iTunes Delivers Another Great .99 Cent Movie Rental With "Ex Machina"

For me, one of the best things about iTunes isn't the free single of the week, because let's face it, much of the music being produced these days isn't that good.  Free or not.  My musical tastes are so erratic that finding something new that I might like is a complete challenge.  Thankfully, iTunes generally delivers unique films for .99 cents every Tuesday.

I neglected to review the brilliant Love and Mercy, I wasn't going to make the same mistake with the creepy and equally disturbing modern take on Frankenstein called Ex Machina.  Prior to renting the film, I'd never heard of it.  Until mid-2015, I was living in an isolated region where we would only get the most popular movies playing the area's theaters.  This is why iTunes is so important, at least for films and especially smaller independent or art house releases.   It's also worth noting that Ex Machina is director Alex Garland's directing debut and the end results seem far more suited for someone who has been calling the shots for years.



Ex Machina's beginning scenes reminded me in a way of the beginning of The Matrix.  Like Keanu Reeves' Neo, Domhnall Gleeson's Caleb Smith is a loner.  He works for a large company where he's a programmer and in the first few minutes of the movie, he wins a contest where the prize is to spend a week at the residence of his elusive boss, Nathan Bateman, played disturbingly by Oscar Isaac.  Both Neo and Smith weren't sure what they were in for but the difference between the two is that in Ex Machina the story is told at a somewhat slower pace and that allows for all sorts of weird and creepy things to unfold keeping the viewer guessing because even when you think you know, you really don't.

(Domhnall Gleeson "Caleb Smith", Alicia Vikander "Ava", Oscar Isaac "Nathan Bateman")

Aside from the initial opening scene in the office where Smith wins the contest where his co-workers congratulate him and the helicopter pilot who transports him to the beautiful area where Bateman's complex is, the film focuses on Gleeson's Smith, Bateman, Ava played by the alluring Alicia Vikander and the silent Kyoko brilliantly played by Sonoya Mizuno.

Caleb is dropped off literally in the middle of nowhere and once the helicopter leaves and flies off into the sky, he realizes this trip may not be all that it's cracked up to be.  He makes his way to Bateman's impressive compound and even though there's no one really there except for Caleb, Bateman, Kyoko and Ava, there's enough security set in place to protect a president or more appropriately, a dictator.  Caleb is even given a key card upon arrival, automatically by a computer of course, to allow him to enter the house and some of the rooms inside, including his bedroom.  Bateman was a programming prodigy and he's had a very interestingly modern yet weird compound.    Caleb has some initial claustrophobic feelings as it's explained to him his room is underground and there are no windows, just a television, but the only program he can watch is the live feed of Ava in her room of glass windows.

(Ava and Caleb during one of the Turing test scenes)

Upon the initial meeting between Ava and Caleb, Bateman explains that he built her and that she's A.I. (artificial intelligence) but that she can think, she can reason and she can ask questions.   Caleb learns that Bateman's motives for holding the contest wasn't to simply meet one of his employees, but it's for Caleb to administer Ava a Turing test.  In the most general terms, Caleb must monitor how Ava thinks, feels and reasons.  At one point he is under the impression that she likes him.  Ava has even been able to manipulate the electrical system in the compound to her advantage, even being able to knock out the Big Brother-esque security camera system throughout for a few moments of time.  This little bit of trickery enables her to get Caleb to truly trust her.    Even though she's a machine, she wears familiar human clothes when she's speaking to Caleb and the loner that he is, starts to fall for her forgetting she was created by a maniac who believes he has god-like qualities.   Caleb's downfall begins when he starts to trust and believe Ava over her excessively and intense creator Bateman.  Bateman is also a drunk which lends itself to the plot but without giving too much away, he catches on to the plan these two have hatched.

(Bateman explaining how he created Ava)

Through all of this Kyoko remains silent as she cannot speak but Mizuno plays her in such a way that words aren't needed.  She's a prisoner and her eyes say everything that words could convey, possibly even more.  At one point, Caleb realize Kyoko is also A.I. as well essentially a slave to Bateman's whim.  Her situation is certainly tragic and the private moment shared between Caleb and Kyoko is sad and creepy as it is revealing the true character of Bateman.  He's an insane genius living in isolation for his own good and the good of society.

(Kyoko and Ava communicating)

The ending was set to be rather predictable, but instead of following the typical formula that would leave the viewer disappointed, you feel two things:  satisfaction that Ava's wish is fulfilled and frustration because Caleb isn't as lucky.

I watched intently throughout and was completely engrossed in this film.  Interestingly filming involved zero special effects, they were all added in post production, so that means there was no green screen and no Gollum-like characters on the screen at any time.  Everything was shot as live action and scenes with Ava were shot twice, with Vikander and without.  This enabled the filmmakers to place her into scenes as the backgrounds and setting were essential to the story.  This technique is certainly something that made you feel as if she was really an operating machine with human features.  Good decision for all involved.

(Ava with Kyoko in the background)

Ex Machina was garnered many accolades and it's easy to see why.  In many ways it's reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Altered States or even Alien as far as character development coupled with the sense of isolation is concerned.  It's disturbing, creepy and one fine motion picture.  They even used over 1,000 particular light bulbs to avoid stereotypical sci-fi florescent lighting.  Special mention needs to be made of the score and soundtrack as the music used and composed for the film was perfect.

Ex Machina (2015) is available now on digital and Blu-Ray platforms.

Writer and Director:  Alex Garland
Starring:  Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, Alicia Vikander, Sonoya Mizuno

Highly recommended:

5 vegan donuts out 5

Sometimes, You Know When It's Time to Say Goodbye

Here I sit on my birthday and while I have spent part of the day reflecting on my past years and thinking about whatever future I have left.  Most of this day and the past few weeks have been spent worrying about one of my two dogs.  Why worrying?  Well, Jazmin is 14 years old in human years, but almost 100 in canine years.  I've enjoyed having her in my life and I hope she feels the same way.

Jazmin or Jazmine or even Jasmine was named by my ex-wife as she was her dog first but before, during and after the sham of a marriage, the dog and I really bonded with each other.  I never would've thought I'd enjoy having a Samoyed (or American Eskimo), but never say never.  Jazmin will always be remembered for doing a few tricks, barking, grubbing food, enjoying rides in the car, getting sprayed with the hose, swimming and her favorite pastime, chasing squirrels!  One time in western Massachusetts, I really  thought she had successfully grabbed a squirrel, but thankfully she hadn't.  Playing "chase the squirrel" is one thing but killing said squirrel was not acceptable whatsoever.

