CD Review -Throw Rag-2cd Place
Current mood: dirty
Category: Music

 I had heard of Throw Rag a number of years ago,I believe it was when the late great magazine Flipside was still around.This is when Throw Rag was for its unpredictable live shows as well as its unique brand of noise rock.Fast forward ahead 10 years or so the the noise is all but gone and you have their new record on Acetate records called 2cd Place.This CD is my first lengthy exposure to the band.If they pull off live what they manage to with CD , we'' be in for a treat.
 Guitar driven madness with rousing chorus's and booty shakin beats any down and dirty go-go dancer would appreciate.Sean Wheelers vocals deliver lyrics which alternate between standard rock no roll fare to the bizarre and he reminds me of a side show barker daring the kids to come just a little closer to the bearded lady.
 Dean Mcqueen( lead guitar),King Taco Pearl ( Rhythm Guitar),Franco,( Bass with Jacko on Drums and yes,cowbell , do a masterful job of reeling in just enough of the chaotic Wheeler to craft songs which would have even the jaded rock n roller dancing around.
My favorite cuts are Bag of Glue,Hollywood,and Space Hump Me.But my overall pick for best tune on 2cd Place is Stink Bug. The bump and grind sleez rock and lyrics on this tune just beg for a pole dance in fishnets and thigh high leather boots.
 Get the record and find yourself a girl dance along with.
Check out Throw Rag here-www.myspace.com/throwrag 
 other fine selections from Acetate Records here--www.myspace.com/acetaterecords

Currently listening : Sex, Drugs and Bill Monroe By Nine Pound Hammer Release date: 2008-02-26

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CD Review- Bloody Mess & The Transfusions
Current mood: adventurous
Category: Music

 I go through my record/cd collection and it's filled with great 1^st records. It seems bands most often blow their best creative load on that 1^st record. Nothing beats it, usually because they are hungry and don't have trappings that come with success as a distraction. Maybe it's just the steady diet of Ramon noodles and cheap beer. But Bloody Mess has been onstage fucking with audiences for over 25 years, it defies logic that after that long Bloody Mess and The Transfusions can release a record like this. The self titled 12 song CD oozes intensity and hunger most seen in bands whose members were just sucking teats when Bloody began to stalk stages. I think its great personally that they can muster up a record like this, it gives me hope that greatness like this is around to teach the youngins what its all about.

 This cd and what makes it a "best" is its variety. You have full blown punk like the "Asshole Song", "Wake Up" and FMFU ( sure never to played on the radio), Country-Blues punk swagger like Minds Blown In San Antone, and Hungover & Stoned and full out rockers like Wrong, Divebar Superstar , and Back on the Street. There is no hint of filler songs on this CD. While Bloody Mess is often the bands main focal point the musicianship of Lincoln Log ( Bass),Billy The Kid (Drums)and axe sliging of Dave Moe is not to be sneezed at. This would not be the same record with out this exact band backing the vocals styling's of Bloody Mess.

 This CD is going right in the same slot as Hanoi Rocks –Malibu Beach Nightmare, Lords Of the New Church, Wayne Kramer's Hard Stuff and The Heartbreakers LAMF. To sum things up Bloody Mess and the Transfusions have made a cd here that reminds me of early Alice Cooper, back when it was still a band and not a one man show. In other words this record is the record Alice Cooper should have made.

 To get your hands on this rock n roll masterpiece visit www.blackandbluerecords.com

 http://www.myspace.com/bloodyandthetransfusions  and visit Bloody here;   http://www.myspace.com/bloodymess1

Currently listening : On the Prowl: The Best of Tygers of Pan Tang By Tygers of Pan Tang Release date: 2001-09-20

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Globalpunkreview.com mini tour-what a weekend!
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Music

