Stubble 46

Bringing you the new growth in music today - Since 1987

M E G A

I N T E R V I E W

STUBBLE talks with:

ISSUE 46

I S S U E TOO SHORT

AND: ANBERLIN's Stephen Christian Damian Darlington of The Australian Pink Floyd Show BEERIJUANA THE BRONX's Matt Caughthran

Danni Filth from CRADLE OF FILTH

SUFFOCATION's Frank Mullen Nick Kent of TAT

Live show reviews: BLONDIE, NINE INCH NAILS, JANE'S ADDICTION, and THE ADOLESCENTS

PLUS Lots of CD, DVD, and Book Reviews, VAGRENT, A new strip from Douglas Pope Wilson AND a new comic featuring Bitey The Cat in Twitch of the Death Nerve!

See us online at www.stubblemusiczine.com - we are a Fanzine dedicated to “New” Music.

Submissions are welcome but can not be returned. All submissions become the property of Stubble Musiczine and your submission is acceptance of these terms.

We review virtually all commercial releases received in CD or DVD format. If you don’t see the review we have not received a copy.

Are You Interested in helping spread Stubble? Reporter, distribution or web design Contact us at stubblezne@aol.com OUR NEXT ISSUE #47: As Usual new music CD and DVD reviews, lotsa pix.

Interviews and live show reviews from 09, advice from Basement Steve, new comics – including Krispy Kitty - and much more. Issue 46 will be on our web site 1 week after it goes to print (more to come).

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Or Advertise on our web site – see www.stubblemusiczine.com for details CLASSIC (??) Back Issues Available $3.00 Each STUBBLE 3 Interviews Waldo the Dog Faced Boy, Bloody Mess and the Skabs STUBBLE 4 Interviews Napalm Death, Godflesh, the Cedar Street Sluts STUBBLE 5 Interviews Agony Column, Peter Yarmouth, and Industrial Giants KMFDM! STUBBLE 6 Interviews Jah Wobble, Bolt Thrower, Blind Rhino, and Entombed

STUBBLE 7 Interviews Impetigo, 4 Non Blondes, Rocket From The Crypt, and Gabby Skab STUBBLE 8 Interviews Sun 60, Mind Bomb, Juliana Hatfield, Fudge Tunnel, King Missile, My Life With The Thrill Kill Cult, Moth Macabre, Psyclone Rangers, Sweetwater, Season To Risk, Sheep On Drugs, Dillon Fence, Iggy Pop STUBBLE 9 Interviews Chainsaw Kittens, Redd Kross, Carcass, Life Of Agony, SNFU, and Sepultura STUBBLE 10 Interviews KMFDM, Melvins, The Poor, Offspring STUBBLE 11 Interviews Sky Cries Mary, Miranda Sex Garden, Gass Huffer, Samaiam, Testament, and Velvet Crush STUBBLE 12 Interviews Butt Trumpet, Dirt Merchants, and Dink STUBBLE 13 Interviews X-Cops, Lunachicks, Sponge, and Fear Factory STUBBLE 15 Interview SISTER MACHINE GUN STUBBLE 17 Interviews Switchblade Symphony, Hindu Death Orgy STUBBLE 18 Interviews Rasputina, New Bomb Turks, Sponge, X-Men’s Scott Lobdell STUBBLE 19 Shitty Interview Issue with Screw 32, Ruth Ruth, Bloody Mess STUBBLE 20 Interviews My Dying Bride, Spahn Ranch, Sunshine Blind, Kristen Barry Sky Cries Mary STUBBLE 21 Interviews Kristeen Young, Slymenstra Hymen of GWAR STUBBLE 22 Interviews LIMP, The Damned, Pat Dinizio, Clutch STUBBLE 23 Interviews JJ Burnell, No More Heroes STUBBLE 24 Live Shows Smoking Grooves, Ozzfest, Tribute to Dean Dirt of 10-96.

STUBBLE 25 Interviews Zebrahead. The Amazing Crowns, Dave Davies STUBBLE 26 Interviews Hugh Cornwell, Holiday In Peoria STUBBLE 27 Interviews Vega, Hugh Cornwell STUBBLE 28 Interviews Lords Of Acid, Praga Kahn, Kitty Harte at Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame STUBBLE 29 Interviews Dandy Warhols, Gordon Gano STUBBLE 30 Features on Wonderdrug Records, Point .08 STUBBLE 31 Interviews - The Grandmothers, Hugh Cornwell, Ozzfest 2001, 2001 Warped STUBBLE 32 Interviews The Grandmothers, The Bouncing Souls, The Line; features Ask Basement Steve STUBBLE 33 -Vans Warped Tour 2002, Jeep World Outside Festival, Ozzfest 2002 STUBBLE 34 Interviews Dave Vanian of The Damned, KITTIE STUBBLE 35 Interviews with Daughters; The Dandy Warhols; Robinson’s Racin’ Pigs show review

STUBBLE 36 Interviews Bloody F. Mess; Live show reviews - Bouncing Souls, King’s X, Life of Agony, more STUBBLE 37 Interviews AGAINST ME; Live show reviews including 2004 Ozzfest and Warped Tours, Ruth Ruth, KMFDM, Murder Junkies, JET, The Hives, Hot Water Music, All That Remains

STUBBLE 38 Interviews Me First And The Gimmee Gimmees, The Explosion; Live show reviews: KASABIAN STUBBLE 39 Interviews El Pus, Ruth Ruth; Live show reviews: Slipknot, Shadows Fall, Rebelpalooza, No Address STUBBLE 40 Interviews Every Time I Die, Soilwork, Tower Of Power; Live show reviews Ozzfest 2005, Warped 2005, Anger Management Tour, Gigantour and more!

STUBBLE 41 Live show reviews: The Slackers, Sevendust, Regina Spektor, Particle, Some Girls,WMFO. Help from Ask Basement Steve, and more!

STUBBLE 42: Huge Concert Review issue – Warped, Ozzfest, Hank III; Interviews with Unearth, All That Remains, and Norma Jean Plus: Ask Basement Steve.

STUBBLE 43: Interview with Hank Williams III, Live Show Reviews – Type O, Evanescence, WMFO, Bloody & The Transfusions, Cattle Decapitation, Daughters, The Locust and more! Plus: Ask Basement Steve.

STUBBLE 44: Big Interview Issue - Interviews with Sascha of KMFDM, ChthoniC’s Freddy, Left Face of Maradou, Rob Arnold, lead guitar Chimaira, Every Time I Die’s Jordon, The Milwaukees’ Jeff Norstedt, Trevor Peres, Guitars, Obituary, and Greg Weeks, bass, The Red Chord. Live Show Reviews – Zappa PlaysZappa, Bloody & The Transfusions, and more! Plus: a new Krispy Kitty comic episode.

STUBBLE 45: Another Big Interview issue Interviews with 36 Crazyfists, Cheetah Chrome of the Dead Boys, Bullet for My Valentine, and more! Live Show Reviews – Without M* F* Order, Rob Zombie, and of course – more!

Plus: a new Krispy Kitty comic episode AND Ask Basement Steve.

Contact us: stubblezne@aol.com

Interviews ANBERLIN Vans Warped Tour San Francisco, CA June 18, 2008

STUBBLE Reporter Jeff Longo with Anberlin's Stephen Christian

Stubble’s West Coast 5 O’clock Shadow was set loose at the Vans Warped Tour in San Francisco. Wandering around back stage, we caught an unsuspecting Stephen Christian: vocalist for the Florida’s greatest contribution to alternative rock, Anberlin. Here’s how he sold his soul for rock-n-roll, why Dog the Bounty Hunter is a good Christian, and a glimpse of his life in the fast lane.

Interview by Josh Kutras with Jeff Longo & Alex Guzman STUBBLE: Stephen who is Anberlin for our readers who may not be familiar with you guys.

Stephen: We’ve been around for five years and put out three records on Tooth and Nail records out of Seattle WA. We’ve done a couple of tours and…new record [released] on September 30th called; New Surrender on Universal Republic so we’re pretty excited about it STUBBLE: OK, so how’s the show going?

Stephen: Shows going great…it’s been awesome man…it’s just flawless. Man, the Warped Tour has their crap together and they should after 14years you know? So it’s really awesome.

STUBBLE: With all the bands on Warped do you get mobbed by fans or go unnoticed? Stephen: Yeah, it’s a little hard; but that’s the allure of Warped Tour I think fans can feel so very accessible. You can come up and talk to them…Here it’s just like, go and hang out. I think that’s what people enjoy about Warped Tour; they get the backstage passes and just hang out with their favorite bands.

STUBBLE: Pretty cool and unique to Warped.

Stephen: Yeah, absolutely. We hang out at the merch table and we have signings every day. So it’s really cool to be able to interact with fans and stuff STUBBLE: Whats’ in your CD player right now?

Stephen: Ummm…

STUBBLE: Tunes you’re listening to right now would be?

Stephen: Let’s see, I was putting together 1940’s songs for my Grandmother, and I found this amazing song called Praise the lord and pass the ammunition. (all laugh) no joke, “Praise the lord and pass the ammunition, we’ll all go home” Hilarious! I’m like,’dude I gotta re-do that song’. I

mean…it does not get more American than that! (sadly it doesn’t) STUBBLE: Where are you from?

