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.
I was not there, so I interviewed Joey Cape. I guess that is the next best thing, right?
Cape and his band Lagwagon just stopped at Fest in the middle of their tour to play a Halloween show. Based on the photos and videos I saw on the good ol’ internets, they donned King Diamond’s look and played a killer set.
Now, many of you know that Cape is a busy guy. Not only is he touring with Lagwagon right now, but he released Stitch Puppy, an all new solo album on Fat Wreck Chords that has really exceeded my expectations. Seriously, you should probably check it out before you read my interview so you know I am not just kissing booty throughout. I sincerely enjoyed it.
For a guy that is pushing 50, he does not seem to be slowing down one bit. Not only is he focused on his music, but he is also still continuing with One Week Records. On top of that, he is a family man. A true hero if you ask me.
I managed to get Cape’s attention the other day and was able to chat about Stitch Puppy, Lagwagon, and even other avenues. At the end, I was even able to get some fanboy questions answered. Let me just say that the final question was answered amazingly.
Check it out, and enjoy:
BHP: Man, Stitch Puppy was beautiful. Was the concept of this album leaning towards a darker path? I am not saying all tunes were gloomy, but it certainly had a somber feel to it.
Joey Cape: Well, I just decided to make it somewhat conceptual in a very broad sense. It was all written within the idea of the doll Stitch Puppy itself. It’s a victorian morning doll my daughter and wife made me. I had had a tough couple years with the death of a few friends, a falling out with an old friend, and a friend going to prison for a capitol crime. The lyrics simply represent the last couple of years of trauma in my life and the lives of others. In that way, the lyrics are no different than what I always write about. I guess I have always been most inspired by the dark side of life. It rings more true to me.
I loved the piano playing in “This Like IS Strange”. It seriously intensified the song for me, especially towards the end. Tell me, who is the monkey in this song?
I’m glad you like it. The piano is my friend Brian Wahlstrom. We have been working together for the last 5 years. We have co-written music together, his and mine and done extensive touring. I just love the way piano fills up the sound and adds tone. Brian and I have a great musical report. I am not going to share the “Monkey” name. Haha. I make an effort now to be discrete. I have gotten into a lot of trouble in the past for being too transparent.
You took a great song from a totally underrated album of yours, re-recorded it with Chris Creswell, and more or less blew my mind. Why did you select “Spill My Guts” off of that The Playing Favorites album?
I have done very little touring with that band and always wanted to play the 5 songs I wrote for that record. It just seems like the best way to re-introduce them by recording them acoustic. I don’t think any of them would work for Lagwagon.
“Moral Compass” was more folky sounding than the other tracks. Who helped you out with this song?
It was a song I originally recorded with Lagwagon for the “Hang” album. It didn’t really fit that record so I decided to do the Stitch Puppy version. The solo was written by Chris Rest of Lagwagon. I asked him if it was cool to use it. Otherwise, it was mine but, I think the reason it sounds a bit different is because I wrote it as a letter to a child and that effected the overall tone of the song. It’s supposed to be a soft delivery I suppose
“Tracks” was so emotional. Seriously, I just got chills listening to you sing “he would lay down on tracks for you”. Who was this song about?
“Tracks” was originally entitled “I Would Have Laid Down On Tracks For You”. A better title but too long for the layout. Haha. I wrote it in third person because it felt more like a story with empathy and less defensive that way. I wrote it as a letter to an old friend. Someone I knew for 30 years and recently had a falling out with. As far as I am concerned I was a scapegoat. Sometimes couples choose that “Me against the world” role in their relationships. They just have to cut friends almost randomly to keep it together. It’s a shitty move and difficult to forgive.
Tell me more about your daughter and the doll that inspired this release.
Yeah, it was all her doll and catharsis. That doll is my most prized possession and it speaks to me. There is something about a child’s ability to give a pure uninhabited view through their art. That sort of thing gets forced out in my cases by this overwhelming world. It’s beautiful and sad but vital to site and source.
