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Hello and welcome back to another Duane’s Pit Stop. I do apologize for missing last week's post. I was caught up in some last minute work stuff and was cursing my ass off in Los Angeles' freeway traffic. But we're back this week with a much larger Pit Stop than normal so I’m sure you will be happy with the news this week.

I also want answer Karen from Las Vegas, Nevada. She wondered if the folks here at MusicTAP were employed. Well young Karen, the answer is yes. We all have jobs. Matt Rowe is employed by a large insurance firm in CA and from what I understand, the Dunphy Brothers teach. As for my self, I’m employed by Jet Propulsion Laboratories in Pasadena, CA and I’m not permitted by the US Government to tell you what I do there. (Seriously). (ed note: Scary, huh? Someone of Duane's mental instability working in such a place). With that in tow, enjoy this week’s long post. 

           

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Johnny’s Ramone’s health – Johnny's health better than reported MTV News is downplaying reports that Johnny Ramone is near death. That story, which originated with comments Mark y Ramone made to Rolling Stone, was widely reported yesterday.

The Ramones guitarist, who has been living with prostate cancer for several years, was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles recently. His physician, Dr. David Agus, told MTV News that it was due to a "complication from the cancer. But he got through it, and he's now on a new, experimental therapy. He's fighting courageously, and I think he will be going home in the near term."

Johnny remained silent to the press about his condition, but his wife Linda downplayed the severity of the incident: "He's not dying... He was okay for years, and he's fine now. He's in the hospital, but he's not in ICU. And I think he may be leaving by tomorrow."

The Gamits - Check out the new video for "How To Escape" from The GAMITS' brand new Suburban Home Records release, Antidote at: http://www.suburbanhomerecords.com/video/gamitsweb.html

 

Also be sure to watch for THE GAMITS on tour with Lookout! Records recording artists The Queers from August 6th through Sept. 12. Dates will be posted on www.thegamits.com shortly.

 
Give up the Ghost breaks up - Give up the Ghost has broken up. Here's the message they posted on their website:

After four years and eight months of ups and downs...give up the ghost is done. Due to health and personal reasons...we thought that it was time to call it a day. We have had many of the best times of our lives, and some of the worst. But thats what made us who we were.

A huge thank you to every kid who has supported us, bands that have toured with us, and people around the world who have worked with us. That is truly the most important thing to us...to thank you. We killed it. Good night.

Tokyo 's Coquettish ready new album - Tokyo ska-punk band Coquettish will release a new record in September on Just Rock Records in Japan . The 14 track record, titled High Energy Politics, was produced by Suicide Machines guitarist Dan Lukacinsky this past May. Asian Man Records released the band's previous record Total Pops Madness in 2001. No word if they'll be releasing the new record in North America as well.

Abrasive Wheels drama sidelines new record - It seems that there's been some strife among members of the British punks Abrasive Wheels, who reformed in 2002. The early 80s era band recently completed their 3rd studio album. It consists of 13 new tracks plus a new recording of "Vicious Circle." However the record may never see the light of day due to a recent conflict between the band members. At the risk of getting involved in a public spat, I'll post the two available sides of the story below for those intersted to read.

From the website: In a bizarre move Shonna and new guitarist Steve have tried to sack original members Dave, Harry and Nev. Since there have been no inclusive discussions, the band does not recognize this action and will continue to be Abrasive Wheels. It is believed that Shonna is forming a new band. The new album has been put on hold, but both parties are working hard to get it released. The band reformed as the original line up in order to have some fun doing gigs, recording and meeting up with some old friends. This is still the intention and to this end it is hoped that Shonna will continue to be part of any future Abrasive Wheels may have, but if he wishes to move on we all wish him well.

The other report: Abrasive wheels have had to shelve there 3rd studio album due to arguments over royalties, this has resulted in Dave Ryan being sacked from the band as he refused to give in on giving the other guys an equal cut, also was never really around on the album being mixed and just really left the hard work to Shonna Steve and Chris. all who paid allot of money toward the album, and time of course., he is also trying to stop them doing any business under the name Abrasive wheels( Shonna thought of the name) so they are considering changing the name and recording a brand new album. And are currently looking for a new guitarist!!

