BOMBIENATION: read this

Top 10 into 2010

2010-01-13T14:00:00.001-05:00

1) Shook Ones - Unquotable A.M.H. - This band can do no wrong. This is their 3rd full-length and has an entirely different approach then their first two prior releases. This band continues to impress with me with heartfelt music, an ever changing sound and songs that don't have chorus'.

2) Orphan Choir - Orphan Choir - Straight out of Windsor Ont I have been waiting for this bands full-length for about a year now. After finally finding a home for it they released it and it's even better than I expected.

3) Converge - Axe to Fall - For a band that I could never get into before this record turned me onto their entire catalog. That in itself is pretty impressive, no?

4) Every Time I Die - New Junk Asthetic - This band never gets old. After I thought they jumped the shark with Gutter Phenomenon they came back with two great records, this being one of them. Awesome art-work and they make Pete Wentz sound cool.

5) The Flatliners - Cynics 7" - This band needed to come out with something and i'm glad they waited. This 7" is just a tease for their full-length that will be a top contender in my 2010 list.

6) Paramore - Brand New Eyes - Hate me if you will. This record is disgustingly catchy and I am proud to call this band one of my favourites. They never disappoint.

7) Dead to Me - African Elephants - After suffering through the loss of their singer they came back with a wicked upbeat and impressively catchy record.

8) Polar Bear Club - A great follow up to their previous release. This band continues to impress me with every record they grow more and more into their own sound.

9) Cursive - Mama, I'm Swollen - After losing their Cello player the full band backing just made this band even more incredible.

10) Chuck Ragan - Gold Country - Do I really have to say anything?

Cursed.

2010-01-07T16:52:00.000-05:00

So Cursed is a band that broke up back in 2008. While they were on a European tour promoting their recently released record III they got robbed in the hostel they were staying at overnight. As I understand it, the robbery, was the final "bullet in the head" for the band, so they called it quits at the end of the tour and a paypal account was set up to help them get home to Toronto, Ontario.

They were a huge part of Southern Ontario "hardcore" and were well liked all over the world with releases in Europe, American and Japan. In the short 7 years they were a band they released 3 full-lengths and 3 seven inches while touring constantly. They were signed to Deathwish, Jake Bannon of Converge's record label (and if you haven't listened to Axe to Fall, get on that already.)

And then out of the blue yesterday Chris posted on the b9board that a new Cursed 7" - The Last Sessions, was released. It was recorded off of the floor near the end of their time as a band and is limited to 1000 copies. In the same post, he said "There may be some LP reissue action this year too." Which to me, and many other record collectors hopefully means II will finally be repressed, and myself and those collectors will finally have closure to a great band that will always be remembered.

Also, check out these videos of the last few days they were a band. Pretty awesome and gives you a great insight into what these songs were about, it definitely gave me a new perspective on living in Toronto and the condos that are slowly surrounding our city.

love,
bt.

New Junk Asthetic

2009-11-12T14:03:00.004-05:00

So as I had posted awhile ago (sorry), I was waiting for my Every Time I Die vinyl in the mail, and I finally got it. The artwork is beautifully done by Jordan Buckley and his website has more and more drawings every time I go back to the site.

This is a reason for collecting vinyl in itself. The artwork is huge, it's a gatefold and it came together so nicely. I now have all of their records, all done incredibly well. However, as I said, this is some of the best album artwork i've seen in a very long time.

Also, if you have the time (or make time make sure to watch The Inaugural Ride Of The Easy Tigers In Denim, on Jordan's website. It kinda gave a new life to the meaning of a roadtrip, and maybe even a little inside into the music they make. Hopefully i'll do an American road trip one day.

Mocking Bird Wish Me Luck

2009-10-06T13:50:00.003-04:00

A wonderful EP from a new local band. It's also out on a 7" get it while it's still "hot". It sounds like Attack in Black and Hot Water Music to me, but you be the judge and let me know.

Kyle Krische rules too and plays in Wayfarer (check most recent blog)

Making love to your ears (Goodbye Debris)

Love you forever and always,
bt.

Records, Screen Printing, New Albums.

2009-09-29T14:17:00.010-04:00

I am back on Canadian soil. I never made an end to my blog posts when I was on tour.. but the rest of it was fun and I miss it, however it's job time and unfortunately there are not as many jobs available as there are numbers on the clock. (see what I did there? hire me.)

This posts main focus is on all of the amazing new music that has come out in the last few weeks.. all of which has been getting more than heavy rotation on my itunes and ipod, I hope soon that can transform into my record player.

First things first, Windsor Ontario's finest Orphan Choir finally found a home for their full-length self titled record and it does not disappoint in the least. I've been listening to this bands rough demos from splits for too long. The songs they re-recorded have a new breath of life and the rest of the songs are just pure genius. They played a few shows with friend of mine Kyle Krische. He plays in two bands called Wayfarer and Mockingbird Wish Me Luck, both of which have recently dropped some records so go check out there myspace and if you like what you hear buy their album, or 7"and start that collection.

The ever great Every time I Die had some drama before the release of their new record New Junk Asthetic dropped when their drummer left after their set at Scene fest in St. Catherines (saw it, yes!) Needles to say, this record does not disappoint. The album artwork (which is my favorite out of their catalogue) was done by the guitarist Jordan Buckley. You can check out the rest of his work here. This should come in the mail soon and when it does i'll take some photos of the artwork and colors.

My littlest guilty pleasure dropped a new record today, too. Paramore released Brand New Eyes and it is even more catchy and embarrassing then the last record. Judge me as you will, this is great musicianship and song-writing. I had a dream that Hayley Williams and I were hanging out in residence and her room was shaped like a vampires coffin.. she's so hard.

Polar Bear Club also released Chasing Hamburg earlier this month. I know people have been saying it's not their best and all that jazz but it's still a really good album. They went a different direction but who cares, I think they set out to do what they wanted to do and they did it well.

My beloved teenage self also got stoked when the Moneen record dropped. However, I still can't get into it I am not sure why, maybe it's just because I am holding onto Are We Really Happy.. too much. Anyway, give it a listen and let me know what you think. The title of the record is The World We Want To Leave Behind, at least they stuck with the long titles.

Hova released the Blueprint 3 and has been getting alot of slack for it. I think it's great, it's not Blueprint 2 or the Black Album, but it's still a decent album. He is on tour now and will be playing Toronto on Halloween. Last week he was on the Oprah show and they talked about the use of the "n" word and their different stances on the slang term. Needless to say, it's pretty interesting.

Oh, here are some of the records I got when I was in the UK.

The Arteries - Blood, Sweat and Beers 10" (the sleeve was made with rice paper.. fucking awesome.)

A Wilhelm Scream - Diver 7" and Career Suicide 12"

Hot Water Music - Finding the Rythms 12" and bonus 7" ?

And finally got my print from an artist, Horsebites who does work for Dead to Me, New Mexican Disaster Squad, The Flatliners, A Wilhelm Scream, Strike Anywhere and stuff for the Fest 8.

Long post, hope you enjoyed and I hope to do more.

bt.

Luxemberg and Belgium!

2009-08-26T16:28:00.001-04:00

Hello from Belgium (waffles).

So the last two nights have been pretty fun. Yesterday we played a festival in Luxemberg, a town that is pretty close to france but very tiny. It was an all day festival and tons of bands played. The Aggrolites headlined and another band, Versus You played before The Flats that really blew my mind away. So please check them out. After the show we headed to the nicest hostel I have ever seen.. I mistook it for a hotel until I learned it was a hostel. We had our own personal balcony, bathroom, SUPER comfortable beds and a little cubby that would hold anything and everything you had. OH! Scott also got choked by a girl.

Tonight we are in Belgium and it's pretty rad. We are in Ostend, a tiny town that has a harbor some pretty awesome shops and a really great fan-base for The Flatliners. I had a doner (kebab) for breakfast at an esso station and got the biggest toblerone bar i've ever seen for 5 euros. Oh, if you have me on facebook you also know that some asshole bought the two Hot Water Music records I wanted right before me. Tomorrow we have to leave at 5am to catch a ferry over to the United Kingdom and then it's bye, bye, Europe for who knows how long(for me atleast.)

So next time you talk to me i'll be in the UK.. pounds, tea, reminiscence of The Clash and lots of other stuff.

see you in 11 days,
bt.

Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Ljubljana

2009-08-24T17:44:00.002-04:00

Alright so.. Czech Republic (Prague)was pretty awesome. We walked around the city and it was really great. Lots of old buildings and everything. The money was confusing as I said before but it was still pretty neat. When we walked around town we chilled by a fountain for awhile in front of a museum, looked at Absinthe (which I later smelled and could never re-describe what I smelt that night) and then headed to the show where the guys played with The Mad Caddies and A Wilhelm Scream. It was a really, really fun show and we ended up partying in the club (which was in kind of an outdoor mall but underground [there was also an upside down horse with a guy riding on him that the promoter told us was mocking the other town squares statue that was of a horse upright with a man riding it]). When we left for the van to get into to our hostel we had a -little- run in with Czech security, that was fun. Anyway, we got off with a hitch and headed back into Austria.

Austria we met up with our friend Alex who tour manages for a band called Astpai. He had put on the show and a few familiar faces came out which was great. We ate all vegan food and I tried schnitzel for the first time. This band opened for the guys called Soey, and were really, really awesome. Again we ended up partying pretty late and then went to bed around 5am to get up for 9am for our 7(?) hour drive to Hungary where the guys played this big, festival.

We met up with the Wilhelm guys again and after the show we all went to a Jager bar that was set up outside this field and danced our lives away. We drove to our really, really, nice hotel where we ended up staying for only a few more hours before we had to drive to Ljubljana which was, by far, the best night and show of the tour.

Every year Ljubljana puts on an arts festival and pays for all of the bands guarantees. So when we got there we had a really great dinner and loaded into the venue we were playing. Then we all got taxi's to go watch A Wilhelm Scream at an outdoor show. Then cabbed back to play our show which was the after party for the Wilhelm Show. It was amazing. There were so many kids there and it was so fun. There was also some Canadians who made it out and gave the guys the flag they had been carrying. Scott ended up wearing it as a cape by the end of the set. Again, we partied until at least 5:00am at this punk bar and then Chris, Ed and I walked to the hostel and ended up going to bed at about 6.

We drove for about 10 hours today and are now resting in Germany. We have another show tomorrow and then 13 days until i'm home.

until next time,
bt.

Berlin.. and everywhere else

2009-08-20T14:30:00.002-04:00

So been out of the internet for awhile.. sorry.

So Berlin was pretty awesome. Great show and we got to hang out and I saw the wall. Not really what I was expect but it was still pretty awesome. The next few days we headed into Germany for the last time we will be there of the tour. Some of the shows were great and the cities were great too. We got to go to Hamburg which was pretty crazy to party for after. I wanted to get a hamburger but all the shops closed after I got a tour of the prostitutes and red light district.. what a city.

A few days later we went to Dusseldorf which was just incredible. They had alot of awesome little shops and great places to eat. I got my brother the hottest hot sauce a spice store could sell, we ate gellato and there were pizza places on every corner. After we went to some punk bar and then I headed home early to call Amy because it was her birthday.

Now we are in Prague and spent the day just walking around and taking in some scenery. I exchanged 20 euros and got 450 crowns.. then I bought something tiny that costed me 150. It kinda confuses me.

Anyway a few more days jumping around Countires and then the UK. Hopefully i'll have more luck with internet there.

France, Switzerland, Germany, Berlin

2009-08-16T15:14:00.003-04:00

So I haven’t had the internet in forever so this is going to be a really, really long post. Anyway, on to France for the 4 days I was there.

The first day was in Lyon, We didn’t see much of the major city but we did get to walk around the area where the show was. We went to some fully empty building beside the show that had a lot of weird stuff in it. The wallpaper of one room was obviously a child’s room because the wallpaper was full of skateboarders and bikers and it said USA everywhere. The door of the house was also locked but it looked like someone hacked at it with an axe because they were stuck in there (shortly after that we left). The venue was tiny but it was pretty cool. Lots of great kids and we said it was my birthday again. Pretty much doing it every night.

