Gainsville punk residents Against Me! recently dropped a special release for all of their fans. The band once again reunited with the independent punk record label Fat Wreck Chords to put out The Original Cowboy, an eight song, never before heard demo album. Available on CD and LP, this release gives the fans a pre-game, a younger Against Me! attempt, something as an enthusiast I was happy they chose to share.
Recorded in summer of 2003, these demos are what was to become the band’s second full length release and the Fat Wreck Chords debut titled As The Eternal Cowboy. The demo was actually recorded for the producers of the album just to make sure they were familiar with the songs as Against Me! was looking to make an all analog recording. Since the band was to record at a different studio (Memphis’ Ardent Studios) they wanted to have something to help keep what they were looking to create on their final version.
Minus the track “Sink, Florida, Sink” all of the other songs from As The Eternal Cowboy appear on the demo release but not in the same order. The combined opening track “A Brief Yet Triumphant Introduction / Cliché Guevarra” even if not fully produced carries enough energy to get you past that grainy sound. It’s interesting to hear these first takes on songs that later turned into a must have album for many punk rockers out there.
“Mutiny On The Electronic Bay” actually sounded better than the studio mastered version as did “T.S.R.” Perhaps it was the lack of overdubbing or just the pure integrity of the track making it that much more enjoyable.
The beginning of “Cavalier Eternal” cracked me up with the comedic prelude to the song with the boys of Against Me! goofing around briefly just as it appears on the mastered release. The sincere acoustic demo of the song, to me, should have been just put in with the final release. It sounded a lot better under-processed than that of which appears on As The Eternal Cowboy.
Closing the demo is another combined track “You Look Like I Need A Drink / Turn Those Clapping Hands Into Angry Balled Fists” a track guaranteed to get all the diehard Against Me! disciples to go insane upon hearing it regardless of the take. After hearing this song, and album for that matter, I wondered why the band even bothered to travel to Memphis in the first place.
The demos may very well just be a money maker for Against Me! and Fat Wreck Chords but honestly, who cares? It was a good listen and I am happy to add it to my Against Me! collection. Tom Gabel actually had this to say about the demos, “Recorded and mixed in only a couple of hours, The Original Cowboy was only meant to be a trial run, but, listening to it today, there’s a part of me that feels foolish for ever recording these songs a second time.” I could not agree anymore Mr. Gabel. These demos sound better than most fully mastered stuff out there.
Before I even start this review you all should know that this band hit me hard in the ears with something good. Ever since my introduction I have been a fan and I really like to support these girls hense all of the posts in recent months.
I guess that is one of the cool things about having your own blog, freedom to do what you want. Well what I want is to help out three ladies from the Nashville area be heard. I know they should have no problem doing so but it does not hurt to help.
Next week Those Darlins return to Cleveland on July 14th and you can bet your grits I will be there. Do yourself a favor and get up to the Beachland Tavern to check out this great up and coming band. I would not talk about them so much if I did not think they were all that.
So what that said, here is the review of the debut release by Those Darlins:
Tennessee’s best kept little secret no longer remains hidden as Those Darlins have released their debut self titled album on their very own label Oh Wow Dang! Records. Kelly Darlin, Nikki Darlin, and Jessie Darlin who make up Those Darlins do their own thing their own way. The result is a band that spills out some great tunes combining pop with rock, punk, and country.
Hailing from Murfreesboro, TN the musically inclined trio of women have already made their way around the US playing shows small and large. With their constant touring with acts such as Dan Auerbach, The Features, and even playing a stage at this year’s Bonnaroo, the girls have finally released their debut album for all to hear.
Having already been a huge fan, I was excited for their music to spread to a larger audience. I think it will not be too difficult for that to happen thanks to this release.
So what is it about this band that has more or less turned me into an obsessed fan? The girls mix the perfect blend of garage rock, punk, and even some country rock style all into a sound I just can not get enough of. They have enough sass to knock your grandpa to the floor, the looks that guarantee instant crushes, the smiles of angels, and can party down like no other. I’m pretty sure they can all kick your ass too with out any help.