I take it the cover art for this album is a representation of said doll? It’s like Powder meets the Nirvana smiley face, but different.
I thought it would be a good idea to embody the doll. It was fun to play the personality I imagined Stitch Puppy would have. I made a video for “This Life IS Strange”. I walked all over San Francisco in that get up. People starred. It was unnerving.
Can I ask, did you treat Stitch Puppy like a One Week Records recording and left it completely raw, or was there some mastering involved?
It was raw at its base. Brian Wahlstrom and I recorded the basics live at my studio just as I do the One Week Records I produce. It was aesthetically inspired by those records. I did bring some additional instrumentalist in for overdubs and had some guest singers lay down background vocals. I like the idea of not being precious with the production and going for the stripped down vibe. I like the idea of a more pure performance.
Were you able to get a lot of friends to help you write this album, or was most of it done by yourself?
I wrote the songs very quickly, then took them to my writing partner Brian Wahlstrom. Brian calls me out when I’m doing the same old same old. He’s the best sounding board I have worked with. We added a few parts, bridges, etc. and we tightened the arrangements up.
How tough is it to balance all you have going on in life? You have your solo material, Lagwagon, and One Week, plus a family on top of that. How do you do it?
As far as music goes, I just keep working and whatever is in front of me is what gets my full attention. It looks more difficult than it is. I don’t like down time. My family is of course, the most important thing to me and I would spend more time at home if possible. Unfortunately, we all need to work. At least I have a great job that I love even if it takes me away from them.
This was your first solo release in 5 years. Can we expect another one in the future?
I hope so. I just write songs and make records accordingly. It’s hard to calculate the best home for the songs. Lagwagon always gets the first right of refusal.
How’s touring going? Do you prefer the solo route or do you enjoy being with Lagwagon?
I like them both. They compliment each other. They alleviate the tension that either can bring. Sometimes a song gets lost in the band dynamic and that is where my true love lies. Doing the acoustic thing keeps that aspect alive. But I need the energy of the band too. They are both like addictions.
What does it feel like to be on an independent label that just passed the 25 year mark?
It feels great. I can’t say enough about the subject. We are so lucky to have foregone the drama and ups and downs of label change. Fat is an absolutely awesome label and they have always respected us and our wishes. We haven’t never had our integrity challenged by them. They support us unconditionally. We are the fortunate ones.
What’s one thing you can tell me that Tony Sly taught you about yourself musically?
Tony reminded me that it’s okay to do anything you want to do in songwriting. I think I reminded him of that fact too. We both recognized each other’s go to chords and melodies and I believe we both reminded each other that it’s okay to have them. They become your personality as a songwriter, your style. They can be a gift if allowed and appreciated.
Did you ever think you would be where you are today? Look at all you have accomplished as an artist. I seriously doubt you have even reached your peak.
Thank you. No, I am always surprised by every step. It’s just one of those things you are gracious for or not. I am very aware of my fortune, to be doing what I love and the ability to nurture it. I know how lucky it is to be able to spend nearly all my time doing this. I used to paint houses for a living. That is a great job and I loved that too but, this is better.
Not everyone can get into your solo stuff. I think sometimes as we grow older, our tastes change and we appreciate a good sounding acoustic track. I guess what I am asking is, which do you prefer more, Lagwagon or your solo material?
I have always loved both but I am a song guy. That’s what it’s about for me. I don’t really care much about the format. I listen for the hook, the lyric and want to identify. That is the universal language we all can speak.
What is this Cape karaoke that I keep hearing about?
I have no idea. Maybe it stems from the few shows over the years where I got sick and lost my voice. When that happens, we opt for Karaoke rather then cancelling the show. It sucks but it’s fun.
What’s next for Joey Cape?
Good question!
BHP FANBOY QUESTIONS:
I was hoping to talk about Bad Astronaut for a quick moment if you are cool with that. How did you get John Popper of Blues Traveler to play harmonica on “Our Greatest Year”?
