This post goes out to everyone who thinks I only ever talk about punk rock.
You know folks, I do like other genres of music and one of them is hip hop.
So let’s talk about hip hop shall we?
One thing I have always liked about hip hop is the beats that fuel the lyrics. I am sure many of you can agree with me that a rap song with terrible beats is nothing to talk about.
Akron, OH’s Maidenstone specialize in beats and unique instrumentals. They are not a rap group, but rather a couple of pals who decided to borrow lyrics from various rappers and supply samples and beats taken from a wide span of musicians and composers. The result is an outstanding mixtape and does not focus on just one genre.
Here, check it out:
Consisting of pals Cory Maiden and TJ Firestone, Maidenstone dropped their hip hop collaborative in December on BandCamp. The best part? It’s free for anyone who wants to hear what they threw together.
I think one thing about Maidenstone is that the samples are well-thought. “Holy Shit Batman” caught my attention thanks to the eccentric samples of Pulp and The Jesus and Mary Chain while “We Are Groot” had some Pet Shop Boys.
“Dark Arts” was insane and I hope to hell Mos Def hears this. Who knows, maybe he will be making a request for Maidenstone to create beats for his next release. That Peer Raben sample was just dark but powerful.
Of course I loved “Son of a Gun”. If anyone knows me, ODB is one of my favorite rappers out there. Add some piano and horns playing track from Perez Prado, and you have yourself a crazy ass track.
Another track I have to make mention of is “Vertical Kryptonite” and not just because Big Boi is on it, but because Maidenstone sampled The Greatest Show on Earth and it fits perfectly.
Sometimes tracks can be recreated in a good way. I am not talking about some shitty Genesis cover by Disturbed. I am talking about taking great songs and putting a new twist. It is kind of like a remix, but to me, this is a little more complex. Seriously, just listen to this. I guarantee you are going to dig some of it.
I also love their puck rock inspired covers to their mixes. Dammit, I just can not stay away from punk references, can I? Oh well. Download this and enjoy. I know I did.
I am getting to that time in my life where the bands I grew up with and adored are hitting those milestones that make you realize how fast time is moving.
Face To Face have been around for 25 years now. Seriously? 25 years already???
It certainly does not feel that long, but they did form in 1991, so it makes sense. This So Cal punk rock band has been a favorite of mine since the mid-nineties and still are to this day.
So, how do you celebrate two and a half decades of being a band? You release an album with help from an old friend.
Today, Face To Face dropped Protection on Fat Wreck Chords. Without even breaking down the album yet, I need to tell you that this album is killer and certainly celebrates this band in the best way possible. Listening to the album in full, it is clear Trever Keith and crew recorded the album for the fun of it for their fans.
“Bent But Not Broken” started off the album with some force. I loved the quick baseline but loved more hearing Keith sing on what I interpreted as not giving up. Following was “I Won’t Say I’m Sorry”, a track that has memorable lyrics that got stuck in my mind regarding denying fault.
“Double Crossed” reminded me of a much younger Face To Face complete with hard bass lines and group vocals. “See If I Care” to me almost sounded like a statement to those who ever doubted the band. I’m sure it is about some ex though, still, I like my take on it.
“Fourteen Fifty-Nine” was another track I just dug a ton. I think the thing I most about this track was how it spoke on the sad current state of affairs when it comes to entitlement.
“Keep Your Chin Up” was an upbeat positive track aimed at those who could use some confidence. “And So It Goes” closed out the album and was as energetic as the very first track.
To he honest, I have not been this excited by an album for a long time. Protection is exactly what I was hoping for by a band I have adored for more than half of my life (mind you all, I was about 15 when I first discovered them). Still full of emotion and plenty of energy, this band certainly does not sound like they have been around for a quarter of a century.
I am not praising this album just because I like what I currently heard. I am saying this because there are so many bands out there who lose their style that made them great as they mature and go through changes. Face To Face has certainly seen their fair share of changes over the years. Hell, I thought they were going to call it quits forever in the early 2000s.
I’ve been listening to Protection almost daily for almost 2 weeks now. That is saying a lot right there. In fact, I was not even the biggest fan of their last two releases. Protection though for me is very up there next to their self-titled and Big Choice. I know, bold statement by me, but this album was seriously a great listen.
I am stoked the band dropped Protection. I hope you are too.
