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.
Apparently a few years back, Mason and his pal Walker decided that someone needed to make a Todd C. comp for all to hear.
What once was a booze-fueled conversation between pals turned into reality as Mason reached out to tons of bands and many of them sent in covers to be included. Maybe it did not go as quickly as he and Walker had intended, but one day Mason realized he had more than enough to make their idea a reality.
I am sure if you are a fan of punk rock, you now know who I speak of. Even if you are not, you should check out this comp and become familiar with Todd C. This dude packs tons of talent.
Todd Is My Co-Pilot features covers by amazing acts like The Brokedowns, Iron Chic, Low Culture, Sundowners, and even Mike Watt and the Secondmen.
Vacation did a great rendition of “Dead Inside” while Iron Chic put their own twist on Toys That Kill’s “White Lies”. I loved the fuzzy bass on this track. Apocalypse Meow’s clean cover on “Illegitimate” was very close sounding if not a little slower but still awesome.
Full Sun was an act on this comp who I have not really gotten to know, but after hearing them cover Toys That Kill’s “31 Year Old Daydream”, I realize that needs to change. The very 80s female driven punk rock sounds were perfect for this take and invited me to check out their original material.
Hearing The Plurals cover Todd C’s “You’ll Hear My Voice” instantly reminded of the very interesting video I saw for this song that was full of Kewpies. Check it out here.
Of course I need to talk about Mike Watt & the Secondmen’s take on “No One”. I was so stoked to see Watt and crew on this comp and to be honest, their version of the track was….well…experimental-ish. It was like Primus meets Ween meets Toys That Kill. I still dug.
This is not just some half-assed idea when you look at who all contributed. The best part about this comp? Dirt Cult released it for free. Zero cheddar. Nada.
So what the hell are you waiting on? Either head over to the Dirt Cult Band Camp page, or click below and proceed to download. It’s pay what you want, so do your thing and hope no one finds out how much of a cheap ass you really are. More importantly, enjoy.
I am always stoked to hear when bands I’ve befriended are getting ready to go on their first European tour.
Signals Midwest recently announced that they will be taking their talents overseas in September. The band will be playing 24 shows in 24 days. There is no doubt in my mind that this will be one of the coolest experiences for them boys.
As if it is not hard enough to tour the states in a used and abused mini-van while crashing on couches, imagine flying your gear over the pond and playing shows in an all new environment.
This will not be cheap by any means and is going to be self-funded by the band who have already admitted paying $5,000 alone for the flights. This of course does not even include any of the souvenirs they will be buying me.
In an attempt to help them pay off some of those expensive flight tickets and passport fees, the band threw together an acoustic EP on Bandcamp titled Wherever I Might Land.
For a mere $5, you can not only help out the band make their debut overseas tour a tad more comfortable, but you can also snag a great EP full of slowed down versions of their material and a brilliant cover of Iron Chic’s “Time Keeps On Slipping Into The (Cosmic) Future.”
The money earned from this release will help offset any costs for the band. I think this is an excellent approach at recovering some of the costs incurred rather than jumping on a Go Fund Me campaign and begging for some extra cheese.
I have already chipped in and downloaded the EP. The Iron Chic cover is worth $5 alone…
SIGNALS MIDWEST EU/UK SEPT 2014 TOUR DATES:
05.09.2014 – Volkach (GER) @ Festival
06.09.2014 – Bielefeld (GER) @ Uberseecontainer
07.09.2014 – Copenhagen (DK) @ Underwerket
08.09.2014 – Hannover (GER) @ Monster Records (acoustic)
09.09.2014 – Iserlohn (GER) @ Rad Room Rehearsals
10.09.2014 – Dendermonde (BEL) @ JH Zenith
11.09.2014 – Paris (F) @ La Mecanique Ondulatoire
12.09.2014 – London (UK) @ Old Blue Last
13.09.2014 – Manchester (UK) @ Wahlbar
14.09.2014 – Glasgow (SCO) @ 13th Note
15.09.2014 – Leeds (UK) @ Santiago Bar
16.09.2014 – Nottingham (UK) @ The Chameleon Arts Cafe
17.09.2014 – Birmingham (UK) @ Scruffy Murphys
18.09.2014 – Cambridge (UK) @ The Portland Arms
19.09.2014 – Lille (F) @ El Diablo
20.09.2014 – Diest (BEL) @ Jeugdhuis Tijl
21.09.2014 – Trier (GER) @ Ex-Haus
22.09.2014 – Bad Neustadt/Saale (GER) @ Juze
23.09.2014 – Landshut (GER) @ Wintergarten
24.09.2014 – Wiener Neustadt (AT) @ Triebwerk
25.09.2014 – Graz (AT) @ Sub
26.09.2014 – Micheldorf (AT) @ Baraka
27.09.2014 – St. Gallen (CH) @ Grabenhalle
28.09.2014 – Mainz (GER) @ Haus Mainusch
This is too good to not share. From now until you pass out in public on New Years Eve, Cleveland’s very own Escapist Records are offering up all their goodies for free download.
You can also grab the awesome tribute to Integrity for zero cents! Of course you can name your price too, but I am sure most of us are broke right about now…
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.
This post goes out to everyone who thinks I only ever talk about punk rock.