Should I write a review on a small series of shows I put together? Ehhhh probably not.But I can tell you my thoughts on everything and what happened.Plus some things I learned.Maybe someone who paid to enter could write something up more in a review kinda style.Im biased I think everyone blew my fukkin doors off over the weekend,not one so-so performance or dull moment. And I really mean that,bands can have "off-nights" some think they have them when they have'nt but none was the case this weekend.Everyone was "on" and it seemed all had fun.So one mission was accomplished there.
This Globalpunkreivew.com mini tour( thanks Homeless for the name) started as means to bring the West Virgina metal band Into The Void into Toledo back in August.When that effort fell flat on its face I felt challenged and needed to try something else.After talking it over with Randy and some others we decided to try and put together a Detroit and Toledo weekend with Into The Void and snap up local support in each town to complete the bill.I felt that a good mix of acts was what we needed.After all that's what globalpunkreivew.com represents not just punk in the traditional sense but all that is truly underground and not some formulated radio friendly garbage. Toledo bands didnt answer the call for local support soooo we asked who in Detroit wanted to play in Toledo.None other than Anti Social Degenerates and Treatment Bound answered the call for Toledo,and Satan's Toilet added to the Detroit arm of the weekend since it would be a longer show and I was digging their sound too.
So there we have it,end of July and the shows are pretty much set.Except for the part where both nights and both venues had to be switched a couple weeks later due to my learning curve. I'll cover that detail in the what I learned portion of this. LOL
So here is how it went...
Friday 5pm I roll into the parking lot of Culture Clash records to meet up with the boys from Into The Void.They are already there.God bless the musician who can be on time!Hahhaah . This was a free all ages show organized after the night time 18+ and up show was booked. I thought it would be a good idea to do this short set,meet and greet for kids who were not old enough to get into the club show later and way they could introduce them selves to a town not yet played.My thanks to Pat and his staff for promoting the show with Rudy G's Independent Playground radio show here in Toledo and for all the other efforts they made to ensure a successful show.I had flyered all over ,used myspace,sent press kits and letters to local media and for our efforts I think four people showed up,not including the staff.That was disappointing from my point of view because this was the bands first into to me and what I was trying to do. Being the laid back boys they are they were understanding and appreciative of the efforts.For the record Into The Void played the records store show like true pro's and rocked too.So I was glad to hear live for the first time the band was just as good as their cd's .
Arrivals at Mickey Finns were all wayyyy to early, but we were following the protocol listed in their web site so the bands all hung out on the patio,out front and in the bar for a couple of hours waiting for the sound man to show.Once he did things got off to a start rather quickly with Treatment Bound hitting the stage.They hit it hard too.I odnt know what the record holder for zero to 60 is but they had to come close.Brian ( Aka Homeless) and his crew Jeff( also from Ann Arbor hardcore outfit The State) on bass and Dan Allen on drums take you back to the early 80's when bands like The Replacements,Husker Du and the like made it cool to mix in country ,pop and blues into your punk o matic blender.I want to see this band come back to Toledo next summer and play in the Screamin Demon's car club annual Makin Junk Run party.They would fit in great with bands like Death By Rodeo, and Sasquatch and The Sickabillys.Treatment Bound's not only going to entertain you with music but the sense of humor between songs is great touch too.My pick for song of the night was Another Round which demands a crowd sing along and should be on any true drink lovers play list.I though it funny that Homeless though they were a bit off there game that night.I thought if that was off,whats "on" gonna sound like.