Jazmin

Jazmin was from Los Angeles, that's where I first met her, she was living with my ex-wife's first husband and his family.  Yes, I know, I should've known but at the time I wasn't that bright.  I don't know if I'm any brighter now, but I'd like to think I am but that's another story. 

After thinking about having a dog in the house, I decided Jazmin should come live with us in North Hollywood because she would have more attention even though some days we would be gone for hours working.  Initially Jazmin was unsure of me and living in a new place, but she got acclimated to me and my house.  I learned that Jazmin really liked to chase squirrels and me for that matter, she liked chewing on my ankles when she would attack my feet and shins, she'd like to play wrestle and fight me.  It was hilarious and she'd get really crazy, it was awesome!   She hasn't been able to really do any of that or her up on her hind legs trick where she would twirl around a couple of times in order to get a treat.  I was impressed that she was able to do that.  I taught her to sit with the signing command but not much else.  She hadn't really been trained to do much, but she was exceptionally house trained!   This was definitely a blessing on some long work days.  

Nikki RIP, Cody, Jazmin

Jazmin was quite a character and since she was a snow dog, living in Los Angeles probably wasn't her favorite thing, so when she discovered snow for the first time, she went crazy!  She loved it!  Many days she wouldn't come back inside after I let her out.  She loved chasing the squirrels in the snow and I think the squirrels enjoyed it to to some extent.  When I kept bird feeders along the fence, the squirrels treated it as their own personal Las Vegas buffet.  She would wait patiently, shaking her whole body and when it came time to chase after them, she was like a bat out of hell!  It was hilarious.

Once the marriage was over (thankfully) and the ex-wife finally moved out, Jazmin stayed behind along with Cody the Mini-Pin.  Cody was technically her dog too, but she couldn't have dogs where she moved to and I was certainly not going to let them leave without a fight.  Needless to say, there wasn't a fight and the dogs stayed with me.  

Cody and Jazmin

After suffering at a job that made me miserable for far too long, I decided it was time to leave western Massachusetts for the final time.  I'd reached a creative plateau that really wasn't hard to reach quite honestly and instead of getting frustrated, I had an opportunity to move west and I jumped at it.

Even though Jazmin was a snow dog and Cody could generally leave it rather than take it, I think the move was good for both of them.  I had noticed Jazmin had gotten somewhat older but she really didn't show signs of truly aging until she reached 12 or even 13.  The last few months of her life were really tough for her.  When she stood, sometimes her back legs would shake and she would walk slower.  The pep in her step had started to leave as we were coming up on 7 months of being back in Los Angeles.  When January came around, her eyesight really started to deteriorate and she couldn't maneuver as she once was able to.  Her appetite started to become non-existant, which was certainly unusual for her.  She loved to eat what I was eating and even up until a week before she crossed the Rainbow Bridge, she was barking at me while I was trying to eat.  

Jazmin

Suddenly, it all stopped.

Within days she had stopped eating, her appetite was gone, I had to force her to eat as best I could without being forceful, she couldn't get up to go outside to relieve herself and towards the end, I would have to carry her out and let her walk as much as she could in order to go.  On her last two days of being with me, she hadn't been able to stand and I had to hold her up so she could go.  She was only drinking at this point and not eating.  When she tried to shake herself as she always did, she lost her balance and fell.  Her poor body had all but given up on her.  

Jazmin, Nikki and Cody appear in the "I'd Rather Be With My Dog" music video by Doug Ratner & the Watchmen

I called the vet but even though they told me she might be able to overcome how she was feeling with medication, I couldn't do it.  Jazmin didn't deserve to exist just because I wanted her to.  Nature and her body were telling me something that Jazmin really couldn't.  Her time on this earth was just about done and she wanted to sleep.  I got in touch with my ex-wife and told her the situation and at almost 14 years, Jazmin had a wonderful time, living on both coasts, traveling the USA twice and just enjoying herself as a spoiled dog.

Taking the final "family selfie" in the veterinarian's office wasn't easy to do, but neither was watching Jazmin wonder why she couldn't walk or stand.  Cody and I accompanied her to the vet's and as tough as this was for me, the staff were wonderful.  The vet even hugged me twice and kissed Jazmin as he handled things with such professionalism and compassion it was very admirable.  

She is loved and she is missed every day.

                                                      (me, Cody, Jazmin saying goodbye)                     

Jazmin

Jazmin

Jazmin

Jazmin

Jazmin and Cody getting ready to move across country

Patti Smith Band Performs "Horses" in Los Angeles Jan. 9, 2016 (live review)

                         

Wow.

A simple and yet powerful 3 letter review of living legend Patti Smith and her band performing Horses,  in its entirety, as part of that album's 40th anniversary tour would appropriately be, "wow".  End of review.  If you missed this evening's sold out show or don't have tickets for the tour's final night, you're probably out of luck.

                                       

Upon exiting the Metro, I turned the corner and saw this marquee, which I've seen many times, but tonight, it looked different.  It looked almost magical.  Portions of the sold-out crowd wrapped around the front of the iconic Wiltern giving those passing by the impression that there must be a pretty important performance taking place inside and they would be absolutely correct.

Patti Smith and Her Band or the Patti Smith Band or the Patti Smith Group had no opening act and at this point in time, who could really do an opening slot justice?  Patti wisely chose to perform a set that tipped the 2 hour scale and it was completely breathtaking.

There are many reasons as to why Patti Smith has remained an influential and vibrant force in the arts and tonight's performance was on point pretty much on every level.  As the band took to the stage and picked up their instruments, Smith recited a spoken-word introduction to Horses and then the sold-out audience was treated to fantastic rendition of one of her best known songs, "Gloria" followed by "Redondo Beach", "Birdland" and "Free Money".  As the band finished the final notes of "Free Money", Patti picked up a copy of Horses she had with her on stage and in a lighthearted moment said "back in my day, we would take the needle off the record, turn it over and put the needle back on the groove and continue listening."  The audience showed their appreciation applauding loudly and laughing.  There's no question that Patti has been an influence on countless artists and musicians throughout her lifetime including Nirvana, The Smiths, PJ Harvey, Garbage, Sleater-Kinney, R.E.M., U2 and the list goes on.  Morrissey's live rendition of "Redondo Beach" is quite a testament to Smith's brilliance as a songwriter.

