Punk rock legends Bad Relgion (BR) recently announced on their website that they will be recording a live album and giving it away for free to all their fans. The album titled 30 Years Live will be recorded during BR’s 2010 tour and given away to all fans who sign up on their mailing list. If you are a BR fan, make sure you sign up so they can email you a link to the album for download.
Oh and if you have not heard yet BR will be playing back to back shows for a month starting March 17th. Sadly they will not be making it this way, but how awesome is that?
It was a sold out kind of night last night in Cleveland thanks to a couple of events that were going on. First there was the sold out Cleveland Cavaliers game going on at the Quicken Loans Arena. It was Sunggie night after all so you know everyone and their mother wanted to get a glorified Cavs robe and cheer on the hometown team. Apparently a new Guinness World Record was set for the most ridiculous looking people all in one place at one time. I’m sorry but being part of “largest gathering of people wearing fleece blankets” is not something that I want to think about in Cleveland on a Friday night.
Luckily for me and many other folk there was something much better going on just around the corner at the House Of Blues sans the Snuggies. UK artist Frank Turner and some Celtic punk rock band called Flogging Molly were playing a sold out show and I was a part of it. There was Guinness there too, the kind that is best served in pint glasses.
With many shows I attend I usually focus on the headlining act. Where I am a fan of Flogging Molly and always will be, this night was all about me seeing Frank Turner live for the first time. I am pretty sure I am the only person who was more excited for the one time punk rocker turned folk rock musician over the Irish punkers.
Opening act The Architects from Kansas City, MO started off the night with a bang. Having never heard of them before they grabbed my attention with their straight forward rock n roll styles. The foursome had great stage presence and the crowd rewarded them with constant approval. I later learned that three of the members of the band used to be in the ska act The Gadjits. featuring the three Phillips brothers. After hearing the Architects’ set I never would have fathomed them being in a ska band prior. Great set by a great band I hope to hear more from in the future.
To say I was excited when Frank Turner and his nameless band took the stage would be an understatement. With smiles on all of the band member’s faces they broke into “The Road” which just sounded amazing live. I am sure it is safe to say not a lot of the people packed into the House Of Blues knew who Turner was but after just a couple songs in the crowd soon learned about the UK sensation who openly admitted that it was his first time in Cleveland as well as offered apologies if the set sucked at he was fighting a nasty cold.
Pointing to the crowd for a volunteer Turner chose a young fan to play harmonica on “Dan’s Song” knowing fully that the kid never played the harp in his life. With a quick lesson Turner played the song alone on acoustic guitar and gave the honorary band member of the night “the look” when it was time for him to play. Sure it did not sound like the recorded version or anything close to it but it was hilarious.
Armed with his acoustic guitar Turner continued the night along with his band playing like it was his most important show of his career. He proudly yelled “Hello, Cleveland” to the crowd and fought his illness through each song. It was apparent how ill he was feeling but he kept trucking along through the set that included “Poetry Of The Deed” as well as “Love, Ire, & Song” as well as “Back In The Day”.
From where I planted my feet the fans around me all seemed to enjoy Turner who let many in on a little secret telling them all that is was not actually a folk artist but a punk rocker who plays folk music. Closing the night out with “Photosynthesis” I could only hope for a headlining show the next time Turner and crew come back to Cleveland. They put on a great show and I am thrilled to be able to say I saw Turner live finally.
Without a doubt everyone was Irish for the night as Flogging Molly is notoriously known for spreading the Irish cheer around with their likable Celtic punk rock sing along jams. Once the seven-piece took the stage it was clear how many people were packed into the venue to see them. Fueled mainly on Jamison and Guinness the crowd showed no sign of calming down throughout the set. Entertaining as always, Dave King pranced around the stage with Nathan Maxwell slapping the bass and the rest of the crew just playing a solid strong set.
I stayed for about the first half of the set and will try and post Flogging Molly’s set list on here the moment I find it. Remember, I was there for Frank Turner, so once things started getting really crazy I packed up and headed towards the exit. I have nothing against Flogging Molly at all but I have seen them multiple times and really am used to the good times they exhume. Being a proud Irishman myself I know all too well what an evening of Irish music and stouts can do to my body so I chose to play it safe. I am pretty sure not many followed my idea and are still battling the Irish flu today.
Speaking of flu it was reported by Frank Turner himself on Twitter that he had to pull from the Detroit show tonight so I am even more pleased I was able to see him last night.
Here is his Tweet he posted:
@fthc – MotherF***ER. Very sad to say I’ve got to pull tonight’s show in Detroit. Sick as a dog, no voice. A thousand apologies.