Stephen: Florida, I am originally from central Florida, and I just moved out to Los Angeles Cali-for-Ni-A. STUBBLE: So, you sold your soul for rock n roll and moved to L.A. or the other way…

Stephen: (laughing) Yes, I did, I’m part plastic now, they handed me a driver's license and liposuction certificates, so I’m good.

STUBBLE: Nice. Alright then, real quick, we’ve got some free association questions ala Howard Stern (you are the master) ok?

Stephen: Sure, sure yeah let’s do it.

Josh: This is Fuck, Marry, Kill Britney, Lindsey Lohan, and Hillary Clinton… Free association don’t even think about it.

Stephen: Ooooo! See uh; see I feel so bad….Ok, I think Hillary’s getting the ole axe here, I think I would marry Lindsey cause she’s just got a little more to go there than the old B, I think.

Josh: Ok, uh... How about Jamie Lee Curtis….

Stephen: Ooo! You’re killin me!

STUBBLE: Hillary Swank, and Haley Joel Osmet?

Stephen: I’m not sure who Haley Joel Osmet is…

STUBBLE: The creepy kid from the Sixth Sense.

Stephen: Wow! Wasn’t the other in Star Wars?

STUBBLE: No, Halloween, and yogurt commercials..

Stephen: Oh yeah, yeah, ok she’s dead. Ok, I’ll take Osmet to hang out for one fine evening. And I’ll marry Hillary Swank. I will hang out permanently with Hillary Swank.

STUBBLE: If you were to meet Lemmy [Motorhead], would you do speed with him?

Stephen: Wow, no. I don’t… that guy’s scary when you’re not on speed let ‘lone if you get on it, like what? How did we end up in Africa? How did we get here?

Josh: If this is punk rock day camp, who is the hot counselor?

Stephen: She is with the red hair (whistles at passing redhead).

[Pause as we all check her out] Alex: That’s a guy (roaring laughter).

Jeff: Alright, alright we’ll take it. Will you watch Dog the Bounty hunter if he’s let back on the air?

Stephen: He’s back on the air? No, but my dad will…he was like “now that boy’s a Christian” I was like what?

Alright.

Alex: Marijuana; hip or for hippies?

Stephen: Hippies. Yeah, I can’t… I… Yeah, I don’t understand the Grateful Dead. I feel like if you’re not on acid and your brain's not half gone you won’t get it. So I don’t get it.

Neither do we Stephen, neither do we. Thank you to Stephen Christian for hanging out and having a great sense of humor.

THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW The Fillmore San Francisco, CA December 3, 2008 Interview by Jeff Longo The Australian Pink Floyd Show infuses all the elements that made Pink Floyd the gods of the psychedelic revolution. Simply, they are Pink Floyd. Saying they are a cover band is like saying the London Philharmonic Orchestra is a cover band! Myriad authentic effects are used to perfection and no detail is left out. Updated synchronized video, a brilliant light show, and the occasional laser extravaganza brilliantly recreate a genuine Floyd experience.

While touring almost exclusively in Europe since relocating in the early nineties, the Aussies have been steadily gaining in popularity in the States for the last five years by performing the Floyd’s best selling album, “Dark Side of the Moon”. Now they are taking on their most ambitious project to date, “The Wall”.

The Aussies leave audiences “wide-eyed & crazy” night after night, invoking the true essence of the Pink Floyd experience that is surprisingly refreshing and authentic.

“With random precision” I sat in my seat as the vibrations pulsed from amps, the band faded into the background as the air swirled around us, exposed by the dancing light show. The magic and majesty of Pink Floyd is alive and well, just don’t be surprised by the marching kangaroos.

STUBBLE: I'm hanging out with Damian Darlington of The Australian Pink Floyd Show. I've seen you guys in San Jose in 2006, just two days after I saw Roger Waters. You know, that's a lot of Floyd. But I got there, sat down, and slapped myself in the face because I forgot how good you guys are…

Damian: Well, the band originally started in Adelaide in South Australia back in 1988; a long time ago, man. We started just for fun, really: just sort of a bunch of guys getting together who loved Pink Floyd's music and just wanted to play it. We started playing pubs and clubs, and just one thing led to another and it progressed on and got bigger and bigger 'til we started touring Australia. Then we relocated over to the UK back in '93.

STUBBLE: How do you make money?

Damian: By playing Pink Floyd [Both laugh] STUBBLE: What I mean by that is do you pay royalties? I know you can play anything live, but...

Damian: Yeah, we don't have to do anything different than any other cover band does, really. It's all taken care of by what is called in Europe the “Performing Rights

Society”…you just sort of tell them what set list you played, and on what night, and they take some money from the venue (a very small percentage of the fee). It doesn't really impact us greatly. It's a different story if you're releasing a CD or a DVD, then you're going into that whole different territory of royalties and what have you.

STUBBLE: So tell me about the show tonight.

Damian: At the moment, we're playing The Wall in its entirety. It's the first time this band has done this album, and I think it's probably the first time The Wall has been toured on this scale since Floyd did it in the early '80s.

STUBBLE: I understand you took a little while to get the production and planning together, but did you guys ever think about trying to perform it the way it was originally: where there's a cardboard wall built on stage?

Damian: Obviously we aspire to do it that way, but it's not very practical when you're touring the range of venues that we're playing. Imagine trying to build a brick wall down in the Fillmore for example.

So we chose to portray it in a different way by using animation, video and stuff to convey the narrative of The Wall.

STUBBLE: Well the album definitely takes on a different meaning live just because of the wall and the songs, so was that difficult to overcome?

Damian: Certainly, the most challenging thing we've done was to sort of knit it all together in the way that it needed to be done, but I'm very happy with the way it has turned out. We've managed to achieve what we wanted to do, and hopefully it comes across effectively. And it seems to be going down really, really well wherever we go.

STUBBLE: So it's being accepted pretty well by people?

Damian: I would say so. I mean, obviously there was a little bit of a worry about it, since it's the album that most people who listen to Pink Floyd are familiar with. You know, people wondered, "will they get the whole thing from beginning to end?", but I think the experience on this tour has shown us that we didn't need to worry about anything.

STUBBLE: You don't! I understand you guys have done other full albums besides The Wall, like Dark Side of the Moon, Animals, and Wish You Were Here.

Damian: We've covered pretty much every period of Floyd over the years, from Piper at the Gates of Dawn right through to the Division Bell. We've done some Barrett tunes; we've done “Careful with that Axe” and “Eugene”.

We've done excerpts from Atom Heart Mother, all these sorts of things over the years.

STUBBLE: I'd love to hear any of those live. Do you have any of those planned this evening in the encore set?

Damian: Well no, because the whole of The Wall is an hour and fifteen minutes of music. We're doing an encore set on this tour but there's limited room for maneuver, as it were. We're trying to represent some stuff that people who may want to see something other than just The Wall will get a little taste of some of the other Floyd songs, like some of the other well known songs: “Shine On”, “Great Gig”, “Wish You Were Here”, songs like that.

STUBBLE: Have you ever met anybody in the band?

Damian: Everybody except Roger. We originally met David Gilmore in 1994 when Floyd were still doing the Division Bell tour at the time. They were just taking a bit of a break before they started the final show in London, and we were doing a show in London as well. David Gilmore turned up out of the blue with Gary Wallace with him and

some of his family. It was a complete and total shock to us, he knocked on the dressing room door after the show and popped his head around and asked if he could come in. [laughs] We all went to the end of tour party backstage at Earl's Court and then a couple years later we got a phone call saying, "hey do you want to come play at my 50th birthday party?" So we did that. Most recently, he came to see us at the Albert Hall in London in 2003. He saw us play all of Dark Side of the Moon then when we were first touring.

STUBBLE: That was incredible too, by the way. You have a relentless tour schedule, it's insane. Like 20 shows a month!

Damian: Um, painful! [both laugh] No, it's a lot of fun, I love doing what I do and I'm very lucky to be doing it. But yeah, it can be tough on the road sometimes, you know.

STUBBLE: Do you have any other projects that you work with? Do you have your own music?

Damian: Well yeah, we also try to do our own thing when we get the chance, but there isn't that much of a chance because of the schedule. But when I'm not doing this, I do a little side project called Acoustic Unlimited which is mainly acoustic music.

STUBBLE: How are shows different now than say back in '94 or '95? What has changed? Is it more of a business?

Damian: Well, inevitably there's more of a business element involved, but I think the main thing is the band's just a hell of a lot better than it was 15 years ago, you know? We've become a lot more practiced at doing what we do. The show is a lot bigger, and the production is way bigger than it was back then. It's one of those things: I wish that when we played at Gilmore's birthday party twelve years ago, the band was as it is now. It's come such a long way, I think.

STUBBLE: Has advertising and promoting yourselves been an issue?

Damian: Oh certainly, having the parts of our DVD broadcast on the PBS channel is a great way of promoting the show and the tours. A lot of people get to know we exist that wouldn't otherwise. You do find skeptics that haven't seen the show or the PBS thing. They think, “Oh it's just a cover band. I'm not going to go and see that, they can't possibly play Floyd right”. But when they do come and see us play, they change their minds very quickly, it seems!