After a very short pause, the band began performing "Kimberly" followed by "Break It Up" (written by Smith and Tom Verlaine of Television about Jim Morrison), where Patti encouraged everyone to sing the title loudly when called upon and they certainly did.  As she finished the next song, "Land" she took a few moments to explain the final track of the Horses album, "Elegie".  Patti said she originally wrote the song with then-frequent collaborator, the late Allen Lanier of Blue Oyster Cult about her idols who were no longer alive at the time, such as Jimi Hendrix.  Interestingly Lanier also performed on The Clash track "Julie's Been Working for the Drug Squad" as well as having worked with the late Jim Carroll.  This was probably the most emotional and personal part of the evening as Patti dedicated the song to everyone in the audience who have lost loved ones, friends and even pets.



Smith then recited a list of her friends who had passed away over the years towards the end of the song including the four original members of the Ramones, Kurt Cobain, Joe Strummer, Janis Joplin, Fred "Sonic" Smith, co-writer Lanier, Robert Quine, Jim Carroll, Lou Reed and her dearest friend artist (and Horses cover photographer) Robert Mapplethorpe.  If there was ever a  moment that you could certainly connect with a legendary artist such as Patti Smith in a room of about 2,000 people, this was the moment.  It was powerful and certainly a wonderful way to close out the first portion of the evening, which was the end of the Horses album.

Patti Smith's incredible backing band included long-time collaborator and Patti Smith Group guitarist, the equally legendary Lenny Kaye, Patti Smith Group drummer Jay Dee Daugherty, bassist and pianist Tony Shanahan who's been performing with Patti since the mid-90s and guitarist and bassist Jack Petruzzelli.

The evening wouldn't be complete without special guests and those included Patti's children Jackson, who provided additional guitars throughout the night and daughter Jesse on piano during songs towards the end of the set.  Flea of The Red Hot Chili Peppers who has performed with Smith in the past, was on stage for some of the post-Horses songs and his signature bass playing is something to witness especially in this sort of environment when he's moonlighting away from the rest of the Chili Peppers.

Together this band of talented musicians backed Smith on such notable songs as "Dancing Barefoot", The Who's "My Generation", "Because the Night" and "People Have the Power"  from her 1988 then comeback album Dream of Life.    During the evening's final song, Patti grabbed a guitar and created some wondrous noise that would make the members of Sonic Youth stand up and worship the stage.  She was wailing on the guitar as she purposely broke strings and really made the audience take note that while she's not getting any younger, she's certainly not getting any mellower either.






Patti thanked many of those in attendance for believing in her including influential producer Jimmy Iovine.  She gave a nod to Elvis Presley, who's birthday it was as she told a funny story of him saying he made a career out of curling his lip and then after some crowd insistence, she also gave a nod to birthday boy David Bowie.

Few albums are worthy of "full album shows" because they can seem gimmicky and almost unnecessary, but an album such as Horses truly captures an era and a time that will sadly never exist ever again.  Even though this was being performed in Los Angeles as part of the anniversary tour, closing your eyes while Patti was singing almost transported you back to New York City in the early 1970s.  It was quite an experience.

Tonight's performance felt like a love letter from Patti Smith to her fans, her band and to those no longer with us.  Smith is a survivor and to witness a performance such as this after reading her brilliant book about the life she shared with Robert Mapplethorpe, Just Kids,  was something that couldn't have been missed.

Tonight's event kicked off my roughly 33rd year of attending concerts and shows that weren't of the classical nature and if it is in the fact the last show I ever attend, what a wild and fun ride it's been.

Here's one last clip celebrating this era and it sums up an incredible lifetime of experiences:  the late Lou Reed, the late Jim Carroll, the late Robert Quine along with a talented band performing Carroll's best know song.

2015, What A Year!

Ch-ch-ch-changes

2015 will go down in my personal history as a transitional year.  A year of transition!  Certainly sounds exciting and it probably is but at the same time, it was stressful.  At my age, having some sort of transition is almost unrealistic, but somehow, after two years of preparation, I was able to pull it off, even if it means, my so-called retirement (a house in western Massachusetts) will be reclaimed by the bank and I'll have nothing.

Side note:  while inexpensive real estate may seem look a good investment on paper or in theory, for me it was the biggest waste and headache.  Unless you get lucky and have access to cheap real estate in a region that has a sustainable economy, you're doomed.  Thinking about it makes me sick and while I am able to continue to live without the burden, it will make my credit almost non-existent.  Whatever, what can you do?  Renting isn't even an option where the house is because the rental market for a house of that size is so bad that I would still have to pay something every month to cover what the potential rent might be to the bank.  More stress.  I think not.  Life has to go on.

January through May was brutal.  I was lucky enough to leave my very unstable position at one of the top-grossing touring ballet companies in North America with my head held high.  Leaving with my dignity was very important to me even if it meant that while they made more money each year based on the hard work of the office staff, they never bothered to share the wealth.  6 people enjoyed "pocket money" totaling about $6.5 million one year and yet the scrubs in the office were without substantial raises for almost 4 years give or take.  Some in the office got a $1 an hour bump here and there, but nothing major that is until a couple of people complained and got a few bucks more, but really that's another story.  No bonuses, even through they were supposedly promised every year.  No Christmas party, no Christmas bonus, no employee appreciation, no "thank you's"....nothing but sour attitudes.  These attitudes made me hate my co-workers, it was disgusting.  After 7 tours, I wouldn't take it anymore and I walked away.

Every May I would fly out to Las Vegas for this wild and crazy event called Punk Rock Bowling and after doing this for as many years that I lived in Massachusetts, I felt it was a waste.  I could just move to Las Vegas for what I paid to go there for 5 days and it almost seemed like an idiotic no-brainer.  I had everything planned out but was stressed I'd be working so much to cover the rent, I'd never see my dogs to let them out and I would've been without a car, so it presented some logistical complications.  I knew western Massachusetts was over for me.  Have you ever lived there?  Where I lived shared more in common with the city on Mars in Total Recall than it did with your average rich out-of-towners' romantic description of the "beautiful Berkshires".  Sure, it's a beautiful area, but try to date some of those underground dwellers and you'll completely relate to my plight.  No thank you!

Go west not-so-young man!

