of this Chicago, Illinois band– their story of a missing love and dear friend, Adalia , and the small town of Madina Lake’s reaction to her sudden disappearance, made way for a great concept album (sadly, their sophomore album, “Attics To Eden”, lacked the charm the first album elegently displayed).

Seeing this band live is an experience that any fan of music should treat themselves to– to say they put on a great show is an understatement.  Vocalist Nathan Leone feverishly runs around the stage, and even hurls himself into the crowd during their set; Leone’s twin brother, bassist Matthew, and guitarist Mateo Camargo often moved back and forth between sides of the stage, and made sure to give the audience some much-desired attention, while drummer Dan Torelli kept his pace up during the band’s extremely energetic set.

Madina Lake’s set consisted of mostly songs off of their first album– hits like “True Love”, “House of Cards”, “Adalia”, and “Here I Stand”, but they made sure to play their first two singles off of Attics to Eden, “Never Take Us Alive” and “Let’s Get Outta Here.”

As this was the second day of Warped Tour I attended, and the second time I photographed Madina Lake, I noticed some familiar faces lining up on the barricade prior to the band heading on stage– some devout fans made sure the band knew that they would never miss a Madina Lake show that was nearby, as a handful of fans trekked to four (!) different Warped dates just to see their favorite band. Kudos to you, girls.

Anche quest’anno SideOneDummy, Rude Records e Vans si mettono insieme per celebrare la release della VANS WARPED TOUR COMPILATION.

Clicca sull ‘immagine

o scrivi direttamente a contest@ruderecorz.com, rispondendo alla seguente domanda: “Quante volte hanno partecipato i GASLIGHT ANTHEM all’annuale kermesse punk rock del Vans Warped Tour?”.

Tra chi avrà risposto correttamente, Rude Records sorteggerà come ogni anno i vincitori dei 5 kit che incudono T-Shirt + scarpe Vans + CD “Vans Warped Tour Compilation”.

Di seguito, l’elenco delle band che hanno partecipato quest’anno alla compilation: NOFX, Flogging Molly, Underoath, All Time Low, 3OH!3, Chiodos, Anti-Flag, Bad Religion, The Devil Wears Prada, The Maine, Saosin, Hit The Lights, The Ataris, Less Than Jake, Breathe Carolina, Escape The Fate, The Bouncing Souls, Broadway Calls, Vanna, Big D and the Kids Table, Attack Attack, The Flatliners, Anarbor, I Set My Friends On Fire, Therefore I Am, Every Avenue, Civet, Dance Gavin Dance, A Skylit Drive, Sing It Loud, Madina Lake, You Me At Six, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, There For Tomorrow, Ivoryline, Love Hate Hero, The Blackout.

Madina Lake – Attics To Eden – Roadrunner Records

http://www.madinalake.com/atticstoeden/

If you happened to go to Vans Warped Tour this year, you may have seen Madina Lake play songs from their newest CD, “Attics To Eden”. These four guys are generally what you would expect to see on the Vans Warped Tour; V-necks, headbands, and facial piercings are sported by most of their members. You might find more makeup and hair-dye in their bus than your girlfriends bathroom. If you saw Madina Lake at Warped Tour, and stayed for their set, you probably could have heard the entirety of “Attics To Eden” as it spans just over a half hour, with no song over 4 minutes in length.

Of the 12 tracks on “Attics To Eden” most are the poppy dance infused with punk similar to Fall Out Boy and The Maine. Songs like “Through The Fire” and “Welcome to Oblivion” incorporate the tambourine and give you bouncy tracks. The bass drum pounds on all four beats of “Statistics” which is a little more synth based and “Never Walk Alone” features a pretty intricate drum intro, but soon a screechy guitar comes in and kind of ruins what you expect the track to be (Good perhaps?). It’s hard to find something that makes Madina Lake different than a lot of the bands. They incorporate a few synth and dance elements, but then they start to sound like Nine Inch Nails does the Backstreet Boys. One interesting track is “Friends and Lovers” which is entirely synth and drums, no guitars. It’s of the better tracks on the as it differs so greatly from it’s counterparts.

