Category Archives: The Awesome

Artist, Cleveland, Derek Hess, Documentary, Film, The Awesome

Check It Out: Forced Perspective – The Life of Artist Derek Hess

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Forced PerspectiveDerek Hess is Cleveland.

I am sure you are asking yourself why in the hell I just stated that.

Truth is, have been sitting here for easily 30 minutes trying to figure out how to start this post and that is what sounded best.  I have the feeling many of you reading this though agree with me.

The Cleveland, Ohio, America, World-Renowned artist Derek Hess has been creating concert fliers, illustrations, artwork and prints for nearly 20 years and finally someone had the right state of mind to do a documentary on him.

To say I am excited is an understatement.  I have been a fan of Hess since I was a kid and have had the pleasure of meeting him multiple times.  I am proud to say I have a few of his prints from over the years and one day hope to obtain an original.

I know the man has been through a lot and I am very curious to learn more about him soon.  I can say he is a quality person and I know this documentary is going to be amazing.

The following comes from the press release:

“Forced Perspective” is a documentary film showcasing the life of artist Derek Hess directed by Nick Cavalier. The film illuminates Derek’s struggle with alcoholism, bipolar disorder, depression and watches him triumph over his personal demons while showing how these experiences help shape his artwork. From Derek’s early flyer work and celebrated sketches to his elaborate mixed media pieces, this film showcases the evolution of Derek’s art and the emotional ripples it leaves behind in the world.

Check out the trailer:

“Forced Perspective” – The Story Of Artist Derek Hess | Trailer 1 from Nick Cavalier on Vimeo.

Forced Perspective is currently in post-production with a release date next year.

Music, New Release, Rock, The Awesome

Check It Out: Reverse The Curse

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Reverse The Curse is now streaming its sophomore full-length record, Existent, on SoundCloud.  They were cool enough to allow everyone and anyone to share the stream the album on their own sites, so here you go:

The Hiram, OH-based post-rockers really have outdone themselves on this second album released by Paper + Plastick Records.  You can pre-order the new record by clicking HERE.

Reverse The Curse

80's, Indie, Music, Music News, Punk, Soundtracks, The Awesome

Check It Out: A Tribute To Repo Man

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A Tribute To Repo ManExcuse the dust folks, I am trying to find a new layout for the blog that I like.  So far, I think keeping it simple is going to be the way I go.  I have a few other ideas up my sleeves, so we shall see what happens.

Anyways…

Last September, the cool peoples over at American Laundromat Records released a very deserving tribute album for the Repo Man soundtrack.  I have had this album since it was dropped and will admit that I do not listen to it enough.  Hell, I remember when I got the original soundtrack on cassette at Record Revolution on Coventry when I was a kid.  Needless to say, I am very well versed in this soundtrack.

For anyone who remembers the classic 1984 Alan Cox 80s punk cult sic-fi movie, many can agree that the soundtrack that backed up that movie was just amazing.   Having created a tribute album for this iconic soundtrack was just a brilliant idea by American Laundromat Records.

I know I have spoken on this release in the past, but it deserves a repeat mention.  I love the Those Darlins cover of  Iggy Pop’s “Repo Man” (shocking, I know).  I probably should also mention that Polar Bear Club does a spot on job with Black Flag’s “TV Party” too.  I was very impressed to see Black Francis and Mike Watt each get to take a stab at some classic cuts later on during the release.

I can’t say I dug all of the covers, but overall the tribute is just as entertaining as the original soundtrack.  Perhaps I just can’t shake the idea of having someone cover the Circle Jerks.

Overall, this tribute to a classic soundtrack I feel has been slept on by many.  If you remember how great the original release was, I really think you should give the tribute a try.  Classic tracks by modern bands never sounded so good, and now I really have a hankering to watch the movie.  I hope to hell that no one ever tries to re-create that gem.

American Laundromat Records is also carrying the Criterion Collection of Repo Man on Blu-Ray.  I really really really really want this in my collection (hint, hint).

Track List:

  1. Repo Man – Those Darlins
  2. TV Party – Polar Bear Club
  3. Institutionalized – Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra
  4. Coup D’Etat – New York Rivals
  5. El Clavo Y La Cruz – Black Francis & Spanish for Hitchhiking
  6. Pablo Picasso – The Tellers
  7. Let’s Have A War – Mike Watt & The Secondmen
  8. When The Shit Hits The Fan – The Suicide Dolls
  9. Hombre Secreto – Matthew Sweet
  10. Bad Man – Moses Coltrane
  11. Reel Ten – Weekend

Repo Man

Eye Opener, Music, Music News, Punk, Rock, The Awesome

Check It Out: Nancy

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So the other day while saying goodbye to some friends at the local tattoo shop here in Las Cruces, my pal Walker asked me if I have ever heard of a band called Nancy.  Of course I was quick to ask who Nancy was and before I even finished my sentence, he was jamming them throughout the whole shop.

I am completely obsessed with this band right now.  Think Ramones and MC5 with some surf punk fun mixed in.

After taking a few moments to scour the internet to find out more about them, all I could find out was they hail from Wyoming.  Other then that, I got nothing.  Let’s hope that changes soon.  In the mean time, check out this bitching band:

Nancy

 

 

Cleveland, Metal, Music, Music Video, Punk, Rock, The Awesome

Music Video: All Dinosaurs – “Tight Rope”

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Cleveland champs All Dinosaurs have released a video for “Tight Rope”, the first single from their new full-length album, Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior. The album was dropped earlier this year on Anti-Flag’s label A-F Records.  Filmed by the good folk over at TurnStyle Films, this video is hard and chilling at the same time making for a good view.  Check it out:

All Dinosaurs – Tight Rope from TurnStyle Films on Vimeo.

I have been a fan of these guys ever since I first caught them in a basement show.  Not only did they blow me away with their music, but they were fun as hell and all-around genuine dudes.