Hey...welcome back to another edition of Duane’s Pit Stop. For this week's edition we have tons of news of bands that are touring around your neck of the woods as well as new album releases. I also wanted to add some questions that a lot of readers have been asking about me, like who the hell am I and what the hell do I know about music. Well, I am a musician who is currently a very well known harmonica player in the Los Angeles area. I often sit in on live gigs with pro jazz players and old Bluesmans. As odd as it may appear, I have always loved Punk Music from the times I used to compete in skateboarding competitions around Southern California in the early 80s (Once came in 2nd behind Tony Hawk in 1980.). And I have earned all of my punk rock credits from day One. Hell, I used to be that crazy bastard who would jump off the Hollywood Palladium balcony onto the pit. I was once present to viewing a Dee Dee Ramone drug binge and let me tell you..it wasn’t pretty. Hell, I used to sit for hours on end at battles of the bands at various venues in the Los Angeles area. I've left half my liver at Al’s Bar.
Punk is good. With that in tow, lets get busy.
Q and Not U and Black Eyes - have wrapped up the first leg of a major US tour accompanied in different regions by El Guapo, Antelope, and French Toast (among others). The tour continues through mid October and dates are listed here. Many of the shows so far have sold out so make sure to show up early or buy tickets in advance when possible.
El Guapo - have just started a European tour in Germany. They will also be playing in Belgium, France, possibly Spain and Portugal then ending with 2 weeks in Italy. Black Eyes start their European tour in November; dates for both tours are listed on the tour page.
We have New Dischord Records releases! -
DIS 137CD/LP - Lungfish "Love is Love"--The Lungfish music band is now operating in its fifteenth year. "Love is Love" is their 10th album and was recorded with Ian and Don at Inner Ear Studios. The band has been more active on the road this year than any time in recent memory, playing shows on both US coasts, and just wrapped up a very well received 10 day tour in the UK.
Radio CPR "Begin Live Transmission" DIS 136CD - This is a benefit CD compilation produced by and in support of Radio CPR (Community Powered Radio), a microbroadcast station serving the Mt Pleasant, Columbia Heights, Petworth, and Adams-Morgan neighborhoods of Washington, DC. Unlike a standard compilation, this CD plays like a radio show. It features a cross section of culturally diverse musicians and bands from the neighborhoods served by Radio CPR, as well as broadcast excerpts, station IDs, and interviews that are representative of the station's radical approach to reclaiming the airwaves from hyper-commercial forces and re-orienting them toward causes of community action and social justice.
Q and Not U "X-Polynation/Book of Flags" DIS 141CDsingle/7" - This single has two fantastic new songs and was released to coincide with their current US tour. The band also continues writing new material and hope to enter the studio later this winter to record a new full-length.
Minor Threat "First Demo Tape" DIS140 CDEP/7"- A rough mix of this demo has appeared on bootlegs over the years, but this is the first time that the master tapes have been made available with an approved mix. We are also nearing the release of the Minor Threat "Live DVD" (November 10th)-Dischord starting working on releasing the 930 show on DVD, which involved going back to the source tape and cleaning up the picture and sound, as well as finding other materials. Along with the 40 minute 930 performance, the DVD includes a 35 minute video of a 1982 Minor Threat show in Camden, NJ, a 12 minute clip of Minor Threat's second ever show (DC Space, December 1980), and excerpts from a 1983 interview with the vocalist, Ian MacKaye.
Beauty Pill - are currently working on final touches to their upcoming full-length, "The Unsustainable Lifestyle." We hope to have this record out early next year. Their current EP, "You Are Right To be Afraid" is now available in stores.
Black Eyes - After the US tour with Q and Not U the Black Eyes will be headed to Europe for their first overseas tour in November (dates are listed here). The band recently released a 3 song CD on their own Ruffian label that includes the two songs on their debut 7" plus a track that was on a split 7" with Early Humans. This CD/EP is available from the Dischord web store.
Antelope - featuring Justin from El Guapo and Mike and Bee from Vertebrates, have recorded two songs with Ian at Inner Ear Studios which will come out on a Dischord single either late this year or early next.