STUBBLE: I never thought I'd be able to see The Wall performed live….

Damian: Well, it's great to be performing it. It's probably the most fun thing we've done in this band. And I think you're right about it coming across as a live performance, maybe better than it ever does on the album. Not that the album isn't great, but I think it needs to be seen live.

STUBBLE: AMEN!

BEERIJUANA The Voodoo Lounge San Jose, CA January 31, 2009

STUBBLE’s Jeff Longo, Josh Kutras, and Alex Guzman interview Beerijuana (Zach, Dr. Crazyfingers, Frank, and the Prophet). Also in attendance: Tree from the Voodoo Lounge.

“We sound like a bulldozer full of testicles running over a field full of hippies… Beerijuana” Now, with a description like that one would think, ‘I know exactly what that would sound like’…hit play and...your fucking head explodes!

Throat-bleeding Vocals and Ferocious Riffs hold you down while Double Pedal Onslaught kicks your face in.

Celebrating the release of their self titled debut record we sit down with the entire band just before headlining at the Voodoo Lounge in San Jose. Also on the bill: Cyanic and Desecrater.

STUBBLE: So first of all congratulations this is a big night for you guys. So what kind of music do you guys play, how long have you been around?

The Prophet: Approximately a year. Definitely metal with a little edge of everything, we like to rock it hard, we like to speed it up, we like to slow it down, we like to slap the crowd around with a little of all that…and it’s definitely been going well, things are happening faster with this band, than I think any band any of us have ever been in before.

Dr. Crazyfingers: Yeah, it’s not our first dance neither we’ve been in other bands and this is just kind of like all the stuff we wanted to do in other bands just kind of happening all at once.

Zack: We went through this phase where we thought we were jazz musicians, and did this like funny take off of a jazz tune, and then tried to rip off something from Dark Side of the moon. And so we got a friend of ours named Jessi Jane, from Suicidal Barfly, to sing on it, yeah and uh it’s a trip.

Dr. Crazyfingers: Just cause Zack couldn’t hit those notes!

STUBBLE: So in the age of classification, where everything’s got to be put into its own little box, what would your genre be?

Zack: We call it stoner metal, because there’s too much double bass and screaming for it to be stoner rock.

Dr. Crazyfingers: I mean we like aspects of all kinds of stuff there’s like; this core and that core. You know this metal and…

Zack: (King Diamond esque voice) Norwegian Black Metal!

Dr. Crazyfingers: Yeah! Yeah, fuckin’ Norwegian Black Metal and fuckin’ Southeast Indian fuckin’ Swahili metal, yeah folk metal and shit: What in the fuck? So instead of focusing on that, we just try to get to the core aspects of the stuff that we like and, just keep it simple baby.

Zack: We really write songs that we enjoy playing, so we don’t really care what they... (laughs) not to be a like a jerk but, what they sound like and what people think, we have fun playin’ em, we think they sound good. That’s kind of the ethic of what it’s all about, exactly like the doctor said, just try and keep it simple don’t over think it too much.

STUBBLE: So, what’s the scene like here in San Jose?

The Prophet: It’s been a lot stronger in the past especially for metal and hardcore bands, anything like that you know. San Jose misses the Cactus Club deeply what we’re doing here tonight at the Voodoo Lounge, hopefully will be, you know a step in the right direction for San Jose.

You know that’s what needs to happen here, is the Voodoo needs to step it up, and right now that’s the only club around here that I see doing that. The Blank Club has really done a great job of getting in the national acts but now they’ve got a little competition and that’s what we need.

STUBBLE: Describe Beerijuana live, what can the uninitiated expect?

Zack: It’s like a bulldozer full of testicles running over a field of fucking hippies!

Dr. Crazyfingers: We like to describe it as ‘the sound of a million emos crying out in terror before they were suddenly silenced. (the silence would be deafening…..)

You can visit Beerijuana on the interweb and check out in the studio videos, upcoming shows, and grab a CD while you’re there at: www.beerijuana.com, www.myspace.com/beerijuanasj STUBBLE would like to thank Tree down at the Voodoo Lounge in San Jose CA. You fucking rule! Check them out at voodooloungesj.com for upcoming shows.

To hear this interview on Stubble Radio in its entirety go to: www.myspace.com/stubbleradio

THE BRONX Vans Warped Tour San Francisco, CA June 18, 2008

The Bronx's Matt Caughthran - interview by Josh Kutras with Jeff Longo & Alex Guzman. Photos by Jeff Longo.

STUBBLE cornered Matt Caughthran, front man for tumble

down punks The Bronx, at the Warped Tour in San Francisco. The Bronx stormed onto the scene with a ferocious, in-your-face combination of punk and hard rock that continues to evolve and mature with each release. With three studio albums under their belt, a bit part in the 2007 Darby Crash bio-pic, What We Do is Secret, and a traditional mariachi album on the way, it seems a Bronx cheer would be appropriate.

STUBBLE: How’s the tour been treating’ you so far?

Matt: It’s good man, it’s the second day and I love SF it’s a great town except for the Giants… (Laughs)…but it’s good man, it’s good. Pomona was so fuckin’ hot yesterday it was unbelievable, but today’s nice man.

STUBBLE: So I hear you guys have a mariachi record coming out, what’s the scoop on that?

Matt: Yea, it’s called Mariachi El Bronx and it’s a traditional mariachi record and it’s coming out late September. It’s getting mixed right now; dude it’s gonna be bad ass.

STUBBLE: What songs do you have on there?

Matt: All sorts of different Hispanic rhythms going on there, I can’t think of the titles right now, there’s like uh, what is it Rebunga and uh...

STUBBLE: La Cucaracha?

Matt: Nah man, you guys are gonna trip you’ll see. You know a lot of people expect it to be like a punk rock type thing and it’s not, its straight traditional mariachi record.

STUBBLE: How’d the label feel about that?

Matt: Uh…they don’t even know about it.

STUBBLE: (Laughs) that’s what we like to hear! So, What We Do is Secret, (story of Germs front-man Darby Crash) I heard you guys filmed some scenes as Black Flag. Have you heard anything on when that’s coming out?

Matt: Yea. I have no idea, Jorma said he saw the movie and it was good, you know I haven’t seen it I have no idea when it’s coming out at all (The film is out currently on DVD, at the time of the interview it was in a very limited release).

STUBBLE: What song did you do?

Matt: We did Police Story.

STUBBLE: Were you Henry or Chavo or...

Matt: Dude, I don’t look like any of ‘em. So I was just kinda doin’ my thing, it was pretty funny you know? It was an honor to do it, we got to do a song for the soundtrack with Pat Smear, and Kiera played bass on it, that was really cool. Other than that they said action and we just kinda started playin’ you know.

Matt: Yea, yea I’ll do speed with just about anybody (Laughs).

STUBBLE: Will you watch Dog the bounty hunter if they give him a second shot on the air?

Matt: Um, no, no and not because he dropped the N bomb, which I’m not a big fan of, it’s just I’ve seen too much of Dog in my life. I’m over it, I’m over it.

CRADLE OF FILTH The Grand Ballroom San Francisco, CA February 10, 2009

STUBBLE: Earlier, before you played "History’s Stranglers," you said something about “to the man that scared me the most” and I didn’t catch who you were talking about.

Matt: Oh, it was Richard Ramirez, the night stalker. He was the first guy who when I was young growing up in L.A, he ran through someone’s backyard our next door neighbors backyard, he had killed someone in Pico Rivera where I grew up. He was the first dude that was on the loose that I was young enough to be completely scared out of my mind. That guy scared the shit out of me man, and when the caught him and he just looked crazy he had the pentagram on his hand, it was just yea, he was legit.

STUBBLE: Right on, well we’ve got some free association, wacky, Howard Sternesque type questions for ya.

Matt: All right! Let’s do it.

STUBBLE: All right, Fuck, Marry,Kill. Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, or Hillary Clinton.

Matt: Uhhhhhhh, I’d like to fuck Hillary Clinton.

STUBBLE: Yeaaa!!

Matt: I would, I would like to fuck Hillary Clinton. I don’t know Lindsey Lohan is kind of a toss up. Maybe I’ll marry her, what was the other choice?

STUBBLE: Britney Spears.

Matt: Britney Spears what am I supposed to do with her?

Yea she’s insane, she’d probably be good, like a good hang, like a party buddy you know?

STUBBLE: What about; Jamie lee Curtis, Hillary Swank and Haley Joel Osmet?

Matt: Who is Haley Joel Osmet?

STUBBLE: He is the kid from the Sixth Sense.

Matt: Oh god no! That guy is weird. Jamie Lee Curtis, she’s a man right? That’s the rumor about her.

STUBBLE: A large clit is what I heard.

Matt: You know there’s a rumor that a dick is just a large clit. Like it’s an evolution thing… Cause it’s kinda weird if you go, if you look at like the female anatomy from the doctor poster; it’s basically like kind of a tucked in dick..

STUBBLE: Uh, that’s not a rumor…

Matt: I don’t know that’s neither here nor there.