Much of this CD is the manufactured pop-punk and I wouldn’t be surprised if Madina Lake’s demographic was more aimed at a younger teenage crowd then that attending a university. With that being said, that’s only my opinion, if you like this kind of music, then you will love “Attics To Eden”, it will have you hopping and bopping along with every track. But with 12 tracks spanning only 37 minutes, it’s not really bang for your buck.

Madina Lake “Attics to Eden” caught my attention upon it’s release, (May 5, 2009), by the front cover artwork.  Anytime a band puts thought and/or creativity to use, with their album cover art, just motivates me to investigate the music inside the album further. I ventured to RoadRunner Records.com to give a listen to a few of the songs from “Attics to Eden”. I knew going in that Madina Lake is not a full throttle Metal band… not a Metal band at all… far from it. Madina Lake are an above decent, Alternative/Post Punk Rock Band with plenty of quality songs, in my Metal opinion. The key to expanding my Heavy Music collection and interests is to just plain research an album before you buy it. I am quite content at picking up Madina Lake’s newest album, both the music and lyrics are well thought out and written. Madina Lake has obviously paid attention to detail, with song structure, on “Attics to Eden”. There are no run ons or whining with these songs either, (again, in my Metal opinion). It seems to me, that Madina Lake was not interested in putting any filler songs on this album, that is always a great move for any band. What I walk away from, each time I listen to Madina Lake, is that they walk that fine line of being both commercially accessible and extremely current sounding, while still grasping and holding onto, enough hardness in their music to satisfy my taste. 

Madina Lake is obviously a younger band, yet the current and/or new textured sound to their songs is what differentiates them from being gobbled up by the status quo. It is 2009, I not only want to stay current with the younger bands… I need to. There is that part of me that does not want to be left behind in this vast world of Heavy Music. Honestly, there are stacks of Heavy bands out there today, that are fresh and new that just don’t do it for me. My not acknowledging on Metal Odyssey the bands that I feel are bland and yawn inducing, saves me from wasting precious time. Madina Lake is no waste of time for my ears. Taking a melodic and harmonious Alternative Rock detour, from the very heavy and Extreme Music that I listen to regularly, is essential for me, doing so keeps me musically grounded and open minded. Madina Lake “Attics to Eden” is one of those Alternative Rock detours I am referring to. To make an analogy, it is like enjoying watching horror movies, I need to watch a comedy and/or suspense thriller every so often as well. (Throw in a History Channel documentary too).

“Never Take Us Alive” is the opening song on this album, the upbeat Rock feel and inspired lyrics makes this album start off on the right note. “Statistics” is a steady rocker for me, along with “Let’s Get Outta Here” if I am to choose a few notables. Madina Lake took some influence from The Offspring, on “Let’s Get Outta Here”, especially with the chorus. “Legends” and “Criminals” are strong contenders for being my favorite songs on the entire album, both examples of the fortified confidence level that Madina Lake plays at musically. “Through The Pain” has “that hit” sound and feel seeping from it’s every nook and cranny. “Attics to Eden” is without question, a melodic and musically sound song trip. Madina Lake touching on the human spirit lyrically only pronounces more relevance with each listen, even for this middle aged Metalhead.

Madina Lake, as they appear on “Attics to Eden”: Nathan Leone on vocals, Matthew Leone on bass, Mateo Camargo on guitars & programming and Dan Torelli on drums.