Their Appalachian sounds seems to clash with a punk attitude as well as female strong ideals. This mix becomes smashed into a fine sounding bar-rock jam fom three good looking gals who drink their whiskey from the bottle. Think Wanda Jackson and Patsy Cline meet Joan Jett with even a taste of some Kathleen Hanna.
The classic covers of the Carter Family’s “Who’s That Knocking At My Window?” as well as “Cannonball Blues” proved Those Darlins have a rendering for the country genre but when you move throughout the album you can clearly hear that their musical roots are not just from Nashville
Opening track “Red Light Love” does not even suggest they are a country act as they play a more bar-rock song. What I like about this one so much is I can actually feel them smiling as they sing this fun song.
“Wild One” is more or less the girls’ anthem/reminder of being wild and crazy. This song is Wanda Jackson with punk rock authority and provides a fair warning to all the folk out there that have a more than a musical liken for Those Darlins. This was the first song I had heard from the band and was the reason became so fond of them.
“The Whole Damn Thing”, to me, was the funniest song on the album as the girls sing about getting hammered and eating an entire chicken. To make things even more amusing the song continues with the consumed chicken being forgotten about.
Almost reminding me of something Johnny Cash might have written during his raging days was “Glass To You”, a drunken slur of a track. I almost felt bad for the girls in this painful song as they declare they are having “whiskey blues” and have “been drunk since half past noon” because of their man. Having more than one vocalist sing throughout just keeps it unhappy.
“Snaggle Tooth Mama” is a boot-stomping country jam with some fun intermitting guitar and bar room piano playing that by the end of the track will have you singing along. “222” is a tough track about all about boys, parties, and fun. Coincidentally one of the studios that the girls recorded at was in NYC at Jeff Curtin’s basement studio called 222. Jeff Curtin also took on the drumming duties for most of the tracks on this album.
“DUI Or Die” was more of a tale of an alcohol infused evening out all ending with sirens and jail bars as well as blaming to booze. “Drunk driving, I’m guilty, and I’m blaming the booze” pretty much summed up the song in a comical way also giving hint to all the ladies who want to avoid DUIs but going home with someone and letting them drive.
Even though some of the songs suggest a country rock like style, they add much more rock and roll and punk rock finesse giving for a fiercer sound. Having the girls split up vocal duties just keeps their songs that much more interesting. Their debut album is an instant classic to my ears and I am sure it will be for many as all of the songs are very catchy, musically and lyrically. This is not a band you will forget about after just one album. These girls are going places.
Seeing them live is a whole experience in its own. Big crowds or small crowds these girls play their hearts out, drink the big boy drinks, and will force you to have a good time. When they take the stage one might think they do not have the capabilities that make up what Those Darlins are all about – loud music and good times. The moment the guitars are strummed and the vocals start it’s clear that something fun is about to happen.
Recently pop punk rockers Story Of The Year released a very heartfelt video for their song titled “Terrified”, a song off of their 2008 release The Black Swan. This is one of those songs that can bring some tears to your eyes and the video just adds even more potential. With Independence Day this weekend the band recently created the video in honor of all the men and women who are or have served in the armed forces.
The band talks about the video:
“The video for “Terrified” is pretty much a direct interpretation of the lyrics,” explains singer Dan Marsala. “A story of a husband who is off at war, scared of the fact that he might not ever make it home to his wife and family, and a pregnant wife who is left at home, not knowing if she will ever see her husband alive again. It is an extremely touching subject because there are hundreds of thousands of families in America going through this exact scenario as we speak. It has to be one of the most terrifying situations that any family could ever experience. I think the video is a great representation of the story told in the lyrics and it is our tribute to all the families who suffer through this situation every day.”
“What excites me the most about this video,” adds guitarist Ryan Phillips, “is that it takes an enormous issue our generation is facing, the war in Iraq, and instead of getting political we honed in on the human aspect of the situation.”