STUBBLE: If you met Lemmy from Motorhead, would you do speed with him?

STUBBLE Reporter Jeff Longo with Danni Filth

Location: Tour bus outside the Grand Interview by Jeff Longo with Josh Kutras Danni Filth, front man for England’s Cradle of Filth, knows what you’re afraid of. Conjuring up the soundtrack for your next nightmare, Danni spins a web of lush concept albums of vampires and spooky shit like a demonic conductor telling the story through their unique blend of symphonic black and extreme metal. With new release

‘Godspeed on the Devil’s Thunder’, brings us a the classic ‘rise and fall’ story of a 15th century socialite convicted of black magic, ritual sacrifice, and pedophilia; cohesively glued together by narration by Doug Bradley (Hellraiser’s PinHead).

We caught up with Dani Filth in San Francisco a few hours before their headlining gig at the Grand Ballroom. Despite battling a cold and recovering from surgery on his ear earlier in the day we sat down and discussed the new album, his new book The Gospel of Filth & a Dani Filth line of swimwear. Entering the rear of the tour bus, Dani is found downing a bottle of cough syrup…

DANI: I flew over the weekend. Went back to England and not only caught a cold on the plane but got a perforated eardrum as well.

STUBBLE: Ouch. How you feeling? Can you hear?

DANI: Half hear. A little bit off balance. I had half my ear drum cut open.

STUBBLE: Did you give you local for that?

DANI: Yeah.

STUBBLE: So you’re comfortably numb then? (we laugh) Well, welcome to the Bay Area. The new album, Godspeed on the Devils thunder, is a concept album, loosely written, about…

DANI: Gille de Rais (pronounced Jills da Ray) 15th century comrade in arms to Joan of Arc, alchemist, sorcerer, pedophile, murderer. Although, we don’t just dwell on the murder suspects, we’ve incorporated the whole story, the catalyst, his fall from grace, right through to his eventual execution, and the album is, it’s not loosely touching upon it; it’s a story start to finish, chronological.

STUBBLE: Does it get easier as you get more success, building the next project?

DANI: I don’t look it that way. You just have to be into it.

I put it in the context of, if you’re good at your job your into it. Its like math homework, I hated math so it was always left till Sunday evening. I always say to the band “If masturbation was an art form…(we all ponder this for a moment)….You know? (umm, yeah) STUBBLE: You also have a new book coming out; The Gospel of Filth, (The Definitive Guide to the Realms of Darkness and Devilry) DANI: That’s right.. Well, we haven’t got an actual release date yet but, I think it Easter. Whatever date that is because it moves from year to year. (Update: currently set for official release Spring 2009) STUBBLE: Now did this come into play as you were doing research for the new album, or…

DANI: No, no it’s been four years of writing the Gospel of Filth. It’s like a walk through the dark side. It’s co-written with a cult historian called Gavin Baddeley, and to add validity to chapters like; Horror and the Femme Fatale, esoteric England, the Black arts and Satanism and that.

We have various people from those schools of thought who have contributed. People like; Marilyn Manson, Charles Manson, Doug Bradley, Tim Burton, you know, people like Clive Barker and Ingrid Pitt.

STUBBLE: How did you come about working with Gavin, I mean obviously he’s renowned for his knowledge of the Occult (and devil worship).

DANI: Well I just became friends with him when he did interviews for various magazines, because he’s like a uh, freelance so…

STUBBLE: So, what’s your favorite horror movie right now?

DANI: Ooo, um what did I see the other day I really liked? Um The Ruins was good, I wouldn’t say it was my favorite but I watched recently and um, Paradise Lost , Singapore Sling, um (looking at his DVDs) I took my collection back to England so.. Yeah but those are the ones I’ve seen recently. I’d like to see the new Underworld.

STUBBLE: So what do you think of all the remakes going on right now (Halloween, Friday the 13th, Last house on the left, etc)?

DANI: I don’t mind them, I really liked the Rob Zombie one; I know he wasn’t happy with it, but I really like the sort of build up of the character. Um, because remake it, it’s just a stalk and slasher fare really, and I like the fact that it built it all up you know the penitentiary and him being young and….

STUBBLE: Are we running out of things to scare us?

DANI: I just think there’s money in that kind of genre at the moment. People clawing everything to come up with something like that.

STUBBLE: Now, you worked with Dario Argento; composed a song for Mother of Tears.

DANI: That was cool, I didn’t actually get to meet him but, he’s in our book as well, so I got to interview him.

Uh, I met up with Claudio Simonetti who is the guy responsible for the soundtrack, it was an honor, nice to be approached STUBBLE: Is Jesus still a cunt? (Controversial COF shirt banned in New Zealand in the nineties) DANI: I think so, in many people’s eyes. (with a deep breath) That T-shirt was supposed to be ironic, its still ironic today as it was then…icunt-ic many people say.

STUBBLE: Wow, you’ve come a long way, dare I say the, next King of All Media (sorry Howard); I mean albums, movies, books, you’re doing voice-overs… what’s next?

DANI: Swimwear I think. (We all share a laugh, swimwear).

To hear this interview in its entirety go to www.myspace.com/stubbleradio

SOTHIS Thee Parkside San Francisco, CA December 11, 2008 Interview by Jeff Longo Black Metal employs fast tempos, shrieking vocals, and distorted guitars, supported by continuous double-kick drumming and an unconventional song structure. Born in the frozen wastelands of Norway during the grunge

revolution of the nineties, Black Metal is known more for connections to the occasional church burnings and murder than for its signature low-fi sound, fast tempos, and shrieking vocals. Corpse paint and satanic imagery/themes make it no surprise that the music was not taken very seriously in the States, but that may be changing. Today, a black renaissance of sorts is percolating (or festering?). Building upon the sins of the past and forging a new highway to hell the American Black Metal fiends from LA, Sothis, are more than happy to be your tour guide. With a four song demo Sothis earned themselves a roster spot with visionary Candlelight Records, currently touring their debut release, Di Oppresso Liber, I caught up with Drogoth and Dross just after their set at Thee Parkside in San Francisco.

STUBBLE: So you guys are on Candle Stick?

Sothis: (roaring laughter) Oh, they’ll love that…

STUBBLE: Uh, I mean Candlelight Records…

Dross: Candlelight has been very good to us. It’s about time a label stood up to push an American Black Metal band. American needs a Black Metal band to call their own.

Drogoth: Di Oppresso Liber was recorded and produced

by Dross. Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) mixed it in Sweden.

STUBBLE: Did you guys tour w.ith Sweden’s Watain?

Dross: We played with them in LA once. I don’t think I could tour with them. They are some smelly mother fuckers.

STUBBLE: The stage reeked of rotting flesh…pigs heads on stage…

Dross: Our sound guy promoted the show in LA and Watian’s tour manager was like ‘hey I apologize for the dressing room’…with blood all over the walls and shit; there was some opposite type event the next morning so they were there bleaching the walls and shit till like three in the morning, trying to figure out what the fuck they were doing in there.

STUBBLE: By the way you guys kicked ass tonight. Is that typical of a Sothis gig?

Drogoth: No (deep breath taken), I mean, we’re the kind of band that is way too big for our britches. I mean we bring all this bullshit and we ain't shit! We got keyboards, electronic drums, pyro, smoke machines…when we show up with all this shit and were trying to plug in, these sound guys don’t give a shit, they’re used to fucking dipshits showing up with a half stack…

Dross: You pay your dues. You learn all these experience…learn to adapt, taking any challenge, and win.

STUBBLE: Sounds like you’ve put some investment into the show…

Dross: Listen you can buy the CD, listen to it in your car, and have fun and shit, but when you come to see us play, when you come live…this is how it works…I have seen tons of bands and the band is just the background for me to smoke and drink with my friends, ok. So, you can either be the background music to someone’s mother-fucking party or, you can captivate the crowd. If you captivate the crowd, you can’t just stand there staring at your instrument like some douche-bag. The sound has to be there. The fucking look has gotta be there.

Drogoth: I got into black metal from European black metal scene, I love thrash and death, but black metal took it a step further for me.

STUBBLE: Ever see Heavy Metal Parking Lot? Drogoth: Fuck yeah!! Hell yeah we have it on DVD…

STUBBLE: Those were the days…Judas Priest, early Ozzy, Dio… Drogoth: I met Dio once. I had a VIP pass to some festival. And I as I leaving Dio just crossed my path and i went up to him and I just wanted to say that I was a huge fan and shit and I put my hand out and he refused to shake my hand! Instead he gives me a big fucking hug! I mean I had to bend over and to hug this man. Keep in mind I am 6 5’and Dio is…(we laugh). He hugged me, looked me straight in the eye and said ‘Thank you so much for all the energy and support’ and man, it humbled me. I mean I’ve met so many musicians, people I was fans of who turned out to be complete fucking douche-bags. The guys in Sothis, as long as I’m here, will always be drinking beers and shaking hands. We’re fucking fans. We’re fucking metal heads.