MADINA LAKE

Attics To Eden

(ROADRUNNER RECORDS)

 Pensaba que se decantarían por seguir la línea de sus hitazos ‘One Last Kiss’, ‘Here I Stand’ o ‘House Of Cards’, muy en la onda de los The Used menos gritones y los Lostprophets de Start Something. Y me equivocaba en parte, sólo en parte. El segundo largo de la banda liderada por los hermanos Nathan y Matthew Leone tiene algo de continuista, sí,  pero con importantes pinceladas de experimentalidad como queda patente en títulos ‘Friends And Lovers’ o el pasaje instrumental ‘Lila, The Divine Game’.

Las melodías están ahí, eso es innegable y parece que los de Chicago lo tienen muy por la mano, pero no podemos  decir de Attics To Eden que sea un disco que vaya especialmente al grano. Capas y capas de producción visten este artefacto sonoro quizás algo pretencioso y pomposo, con programaciones que parecen guitarras y guitarras que parecen programaciones. En este sentido, para mi gusto, adquiere demasiado protagonismo la producción a cargo de David Bendeth (Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Breaking Benjaming, Killswitch Engage), quien tomó el relevo del gran Mark Trombino con la consigna clara de lanzar al cuarteto que completan el guitarra Mateo Camargo y el batería Dan Torelli a otro nivel.

Y quizás asomen más que nunca sus admirados Muse (esa cadencia y épica de ‘Legends’), Nine Inch Nails y Linkin Park, pero se queda a medias. Está claro, Attics To Eden tiene toda la pinta de ser el típico disco de transición: atrevido pero con titubeos.

Luis Benavides (Fragmento de la crítica aparecida en el número 49 de la revista RockZone)

Papa Roach supported by Madina Lake will be touring the UK in October, find when and where after the jump.

October
6th - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
7th – Rock City, Nottingham
9th – Academy, Glasgow
10th – Brixton Academy, London
11th - Academy, Manchester
13th - Academy, Newcastle
14th - Academy, Sheffield

Wow. Warped Tour 2009? Awesome! I had my doubts, I’ll admit it, and now I can’t imagine why I ever had any. I saw some of the prettiest people I have ever seen, but I also saw some of the ugliest people I have ever seen in my life. There were people with gross piercings, girls all decked out in gothic clothing, girls with wayyy too much makeup on, lesbians (everywhere!), pimple-covered faces and people that barely had anything covered. I saw a bunch of girls that looked to be about twelve years old (and were probably even younger) that looked way too young to be in a place like that. They had no fear, though. Like most of the youth these days. They do what they want without respecting others. How annoying.

We got there and headed over to the blow-up thingy that had the stages, bands and times they were playing on it, and who should be playing on the stage near us whilst we were looking? Underøath! I saw Aaron, heard them announce “this next one is an oldie!”, realized it was “Its Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door” and you’d better believe I ditched my people and squeezed through the crowd until I could see (even though I still couldn’t really see). The drowning in my sleep part melted me.

We got our times and started walking around. We waited at the Rock Band tent for Escape the Fate to show up and start judging the “bands” that were playing the video game. When they arrived (accompanied by several squeals issued by moi), and sat down RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME (I was in the front right up against the “CAUTION” tape) I started snapping pictures left and right. Robert turned around and waved, and yes, I got a picture of it. I only wish I could have had my camera out for when he turned around again and flicked everyone off. That was awesome.

We hurried off to watch Chiodos after that. I surprised myself by knowing most of the words to their songs (much like I did back in November). We left that stage to go see Scary Kids Scaring Kids at the Hurley stage. I was so looking forward to seeing them, but that quickly melted away. I realized that I did not know ANY of the words. I knew the beat and the guitar parts and stuff, but because I barely ever understood what the singer was singing, I couldn’t sing along. They played “My Darkest Hour” (my favorite song by them) but it wasn’t as great as I thought it would be. Kind of disappointing, but the crowd wasn’t all that into it either, so that was part of the problem. There really wasn’t much crowdsurfing during their set.