Anti Social Degenerates put their brand of punk rock to the Mickey Finns stage in blazing style.Vern,Bing, Aaron and Steve have the kinda band and work ethic that just says to me this band will give you their blood and sweat all with each performance whether there is four people or 4,000.Vern is all over the stage and by the end of the second song is already a big sweaty mess,and he's in shape too,thats just the kinda performer he is. Your not gonna see there guys staring at the ceiling.Their set ranged through the years too.Playing stuff from last years From Chaos to Wherever,song that were first played at Blondies in 1987 and much to my happiness one of my new fav's by them We're All Wrong off the new release Democracy Reloaded.If you have not cuaght this band yet you need too,if your outside Detroit you need to bring em down and let em show you DIY Detroit punk.You wont be sorry.
Into The Void took Finns stage last and continued to impress. if I had any kinda hair to speak of it would have been blowing back with the wall of sound they put up! This band takes metal and just grinds it right the hell up! What I mean by that is, yeah, they are hard, heavy,guitar soloing songs all they way through, no doubt.Bu tyou know what makes em special? What makes them a metal band I think deserves attention.They leave all the cliches your used to from a metal song somewhere in the hills and hallars of West Virginia.Oh yeah there are influence that come out in the songs but the over all sound is the most original sounding metal band Ive had the pleasure of hearing since Angel Rat era Voi Vod.
Sooo, was the Toledo show a success? Well it depends on how you look at it. If your looking at it from a business point of view, the crowd could have been bigger.But, we did do what we set out to do in Toledo with this show.New faces were introduced to some new to them bands.Hopefully soem new fans were made.Also,i was great for me to see members of the music scene here in Toledo whos' bands I support and have written about show up and support our show.That means alot and I wont foregt it. Those who missed it, just missed it.No hard feelings on my end.I dont think there we many mistakes with this show. Toledo can just be weird sometimes.I could slapped a show together any given week and for no reason at all it be packed and it would not surprise me at all.
Things I learned about doing a gig here in Toledo. If your bringing in an unknown ,out of town band dont do an in store! At least not alone before another gig.
Dont book a gig at a venue without a PA,unless you are rich enough to have your own or rent one.You'll have to book somewhere else and pray it happens. Luckily all went smooth in the end but I did have a headache for two weeks.
On ward and upward to Detroit.Small's in Hamtrammck has hosted some big names over the years.I was grateful to Vern form A.S.D that he helped get this potion of the mini tour moved to this venue because it has such a great rep for attracting a good crowd and an awesome sound crew.This was going to be an all ages event so I was looking forward to seeing kids enjoying the show too and hopefully letting them know about globalpunkreview.com.
Satan's Toilet is one of my newest fav's from Detroit.I've said it before and I'll say it again,if you dig early 45-Grave or even X-Ray Specs this band is for you.If you dig dark humor and wicked guitar work this band is for you.If yu just love plat out rock n roll then... fill in the blank here________________I will say I know someone who before this show didnt have a high opinion of this band.My reply was , "meh must have been a bad night or something."After Satan's Toilet was finished with there set,that same person agreed and has changed their opinion. Ive caught them for the first time a couple of weeks ago at the Punk Fest we did and they were damn good. Through Smalls sound system they cranked.Maggot,Even Rude and Raven plowed through 30 minuets of blood soaked campy horror laden rock n roll like their very lives depended on it. What was an tepid crowd at the start was hooting and holloring by the second or third song. I have not changed my opinion on the fav song yet though. Brain Dead Boyfriend it still the smash! I wish I could have Halloween p[arty and have them play it ! Toledo form what I understand you may be seeing quite a bit of this band in the future.Catch them when you can.
Brian and his crew of pirates in Treatment Bound proceeded to up the ante from the previous night. And I got to witness just what "on" really was for them.Maybe it was the bigger crowd,maybe it was being "home". I dont know but Treatment Bound had an energy and effect on the crowd that just got everyone moving.How often do you go to a show and its fairly small show where its not just some drunk yelling the bands name but just about everyone chanting the bands name when they were finished? I have not seen it too often,especially over the last couple of years.I wanna be first in line when the EP they are working comes out.Expect an interview and review in the zine soon.