The next day was Thiers which I thought was going to be the strangest night of the tour (but last night really took the cake.) We arrived in some industrial area on a mountain and we were driving around looking for the club and couldn’t find it. Finally someone showed us where to go and we arrived at this building that was built below the rest of the buildings and was beside another abandoned building where half of the buildings frame was still intake, and the other half only had the reinforcements to hold it up. We went up to see where the show was and at first glance I thought it was a kindergarten classroom. There were lots of kids running around and tables with drawings and the floor was covered in toys. This is where we all got very confused. We sat around for awhile and they told us that the show was going to be taking place up on top of the mountain because the neighbors have been complaining about the noise (the only neighbors I could see were these 3 guys working on a really old RV drinking and I don’t think they had any previous experiences with cars. Plus the fact to move a show up on top of a mountain, on the street, under a tent, in the wide open would make more noise than a basement club.. but who knows.) We went back into town which turned out to be the knife capital of France.. so every other store was a knife store… selling the same knives. But there was a big town clock in the middle of downtown that was apparently a pretty big deal. A bronze man came up at every hour to hit on his anvil with his hammer and knife (assuming he is making a knife). We went back to the show and we later found out that this little hippy “family” was just squatting in this empty building. Good on them. They have a place to live that’s actually pretty nice and they don’t have to pay for it (if they are even squatting). The show was pretty cool and we sold t-shirts out of the back of the van. We went back to the kindergarten classroom to go to sleep but the kids were asleep on the mattresses and no parents were around to get them. After I had heard there was a mattress to go on the ground with a bloodstain on it I decided to sleep in the van.. as did everyone else.

Finally onto Paris. We woke up and drove right there. We got there pretty early and got great food. We walked around a bit of the core and when Chris was done an interview with a local punk-zine we all walked to Notre Dame. It was amazing. All of the doors arches had little characters carved into it and not one was the same. When we got there The sun was just setting and it was light perfectly, almost like it was golden.

Also in Paris you can rent bikes.. there are lots of little bike racks that you swipe a card and you can borrow a bke for a certain amount of time. I am not sure how it works, but it’s a really good idea.

On our way back I got some postcards, little Eiffel towers and saw a bathroom that was outside.. and it was so amazing. It’s hard to explain so here is a picture.

We got back to the show, it was great, hot, but great. Then we went to see the Eiffel Tower. On the way there we passed the bridge that had the big building on top of it (can’t remember what it’s called, sorry, I am not cultured) and drove through the tunnel where Princess Dianna had her crash. We got to the Eiffel Tower just ten minutes too late so all the lights were off. But I still saw it, got a picture of me with it, and it was well worth the wait. Next time I’ll see it during the day and at night.. although I did get the full effect without lights on. We went back to Teal’s house (the guy who put on the show) who lived in an apartment in Paris which was really awesome. I later found out that he has his own record label and plays in a very successful French hardcore band called Guerilla Poubelle… haven’t heard them yet but if they are anything like Teal, it’ll be more than awesome.

Le Havre wasn’t very exciting. We got Kebab (amazingggg) and did laundry. The show was pretty good and then we stayed in a weird 3 bedroom that had a sink and a T. with three channels that was about the size of my room now at 111 Carlaw (shout out to my hommies).

The next day we drove back into Switzerland (7 and a half hoursssss) to arrive at this Tiki 50’s style bar that was so awesome. They had some pretty cool decorations and we had the best food we had had in days. Chicken burgers with fries, a coke… served in a pink cardboard Cadillac.

The show was the hottest show I have ever been too. The mirrors inside the club were fogging up and they had to cut early because it was too hot. Switzerland money is very weird too. They have 5 dollar coins and the bigger the money is the bigger the bill is. So example a 200 dollar bill is significantly bigger than the 10 dollar bill. It makes sense, but it doesn’t fit into your wallet.

After the show we went to our hostel and there was a pretty crazy punk bar there. We decided to do a weird night out and went out for a bit. Scott and I danced and there was some super straight up gutter punks, skinheads, hippies, and a dog that was just running around. Good old Switzerland.

Went to Berlin yesterday / today. Saw the wall adn took some photos will it. It was awesome.. I have some photos but i'll update them tonight as my computer will die soon adn I have some stuff I need to do.

Oberfrick, Switzerland

2009-08-08T12:21:00.002-04:00

So we are back in Switzerland to play this festival later on tonight but it is totally rained out so we are hanging in our hotel right now.

Yesterday we went back to Germany to play a show in Lindau (On my 23rd birthday) and it was great. They served us some great food (more stuffed peppers) and some pasta and other things. We didn't get into the city because we arrived late but either way it was a good time and a great way to spend my birthday while in Germany.

The day before we were in another city in Germany that was only accessible by boat. So we drove on with our van and it took us over with a bunch of other cars. It was a very tiny town known for wine-making and I guess very touristy as thats all the shops were mostly in the tiny downtown area we walked around. We stayed in a really nice hotel above the venue and went to some bar that looked like the basement of and old castle that had black lights and glow-sticks and they were playing all this punk music. There were no-smoking signs but everyone was smoking anyway. Scott and I danced to make fools of ourselves and then sneaked our way into the hotel kitchen to grab some food before bed.

Great birthday and weird nights all around,
bt.

Switzerland, Amsterdam

2009-08-05T11:29:00.003-04:00

About two days ago we were in Switzerland. The money is stupid big (the coins), literally everyone smokes here and the bathrooms are co-ed.

I can't remember what city we were in off the top of my head but it was so beautiful. We could see the alps and the cities structure was just something to admire (living in the city and all). I didn't buy anything because swiss francs are about the same as Canadian money, and alot of it was very expensive. (e.g. a McDonalds meal costed 12 dollars... not including the combo.. I didn't get it in long run).

Either way it was fun. We stayed at some dudes house that was kinda wierd but he had cheese and chocolate pastries for us when we awoke for another 10 hour day. Last night we slept in the van (for the first night) at a gas statiion, then drove early in the morning to arrive in Amsterdam.

So we are in Amsterdam now and have already done everything you can really do. We walked around, went to a "coffee shop" where the guys smoked and then went down an alley where there were many scantily clad girls asking us to go in rooms with them.

After that we walked around and I went to a grocery store to pick up some things for people and we sat on the patio right on the main strip of the red light district.

The show and our hostel is pretty much dead centre of the district but it's really not sketchy at all. There are just alot of places you can buy marijuana and it's all tourists and tourists shops selling stuff for marijuana.

Jeff, Rory, Zac and anyone else who doesn't stick out in my mind right now who enjoys the occasional "toke" - I wish you were here.

p.s. Wheels of cheese are alot more incredible in real life.

First and last time I want to be in a hostel?
bt.

Germany, Austria, Germany, Switzerland

2009-08-02T19:47:00.002-04:00

So a few days ago we where walking around a really little town and found that there was a metal slide on on of the mountains you could go down (kinda like a bobsled) so we went up this huge individual chairlift with a little wagon attached to us on teh way up. I took a video and lots of pictures because the scenery was amazing (too bad I don't have a cable to show you) (here is the place) . Anyway, the ride is about 2 minutes long and you have this little handle that controls the breaks and to go faster and what not. It was really awesome and so cheap, I can't remember what it's called but when I do i'll add it in.

At the show I finally made my tip bin, it is a grave stone that says "firtsberg or die" and fritzberg means drink money, because there is no need word for tips.. anyway people laugh at it everytime they see it so thats a good start.

Yesterday we drove into Austria to play this festival at like a field with camp grounds and stuff. There was this awesome band that played before The Flats called Astpai, they are the nicest dudes and sounded great. There was a lake and we swam in it and then partied all night at this big house where we stayed in the upstairs. Apparently it is where German Soldiers stayed during the world war which is pretty cool. Anyway, the part was in this giant house and it was split up into two bars that was just a crazy dance party (just like in any European movie) and it went on all night. For a while I just sat on a bench and some girls were teaching me German and asking me questions about Canada. I also saw a guy with the neck of his shirt really stretched out walk into the camp grounds and then about 30 minutes later he came out and he shirt was now burnt like it had been on fire and half of it was gone.. it was pretty crazy.

Today was just a long drive and nothing special really. We are back in Germany and going to Switzerland tomorrow. I ate at a place called Bob's Pizza and it was awesome (I have a photo of that too).

Munich, Germany Day 2

2009-07-30T20:05:00.002-04:00

So today we actualy went into town and it was really awesome. We took the subway in which was actually pretty easy, and it is kind of like the Go Train system where it's an honor system and there is random checks to see if you had paid a ticket. We bought one one way and were going to play it off as tourists if we got caught on the way back. But when we first got there we were walking upstairs from the subway there were ALOT of police and army just standing everywhere. So we got kinda wierded out but I thought it was normal (?) but we got stopped on the way out. The guy pulled us to the side with about 4 other cops / army guys. They started talking to us in German and we finally responded in English and they changed completely to be super nice. Asked us what we were doing and then told us that today was the day that German Soldiers swore to the German state and alot of left-wing russains aren't into it, and only because we were wearing all black we got pulled to the side because they thought we were going to mess it up.

Anyway, we went into town and I saw alot of cool stuff. Got great food and went to a place called Augistienebrah (?) that served two litre beers. Chris, Scott and Paul got one and I got a non-alcoholic one. We all drank up, continued on and I got some post cards. I took alot of pictures an di'll post them ASAP I just don't have a cord right now and it's about 2 in the morning here.

When we got back and unpacked for the show we went to our flat (a little apartment above the venue) that was FULL of food and beer. We had a stuffed pepper with chili and rice with meats, cheses, vegetables, everything home made. Fucking incredible. Our flat has two room swith 3 beds each, a kitchen, huge living room and kitchen. Europe's hospitality kicks North America's ass.

Kisses from Europe,
bt.

Munich, Germany

2009-07-29T18:35:00.000-04:00

After 24 hours of the first leg of our trip we were exhausted. Jet lag hit us hard and the time difference with an overnight flight did not help anything. When we got to the airport Paul’s luggage was way overweight with all of his drum gear so they suggested that Paul gave half of his stuff to me, and we upgrade to first class so we get more weight distributed per person which would end up costing less than paying the fee’s on being overweight. We drew straws and unfortunately I didn’t get the seat (maybe on the way back) but they had tons of free alcohol and were kinda drunk getting out of the airport and through customs in Germany at about 8am. Funny side-not story, one of Paul’s friend from high school was on the plane and she was sitting behind us so we gave her a ride into Munch and hung out with her for the day. I got a smoothie to get something in my stomach when we were greeted by “Ed the Duck.” Ed is the band manager for the tour and his company is called Ed the Duck, there are lots of rubber ducks in his cars and he has tattoos of ducks on his body. The guy is super nice and the van is pretty awesome. 2 big bunks, 2 bench chairs and then the bench and drivers seat up front. It is still pretty freaky to wake up and look towards the driver side and realize he is on the other side. We ended up walking around and getting some pizza and a pizza bar. Paul and I split peppers with ham and salami and I had a Fanta. Waiting for the food I fell asleep sitting up in a chair twice, something else that was a new experience for me. Paul and I dropped off his friend and the German subway (crazy) and then walked back to the van where we decided to get a hotel for the night.

Fuck You Canadian Music Scene

2009-06-02T17:40:00.002-04:00

I hate to be a debbie downer on my first post in months. But a friend of mine in an amazingly talented band posted this on five one nine and it gets me so frustrated. There are so many good fucking bands in this country and area but for some reason some dick bags make it onto much music by straightening their hair and over producing their music and get famous.

Take the music off and dig back to your roots. As far as I know some of the dudes are from Closet Monster and etc, thats respectable straight up. But the marketing / production of this band is just an awful money trainwreck. Good job, 12 year old girls with pink hair and stripped socks are into your band.

On better notes:
I Am Committing a Sin - Record out Today
This Tour / Show

Also.

2009-04-06T22:38:00.000-04:00

This shit is just too funny. I can't believe it exists.

New Shooks

2009-04-06T22:28:00.005-04:00

So to the right.. maybe the left? of my blog is the Shook Ones blogspot... they had a bunch of posts about them recording and stuff and finally this came out. A track listing of the new album (The Unquotable [kinda weird it doesn't really jive with Facetious Folly Feat, Sixteen]) and artwork.. they also have a new song on their myspace. Record of the year when that shit gets released, Mathew Busby O'Connor will be as good as wrong when this record it's the 12".

Tracklisting:

Middle Name: Justice
For Collards
Bird On Ice
Silverfish
Equal Opportunity Insults
For Flannel *(I HAVE A FEELING THIS IS GOING TO BE THE GREATEST SONG EVER)
Who Told Omar?
Double Knot That
T. Monk
They're Very "Yes"
Tip The Weatherman

Also, been into alot of Canadian Hip Hop artist Shad and Non-Canadian Hip Hop ArtistS Little Brother, both extremely talented in the fluency of "hip hop."