Madina Lake had the most energy out of anybody. A big hairy guy almost ruined it for me, but my boyfriend and I scrambled around until we were as far away from him as we could get. I have not taken the time to listen to them in a long time, but every word to every song came back to me as soon as the music started playing. They opened with “Adalia,” played “House Of Cards,” mixed in some new stuff (which sadly I did not know) and ended with “True Love.” After being disappointed by Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Madina Lake provided the perfect pick-me-up.

Then, after being crushed in like sardines for A Day To Remember, I made my boyfriend and friend get up so we could get in the front for Escape the Fate’s performance (FINALLY!). Once again, they opened with “The Flood.” They had enough energy, but not as much as Madina Lake. But I love Craig, Monte, Max and Robert anyway. Monte looked like a happy little Asian kid (his hair was lovely), Robert looked like Slash (like he normally does), I saw more of Max this time since I was on the side of the stage where he normally resides, so that was great, and Craig was his usual crazy fun-loving self. They performed “Situations,” surprised me with their performance of “Ashley,” played “You Are So Beautiful,”  rounded out the set with “10 Miles Wide” and ended with “This War Is Ours (The Guillotine II).” During one of the songs (I can’t recall which one) someone crowdsurfed and kicked me in the nose. It was awesome, but that’s why my nose is killing me right now. Before “10 Miles Wide” Craig said “now, I want to see every girl on top of some guy’s shoulders! Look at the guy in front of you, ladies, and hop on!”  Some guy turned around and looked at me, but I looked to my boyfriend who was standing behind me with his arms around me and motioned for him to get down so I could mount his shoulders. I hopped on, got a GREAT view of the stage, and danced on his shoulders to the song whilst singing along. Craig jumped into the crowd and sang with a girl who was on someone’s shoulders, and boy, was I jealous! But, it was still awesome. I got down after that song, and my boyfriend pulled me out of the way before we were pushed into the Wall of Death.

Afterward I couldn’t stop raving about Escape the Fate’s performance. It was so much better than it had been back in November at Town Ballroom. My boyfriend wanted to watch Breathe Carolina, so we did (yuck!), but all I was thinking about was Escape the Fate.

We left after Breathe Carolina, and wandered around the parking lot looking for his mom’s car. Then we hopped in and left. It was definitely a fun time. I can’t wait to see Escape the Fate for the third time. I promised my boyfriend that I would crowdsurf at that one. I’m little enough.

It was a perfect day for an outdoor music fest.  It was sunny and in the low 80s.

I took my 7 year old (Thing 2), my 14 year old (Thing 1), and 3 extra kids.  Thing 2 spent the day with my husband and I while Thing 1 and friends ditched us as soon as they could (fine by me, much less expensive and hormonal).

The first band I got to see was Anti-Flag.  They were on the main stage.  They were really good.  I don’t know their music (even though they’ve been around for a long time) but they were energetic and fun and I will definitely be checking out some of their CDs.

line up board

Then I shopped for a while.  I had to get my husband and Thing 2 Vans shirts.  I always buy the Vans Warped shirts instead of the Warped concert shirts (the one’s with the dates on the backs).  The shirt I got myself is so nice, it’s got this great v-neck and the Vans name is so stylized that it just looks like the pattern in the shirt.  It’s super flattering (I’ve gone to so many concerts this year that don’t have nice shirts.  It’s so disappointing). Also, this year, instead of canvas tote bags, they had these nice cotton (?) purses.  I finally found my summer purse (hey, summer weather just started in Cleveland so maybe it’s fitting that I just found my summer purse).

One of the really neat things about the Warped Tour is all the stickers and silly crap that is given away.  It’s especially cool for the kids.  Thing 1 got a bunch of posters that she’s going to use to decorate the locker room where she works.  And both kids have tons of stuff to hang in their rooms.  Plus, it’s cool to be able to get a CDs for $5.  Thing 1, bought 2 or 3 CDs while we were standing in line to get in! I picked up a few too.

The next band I saw was The Maine.  It was so hard to choose between The Maine and Less Than Jake.  In the end it came down to the fact that I was down by the Hurley Stage when The Maine came on and Less the Jake was on the main stage which was all the way at the other end.