Into The Void performed next and just like Treatment Bound kicked it up a notch .Feeding a frenzy that was already building thanks to Homeless and his crew.This is where the show was gonna either take off or crash. You stick a metal band in between punk,cow-punk and Hardcore punk.Guess what? It worked! Not only did Cody,Cameron and Kevin feed off that crowd,moshing grinding and fists pumping but the crowd fed off them.Into The Void does not screw around with onstage banter too much and pretty much goes from brutal to pissed to angry,to fuck you pretty quickly.One of the things that made me smile was the fact that just about every musician in the place was right up front watching, that says alot for the skill these boys have with the instuments.Dont get me wrong either,sometime skill aka speed can destroy a song listen to any Yngwie song for a good example. I think this band made alot new friends and fans at this show and that says alot for them as people and as a band. How often will a metal band willingly play with "punk" bands? You dont see much of that anymore.By the way Cody Childers behind the back soloing at the end of the set was nothing short of amazing,Ive seen the trick before and its usually not to impressive but my jaw dropped. Trash Sick live is just down and dirty! These boys should not have any trouble getting a gig in Detroit after this show.
Anti Social Degenerates had to follow Into The Void. Fuck I would have wanted to. Vern and the boys would even think of that. Didnt need to either.Even with a sore throat form fridays show Vern belted out song after song to a crowd that did not let up and was still wanting more after three kick ass performances.Kids,you wanna be in punk band? You wanna be in a Rock n roll band? Either way watch listen and learn from these guys.They will show you how to entertain an audience,how to give %100.How to be true to your sound and your roots.These guys are pros,with out trying to be.Vern, Bing ,Steve's and Aaron's vibe and stage presence is just what they are.Loud ,aggressive,always moving, and trying to show you the error of our worlds ways.I caught A.S.D. several times since being back up north to stay and I must say the show last night was the best I have ever seen them. I beleive they may have left some burn marks on the stage too.
Good thing I had a long ride home the adrenaline was still pumping as the light came up and it all came to end.
Was Detroit a success? In terms of a damn good show YES it was! Sure the crowd could have been bigger.But those that did come were rabid,fun loving,happy sons of bitches!Oh and Loud too!!!Just like Toledo if you missed it, you missed it.I dont think anyone walked away from that show thinking it sucked.If they didn then they are lame as hell anyway.
Now,important lessons I learned. KNOW your audience! I made the decision to go all ages with this show .Know the venue was gonna take a large cut of the door to make up for less drinkers buy beer and such. Two kids were there.Mind you they had fun.but in terms of the cost.It was a mistake and for that the bands paid the price.Their take did not even equal gas money. That made me feel like shit. I know I didnt make any promises to anyone but mistakes like that can fuck up plans for the future.Luckily everyone seemed to be very understanding and true to punk rock ethos were not playing the show for the money aspect anyway.But for those I didnt get to personally say it to, I am sorry . That mistake wont be made again. I'll try to find away to make up to ya'll. Another lesson I learned I nothing takes the place of conversation.What I mean by this is dont always go off the info a venue lists on thier web site it could be outdated by years!!! Talk to a real person and ask those questions far in advance it can save a headache or two.
Now one more thing I learned is globalpunkreivew.com has some real possibilites and real supporters that will come to these shows! So we will do more! Maybe two or three a year. They will continue to focus on bringing you the variety that our zine represents and as long as you continue to read and support it we'll keep doing it. For thise writers out of our area here in Detroit and Toledo.Get in contact with us if your interested in putting on shows a under the globalpunkreivew.com moniker.If we can do it here you can do there and bring more people into the family.
Thank you everyone bands and fans alike for this past weekend.I/we appreciate more than you know for your efforts promoting,coming out, playing, cheering ,moshing and just having a good time with us all. It was great time I wont soon forget.
I've got pictures here form both days of the mini tour and I know Tricky took a ton as well as Jenna,Randy and I saw other camera's too so keep an eye on each others pages for shots form this weekend. Send them to your friends and show em what they missed.