I am on TV on Mondays and Tuesdays,
bt.

A Little Out of the Ordinary

2009-03-16T19:37:00.008-04:00

Holla,

So last Friday some friends and I stayed in to check out Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory. I can safely say it is one of the most unbelievably hilarious shows television has to offer. I was a bit worried when I first heard of the loss of Big, but lets be real, the show is amazing. It is pretty much split in half of skate footage and the ridiculous amount of money he has. In this season, Rob bought and built his office in a warehouse and added a skate park, foam pit, basketball net (for a basketball player that was coming over so they could make a deal on a restaurant) One of the best things about the Fantasy Factory is that it has been put up on Skate 2 as downloadable content. I haven't even mentioned the new dog which is way too adorable.

And not to worry, he is still hilarious. He still treats Drama like crap (has a tanning salon in his 8x10 office) and drives his employees up the wall.. but it must be worth it because at any time of the day you can take a skate break. So far he has had a few awesome cameos of skaters like TK, just spending the day skating at Rob's "Fantasy Factory". I can't imagine who else is going to make appearance but I can almost guarantee it will be a surprise every week.Once Jerry Hsu hits that show I will rate it over a 10 (out of 10).

On the subject skating and shooting, a buddy of mine, Kyle Croft, and his friend Anthony Pierre are going to be filming a section for a skate video this summer for Fig jam. I think it will really give Anthony and his "amatuer" (using that term very lightly) video a bit more push into the skateboarding spotlight. As for Kyle, i'm sure enough girls will go crazy over his colorful tattoos and Vans, they already do.

Stoked on 14+
bt.

Lifestory are back.

2009-03-12T14:54:00.002-04:00

Hello friendship(s),

Today I bring you great news if you haven't already heard it. My great, great, good friends of Lifestory; Monologue have posted two new tracks from their up and coming new full-length. I know I go on about this band way too much but seriously, these tracks are worth the listen. I think it is the best work they have done to date. (and I say that every time i hear a new song.. what does that say?)
Anyway, they are post-experimental-kick-your-fucking-teeth-in-awesome, so check them out please. They are doing very well deserved east coast tour at the moment so see their live show because it's about 2x better then the recordings. Hard to believe isn't it?

love for friendship,
bt.

Fav Video's So far

2009-02-25T12:59:00.002-05:00

I couldn't figure out how to post them in this blog.. I am an idiot?

Anyway,

Living with Lions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rUKpdByKgI

The Gaslight Anthem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_bQiIZXC9I

Also, fucking PARAMORE is heading out with NO DOUBT for their reunion tour.. who wants to go!

-bt.

Sorry -- Again

2009-02-23T13:43:00.003-05:00

Word. Jack gave me shit for not updating so I guess he wants to hear some more of what I have to say / check out. (and hopefully you do too)

Anyway, a few months ago im sure I went on about Passenger Action. They are -somewhat- of a new group out of Alberta (GO CANADA) and have members from The Fullblast, Choke and Fordirelifesake. Their record came out a few weeks ago at it is available at HMV for like ten bucks.

Please pick it up. It is a really great ambient relaxed rock record. Awesome effects, great voices and always picks up at the end. It reminds me a lot of Choke but it's not Choke – It's something different, a new path they have taken – don't compare it to Choke, listen to it for what it is.

I am going to update again in a few days with my two favourite videos of 2009 so far.. they are both amazing.

So I haven't posted in awhile..

2009-02-09T14:04:00.002-05:00

And Scott Pilgrim called me out. Anyway, here it is:

Last night, at the Grammy's crazy fucking shit went down. Like some of the greatest things ever.

First of all, you will have heard it everywhere else before me but the almighty Blink 182 is getting back together-- 17 years of legacy will be back. They are writing in the studio right now, planning a summer 2009 release and a world tour. Tickets will be going for probably $100+ and Matt Bo will not go with you. As for me, personally, I think the later records they put out (Take Off Your Pants / Blink 182) were some of the best records they put out, so I can only hope a reunion record will be just as good as lifetime's. The only real question I have is I wonder what record company or distro will pick them up again... not that they need it.

Secondly, the amazing surprise collaberation of Jay-z and Chris Martin last night was incredible. Taken right off of Viva la Hova (something I posted awhile back). I thought it was a pretty big deal because neither of them wrote that album. It was collaberated by two DJ's so the fact that they performed was just slightly off-the-hook.

Not even mentiong the perfromance from Jay-Z, Kanye, T.I. and (it kills me to type this) Lil' Wayne was great too. Shout-outs to M.I.A. for keeping that baby in one extra day. I want a recordered version of this because M.I.A.'s sample was incredible.

Another big one to Dave Grohl looking hella fine on the drums behind McCartney. Loved it.

Grammy's were good, way better than Lil' Waynes "guitar solo".

90's Hip Hop

2009-01-06T16:29:00.004-05:00

So I have been super into 90's hip hop like I am getting paid 6 figures a year to do it. I have been reading a really interesting book called Fat Cat, 50 Cent and Queens Reigns Supreme The Rise of the Hip-Hop Hustler written by Ethan Brown, a crime beat reporter. Now I know you are sitting there wondering "What does some white suburban boy know about hip-hop?" Well hear me out... This guy has done his research and it turned me on to this certain era of late 80's early 90's hip hop.

Left to right: Lorenzo Nichols, James "Wall" Corley, Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff"

I am not going to get into this much because I want to urge you all to read it or check out those political charged groups such as N.W.A. , Notorious B.I.G., RUN DMC and more. Actually, do both because they all connect as tight as a new Adidas laces.

Kenneth McGriff, Lorenzo Nichols, James Corley, and others.

When Jam-Master Jay (RIP) was murdered I didn't think much of it because I was 15 and the only things I cared about were Moneen and Saves the Day. But his death is linked to one of the biggest drug dealers in Southeast Queens, Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff. Now you are wondering how all of this is connected. Well, Murder Inc. is "supposedly" was all financed through drug money, meaning that all of the hip hop artists out of that area that are HUGE now (Jay-Z, DMX, Run DMC, B.I.G., and Tupac [who are also seen in various photos with enourmous drug dealers and parties)] have been funded and gotten to the top of being the best of the best all get there from drug money (apparently).

Jay-Z and DMX onstage at the Amazura Ballroom in Queens in 1998, at the show where the beef began between Ja Rule and 50 Cent. At center, in the background, is Colbert "Black Just" Johnson, a Supreme Team associate who was murdered in 1999. (Photo provided courtesy of Black Hand Entertainment)

I still love these artists (well, most of them) but it is just crazy how all of these hip-hop giants and legends all either worked with drug dealers or had "beef" with them.. which was utlimately their rise or fall.

Read the book, listen to groups.

*I have not finished the book yet and i'm sure there is so much more to know and for me to google. I am hoping to finish it before this.

WOO

Digital Sales and Kid Cudi

2009-01-03T03:00:00.003-05:00

Okay so we all know that everyone steals music.. like everyone. Over the last like 3 to 5 years music industries and bands have lost tons of money. However, in 2008 music sales rose 10% with the sale of vinyl and digital copies.

"The report (From Neilson Soundscan) notes that more than 1.5 billion songs were sold digitally in 2008, a 10% bump over 2007. However, vinyl sales were up by 89% over the previous year."

So to those who say vinyl is dead.. go to hell.

Also this Kid Cudi guy is unbelieveable. My friend James who does the excuse me while i go to space blog showed it to me and it is really, really good.

Also two good friends of mine set up their own blogs and started with a 2008 top ten, make sure to check them out too.

THE BEST AND WORST OF 08

2008-12-31T13:43:00.006-05:00

Best Records!
1. The Gaslight Anthem - The 59' Sound
2. Living With Lions - Make Your Mark
3. Polar Bear Club - Sometimes Things Just Disappear
4. Cursed - III
5. LaGrecia - On Paralells

Worst Record.
1. Weezer - The Red Album

Best Digital Release!
1. Lifestory; Monologue - The Coward
2. Orphan Choir - Picture Book of Saints,
3. The Little Millionaires - DIY is an STD
4. Juiceboxdotcom's first compilation
5. All Aboard - A Tribue to Johnny Cash
6. The Decay - This Months Rent

Best Shows!
1. The Fullblast - Reunion
2. Cursed - Hamilton (Casbah)
3. TwoThousandVoicesTour - Edmonton, AB (In a skate park)
4. The Polar Bear Club - Sneaks
5. Girl Talk - Humber College Frosh Week

Best News!
1. The Fullbast Reunion Show

Worst News.
1. Cursed Broke Up

Looking Forward to in 09'
1. Going to the Fest 8
2. Lifestory; Monologue's New Record
3. Loved Ones Solo Record
4. Paramore's New Record
5. The Flatliners New Record
6. Hopefully seeing Shook Ones / Their New Record

Gaslight Anthem.. finally Toronto

2008-12-24T01:53:00.003-05:00

So after the Gaslight Anthem played a giant tour for their first few shows in Canada (with a really wierd line up), released one of the best records of the year, played on Conan O'brien and released everything they had on vinyl, as well as making a fundraiser this christmas for the homeless, they are finally headlining a smaller tour and coming to Toronto.

Also, after a few years Brand New is releasing a new record hopefully in the new year. Awesome.

Wow.

2008-12-19T13:50:00.002-05:00

It has been a long time since I have posted anything, mostly because nothing exciting has really happened. (in my opinion at least). Well today of all days seems to be the best news day of the year.

My good friend Sam Sutherland who writes for Exclaim!, plays in a band called Junior Battles and created on of the best blogs I have ever read, Juicebox, just made a record label... sponsored by donations and amazing bands.

Awesome dude alert Sam Sutherland says:
In an attempt to get the music we love in this city heard by more people, we have started a record label. Except we are cheap and poor, which, coupled with our youthful technological resourcefulness, means it's an online-only, donation-based record label. It's called Juicebox Recording Co.

As for all the online/donation babble, we basically think that awesome music should be readily available to awesome people, who can then make up their own mind as to what that music is worth (monetarily) to them.

The label already has things lined up for The Flatliners, Saint Alvia Cartel, The Little Millionaires, Hostage Life, Cavaliers and more.

In other news my friend Matt told me that Polar Bear Club played a cover of Ten Minutes by the Get Up Kids at their Ottawa show this passed week. Due to the glory of the internet we can all watch it here.

Gaslight on Conan

2008-12-10T13:47:00.002-05:00

So The Gaslight Anthem played on Conan last night. They were really into it and sounded great. I hope people across North America are super into this band.

Interesting fact I have the record that Conan is holding.

(That isn't really interesting at all.. but they are on sale at Vinyl Collective)

The Roots to Open For Jimmy Fallon?

2008-12-01T13:50:00.006-05:00

So I heard about this awhile ago but I haven't posted about it yet because of other things that have been going on.

Anyway, it seems to be that The Roots are going to stop touring and are going to "retire" to be Jimmy Fallon's opening band for his new late night show to replace Conan when Conan replaces Leno in 2009.

Here is an equation:

Jimmy Fallon
+
The (unbelievably talented and amazing) Roots
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
= Jimmy Fallon still not funny. (... do you remember Taxi?)

Remeber that Christmas Album...

2008-11-30T00:30:00.001-05:00

Merry early Christmas.

Orphan Choir, Orphan Choir, Orphan Choir!

2008-11-27T23:39:00.006-05:00

Orphan Choir (Windsor, Ontario) put up three news songs on their myspace. Everyone needs to listen to them right now, go and buy the record when it comes out and high-five me if you love this band and I made it happen.

Orphan Choir - Crustina Naccarato

MORE THAN EXCITED.

This is HUGE

2008-11-24T13:02:00.007-05:00

So Against Me! used to be a two person act. Tom Gabel and Kevin Mahon used to crush out songs in basements all over the states. Over the weekend Tom brought Kevin out and they played the entirety of 2001's Crime As Forgiven EP, a few from The Acoustic EP and they also touched down on favorites"Those Anarcho Punks Are Mysterious..." and "Burn".

Tom Gabel - Spin - Marisa Abaza

Setlist:
"I Dreamed Bob Dylan Was a Friend of Mine"
"Random Hearts"
"Amputations"
"Joy"
"Harsh Realms"
"Anna is a Stool Pigeon"
"Wagon Wheel"
"Jordan's First Choice"
"Tonight We're Gonna Give It 35%"
"Walking is Still Honest"
"What We Worked For"
"Those Anarcho Punks Are Mysterious..."
"I Still Love You Julie"
"Shit Stroll"
"Impact"
"Ya'll Don't Wanna Step To Dis"
"Burn"
"We Did It All for Don"
"8 Full Hours of Sleep"
"Sink, Florida, Sink"

I'm burning up with jealousy, tonight calls for an all Against Me! all the time night.