After doing some online snooping around, I happened to notice my old roommate in Southern California was also divorced and he seemed to be living in the same place for all this time and I figured I'd drop him a line even though we hadn't spoken in almost 10 years due to whatever reasons. I saw a clip of him on America's Got Talent farting flames and basically told him that the old man he used as an assistant ruined the assistant character I had developed for the same bit many years earlier. Low and behold, he actually answered me and was glad I got in touch.  After speaking to his current girlfriend and him for a few weeks, they convinced me to pass on Las Vegas and move back to North Hollywood to the same house that I had already lived in for almost 6 years before my parents died and I moved out into a condo.  Without much hesitation, I said "yes!".

To make this long story short, I reserved and paid for the U-Haul, had a couple of yard sales, hired a contractor who'd get paid once the house sold (see above, that probably isn't happening), saw a few people I told about my exit and then set forth on packing the truck.  What a nightmare!  But, it got done more or less.  Not everything I thought was on the truck was actually on the truck, this is what I get for having "help", but I digress.  Anyway, whatever didn't fit, got left on the sidewalk and no sooner than I made my final exit from Parker Street did the vultures or my "friends" come by and pick through my stuff for buried treasures.  If there was this much enthusiasm for what I left behind, it would've been nice if these "friends" supported the events I put together or the store I had to close down because it was virtually ignored, but again, that's another story.

The dogs and I had a great trip.  I have vacationed alone and driving across the country was just as enjoyable.  I guess I'd rather do whatever it is I do with the dogs in tow then have to converse with someone for the duration of a vacation.  The dogs are happy to be with me anyway and don't care if we drive for 12 hours a day or sleep in.

We made it to North Hollywood on Friday afternoon (after leaving at 1pm on Monday by the way) in time for me to make it to the first night of bowling on  Sunday.  Priorities I tell you, priorities.  Since being back I've managed to catch some incredible concerts and I will tell you about them.  I've also discovered the joys of being a vegan (or almost vegan) in Los Angeles in 2015 and beyond.  Whereas in far western Massachusetts, it was a huge pain to try to live as a vegan, in Los Angeles, it's almost too easy that it's funny.   I love it and I love being back.  I've rewound my life like you would rewind your favorite mix tape made for you by someone who had a crush on you or who wanted to expose you to some new and exciting sounds.

It's great to be back and hot damn, I love LA!

Andy
December 29, 2015

PS.  Coming soon are reviews of a slew of concerts, plays, movies and places where I like to eat.

ANYTHING BELOW THIS POST IS OLD by a few years and simply here for nostalgia purposes.

Promoter Profile: Mike Black n' Blue (Albany NY)

I often say when it comes to promoting concerts, shows, bands or whatnot that "I"m too stupid to quit".  This sentiment seems to ring true for me all the time, yet I often wondered what my fellow promoters felt about this seemingly never ending game of running around and hustling.  There's no rhyme or reason to the order of which these interviews will appear, but I am trying to post them in the order that they were sent back.

From what I know about Mike Black n' Blue, he is a stand up guy....a rather tall and intimidating stand up guy, but a stand up guy nonetheless.   Mike has brought Bogie's in Albany NY back from the dead and has continued to promote at other venues in the region as well.

FYI:  Interview format is strictly "question and answer" to expedite things.

At what point in your sane life did you decide to book your first show?  Was it for your own band or your friend’s band?

MBNB:  I decided it was time around 2003.  There seemed to be a lack of good hardcore in the upstate/Albany region. Previously, I booked all my own shows that were metal/hardcore in the 90's, it wasn't consistent though.

How did you mentally prepare for your first show?  Was it a major event where you had to rent a hall or something completely under the radar in a basement? 

MBNB:  Menatlly prepare?? Haha, no, didn't need to mentally prepare, it was my band at the time and I new it would be a good draw........until I got ripped of by the club owner.  I'm not going to trash talk and it shall rename nameless as to where it was.

Was there frustration within the local scene where you were at the time that was the major catalyst for throwing all caution (and sanity) to the wind to get into promoting bands?

MBNB:  Oh there's still frustration, it's an uphill battle but at the time, it was very frustrating. I owned the Hudson Duster in Troy NY in 2003 and I wanted to see Murphy's Law but was sick of paying a lot at other venues.  I did a $5 show, it was packed and I knew the bar would do great!  

What has changed within the scene locally or on a larger scale from when you first started?

MBNB:  For one, the scene is real clicky now. There's a lot of "self-entitled" assholes out there who make it a point to be known. Before Facebook and even My Space, people actually went out to try and see what the bands were about. Now what I've been seeing is that if it doesn't have 5000 likes they discard it. 

What is the most frustrating aspect of promoting, dealing with venues/spaces and bands?  Does anything stand out?

MBNB:  That's easy, money.  Everyone from bands, to patrons, to booking agents think you make a million and you're loaded.  That's BULLSHIT. This is a hobby and not a living.  I will accept a certain amount of loss but when people abuse that, and give you unwanted cost on top of your loss (ie: lawsuits, damage, bad attention, etc), its extremely frustrating.  The bands DON'T work half as hard as they used to, it's a fact.

On the flipside, what has been the most satisfying aspect of promoting?

MBNB:  That's easy, the kids saying thanks!

Did you ever consider stopping this altogether or do you feel that you enjoy the good and the bad?

MBNB:  Honestly, I want to quit once a week. It's an addiction though.  

Who would be the band or performer you’ve only dreamed about booking?  What would be your fantasy show of bands currently touring?  

MBNB:  I'd love to get Hatebreed or even Slayer in a small club, like Bogie's, for a private show inviting a select group of 100 kids that are worthy of such a show.

Booking agents run the entire spectrum, any fun (or not so fun) stories of dealing with any in particular (without naming names of course)?

MBNB:  Agents for the most part are the devil.  Most of the expenses that I have are because of them but at the same time, in order to get some of the bands in here, they're a necessary evil unfortunately.

If you could change one thing about the scene as a whole, what might that be?

MBNB:  That's easy, two things really.  Lower prices and scene unity.

Have you ever considered scaling back operations and booking less/booking more/keeping things the same?

MBNB:  I try to book quality not quantity for certain genres, but I run a club so scaling back is not an option when it comes to paying the bills.

Do you find yourself ever working with bands or performers because you like them as people but don’t like their music?  How do you handle the diplomacy?  

MBNB:  This is something I have to do all the time.  I am a sucker for a polite band and will try to package them differently if they are a bad draw.  Diplomacy only goes so far and eventually they will hate me for whatever reason.