STUBBLE: Word SUFFOCATION The Grand Ballroom San Francisco, CA September 20, 2008 Notes: Bought my own ticket and no photo pass at the door, foyer is packed, Mike Smith happens to be sashaying his way through the crowd...reaching over I said “Mike what the fuck I’m not on the list, can you help me out?” He did. Cool motherfucker!!!. Frank Mullen, interview by Jeff Longo In the early nineties beginning with Effigy of the Forgotten and Breeding the Spawn, Long Island's Suffocation solidified their place in the formation of death metal, brutal death metal to be exact. But it’s with signature death growl of Frank Mullen, the return of original drummer Mike Smith, and full time label support that keeps them on the forefront of the genre. Dominating by playing their own stripped down, style of death metal, that combines the extreme styles of hardcore and punk, with doom metal and grindcore, creating a unique all-out assault on the senses that is simply… Suffocation.

STUBBLE: So you left Relapse - wasn’t Suffocation their first ever CD pressing?

Frank: Uh, yes on Relapse but you know it just didn’t work out over at Relapse, they just kinda like we got lost in the mix, and you know certain things we thought were gonna happen didn’t, and um you know we just weren’t happy with the situation so…. So yeah, it comes time to move on and we had a couple of offers, you know some other different labels and everything, and you know pretty much Nuclear Blast stepped up and uh they been long time fans of the band and everything, and you know they said hey, you know we want to do everything we can to bring you guys up to the next level.

STUBBLE: It just seems like we talk to bands about labels it seems like only a couple people work there?

Frank: Sometimes it seems that way, you know definitely with Relapse at times you know that’s how it felt. You know it’s like you know one person over there and if you don’t get a hold of that one person you don’t get a hold of anybody! And I just remember instances where we’re playing a huge festival, let’s say over in Europe, and they knew we had a signing and you know you’d think they’d send flats you know pictures we could sign, little cards or whatever and they didn’t send anything so… We’re signing hot dog trays, you know you got a line of fans and I’m signing hot dog trays. You know it was things like that,

that were bad. You can’t put your band out there and then not do things that are like... you know bare essentials.

STUBBLE: How did you get involved with the History Channel?

Frank: That was a really cool thing, I mean they got in touch with Mike Smith (founding member and current drummer) and wanted to put it together. They were looking for something real heavy and real crazy STUBBLE: They came to the right place…

Frank: They had a premise for a show called The Dark Ages and they were looking for a commercial with some heavy, brutal death metal you know to kinda represent the time. And they got in touch with us and said hey you know we’d love to have you guys do it. We were excited so. Let’s do it!

STUBBLE: How do you feel about extreme metal gaining popularity in the mainstream?

Frank: I mean, I’m glad it’s finally moving into the mainstream, I mean it’s been held down for so long, you know and it really doesn’t need to be. You know some of the most talented musicians in the world play death metal, and extreme metal, and you know it’s about time that you finally get the recognition, and respect that you deserve.

STUBBLE: Are you seeing more kids at the shows?

Frank: Yeah, there’s more kids at the shows, real young kids now, which is funny for us cause we get them comin up to us at shows goin “ Man I’m like 16 years old” and I’m going holy crap you were like one when Effigy came out..

So you know it’s like nuts. But yeah you know the kids are comin out, you know they’re lovin the older heavier stuff, which is you know really cool. They range in ages from you know people our age to older to you know 14-15 years old.

You know my daughter goes to school and she’s gonna be 16 and she’s got friends and they’re like “Oh, your dad’s in Suffocation..?” It’s crazy…you know they’re fans and it’s nuts.

STUBBLE: How has the scene changed?

Frank: The thing that’s changed over the last five years is the advancement of the internet and finally playing heavy videos on TV,. Headbanger’s Ball back in the day was a joke. They had Ricky Rackmen or whatever and he’s playing hair bands I saw that afternoon already. Now it's geared to brutal videos your not gonna see all the time Sirius radio has a station that is just straight up Death Metal…Instead of being force feed what they want you to hear, hearing the same Black Eyed Pea song 25 times a day…

TAT's Tatiana DeMaria TAT Warped Tour 2009 San Francisco, CA June 2, 2009 Interview by Tony Schiavo and Alex Guzman Stubble chased down Nick Kent, Bass player for the rising British punk band, Tat, after their mind-blowing performance at the 2009 Warped Tour in San Francisco.

The band displayed masterful musicianship without sacrificing the raw, old-school intensity that galvanized their audience of punk rockers. Led by vocalist/guitarist Tatiana DeMaria, Tat exploded with an absolutely incendiary mix of carnal and musical allure. STUBBLE was lucky enough to steal a moment of their time on the road to inevitable fame.

STUBBLE: Where are you guys from?

Nick: London, England, but we released our debut album, Soho Lights (2008 Red Wagon Records), here in the States in October.

STUBBLE: Is this your first Warped tour?

Nick: It’s our third, actually. We’ve been doing this since 2006. But we were promised eight shows here, so we had to smuggle our way into the country since we didn’t have visas. We somehow ended up doing 28 shows without getting deported. (Laughs) We got lucky and played with the Bouncing Souls and NoFX, and they took us on tour the next year.

STUBBLE: How long will you guys be traveling with the Warped Tour?

Nick: Months! We’re doing the whole thing: every single show.

STUBBLE: You’ve got one hell of a stage presence. Who would you say influenced your performance?

Nick: Well, Tatiana DeMaria, our lead singer, is also the main song writer for the band. She very much likes Stiff Little Fingers, old-school Green Day and that sort of stuff. I came from more of a hard rock background, though. Our drummer, Jake Reed, has done more work with the hardcore punk scene. It all kind of mixes together.

STUBBLE: Who would you say is the hardest partying band out here?

Nick: Well, actually, we haven’t really partied yet!

(Laughs) I know, I know, this is supposed to be rock-nroll, there’s supposed to be all sorts of insanity…

STUBBLE: No sex? No drugs?

Nick: Well, the drugs are just Tylenol and hay fever tablets: all prescription, of course. Maybe a swig of grandpa’s cough medicine (Laughs).

STUBBLE: So you’ve toured with some of these bands before, you said?

Nick: Oh yeah, NOFX, Bad Religion…

STUBBLE: You guys never got crazy after the show? I know how they can party…

Nick: When we toured with them in Europe in 2007, they turned the cameras off and we saw some pretty fucked up stuff backstage (Laughs) but seriously, they’re really good guys. They helped us out a lot.

STUBBLE: How do you feel about being in a band that’s led by a beautiful girl, do you ever feel like she’s getting all the attention? Like you might be playing in her shadow?

Nick: No, no! You can’t start thinking that way. I’m cool with it, I love my role in the band. I mean, it’s going to happen: you’ve got a hot girl in the band and everyone’s going to be watching her. But you know, she’s also got a lot of talent and I think she’s earned a lot of the attention by talent alone.

TOO SHORT Kimball’s West Oakland, CA November 17, 2008 Legendary Bay Area rapper Too Short has sold over 11 million albums and doesn’t need anyone to pat him on the back, but he must of felt pretty good when recently recognized with a ‘lifetime achievement award’ at the 2008 VH1 Hip Hop Honors along with Slick Rick, Cypress Hill.

Usually reserved for legends at the end of their careers, with a beginning and an end (hence the lifetime part), but not so fast. Sure since the eighties he has built a loyal fan base that’s devoured 17 solo albums and he’s worked with everyone who is anyone in the game from Jay-Z & Snoop to E-40 & Lil’Jon. That was then; today he runs his own label, ‘Up All Night’ records. Finalizing an album with Oakland funk project Town Bizness (check out the single "Red Bull and Vodka" out now) due later in the year, and the eighteenth Too Short solo record right behind it.

STUBBLE caught up with the legendary rapper at Kimball’s West in Oakland. Location: Walking over to private studio; interview by Jeff Longo.

STUBBLE: Tell us about your project.

Too Short: It’s called Town Bizness. It’s not a Too Short album though, even though I’m all over it, it's not a Too Short album. I am working on a Too Short solo album out in 2009.

STUBBLE: Will you be touring this record with Town Bizness?

Too Short: Yep. Doing spot dates here there…

STUBBLE: What kind of venues you looking at?

Too Short: Definitely the Fillmore type of vibe, the theaters, you know? It’s the funk! The funk! A little smoky room, cool vibe, and get down.

STUBBLE: You’ve been doing this since you were 14 years old. Tell me how, after all these years, do you remain relevant voice in the scene?.

Too Short: You wanna know the secret? (Hell yeah!)

Alright, I’ll tell you real fast. It’s how you deal with your fans, the quality of the music; away from the vocals, you know, just the quality of the production, of the music.

Then, you put in some good writing and a good front-man, you know… like Short Dog. And then and it has a lot to do

with (leans over lowers his voice a little and said…), young pussy. (We laugh, yeah, we laugh loud).

STUBBLE: Got it. So, tell me being a rap star is everything it’s made out to be…like ‘cocaine, caviar, and bubble bath’ …

Too Short: What about it?

STUBBLE: Well?

Too Short: I’ve been through a lot phases in my career man, but one thing remains relevant the whole way,: young pussy. A lot things change, the music changes, the singing changes, but that young pussy is always relevant.