808's and The Beach Boys

2008-11-21T15:42:00.005-05:00

New Kanye - Heart Break Record (Interview)

Google / Irony

New Rivers - Beach Boys Cover

Google / Funny

It's like their two personalities got switched.

Whoa Big News

2008-11-19T12:53:00.000-05:00

Mark's blog on himynameismark:

"In the midst of everything else that has happened lately, tom, travis, and i have all spoken together. first through a number of phone calls, and then a couple of weeks ago we all hung out for a few hours. they’ve all been great, very positive conversations. we’re just reconnecting as friends after four years of not talking. it’s a good thing. obviously the first question for a lot of people will be “does this mean a blink-182 reunion?” the answer is none of us know. we haven’t talked about it at all. right now it’s just good for the three of us to see one another, reconnect, and let the past be the past. the events of the past two months supersede everything that happened before. life is too short."

holy.

Christmas Time!

2008-11-12T19:46:00.004-05:00

So Dustin Kensrue (Thrice) has a Christmas album coming out on Nov. 18. He has a new song coming out everyday until it's release and it will blow jingle bells out of the fucking water.

Thanks Zac for the heads up.

p.s. Paramore has a CD DVD coming out, and Anthony Green has some charity songs up to help his family out to pay for some hospital bills, good things happening in the music buisness this year. I love it, but still miss Cursed everyday.

It's True..

2008-11-10T13:42:00.005-05:00

Midland's (Toronto's) Born Ruffians released a 4 song EP sometime this weekend. Three new songs and the original of Foxes Mate For Life from Red, Yellow and Blue.

UPDATE: I lied, Christopher Fry called me out. It was Tokyo Polic Club that toured with them, and it wasn't an EP, it's just a studio release.

It's a Dead Horse.. But it's a Big Deal Dead Horse

2008-11-05T11:02:00.001-05:00

Woo - First African American President

Pharrell + Strokes = Maybe...?

2008-11-03T12:20:00.000-05:00

So I was reading Inked last week and as I was pleasantly surprised at the fact that Pharrell Williams is trying to grow pig skin and his skin to cover up his own tattoos he also wants to record the next Strokes record.

Pharrell - Promo

“Julian Casablancas and I collaborated on something with Santogold, so I’m talking to him about their next record, I want it bad!”

The Strokes - Promo

I think this would be an awesome opportunity. Pharrell has done a lot of amazing producing in his days and the fact that he wants to take a different route with a new type of music just makes me smile inside. The world of music is turning around, big time.

"Jay-Z Walks"

2008-10-29T11:29:00.000-04:00

So in case you have not heard the Jigga man himself (a man more wealthy than Donald Trump) approved a mixtape of all of his work and all Coldplay's work. The two DJ's aswell as a bunch of other people i've never heard of put this out. The demand was so high for it yesterday it crashed the IllRoots website.

Enough talk, more download.

Big time,
bt

Two tsp. of Local

2008-10-27T12:10:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend alot of great events happened. One of the two I couldn't attend, but the second I attended on the internet.. as thats all I needed to do.

Bros - Taylor Jackson - Waterloo, ON

On Friday night Guelph's greatest Lifestory; Monologue played host to three new bands in the tri-city area. One of the bands, Kingdoms is brand spankin' new and at the beginning of October had their debut EP free for download. Not only did they have huge hype before they even played one show, but they are all from various bands that have graced many youths in Southern Ontario over the years; Race Well Run, Skylight Drama, Take Victory, Straight Reads The Line and A Satellite Conneticut. Not to mention one of the guitarists Jordan Valeriote owns and operates Sundown Studios, a quick growing name for bands wanting to record.

Kingdoms - Taylor Jackson - Waterloo, ON

On Saturday night Toronto's greatest dudes and partiers The Little Millionaires released their 4 soung EP DIY is and STD. They are planning a bunch of shows and to release a split Hostage Life. All of these dudes have some connection between Bombs Over Providence or Protest the Hero. Aaron is also my boss!

stoked on tonight Halloween week,
bt.

EVERYTHING RULES

2008-10-22T14:04:00.001-04:00

I got word a few days ago from punknews that Shook Ones has a blogspot up that is displaying and following them through the recording of a new record(!). It has pictures, funny stories, videos that have my friend Deacon drunk in them and the progression of their recordings.

Shook Ones - Brandon Tidle - N/A

I know I may rant about this band too much or too often. But it's just because I believe in them that much. They have a few splits coming out with Hour of the Wolf and End of a Year. Both are unbelievably unreal.

They have a few shows coming up but the best is the Fest 7. Go if you have money, and take pictures and live the experience for me.

busy bee,
bt

Praise my friends, Praise.

2008-10-15T11:04:00.000-04:00

I don't have anything to rant about only praise and love.

One of the biggest party bands on earth The Blackout Pact broke up back in 2006. They just recently announced they are getting back together to finish recording the last 3 - 5 songs they wrote and to do a final tour. I say to them, "Good on ya."

The Blackout Pact - "party time"

I am so overly ecstatic about this idea. This is the way bands should go out. Always. Take sometime off and re-evaluate things, get back together a few years or months later and finish writing the songs you started. Make a final tour and release the record for your fans, don't be a bitter asshole and just stop completely, finish what you start.

I don't know when the record comes out or when the tour starts, all I know is I will be attending and acquiring both.

weekend again soon,
bt.

Why, oh Why.

2008-10-08T11:19:00.000-04:00

Due to the new video by Weezer I decided that maybe I should touch down on them and give them a shout out for some of the greatest videos of all time. Seriously, everyone is killer (excluding Hash Pipe)

First off we have Undone -- The Sweater Song
Not only is this song incredible, but it was also Weezer's first video debut and obviously became a giant hit on MTV. The video includes dogs, a continious single take, hilarious banter and funny clothing. It runs 4 minutes and gets even more ridiculous as it nears the end.

Secondly we have Buddly Holly
Again, this song is incredible and off one of the two only good records Weezer ever put out. The video is spin off of the show Happy Days where Weezer plays at the famous restuarant Arnolds Diner. It takes place in the 50's, everyone is happy and jolly and a dancing cameo by Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli (Fonz) is possibly the greatest thing ever.

Third - Island in the Sun
Firstly, this video has animals, happiness, and the african desert. Plus it was directed by Spike Jonze. Enough said.
...and the first version?

Fourth - Pork and Beans
The song itself is pretty catchy for new Weezer, still not as good though. It's for their third self-titled album (Red) and they give props to all of the passed one hit wonders on the internet.

Fifth - Troublemaker
Again, off of the red album. Terrible song, super catchy, great video. They break numerous amounts of records including;
The largest air guitar ensemble (233) The largest game of dodgeball (two teams of 50 people), the longest Guitar Hero World Tour Marathon (10 hr 12 min 54 sec) and The most people in a custard pie fight (120).

Honorable mention also goes out to Keep Fishin', Beverly Hills, Say It Ain't So and We Are All On Drugs.

bt,

*Update
SIGN THIS

Quick Notes for Monday

2008-10-06T16:03:00.000-04:00

Whats up with bands getting robbed in Europe? I love Europe but it is giving bad vibes to the punk environment.

The following is a statement from me to Europe on behalf of myself;

Dear Europe,

I don't know what kind of financial problems you are in, but please stop robbing and breaking up bands that have worked very hard to make it out to your country to play shows for you and your people. We have always treated your European stars with full respect, so please do the same. In short, Europe, please stop being ungrateful dicks who steal from good people.

Sincerly,
Bobbie Tubbs

Second, Tom Delogne gives a shout out to Travis' accident. Please tell me he has come to his senses, realizes life is too short, they get over their childhood bickering and make music again.

bt,

Hm...

2008-10-01T09:25:00.000-04:00

So you know how everyone has that band on their Itunes that they "haven't given a listen to yet because they just haven't" ? Well, if not, I have lots of those and I have no idea why. I honestly need to sit down and take a listen to Look Mexico, Cloak/Dagger, Bomb the Music Industry, Coalesce, Dillinger Four, Riverboat Gamblers, Rocket From the Crypt, Yesterday's Ring etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc.

Bomb the Music Industry - N/A

I am not really sure why we (I) do this. I always tell myself; "alright, I am going to sit down and listen to insert band name here tonight as everyone keeps talking about how they have put out such an amazing record and are touring with insert band name here." And yet, I still can't manage to come around to check it out.

Look Mexico - N/A

Then there is the flip side of things. When you tell people about bands and they have no idea who you are talking about and yet that type of music is like blood in their veins. I guess it just comes back to how there are a million different bands out there and about hundred worth checking out. However, I do urge you, take the time out of your day and listen to something someone suggests, you never know when you'll find your next insert your favourite band here.

one more day until weekend,
bt.

Big BIG Ups

2008-09-29T13:00:00.000-04:00

Hallelujah-holla back,

I want to give it up to the Fest this fine Monday. The Fest is a giant punk festival held in heart of punk rocks Gainesville, Florida. It is going onto it's seventh year and I wish I made enough money to spend my life savings on vinyl, posters and maybe some shirts. Not to mention some crazy americanexo [american mexican food (I just made this up)]. Fat Wreck Chords runs the entire thing (as well as many other sponsors) and this year it's on Halloween (amazing). It runs three days of solid party time and wicked band time, 250+ bands are slated to play on the 8 stages. There is also a Flea Market where anyone can rent a table and sell their stuff.

Small Brown Bike - Scott Heisel - Fest Flickr

As an added bonus the Bouncing Souls are playing a specail birthday set for the event.
The website has tons of stuff for you to seek out and arrange hotels, flights, drives and everything else you would need to know in order to make it the greatest weekend of your entire life.

The Gaslight Anthem - Scott Heisel - Fest Flickr

Also, my good friends in The Flatliners are hitting the fest for the second time this year. Big ups to them!

Wishing and dreaming of being at the fest,
bt

My Well Wishes...

2008-09-24T14:52:00.000-04:00

So I hit the mark of 1000 page loads today, super exciting. It makes me believe that I should keep this up.

So I thought today I would give my regards to Travis Barker and DJ AM after a crash that have left them in critical condition with 3rd degree burns. Not only has Travis done pretty much everything now (including jumping out of a plane) but he is most well-known for his amazing drumming role in pop-punk heroes Blink 182. I think the worst part about this whole thing is that DJ AM and Travis were touring to promote a new record they have recorded together that is available online to download for free. The record is mostly just DJ AM spinning and mixing tracks much like Girl Talk as Travis Barker drums over them, thus creating TRV$ DJ-AM. And the record is appropriately named "Fix Your Face."
Many News sites and blogs have given their regards and mentions towards Travis and DJ AM as well as their families so I only thought it was appropriate to publicize the record they were promoting that almost caused them die.

And lets be honest, it is pretty unreal that those two were the only that survived out of six people, that is a whole new bag of props on it's own.

(I don't know much about DJ AM, I am sorry, but be sure to check him out here.)

Things Helping The Music Buisness

2008-09-22T13:37:00.000-04:00

The fiveonenine.

Today I am going to give it up to fiveonenine. It only seems appropriate as it just celebrated it's 6th anniversary yesterday and had tons of great bands out for the support.

fiveonenine is run by a few people at Sellout Shows, and a few mods that are in bands around the city. It has a Shows side bar for any type of music that keeps all readers / music lovers informed in all 519 cities (Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo and right now.. Windsor?). It has a General section where mostly a whole lot of crap talking goes on but also touches down on various subjects including bands, records, zombies and the funniest things you could find on the internet.

The fiveonenine board also has a Buy/Sell section that is ALWAYS selling gear and what not. A Shows Free For All section that anyone can advertise any show and talk about it and one of the better threads is the Looking For Band Members Thread where various people can search for positions in bands and make up a group in their area. This website has everything an area-code music scene needs.

I also want to briefly give it up to all the people in the 519 who are always helping out with shows, playing in bands and keeping a great environment. I am more then proud to let everyone know where I am from just because we have such a well weeved scene.

There wasn't really any good pictures for this so here is a video of a waterballoon getting blown up in slow motion.

Check This(these) Bands Out

2008-09-19T11:03:00.001-04:00

In recent news of New Mexican Disaster Squad breaking up I have decided to give them my own honor of hoping the five people who read this check them out.