Promoting in general seems to be getting more challenging as technology advances, where do you see the future of promoting headed?

MBNB:  Pretty soon people won't leave their house at all.  Even less than they do now because it's all on the computer.  Maybe they'll pay $5 to watch while you have a drink all while watching on your laptop.  It's sad, but I can see that day coming.  CBGB's ** actually did live streaming of their shows.

Mike is bringing many bands up to the Capital Region and beyond this summer, be on the look out for what he's got cooking.  Check them out there http://www.upstateblacknblue.com/ 
Both Black Flag and Agnostic Front are playing in June! 

**This is not one of CBGB's archived live streams as best I can tell, their streams had more fixed camera footage than anything else.  I could be wrong.

Punk Rock Bowling 2013 Countdown

If you've never been to Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas NV, it might not be a bad idea to try and get there this year. 

More later, but expect this to be as intense and just as fun with a few thousand of your closest friends!

Hey, It's Been Awhile.....Are You Still Here?

Hey, It's Been Awhile.....Are You Still Here?

Yes, RSR is still here in some form or another.  Quite honestly wasting too much time on Facebook is hardly conducive to actually writing.  Going back to a print format is completely unrealistic for me at this point because I don't have the time to devote to putting out issues with any regularity.  I'll leave the big thick annuals to The Big Takeover who do it the best as far as I'm concerned.  I've been reading this great (maga)zine for years now.  

In order to remain somewhat current, I've reviewed a few of the more notable releases I've picked up and performances of seen within the past few months.  Some were here in Pittsfield, some were not.  Some of the releases were sent by the record labels, some were bought from stores (yes!) or from bands on the road.  Please comment on anything you agree or disagree with.  Comments are always interesting to read even if the original source doesn't share the same opinion.

Andy

Liveage

Iron Reagan

Bogie’s-Albany NY

February 20, 2013

I’m a fan of the Municipal Waste side-project No Friends so I was bit disappointed to hear they were basically finished due to a member moving across country.  However, I was really looking forward to seeing Iron Reagan, which features members of Municipal Waste and Darkest Hour, at free show in Albany.  We arrived just as a band finished but it was still early.  Next thing you know, after a very short break singer Tony Foresta grabbed the mic and said “We’re Iron Reagan, thanks for coming out” and then the band tore into a blistering set of crossover thrash fused with punk rock that was actually different than that of Municipal Waste.  While the bands are similar, they’re very different.  I don’t know how to explain it, but they ripped through their set to a small but appreciative crowd who took a chance on seeing a relatively new band on tour in support of their debut LP.  The songs retain some of the comic nature of Municipal Waste, but for the most part its completely different experience to see Iron Reagan.  I like this band quite a bit and hope they’re able to stick around longer than No Friends.

Cockney Rejects/Youth Brigade/Dan Webb & the Spiders/OC45

Middle East (downstairs)-Cambridge MA

February 23, 2013

After a long ride to Boston, it gets to be a longer drive as you get older trust me, we grabbed some amazing grub and then headed over to the Middle East to catch what was anticipated to be a great night of punk rock featuring co-headliners Youth Brigade and the UK’s Cockney Rejects.  I’d seen both bands in 2012 at the Punk Rock Bowling kick-off party in Las Vegas so it was a treat to catch them both again.  Locals OC45 started things off in fine fashion and started to build up the energy in the growing crowd gathering in the basement of the Middle East.  I’d seen OC45 and this time the sound was much better than before and therefore I felt this performance was much more memorable as they showcased their best before the hometown audience.  The relatively unknown (at least for a punk rock show anyway) Dan Webb & the Spiders took the stage after a short break and closing my eyes for a moment while they played I felt like I was back at that Buffalo Tom show I saw back in the early 1990s at CBGB’s.  While I like Buffalo Tom, I wouldn’t expect them to be on the same bill at any of the other three bands and that’s exactly what I thought about Dan Webb & the Spiders.  Not bad, but Dumptruck wasn’t the headliner.  Come to find out that Dan Webb actually works at the Middle East and the rest of the obvious fell together.  When Shawn Stern says to me “this band has no business being on this show” one can’t help but agree.  Youth Brigade’s much anticipated return to Boston was met with loud cheers and the band tore through many classics from Sound & Fury as well as Happy Hour and To Sell the Truth.  “Where Are Old The Old Man Bars?” (accompanying video clip of Youth Brigade features Joey on bass and Johnny second guitar from Old Man Markley) from their split with the Swingin’ Utters was a surprising favorite of the night as everyone for the most part was singing along as was I who doesn’t even drink.    The legendary Cockney Rejects brought the evening to a fine close as they played hit after hit and had the nearly capacity crowd singing along and dancing wildly throughout their set.  After seeing them 3 times within a year’s time, it’s great to see them still performing and having fun while doing so when they could easily go through the motions to collect a hefty guarantee.  Not these guys, they’re the real deal and if you missed them, don’t let that happen again.

Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls/The Sidekicks

Pearl Street (upstairs)-Northampton MA

March 2, 2013

You know your life is busy with all kinds of random details when you completely forget about a show until 2pm in the afternoon on the day of the show in question.  That was the case with Frank Turner and the Sidekicks in Northampton and had I missed this show I would’ve been extremely mad at myself.  I had no idea Frank Turner was so popular and after finding a good spot it became increasingly obvious that Pearl Street upstairs was going to sell out.  The last time I’d seen it this crowded was for Public Image Limited a few years ago.  That I understood, this was quite impressive, I still think of Frank Turner as relatively new to the States at least as far as radio airplay goes, but then again, I live in Pittsfield Mass which certainly isn’t the hotbed of any sort of music scene or alternative rock radio.  The Sidekicks were the sole openers and the last time I’d seen them was when I booked them in Pittsfield and they played to a good crowd for The Room but I wasn’t expecting them to take command of the stage at Pearl Street as they did and they sounded incredible!



It was great to see them play their set and there were people there actually there for them and they were singing along to many of their songs.  The Sidekicks remind me of early Soul Asylum, mid-period Husker Du, The Replacements and even classic Cheap Trick.  They were fun to see and a perfect compliment to Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls well-deserved headlining slot.  Frank took command of the Pearl Street stage like an old friend and from the first note, the crowd sang along as if this was a much smaller, more intimate performance.  I would expect this is probably about as intimate as you can currently get as if this show was any indication, Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls did us a favor by playing such a small venue compared to the rest of their tour.  Turner's set consisted of material from all his solo albums and it was great so see him in this setting. 