Group Shot by Tricky

Currently listening : Iron Maiden By Iron Maiden Release date: 2002-03-26

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Thoughts on the 2008 Punk Fest for Children’s Hospital
Current mood: working
Category: Music

I dragged my carcass and aching feet in the door about 3am.Sat down with the history channel( or it the Hitler channel?) and ate a few simply delicious Evie's tamales( Thanks Greg) and passed out. Not because of booze either I was freekin tired.Believe it or not only three beers from 3-till 2am. Coca-Cola was going down much better. But my first waking thought when I got up at 6:30am to go drive my Zamboni was ,damn what a great night! I mean it too. I could not have asked for a better group of volunteers,bands, and fans coming together not only to see a kick ass show but to socialize,enjoy the great weather,hang out in the yard, and support Children's Hospital and everything they do.
If I didn't get to shake your hand personally and say thank you. Sorry I tried to say hi and thank you to everyone but it was actually crowded, and I had a merch table to watch.But really I came away from the 2008 Punk Fest feeling proud.Not a pat myself on the back kinda proud. But the kind of proud you feel when people are just at their best without pretense and you have the privilege of being there for it.If there were bad attitudes anywhere I didnt witness it. I couldn't be more proud of my friends than I was Saturday night. Everyone made the show a success and thank you for letting me participate I cant wait for next year.Bigger??? Better??? Were gonna try!
I cant really write my typical review I did not get to see all the acts but I did get to hear since ,thankfully the merch table was next to the door by the stage.Bands I did see... Manic's Rage , my first time catching them live and I was impressed ,tight solid outfit playing the punk/trash rock style that made the Trash Brats popular back in the day. I have to single out Lizzy the drummer as a stand out performer too,and that's saying something because like I said the band is good on the whole. But Lizzy is a ball of fire back on the drum kit ,this band would have an entirely different dynamic if she were not back there.She 's a cutie too and that does not hurt.Rik the guitarist gets special props for being the first musician of the night to brave the punk rock Olympics course too.( Good job rule mistress's for cajoling him into it!)
Satan's Toilet played a short set due to time constraints and were very classy about it too. Great set with an even groovier vibe, their live sound is very comparable to the CD but with that live energy that cant be beat.The Maggot weaves in some great classic leads in between Raven's Dinah Cancer style vocals. I'm sorry but Braindead Boyfriend is not only snappy but is damn funny too. How can you not chuckle at a song with lines like" he's not good kisser cause he cant move his lips"
Grommet!!!!! You all know Im nuts about this band.They NEVER disappoint! Rollling through songs like We are The Pigs,Roadside Bomb,and more from their smash CD Feeding the Hand that Bites.They even premiered a new song for us called Mini Van Man,which for all it growl and frenzy is obviously about us dads who proudly drive mini vans."But, "don't call me soccer mom"!Mr Chudy was particularly "on" even treating the crowd to a bit of a drum solo. Not often you can say a drum solo is a treat eh? Many were even got to chanting the mans name while he was pounding away.If you have not seen them live yet you need to. Im telling you this band feeds off the room. The better the vibe in crowd the better they are so make sure your up there in front dancing , slamming, and singing.
I got pulled out of the stage area to watch the tables during The Cavity Creeps so I only caught the first couple of songs but I cant tell you how happy I was for these guys. They have been through a million guitarists this year and Squirrel's heath issues have left us all concerned he would be up and around let alone performing but he was and he did. Not just good considering ,but as fine as I've ever seen them. The Cavity Creeps always give you a good time are a true blue workin mans band.If the health issues and revolving door of guitarists can hold off for a good bit Squirrel and the boys will continue their march towards being one of the most popular acts in Detroit.
Homeward Bound was up next and may I say they did Toledo proud.This is another band I could see perform all the time and be happy about it. Straight forward rock n roll with the nasty punk edge.These are the guys who are gonna get you drunk till you pass out,steal your girl and take off with her in your 57'Chevy. LOL Really though they succeed where many fail taking their influences and putting into their music with out copying their heroes.You can hear Cash,Social D, and The Clash in there but they don't rip em off.Just remember Detroit Toledo is just 30-min to an hour away either bring to the D more often or come down this way to catch more often.
Death In Custody I totally missed their set... merch table business.
Country Bob and The Bloodfarmers was the last complete set I saw. And all I can manage is a big ole Yeeeeeee hawwwww. Truly twisted ass tunes full of speed driven country fried punk.General Bastard and Tex with the wall o guitars , I think I had a big stupid grin on my face the whole set. I cant tell you when the last time I saw Cliff Hill play drums was but he's gotta be glue that holds the craziness together.Special thumbs up to the whole band for playing with the beach ball with us and not even missing a note. And a huge yeeee fukin hawwww to Tex for donating the very pretty Indiana Electric Acoustic guitar raffled off just after their set.I gotta get this band to Toledo soon.My Toledo friends would go nuts over these guys!
Unfortunately I missed Anti Social Degenerates and The State, which blows because they are 2 two bands not to be missed when playing live. But, I will be seeing alot more od ASD next week as they are doing shows in at Mickey Finns in Toledo and at Smalls in Hamtramck on Sept 19 and 20th. And, Art from the State says they will be playing Rok Bar on 10/24 with Nightbringer here in Toledo. Nightbringer??? Oh yes a must see with these two powerhouses.
What a night! If you missed you missed out. But you can buy the t-shirt and lie and say you were there. www.detroitblueblood.com has them and the $$$ still goes to Children Hospital. Oh and the music you heard between bands, that the compilation sampler we are working on called Even In Our Wrath,Have Mercy on the Children.The sampler has 10 song from various bands, the full CD when it comes out will have between 25-30. You want a sampler give me a shout.
Pictures shot by Heather Sigler of Image 9 Photography will be posted as soon as she done tweeking them and send them my way. Im chomping at the bit to them too so be patient.
Once again people ,thank you and I'm very proud to call you all friends.
He are a few snaps from my camera
Manic's Rage