Story Of The Year – “Terrified”
This pop-punk ballet got me going a little as one of my friends / co-workers who was serving overseas was injured thanks to a roadside bomb in Iraq. As I will not reveal his identity for personal reasons I can tell you that the kid’s life will be changed forever and he is currently in Washington D.C. at a hospital. He will survive but will never be the same. He is a brave man for doing what he did and I am so glad he was able to return to the states to his family. I just wish it was not because of the injury.
My thoughts go out to him and his family on a speedy recovery.
Just in time for the holiday weekend, a free summer sampler thanks to the good folk at Fearless Records.
All you need to do to get it is to visit the record label’s MySpace page and click on the top of the page where it says FREE. The 7 track sampler contains some great tracks from some up and coming artists and seeing how it is free, you might as well just check it out. I did! (and I actually like a few of the tracks too…especially the Def Leppard cover!)
Some info about the summer sampler (as well as some of the bands) direct from an email I received from Fearless Records:
The 2009 Fearless Records Summer Sampler is finally here and you can download it all for FREE on the top of our Myspace page. The 7-song sampler also includes unreleased songs by Breathe Carolina, The Word Alive and Lets Get it. Check out the full track listing below and download your copy TODAY!
Track Listing
1. Sparks The Rescue – “Autumn”
2. Breathe Carolina – “Welcome To Savannah”*
3. The Word Alive – “Quit While You’re Ahead”*
4. Artist Vs Poet – “Assurance Closure”
5. Eye Alaska – “Walk Like A Gentleman”
6. A Skylit Drive – “Those Cannons Could Sink A Ship”
7. Lets Get It – “Do Not Disturb”*
The Fearless Records Myspace has also suited up for the kick-off of the 2009 Vans Warped Tour! The new Fearless Myspace will be your one-stop shop for everything Warped including exclusive video content, updated photos and exclusive giveaways for MySpace friends ONLY.
So if you’re not yet a Fearless Myspace friend, add us today to stay updated with Warped Tour all summer long and make sure you check back daily!
Eye Alaska Full Album Stream of “Genesis Underground”
Eye Alaska‘s upcoming album, “Genesis Underground,” is now streaming in it’s entirety on AbsolutePunk.net. “Genesis Underground” is available in stores and online Tuesday July 7th. To celebrate, the band will be doing an Absolute Punk Chat on Monday, July 6th, at 7pm ET/4pm PT, so be sure to tune in!
If you like what you hear, make sure to pre-order your copy of “Genesis Underground” now at iTunes, SmartPunk, InterPunk, or MerchNow.
Let’s Get It is excited to announce that their upcoming “Digital Spaces EP,” due out August 4th, is now available for pre-order. Pick up your copy today from SmartPunk, MerchNow, or Interpunk and receive a free poster with purchase. In addition, with all SmartPunk pre-orders you will also receive an autographed booklet signed by the entire band!
Breathe Carolina Official Album Art & Tracklisting
Breathe Carolina have released the official album art & tracklisting from their upcoming album Hello Fascination in stores and online August 18th. Check out the album art and tracklisting here.
Also, remember to catch them playing live all summer long on this years Warped Tour! Breathe Carolina Tour Dates
The Maine “Pour Some Sugar On Me”
The Maine have released a clip of their new cover song, “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard, on their MySpace page. You will be able to purchase the song off their upcoming Deluxe Edition of “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” available July 14th. Also, don’t forget to check out the band on this years Warped Tour and keep up to date with them all summer long on their blog!
The longest running festival ever is on it’s 15th run this year and does not seem to be slowing down at all. Punk rock summer camp is still in session for fans of all ages. I know when I go this year I will be laughing at the fact that there will be tons of kids there who were not even born when the Warped Tour first took place.
In other words…I’m getting old.