Honestly though, I think it’s that young vibe that keeps you relevant. I really think that. I mean I love older woman, but when a younger girl says that ‘that shit is wack’ or ‘that’s hot’ then that’s the truth.

STUBBLE: With so many acts out now how do you get your music heard?

Too Short: I have a following. (Looks around) Built-in.

They roll with me.

WATAIN @ The Metro Opera House Oakland, CA October 13, 2008

Wielding black magic as well as lyrical verse, Erik Danniellson spent three years perfecting Watian’s fourth studio release, Sworn to the Dark (2007) and the last two years touring it.

They regularly appear on stage freshly covered in blood, surrounded by decomposing pig heads mounted on spears.

The stench of rotting meat that permeated from the stage area throughout the evening can only be described as vomit inducing. If you’re bored with horror movies and think you’re ready for “Fright Night...for real”, check them out. We met with Erik right before his show at the Metro in Oakland presented by Whore for Satan. Interview by Jeff Longo STUBBLE: You’re currently at the end of the ‘Fuck the World Tour’ promoting Sworn to the Dark..?

Erik: Yes, we have thirteen shows left in the US and when we get home to Sweden we have one show left, the 111 show of the tour.

STUBBLE: How’s it feel to be a rock star (intentionally upbeat)?

Erik: Not sure how you define it these days, but if it means pissing in what you call these toilets…?

STUBBLE: Port-a-potties. Well you are widely regarded as the real deal and known for your live show….

Erik: I always considered live performances to be physical manifestations of the music. In most cases, especially in Black and Death metal, most people don’t go any further than putting on some corpse paint and try to look a bit nasty. Anyone can actually do that. We have been working very hard on how to embody the music, how to actually make people experience it. With all the senses. I think we are very close to what we want to achieve.

STUBBLE: I would say your pretty damn close…

Erik: We have been working very hard to get it right. I want the stage to be a gateway, a portal to the chaos that lies beyond this world. I want people to be able to look at the back side of reality, the dark side of reality. Which is completely devoid of law and order, of every ethical and moral code that ever existed on earth…a place where all chaos reigns; everything we do on stage contributes to that gateway.

STUBBLE: Well from the videos I have seen it looks recorded in…How are the crowds different in the states?

Erik: I think it has a lot to do about what you said earlier, there is no real black metal movement here, at least of the kind we are apart of. People are in general more grateful.

I mean no one is really used to see. It’s a new thing, people are more willing to open their eyes, to receive.

Many people speak badly about touring the US that there is no real scene. To me that is a good thing a challenge actually. Instead of touring around in a part of the world that are stagnated by the same scene. Crowds in Europe are very proud, they think they have seen it all. They go to the concert with that kind of mindset and not very open to receive anything. While people here know they are going to a concert to see something different, something new.

STUBBLE: The black metal scene’s roots have been underground.

Erik: There are no restrictions whatsoever with Watain.

The underground was a fantastic place, it was a great environment for us to grow up in and get inspired by.

When we started out there was an underground movement that meant something that was accepted a bit more hidden. With that comes also more you realize very soon you had to work very hard to be apart of it. Where today all you need is a myspace page. The underground was very beneficial for Watain. Back then it was a lot more harsher. It created a very intense atmosphere. These days I am very grateful for having that in my back pocket.

We are not here to do anything for a scene.

STUBBLE: What does the future hold - how do you top what you're doing now?

Erik: We are always looking for ways to channelize the power that we were born out of and I believe that everything of relevance for Watain comes not from the members themselves but from the force that is beyond us.

Our goal is to make that force flow more easily to have less and less of our human selves involved in the music and more of the force. To be more able to make that

energy permeate through us. It takes a lot of hard work.

It takes delving into bad things…

STUBBLE: It takes some balls to do what you’re doing.

We have only heard of bands like Mayhem.

Erik: You know Mayhem to us they were a beginning of something, definitely not the concrete shape, it was not something that is perfection. They did what they could back then. We considered them tradition and that is valuable to have as historical importance but we have to get out of that and look forwards.

STUBBLE: How is the scene?

Erik: It's all the same to me this whole shit hole of a world, it's just a big disappointment when it comes to what could have happened back in the nineties when everything went terribly wrong instead of right. To me I do not give a fuck about any scene. If you focus too much on what’s going on around you, and what the bands do, then you’re trapped in a fucking cage. You need to look beyond genres, beyond scenes. People get restricted by what’s happened before and they consider Mayhem the blue print for black metal and that’s all you can do… that is only ten percent of what black metal is capable of and the rest is left to discover.

We have 13 shows left. People have probably read or whatever… We are coming back for sure. Very far from ordinary on this stage.

STUBBLE: Tell me about a favorite Memory.

Erik: Every time on the stage to me is divine. The stage is holy to me and it's very hard. I mean of course you have great tours with Dissection when they were still around, Celtic Frost it was these nights when the air was thick with magic. I always try to look away from everything when on stage and we always do the same thing whether we play for five or five hundred.

Editorial from Ken Zebbyn I recently attended a Cheech and Chong performance in Boston. I couldn't get on the guest list, so when I paid for my ticket I got a free subscription to Rolling Stone. (I called and told them I didn't want it, but they said I could have it anyway.)

Well what has become of the alleged music magazines in this century? The cover shows politicians, lately Obama and Bush, of course. Sadly I have yet to see the anticipated cover albums; Obama’s renditions of Don Ho hits, including the one about the tiny fish with the really long name, and Bush’s cover of “On the Cover of the Rolling Stone.” This rag used to have musicians on the cover and sometimes there are musicians on the cover but the interviews are mostly about politics. Duh. Maybe its name should be changed to News From Musicians And Politicians Musicians Need To Know, which is too long a title.

Bottom line Rolling Stone is not a music magazine but a political magazine, so you have chosen a music mag today when you picked up STUBBLE. As long as I am editor this magazine will not tell you who to vote for or do political features or do interviews that concentrate on politics. If you want politics try Rolling Stone, Time or Newsweek. They all feature a little on music too.

Live Show Reviews BLONDIE Star Of The Desert Arena At Buffalo Bill’s, Primm NV February 24, 2009 We headed out from Vegas down RT15 to Primm at the hotel casino Buffalo Bill’s to see the show. The place was cool. You get real native Nevada.

A blast from the past, Debbie Harry and company hit the desert for maybe the last time. They hit it off with "Hangin on The Telephone" and the crowd was sucked right in.

Debbie looked and sounded good. Her hubby Chris Stein looked old but the music was awesome with a sound system they never had when they began playing at CBGB. They plowed through the set “Will Anything Happen?”, “Pretty Baby,” “The Hardest Part,” and then a great version of “Fade Away & Radiate”. Debbie called the audience desert rats and said she could never live there but understood why people do because of the beauty or some schlock like that.

While they played mostly off their biggest album Parallel Lines, they continued the show with “Touched with your Presence, Dear” off the Plastic Letters album and then “I'm A gonna Love You Too”. The rest of the show included “Dreaming”, “Call Me” (which was a crowd favorite),”Tide is High” featuring a bass solo, and “Rapture” with a cosmic guitar solo break. They finished with “One Way or Another” and everyone knew the encore was coming.

They did guess what - “Heart of Glass” and then, by request, “11:59,” ending a great night of 80's music. – KZ

a.k.a. Interscope Records, Trent Reznor wants out. Since announcing his free agency, Trent has given away two full length recordings: the experimental instrumental Ghosts I and a full length NIN release, The Slip. Completely blowing everyone’s mind with his Lights in the Sky tour, Reznor provided an unparalleled 3-D light show experience. Now out on the road for one last lap (dubbed “Wave Goodbye”), NIN is sharing the spotlight with a reunited Jane’s Addiction and main support from Tom Morello’s side project, Street Sweeper Social.

Shoreline Amphitheater was buzzing to near capacity when NIN took the stage right before sunset and plowed through the hour and fifteen minute, 20 song set. Trading in the light spectacle of the last tour for greater flexibility in song variation from night to night has fans following gigs like grateful nail-heads. Tonight’s show was heavily weighted with cuts from the Downward Spiral and the Fragile, and was very well received, except for the drunken posers who didn’t shut the fuck up until the two songs they knew were played – "Head Like a Hole" and "Hurt".

NIN/JA Nine Inch Nails Shoreline Amphitheater Mountain View, CA May 23, 2009 Photos by Jeff Longo

Jane’s Addiction and Tom Morello’s project, Street Sweeper Social Club, rounded out the bill and did not disappoint.

Crushing through their sets, SSSC was surprising and well received, but still sounded like Rage Against the Machine (god I miss them). Lastly, Jane’s Addiction was incredible and made me feel like it was '92 all over again.

Nine Inch Nails is taking a break, a very long break.

Having fulfilled his obligations to the corporate hate machine

Overshadowing all of this is the story of Eric De La Cruz, a young man marked for death. In desperate need of a heart

transplant, he has been denied insurance coverage and will soon die. Trent Reznor got wind of this and put together VIP backstage packages ranging from $300 to $1000 and let it loose on Twitter. In a few days he helped raise over $900,000 and just like that Erik will have a shot to live.