French Toast "Hatred Mace" / "For Sylvia" CDsingle (Arrest)- Two new songs from James Canty (ex Make Up) and Jerry Busher (All Scars) -one produced by Ian MacKaye and Don Zientara, the other by French Toast. French Toast just finished doing shows with the Red Hot Chili Peppers (!) and will be touring with Q and Not U and Black Eyes in October.
Dismemberment Plan "A PeopleÕs History of the Dismemberment Plan" CD (Desoto)-- An album of remixes done exclusively by fans and friends of the band from raw tracks made available online. The Dismemberment Plan played their farewell gig at the 9.30 club (a benefit for the Fort Reno Summer Concert Series) with Beauty Pill and The Aquarium. This CD is a fitting swansong from this much beloved band. Despite their break up The Plan members continue to produce-- Travis Morrison has already announced plans for a solo record and Eric Axelson is playing with ex-Promise Ring members in their new band, Maritime.
Don Zientara - the founder and genius spirit behind Inner Ear studios, will release a solo CD on Ian's new side label, Northern Liberties.
Chris Thomson (ex- Monorchid, Skull Kontrol, Circus Lupus) - has a new band called Red Eyed Legends. They are on GSL and will be playing around here and there. Check them out at: http://www.goldstandardlabs.com/red_eyed_legends/redeyedlegends.html
Garland of Hours have released their debut full length on Arrest Records. -The band is a collaboration with songwriter Amy Domingues, who has played cello on many releases as varied as Jets to Brazil, Mary Timony and Fugazi, and Brendan Canty (Fugazi) and Jerry Busher (French Toast, All Scars).
Taking Back Sunday - The next installment in the Taking Back Sunday saga comes not as drama, but rather a positive annoucement. It's about time, anyway. The band has let us know that their video for "You're So Last Summer" from their Victory Records release Tell All Your Friends is now completed and posted for you to view.
Speaking of Thursday - As mentioned below, Thursday are appearing on the cover of AP Magazine along with Thrice, but Thursday will also be appearing on the Hard To Get compilation, which will feature a cover of the song "Ny Batteri" by the Icelandic sensation Sigur Rós. And if that's not enough Thursday news for you, go here to enter to win a signed guitar from the boys courtesy of Loserkids.com.
Punk's Gone Acoustic, And You Could Be Next - Fearless Records' Punk Goes Acoustic is set to pre-order, and doing so will get you entered in a contest to win your own free acoustic guitar. To pre-order the album, which contains artists such as Thrice, The Ataris and Taking Back Sunday just click here.
PunkVoter.com Recruits Jello Biafra - Jello Biafra, ex-singer of Dead Kennedys and political activist extraordinare, has signed onto Fat Mike (NOFX)'s PunkVoter.com; a website organizing the disenfranchised punks of the nation to chance policies. He also is onboard the Rock Against Bush concerts beginning in January. Jello will also be performing in Europe, Australia and New Zealand over the next few months.
All The Right Signals For Misery Signals Ferret - has annouced that the boys of Misery Signals will now call the label home. The Wisconsin based band are now at work writing their first full-length album after returning from a year out on the road in support of their debut. They'll be spending the winter in Canada (good luck) in the studios with Devin Townsend (Lamb Of God, Soilwork) and are aiming for a spring or Summer 2004 release date. Keep an eye out for more Misery Signals recording news when they enter the studio.
MD's Thin Dark Line has some big news - The Baltimore indie rock band has announced that they've signed with Florida-based One Eleven Records. The guys are very excited, and are aiming to release their full-length EP in the spring of 2004. The next few months will bring new recordings to their mp3.com page, so keep a lookout for the new stuff, as well as an eye on the band's website for all of the updates. One Eleven Records has the lowdown, as well, so hit it all up and watch for the new stuff coming your way.
New Killswitch Drummer? - Recent rumors circulating suggest that drummer Tom Gomes has now left Killswitch Engage and has been replaced by Justin Foley of Blood Has Been Shed. No official word has been released on the matter as of yet however. Killswitch Engage are said to be working hard on new material for their next album as of late.