Satan's Toilet

Grommet

Homeward Bound

Country Bob and The Bloodfarmers

T-shirt

Comp Cover art

Currently listening : 666-Pack By Motochrist

2:28 AM - 7 Comments - 16 Kudos - Add Comment

Interview with Larry Love of Homeward Bound
Current mood: artistic
Category: Music

   My first time seeing this cat Larry Love was watching him play on the back of a flatbed trailer as it went rolling by in a parade. I had been in Toledo for about three weeks and need a music fix, what little I heard was impressive, but loose like only a pro can do it.Like your best hitters never stress even when facing a 100mph fast ball.Homeward Bound is that kinda band too all em. Ive seen em play to a huge adoring crowd,I ve seen battle through equipment problems with 40 people doesnt matter they play it loose and but unleash a powerful smack when the rock n roll starts to flow.
This my brief conversation with Larry , the bands guitar playing vocalist about the bands work on their debut full length CD ( limited edition EP is floating around if you can find it.)The boys are also set to perform at the 2008 Punk Punk Fest for Children s Hospital at the Old Miami in Detroit this( saturday 9/6/08) weekend.If your not already going seeing these boys kick it out is one more reason to go. Toledo has already given the Tigers most of the top notch players on the Mud Hens so why not lend Detroit one of Toledo's best bands for the night.

A> DANNY335-BASS, i've known this guy for a long time,and Ryan has as well. He is very musicialy talented and brings alot to the table.He's played in alot of bands and understands what we're tryin to do. Thanks to him, we had no down time when we lost our old bass player.








Tell us your perspective on the Toledo areas music scene past and where you think it may be headed in the future

So if you do make it out to one of our show's, come up and say hello. We're all about bringing people together.Thank you Larry good luck on the new CD and Saturdays show.
Check out the band here for yourselfmyspace.com/homewardboundband

Currently listening : Extinction: The Second Coming By Nausea Release date: 1993-03-29

11:12 PM - 5 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Book Review- Tour:Smart And Break The Band-By Martin Atkins
Current mood: lazy
Category: Music

You may not know the name Martin Atkins right off the top of your head. Drummers will for sure, industrail/goth/punk fans may. Just in case you don't know the man,here are some of the bands he's played with over the years,Killing Joke,Ministry,Pigface,The Damage Manual, and many many more...Cant think of anything the man has touched that was not a success,influential,or just didn't rock your socks off. This success has led to other ventures for Mr Atkins,a record label known for cutting edge music as well as innovative marketing ,Invisible Records based out of Chicago for over 20 years now, still continues strong under the guidance of Martin Atkins.

His observations,actions, and painstaking attention to detail has led Martin to publish a book called" Tour :Smart and Break The Band.The First Real Book about the Business Of Touring" This book landed on my door step as a part of a package Mr Atkins was kind enough to send for a benefit concert I helping put together so while separating the more expected items of T-shirts and Cd's I came across this massive book .Not being familiar with the fact the man was an author I picked it up and started leafing through it.Three days and several pots of coffee later I'm done reading it and I feel as though I am much smarter for reading it than when I started.Even though I just started booking and promoting local shows ,this book has helped. Why? Becuase it covers so much more than every single aspect you would never think of about touring. I covers, dealing with promoters,clubs,managers, techs, band member needs and desires. It shows how listening,note taking ,hard work and constant follow up will make your show, your band, your tour go much smoother,spend less money and make more money which in the end makes everyone involved alot happier and able to focus on the reason your there in the first place,making music!
The book is pure genius not only because of Martin's invaluable insights but because he enlisted the help and opinions of countless others in the book also, you get advice from such noteworthy road dogs as Adrian Merrill ( the Metal Chef)Jason Pettigrew ( Editor In Chief Alternative Press)Mike Johnson ( Reckless records),Lee Popa ( Soundman -Ministry,KMFDM,Killing Joke) and many others who's wisdom and wit you will only benefit from hearing. Sure the book does speak of budgets that most of us can only dream of having,things are presented on a much larger scale than the average band will ever plan of having but thinking in terms of scaling the project sizes down and just ing using this book and its ideas on a smaller scale will still work for you and your band, show or tour.The cover price says $29.95 and believe me its worth every penny. Applying the ideas within this book , your are going to make that money back in no time
no matter what level of the business you currently are in. Not too mention the book itself will probably be a tax deduction ,but don't quote me on that I don't claim to understand the tax code.
I have to put this book back into the boxes of material going to the benefit but I'll either be purchasing a copy of this book for myself or keeping my fingers crossed that I win the copy back from the raffles.If your in the music business at all in any form you need this book!
Find out more about this book,Martin Atkins, and his many projects at
www.myspace.com/martinatkins or www.invisiblerecords.com