My wife and him grew up together. I met him through her. I asked. He said yes. That simple. I doubt that will ever happen again.
So what is the fate of Bad Astronaut? Grated you stated there was no Bad Astronaut after Derrick passed on, but reforming in 2010 to play the band’s first live show as well as hints of a b-side album have gotten some of us fans curious.
Well, we still have a bunch of unreleased material but I have used many of the song ideas for other projects over the years. We have done a few tours but have had some drama with drummers and other members life schedules. We are all still very close and I imagine we will eventually record together again. They are amazing musicians and some of my closest friends.
Have you, Wahlstrom, and Snodgrass ever talked about maybe continuing with Scorpios or starting another project collectively?
Funny you ask. We are talking now. Jon and I are going to start working on some stuff in February and there is a new Scorpio in town. His initials might be C.C.. I’ll leave it at that.
It really freaks me out that 20 years ago, I graduated high school. For the most part, I hated that school I attended and can not say many nice things about it to this day. Let me rephrase, the school itself was not the issue, it was the experience I went through growing up there.
I will tell you though that I had a solid core of friends there who all helped me through the bad times and ensured the good times were plentiful. Lucky for me, one of my good friends introduced me to Fat Wreck Chords. I am forever grateful for that.
Fat Wreck Chords has been around for 25 years now. They remain an independent label and continue to pump out amazing releases.
I can not imagine Fat not being in my teenage years. They supplied the soundtrack of my life and have continued to do so.
In an attempt to look like all of the other sites out there posting random things, I thought I would post 15 of my favorite Fat Wreck releases. Here we go…
Fat Music Vol. II: Survival of the Fattest
-This is the one release that I will always hold near and dear to me. I fairly certain I snagged the cassette version of this back in 1996 at the Warped Tour and was immediately introduced to some of my favorite bands (well, technically it was after the show was rained out and my pals and I were driving home listening to it). To this day, I will throw this album on the turntable and relive some of my teenage days. Best comp ever. That Diesel Boy song still rules…
Useless ID – Symptoms
-Hands down, this is my favorite Fat release. I am still amazed at how good this album is. To this day, I listen to it quite regularly. It’s catchy, it’s powerful, it’s just good. I can not wait for their follow-up. If you are not familiar with Useless ID, you need to change that.
NOFX – I Heard They Sucked Live
-When I think of this live album, I think of when I would listen to it front to back and recite not only the lyrics of the songs, but also the drunken commentary by the band. I think the best part about this album is that I acquired the original pressing that I used to listen to from my friend a couple of years ago. Talk about a keepsake.
The Loved Ones – Build & Burn
Dave Hause and crew rule on so many levels. Out of all of their albums, this is the one that I hold dearest to me. “I Swear” gets me every time. You swooner Dave…
Flatliners – Cavalcade
-This is the perfect Fat release. Everything about this album is incredible. If you disagree with me, I could care less. This is my blog, not yours.
Descendants – Cool To Be You
-Sure, their SST Records releases are far superior than this one, but still, this is a great album by one of the best bands out there and I think it is bad ass that Fat was able to release it.
Rise Against – Revolutions Per Minute
-Who’d a thought some little band from Chicago would blow up and turn into rock stars? Spite how their music has matured into more of a rock sound, this album slays.
No Use For A Name – Leche Con Carne
-RIP SLY (I can not believe it’s going on 3 years…). Thank you for putting together one of the best albums ever. This one album holds some of my favorite songs ever. If any of you punkers out there have not listened to this album 400 or more times in your life, you need to reevaluate your status. This album paved so many paths for future bands. Respect.
Swingin’ Utters – Here, Under Protest -This album may hold a different style of what the Utters used to possess in their earlier years, but I love everything about it. I remember the first time I heard it and how I questioned how it was possible for them to drop such a quality album after 8 years of nothing.