The Maine

They were really good.  I loved their cover of Pour Some Sugar on Me.  It was funny because I had just seen Def Leppard do it live 2 weeks before.  It’s also funny that most of the kids in the audience didn’t really know the song.

They closed with Girls Do What They Want.  It was fun.  Thing 2 liked it.  She tends to like the more pop sounding bands (she’s 7, it’s good).

Millionaires

I wanted to see Meg & Dia, but I had written the time down wrong, and I ended up seeing the Millionaires’ set instead.  They were upbeat and skanky.  Good party music.  I don’t think they’d be half as enjoyable without seeing them dance (um, it was actually a bit more like prance and jump, there really was no organized movement) because their voices are a bit grating.  Although, hearing someone who could honestly sing do their music probably wouldn’t work anyway (someone who could honestly sing probably wouldn’t do their music).

We went back to the main stage to watch Bad Religion.  They were great.  I have known their name forever, but before the show I was trying to refresh my memory about who they are and what songs they have.  So I went to Amazon and I was playing some of the clips and nothing sounded familiar (or good).  But when I saw them play the stuff sounded great and I recognized some of them.

Bad Religion

I had planned on checking out A Rocket to the Moon.  But I never made it over there (Smart Punk stage) and stuck around the main stage to catch The Devil Wears Prada.  They are just awful.  The devil must also wear earplugs.  The one thing my husband said (that wasn’t negative) was that they were loud.  I guess that’s one way to stand out, if you can’t be good, be loud, then maybe no one will notice how bad you are.  Hey, wasn’t that on an episode of Spongebob?  Isn’t that when Squidward lies and says he has a marching band and he’s got to train all the Bikini Bottom residents in just a few days?  And they are terrible so he thinks if they all just play really loud that it’ll be ok.  Yeah, it didn’t work for Squidward either.  Maybe the guys from the band didn’t finish watching the episode.  Somebody should send them the DVD.

The Devil Wears Prada (or as just started liking to call them, untalented poseurs)

Attack Attack

I had heard some good things about Attack Attack, and since they were on the Skull Candy stage (which was right next to the main stage) we walked over to check them out.  My husband summed it up pretty well when he called them understudies for The Devil Wears Prada.

I don’t mind screaming.  I can scream with the best of them.  But to scream because you have no musical talent is something else.  Screaming has it’s place in heavy music.  It always will, but it should be one vocal technique among many, not the only thing that the “singer” is capable of.  That’s not a singer, that’s a hack.

Scary Kids Scaring Kids

Next, I saw a bit of Dear and the Headlights.  I enjoyed what I saw, I need to pick up a CD.  I didn’t stay long though because I was off to see Scary Kids Scaring Kids (see, I said that I don’t mind screaming).

Scary Kids were good.  The keyboardist is unintentionally hilarious.  I’m not sure that he’s necessary to the music but he’s so funny to watch, all the preening and posing, they need to keep him for the comic relief.

I was able to be really close to the stage for this band because I didn’t have Thing 2.  So, while I was watching someone tried to pass some giant, fat, sweaty guy.  FUCK THAT! I moved.  And they guy passing this other guy was telling me “no, no, no” that I shouldn’t move.  Again, FUCK THAT! I stepped out of the way.  Let him fall.  I don’t care. There needs to be a weight limit and hygiene standards for anyone who wants to crowd surf.  And this guy was certainly over the weight limit and out of compliance for the hygiene standards. Those guys who stand at the front of the stage and have to grab these nasty crowd surfers have the worst jobs in the world.  I don’t mind getting jostled around a bit.  I expect that it will happen at certain shows.  And I can handle it.  I’m not big but, as my husband says, I’m scrappy.  But you can’t make me touch some smelly fat guy.

