I admit, I have not been too good to this site. You see, school is wrapping up for the semester so that means tons of writing, reading, writing and studying. It sucks.
I thought I would take a moment out of my busy day and talk about two bands that I have been getting into a lot lately.
This Brookyn-based-originally-from-Iran punk act surprised me the other day when I listened to them. They are more of an up-beat dance-y punk rock act and carry no gimmick at all. This is no rap-punk or whatever the hell these kids are making these days, this is a nod to 70s/80s punk acts that, dare I say, has some major musical Clash-like qualities (even some Joy Division as well). The band will be dropping a new EP titled Upper Class Complexity on May 10th.
There there is this little band called Joyce Manor. Holy shit this band rules. Some of you may know this already…
Their new album Of All Things I Will Soon Grow Tired dropped the other day on Asian Man Records. This sophomore release is about the best 13 minutes I have heard this year. The songs may be short, but are poignant, consistent, and beg to be listened to over and over. I can not tell you how excited I am about this release. Why the hell did I wait until the 2nd half of this post to tell you???
Do yourself a favor and pick it up if you like the punk rock. I highly doubt you will be disappointed. Sometimes a little bit of something does in fact go a long way.
Check out “Violent Inside” off of their new release and then go and buy it.
If you fancy yourself a fan of Tim & Eric, you should check out this track by track post David Liebe Hart did of Joyce Manor’s Of All Things I WIll Soon Grow Tired. It’s kind of hilarious even though I do not get Tim & Eric at all. Maybe I need to do drugs or something. Still, check it out. Well worth the read.
Folk / country / punk rocker Tim Barry is perhaps one of the hardest working musicians out there. He tours when he can and makes ends meet when home, sometimes secluding himself from the real world for days at a time. He’s been known to hop trains at times and has a great relationship with his fans, sometimes even asking them for lifts to local shows. He’s always quick to thank said fans for their support and you know he is sincere while doing so. The guy plays music for the sake of music.
The one time lead man of 80s punk legends Avail recently finished up an all new album entitled 40 Miler. I can not tell you how excited I was to hear that Barry was releasing new material. Naturally when I was asked to interview him, I jumped to the opportunity. As a huge fan of Avail and his solo material, I was thrilled to be able to trade off some questions with Barry earlier this week.
Check out what he had to say, and make sure on April 10th, that you grab a copy of 40 Miler:
BHP: I guess to start things off we should probably talk about your upcoming release. 40 Miler is due out next month. How are you feeling about this new release?
TB: I temporarily erased 40 Miler from my mind. Writing, planning and record an album is an epic task, as anyone who has spearheaded the process can attest. Once complete, the focus shifts to release work. I self manage, so I’m knee deep in all preparations regarding the recording becoming public. Currently that is mainly tour preparations. When I am done with an album I step away from it. This helps me gain perspective and hear it freshly. I am currently in what I call recording detox. I have no copy of the album at this moment to even reference. I look forward to getting my own copy when it is released on April 10. The album will sound brand new to me by then.
I heard that a 40-Miler is a term that train conductors used when referring to a hobo. Is that right? Care to elaborate on this?
That’s actually incorrect. But close. It’s a term hobo’s use to slander another hobo. There are many different sects and sub sects in the railroad world. The term 40 Miler is comparable to calling a “mall punk” a poser. Or the new skater at the park a poser. Or perhaps the new worker in the wood shop the “new guy.” Lifer hobo’s, those who live on the rails, can use the term 40 Miler in a derogatory way to describe me. I’m a poser train rider. I take short trips close to home. I do not live on the rails I am a poser. A 40 Miler.
40 Miler sounds more country heavy over folk. Was this intentional, or was this just how the songs came out?
I never have an intention with my albums. They come out the way they come out, but I think you are right. We focused more on our live sound while in the studio on particular songs. Adding heavy electric guitar and strong harmonica playing by Josh Small and Andrew Alli. Although I certainly left some of the very folk style songs on the record as well, such as Todd Beene.
“Adele and Hell” has a lot going on throughout the song including some duel singing duties. Who was the lady who helped supply vocals on this track as well as on “40 Miler”?
The lady singing back up on “40 Miler” is in fact my right hand man Josh Small, who often accompanies me on tours; however, Julie Karr is the star of the song “Adele and Hell”. Julie is a songwriter here in Richmond, VA, who I was lucky enough to coax into singing that song with me. She killed it. So happy it worked out the way it did. She’ll actually be playing her own songs on many of my tour dates this year. West coast for sure, and some up in the north east.
Ha, whoops… So did you recruit anyone else to help you record some of these songs?