Not Local: New Mexican Disaster Squad(Orlando, Florida) Was formed in 1999. They started out singing about their tourist surroundings and pizza delivery jobs. Apparently there isn't much of a punk scene in Orlando so they hit the road and left Mickey Mouse behind them to become a non-stop touring band. They have three solid full lengths under their belts with the help of Jade Tree and a shit ton of compilations. They broke up about two weeks ago and their last shows are going to be at the Fest at the end of October.

Heavy Rating - About a 7, they have some solid rifts. And definitely take note from 80's hardcore.

Awesome Rating: Awesome. I only have the one record but it blows my mind.

Sounds Like - Lawrence Arms, Dillenger Four, Paint it Black, None More Black

Local: Orphan Choir(Windsor, Ontario) There isn't much I could find from these guys on a history of or anything. They have a bunch of 7" splits out and just finished a Canadian tour after recording their first full length. Make sure you catch them October 14th with Fake Problems at Sneaks. GOOD SHOW AND NACHOS! A+

Heavy Rating - Around a 7, nothing crazy just some people wouldn't dig their raw recordings.

Awesome Rating: Amazing, I constantly listen to their splits and their recordings are so hard.

Sounds Like - GO LISTEN!

Things in the Music Buisness

2008-09-17T10:39:00.000-04:00

What the hell is this.

First of all, as if AC/DC isn't played enough in a College Dorm on pub night. They need that whinie over the top voice and way overrated stupid Australian band to be played 24/7. In effect to this, that major company XM Radio has canceled two punk radio stations.

Not to mention (because I don't need to mention it) there are not a lot of punk stations as it is. They come few and far between, so the fact that they have taken away two of them. ESPECIALLY so more AC/DC can be played just blows my mind. It's absurd.

Excuse my french, and i'm sorry mom and dad. But fuck XM radio. The fact that a mutli-billion dollar company can't fund two little stations that quite a few peoplpe listen to is just depressing. Not everyone listens to the new Kid Rock song, or that shit that Miley Sirus ' brother has put together.

In case you are wondering the two stations that got the boot were Fungus 53 and Sirus. If you feel the need to complain. (which I hope you do) you can email programming@xmradio.com and fungus@xmradio.com

Google Fungus 53, look at the first thing that comes up.

boycotting XM Radio
bt.

RIGHT after I wrote this something got posted on punknews as an update.

Check This Band Out

2008-09-12T12:34:00.000-04:00

So on Wednesday I was complaining about how bands don't come to Canada very often. In one of those posts I mentioned Fake Problems.

Not Local: Fake Problems(Naples, Flordia) Was founded by Chris Farren in 2001 as a solo project. Farren wanted to expand his creativity and write something new. He used many insturments to record his first few songs and recorded them all on his computer. The reason band is called Fake Problems because the music he created was made with a no problems or commitments attitude. Eventually Casey Lee, Derek Perry, and Sean Stevenson joined the band to to make a four piece.

Heavy Rating - Probably about a 3. Folk rock and good times at it's finest.

Awesome Rating: The best, never sick on them. And they ACTUALLY make it to Canada.

Sounds Like - Against Me, Lawrence Arms, Dillenger Four

Local: The Decay(Guelph, Ont) As far as I have been around these guys have been around. Always playing shows, giving it up to the 519 and supporting everything coming out of it. I don't know much about their passed or anything. All I know is that Tyler Robertson used to play Starcraft and is the infamous person in the Punk Rawker Red Pants video on Youtube. Ben Brake loves NBA and went to John F. Ross. I think they are recording a new album and recently played a house show.

The Decay @ Sam's House - Porchy - Facebook

Heavy Rating - About a 6 or so.

Awesome Rating - All great dudes, and Youtube celeb status. Atleast an 8.

Sounds Like - See For Yourself!

Somewhat bored of 4 days weekends?
bt,

Touring: Canada vs America

2008-09-10T10:08:00.000-04:00

Okay, I know that I live in Toronto and it is the center of good shows that come to Ontario. But hear me out. Bands, amazing bands, PLEASE OUR CANADA.

I know there are alot of complications when wanting to do a tour through another Country. You have to deal with borders, money, gas, merch, taxes, work visas (SOMETIMES) and etc. But really, can one good tour ever come to Canada.. ever?
For instance, Hot Water Music and Wakestock. Yes, I was super stoked to see HWM for sure. However, I was not stoked that the only show they played in Canada was at a festival where bros just wanted to get drunk and jump in the mud where I had to pay $60 to see them play a 30 minute set. If a band like Hot Water is making the effort to hit up Toronto, for one show, why not play a few on the way, lots of the people who dig them are University and College students who do not have the funds for a $60 ticket the funds or an 8 - 10 hour trip on the 401. Just play a few shows in selected cities, even one more in Ottawa would have been fine!

Plus, there are alot of bands that have never been here and they NEED to be here. Cursive's first Canadian show was on a giant (terrible) bill last year. I don't see how a band that has released 6 albums and is very successful can't do a solid line of Canadian shows (a criminal record maybe?).
The latest tour that isn't passing us really, really bummed me out. The Cobra Skulls and Fake Problems tour would be unreal. Those two bands blow my mind, and seeing them together would just be the greatest thing.

Anyway, not that this is going to change much, maybe one day I won't have to travel to Buffalo to see Shook Ones.

Things Helping The Music Buissness

2008-09-08T19:45:00.000-04:00

Blogs. blogs blogs blogs blogs.
(I couldn't find any good blogging pictures so there is a picture of an explosion instead.)

I am getting into blogs today about helping out the music biz. Maybe "help and bizz" isn't the best combo to put together when it comes to the internet, but it has helped bands get TONS of exposure. Not as much as the Internet has, but that is for another day.

I was going to put up a history and description of blogging but it is pretty self-explanatory. People post their thoughts, ideas, opinions, albums, reviews, videos, pictures and probably a lot more. Blogging has become such a big thing that it is being taught in schools to Journalism students (myself included) to get your name out there. In fact, this blog that you are reading was a school project. I took it on myself to write in it a lot as I got quite the good response. Plus, I love writing about this stuff.

So anyway, blogging has really helped get names and albums out there. There are tons of music blogging sites that post links to records and reviews for people to download (Yes, it is stealing. But it is also free exposure). Others write reviews and interview hardcore bands no mainstream website or other would ever cover. Again, free exposure of bands and things people love talking about.

Anyway, I want you to check out some of the blogs I posted throughout my post and start one yourself. I love it.

loving blogging and missing k-os,
bt.

Check This Out #?

2008-09-05T14:09:00.001-04:00

Yo first things first, next Wednesday I get to see Girl Talk.. so check out Girl Talk as I will be reviewing it around next week.

Not Local: Girl Talk(Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) Went to school studying Biomedical Engineering and worked as an Engineer in May 07. He quit to continue his work on his mash-ups. He has released four albums, all of which blow my mind and is probably one of the most talented DJ's to put together 4 solid records of mash-ups, they ALWAYS work together.

Heavy Rating - Not really heavy at all, just wicked beats and everything always fits together.

Sounds Like - BIG, Oasis, The Game, Ludacris, Weezer, every artist ever.

Local: Cain & Abel (Acton, ON) Because of the mention of Weezer before with Girl Talk it reminded me of Cain & Abel's last few shows where they did Weezer covers. Even though they aren't a band anymore they released four really solid records as well, all covering different sounds and dynamics which challenged all members of the band.

Heavy Rating - About a 5, great for everyone!

Awesome Rating - 10 out of 10. Nicest dudes ever and had such an original sound.

Sounds Like - The Get Up Kids, Saves the Day, Attack in Black

MONDAY MONDAY MONDAY
bt,

More free time, more blogging time?

2008-09-03T16:53:00.000-04:00

Yo, I am in my first weeks of school so I got crazy hectic and busy and blah blah blah excuses. Anyway, I am back to write, and today is about things in the music business.

I have a few rants up my alley, the first being this all-of-the-sudden success story Lights. First off, who is she? does she make her own beat? and it is pretty fucking (excuse) crazy that she has only an EP out and she already has made headway with Old Navy and is shooting a video! She starts off with getting a contract with Underground Operations, plays a few more shows, some festivals, and then all of the sudden Warner Bros picks her up out of nowhere and she gets all these awesome hook-ups with videos and is going to get quite the buck with her song in a nation-wide commercial.

Don't get me wrong, I am not upset, I am the least from it. I am actually really suprised. All of this time I have been telling people that hard-working deserving bands never, ever, get gratification. However, I am very happy and impressed with Universal and Warner Bros as they have had interest in The Junction and now Lights.

I guess the end of the rant is "Go Universal and Go Warner, Good Job Lights."

Yay writting again!

p.s. Sorry for not having anything written lately, I have had a lot of people keep checking back so I am so thankful for you guys!

Come back Friday for Check This Band Out.

Check This Out

2008-08-15T16:06:00.000-04:00

I know I have been out of comission because of various things that make my life more hectic then I am used to. I hope by the end of next week the crazyness will be down and I can keep the blog updated as I have been trying to do. I had a wicked birthday week, and now I am back to school working two jobs. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.

Anyway, the real reason you are here.

Non Local: Living With Lions (Van, BC) I saw these dudes at The Fullblast show and had heard so much about them. I was super stoked to finally get to listen to the next "Lifetime" like I had been told by many. Needless to say it is no Lifetime but they are one solid fucking band. Seriously, the record they have released is unbelievable. I have listened to it everyday since I heard it the first time. They hail from the Rain City (Go Canada) and are just finishing a tour with A Wilhelm Scream.

Heavy Rating - 6 or 7, super catchy and just heavy enough.

Awesome Rating - 9 out of 10. Almost a perfect ten, but there are a few points in the record that just dont fly.

Sounds Like - Lifetime, Shook One

Local: The Artist Life(Toronto, Ont) These dudes have been doing this band for a long time and have been in alot of different bands. They all have solid full time jobs and still manage to make a solid band. They constantly play shows and have a great following. They are this months feature in Alternative Press for the "unsigned band that should be signed" article. They are all super great dudes and have a bunch of dates with Polar Bear Club this month. Make sure you check that out for sure.

Heavy Rating - About a 5, great for everyone!

Awesome Rating - 7 ou tof 10. Great dudes, I think they play just a little too many shows. But that is not up to me.

Sounds Like - The Loved Ones

Camp time, blog later.
Check James out.
bt

Check This Out..(!)(!)

2008-08-11T11:31:00.000-04:00

So i've had my harsh words about Exclaim! for personal reasons. But in actuality it is a wonderful "newspaper" that extremely informative about movies, music, news, concerts, and is slowly building up a video and radio section of the paper aswell, and they are both really awesome.

Exclaim! is a Canadian based publication that is run out of a house on Ossington. They publish 11 issues a year, distributing over 100,000 copies to over 2,600 locations across Canada.

Exclaim! started as an idea among college radio programmers at Ryerson University in 1991. It's goal was to support Canadian music that wasn't getting the exposure it deserved. It was started by Ian Danzig along with fellow programmers and local Toronto musicians. The first issue was made throughout 1991 and was released at the beginning of 1992. Since then monthly issues have been availible for YOU AND ME. FOR FREE.

You can pick it up free at almost any music dwellers dream, and can always find it on every corner. Just look for the giant Exclaim!@#$1 box.

It has helped bands like Attack in Black, Carpenter, Living With Lions, F*ck the Facts, The Flatliners, and many more get there name out to the dozens of Canadian readers who can bask in the glory that is our Canadian Music Scene.

I love portal,
bt.

Little Turn Around

2008-08-06T00:29:00.000-04:00

Usually Monday is the day that I put up something to be recognized by the Punk Community. However, I was so stoked on The Fullblast reunion that I had to write about it and let every drool over how amazing it was.

An early post to promote something that is no longer with us, sadly. Nothing Nice To Say was a comic written by Mitch Clem, a very talented writer and great illustrator. His comics were based around the early punk era with such bands as Black Flag and Fugazi but he does name drop a few of the "newer" bands to the punk scene (Whole Wheat Bread, Cloak and Dagger). They all have hilarious low balls to any self-respecting "punk" but they always make you laugh. He also touches on bad band names, drugs, and the kids always trying to "make it".

It has claimed the title of the "First Punk Comic Ever" and I think it's the "Only Punk Comic Ever". Apparently it is going to come to a hardcover on October 9th through Dark Horse. And If Dan Yenim likes it, then i'll fucking love it.

Make sure you check out his entire site: MitchClem.com

birthday, 1 day,
bt.

Getting Back..