Recently I read a pretty interesting article in this month AP Magazine. It basically told the tale of the history of the Van’s Warped Tour from the beginning until present day. I suggest you go out and grab a copy of the magazine (who I should add has been around for 24 years!) if you want to know the true history of the Warped Tour and read the wonderful article.
I will tell you one thing…it was almost called the Calvin Klein Warped Tour. (read the article!!!)
I am not really going to go into detail with the history of the Warped Tour here, but I will go into detail of the history of myself at the Warped Tour; July 24th, 1996 to be exact.
Now I don’t remember everything because let’s face it, growing old does a number on you sometimes but I remember enough to talk about it. This was my first Warped Tour festival I had attended and is the one that I will remember for a lifetime. It became the start of a summer ritual my friends and I have been engaging in almost every single summer since.
It all started one day when I read about a punk rock festival that was coming back to town. I missed the first Warped Tour in 1995 for whatever reason and still kick myself for doing so but what happened, happened. Regardless I was excited to see it’s return and this time planned accordingly.
The festival was held at the old Cloverleaf grounds, a one time drive-in turned flea market parking lot, let me rephrase that, a gravel filled parking death lot, located under the I-480 Valley View bridge. Of all the places a festival could have been put at they chose the white stoned parking lot and it was the perfect venue in every way.
Tickets were only $20 for the festival and the parking was free. We arrived before anyone else and parked directly in front of the entrance gate. Too young to buy beers and pre-game we just hung out until the gates were open and the festivities began. Featuring acts such as NOFX, CIV, Pennywise, Unwritten Law, The Dancehall Crashers, Rocket From The Crypt, and others it was to be one of those days that I would never forget. (Speaking of forget, it is possible that Sublime, No Use For A Name, The Deftones, Face To Face, and Fishbone may have played too but I can not recall – anyone else remember?)
Spite the lack of remembering the entire lineup, I have a lot of memories that day that will last for a life time. I don’t even know where to start… I can tell you this though, many of those memories did not even include the bands.
Band memories:
CIV. I miss that band so much. I was a huge CIV fan (still am) and absolutely thrilled to see them take the stage.
I was still new to Unwritten Law having seen them previously opening for Bad Religion so i was excited to see them again live. I was a huge fan of Blue Room and really got into their set. So did some other fans who, apparently, started fist fighting in the middle of the pit. Lead signer Scott Russo and yours truly broke up that fight. I’m more about peace and rock over knocked out teeth.
I should also mention the famous boot prints found on people back’s. I will not confirm if they were from my boots, but my friends did mention that I became very excited about NOFX taking stage and might have run over 4 or 7 kids while charging into the mosh pit.
Speaking of NOFX, one of my friend’s girlfriends at the time somehow got backstage and did not bother to invite any of us. We later in the day discovered she made out with one of the members of NOFX. Awesome. I think at that moment I was double pissed. Once for the blatant cheating and the other for the non-invite back stage.
Right before Pennywise took the stage for the final set of the day the clear skies turned into hell. Huge dark clouds took over the sky and as Pennywise tried to close out the set lightning was striking dangerously close and the rain was pouring causing for their amps to blow out. It was at that time that the two friends that were by me hi tailed it to my car and got the hell out of there. We may have left someone behind.
Other memories:
I was on the nightly news that evening because apparently all of the cussing could be heard echoing in the surrounding cities thanks to the venue being located at the bottom of a valley. I remember I was walking with my pal Jonah and was eating a hamburger. I noticed one of the local news channels filming us so being the goof that I am I proceeded to stop, look at the camera, and stuff the 3/4 worth of hamburger left in my hand into my mouth where I proceeded to eat it.
Mom was so proud that night.
Later one of the newscasters was talking about all of the controlled rowdiness in the grounds and I walked up behind him and threw the devil horns over his head. Everyone surrounding the camera burst out laughing. Even the cameraman was laughing at that newscaster who had no idea what was going on. I am pretty sure that was edited out of the evening news.