Most of the players on 40 Miler are the folks that I tour with. The main players are Andrew Alli on harmonica and Josh Small. Both of those guys have put in many miles on my tours. Julie Karr is new to the crew. Cameron Ralston did all the bass tracks. He’s a Richmond local, and probably the best bass player I’ve had the chance to meet. My sister Caitlin also played violin, as she usually does on my recordings. And Lance Koehler, who has recorded my records for many years now shared the percussion responsibilities with me.
I love the track “Amen” off your new release. What made you decide to write such a song?
It’s funny to write a song out of context. The song “Amen” is a summery of a long time touring on my album 28th & Stonewall. A lot of good, and some bad happened in that year an a half. However, I wrote “Amen” while touring in the lap of luxury. I completed the song, and played a half-assed version live for the first time at the massive Osheaga Festival in Montreal while touring with The Gaslight Anthem, who was kind enough to let me tour in their bus. Funny to write a song about the hardships of touring while on the road with an incredibly giving group of people who fulfilled all of my needs.
How’s that hand doing these days? I remember hearing about that.
Oh that? Boxer fracture. No big deal.
I want to shake your hand for writing “”Fine Foods Market” (see below for a video I found). Thanks for the laugh. Why did you decide to call out the hipster folk?
The original name of the song “Fine Foods Market” is “Tim Barry makes fun of Tim Barry.” Yes, I’m making fun of hipsters. But, I’m making fun of myself more than anyone. I’m at an age where I can tally up all my own idiocy and inconsistencies and publicly humiliate myself with clear conscience.
So, who is this Todd Beene fellow? Sounds like a hellion.
He sure is. Let’s leave that one up to the listener.
Was there any certain track on 40 Miler that you favored over the rest?
No, not at all. I like all the songs. I dropped perhaps 25 [songs] before picking the ones that made the album. The next task is to find which ones feel the best on stage. I look forward to that.
As do I. I can not wait to see you play some of these songs live. Who did the cover art? Is there any meaning behind it?
There is more meaning behind the cover art that I can articulate, but I’ll leave it at this: The design was created by my best friend Travis Conner who passed away in early 2008. I’ve used his art/photography on nearly all my albums and shirt designs. I refuse to let his memory to fade.
I completely understand. Nice way to pay tribute. Moving on, 40 Miler is being released on Chunksaah records. How does it feel to be on such a great label?
Perfect. I’ve been close to the folks at Chunksaah for far longer than the label has existed. I trust and love all the folks involved with my release. I’m lucky.
So, how was SXSW? My friend snapped a shot of you playing outside at Red 7 the other day and it looked like an absolute blast.
Whirlwind. Very quick trip. Shows were fun. Here was the schedule: Arrive in Austin via American Airlines at 11pm Thursday. Drink with Hot Water Music at hotel bar until 2am. Wake up at 6am. Eat breakfast. Go on short walk. Shuttle to downtown. Play two shows. Back to hotel to sleep from 11pm until 3am. Arrive at airport at 4:30am for departing flight to Richmond. Arrive in Richmond to have a coffee in my back yard by 11:30am. Head trip.
It doesn’t sound like you were able to see any other acts play SXSW at all.
Nope. Only the folks I played with. The entire line up for the Shirt for a Cure show was fantastic. I also played The Revival Tour show that afternoon. Everyone killed it.
I know you are not the biggest fan of the Internet, but I’ve noticed recently that your website has had quite the facelift. First off, it looks awesome. Second, does this mean you are biting the bullet and going to start using the Internet a little more often?
Travis Stom, Travis Stom, Travis Stom.. That man has done wonders for me. He has taken on all of my web design, updating and all logistics. If it weren’t for him, I don’t know what I would do. I am in no way a luddite, and do use all the free social networking sites as much as I can, but I’m simply not as well versed in computers as most folks are. They are the only thing in my life that creates real and pure frustration, so I steer clear of them as much as I can. However, I am not against technology and all of it’s benefits.
So many bands from the past are reuniting and touring or recording new material. I’m sure you are asked this all the time, but still…any chance of Avail doing something again one day?
Nope. Been and done.
If you could tour with anyone alive or dead, who would you choose?
Townes [Van Zandt].
Finishing up, what’s next for Tim Barry?
Touring time. US, Australia and parts of Canada are lined up now. I’m sure tons more dates will pop up. I’ll probably write a book this year as well. Who knows? I don’t plan much. I just go where things take me.
Buffalo, NY’s punk / metalheads, Every Time I Die (ETID), recently dropped an all new release titled Ex Lives on Epitaph Records. Produced by Joe Barresi (Queens of the Stone Age), the album shot up the Billboard charts very quickly and landed in the top 20s. That right there has go to tell you something.
This marks the sixth full-length release for the five piece band in their 14 year career. That’s not to say that the last 14 years have been easy for ETID as their line up has been a revolving door with members coming and going. Even with the challenges of keeping the band intact, ETID managed to continue on and after hearing Ex Lives, I have to say I am glad they did. I will point out I am not the biggest ETID fan. I know what they are capable of and appreciate all that they do in the music world. In other words, I am one of those people who love “We’rewolf”.