2008-08-04T11:13:00.000-04:00

So I took a break for a week, sue me.

Now for the real deal. The Fullblast show last Wednesday was unbelievable. All 17 songs they played were everything everyone wanted to hear. The set list was:

Jet Pack
Why Does Banana Get Shotgun
Ministicks
Hemiola, Im peddling home
No One Says Anything Funny Anymore
You Came out, Wearing...
Prison Tats
Stu Ross
Drink it, Im jesus
Miss You
Cut the Tension (lifetime cover)
Radio
James Eats Planet, Does PCP
Phase I, the Epidemic
It's Cool but Moneen Already Did It
Jerk Circus is For Jerks
Lee Majors
They played so perfectly and it was obvious that everyone that was in the Opera House was there for them, and the opening bands were just an extra present to the ginormous one waiting for you under the tree. They switched between 3 guitar players. Rayblast (founding member), Pud(helped write Short Controlled Bursts) and Ian Blackwood the front man of The Artist Life. You could tell all of them were having a great time, and were happy to finally be able to say goodbye to the great times they had as a band. Everyone knew they needed that one last performance.

I don't want to stray too much away from The Blast. But the opening bands were great as always. I missed The Artist Life, but I got to catch Living With Lions (fucking spectacular - read more on friday) and A Wilhelm Scream played beautifly. How Bri (Wiki page? Wierd I know) pulled off over a 30 song set i'll never know, but he is a rad dude for doing that.

I want to personally thank The Fullblast from the bottom of my heart. I loved their band so much when I was in high school and they got me into so much of the music I love today. I felt like I was 16 years old again on Wednesday, and that doesn't happen very often.

wooo,
bt.

Check This Out 3:

2008-07-25T13:40:00.000-04:00

This is going to be another specail edition of check this out based on my weekends events which include Hot Water Music (!!) and Chuck Ragan (!!!)

Non Local (N/A):
Chuck Ragan(Gold Country, CA) Chuck Ragan is a guitarist and singer of Hot Water Music. Once they parted ways in 2006 three other members went on to form The Draft and Ragan went ahead to pursue his solo career. The Fall Revival Tour is taking place July / Sept / Oct / Nov with other inspiring front men Tom Gabel of Against Me!, Chris Wollard of Hot Water Music / The Draft, Kevin Seconds of 7Seconds, John Snodgrass of Drag The River,and Chris McCaughan (Sundowner) of the Lawrence Arms. Needless to say it is the greatest solo punk tour of any of our current lives. Currently taking many offers / more people who want to go to one of the dates.
P.S. he is playing the sound Academy this Saturday. (He also likes fishing)

Heavy Rating - 3 brotha, folk punk at its finest.
Awesome Rating - Pretty rad, everything is out on vinyl and he is from Hot Water Music?
Sounds Like - ?

Local(N/A): Hot Water Music (Gainesville, FL) I can say so much about this band and it won't give them any justice. They have been a band since 1993, breaking up twice for various reasons but always getting back together. They recently just put out a compilation record "Till the Wheels Fall Off" and have toured it for the last year. The last string of dates for 2008 were announced this past week. They are the most influential punk band ever. Everyone looks up to them and I don't care who you are, you do, or have in some way.

Heavy Rating - I'm going to say a 6.5. They are easy listening for sure, but they can be so heavy at the same time.
Awesome Rating - 10 10 10 10 10 nothing can bring them down.
Sounds Like - Everything you have ever listened too.

best weekend ever.
bt,

(p.s. no post on Monday because i'll be at my girlfriends cottage, so check back Wednesday)

Warped Tour!

2008-07-23T11:10:00.000-04:00

So my girlfriend and I ended up going to Warped Tour this passed Saturday. It was the first Warped Tour I had been too in about 5 years or so... The only bands that I wanted to see were Everytime I Die, Against Me!, The Flatliners.. and thats about it. Turns out Everytime I Die and The Flatliners played at the same time (great, what are the chances?) and AM! wasn't on until 3:00pm.

We arrived at about 11:00am, got our passes, bypassed the line (thank god) and went straight in to watch Shotgun Rules. I hadn't seen this band in a few years but they were really good and had a solid sound, I have to check them out for sure.

I saw some friends, walked around all of the tents and I noticed that every single bands merch had been thrown up on by a rainbow. Like, seriously. Every piece of merch was covered in lime green or pinks or had giant "F*ck You" somewhere on it. So all of the merch wasn't worth while at all. I also didn't really see any Vinyl.

Anyways, after the upsetting walk around I went to go check out Norma Jean. I used to really like them and from what I remeber they put on a great show. I don't know if it was that day, the weather, or just the setting but they seemed a bit off, and not like they were having very much fun at all.

Then I sat to watch Say Anything, who were alot of fun but just aren't really my bag. After that my girlfriend and her friends wanted to watch Jack's Mannuquein. I stayed and they seemed pretty fun, it seemed like they like to party hard and had a lot of fun. But again, not really my bag.

Against Me! goes on and I start getting excited because it was one of the three bands I wanted to see on this tour. They play mostly new stuff and don't say a single thing to the crowd. They don't seem into at all and then just leave right after they play. Huge bummer.
Against Me! Live: 2 Bobbie: 0

Finally Everytime I Die hits the main stage for 5:00pm. I've seen them alot, but this was for sure one of the best times. They played so hard and kids were digging it so much. It seemed like they were having tons of fun on the tour as well. They played Ebolorama at the end and Floater near the beginning. The rest was from The Big Dirty and just their set made my entire day.

It started to rain, we left. Warped Tour sucks (minus ETID). Never going again.

Hot Water Music on Saturday,
bt

Punknews - Informing Everyone For A Long Time

2008-07-21T13:17:00.000-04:00

So this week I will be giving a big shout out to punknews. I am going to go ahead and say they are the largest provider of punk news (zing) in all of North America AND it's based out of Canada.

I personally get all of my news from there (as it is my homepage) and it is updated everyday, all the time except for weekends (obviously) AND it's all volunteer. Just another example of people working together to get things done for the masses who love to spend their time idolizing bands.

They have a whole whack of things up to and including: (I would link it all but it is all so convenient from the front page) A message board, Reviews, Releases, Album Streams, Band Bio's and Demos, Tours, Contests, Break-ups, Vinyl File, and Editors picks.

There are many different competitors I know, but NOTHING beats out the content, information and community punknews has to offer.

a week to go at intern,
bt

Check This Band Out 2:

2008-07-19T22:04:00.001-04:00

In the events leading up to July there are two bands that you need to check out immediately if you haven't already.

Non Local:
Shook Ones(Seattle, Washington).This is by far one of my favorite bands to date that I can't get enough of. I listen to "Bad Year" everyday and throw on Sixteen and Facetious Folly Feat. atleast two times a week. On July 21st they are releasing a new split 7" that will make my complete Shook Ones record collection bigger, and more bad ass.

Heavy Rating - About a 7, loud and fast as hell.
Awesome Rating - 10. Off the charts, I love everything they have released and you should too.
Sounds Like - Kid Dynamite and Pure Awesome

Local:
Lifestory; Monologue(Guelph, Ontario) Now I probably brag about this band too much. But that is only because they deserve it. They are heading out on the east coast right now and I encourage you to make it out and give them all the love they deserve. Earlier this year they posted a new track on their myspace with hopes of finding someone to help them record their next record. They have come with a positive message of love and acceptance in all of their songs. Please don't hesitate to check out this amazing group of individuals. Also, some dude taped their entire set at SceneFest so make sure you check it out, for real.

Heavy Rating - Probably about a 6 to 7. It varies alot depending on the song.
Awesome Rating - 8 - They are still finding their sound but each step makes them even more unique.
Sounds Like - mewithoutYou, Explosions in the Sky, Thrice

I'm sorry it's late! I got caught up!
bt,

(warped tour review monday)

Check This Band Out:

2008-07-19T22:04:00.000-04:00

The Classy Way to Selling Out..

2008-07-16T15:18:00.000-04:00

A common theme within the music community is the ancient art of "selling out". I got thinking to myself what is selling out? after reading what some no-name writer had to say on Somethingawful about Against Me! and how they have decided to do the entirety of Warped Tour kind of got me thinking.

The most recent band in the act of "selling out" and has had the most criticism is Against Me! the political stick to the basement shows punk act kind of set themselves up for it by refusing major labels for years, and even making a DVD somewhat based around it. However now, they are on a MAJOR label and are doing more then they ever have as a band.

Think of it this way: Yes, they did "sellout" to things they wrote about when they were 18 - 25 (think Ian Mackaye and straight-edge) but they are getting their music and message to a whole new audience. They are playing bigger festivals and shows for people to enjoy the music they make, they are making a living off of the music they make. Isn't that what every musician is trying to do?

Don't get me wrong, I am a bit skeptical about New Wave myself. However, Ben Lee does a wicked cover of the entire album, so maybe it's all just a mental thing.

at linux cafe on the way home from internship,
bt

Vinyl Collective - Helping Everyone Since 'Always

2008-07-14T12:12:00.000-04:00

Its been about a year and a half since I have started my vinyl collection. It has grown fast with almost 100 records and my collection wouldn't even be close to that number if I hadn't stumbled upon Vinyl Collective.

For my first of many "Things Helping Out the Music Industry" I feel that Vinyl Collective deserves to be the first mention. Not only Does Virgil (Creator / Owner / Mastermind) get his staff to look over EVERY record before it is sent out. But he makes sure that the the community he has built around Vinyl Collective gets to be just as much a part of the process as anyone else.

VC also has more then just records and amazing box sets. They also make pints, drink cozies and a hell of a lot more. The reason I respect VC so much is because that everyone who works there loves vinyl, and they don't want anything more then to make it easy for people to own a record. Virgil is always coming up with ways to get more stocks of whatever he has in (because it ALWAYS sells out) or he goes to get a second press printed.

I am so honored to have been able to stumble upon this site when I did, I wish I could give just as much back to VC as they have given me, so I hope you will take the time to check them out, and maybe get a record or two(or even a pint glass, record cover or cozie). I know they have alot to give and I want to share this with as many people as I possibly can!

VC is giving more to the music industry than ever before. Record sales are up over 30% and I am sure VC had something to do with it. They honor their buyers, let the community choose records to get pressed, and always have fun contests. Plus, he is giving music lovers a whole new way to appreciate collecting again, and supporting artists.

You can also stay up-to-date with Ben Conoley's Vinyl File on Punknews

Wishing he could afford The Lawrence Arms Box Set,
bt

June and July are Party Months(!!!!)(lots of exclamations in brackets)

2008-07-10T23:25:00.000-04:00

So as many of you already know I am seeing the Fullblast and Hot Water Music this month(!!!) and I was on tour pretty much all of last month. Therefore (:.) I am dubbing June and July '08 the official party months of my life. Not to mention a wicked party happening at the Grace Street Sport and Social Club with The Little Millionaires and The Flatliners which coincidentally is going to be my bands to check out this week.

Both are local, but one has toured Europe, Canada and the States, so we'll consider them not local.

Not Local(kinda):
The Flatliners (Toronto, Ont) - Released their album last year but it still slays. They are in the works of putting together two 7"s for this year and I can guarantee they will blow both of our minds.

Heavy Rating - About 5, songs for you, and songs for your girlfriend too.
Awesome Rating - About 8.5, their sound absolutely blows me away. I am so excited to see whats to comes of them.
Sounds Like - The Lawrence Arms, Against Me! -- with upstrokes(!)

Local:
The Little Millionaires (Toronto, Ont) - They are also hoping to release a double 7" for their debut EP. (or I guess LP in this case) The songs are fast, strong and have alot of meaning. Plus ex-members of Bombs Over Providence(!!!)

Heavy Rating - About 6. It's not Slipknot but it is something most parents don't want to hear. (unless they are awesome)
Awesome Rating - Atleast an 8. I've only seem them twice and was blown away. They have a wicked following so I suggest you get into them.
Sounds Like - Fast, raw, punk... I can't think of anything more fitting!

p.s. my brother is doing a really awesome event for a friend of his who who was diagnosed with cancer. PLEASE check it out and support.

p.p.s NEW SHOOK ONES!

p.p.p.s Deacon #1 on YouTube?

Excited to party and see the wife,
bt.

Reunions..

2008-07-09T11:00:00.000-04:00

Over the past year a few of punks most influential bands have decided to go at it again and play some reunion shows or just get back together. Off the top of my head I can think of about 5 or 6 bands that are either back together, or had a reunion show. And for what? they never really specify any real reason that they do it other than "It's great to be back together." or for different charities.