Want To Hear A Brand New Punchline Song? - Punchline and Fueled By Ramen Records are very excited to announce the release of Punchline's newest CD "Action." The twelve songs on Action were recorded and produced by Sean O'Keefe (Fall Out Boy, Spitalfield, Motion City Soundtrack). The CD will be released in stores on February 24th. So you probably want to hear a song from the CD, huh? Well all you have to do is go to www.mp3.com/thepunchline and download or stream the song "Play."
The Start Signs To Nitro Records - The Start has signed to Nitro Records. After a year and a half on their own, the band felt the next logical step was to find a safe home for them to grow with people that understand who they are. The band is beyond pleased to announce that home is Nitro Records. Look for a December EP release with all sorts of special extras including that 1234 Video you've all been waiting for and. new Album Spring 2004.
Fatal Accident - is currently looking for labels and bands to be featured on the site for one months time. If you are a band and are interested please contact us at the site http://www.fatalaccident.net
The Unseen - are kicking off the Van Off the Wall Club Tour this fall. You may have seen them on last summer's Warped Tour, although with a million stages and kid's standing around with megaphones promoting their crummy bands, you probably didn't get to hear them.
In any case, you get another chance starting tomorrow, as they kick off the another edition of the seemingly never-ending series of punk rock tours brought to you by Vans shoes. It all starts tomorrow (10/8) in Pomona, CA @ The Glass House. Check out all the dates on at www.byorecords.com/index.php?page=tours#The%20Unseen
Manic Hispanic Record Release BBQ - Manic Hispanic's new album Menudo Incident will be released on Oct 21st on BYO Records and they are having a record release BBQ to celebrate. The new CD is actually an old collection of the band's out of print material so it should be a scream. Anyone who has put one of their disc's in the player knows that when these guys breathe their fresh Mexican pollution into any classic punk song it just bursts into flames. Look for bastardized versions of songs from The Damned The Clash the Buzzcocks and others.
If you live remotely near the LA/OC area, you should come out to the all-you-can-eat Carne Asada (BYOT: Bring Your Own Tapatio) BBQ . Nothing like some greasy Mexican grub to usher in a new release. More info at www.byorecords.com
Dan has left The Goodwill - This was taken from their website: "Hey everybody, this is Dan from The Goodwill. Just wanted to let everybody know that I have decided to leave the band to go back to college. For the past 7 years I have been involved with bands and touring, the last 2 years which have been with The Goodwill. Words can't express how much music has meant to me in my life and how much the rest of the guys in The Goodwill mean to me. This was the hardest decsion I had ever had to make; to leave something that I helped create and to leave the people I love, but in the end I realized that this just wasn't for me anymore and a longing to finish my education had surfaced. I let the rest of the guys know early on in the tour with Hidden In Plain View and they all support my decision. They will continue on without me and are currently looking for a replacement. I want to thank everybody I've met over the years for the support they've given any band I've been in as well as the friendships I've made, nobody will be forgotten. My last Long Island show with the band will be on October 10th at the Downtown with Catch 22 and my last show ever with the guys will be Oct. 16th at the Continental with The Ataris. It'd be great to see as many of you guys out there as possible. Thank you to Travis, Greg, Josh, and Brian, its truly been an adventure...I love you all."
Band Promotions - One Way Promotions is looking for bands to promote to add to their deep roster of talent. If you are a serious band, wanting exposure feel free to submit your band. Also, One Way Promotions has teamed up with Oneiric Clothing and will be having a contest this month where you can win free stuff from One Way Bands and some cool Oneiric Gear.
Offset Releases First Full Length - California band Offset just released there first full length called, "The Giving Tree." Offset plays progressive emo, punk. You can buy there CD at www.interpunk.com. If you want to check out their songs go to www.mp3.com/offset. Also check out their website at www.offsetmusic.net
Thestart Signs to Nitro - After a year and a half on of touring the country without label support theSTART have just inked a deal w/Nitro Records. Plans for a December EP are in the works, which will have enhanced extras including the infamous "1234 Video that fans have been waiting for.