Currently listening : Hollywood Vampires By L.A. Guns Release date: 1991-06-25

5:57 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

New shows and my surgery is done....
Current mood: Trippy
Category: Trippy Music

As some of you may know I ventured into booking and promoting shows. Im doing it under our magazines name which is www.globalpunkreview.com. These shows which will take place the weekend of September 19th and 20th 2008 mean alot to me for a couple of reasons. 1 they are being done with a focus to bring more readers to our zine. It small and growing and I feel by putting together live shows every few months gives myself and our other writers achance to get out there as a group and spread the word to fans that may not have stopped by our web-site before. I feel these two show represent what we are all about too, which is encompassing several forms of real underground music on one bill, well in this case two bills.If you take a look at our website its much the same,punk, I feel is meant to be inclusive not exclusive.
I hope those of you who I've supported over the years, weeks, months will stop by and do the same.Because if this goes well then it should be easier for me to book shows in Toledo and Detroit again so if there is someone you want to see or you want to play here then obviously making it a success would mean alot.

Also ,and not any less important is the 2008 Punk Fest for Children's Hospital. When I was approached to help with this I jumped at the chance. Everyone involved is a pleasure to work with and a blast to hang out with too.Not to mention the cause, you cant get much better than helping kids and their families deal with medical crisis.We wont save the world but we are doing something.Being the one in charge of procuring swag,donations, and other items gives me a chance to see the generous side of Rock n Roll and that is truly a pleasure.This benefit and past ones Ive worked on have told me who has the biggest hearts in Rock n Roll and I am truly grateful to know first hand just who they are out of the spotlight as well as in it.

Lastly to all those concerned my surgery went well today. If you didnt know I went under the knife this afternoon to repair a hernia.Kinda of embarrassing one too, it was an umbilical hernia.Meaning the tissue right below the skin on my belly at some point a few months ago tore open,( most likely during my battle with bronchitis a few months back)this cause my once former innie of a belly button to pop out and become a deformed outie.Yes it was a disturning looking as it sounds.I joked it was a symptom of become too well fed and fat so my turkey timer had popped.But seeing how there are numerous horrible complications if it was left unchecked I got it fixed today. LOL I'll let you see wound pictures tomorrow when the bandage comes off. The pain right now is not real bad,Vicotin is one of natures gifts in this case but we'll see how it is in the morning.
Thats all for now, see you fukkers at Judas Priest/Motorhead next week, No slamming for me though. Not fro a few weeks

Currently listening : No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith By Motorhead Release date: 2001-08-21

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CD/DVD Review- Adrian and The Sickness- Get Up Get Out
Current mood: pissy
Category: Music