Then there was the choke chain I wore around my neck. You see, being punk means wearing dog chains and other miscellaneous metal accessories all over your body. I chose to wear a choke chain around my neck along with other various items including the super long chain connected to my wallet I used to trip over all the time.
For some reason I opted out of using a safety pin or mini pad lock to secure my dog choke chain and chose a chain link connector, something that I was so proud of discovering at a local hardware store earlier that year. Well thanks to the intense heat my neck started to swell and I realized it was time to take off the chain from my neck so I could breath. There was one problem…genus me decided to secure the chain link connector with pliers at home and I could not unscrew the chain link connector for the life of me.
I panicked and tried to do everything I could to get that thing undone from my neck. I ran around like an idiot searching for pliers to get the link unscrewed as I was slowly choking. All of the folk at the band merch booths could not help, the pro-skaters laughed at me, and the security was not any help at all. Finally I found a booth where some folk were making jewelry and luckily borrowed some pliers and took that damn chain off my neck. Who am I kidding, I basically lept over their table and snatched the pliers from one of their working hands in order to save my life.
Luckily there were no news crews around to film me during that episode…although that would have been hilarious.
Let me not forget about the the mosh pit, it was more like a death pit thanks to all the gravel. I do want to note that the pit was very friendly and who ever slipped and fell or was forcefully knocked over was helped up immediately. There was not as much blood as I though might occur but there were plenty of scrapes and bruises.
The drive home too was a memory. Thanks to all the heavy rains my car decided to stall in the middle of Route 43. I literrally beat the crap out of my car when it did not start and am pretty sure scared my friends. To make matters even worse I screamed at my friends to get out of the car and help me push the car into a nearby parking lot. One of them told me “no way, it’s raining”. Thanks Pete.
Memories…
The Warped Tour then was just in its baby steps when I attended. I think there were three stages, maybe four, on that stony drive-in with just a handful of merch booths. Within the next couple of years the success of the festival provided the means to expand and turn it into a larger festival with more stages and attractions. Moving from place to place it just got bigger and bigger to what it is now.
I have to admit I was getting a little disappointed in the line-ups of recent years primarily because I have no idea who these bands are anymore. I am all for the new generation of music and their fans but it has gotten to the point where I just do not care.
Luckily for me (and others I would assume) Kevin Lyman decided to go back to the Warped Tour roots this year and has asked some of the veteran punk rock bands to once again spend their summer playing on stages to thousands of fans all over the US, Canada, and even a couple of spots overseas.
This time around there will only be one main stage and longer sets. That right there got me excited seeing how I never enjoyed seeing my favorite acts only get 30 minutes to crank out as many songs as they could. I can honestly not wait until next week when the Warped Tour rolls through Cleveland once again.
Featuring bands (aka the bands I want to see most):
Bad Religion, NOFX, Bouncing Souls, Gallows, Flogging Molly, Anti-Flag, Fake Problems, Alexisonfire, 3OH!3, Authority Zero, Fishbone, The Flatliners, P.O.S, The Reverend Paytons Big Damn Band, Westbound Train, and Thrice (just to name a couple)
I will say this though. This is my last year with the Warped Tour and I plan on retiring from the punk rock summer camp once and for all. It was a touch decision but seriously even I am starting to think I am too old for it…
With my luck the 2010 line up with be even better than this years… I’ll just insert foot into mouth now and not tell anyone later if I do return…
Vintage footage of the Warped Tour:
Speaking of memories…I came across this YouTube video of footage from the storm that nearly destroyed the 2007 Warped Tour. I was standing pretty close to the kid who filmed this. That was one hell of a storm…
Gainsville punk residents Against Me! recently dropped a special release for all of their fans. The band once again reunited with the independent punk record label Fat Wreck Chords to put out The Original Cowboy, an eight song, never before heard demo album. Available on CD and LP, this release gives the fans a pre-game, a younger Against Me! attempt, something as an enthusiast I was happy they chose to share.