Get well soon Frank Turner and thank you for fighting through your amazing set last night in Cleveland. It was a highlight to my year.
Frank Turner Set: The Road
Try This At Home
Dan’s Song
Reasons Not To Be An Idiot
Sons Of Liberty
Poetry Of The Deed
Love, Ire, & Song
Back In The Day
Photosynthesis
(I may have missed a song or entered the wrong one. Corrections always welcomed.)
Pop punk rockers Alkaline Trio paid the House of Blues in Cleveland a visit on Thursday with special guests indie rockers Cursive as well as rock act The Dear & Departed. This was the second stop for Alkaline Trio who just started touring in support of their new release This Addiction. The line-up of the evening was an interesting mix but still it looked to be a great evening of music for all who filled up the venue.
Most commonly known as the guy who tattoos along side Kat Von D on the reality show LA Ink, Dan Under and his band did their best to warm up the crowd with their straight forward rock music. The crowd gave them the respect they deserved but it really did not look as if too many were really getting into them. A couple fans sang along and gave support but the energy level was still rather low.
Nebraska’s Cursive on the other hand played a solid, yet interesting, set that eventually caused a lot of cheer by the set’s end. Hammering through “Some Red Handed Sleight Of Hand” as later playing “Art Is Hard” the band threw on an absolutely amazing show. I especially enjoyed hearing “From The Hips” off their latest release Mama, I’m Swollen. Digging deep into their catalog the band even played “Mothership Mothership, Do You Read Me?” which absolutely floored me. It was clear though that not everyone around me was enjoying the indie, almost experimental, performance with a very vocal Tim Kasher but I will admit that there are some folk out there today looking into who exactly this Cursive band is.
Alkaline Trio took the stage in full force and started the night off with “This Addiction” off their latest release. The band looked so comfortable on stage and Matt Skiba and Dan Andriano shuffled about on stage as Derek Grant beat the hell out of the drums. Skiba announced in the middle of songs that he was at a photo shoot earlier in the day for some magazine called High Times admitting that “if it seems like I’m really stoned, it’s because I am.” Needless to say the crowd went berserk.
Adding to the energy of the night the band carried onward with an amazing set playing old and new songs. Seeing Andriano pick up the horn on “Lead Poisoning” was one of the highlights of my night for some reason. I really enjoyed that track off their new album but seeing it live just made me appreciate it even more. If that was not good enough, once the band finished that more poppy track they jumped back a few years and played “Mr. Chainsaw” only to return to new material again with “Dead On The Floor”.
Throughout the night I was continually impressed to see what song the band would play next. Hearing “Fuck You Aurora” and later the Manson inspired “Sadie” the set list just kept getting better and better and the band just hit every song head-on with almost everyone in the house singing along. Just when I thought think things could not get better the band played “’97”. At that very moment I was completely contempt with Alkaline Trio’s set.
The band exited the stage with fans pleading for one more song. I decided this might be a good time to make way to the back of the venue and to call it a night. As I was walking back the crowd exploded in cheer as the band did a little switch up with Skiba on drums, Andriano on guitar, and Grant on bass and vocals. The band appeased me by playing one of my favorite Misfits songs ever, “Attitude”. All I could say was “are you kidding me” and stopped dead in my tracks and started singing along with everyone else. It was the perfect way to end an amazing performance. I was a happy concert goer.
Alkaline Trio’s Set List
This Addiction
Armageddon
Emma
Dine, Dine My Darling
We’ve Had Enough
Lead Poisoning
Mr. Chainsaw
Dead On The Floor
Fatally Yours
Crawl
Fuck You Aurora
Goodbye Forever
In Vein
Continental
100 Stories
Sadie
Nose Over Tail
’97
Encore:
Attitude
Punk rock threesome Alkaline Trio (AK3)recently released their seventh studio album entitledThis Addiction on their newly established independent record label properly called Heart & Skull. The label actually is a joint-venture with help from legendary punk record label Epitaph Records. AK3 stated that they took a step back into their punk roots this time while recording This Addiction and have also taken a lot of their personal ventures and incorporated them into this more DIY sounding solid release.
Starting off the album is the title track “This Addiction”, a pop-punk heavy track talking about love being more like an easily addictive drug such as heroin. The track is super catchy and keeps with the AK3 style that they have held over the years. Following was “Dine, Dine My Darling” a track clearly titled in favor of The Misfits.
Moving along with clearly somber theme was “Lead Poisoning” that featured an almost NOFX horn style solo that made the song stick out over others. “Dead On The Floor” was a dreary track speaking of high hoped love falling apart. Having been in the situation before of a blinded happiness I really took this song in and at the end was actually a little bummed out. Continuing the darker mood was “The American Scream”, a story about sadness and suicide with likable music throughout the track but just chilling to absorb.