Don't get me wrong. I love that these bands are giving one last kick at the can. It's great being able to actually see the bands I love and the bands that influenced so much in the punk scene. That is not even mentioning letting other kids see them as well who have never even heard of them but could do some research and stop caring about a sense of fashion or how super tough they are.

I guess where I was going with this is that getting back together is becoming really common these days. I don't really want to start seeing washed up acts of bands that had their heart and soul into ten years ago and just want the money now. I want to see them still passionate about what they wrote and still see a positive message at every show they play, not just a money grab.

The most recent break-up and reunion was the scared of commitment Jason Shevchuk of Kid Dynamite (which has also gotten together for a few charity shows), None More Black and LaGrecia. LaGrecia broke up before their record was even physicaly released. Shortly after the break up the accouncment of None More Black reuniting has just been released.

I'm hitting up The Fullblast's and Hot Water Music's reunion shows this week. I will make sure to tell you how they are and get pictures from someone, or somewhere because i'll be too busy having a good time!

On Friday I am going to post some local and not-local bands you should check out. I'm thinking It will be a Monday, Wednesday and Friday posts. They will be as following.

Monday - Current Punk News

Wednesday - Whatever I Feel Like

Friday - Check This Band Out

.. For now!

peace and love from home and stoked on reunions,
bt!

Confusion.

2008-07-07T21:04:00.000-04:00

Well, I am back from tour now and I can seriously say it was an incredible experience. I want to thank everyone who: made it happen, let me sleep on their floor, came out to the shows, sang along, gave us food, made memories and all that stuff. The last few days were a blast and I miss it already.

However, now I am home and I have been getting quite alot of hits to my blog. So, i've been thinking, now that tour is over, what do I blog about?
My life? -- too cliche
News worthy stuff? -- you'll read it at CBC before me
Record collecting and shitty punk rock stuff? - yes.

So, I know a lot of you don't care about this kind of thing or whatever. But it is what I like to do, maybe it will reach a different demographic of people, or maybe spark some of you into checking out some bands or looking up a record.

Hopefully i'll be doing weekly "check this band out" posts, talk about upcoming vinyl releases and the reunions of a hell of a lot of punk bands. For instance, Lifetime, Hot Water Music, None More Black, The Fullblast (Just a reunion show) and whoever else decides to hit the road one more time. Show reviews (the fullbast, hot water music, flatliners basement show) maybe some pictures and stuff. Hopefully enough for 3 - 4 posts a week.

Those are all for a later post.

love from Amy's computer in her living room,
bt.

Rest of Edmonton, Calgary, Banff Tonight, Home Tomorrow

2008-06-29T13:32:00.000-04:00

SO!

The night of Edmonton was amazing. We went to this guys house and he lit a couch on fire for us in a bonfire. It was 2:30am, the couch was completely burnt when we get a nice visit from the Fire Department. They come up, ask who the owner of the house is, he pipes up, they explain that it is illegal and then give him a PAMPHLET! Not a ticket, a pamphlet teaching him the proper ways of executing a fire. After said discussion, a fireman completely dressed head to toe in a in a burning building kind of warddrobe asks where the garden hose is. I jokingly ask Sam if he is going to be like a dad and put his thumb over the tip to give it a spraying motion, and low and behold, thats exactly what he does. Sam got it all on tape and I will post it at a later date, for now, I have videos of us playing hockey with propaghandi and a live set of The Flatliners in Regina.

Last show tonight in Banff and then a drive home. See you then!

pictures and videos relativley soon!

Saskatoon / Edmonton

2008-06-27T21:26:00.000-04:00

So the last two days we have been in Saskatoon and now we are in Edmonton. Saskatoon was lots of fun! We went to a record store, a skate shop, a jazz festival at the park (where I got to eat a bison burger!) and then Sam Sutherland and I hit up our new found love Taco Time. We got a discount on what we ordered just from talking to him, conversation:

Me: What do you suggest for someone who has never eaten taco time?

Kid: (lists off stuff)

Me: Ordered a burrito and TATER TOTS

Kid: Why are you here?

Me: With a bunch of bands touring.

Him: Awesome -- *discount*

The show was pretty good but it felt like we were going to be taken away by the goth promoter, all of his 14 year old friends and a sound dude that didn't wear a shirt at all who was probably about 40 dating one of the little follower girls. Weird.

We stayed at a kids house and got up today to head into Edmonton were I watched some lost (Season 2 -- holy shit) and then we got to the Edmonton Mall! We saw the roller coasters, theme park, casino, water park, a sea lion show, fries and bumer boats. We are at the show now in a skate park where I can see a bunch of kids standing around the half pipe where the bands are playing. We are riding with the flatliners tonight and burning a couch at a bonfire.

love from oil town,
bt

Lots Of Stuff....!

2008-06-26T14:24:00.000-04:00

First all I want to say that it was my dads last day of teaching this week and his birthday on the weekend. My dad has worked over 30 years and is a very respected man. I love him very much and I hope him the best, he is everything I aspire to be and more.

Now for tour updates and life updates! We are in Regina, SK right now and the show was super fun. We had a lot of fun and met some really interesting people, like a man who followed us around for awhile and then started telling us to tell people he was a media head and then he told us he met the Prime Minister in a library. After the show we went to a bar and waited outside for a really long time as all these people passed us... Finally a dude who I guess worked there came out and told us to come in and we all got in. We stayed at a very nice persons house who made us pancakes and juice, we all got a chance to shower and get a good sleep. I have a sunburn and it hurts.

pictures!

Exclaim.. VIDEO!

2008-06-25T22:33:00.000-04:00

Hey this video was done by Sam Sutherland of Exclaim magazine. He is on the tour with us now so now you can see what I see every night! (... from different angles)

Exclaim! TV

5 days to go love,
bt

Winnipeg, Manitoba

2008-06-24T18:32:00.000-04:00

So, the last time you read I showed you pictures and now I have updates!

It all starts with a little town called Timmins, Ontario where the show was absolutely unreal. Because it is such a small town we didn't think much of it to come but wow! the show was packed, the hospitality was amazing (best so far on the tour I think), the stage was on the floor so automatically the show is 10 times better and Carpenter joined us again! After the show we all went to a girls house and stayed over to party and it was super fun. One of the people at the house told Chris from the Flatliners he was a "douche-bag" we all laughed, went to bed and then woke up yesterday morning for our TWENTY-something hour drive to Winnipeg.

We drove all day yesterday and stopped at a few nice places to get awesome views and some bites to eat. I got some pictures so I will post the when I get home for sure. I watched a lot of LOST season 1 (which is turning out to be pretty good) slept, ate at Boston Pizza drove for awhile and then slept some more. When I woke up we were in Winnipeg at a Sobeys (WHERE I GOT A FREE REUSABLE BAG) we grab some veggies and hummus and headed out to a beach (can't remember what its called). The man told us it was voted in the top ten best beaches in the world by Playboy magazine.. we obviously got very excited. We got there, wasn't the BEST but it was pretty nice, long white sand and it was fun to have a dip and just relax. I swam in my underwear and a group of kids walked by with their teachers.

The show isn't until 9 so I am going to grab some food from a Vegan bookstore / Cafe, set up some banners and then play road-hockey for awhile.

p.s. Wireless internet is really hard to find.

love from the north west(?),
bt

PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES

2008-06-22T22:00:00.000-04:00

there are more but I can't find them!
We are in Timmins, it's amazing, show is half on.
check it out:
www.myspace.com/atticuscanada

(p.s. I started watching lost, I was not into one of the flash backs.. the rocker dude.. but the rest were awesome)

digital love,
bobbie

Can't Remeber What Day It Is...

2008-06-21T17:53:00.000-04:00

We just finished a show in Quebec and Moncton, NB. Both were really awesome and we played lots of road hockey. In Moncton we had a pootineza which was poutine on pizza and it was the most amazing thing I had ever eaten! After the show we drove to quebec becuase it was a super long drive so we did it over night.

We arrived at around 9:00am and just as we were driving up to the hill of the venue the axel on our van broke and we were right in the middle of a busy one-way street going up hill. We rolled it into the curb so it wouldnt move, called CAA and when he came none of us knew French and Caleb went to the bathroom so Aaron went with the tow guy and we caught up later. The fix up only took a few hours and we got the day to hang out in Old Quebec and hang out at cafe's and check out all the historical stuff.

The venue was ontop of a skate park so the promoter opened up the park and a couple of us went down and skated, it was super fun and I only fell twice! After the amazing show we went to a bar and then came back to sleep in the van. We woke up and started our drive to Ottawa which is where I am now. When the opening band plays I am going to try to find Matt O'Connors house and take a picture to post here and hopefully find time to get some eats with my aunt.

home soon, party now,
bt

(PICTURES! these are only for the first few days, more to come when I get them!)

Home from Toronto, back in Halifax

2008-06-18T16:43:00.000-04:00

Hello again!
I completed my Journey from Halifax to Toronto to Guelph to Toronto back to Halifax in three days. I went home for my dads retirement party which was amazing. I heard I missed some bonding time but whatever, lots of time to do that and I know my dad was super stoked on me coming and the little speech I made.

I am back in Halifax now and we just went to some weird little place called Grecco pizza or something. They had a massive menu, pretty much the same size as the restaurant and some pretty good pizza. Caleb and I set up some posters and are sitting under a deck hiding from the rain before the show starts. We had another in-store today and after that we are going to one of Aaron's friends houses to clean up and what not where I will be posing the updates on www.myspace.com/atticuscanada with some pictures and what not so get stoked and read my "published writing".

p.s. I got a new layout and added a counter as you can see and almost have 30 hits already in like 2 days. I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for reading what I have to say, you have no idea how much it means and I hope you are enjoying it.

love,
bt

Day Seven.. Eight back home for now

2008-06-16T16:02:00.000-04:00

So yesterday the show was held in Nova Scotia in a really small club that a few really dedicated kids showed up too. The show was pretty good, we all got to charge our laptops and phones and break some ice with the other people on the tour. After the show we drove out to Halifax to stay at a hotel for the first night (it was amazing) then hit up a bar downtown Halifax where we all partied until wee hours of the morning and then hung out by the ocean at about 3:00am.

I flew back to Toronto this morning for my dads retirement party tomorrow night. I fly back to Halifax and meet up with everyone again on Wednesday morning where we have a Halifax which will be huge. As for the maritimes they are exactly what you would think.. a lot of sea-food places, foggy air and silly small towns. The views are amazing though and I will post my pictures soon enough, you have no idea how hard it is to find a wireless connection on the east coast (the answer is you can't)

*Here is a fun note; in 4 days i've been in four different provinces -- Montreal is still my favorite city as of right now.

peace and love,
bt

Day Four and Five.. some Six

2008-06-15T02:36:00.000-04:00

Personal Blog!

So Toronto and Montreal.. let me tell you.. tons of fun! Toronto was our “hometown hoe-down” or so I’ve been calling it. All of the bands played and it was by far the most filled show so far on the tour which was amazing because SXSE was going on at the same time and a lot of people came to check us out which was awesome. After the Toronto show I headed to bed early because he had to leave by 8am this morning to Montreal. But! Can’t forget! On my walk home last night I definitely saw a dude open a door to a cab and fall right out of it, it was amazing and I laughed really loud by myself. Toronto is Toronto, we have all been there or live there so I don’t have much to say, grab a peanut butter and jam sandwich from Prague with the famous Hillary Plater, my brother and his / my friends came to say goodbye (again – but I am not complaining) and then hung out with Alana for a really long time which ruled because I don’t see her very often.

On the way to Montreal this morning (at about 8am) we had to repack the Van as we are not coming home until June 30th (16 days from now) and we were adding an extra member.. Caleb Sylvester! The drive to Montreal was super fun and only had one set back, I finally got to watch the seasonal finale of the Office (what the fuck was up with that Jim?) and then fell asleep for a long, long time. I woke up near Montreal where we had circle in on our prey like a shark to set-up our first in store. Kyle and I went in and talked to the managers and set up a P.A. as Aaron went to get the dudes in Strike Anywhere. The first in-store was so awesome and it was great seeing them in such a small setting doing some acoustic songs. After that Kyle and I headed to the venue which was incredible, two floors (which only special people could go in [i.e. anyone with a tour oass] and it was the best view I had ever seen a show from and it was so fun! Kyle and I went to get food (where I got a slice of pizza and poutine for under 5 bucks!) and then walked down the Montreal strip. Big shot outs to all of the pictures we took (which I hope to post soon but I can’t find my firewire cable) Super Sex, Super Contact Super Dance, all the places we normally see at home but in French and to people who didn’t speak a word of English so it was really hard explaining to a group of kids there car got towed two minutes before they got there. Its about 3am and I just finished my shift at driving. We are going all the way out to New Brunswick tonight so we have to day to hang out there and site see and stuff (atleast that’s what I want to do after catching up on sleep) It took us about an hour to get out of Montreal and I can safely say I never want to drive in that city again. Right now we are just passing Quebec and are going to hit a little sleep before another 5 – 6 hour drive tomorrow where we will tell more jokes, watch more t.v. shows and I’ll probably sleep more then interact with anyone. (awesome, I know)

We actually get to stay in a bed tomorrow night (amazing) as tonight we have to figure out how four dudes are going to sleep in a packed full mini-van on the side of the road.