Old Man Markley -Old Man Markley was so different from the rest of the Fat roster and I immediately fell in love with the album the moment I heard it. The folk-rock-bluegrass sounds are unique and fun, not to mention the band puts on a hell of a performance. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen someone shred a washboard. Trust me on this.
Face To Face – Don’t Turn Away Two staple songs of my life exists on this album, “Disconnected” & “You’ve Done Nothing”. I someone decided they needed to create a documentary about my pathetic existence, these two songs would need to be on the soundtrack.
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes – Have a Ball
-I remember the first time young punk rock me heard this album in its entirety. I thought it was the greatest thing in the world. Who’d a thought taking lame music my parents listened to and putting a punk rock spin on it would be so amazing?
Banner Pilot – Collapser
I could have easily just listed all of Banner Pilot’s albums on this post as I adore them all, but for the sake of variety I chose one. This album contains so much energy it’s ridiculous.
Strung Out – Exile In Oblivion
This band has definitely matured over the years. I am sure a lot of you can agree they are almost metal now these days. The technical punk rockers completely won me over on this album.
Against Me! – Searching for a Former Clarity
I always like to remind myself how much I thought I hated this band. Sad thing is, I never gave them a chance. Once this album came out, I realized what I was missing out on. I love seeing how far this band has gone and can not wait to see what they have in store for us fans in the future.
Given the history of Fat Wreck, I think it is safe to say we can expect plenty of releases coming at us moving forward. As of late, they have been building up their roster.
What are some of your favorite releases? Comment below if you want. Someone’s bound to read them. Enjoy.
Cleveland’s Seafair is about to turn some heads this year.
I know I have talked about a lot of Cleveland acts on my site, but this is the first time I have spoken on a band that is this incredibly multi-genred.
Seafair has been doing their thing since 2012 and is comprised of six amazing musicians whose roots dip into an impressive and diverse dynamic of musical styles including everything from classical to punk rock. The Querencia is the band’s debut release and is dropping next month.
Lead vocalist Chayla Hope has a voice that demands to be heard by anyone willing to open their ears. Its deeper, powerful style is more Juliana Hatfield over Adele/Lorde (from what I have heard via mainstream radio, honestly I can’t stand either of those two). Seriously, it is a bit fierce and a whole ton of passionate.
Side note: Having been good pals with Seafair’s drummer Ryan Kelly for at least 10 years now, there was no way I was not going to talk about this new band. On another side note, I used to work with Andrea Bleding Elson’s husband at an EB Games back in the day. Small world…
A classical intro to the album set me back for a moment as I became enthralled in the peaceful composure that morphed into “Vultures”. I am not going to lie, I was not terribly impressed with this track and although Chayla Hope had a forceful and beautiful singing voice, the track itself did nothing for me.
“DIM”, however, was the complete opposite. I adored this track on so many levels. From the string playing to the infectious drumming of Sir Kelly, everything about this track was likable. Perhaps it was the Björk-like melodies and singing towards the end that grasped me. I almost hate myself for admitting I did not like the prior track, but then again, I am one one of millions of opinions out there. This track though was a solid jam and everyone needs to check it out.
“Inferno” followed with a bellowing Hope singing her heart out. This was one of the tracks I could image sounds so much better live on a hot summer night.
Hearing the “The Score” was like hearing an orchestrated indie rock track like none other. This song built up so nicely and once the guitar playing picked up at the peak of the track, I was quietly rocking out here to it. It was like one of those songs that is a story that builds with excitement. My only quarrel with this track, is I wish the story lasted a little longer.
I am fairly certain “Ohio” was written about me and my return back to my favorite state in the world. I am also positive that is not the case at all, but I’m ok with thinking that. Honestly, this track about love growing distant was amazing to listen to. I loved the breakdown at the end that changed things up. This was one of the best tracks on the album in my opinion.