Teenage Bottlerocket/The Prozacs/Nice Try Kid/On the Shoulders of Giants

Chameleon’s-Pittsfield MA

March 4, 2013

Monday night shows are always an odd thing in Pittsfield; and tonight was no exception.  One never knows what to expect when you walk into a club to catch the first band.  Sure there are a few bodies but then the next thing you know, halfway through On the Shoulders of Giants’ set, the place became packed!  OTSOG played a couple of covers but most of their material was from their debut album and they sounded great.  I’ve seen this band a bunch over the past year and they’ve really come into their own as one of the younger but better bands in the local scene.  The same can also be said about Nice Try Kid, they just keep getting better and better.  You can tell they don’t just practice for a show; they are working on songwriting as well as their live performance.  Both of these bands are forces to be reckoned with.  The quasi-local quartet called The Prozacs were the next band to play and their lightening fast pop-punk was the perfect appetizer before the main course of Teenage Bottlerocket.  The current line-up that features Matty, Jay, John and Jon have started to work on new material and they busted some of it out tonight.  Good stuff right there.  People drove from all over the region, which always surprises me, for Teenage Bottlerocket’s first appearance in far western Mass it was well worth it.  TBR played songs off all of their albums and the crowd was singing and dancing to everything they played.  It was so exciting to see them in a small club as I’d only seen them once before in a larger outdoor venue at Punk Rock Bowling.   With all of the touring this band does it’s no surprise the set was virtually flawless and it was an honor to have them play in the middle of nowhere to a near capacity crowd on a Monday.    They gave it 110% from start to finish and this is why Teenage Bottlerocket are one of the best touring bands currently on the road today. 

Urban Waste/The FU’s/Dead Aces/Aggressive Response

Bogie’s (front stage)-Albany NY

March 23, 2013

I had many reservations about attending this show and it had nothing to do with DYS dropping because their guitarist quit for another gig.  It had to do with other reasons and I guess I was dragging my feet a bit and missed Aggressive Response.  I’m sure I’ll convince them to play Pittsfield, so all is not lost.  The front room at Bogie’s leaves a lot to be desired, sure you can see fine, but it’s a weird set up.  Instead of walking in the door to the merch area, you walk in the door and it’s like “hello, you’re smack dab in the middle of a show!”  Not a fan of that so much and sound was sub-par as the only speaker was the one in the far left hand corner against the men’s room wall.  Vocals were definitely difficult to hear over the sonic assault of any of the instruments.  Dead Aces tore through a set of old favorites and a couple of new songs, but the sound was problematic and distracting.  The band was tight and it’s a shame you couldn’t really hear the vocals.  Seeing The FU’s was something I’d been looking forward to since I heard from Zack Danger that the band was well worth seeing.  The FU’s faced the same sound issues as Dead Aces and while they put on a great show, it was difficult to hear James’ voice over the rest of the band.  I’d love to see these guys again under different circumstances.  NYHC pioneers Urban Waste are still working hard and the multiple member changes in recent years hasn’t changed their sound as much as one might think.  Guitarist Johnny Waste is the sole remaining original member and is the main constant in keeping the sound of the band heavily rooted in the classic NYHC sound.  Even the new material sounds like you’d expect from Urban Waste.  Even without DYS, this was still worth checking out even with the sound issues.

CJ Ramone/The Damaged/Hijinx/Dead Aces/The Poncherellos

Chameleon’s-Pittsfield MA

March 24, 2013

It had been at least 10 years since I last saw the Ramones when they finally broke up.  I hadn’t made it to Los Angeles yet and seeing them hang it up after one last show would’ve certainly been bittersweet but it wasn’t to be.  I missed it.  After the deaths of Joey then Dee Dee and finally Johnny I knew it was definitely over.  There would be no more Ramones with the exception of tributes here and there but the band was gone forever.  To make a long story short, this is what I thought until I started hearing that one of the four surviving Ramones, who wasn’t a drummer by the way, was currently playing some Ramones’ songs live and I had to find out more.  After trying to book CJ Ramone for almost 4 years, it finally happened.  CJ Ramone was coming to Pittsfield and bringing two members of the Adolescents with him:  Steve Soto and Dan Root (Dan also sang for One Hit Wonder who released four albums between 1994 and 1998).  I know Steve is no slouch and if he’s attached to a project, it’s going to be good and hot damn, it was awesome.  Okay, I’m getting ahead of myself.  The first band to play are the longest running local punk band of all time, The Poncherellos and they played their first show in almost a year.  They must’ve been practicing as Jonny, Plaid, Mugy and Andy played a great set of 11 songs from their never-to-be-released Reach the Beach album.  It was a short but sweet set, I think it lasted 15 minutes.  Troy NY’s Dead Aces took the stage next and played a great set of working class punk anthems that also included a couple of songs not on their most recent album.  The sound this night was much better than the night before and it showed, the band sounded great.  Upstate NY’s Hijinx were next to play and they always put on a good show tonight being no different.  They’re fun to watch.  Local bootboys, The Damaged really got the crowd moving and ready for the night’s headliner.  This was one of the band’s best sets recently and you could hear Colin’s vocals perfectly.  The rest of the band was tight and the packed crowd at Chameleon’s was into it.  The guest of honor and his band was finally ready to play some of the songs many in attendance had never seen live as they were too young to have seen the Ramones before.  Others there had seen the Ramones many times and even one fan drove all the way from Quebec for this.  I only drove from across town but it was worth it, I would’ve driven for hours if it were in the cards.  CJ Ramone, Steve, Dan and Mike ripped through what seemed like 3 full albums worth of material from the Ramones’ catalog including many songs I’d never heard live before.   The songs they played off his soon-to-be released album Reconquista were fantastic as well.  One of the highlights was “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” which CJ said he never got to play before because “as you all know, Johnny hated Joey and if you sang love songs you were a pussy” and with that the band started to play it and everyone sang it with them.  When finished it was “1-2-3-4” into “Glad to See You Go”, touché!   After they finished their set, CJ explained they’re not going to walk off and come back; instead they’ll just keep playing.  After those couple of songs, the packed room wouldn’t let them leave and after a short discussion, they played two more songs.  Finally, after what seemed like 30-40 songs, they were done.  It was awesome!  If you have a chance to see CJ, do it, it was one of the best times I’ve had in a quite a while.