The band are currently in high spirits and are writing new material and practicing the set, just seeing on what there options are/As Dave controls the current homepage this is making things difficult to update the fans with this info and progress, so a new site is under construction. as you can see in the news section Dave has put that Shonna has tried to sack Dave Harry and Nev, this is not true,” Dave" actually sacked Harry and new bass player Chris took over and did the last US tour

And appears on the new album, it’s just that Dave has not put this on the site, Nev was loosing interest toward the end of

The album and the guys got a new drummer in to record vicious circle, but now it seems he may be in as a permanent fixture.

the current official lineup is; Shonna vocals / Steve guitar / Chris bass / scruff drums

all the above lineup appear together( on the shelved album) on the new recording of classic song "vicious circle" with the addition of Dave of course. so its only really Dave who has gone, Nev kind of left but now Dave has tried to say its a bizarre move by Shonna, really he is just doing all he can, it was Dave who reformed the band for money, and he didn’t want Steve to have any, now he has had his bluff called, so has now teaming with Harry(who he sacked)and nev(who never really talked to Dave)this is the bizarre move when all he had to do was give the band a fair deal, he claims the band reformed for fun, what he hopes to achieve by this is unknown, Harry and nev may not even be involed..So it has been a natural progression not as Dave claims. Chris has been the official abrasive wheels bass player for the last year or so.

so its tricky times and its going to be hard work for the boys, so spread the word and help the boys get back on top, the mystery album will at some point be a bootleg or a download from there new site! but shonna is considering asking Dave to put all money from it to charity, this will call daves bluff again cuz he was sacked cuz he cared more about the money than the music(Dave is a millionaire bye the way)he is refusing to be reasonable and wont let the band continue without a fight. Just out of spite really.infact when writing the album he tried to stop Steve having any input on the record "opening doors to writing royalties” he said. So make your own mind up. But no member of the band has access to update the site only Dave!! The guys hope to be in the states later this year!

Thank you for your support

Scarlet's New Video - For You - Scarlet's video for their track "Untitled" has made its way online and can be viewed here.

Coheed And Columbia - What's been rumored for months has now finally been confirmed - Coheed and Cambria have signed to Columbia Records. Their new home will re-release 2003's In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 on June 29th. Reports are coming in that the re-release will contain a bonus live CD recorded at the band's 2004 SXSW performance.

The quartet will spend this summer on the Warped Tour alongside Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, Bad Religion, and dozens of other bands whose drummers can actually see around their singer's hair.

Further Seems Forever New Song Online - You can listen to Further Seems Forever's first single "Light Up Ahead" from their new album on purevolume! 'Hide Nothing' is in stores on August 24th.

Matchbook Romance / Motion City Soundtrack Split - Matchbook Romance is currently at home resting before they jump on the Warped tour this year. This link will take you to see the artwork for the Matchbook Romance / Motion City Soundtrack split that will be out in September - http://matchbookromance.com/links/split.html

Matchbook has a brand new never before released song on there called "In Transit (For You)" and an acoustic version of "Playing For Keeps".

Hellcat Movie trailer online - The trailer for the upcoming DVD The Hellcat Movie is online now. The film will feature footage of Hellcat Records bands including Rancid, Tiger Army, Nekromantix, Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros, The Slackers, U.S. Bombs, HorrorPops, Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards, Roger Miret and The Disaters, Transplants, Dropkick Murphys and F-Minus. It's expected in stores on November 9th of this year.

Blue Meanies planning shows for December - In a recent interview on the N.O. United Punks webzine, Blue Meanies frontman Billy Spunke mentioned that the Meanies are planning a string of shows in Chicago this coming December. The 21st, 22nd and 23rd dates are "90% for sure," but more details are expected closer to that time. When asked about the prospect of future activity from the Chicago band, Spunke commented "We’ll take one step at a time.

Social Distortion mixing, song details - Updates on the much anticipated new Social Distortion record continue to trickle in. Here's the latest: Cameron Webb and Mike Ness are currently in a Los Angeles studio mixing the songs recorded for the new record. Below is a list of song names that will be on the album. They're not in the final sequence, but we wanted to give you first glance at the songs you've been waiting for. A title for the record is still in the works, but we will be sure to let you in on what it is as soon as we get word from Mr. Ness.

Songs:
"Reach For The Sky", "Shake Ass", "Don’t Take Me For Granted", "Footprints On My Ceiling", "Nickels & Dimes", "I Wasn’t Born To Follow", "Winners & Losers", "Faithless", "Live Before You Die", "Angels Wings."

Free Strife show - Strife are playing a free show in LA at the Troubador on June 28. You can catch them with Ankla and The Art of Safecracking.