“Discovery” was another fantastic track. I am sure this may be misconstrued in a sense, but this track was like listening to Foxy Shazam with a female singer. Hope’s range on this track was just all over the place and perfect throughout. I also got a kick out of the back up vocals that interjected throughout. The more and more I listened to it, the more I loved it.
Quick props need to be given to the Ween-like guitar solo in “Not A Cure”. The track overall was intense to listen to and it just erupted at the end.
Seafair to me is festival music, you know, the kind is best heard live during warm summer nights. I know they were trying to play Bonnaroo but sadly did not win a voting competition. That’s the voters loss, I think this band would kill it at the ‘Roo. Regardless, they will play shows and they will turn heads. I know it.
The Querencia is a beautifully put together album that is not over produced and spans over so many genres that I feel it will be difficult for anyone to not enjoy some part of it. The album really grasps your attention throughout and treats it to a fine listen.
I was not expecting Seafair to sound the way they did, and that’s ok. Surprises in music are one of my favorite things in life and I really hope others experience that feeling too.
Seattle’s Success does not suck. I repeat, Seattle’s Success does not suck.
In fact, this band has completely won me over almost instantaneously and I am still trying to figure out how the hell they snuck under my radar for so long.
Success are a hybrid of 90s SoCal pop punk and current DIY punk rock. I have no clue how they met or how many albums they have put out or any of the typical default bio stuff. I am sure I could find out, but right now I am focused on telling everyone how I am feeling. Deal.
I do know they covered a Spin Doctors song that I found while stalking them online the other night and I’ll be happy to post it at the bottom of this post as a reward for making it through my review.
It’s seriously being a while since I’ve gotten sucked into an album so quickly. Radio Recovery, dropping March 24th on Red Scare Records, did that in just about 30 minutes. I can not tell you how many times I have listened to this album over and over since the release was thrown my way (thanks Toby!).
“Believe In” opened strong with a pop-punk jam full of sing-alongable qualities. This track was produced well and impressed the hell out of me. I loved the bass playing and the guitar solos, but it was the dual singing style that did it for me. It reminded me of everything I loved about late-90s punk rock music.
“Revolution Schmevolution” continued to keep my attention with this powerhouse of a sing-along. I especially got a kick out of the lyrics, “what’s the problem with this world today is that every Batman thinks he’s a Bruce Wayne.”
Another track that caught my attention was “Lives That We Deserve”. Perhaps it was the piano playing that hid behind everything or just the fact that it was a quality tune. This track was motivational in a sense with the working man’s life being sung upon. This easily was one of my favorite tracks on the album.
“Flowers” was one of the tracks that that had a huge effect on me. It was not too personal by any means, but it was just real. This song was like the polite and caring Rancid that no one ever had the chance to meet. In fact, I would allow Success to steal my sediment and made a cartoon video of clean-cut versions of Tim and Lars picking bouquets of flowers for their special sweethearts. Beyond my puke of creativity, this song was incredible and perhaps did not sound anything like Rancid.
The acoustic “Impossible Truth” was a nice chance but was move Revival Tour material and did not necessarily go with the rest of the album. The organ playing was great throughout and I was really reminded of Frank Turner due to the style.
Closing the album up was “Resignation”, a harmonic punk rock track that pretty much solidifies why I love punk rock music so much. This track just built up so well and just exploded. Perfect way to end a great album.
If you like catchy punk rock jams, this band is for you. Success have won me over and Radio Recovery has earned a well-deserved spot in my Best Of 2015 list.
Hands down, this album rules and while produced well, it still is nothing too clean sounding and has plenty of reasons for multiple listens.
If only more newer bands could sound like Success. Then we could say stupid things like these guys sound like the sweet, sweet sounds of Success.
Tell me more about your daughter and the doll that inspired this release.
“Believe In” opened strong with a pop-punk jam full of sing-alongable qualities. This track was produced well and impressed the hell out of me. I loved the bass playing and the guitar solos, but it was the dual singing style that did it for me. It reminded me of everything I loved about late-90s punk rock music.