What an awesome guitar player can do for a band.Cycle through your rock history,punk history, and so on and you'll quickly agree I think. Even if the guitar play is not a tech breakthrough,as long as he/she is unique, or buzz worthy it can change bands whole dynamic. Find one that can write a song and front the bands vocals ,WOW, you got something special.Such is the case with Adrian and The Sickness.Adrian slings her axe next two an equally powerful bassist ,Heather Webb.Throw in the skin bashing of Nina Sigh and you have a Texas trio that 'll blow those dudes with the funny beards outta the water.
Get Up and Get Out ,titled as such urging folks to get out of the house and experience live music at your local hole,theater where ever...Recorded live at Momo's back in the winter of 2006 this DVD/CD captures a band that is well loved and respected all over the SW U.S. live in front of club crowd that adores them. With great reason too,Adrain puts an an Angus Young like show but with even better solos than the little Aussie can swing.Adrain Conner easily switches gears to rock/punk to country influenced hard pop with ease,and damn the axe just cranks all the way through.No sacrificing the singing either.Come on you know a heavy portion of axe players who sing should shut up and play and let a vocalist handle the singing.
The camera angles all through the DVD which mirrors all the Tracks on the CD are sharp ,clear and entertaining and although Adrian is the front woman in the band they dont scrimp on Heather and Nina time in the spot light either. Does the CD/DVD take the place of seeing them live? NO I doubt it, no band has yet to make me feel like that yet with any release.But, If you lay down some $$$ for this it will wet your appetite to see this band live and hope that they will find there way to your town.
Ive had an enormously hard time picking a favorite track on this CD. really its that good all the way through.If your gonna twist my arm though,Garbage,Rice and Beans, and Wont Be Me are upbeat toe tapping rockers so there are my picks off the CD. The bands treatment of Little Wing at the end of the CD too is an honorable mention, anyone who can pull the song off that well deserves a pat on the back.
Austin Texas is a hot bed of shit hot bands and to make a stand out record like this is one helluva a feat.
Check the band out here:www.myspace.com/adrianandthesickness ... and see if you dont see a feature somewhere soon in a guitar nerd magazine on Adrian Conner.

Currently listening : Kings of Sleaze By Crank County Daredevils

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CD Review- Human Cargo Bloodletting and Breadwinning
Category: Music

Human Cargo a four piece outfit out of college town Bowling Green Ohio, this CD was recorded and produced by local garage rock artist Justin Deininger.The band it self has formed in the summer of 2007.To have a full length( titled Bloodletting and Breadwinning) out in one years time is commendable but... now its my opinion.This band would really pack a BIGGER punch if they moved away form the lo-fi garage production. Im not saying it has to be slick and commercial but the balls are cut right off most of these recordings. The bass and drums are really smoking but in most songs its muddy ,the guitar merely accents this aspect.This effects pretty much the whole CD with the exception of Cocaine is the New Pink and Frostbite Mutiny which have the same production values but the songs and the playing are powerful enough to overcome it.I like the Scratch Acid feel to the music and the vocal delivery is just chaotic enough to keep it interesting. Garage/indie/noise-post punk ... 75% of the time I feel like there is joke going on and no one is letting me in on it.
Betcha this band is completely different live.
You can make up your own mind at www.myspace.com/whydoikeepfuckinup
Picture credit ??? it off their page

Currently listening : Last Great Ride By Dark Carnival Release date: 1997-01-14

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CD Review - The Gravetones - Dig It
Current mood: thirsty
Category: Music

The Gravetones Hail from Chicago and take that midwest-rust belt edge polish it smooth like a saber blade.Jimmy the Butcher on drums,Brad the big bass master on you guessed it Bass, Joey Gravetone playing the monster riffs on guitar and crooning the tunes Scary Larry. This 4 piece take what could be an overplayed and underwhelming form of music - horror-rock/punk and inject some life into it. They do this by not trying to be spooky, sure the subject matter is ther song wise with cuts like On A Pale Horse,Merry Death,Devils Rains but what separates them from most of the herd is that they basically just play good old rock n roll that happens to have some enjoyably ghoulish lyrics. Major props for that! Another thing that caught my ear was the singer Scary Larry similarities to the Phantom Chords era Dave Vanian with the band rocking out like The Humpers.I don't know whether this is intentional or not but the style works for him and the band as a whole.Its just a similarity too not distracting.Stand out songs for me on Dig it ( which is a debut release by the way) are In Cold Blood,Burn Baby Burn,Seven Days,and Who's Your Daddy. Bonus points for doing a song about Ron "the Hedgehog Jeremy too,that takes guts.
All and all a solid debut and would be a few bucks well spent for any rocker, punk,or horror rock fan.

Currently listening : The Best of Captain Sensible: Sensible Lifestyles By Captain Sensible Release date: 1997-07-22

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