20 years ago, I didn’t care about many things in life except for punk rock. I lived and breathed the genre and knew that it was for me. I fit the role, spoke the language, and enjoyed every single second of it.
I grew up, but refused to leave my love for punk rock behind. The best times of my life were fueled by the music and filled with other advocates of the genre. There’s no way I could ever give up something like that.
When I think about the bands in the 90s that meant the the most to me, Face To Face was at the top. This So-Cal pop punk outfit was the soundtrack to so many episodes of my life. Their music is timeless and never has grown dull on me.
Fronted by Trever Keith, the band is celebrating 25 years of being a band this year and decided to put out an all new release on a label that is an old friend of theirs – Fat Wreck Chords.
I am actually in the middle of reviewing their new album Protection, but became so amped while listening to it that I wanted to reach out to Trever Keith and just throw a bunch of questions at him. Of course he was cool with it. Check it out…
BHP: First things first, Face to Face is back with Fat Wreck Chords for an all new release in 2016. How did the band and Fat get hooked up again?
TK: I finally figured out that it would be a good idea and I emailed Erin and asked if she wanted to hear our demos. She did and then told Mike. It was very easy
I have to put this out there… I was stoked Face To Face got back together in the late 2000s. You once told me there was a remote chance the band would regroup, but nothing was certain. Was it the fans that brought the band back?
I would say so. We have such a loyal following. The real appeal for us was getting to play live again as face to face. The fans make the live show what it is. We missed that. There is nothing else like it.
The new album is incredible. What did you guys do differently this time to capture a younger sounding Face To Face and put it in your new material?
We just went back to a simpler more immediate style of arrangement and song. I think they convey the message more clearly. There was a simplicity and honesty to our earlier records. We tried to key into that.
It seriously sounds like you all had fun recording this. This was not a forced release by any means. Am I correct in stating that?
Absolutely. The whole experience really feels like it zoomed by.
“Bent But Not Broken” sounded like a war cry to me as in Face To Face is still here and not going anywhere soon. Was that the intention?
It’s not about us as a band, although I would agree with your sentiment that we intend to stick around for a while longer. It’s more about the type of person who is unwilling to think outside of their dogma.
What is your favorite track off the album? I dig “Double-Crossed” and “See If I Care” a ton, perhaps because they hit on some of my harder times in life.
“Keep Your Chin Up” is probably my favorite song
So, who all is in the band this time around? Scott is, I know that much.
Danny, who has been drumming with us since 2008, is on the record and so is Dennis Hill who has had guest guitar spots on both records since we started playing again.
Can we expect a proper US tour for this release?
That depends on what you mean by “proper”. I can at least tell you that we plan on hitting all of the big cities.
So how does it feel to be back in the band doing your thing?
Amazing
The band has been around since 1991, did you ever think that Face To Face would ever be around for this long?
I never doubted it, but I never really thought too much about it. It’s not surprising to me. They know what they’re doing over there.
Now that you all are more seasoned musicians and humans for that matter, how different is touring versus back in the 90s?
We get tired easier. There are naps…
I remember seeing Face To Face at the Warped Tour in 2010 and literally yelling at kids to get off their asses and get closer to the stage. Did it bug you seeing those kids more amped to see new acts over yours, or were you guys too busy playing to your true fans?
Trying to focus more on the people who were there to see us.
Out of all of your albums, which one would you consider was your finest?
Protection.
In 2008, you dropped a solo release called Melancholics Anonymous. Personally speaking, I loved that album and still listen to it once in a while. Do you think you will ever go that route again?
I doubt it. It was a fun record to make and I even did a brief tour supporting it. These days Face To Face is enough for me.
What do you think about the music these days? Are there any newer acts that impress you?
Western Settings, Iron Chic, Radioactivity
Finally, this is more of a personal question… Why was Big Choice never properly released on vinyl? That promotional album is the white elephant of all LPs out there to me and one day I would love to have a copy in my hands one day. Seeing the album passed the 20 year mark, I’m just curious why it never made it to the turntable.
I am reissuing Don’t Turn Away, Big Choice, and Face to Face on 180 gram colored gatefold, limited edition vinyl in 2016 on my Antagonist Records label to celebrate our 25th Anniversary as a band.
Can I tell you how excited that last answer made me? I did not even get to close the interview down, I immediately looked if those LPs were up for pre-order yet.