CHILDREN OF BODOM's upcoming EP, "Trashed, Lost & Strungout",  - Will include cover versions of ALICE COOPER's "Bed Of Nails" and ANDREW W.K.'s "She Is Beautiful". In addition, the CD, which was recorded at Astia studio with Anssi Kippo and mixed by Mikko Karmila at Finnvox Studios, will feature two new songs and "a lot of extra stuff." A late summer/early fall release through Spinefarm Records is expected.

New Taken tracks! - www.taken-music.com

Rock And Register lineup announced - The lineup for the Rock And Register event in Pennsauken , NJ has been announced. The bands playing include The Suburban Legends, Bum Ruckus, High School Football Heroes, Townhall, Days Like These, SGR, Dirty Larry, Kemeelah Waheed and the Government Cheese, Quick Step John, Knuckle Sandwich, The Superspecs, No Regrets, Here Tomorrow, The Miasmics, Break Away, Useless and Hilliard.

The free event is in conjunction with Rock The Vote, NJ. The show will be held at Jack Curtis Stadium in Cooper River Park outside of Philadelphia on Saturday June 19. For more info head over to SGR's website.

Millencolin recording plans - Millencolin is hitting the studio soon to record their follow up to Home From Home. Here's the announcement: The writing of our new album is going great! We already got over 20 new songs(12-14 will probably make it to the final record). The album will be produced by Swedish producer Chips Kiesbye! Chips is the frontman of the Swedish punkrockband Sator and has over the years produced a lot of bands like the Hellacopters, Sahara Hotnights etc. The recording will start August 7 at Kuling Studios in Örebro , Sweden .

Fueled By Ramen - Has set a release date for The People's History of Less Than Jake DVD, expect it in stores on August 10th. You can see the cover art online now.

Warsawpack calls it quits - It looks like Warsawpack has called it quits. Their website has little details other than "A network of clandestine business forces has offered us vast sums of money to retire... We have retired. Sorry. There will be no farewell shows...". The Hamilton band released two records of genre blending material on G7 Welcoming Committee Records, the latest being 2003's Stocks & Bombs [review]. We'll have more details on the situation as they're announced.

A Sad Farewell To Sean McGrath - As many people know, Sean McGrath, former bassist for Saves The Day, Hands Tied, Mouthpiece and The Alps was diagnosed with intestinal cancer two years ago. 28 year old McGrath unfortunately lost his battle the disease; his passing was announced today. In additon to McGrath's contributions to the records of many bands, his work behind-the-scenes in the music industry was instrumental, as well. His presence will undoubtedly be missed by many; PunkHardcore.com and the members of the music community extend our sympathies to Sean McGrath's family. For more information on how you can fight cancer, please check out The Syrentha Savio Endowment, an incredible organization supported by Thrice and many other artists.

Crestfallen Say Goodbye - While they originally had plans to make one last tour before disbanding, Robot Empire's Crestfallen have been forced to cancel those plans. The financial burden of touring has taken it's toll and the band can't afford to head out thanks to problems with their van and other such things. I was lucky enough to see Crestfallen at one of their last shows earlier this month and I can say that their presence will certainly be missed.

Number One Minus One - Number One Fan has announced the departure of their keyboardist Joe Kirsch. The band notes no hard feelings, just creative differences. In other setbacks, the band has had to postpone their record release; as of right now, NOF has no set release date but is still itching to get the CD on the shelves. However, it's not all bad news. NOF is on tour with Kevin Devine, Plain White Ts and The Rocket Summer for the summer. Additionally, they're playing Lifest in WI this July, so watch for the guys. There's also a new webstore at the band's beautiful .com, so head over and check everything out.

Chasing Victory Signs To Mono Vs. Stereo - Tennessee 's Mono Vs. Stereo has added another band to their ever expanding line-up. The label's third signing is Camilla , GA 's Chasing Victory, who you may remember from Emo Diaries 10: The Hope I Hide Inside or past tours with Autopilot Off and Anberlin. The band's debut EP, entitled A Not So Tragic Cover Up will be recorded in July and released in August. Until then, you can check out three of their demos on PureVolume.com.

Robert Quine Found Dead - 70s punk guitarist Robert Quine was found dead in his apartment this Saturday in New York City . The musician, who recorded two albums with 70s pioneer group Richard Hell & The Voidoids, was pronounced dead of a heroine overdose occurring over Memorial Day weekend. Quine was instrumental in expanding the horizons of punk guitarists and his contributions will outlast his death. If you're interested in reading the full article, you can click here for full details.

Atreyu's The Curse Up From Stream - Want to hear the new Atreyu album, The Curse, in its entirety and listen to front man Alex Varkatzas & drummer Brandon Saller talk about the album? Then check out Atreyu-Declassified on the Music Choice Metal Channel.