The album starts off beyond insane with “Underwater Bimbos From Outer Space” (nice title by the way). “I want to be dead with my friends” repeats at the beginning of this fast, brutal song that pretty much got me all sorts of excited to hear the rest of the album. Keith Buckley and crew sound amazing on this track.
“I Suck (Blood)” was just a thrashed mess of screaming and guitar playing guaranteed to keep you angry. “Partying Is Such Sweet Sorrow” had a Southern rock vibe throughout but kept things moving for the best. Kind of reminded me of when Pantera jumped off their path on some of their songs back in the day.
I will say that “Revival Mode” caught my attention as it took a complete total different route and was more or less a 90s grunge rock song at times, but I liked it for what it was worth. (Seriously, did anyone else hear some Layne Stanley in there?)
“Drag King” made me wonder how Buckley still has vocal chords with all that screaming, but he was able to add some melodic singing throughout the track. The fast-paced “Touch Yourself” followed and all I could think of was a sea of kids going ballistic at a live ETID show. Ending things was “Indian Giver”, a darker track that praised the loss of a good person.
I’ve seen reviews of this album already and some people think some of the sound sound recycled from New Junk Aesthetic. I can’t say I am hearing the same things from their previous releases, but the style remains, and that is what makes a band what they are. If you are into insane screaming and metal formed around some very intense lyrics, you should check out Ex Lives.
ETID will be on the Van’s Warped Tour this summer. I have seen them in the past life and will tell you, they are not a show to be missed.
Track List: Underwater Bimbos From Outer Space
Holy Book of Dilemma
A Wild, Shameless Plain
Typical Miracle
I Suck (Blood)
Partying Is Such Sweet Sorrow
The Low Road Has No Exits
Revival Mode
Drag King
Touch Yourself
Indian Giver
I’ll admit, I am not one for tribute albums and never really have been. There are a couple of exceptions out there (Bad Religion’s tribute from SPIN Magazine is one of them), but overall I just turn my head away usually when I hear the term “tribute album”.
Today was one of those days I changed my mind about a certain tribute. Earlier today, I heard about a tribute album and rather than ignore it, I got excited. I got really excited.
American Laundromat Records announced today that they would be releasing a tribute for the soundtrack to the 1980s cult classic Repo Man. Having a tribute featuring modern day bands cover classic late 70s / early 80s punk rock tracks from one of my favorite soundtracks to date has the potential to be seriously awesome.
Maybe it is because I adore the movie so much that I like this idea, or perhaps the fact that Those Darlins are covering the title track for Repo Man originally performed by Iggy Pop. Come to think, it could even be because Polar Bear Club is covering Black Flag’s “TV Party”.
Regardless, this is one of those “exceptions” I spoke of earlier in regards to tribute albums, and I have already put in my pre-order for the CD that drops September 18th.
Why did I pre-order so early? Check this out (taken from ALR’s website):
All pre-order customers receive a 6-panel CD eco-wallet featuring original artwork by revered rock poster designer Lonny Unitus (Melvins, Decemberists, Willie Nelson), bonus promo pin, album preview prior to release date and, while supplies last, an official Little Trees’ royal pine tree-shaped air freshener which were featured in the film — “you find one in every car… you’ll see” (Miller to Otto).
Did I mention the CD pre-order bundle is only $10? Click HERE to pre-order one for yourself. See the track list below.
While you are at it, click HERE to check out a post I did in 2009 about why I like Repo Man so much.
Track List:
“Repo Man” – Those Darlins
“TV Party” – Polar Bear Club
“Institutionalized” – Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra
“Coup d’Etat” – New York Rivals
“El Clavo y la Cruz” – Black Francis
“Pablo Picasso” – The Tellers
“Let’s Have A War” – Mike Watt
“When The Shit Hits The Fan” – TBA
“Hombre Secreto (Secret Agent Man)” – Matthew Sweet
“Bad Man” – TBA
“Reel Ten” – Weekend
Punk / psychobilly rockers Koffin Kats currently are kicking ass overseas. The band, who recently released an all new full length album called Our Way & The Highway on Sailor’s Grave Records, has been touring non-stop in support of the release. With plans on touring the states in the Spring, Koffin Kats show no intentions of slowing down at all.
I reviewed Our Way & The Highway last month and was beyond impressed with what I had heard. I am really looking forward to seeing these guys live again sometime very soon. Their mix of punk rock and psychobilly keeps things entertaining and fun. They are a hard working group and skip all the bells and whistles and go straight for the kill when it comes to performing live. They are a punk rock band. This is what they do.
I had the chance to chat with Vic Victor, the band’s vocalist / stand up bassist this week. While in Spain, Victor was more than happy to answer a few questions about the band and their recent release:
BHP: Our Way & The Highway rules. This might by my favorite release by you guys. How happy are you and the band with how it came out?