Tuneage

CD’s

Bad Religion-True North

Epitaph Records

Generator was the last Bad Religion album I reviewed in a publication.  Back in the old days, Epitaph sent vinyl LPs for reviews as that was my preference over CDs and now years later, I received my review copy via email because I needed to make a deadline.  While time and technology have changed the music business for the rest of eternity, thankfully any change that may have come to Bad Religion have in fact made them one of the best punk rock bands of all time.  Bad Religion have managed to overcome challenges that would most certainly break up other bands who couldn’t handle the pressures of the curve balls pitched by life on a daily basis.  True North kicks off in high gear with the solid title cut and shows no signs of letting up throughout the 16 tracks.  It’s high energy without redundancy and there’s enough variety without Bad Religion losing any of what makes them great.  “Crisis Time” comes to mind as one of my favorite tracks on the album, it’s almost like a pop song, but not pop-punk or even a true pop song, but there are elements of song structure that is different for a band like Bad Religion and they hijack it and make it their own.  “Robin Hood in Reverse” is another favorite.  It’s all there: the solid drumming, the “ooh’s” and “aah’s”, the urgent bursts of guitar solos, a solid vocal performance by Greg Graffin and all out music attack by this well established band.  Trends have come and gone and for the most part Bad Religion show no signs of letting up.  Of course they can’t do it forever, but if they keep releasing albums like True North, I’d like to see them try!

Off With Their Heads-Home

Epitaph Records

Off With Their Heads kick off their second release on Epitaph with the excellent modern punk rocker “Start Walking” and don’t leave much to be desired.  This album is one of my favorites from OWTH and the buzz that has been surrounding Home actually rings true.  It’s that good if not better than expected.  Ryan Young is the nucleus of the band and his cohorts this time around are long-time member bassist Robbie Swartwood and drummer Justin Francis.  A tip of the hat goes to the team at the Blasting Room who can add another notch to their bedpost with this one.  They’ve captured a band reaching their stride with just the simple formula of guitar, bass, drums and solid vocals throughout.  That’s rock n’ roll and this is already in contention for album of the year as far as I’m concerned.  “Focus On Your Own Family”, “Stolen Away”, “Alter Boy” and “Don’t Make Me Go” are definite favorites on Home….actually, all of the tracks are favorites.  Scrap that last sentence.  An unexpected surprise is a rerecording of an early OWTH favorite “Janie”.  Under normal circumstance I can’t stand when bands rerecord newer versions of older songs, but this actually works.  Janie” was a favorite on All Things Move Towards Their End and it’s a favorite here too.  You won’t be disappointed; I endorse this album 500%.

Alkaline Trio-My Shame Is True

Epitaph Records

When bands release a song here and there prior to the release of their album being released, I get nervous.  It’s kind of like a movie preview, is this the best part?  Does the rest of the album stink?  In the case of Alkaline Trio and the constant amount of any criticism they get at this point in their career, it’s tough not to think the worst.  However, and it’s a big however, My Shame Is True is a perfect follow-up to This Addiction in that it retains the classic AK3 sound at the same time allowing their mature song-writing to show through.  At this point for Matt, Dan and Derek when they get together as Alkaline Trio, it has to be like putting on your favorite t-shirt or pair of jeans.  The songs are fun, dark and even somewhat mischievous, which is what you’d expect from Alkaline Trio.  “Kiss You to Death”, “I, Pessimist” (featuring Tim of Rise Against), "I Wanna Be A Warhol" (see below) and “I’m Only Here to Disappoint” are stand-outs but to be fair, this is another case where the album wasn’t rushed and My Shame Is True is a solid performance from a band that people hold near and dear to their hearts.

Dropkick Murphys-Signed and Sealed in Blood

Born and Bred Records

Did you know the Dropkick Murphy’s are from Boston?  Did you know they’re Irish?  Of course you did, but did you know that Signed and Sealed in Blood is actually a solid throwback to the sound that made them a one of the best underground bands within the past 15 years?  Probably not and I am always skeptical of any DKM release, I’m not Irish, I don’t live in Boston, so why would I care?  Long before they were Boston’s unofficial mascots, the Dropkick Murphys released some great albums and singles that had little to do with either really.  As they started to incorporate more traditional sounds into their punk rock, it became increasingly obvious they were in for the long haul.  They were no longer only appealing to the punk and skinhead demographic; they had their sights set on bigger audiences.  Bands can never keep releasing the same record and at first look Signed and Sealed in Blood is just another Irish-punk record, but after multiple listens, the Dropkick Murphys have managed to keep things fresh, yet familiar and definitely not dull.  Some songs are serious in nature, but many of them share a sing-a-long fun quality that the album doesn’t get bogged down in one theme.  “Burn” is a great fun up-tempo song that follows the album’s first single “Rose Tattoo”, which is good but it’s one of the weaker songs on the record.  “Out on the Town” is another favorite.  This is the first album I’d actually listened to since Blackout and the Tessie EP and it’s safe to say this was worth the wait!

Various Artists/Sound City-Reel to Reel

Roswell/RCA Records

For those who don’t know, Sound City-Reel to Reel is the official soundtrack to Dave Grohl’s documentary about the famous recording studio in Los Angeles.  Grohl assembled a who’s who of musicians that recorded at Sound City and while you’d never expect to find Rick Springfield, Stevie Nicks and Pat Smear on the same album, it actually works and works well I might add.  There have been reviews all over the spectrum for this and while I’m not surprised, I am surprised that I like most of it.  Some of the tracks on here remind of 70’s AOR (album-orientated-rock) radio, but that’s not to say it’s a bad thing, it actually brings me back to my youth (yes, I’m that old).  Hearing Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac backed by the Foo Fighters and Wallflowers on one song and then Rick Springfield with the Foo Fighters and Pat Smear of the Germs/Nirvana brought a smile to my face.  The Rick Springfield track, “The Man That Never Was”, is one of the best on the album.



Another one of my favorites is the Lee Ving track “Your Wife Is Calling”, the Paul McCartney/Nirvana track “Cut Me Some Slack” and the almost 8-minute album closer from Josh Homme, Trent Reznor and Grohl called “Mantra”.  This album goes hand and hand with the Sound City documentary and any music fan of good rock n’ roll should check out either.  This CD couldn’t include everything, which is the only downside for sure.