Beauty Pill - are back home from their US tour and are currently writing and considering touring plans for both the US and Europe. Their new album, "The Unsustainable Lifestyle" has been very well received and continues to find its way into people's hearts and record collections.

The Evens - the duo featuring Ian from Fugazi and Amy from the Warmers, continue to book shows and are headed back into the studio to record some new songs and to rework some older songs that have evolved during their recent live shows. We are hoping for a full-length in the fall but obviously the band must be happy with their recording before they commit to a schedule. The Evens, as a live entity, continue to explore alternatives to the standard "rock" venue and have been playing art galleries, halls and unorthodox spaces. Click here for current tour dates.

El Guapo - have expanded into a 4 piece with the addition of Josh Blair (from Orthrelm) on drums. The band has just returned from a brief European tour and will be home working on new material for their upcoming full-length. Click here for current tour dates.

Fugazi  - bass player, Joe Lally, has launched a new website to sell CDs of the first of the many live recordings Fugazi has collected over the band's 15+ year career. The website can be found by going to: http://www.fugaziliveseries.com.
PLEASE NOTE that while the Fugazi Live website is an official site run by the band, it is NOT a part of the regular Dischord.com webstore. Orders can ONLY be processed at http://www.fugaziliveseries.com. You may contact info.fuglive@earthlink.net with any questions or orders.

Lungfish - continue playing shows and seem determined to keep up their current pace. This is great news for us and for anyone who has collected the records but has not had a chance to experience the band live. Click here for current tour dates.

Q And Not U - are headed into the studio June and July with Rafael from El Guapo to begin recording their 3rd full-length, tentatively scheduled to be released in October. They are also planning tour dates in the UK and South Africa for late July and August. Click here for current tour dates.

Daniel Higgs (from Lungfish) - has released a solo album of jews harp improvisations, "Magic Alaphabet," that was released on Ian MacKaye's new label, Northern Liberties.

Et At It - who feature former members of Metamatics and Meltdown also have a debut CD, "I Count," released on Northern Liberties. All Northern Liberties releases are limited pressings and are available on this website and to stores exclusively through Dischord Direct.

The Deep Six - featuring Amanda MacKaye, Ryan Nelson, Bill Nesper and Todd McDonald, have changed their name to The Routineers. They have recorded at their home studio and plan a release later this year on Sammich Records.

The new Bats & Mice CDep - "A Person Carrying a Handmade Paper Bag is Considered as a Royal Person" was released on May 31st. The band just finished a tour of Europe to support the EP and will be doing some US touring in the near future.

Decahedron - will be touring the US again in July, primarily playing shows supporting Dillinger Escape Plan. Their new CD, Disconnection_Imminent, is available on this site and in stores.

Rah Bras' 3 EPs (all remastered) on one CD will be released in late summer.

Pinebender are working on writing some new songs at the moment and have some upcoming shows with Shellac planned.

The Fort Reno Summer Concert Series - is gearing up for another season of shows. This series has been going on for more than 30 years and features both well established and very young DC area bands playing on an outdoor stage in the park every Monday and Thursday throughout the summer. For directions to the park and a full schedule of planned events go to http://www.fortreno.com.

Maritime, a band featuring Dan and Davey of Promise Ring and Eric from Dismemberment Plan - released their debut full-length on Desoto on May 31st. This CD is available from this website. Maritime will be touring almost nonstop for the next 4 months so chances are you will get to see them soon. For more information go to http://www.maritimesongs.com.

Channels - featuring J. Robbins (Burning Airlines, Jawbox), Janet Morgan, and Darren Zentek (Kerosene 454, Oswego ) are playing shows and have recorded an EP that will come out later this year on Desoto. J. also has a new website with news about Channels and his recording production projects: http://www.jrobbins.net.

Matt Borlik, the former bass player for Q and Not U - has a new band called Like Language who have been playing around DC for the last several months. They have yet to record but their live shows have been stellar.

Hugh from Black Eyes - runs a label called Ruffian Records and has released a new single from the band Turn Pale, available from this website.

Ex-members of Bazhena - have regrouped to form The Navies. The band is headed out on tour this summer and has a self released seven inch now available from this site.

Measles Mumps Rubella - has released a CD-EP on Troubleman Records, and it is available on this site.

Devin and Chad from Faraquet have formed a new band called Medications. Chad has moved from drums to bass and the band has been playing regularly in DC. You can find more information on the band at http://www.medicationsband.com. Devin has also been playing and recording with Mary Tim ony.