Face To Face’s new album Protection drops March 4th on Fat Wreck Chords. Head on over to pre-order it by clicking HERE.
Check out a new track off the release:
Here’s the music video the band just released for “Bent But Not Broken”:
In the event you are sitting there scratching your head at who I am talking about, perhaps I can persuade you into checking them out. Think about the Replacements, a juvenile Goo Goo Dolls, and Jawbreaker. Beach Slang is a perfect variation of those bands and still manages to hold their own sound.
James Alex fronts the punk outfit I am babbling about. You might remember him from the 90s pop punk act Weston. No? It’s ok, I am not judging you.
I personally have been a fan of Beach Slang since they released Cheap Thrills on a Dead End Street on their BandCamp page in 2014. I also remember rocking out to Weston years back (Got Beat Up on Go-Kart Records ruled!!!). It only made sense for me to try and interview James. Of course he was cool about it.
The Peter Pan of punk rock was happy to answer a few pondering questions from this fan – who am I kidding, it is a short novel… Check it out:
BHP: First off, what does it feel like to be in a band that had their debut full-length anticipated by so many fans all over the world? Your first two EPs personally won me over and I can not tell you how long I waited for you guys to drop The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us.
James Alex: It’s been overwhelmingly humbling and incredible and perfect and heart-swelling. I swear, there are times I randomly sit in some weirdo smile-haze trying to figure out how Beach Slang got so lucky, you know?
How did Beach Slang emerge after Weston called it quits? I am sure it was not an A to B process. With the timespan, one might think about just not even trying again but you all did. What inspired you to try?
I never stopped writing words and songs and stuff. I just sort of stayed hidden away doing it. When Weston was asked to play Riot Fest in 2009, our drummer couldn’t make it so I reached out to JP to fill in. While we were hanging out for that, I let him hear some things I had been writing and he told me they needed to be heard. I thought maybe they should, too.
I mean seriously, this shit happened so fast. How did y’all cope with all of the immediate attention? I actually heard that in NYC, the fans were already singing along to your songs the first time you played there.
There could be worse things than people digging the thing you’re doing, right? So, yeah, coping was pretty easy.
Your lyrics are so personable and seem to include anyone who wants to listen and relate. Were many of the lyrics written based off of past experiences growing up?
They all are, man. Every one. I just did this podcast and I summed it up like this: To me, Beach Slang songs are little two-minute novels. They’re about me and my friends and the things we’ve done, and they’re important to me.
I need to ask about the artwork on all of your releases and online. It is so classic in a sense with carefully selected photos with some that are then spliced or manipulated. Where did this idea come from?
I’ve been asked about my approach to the visual stuff I make and I chopped it down to this very accurate summary: Mary Ellen Mark, Craig Stecyk, 1970s California and The Smiths, in equal parts. That feels very Beach Slang to me.
Speaking of Beach Slang your style of music is like a fine mix of Jawbreaker, the Replacements, and even Goo Goo Dolls. Was that intended or when you guys started jamming out it just came together?
I had the first EP written before I ever played with the other gents so, yeah, it wasn’t a thing that came out of playing together. I’m not necessarily sure it was intended either. I think all the beautiful records I had been shoving into my ears finally shared themselves with my heart and my hands. Finally.
You are a punk DIY band. There is no arguing that. What was it like growing up a punker in Philly in the 90s?
I’m guessing probably a lot like growing up punk most other places—really, man, all of the things that really matter are pretty much the same. Kids feel misplaced so they write poems, pick up a guitar, start a band, make ‘zines, screen shirts, make posters—it stays the same because it needs to, right? We’re all still those same wrecked kids looking to feel not so alone.
How was it to play Fest last October?
Fest is this beautiful car crash of everything that fucking matters. For one weekend every year, a whole bunch of punks get to takeover a college town and throw really loud parties. You get to leave behind all the things you want to forget and make a whole bunch of good trouble you never will. Baptism by amplifiers…yeah, it’s heaven.
Touring is not always the most fun. Tell me about a rough adventure you and the band experienced.
We’re fairly easily entertained. That stuff helps. But, yeah, on our last U.S. tour, we were doing like 75 mph across some Texas highway when our trailer tire blew out and we went into some wild skidding. Stuff like that is kind of not fun. But, mostly, we’re pretty A-OK. I mean, we do this thing because we love it. If it wasn’t fun, at least most of the time, I’d look for something else that was.
How do you pass the time when traveling?