Changing things up a tad was “Eating Me Alive” a more upbeat track with interesting synthesizer playing. “Fine” may have been a slower jam on the album but with lyrics like “it’s ironic that I drink to make my insides stop hurting” it was clear how personable the song about shrugging off the pain was. “Those Lungs” was a little heavier at the beginning but mellowed out into a tender track guaranteed to make a special someone swoon.
At just over forty minutes the album is enjoyable throughout but one would always appreciate more AK3 right? Luckily for fans who want more such as myself, the band also released a deluxe edition featuring acoustic tracks of “This Addiction”, “Dine, Dine My Darling”, “Dead On The Floor”, and an awesome version of “Fine” which to me sounds better than the original. A DVD is also included in the deluxe version showcasing a live performance of AK3 at the House of Blues in Las Vegas.
If you are a fan of AK3 and were not feeling with their last release Agony & Irony you might be surprised what the guys have to offer this time around. This Addiction is a worthy AK3 release and can easily be played over and over. With that said I might as well add that the album debuted at #11 on the Billboard Top 200 so obviously I am not the only one who has been digging This Addiction.
AK3 just embarked on a US tour with indie rockers Cursive as well as The Dear & Departed. Be sure to check them out when they hit a town near you. I’ll be there tonight in Cleveland and you can say that I am a little excited about being there!
Alkaline Trio Tour Dates:
03/03/10 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
03/04/10 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
03/05/10 – Pittsburgh, PA – Club Zoo
03/06/10 – Toronto, CAN – The Phoenix Concert Theater
03/08/10 – Clifton Park, NY – Northern Lights
03/09/10 – Hartford, CT – The Webster Theater
03/11/10 – Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero SOLD OUT
03/12/10 – New York, NY – Nokia Theatre Times Square SOLD OUT
03/13/10 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
03/14/10 – Providence, RI – Lupos Heartbreak Hotel
03/16/10 – Towson, MD – Rocher Theatre
03/17/10 – Charlotte, NC – Amos’ Southend
03/18/10 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
03/19/10 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
03/20/10 – Jacksonville Beach, FL – Freebird Live
03/22/10 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues
03/23/10 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Revolution
03/25/20 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
03/26/10 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
03/27/10 – Dallas, TX – The Palladium Ballroom
03/28/10 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
03/30/10 – Tempe, AZ – The Marquee Theater
04/01/10 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
04/02/10 – West Hollywood, CA – House of Blues
04/03/10 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
Clothing giants Hurley just released some special edition AK3 apparel. Check it out by clicking HERE.
Tim Barry, most commonly known for being the lead of punk rock outfit Avail, has done it again his way with his most recent release 28th & Stonewall. Once again he has created an honest solid album heavy on the folk with no bells or whistles that any hardworking music loving American can appreciate. The release is a personable attempt and can relate to any hard working person out there who knows all too well what the American dream really is all about. This is his fourth release on Suburban Home Records.
Still putting time in a 9 to 5 job when not touring, Tim Barry is just like everyone else. The guy is a true American at heart and is not thrilled about emails and technology. He is happiest at home with a beer and might just be one of the friendliest guys out there. Just don’t piss him off as he still has some of that punk rock angst left in him. Recently some drunk idiot found that out while heckling Barry on stage at a show during a more personal song. The result was a fight that should never have happened but proved a point – don’t mess with passion.
Granted he used to front a punk rock band, these days the friendly fellow finds himself more of a folk artist. When time allows he gets together with friends and family in his hometown of Richmond, VA and records songs just for the pure joy of it. Recording most of the songs in a three week period while home on break from seemingly increasing tours the material turned into 28th & Stonewall and really may be his best work yet.
The boot stomping “Thing Of The Past” started off the album with a very direct sincere track about everyday life of not only the singer but many other folk in this world talking about lack of money and living life. With lyrics like “I want nothing and that’s still all I have” as well as “it’s not what you make or do, it’s how you’re living” how could someone not appreciate his lyricism?
“Prosser’s Gabriel” stuck out over all other tracks on the album as Tim Barry told the story of an attempted slavery uprising Virginia by a former slave who was never added to the history books. I was glued to the story throughout the song featuring Tim Barry and his guitar. The song was not something I would have expected Barry to write but it was done so well. Not only did the song stick in my head days later but also intrigued me to learn more about this unknown hero.