About 50% of the people at Warped needed to be hosed down and sprayed with deodorant.  And I swear people were just openly farting while watching these bands. If you want to funk up your own place, have at it, but when you’re out in public you need to bathe, wear antiperspirant and either spring for some Bean-o or hold that in, you stinky bastards.

3OH!3

My husband went and saw 3OH!3 with Thing 2 (Thing 1 also went to see them).  He really would have rather seen Scary Kids with me but he’s so sweet that he let me see the better band. I like some of 3oh!3’s music, but they’re major poseurs.  And I especially think so after hearing what Thing 1 had to say about “meeting” them during their signing.  She said that the band wouldn’t speak to anyone, no one was allowed to take pictures.  They were just generally unapproachable. You’re not stars yet guys.  Don’t get all full of yourselves.

Big D and the Kids' Table

Before I met back up with my hubby and Thing 2 (the 7 year old) I stopped off to see some of Big D and the Kids’ Table.  I like their music but the singer has the worst banter.  His banter is as bad as Tom DeLonge (Blink 182, Angels and Airwaves).  Someone needs to tell the guy.  Someone needs to tell both guys, “You’re not smart, you’re not clever, just shut up and sing.”  I loved the back up singers.  They were adorable.  And I loved the horn section.  Very nice. The lyrics are juvenile but fun.  Pure summer party music.  I can picture this music as great beach volleyball accompaniment.  A few beers and some grilled burgers.  Perfect.

My husband met up with me while I was watching Big D and we walked back to the Hurley stage to watch Bayside.  That was another hard decision because I really wanted to check out Chiodos too.  But I figured Thing 2 would enjoy Bayside more than Chiodos, and really, the Warped Tour is now kind of a family thing for us (I can’t wait until the Monkey King is old enough to join us.  He’s too nutty still, maybe in 2 years).

Bayside

Bayside were good.  I think that Thing 2 enjoyed them too, but she did seek out some shaded ground to sit on (we started our day there at 10:30, so she was getting worn out) and she spent some time eating the rest of the snacks I’d brought with us.

Jet Lag Gemini

At some point during the day, we walked by and heard a few songs from Jet Lag Gemini.  I think Thing 1 and Thing 2 would enjoy them, I’ll have to get a CD.  They’re pop-y and easy to listen to.  The stage listings say that they were to play at 4:35 but I’m pretty positive that I saw them on the way to see The Maine.  I know for sure that I saw them before Scary Kids because of the picture numbers assigned by my phone (some of these pictures were taken on my phone and some with our real camera.  You can tell the difference because 1) the camera has an 18x zoom so they’re really good close ups, 2) the camera is a camera! my phone is 3 megapixels and the camera is 8.1 megapixels, 3) my hubby took the camera photos so they’re actually centered and steady and I took the phone pictures so they suck) are lower numbers for the Jet Lag Gemini pics than those assigned to the pictures of Scary Kids so the pics of Jet Lag Gemini were taken before those of Scary Kids.

Paramore

Anyway, after Bayside we walked back to the main stage to see the “Special Guest”.  Which everyone knew was Paramore.  It was all over Twitter a day or two before the show.  We got relatively close to the stage for this band.  We’d seen them less than 2 weeks before at Blossom, and I was excited to see them again.  But it ended up being too rambunctious for Thing 2.  Even my hubby was pissed because people were chucking drinks and stuff.  There was a crowd surfer who was handed to me and I helped him to the ground because he was getting too close to Thing 2.  I can handle myself, but Thing 2 is tiny.  And if anyone hurt her I’d get arrested, because my fierce mommy instincts take over.  Actually, later on that day some stupid little prick stomped on a water bottle and splashed Thing 2 so I stalked over and started yelling at him and his douche bag friends.  The three friends booked and he shit his pants! I didn’t even hestitate to confront them.  I didn’t think about it.  Someone had been mean to my child, and I turned into the protector.  I was very close to making the little shit apologize. We ended up walking around just outside of the main stage area and listening to Paramore while we bought and ate dinner.  They sounded great.  Thing 1 said it was insane inside.  Endless crowd surfing, even one of her friends ended up feeling too overwhelmed with all the crowd surfers and pushing.  It was much different watching them at Blossom.