David Bowie-The Next Day

Columbia Records

Every hipster doofus under the sun is going to say, “the new David Bowie album is amazing!  It’s a crucial listen!”  Now I don’t disagree, but come on.  The Next Day is a very good album at this point I wasn’t expecting much because quite honestly, Tonight was so bad I had written him off at that point. Okay, to be fair, I did like that “Under the God” song by Tin Machine, but that’s about it.  Most of the hipsters feigning excitement about The Next Day weren’t even born when Bowie was all over MTV in the 80's so I really don’t know what they’re comparing this too.  You can’t compare this to classic Bowie because that is in it’s own category.  But The Next Day is a great follow up to Scary Monsters and that’s how I see it.  David Bowie pulled a fast one and not only did he record an album in secret but he recorded an album I have listened to multiple times.  In the day and age of shuffle that says a lot.  He thankfully ignored current musical trends and stuck to what he knows best and for this we’re grateful.

Chelsea Light Moving-s/t

Matador Records

My key source for disappointment with Chelsea Light Moving’s self-titled debut is that while it sounds like Sonic Youth, it’s not Sonic Youth even though this is Thurston Moore’s new project.  I have been a Sonic Youth fan since picking up the noise-filled Sonic Death release on cassette many, many years ago and stuck with them through the end.  There was no farewell tour in North America, just some inactivity and then it was over.  This album signifies that Sonic Youth is truly over and instead of Moore releasing another solo album, he formed a new band and almost picks up where his previous band left off. He assembled a top-notch band featuring musicians who have recorded for Moore’s Ecstatic Peace label.  Moore covers guitars and vocals with Samara Lubelski on bass, Keith Wood on guitar and John Moloney on drums. It’s hard not to compare Chelsea Light Moving with Sonic Youth and the differences are slight as there’s feedback, unique arrangements and of course Moore sometimes singing and sometimes not.  "Alighted", "Empires of Time" and "Burroughs" are 3 stand out tracks, but it's even tough to pick stand outs when the entire release is worth listening to repeatedly.  There are 9 originals and a cover of the Germs’ classic “Communist Eyes” that rounds out this great but bittersweet debut.  Moore has moved on in his career with Chelsea Light Moving, let's hope for a long chapter.

NOFX-Self Entitled

Fat Wreck Chords

How a band this old manages to be so prolific without writing a slew of lousy songs on equally lousy records is beyond me.  Fat Mike may be the most revered and hated man in punk rock depending upon the week, but hot damn, he writes great lyrics with Erik, Eric and El Hefe coming through with solid arrangements and musicianship.  Those following along will appreciate some of the dare I say, self-reflective lyrics of who are we kidding, not-so-fat Fat Mike.  If he’s fat I must be a blimp.  Anyway, “I, Fatty” and “I’ve Got One Jealous Again, Again” are fun but at the same time deal with somewhat heavy subject matter at least for NOFX.  If you love NOFX, you’ll dig Self Entitled and if you’re not too familiar with them, but at this point who isn’t, this is actually a good place to start.

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds-Push the Sky Away

Bad Seed Ltd.

I was lucky enough to get a limited edition copy of the new Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds and it’s beautiful.  It comes in a book with the CD inside the front cover and a DVD that I haven’t watched yet, inside the back cover.  This isn’t a soft cover edition either; it’s a hardcover book with heavy paper stock filled with photos and copies of original handwritten lyrics, not a cheap item to say the least.  Nick Cave has been one of my favorite artists for decades first with The Birthday Party and then with whatever he was doing since.   He’s been most prolific with the Bad Seeds and this album, like the new David Bowie release, Push the Sky Away is exactly what this world of fly by night hit makers and songwriting teams needs from a veteran artist:  one of the best albums of the year!  If any band has defined this style of darkwave or gothic music it’s Mr. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds.  Cave’s haunting vocals and the arrangements the Bad Seeds have created are excellent.  I love this album!

Teenage Bottlerocket-Freak Out!

Fat Wreck Chords

TBR continue to do what they do best on their latest Fat Wreck Chords release Freak Out!  14 tracks of aggressive pop-punk that’s a must for any fan of the Ramones, The Queers, The Dickies, Danzig-era Misfits, Zero Boys and NOFX.  Teenage Bottlerocket have refined their sound but they’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, they do what they do because they can do it extremely well and sound like they’re having a blast at the same time.  If a band can write songs that have you trying to sing along before you’ve even finished hearing the song for the first time, then that’s a very good sign.  Great album in Teenage Bottlerocket’s discography!

Mike Watt & the Secondmen-Hyphenated Man

Clenched Wrench/Org Music

Technically this release is a couple of years old, but really at this point, what’s old and what’s new? In the digital age it's rather daunting to try and keep up with what your favorite musicians are doing, it’s nearly impossible to keep up.  Mr. Mike Watt has been writing and recording music since the early 1980s and he’s still innovative 30 years later showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.  I was lucky to catch fIREHOSE a few times before they called it quits just after leaving SST for Sony/Columbia.  I wasn't lucky enough to see any fIREHOSE reunion shows but did catch Watt’s first solo tour for his Ball-Hog or Tugboat, a Minutemen set at the Flipside reunion (with an empty mic in place to honor D. Boon) and then oddly enough a couple times in the Punk Rock Karaoke band in Los Angeles.  I think he finds himself most comfortable in a trio situation and Hyphenated Man is a mammoth 30 song rock opera of sorts that sounds like the lost album never recorded by the Minutemen.  I love the chemistry between Watt and his band comprised of Tom Watson on guitar and Raul Morales on drums, the fury of the Minutemen is still there, somewhat aged, but still thankfully in tact.  Free and clear of the major label grasp, Watt handles bass and vocal duties with a sense of determination and purpose that's clearly for the fun of it rather than because he's in need of fulfilling contractual obligations.



Without spelling it out, this is a fine tribute to his past while looking into the future.  You can listen Hyphenated Man out of sequence on shuffle or song by song but that would clearly defeat the purpose.  This is an album intended to be listened to from start to finish.  The longest songs are just over 2 minutes and Watt’s story telling and the band's musicianship is a pleasure to listen to in the 21st century.  If you can catch them live, don't hesitate by thinking twice.  

CLASSIC PUNK CLIP FOR NO REASON

Why not?  Here's a classic from The Big Boys with some great vintage footage of this pioneering band.  If you don't know them, well, watch and learn, that's all I can say.