One of the most enjoyable songs on the album was “Will Travel” featuring the No BS Band who supplied some heavy New Orleans style horn playing. “Moving On Blue” was a gloomier track pertaining to a relationship laid to rest featuring Daniel Clark (who has helped out Ryan Adams on more than one occasion) on piano.
“Downtown VCU” tells the story of a girl who was “one part country one part urban thug” (love it!) that passed on a newly enrolled college student. The song is a story of humor that really reminded me of Johnny Cash’s “A Boy Named Sue”. It had a point to it but was also surrounded by all sorts of witty calamity resulting in a fun track.
“Bus Driver” really put an end to the CD in the right way. Tim Barry sang on how he is tired of touring and singing and just wanted to go home. Thanking his booking agent and bashing his tour manager he asks that people let everyone know that he “long gone” and for everyone to “go on” without him. He even requested fans to tip his merch girl because she was not making enough. Not to be taken literally the song is more of a thank you to all the people that surrounded him as he toured.
While listening to the CD on the way to work a couple weeks back my mood changed and I really just wanted to turn around, grab a 12 pack, and just drink myself into a comfortable state while continuing to listen to the CD. No, I am not a closet drunk or anything but this CD just had that effect. Full of storytelling songs I could just hang out on a porch with friends and listen to on repeat all day long.
Tim Barry really outdid himself on this album and proved the point of being a working man by stating that he “could stay home and make a lot more money working at the Richmond Ballet” but confesses that he “wouldn’t feel fulfilled”. Thanks for continuing to do what you fo Tim, it is well appreciated. Look for Tim Barry to tour in a town near you this Spring. (Tour dates listed below)
Tim Barry 2010 Tour:
3/2/2010 Virginia Beach, VA @ Jewish Mother
3/3/2010 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506 w/ Ninja Gun
3/4/2010 Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern w/ Ninja Gun
3/5/2010 Atlanta, GA @ Purgatory at the Masquerade w/ Ninja Gun
3/6/2010 New Orleans, LA @ Zeitgeist w/ Ninja Gun
3/7/2010 Houston, TX @ Walter’s on Washington w/ Ninja Gun
3/8/2010 Austin, TX @ Emo’s w/ Ninja Gun
3/9/2010 Dallas, TX @ the Prophet Bar
3/11/2010 Tempe, AZ @ Yucca Tap Room
3/12/2010 San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar w/ Possessed By Paul James
3/13/2010 Long Beach, CA @ Alex’s Bar w/ Possessed By Paul James
3/14/2010 Los Angeles, CA @Jaunita’s w/ Brian Hanover
3/15/2010 Santa Barbara, CA @ Velvet Jones
3/16/2010 Santa Cruz, CA @ Blue Lagoon
3/17/2010 Sacramento, CA @ Blue Lamp
3/19/2010 Oakland, CA @ The Stork Club
3/20/2010 San Francisco, CA @ Thee Parkside
3/22/2010 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre Lounge w/ Michael Dean Damron
3/23/2010 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon w/ Lizzie Huffman
3/25,2010 Salt Lake City,UT @ Burt’s Tiki Lounge
3/26/2010 Denver, CO @ Three Kings Lounge
3/27/2010 Lawrence, KS @ Replay Lounge
3/29/2010 Louisville, KY @ Skull Alley w/ Red Clay River
3/30/2010 Indianapolis, IN @ the Vollrath Tavern w/ Red Clay River
3/31/2010 Chicago, IL @ Reggies Rock Club w/ Red Clay River
4/1/2010 Detroit, MI @ Smalls w/ Red Clay River
4/2/2010 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern w/ Red Clay River
4/3/2010 Harrisonburg, VA @Court Square Theatre (MacRock) w/ Red Clay River
4/5/2010 Washington, DC @ Black Cat Backstage w/ Red Clay River
4/6/2010 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s w/ The Menzingers, Red Clay River
4/7/2010 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs w/ Red Clay River
4/8/2010 Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory w/ Red Clay River, Jonny Corndawg
4/9/2010 Asbury, NJ @ Asbury Lanes w/ Red Clay River
4/10/2010 Richmond, VA @ The Camel w/ Red Clay River
4/22/2010 The Zoo, Brisbane w/ Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Ben Nichols
4/23/2010 Sydney, Australia @ Annandale Hotel w/ Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Ben Nichols
4/25/2010 Newcastle, Australia @ Cambridge Hotel w/ Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Ben Nichols
4/28/2010 Perth, Australia @ Rosemount w/ Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Ben Nichols
4/29/2010 Adelaide, Australia @ Enigma w/ Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Ben Nichols
4/30/2010 Melbourne, Australia @ Corner w/ Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Ben Nichols
5/1/2010 Hobart, Australia @ Brisbane Hotel w/ Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Ben Nichols