Speechless. - Jeff Longo

THE ADOLESCENTS Warped Tour 2009 San Francisco, CA July 11, 2009 Jeff Longo and Josh Kutras The Old School Punk stage was located right next to the beer garden where we drank vodka from a Crystal Geyser bottle and pounded twelve dollar beers. So when THE ADOLESCENTS took the stage we didn’t have to stumble far.

I didn’t know the song but when it hit, it was loud and fast.

The crowd went crazy and the pit exploded. I hit the guy in front of me just before I got leveled, I took his number and the chaos of the Warped Tour began under the hot San Francisco sun.

THE ADOLESCENTS spent the next 20 minutes ripping through classic punk the way it is supposed to be played.

Between songs the barely recognizable Jack Grisham lamented to the crowd something about Michael Jackson losing the election is Iran and bombing North Korea or something.

CD Reviews 23 RAINY DAYS – Wonderful Disaster (Radio Active Music) They’re from DC but the vocalist seems to have a British accent. 23RD got their break opening for the Violent Femmes.

Good for them! Dark pop synth rock that is very danceable at times, especially “Goodnight and Goodbye.” – KC A LOVE LIKE PI – The Atlas and the Oyster (Thriving Records) “Innocent Man” is an energetic group jam suited for a live-band rave. The synthesized vocals, especially on “Young Men,” are quite interesting (unlike when Cher did them). The melody in “Keep My Lovers True” rings nicely; an interesting debut. – CC ADVERSARY – Singularity (Trustkill Records) I must admit when I popped this disc in I had no idea who Adversary were or what to expect. The first track ‘Hedonist’ starts with swelling feedback and spends the next 5 minutes and 56 seconds bludgeoning you (and I) the listener with what reminded me in the beginning of Germany’s Kreator, with some melodic elements in the middle and a bit of stomp groove riffing that would make Dime proud. If you like your metal old school without sounding recycled and your leads face melting give these guys a shot. Recommended tracks: Dying Art, Hedonist, Manifest Humility - Josh K.

sounds a bit like Lena Lovich. A definite keeper; check it out! - KH BIRDMONSTER – From The Mountain To The Sea (FADER Label) Peter Arcuni has an unusual halting vocal delivery, like Conway Twitty with out the stuttering. Or maybe Buddy Holly at times. The songs resemble neither, however. “Heart Of The Dead” breaks out the most musically, and it’s a toe-tapper. - KH BLACKOUT 101 – A Work In Progress (self) Teen Power Rock! Like a young and evolving Green Day. 5 songs and the last cut is “The Last Song.” It’s sure a nice break from hearing about The Hansons or whoever replaced them.

Very energetic and fun. - KH BLEEDING THROUGH – Declaration (Trustkill Records) From the dark circus opening of ‘Finnis Fatalis Spei’ into the black metal-esque ‘Declaration’ to the dying horror strains of ‘Sister Charlatan’ this album fucking batters. Ideal for listening to while you’re exercising or; getting ready to kick someone’s ass. This one deserves multiple listens. - Josh K.

AN ALBATROSS – The An Albatross Family Album (Eyeball Records) A screaming metallic carousel choir with songs that are hard to tell apart.

Not worth my time. – RA ARCHER – Doom$Day Profit$ (Duke's Black Rose) Hard rock metal from this powerful Sabbath-influenced trio. The grinding “Van Salem” shows what they are capable of; presenting their own interpretation of what rock and metal can be. – RA BEAT STRINGS – Fang In Rain (XOXO Records) Pretty exciting stuff, like a muddified (sic) T Rex perhaps. Lots of variety, too; sometimes singer Adam Bolts

BLUE NOUVEAUX – 10 Years After (Black & Blue Records) The long awaited follow up to Darkness In Me. Celia Hemken and her all new American band have changed the sound considerably. Lush melodies are replaced with a more grungy sound, although there is a little bit of the original sound on the opening song "When You Lie." A light melancholy melody. With songwriting assistance from guitarist, vocalist Minx The Jinx, Blue Nouveaux has morphed it's sound.

Hemken's dark lyrical style remains.

My favorites include "The Bigot" which includes the line "This is my house.

These are my rules, And if you don't like it, get out!"; and the bizarre and twisted "Train Track Children" where Celia sings with an eerie childlike voice.

There are many tunes worthy of airplay like "Ether", "Ariel" and "Money", where Minx's harmonies bring out the best in Hemken. The grungy wall of sound on "Wolves," "Drown" and "Temple" are potent and they grow on you the more you hear them. Hemken dropped the saxophone for this album but she plays flute on "Visions Of The Desert" a very unique song where Minx's vocals are most pronounced. The packaging is uncommon too containing original artwork by Celia Hemken and little dolls representing band members. Overall this is one of the most remarkable rock albums of 2009. A truly unexpected treat. - KZ CHESTER FRENCH – She Loves Everybody EP (Star Trak/Interscope) “The Jimmy Choos” – the song that finally got me to listen to music online!

Hey, it’s about shoes! I’m not made of stone…. Anyway it’s bouncy and fun. I could actually imagine dancing to this in a club. With Paris Hilton. - KH ELLEN BUKSTEL – Daddy’s Little Girl (Ellen Bukstel) Very personal songs nicely performed in a quiet folky style. Ms. Bukstel touches on many issues such as loss, (“Wooden Box”) political action (“Raise The Torch” and others), and spirituality. Makes me want to see her movie Somebody’s Child. – KH

CONTROLLED BLEEDING – Before The Quiet (Controlled Bleeding) 24 cuts plus “Testing” (which is what you’d expect from the title), with recordings from 1978-1982. You get 3 versions of the instrumental “Veal,”

spanning the band’s career. The second “Veal” is more fleshed out than the first, and “Veal” #3 has become positively meaty. But why are 2 cuts “Untitled”? Orchestral punk rock. - TDS

ELIKA – Trying Got Us Nowhere (Fiercely Independent Records) Children of Niko and Karen Carpenter.

Name yer poison. 7 sad, sweet multilayered songs. - KH THE FRATELLIS – Here We Stand (Interscope) I loved their cover of “Solid Gold Easy Action” on the Hot Fuzz soundtrack, and here they are again. This album is bigger and bolder than the previous one. Kind of glam blues elements in for example “Tell Me A Lie” make this a lively and unusual confection! – KH

THE CURE – 4:13 Dream (sureToNE) 13 cuts; “The Only One” has to be the favorite pick of this CD. “The Reasons Why” is classic Cure. Dance, dance. CC DANIEL FRANCIS DOYLE – We Bet Our Money On You (We Shot JR) Nine songs from a one-man band. The title cut sounds like a bad DIY Talking Heads. Later Mr. Doyle is more like an incoherent King Missile. Very confusing, and ten song titles are listed on the CD face. - KH THE DRAMA CLUB (F.O.F. Label Group/EMI) A 6-song EP (including a remix of “Brand New Day”) that precedes their follow-up full length CD. The remix is lame and unnecessary; the rest is anthemic pop for the masses.

Commercial potential. – CC

DEATH SENTENCE: PANDA! Insects Awaken (Upset the Rhythm) Hardcore folk? That’s some rockin and unusual stuff. The second cut, “Friends of Friends of Friends of Friends” has a familiar sounding hard pounding intro and some yelling. Vaguely familiar in affect. Ahah! It’s Chinese folk a la Holly And The Italians. Sure to drive you crazy. Also available as an LP. – KH

THE GAME – LAX (Geffen) In the Intro the Game declaims like a street preacher, “Devil we rebuke you in the name of Jesus…” (repeat as needed). The next cut, “LAX Files,” drops many mf bombs, but explains where he’s coming from. Respect and all that, but an original Scarface too.

“Never Can Say Goodbye” – no, it’s not a cover – opens with the radio report of Notorious B.I.G. being shot. An homage to those friends who passed – violently.

Heartfelt. – KG GENUINE SUN – Return (Blaster Records) Comfortingly familiar but undefinable Middle America indie sound. I could easily be singing along with “Goodbye” after another listen or 2. – KH GODHEAD – At The Edge Of The World (drivenmusicgroup) 13 tracks and 5 bonus remixes. “Stay Back” is a bold number with a lyrical warning to whoever tries to get close.

Assemblage 23’s remix is less murky, actually more of a dance version. The tracks by the guest remixers are cool, but the originals are cooler beans. - RJ JESSE GOPLEN – Cowboy (Ancient Rainbow Music) The 45-inspired CD has 6 original songs and radio edits of 3 of them. After he

spent a few months in jail for pot possession and 9/11 subsequently turning his head inside out, he moved to Humboldt County CA. Now he sings his all-acoustic songs, such as the one about knowing a good fucking place to get high “(Paradise On) Highway 101”.

Good stoner songs, but we don’t need the radio edits thank you very much. – TDS GUITAR RED – Lightnin’ In A Bottle (BackSpace Records) Famous (especially in Decatur GA) street musician sings the blues and plays his guitar. “Three-Legged Dog Blues” is a fun one. Kind of Taj Mahalish. The title cut is actually not the best one, IMO. But “Song About A Jimi Hendrix Song” – that’s gotta be one of the most enticing song titles ever. I think it’s about “Hey Joe.” I like it. – KH

G UNIT – T O S Terminate On Sight (Interscope) With the Game no longer involved and no more Young Buck either the Unit presses on. They even get a little funky and retro on a few of the 16 cuts. The Unit’s street cred is fully intact. – RiP TREY GUNN – Music For Pictures (7d Media) 29 cuts from this King Crimson alum with his fretless (and fretted) guitars.