I had wanted to check out Gallows but they were on at the same time as Paramore and they were over at the opposite end of the place.  We got to hear a little bit of Shad while we were walking around eating dinner because he was on the next stage.

Saosin

We walked back to the Hurley stage to watch Saosin.  I really enjoyed their set.  Thing 2 was really not enjoying their set.  The Maine is really more her speed.  But she got to sit on the ground and rest for a bit so I think she was good.  Really she did much better this year.  Last year we spent a lot of time carrying her.  It was also around 100 degrees which is obnoxiously hot even when you’re not walking around on asphalt.  It was so uncomfortable.  This year we didn’t have to carry her at all.  But we had to make sure she was able to sit from time to time.  She was very smart and wore a hat and a good shirt that covered most of her arms.  She’s very sensible.

Madina Lake

We saw a little bit of Madina Lake at some point while we were walking around.  I think on the way to see Paramore.  They were incredibly energetic.  I loved what I saw.  Thing 2 was much more interested in the giant ballons they had bopping around in the crowd.  She spent her whole time watching them and was absolutely thrilled that she got a hit in on one.

It was at this point that we confirmed that 95% of all the musicians on the tour were midgets.  Munchkins.  Leprechauns (the two blonde guys from Madina Lake were definitely leprechauns.  Just look at the picture.  I should have grabbed the singer while he was crowd surfing and made him give me his pot of gold).  There must be some weight limit for the smaller stages.  Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the stages are so portable (geez, the ernie ball stage has a license plate on it!).  They’re less sturdy so normal-size people aren’t able to perform on them; they’re weight limit restricts all but the “wee folk”.

After Saosin we walked by and saw After Midnight Project (whose name I will forever mess up).  And they were playing a song I’ve heard enough to know some lyrics.  I don’t know how I know the song.  I don’t know if it was a cover, but I started singing lyrics (and they seemed to be correct).  I’ll have to look into their music and figure out what song it was.

After Midnight Project

NOFX

Next we saw the end of NOFX while we were waiting for Flogging Molly. They were  ok.  I have some of their albums.  It’s good background music.

The highlight of my day was Flogging Molly.  I love Flogging Molly.  Dave King is insane.  I still can’t believe he’s the same Dave King that was in Fastway with Jerry Shirley and the guy-from-Motorhead-who’s-not-Lemmy.  It’s really cool to see how diverse a Flogging Molly crowd is. There are way older people and then there are young teens.  And so many of them can sing the songs! I love it.  I’m so lucky that I’ve gotten to see them live twice this year.  They are so energetic and fun.  Tom DeLonge and the guy from Big D and the Kids’ Table should beg Dave King to teach them how to banter.  He’s great and funny.  It’s sweet to hear him refer to his wife as his soul mate. And it was hilarious to hear him rip on Fat Mike from NOFX and mock the crowd (he asked how many in the audience were Irish and when far too many cheered in response his quip was “I’d like to see those DNA tests”).  It’s all done with such good humor that it’s totally inoffensive.  I can’t wait until they come around again.  They didn’t play Cleveland last year for the Warped Tour, although they did join the tour for some of the dates.  I hope they come to Cleveland on the tour next year.

Flogging Molly

Flogging Molly had great concert tees at the show too.  My Flogging Molly tee is the only band tee I purchased that day.  My hubby got 3 shirts from the show in February (I got one) so instead of a tee, he bought a flag.  My new Flogging Molly shirt is this nice fitted gray and white stripped tee that says Flogging Molly across the right side.  If you don’t know that Flogging Molly was the name of a band, you would never know that it was a concert tee.  I wore it to work Friday.  Thing 2 liked them enough that she spent all her money ($20) on a Flogging Molly shirt! Smart girl.