Writing, reading, getting caught in tourist traps, meeting strange, wonderful people, drinking good beer and sometimes, I even sleep.
How well does the band see eye to eye with that huge age range difference? Do any of you find yourselves shaking your heads sometimes at your bandmates?
The age thing is a completely invisible, total non-factor in Beach Slang. Finally, my wild immaturity pays off.
You toured with Cursive. How rad was that? How did Cursive fans dig your sets?
It was pretty damn dream-come-true, you know? Their fans were wildly open-minded/open-eared and whether they dug or us didn’t, they gave us an honest chance. But, yeah, we were lucky enough that, far and away, they really seemed to be into the thing we do.
If you could tour with any band, current or past, who would you choose and why?
The Replacements but, you know, only if they wanted us there. I spend enough time being inconvenient. Why?—to me, they are the blueprint of everything a rock & roll band should be. I dig every fucking thing about them.
What is your favorite roadside meal?
Cheeseless pizza—easily.
Are you all super stoked to be playing overseas soon?
Wildly. We went to the UK & Europe for a couple weeks last year and it knocked my socks off in the absolute best way. We split in two days and I cannot wait for every out-of-control moment of this lovely time.
You’ve played my hometown of Cleveland a few times with a bunch bands I am pals with. What did you think of the city when you visited?
I dig it big. Look, for me, rock & roll is holy. And being able to have at the Hall of Fame is really right-on. There’s also a whole bunch of really sweet humans hiding out there. I cannot wait to make soft trouble with them again soon. Oh, and Melt is delicious.
Melt IS delicious… Have any of you received a compliment over the years from a fan that stuck with you you in a positive manner and impacted they way you make music?
“I was going to kill myself and your songs made me not do that.” Yeah, that one will stick around for the rest of forever, you know?
What does it feel like to see all of these tattoos with Beach Slang lyrics pop up? I seriously need to add one to my personal human canvas.
I wanted to be a writer long before I ever picked up a guitar so, yeah, words are big, necessary things to me. What I mean is—those lyric tattoos mean fucking everything to me.
You guys are active as hell on social media. Do you get a lot of fans contacting you all of the time? How important is it to respond to everyone and not just ignore the appreciation?
Thanks, man. The Slang social media is all me. I mean, I write all the time. That stuff gives me a place to go with all of these words and pictures I make. I suppose you could say people contact me a lot, but that’s the whole thing, you know? It means everything. If writing back, thoughtfully, to everyone means less sleep for me, that’s really the least I can do. Look, it’s not lost on me how lucky I am that people care enough to write me a letter or care enough about Beach Slang or care enough to even participate in rock & roll. I want to always say ‘thank you’ and I want them to feel how sincerely I mean it.
Having grown up in the 90s myself, there are quite a few bands that I appreciated and do to this day, one of them being Hum. What bands from your past are you still obsessed with?
The Replacements, The Psychedelic Furs, Jesus & Mary Chain, The Pixies, The Smiths, The Clash, Jawbreaker, The Buzzcocks, Senseless Things, Tommy Keene, fuck, man, this list could go on and on for far too long.
I know your debut just dropped just last Fall, but as a Beach Slang fan I have to ask…when can we expect a follow up?
I have half of LP2 already written and home-demoed. The other half is finished in its skeletal state. I just have to work out the guitar overdubs, vocal harmonies and finalizing lyrics. Meaning the hardest part is already sussed. Then, it’s on to teaching the other Slangs and going into the studio. I plan on doing that before leaving for our full U.S. tour in late April. And releasing the thing in the Fall of 2016. We are also recording Mixtape Volume II and I’m recording a Quiet Beach Slang record with my acoustic guitar, a cellist and pianist. Both of those will be available before LP2. Yeah, this year is going to be alright.
I am seriously excited about all of that…thank you. Your debut dropped on Polyvinyl, a label that happens to have Japandroids on. Can you please just tour with them in my backyard? I’ll grill tofu or beef. I hope you like babies and dogs.
You set that beautiful thing up and we’re there. We’re a band of vegetarians so, yeah, tofu works. And we dig both babies and dogs. So, yeah, let’s have a go.
Finally, did any of you ever think Beach Slang would blow up the way it did? Maybe you don’t think you have, but damn…tons of people adore you.
No way, man, not even a little. The most I ever dare to hope is someone might care, that something I write might matter. I hope it does. Thanks for making me think that maybe that might be.