VV: Thanks! We are rather proud of this one… I’m very happy with the way the mix came out. Damn close to how I had originally heard the songs in my head while we were writing them. If not better.
What did you do differently this time around?
We sent the raw tracks out to be mixed by Rene De La Muerte from the Canadian Psychobilly band The Brains. In the past we have always just mixed in the studio with the engineer we were recording with.
Any reason for the delay in dropping a new album? I thought hit was supposed to drop last year.
Originally we were going to put it out in November 2011, but we realised that it wasn’t enough time to properly promote it. Besides we were in no real hurry. This being the 7th release in 8 years of the band, I think we are putting albums out at a good pace.
So how’s Tommy Koffin doing these days? Do you still talk to him at all? It really does not seem like the band had any difficulties with getting Ian to speed. Am I correct in saying that?
He’s doing fine. We all still hang out whenever we are home. We were practicing the day Ian arrived from New Mexico. Really havent taken any breaks since his joining, so he’s going through the intensive training program. haha.
After initially listening to the new album, I realized you shared your vocal duties with Ian. Whose idea was that?
We have never done that prior and i thought it would be a good change up. Plus it makes the song “Choke” flow more natural between the verse and chorus by going back and forth with the vocals.
“For The Good Times” has what sounds like an empty bottle solo, did you guys dispose of those drinks properly?
Ah studio drinks. Yes those are necessary. Its good to keep the vibe a bit loose when recording.
I can not help but compare “The Devil Asked” to a Butthole Surfers song, maybe it was from the deep mono tone intro, but still, this song strayed away from the others. Was that the idea of this track?
Actually I had no idea how i was going to sing the verse part until the day I had to record the vocals. The night before, I was sitting at the bar and it came to me to do it almost Tom Waits style.
Do you have a favorite track off of Our Way & The Highway? I dig “Locket Of Sin” and “For The Good Times” the most on the album.
“The Bottle Called” has stuck with me as one I’m more proud of. It was the first track written for the album. It was actually released on split we did with 12 Step Rebels earlier in 2011. But that song right was the model for writing a lot of the tracks on Our Way & The Highway.
You guys tour a ton. When you have downtime, what do you do to make ends meet?
There are two reasons we tour so much. One being because we feel it’s necessary to get out there and push as hard as we can promoting the band with live shows. The other being that because we are gone so much, no job would have us back for only a few weeks at a time, so we have to stay on the road to pay the bills too.
Touring overseas has got to be amazing, but how does your upright bass take those trips? Have you had any casualties with your standup or any other equipment for that matter?
We have fried a few pedals and tuners with the power difference haha. I shipped my first upright over for the first Euro tour and it lived there until a few tours ago when I sold it to a band after it was just too beat up to play anymore. Then my current upright was one left over there by The Quakes. Two days after I got it the neck broke due to it falling over. Not an easy quick fix, but I seem to have developed a talent for rough road fixes on uprights. Its still holding strong on this current tour.
So if you had your choose, what bands would you want to tour with alive or dead?
Alice Cooper for sure. He’s not dead yet so maybe that can happen haha. I’d also like to do a tour with Bad Religion.
That would be insane. Who are some of your favorite bands you have toured with in the past?
We have been very lucky to hit the road with bands we have looked up to like Nekromantix, Long Tall Texans, The Meteors, & Mad Sin.
What is the response from folk who have never heard or seen you guys live before?
They are usually not sure what the hell just happened but they are usually happy hahah. The upright bass really grabs ones attention when they are not familiar with it and what can be done with it. Gained a good amount of following outside of the psychobilly world because we play all over the place for crowds who sometimes don’t know of anything related to psychobilly but dig that we are loud and fast.
How do you describe your sound to someone who has never heard of you?
Its easy. I always say punk rock with an upright bass. The hard part comes if you get asked what kind of punk rock? Then I say… you really should just listen to one of our records.
That’s the best way to check anyone out. So, what made you all jump onto the Sailor Grave Records roster?
They have put out some great bands albums in the past and we were looking for a label that we thought could help promote us better. For the first time, we are very happy with the way a label has worked with us.
That’s great to hear. Seeing that 2012 has just started, what plans do the Koffin Kats have before the world ends…?
If the world does end at any point this year… we will be on tour when it happens. We are pushing to hit the 250+ show mark this year. Last year was around 230.
That is impressive! Anything you would like to say?
Just want to thank everyone who has been spreading the word of this new record and we will continue to tour and hope to see ya out at a show.
One last thing, when are you guys coming to Cleveland?
Well see ya in the spring and in the fall.
The Koffin Kats are currently on tour and will be hitting up the states in the Spring. Visit the Koffin Kats’ website for more tour information.