The band will be releasing a full-length CD in the Spring of 2004, so keep your eye out for that. Until then, Check out a show on the Girlz Garage tour. More info at www.thisisthestart.com
Paint It Black & Statistics Featured On Take Action Vol. 3 - Take Action Vol. 3, the newest edition of the ever-popular Take Action compilation series which accompanies the annual Take Action Tour, features contributions from Jade Tree artists Paint It Black and Statistics, along with others including Thursday, Cursive, Good Riddance and Thrice.
This double disc, enhanced CD set has over 40 tracks and multimedia content based on the book "Suicide: The Forever Decision" by Paul Quinnett, PH.D, plus resources, petitions and access to a depression screening tool which helps users self-test for depression. A portion of the proceeds earned by the sale of this compact disc compilation and the tour will be donated to the National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433), for the third year in a row.
Go to SubCity Records for more information on this release.
Me First And The Gimme Gimmes "Jackson" 7" - Me First and the Gimme Gimmes "Jackson" 7" features two of Michael Jackson's finest cuts, "Ben" and "I'll be There". This limited single is close to being sold out, so get it now, before it is too late.
Official Me First and the Gimme Gimmes Site.
Kid Dynamite "Cheap Shots, Youth Anthems" Cd/dvd - Kid Dynamite Cheap Shots, Youth Anthems CD/DVD is now available in stores. This posthumous release contains songs culled from every compilation and split release, cover songs, the original six-song demo, a live radio appearance, and assorted demo versions of Kid Dynamite classics. In addition, the CD includes a bonus DVD of never before seen live footage and photos, as well as flyers and a booklet with extensive liner notes written by the band.
Girls Against Boys - Johnny, Scott and Alexis of Girls Against Boys are playing a bunch of shows with actress Gina Gershon in support of her new movie "Prey for Rock & Roll". They will be playing all of her songs and possibly one or two of GVSB songs. Jade Tree has no idea what to expect, but it should certainly be interesting to say the least.
Official Girls Against Boys site.
From Ashes Rise "Nightmares" LP/CD - From Ashes Rise ripping new Nightmares LP/CD is available for preorder and is ready to be unleashed on October 14. Did you know the vinyl cover includes awesome foil stamping for maximum punk effect? Hell yeah. And there will be limited colored vinyl as well. Order today and be among the first to feel the burn.
And just as From Ashes Rise release their long-awaited Jade Tree debut, the band will be out on the road across the US with a tour that begins in mid-November and continues through December.
Latest Jade Tree Band: Challenger - Jade Tree's newest band is Challenger, which features Milemarker's backbone and main creative forces, Al Burian and Dave Laney.
Challenger is no mere project or one-off, but rather an entirely new group that builds upon Milemarker's intensity, yet offers something wholly different. Reminiscent of the abrasive and pummeling energy of bands such as Husker Du and Sonic Youth, Challenger songs are non-stop, scratchy, fuzzed out affairs of speed driven post-punk. But Challenger refuses to lose itself just to keep pace with its meaty bursts, providing a generous roadmap of melody buried within the scrawl and totally refining the classic guitar determined origins of American indie music in the process.
Challenger has just completed recording their debut full-length with A.J. Mogis (Statistics, The Faint, Cursive) at Presto Studios in Omaha. The ten-song Give People What They Want In Lethal Doses LP/CD is due to hit the streets in early 2004. Prior to the release, Challenger plans to get familiar with audiences by staying out on the road beginning in October. All dates listed below subject to change. Please consult the Jade Tree Tour page for updates.
Official Challenger Site
And that’s going to be it for this week's edition of Duane’s Pit Stop. Once again, if you have any Punk news or just want to talk crap to this drunk bastard, I could always be reached at dkleyva@musictap.net. As for next week, a lot of readers have been asking me, "hey, what’s up with the pictures that I post on this site." Well now, it’s your turn to send me any picture that you feel is an irregular picture and please make sure it’s in jpg or tif format. Thanks again. I hope all of my readers have a great weekend. Peace.