The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us is available on LP/CD/Cassette/Download from Polyvinyl Records.
2015 is wrapping up quickly so I felt it was best I get this out of the way before I become too involved with the holiday festivities.
As much as I wish I was more active on this blog, I will admit I am still listening to as much music as possible whenever time admits. I am not giving up just yet folks.
With that said, here are my choice releases for 2015:
BHP Best of 2015
Beach Slang – The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us
-This album was one of my favorite releases of 2015 before it was even released. I knew I was going to adore it before I heard it and I did. This is one of those bands that has really reached back into the 90s with their style and I love everything about it.
Yotam Ben-Horin – Distant Lover
-Yotam blew me away with his latest solo album. This dude rules and is one of my favorite songwriters out there.
Lucero – All A Man Should Do
-I love Lucero. With that said, when I first listened to this album, I was not digging it much. In fact, it was not until my third listen that I realized how solid the album is. I can not stop listening to it. Yeah, it is not like their older material but it still owns.
Baroness – Purple
-This album was literally just released (12/18/2015 for those of you who are wondering). Luckily there is that edit option on there here ol’ blog because this needs to be on my list. This album is perfect, absolutely perfect. After all this band has been through, it is nice to see them return with such force.
John Moreland – High On Tulsa Heat
-John Moreland is incredible. Words can not express my appreciation for this album. Seriously, I can not write anything about this, you will need to listen to it for yourself.
Frank Turner – Positive Songs For Negative People
-I do not think it is possible for Frank Turner to release an album that I do not like. This guy is a modern-day musical hero to me.
Nathanial Rateliff & The Night Sweats – Self-Titled
-This album was a blast to listen to.
Teenage Bottlerocket – Tales From Wyoming
-Spite losing Brandon recently, Teenage Bottlerocket gained a lot of attention with their power pop punk release. This catchy as hell album guarantees for a good time.
Annabel – Having It All
-This album seriously made me want to be a better person. I find myself listening to this album on the days where I feel like I need a boost in the feelings department.
The Sidekicks – Runners In The Nerved World
-I swear this band matures more and more with every release.
Joey Cape – Stitch Puppy
-This album was so beautiful yet gloomy. Cape has proved himself to me once again that he is one of the best songwriters on the face of this planet.
Purple – (409)
-Purple are fun and encompass rock n roll to the max. I do not even know what that means. This band is all about the fun and released an amazing album full of catchy tracks.
toyGuitar – In This Mess
-If this album happened to fall under your radar, you are totally missing out. Happy-go-lucky-punk-rock-beach-jams should sum up this album.
Success – Radio Recovery
-Success dropped one of the most catchy punk albums of the year. I love these dudes and think everyone needs to check them out. I also love the fact that their album cover pays tribute in a sense to Fifteen.
Refused – Freedom
-The last time these guys released something, it was the late 90s. I never thought they would put something out again, but they mostly regrouped after some touring and dropped this killer album. A lot of people said it was over-produced and forced, but I still like it.
Sam Russo – Greyhound Dreams
-This was an excellent album that I am glad I was able to check out. Sam Russo takes storytelling and songwriting to the best level.
Dr. Dre – Compton
-This was the album I listened to the most this year easily. For over two months, I listened to this album in full every single day. I had a slight obsession with it. The best part about about this is the first time I heard it, I thought to myself that it was not even that good. By the time the album ended, I was hooked. I even listened to it this morning.
Patrick Sweany – Daytime Turned To Nighttime
-This album just makes me want to drink whisky on a porch at night with my close pals. Nice to see Pat continue on with his passion. I sure do miss the days whenI could hit up the Zephyr and see him play.
Johnathan Richman – “O Sun” & “Keith” (7″ Releases)
-I had the privilege to review both of these singles thanks to Blue Arrow Records and all I have to say is that I can not wait for Richman to release his next full-length…
Well folks, that is all I have at this time. I am sure I am missing something and will probably edit this post 7 more times. For any of you paying attention, this blog has been updated just a few times…
Until then, happy holidays to you and yours. I appreciate anyone who has ever taken a moment to check out what I have to share on this site. If it was not for you, I would probably have thrown the towel in a long time ago.
This post goes out to everyone who thinks I only ever talk about punk rock.
Unless you were living under a rock last year, chances are you have heard about a band called 