***update after New Brunswick show***

Pretty awesome show, hung out with everyone had a bbq and just relaxed. Put our bbq in the strike van and cleared up some more space in the van. We went to a bar tonight with everyone (three bands and us and the promoter) and now we are sleeping on Eric's floor, a very nice promoter from NB, so hook him up with your buisness if you can. Oh, and these three guys tried to fight all of us as one, silly kids.

Tomorrow we are going to Coldbrook and are for sure playing road-hockey before the show.

Looking forward to seeing the rest of the country and are hoping you are enjoying the blogs,
Bobbie Tubbs the Canadian Traveler

Day Two and Three

2008-06-12T13:32:00.001-04:00

On Tuesday we hit up London for the show. It was an awesome time (obviously) and the kids went absolutely nuts for Strike, such a good time. There wasn't much going on during the day except for trying to find a trailer last minute (if you have one hit me up) and picking up Aaron Z, the man of Atticus Canada. We got to the venue, had some trouble putting up the banners but eventually did and then went out for dinner with one or Aaron's friends, Aaron Z, Kyle and his brother. We went to some place called Spaghetti Eedy's which gave you a giant pot of pasta for under $10 and looked like a western styled Sneaky Dee's. Needless to say it was amazing and they lowered the bread for you in a bucket (awesome I know) the show went well and I got to see Matt Campbell, grab a coffee and walk around London. At the end of the show I get to hand out some free tee's and kids go absolutely nuts for them, its awesome! we got home at 4am and I just posted what I had written earlier in the day, its probably terrible and full of spelling mistakes but whatever.

So day three! Just not as exciting but only because we are still in Ontario. Anyway, we went to Hamilton and it was the best show yet. I got to see Gillian, Sam, JP and Jason. We went otu to a patio I had a wicked dinner and just relaxed outside. When the show started I was a bit worried but it turned out to be so amazing. Strike even played an encore and I could tell some kids were loving it. I gave some t-shirts to a girl who really hurt her knee and explained to some guys how we put on the show and what the different bands are. Last night was a super early night and I got home around 1, I was able to finally pack up as tomorrow we head to Montreal for our first in-store and then the show at night.

I love every minute I am doing of this I just want all of you to know that! And I have another blog that will be on the Atticus site which I am super stoked on!

until next time,
bt

Day One:

2008-06-11T03:59:00.000-04:00

I post this at 4:00am and my comptuer is going to die.

So, I’ve finished one day of the long stretch of days that are ahead of me. We went to Kingston last night and let me tell you, it sucks. Everything closed at 6:00pm and Kingston is a generally dead city. I will give props to the old security man who guarded that A&P parking lot with his life, apparently, he has been there as long as some people can remember. That’s dedication. The show was amazing too (obviously) people are going to love Carpenter and will be able to hear all of their favourite songs from Strike, it is just one hell of a party. On these long drives (like the one I am on now – Toronto to Acton to Guelph to London back to Toronto) I have been bonding with my new found friend Kyle Hutton. A sponsored photographer from Atticus he is coming on the tour with us to document everything. He is an amazing photographer so if you are at any of the shows make sure you pick up the little zine he’s made to keep supporting what he is doing. Today we are picking up Aaron (the head honcho) and a trailer which will be very nice, because most of our “passing time” equipment will be stored in there.

I have been eating lots of turkey sandwiches and finding the cheapest food possible, it is kind of like a game. Give me a heads up if you know where I can find some cheap eatings within the various cities I will be venturing into.

The Hammer, you are next, even though I hate your disgusting one-way streets I will find a little bit of love in my heart for you.

peace and love,
bt

twothousandvociestour

2008-05-15T12:28:00.000-04:00

Tour!

2008-05-09T12:40:00.000-04:00

So tour is getting really, really close and I am super excited for it! I got all of the dates finalized and it looks like it is going to be a solid month of pure party, politics, and veganism. Anyway, while I am on tour I am going to keep entires here of everyday or every few days.. I figure some of you would want to hear what I am up too.. and it saves the time of replying to emails or telling the same stories over and over again.

Anyway, here are the dates:

June 9, 2008 Kingston, Ontario
June 10, 2008 London, Ontario
June 11, 2008 Hamilton, Ontario
June 12, 2008 Toronto, Ontario
June 13, 2008 Montreal, Quebec
June 14, 2008 Fredericton, New Brunswick
June 15, 2008 Coldbrook, Nova Scotia
June 18, 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
June 19, 2008 Moncton, New Brunswick
June 20, 2008 Quebec City, Quebec
June 21, 2008 Ottawa, Ontario
June 22, 2008 Timmins, Ontario
June 24, 2008 Winnipeg, Manitoba
June 25, 2008 Regina, Saskatchewan
June 26, 2008 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
June 27, 2008 Edmonton, Alberta
June 28, 2008 Calgary, Alberta
June 28, 2008 Calgary, Alberta
June 29, 2008 Banff, Alberta

If you can make it out to any of them it would be greatly appreciated. For those of you located closer to home check out Sellout for ticket prices and times! as for the other places just check their myspaces. Strike Anywhere /Hostage Life / The Flatliners / This Is A Stand Off

On a side out.. while I am out East this pre-order is going to come in.. and it is going to be amazing. Get it if you like any folk stuff and love KD or NMB.

love always,
bt

The life and times..

2008-05-05T16:28:00.000-04:00

I haven't really posted anything in a few weeks but it doens't matter because nobody reads this anyway. I thought I would give a quick update on what is going on in Bobby's World.

I have moved into my apartment in north Toronto and love it. Sneaky dees is a bus ride away as is downtown to various bars, shows, skate sessions and shopping. The only downside to the entire thing is that I will not be in Guelph for the summer which is a hard thing for me to deal with. All of my friends are here and I love them to death. It is really hard thinking about what it will be like not swimming in Mike's pool, or having sleep overs with Sam and Zac or harassing James about how he has to be home before 10:00pm every night... I will miss them all.. but for the week I am here I will enjoy it and cherish all of my time with each of them.

Accomplishments..

2008-04-18T10:33:00.000-04:00

This goes all to all my homies in the Journalism program who are on their way to completing second year.

A lot of people go on saying that "they are ____ age and have done nothing with their lives." Well, I used to be the guy saying "I'm 21 and have nothing to show for it." I think I now I have some bragging rights. I have almost completed one of the hardest programs Humber has to offer. A program that is known for it's awards for it's magazine and T.V. show all over North America (beating out ALOT of schools). I was apart of this program and helped an award winning magazine come together(not yet, but next year here we come NYC). Not only that, but I have completed one of the hardest years in school that a lot of people face and cannot take. (for example look at the dropout rate in our program)

I have out-lasted these individuals while having a full-time very time consuming job at the residence for the past two years (going on three). My job here is hard to explain but I can tell you I have given a great experience to those who have come in contact with me not only through talking and being friendly but by being part of some of the biggest programs to ever come out of residence, as well as having two of the greatest community oriented floors anyone could ever ask for. (Shout-out S3 and R9)
I have had my ups and downs with all of this but I am so proud of how far I have come. Lets look over my success just because not many people can say what I can say.

Hard Program = Win
Time Consuming Job = Win
Steady Girlfriend and Friends = Win
Family Connection = Win
Raising 1700 for Breast Cancer (team awesome aka Alice Sayers) = Win

It does not stop there either. This summer I will be moving out of my house (holy shit, about time I know) Which is a very big scary step for me, but my amazing talented brother has offered a roof over my head and to accept the patience of a newly moved out kid. I will be living in the city and working for Atticus Canada. I am facing the life of an adult and it becomes more evident to me everyday. I am going to try my hardest at this internship to prove something, I am not sure what, but I want to show the world I have something to offer other then a dying hair color.

Some things....

2008-04-17T17:12:00.000-04:00

Now, I don't want to go ahead and say "this is the stupidest thing I have ever seen." But those words are flowing out of my mouth at an alarming rate.

Not only is it super ridiculous and unneeded the creator completely lost the thought of basic things. For instance: A sweater, gloves, hot liquids, a door with a lock, things you shouldn't be looking at anyway, a scarf, computer room, a fire place, heat in a house. If you can think of anything else, please, leave it in the comments.

For those people who are going to flip on me for saying its an art project and what not, hear this: Yes, this is a great piece of artwork and in capsules the essence of the privacy one now needs with a computer and all that jazz. But for simplicity and actually usage.. this is about as pointless as the Ninentdo power glove.

Now for some praise; Robot Dialing 911

When I first read the headline I thought "holy shit, I bet something crazy happened and a Johnny 5 like robot dialed 911 to protect itself." Sadly, this isn't' the case. The article is on how technology is going to help the tens of thousands of baby-boomers reaching retirement. Either way, both things sound amazing. The first scenario is way better though.

p.s. my friends in Lifestory: Monologue posted a new song yesterday and it blows my mind. It is also way more entertaining then a Robot on fire dialing 911 will ever be.

big ups to: Geekologie, Myspace and Digg for providing me with awesome information.

Appreciation: Japanese Gore Films

2008-04-15T09:32:00.000-04:00

If you haven't already seen the trailer for Tokyo Gore Police then watch the trailer and keep reading. That is of course if you have not become fused to the toilet.

I would like to dedicate this post to the appreciation of Japanese Gore. With movies like Battle Royale and the soon to be released in North America The Machine Girl I feel that it is important to shed some light upon these movies.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think that they have any sort of rewarding value. Except hanging out with a bunch of your "bros" while laughing your head off. (no pun intended)

Here is a more serious point to it:
Some may say that this is really messed up and anyone who would watch these movies are freaks and blah-blah-blah. But to be honest, they are just entertaining at how unbelievable they are. There is no way that a flying guillotine would ever exist-- let alone fly by itself and chop someones head off to produce a shower of blood. These films are just ridiculous and thats why they are so entertaining.

If you are interested in watching any of the three movies i've posted you can find them here:

The Machine Girl

Battle Royale

Oh, and I went to a Comic Convention on the weekend. Really awesome stuff, the culture is just really different. But now I feel like one of these people who just doesn't get it, and I am being ignorant.

Saving animals... not if you are one of these.

2008-04-08T12:12:00.000-04:00

This probably shouldn't be the first thing I post in here, but it is something that has always come to my attention, and since my girlfriend and her friends are doing a project on veganism and it's greatness, I am going to rant about vegans who smoke.

Now hear me out, I know when you were a teenager trying to be cool or stressing about silly high school multiple choice exams you thought a cancer stick would calm your nerves. Then, as you get older, you start getting into saving the planet because of a girl you have a crush on is into it. You two love birds take breaks from hugging trees to have a cigarette. Then smoking became harder to quit and you have that little annoying devil thing from the nicorette commercials on your back.

And here you now, a hypocrite. In-between your rants about how eating meat is bad for the average person and its demise of animals you take a smoke to calm down. Then vegans talk about how animal farms are terrible, how we are destroying animals when we should be taking care of them, being part of them. A vegan wouldn't dare eat anything that comes from an animal.. but still smokes?

Listen to me here, haven't you read the statistics of the after effects of second hand smoking? what the chemicals are doing to our ozone layer? do vegan-smokers not understand that when they smoke, their smoke is going into our environment and animals are breathing it in? Or that animals are being effected by the climate change because of the hole we are making in the ozone layer?

I should probably post links and statistics about all this but if you don't know this you are living under a rock, try Google and type "smoking after-effects".

So for those vegans looking to light up after their stressful day of picketing, think about how the animals are feeling that day.

Oh, and fuck people who smoke around babies.

I broke my blog virginity..

2008-04-01T10:25:00.000-04:00

A long time ago, but I figured I should get something more concrete then a myspace page. Plus, this is going to help me pass a class.