The last band I wanted to see for the day was A Skylit Drive.  I like that song about hunting the person down and killing them.  I can’t remember the name of it.  It has the line about “the movement in her hips marks the hour when the poison sets in”.  I think I really surprised Thing 1’s friends (who had joined us to watch this band) when I started singing along to that song!

Black Tide

But before we saw them, we watched the end of Black Tide, who were performing on the stage next to A Skylit Drive. They were ok.  Loud, heavy.

A Skylit Drive was good.  But everyone was tired.  There were people just lying on the ground (remember it’s asphalt, you have to be pretty damn tired to purposely lay down on asphalt) to watch them play.  I enjoyed it, but I have to admit, we cut out early and didn’t watch their whole set.  Thing 2 had been tired for hours and I was pretty spent too.

A Skylit Drive

I actually was a bit disappointed this year.  The crowds were especially hostile.  Aside from moving out of the way of overweight crowd surfers and yelling at people splashing water, I yelled at some prissy little girl for pushing. I was walking through a crowd and she was right on my back pushing.  After about 30 seconds of this, I stopped, looked her in the eye (I had to look up at her) and told her that I would push her back.  Funny thing, she followed me for another minute through the crowd but never needed to touch me again.  I think last year was better because it was too hot for anyone to be too big of an asshole.  They just didn’t have the energy.

For all you kids attending Warped:

I know it’s the first time that a lot of you have ever gotten to spend the day unsupervised. But just because you are on your own doesn’t mean that you can act however you want. Even at concerts, there is a certain level of courtesy you should show to your fellow concert goers.  So maybe mommy and daddy bought your ticket, but most of the rest of us paid for our own.  So don’t mess up our good time because you want to act like a punk.

Yes, you can push and shove in the pit.  No, you can’t do that anywhere else unless you want me in your face.  This isn’t tv, there are consequences.  And, no matter how tough you want to act, not a single one of you punks stood up to me when I confronted you.  So don’t make me.  It’s awfully embarrassing to have some short little 30 something woman scold you for your shitty behavior in front of your friends.  And you don’t have to take my word for it, just ask Thing 1.

Now that that’s out of the way, Warped was great.  Thing 1 and her friends spent the car ride home talking about what they’re going to do for next year’s show.  I came home tired and dirty and sunburned and sweaty and happy and with tons of momentos.  I can’t wait for next year!

Warped Tour Booty

dirty, post-concert feet & check out the classy flip flop tan line

great tan lines - my backpack straps kept rubbing off my sunscreen so I ended up with really strange sunburn lines on my back

Estilo Guitar Hero, só que com umas músicas muito undergound. Embora eu conheça algumas bandas, garanto que a grande maioria não é nem um pouco conhecida e se for… Eu ando mal informada no mundo da música.

Entre as bandas que tem nesse jogo, estão Papa Roach, Rides Again, The All American Rejects, Madina Lake entre outras. Ainda por cima, esse jogo trás músicas de games, entre elas a música tema do Super Mário Bross e a música tema do Sonic. Tem também a música do Zelda e do Metal Gear Solid. Apesar de ter muitas bandas desconhecidas, ainda acho esse jogo muito interessante, melhor do que o Guitar Hero online que na minha opinião é chatinho e tosco de jogar. Pelo menos no JamLegend pode-se conhecer outras bandas ( a grande maioria Indie ).  Você pode se inscrever, e fazer carreira aumentando seu level e subindo de nível. Pode também jogar com a guitarra do Guitar Hero ou do Rock Band, basta só baixar o plugin que o próprio site fornece quando for jogar. Oh, que de mais!

Espero que vocês gostem, como eu gostei, e me convidem para um duelo, PORQUE TAMBÉM DÁ PRA FAZER DUELO ONLINE, /festa. Have fun.

http://www.jamlegend.com/

GoWillyGo!

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