Mr. Gunn also plays keyboards. He uses no less than 4 drummers, plus a female vocalist (Beth Quist). Trey is a multimedia artist, AND THIS cd brings what it says, music for pictures. And I do like to watch TV with the sound off…

“The Ghosts Listen” would be a good start for that, since it’s 23 minutes long (the others are all much shorter).

Welcome back to album-making, Trey!

Recommended. – KH HONEYCOMB – Worldwide Electric Inventor’s Kit (Silent Bee) Electric pop with an inventive flair.

Check out “Chicken & Stars.” It’s about a girl. Twangy and tangy. - CC

JACKSON UNITED – Harmony And Dissidence (Acetate Records) Punky rock from this musically incestuous group. Chris Shiflett, better known as Foo Fighters and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes’ guitarist, on vocals and guitar. The songs and vocals remind me of Smashmouth meets The Replacements. – CC

albums, not just another album from the same band. – KC

Rod Stewart. Nice songs and a good mature sound. – KH

THE KNUX – Remind Me In 3 Days…

(Interscope/Geffen) Rap hip hop yeah I missed those tight rhymes like some of the Run-DMC numbers. “Cappuccino” is a real banger. BTW, do you think Krispy is named after Krispy Kitty? He’s krispy enough. – KC

MISANTHROPY LEGION – Eidolon “Black Metal”? Basically their music is about freedom – freedom from paralyzing preconceptions and rules rules rules. Out with some of the old clichés and in with some new ideas in the genre. But they don’t throw out the Black Flag baby with the Throneroom dishwater. Positively negative and very real metal. – CC

LADY GAGA – The Fame (Streamline Records) Theatrical performances with admitted Queen and Motley Crue influences; pop for rockers. If you haven’t heard of Lady Gaga (where ya bin?), you will. KH LOCKSLEY – Don’t Make Me Wait (Feature Records) Catchy Beatle-esque pop whose only fault is overuse of the word ‘Baby’ in their lyrics. I ain’t your baby, baby. KH JESSE & THE HOGG BROTHERS – White Trash Meth Lab (Black & Blue Records) Non-stop thrills in this irreverent country music debut. The CD contains more talent than is implied by the song titles. These guys can sing and play to a fare-thee-well! "Biker Ann" and the title cut "White Trash Meth Lab" are obvious picks, but don't neglect the rockabilly rocker "Cream Gravy." No it's not dirty - but some of the other songs are! That's what I love about country: you can not make up shit like this – it's based on real life! Highly recommended if you enjoy laughing your ass off. - CC

KEANE – Perfect Symmetry (Interscope) Jangly experimental pop music. “Better Than This” is a prime example – spirally sounds and pleasant vocals. These Brits are back and the label is happy, but this is an expansion from their previous

LOGAN 5 AND THE RUNNERS Featurette Contemplative and creative. My favorite is “Neely O’Hara,” with its personal take on one of the characters from Valley of the Dolls. Must be someone the writer and singer David Berndt equates with that character. Take a listen to the words and the sad horns; you’ll like this one. – KH MARK GAIGNARD AND THE ALSO RAN - We All Need Lies (BackSpace Records) Lyrically mocking, edgy, and optimistic by turns, kind of a mellow pop with real feelings behind it. Kinda slow, though. TDS

JAMES MORRISON – Songs For You, Truths For Me (Interscope/Polydor) In the first cut, “The Only Night,” Morrison sounds like Bob Seger (“Against The Wind”), but in the second song, “Save Yourself,” he reminds me of Rod Stewart a little. No, definitely

LEONARD MYNX – Vesper (Wally Uno Music) Sad and sweet original songs. The best is “Horse;” I don’t care about her, cuz I got… heroin.” An honest take on boiling your life down to only one problem. The final cut, “You Asked,” had a promising title but I could have done without it easily. – KH N.E.R.D – Seeing Sounds (Star Trak/Interscope) Pharrell and friends redefining all kinds of things again – re-redefining I could say. Now he has us listening to colors.

Audible crumbling hip-hop – and that’s a good thing, as Martha would say. KH NOAH AND THE WHALE – Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down (Interscope) Interesting. I must mention that “Rocks and Daggers” eerily reminds me of Elvis’ “Blue Christmas” – and I have bad associations with that. Working at a photo place for a guy who wore ties that matched the day’s twin check colors – don’t ask, don’t ask. “Hold My Hand As I’m Lowered” is mournful and scratchy slide guitar, and muddled words and guitar – cheating death by having a worthless life. Kind of depressing actually. - KH

some other band with an ornithological name. “Chemtrail” is better, but the whole endeavor is just a lil too predictable. - CC

COLBY O’DONIS – (KonLive/Geffen) A young handsome prodigy who – please don’t tell me he was born Colby O’Donis – worked with Full Force (the “it’s all music” Full Force I hope!) and had a lot of success with various projects. He plays guitar too. I’m sure he’ll have a lot of success, and he is talented, but just a little too ‘boy band’ for my tastes. – CC OKIE DOKIE (Aagoo Records) Typical punk rock – 2 guitars, a drum machine, and a maniacal vocalist.

Although I was intrigued by the song called "Ooga Booga." Grrrr! - TDS OLD CALIFORNIO – Westering Again (Californio Records) From the first cut, this band reminded me of so many other songs and bands – in a good way, tho. The lead vocals are a bit like John Sebastian. The harmonies are like Grateful Dead meets The Beach Boys. Some Mariachi/Marty Robbins sounds in “Riparian High.” The bass in “Mother Road” is like the riff in “Don’t Bring Me Down.” And so on.

These guys will have an edge cuz it already sounds a little familiar. – CC PAS CHIC CHIC – Au Contraire (Semprini Records) This is fascinating but it might scare small children. I’m unfamiliar with the French pop they’re mining, but whatever it was they’ve certainly pulled it all atwist. Haunting male and female vocals in French, against a relentless wallpaper of creative synth. – KH PHOENIX BLOCK – Chemtrails (Hard Six Records LTD) First is the lachrymose “Can’t Divide Us” with like vocals reminiscent of Flock Of Seagulls or maybe the Eagles or

PRIMA J (Geffen) “Flip the Script” would be good if it was harder; same with “Girlfriend”. Latina pop lite. - CC PRO-PAIN – (No) End In Sight (Regain) “Let The Blood Run Through The Streets.” Does the name of the opening cut tell you anything? Personally I like the opening vocals on “Hour Of The Time.” A relief from the rest of the harsh-throated vocals, but still just as full of hate. – JJ NME - Bin Laden Airlines (Independent Release) In their sordid 15 year history NME has not shied away from writing songs that illicit a variety of emotional responses; from a grandfather with a Nazi past (‘Grandpa cried when Hitler died’), to a young man’s arousal (‘I’m gonna suck my own dick or break my back trying’), right down to good old fashioned misogyny (‘No means yes’) The newest NME release however finds the guys tackling current political issues on Bin Laden Airlines, NME style of course. Check out the title track, ‘Politricks’, and ‘I liked Music until I listened to your band play’ amongst others. Where early NME sounded like Brutal Truth meets Flipper, the new NME sounds more like Ace Frehley singing over some ‘80s CA hardcore.

The best part - it’s free. Download it at www.nmerocks.com - Josh K JIMMY D. ROBINSON – Mind Juice (J Music Group) Very poetic throughout. I like “A Tiny Shoe” the best. It’s not what you’d expect from the title – it’s not about a lost child or beloved baby, but consists

of quietly spoken dream imagery. And I like dream imagery. - KC

PSYCHOSTICK – Sandwich (Rock Ridge Music) Funny metal. Do we need funny metal?

To start with the CD cover has a sandwich with the title written in condiments, and an ingredient label sticker on the back. Bang your head for over 20 cuts including the screaming “Do You Want A Taco?” If you think all metalheads are douchebags, this douchebag metal band’s for you! It really sucks, and you can use it to piss off metalheads. Tie up the Osbourne family and make them listen to this. Or the Osmonds; it’s sure to piss off either family. I like the last cut best – “We Ran Out of CD Space.” All this talk about food’s making me hungry so go make me another sammich. – KZ

PUSSYCAT DOLLS – Doll Domination (Interscope) Missy Elliott, Polow Da Don and Snoop Dogg are among the guests on several cuts. R. Kelly guests on “Out Of This Club.” So what I wanna know is, did he pee on the pussycats for the video?

Oooh ooh I just blushed and giggled and got all sticky wet. – TDS RAZORLIGHT – Slipaway Fires (Mercury) “Wire To Wire” made the top 5 in the UK – maybe higher by now. “Hostage Of Love,” despite the lyric “You’re my hostage now,” manages to be upbeat rather than sinister. Next is a percussive number “You And The Rest.”

That’s my favorite – a boogie rocker.

Yeah I can see them opening for The Who. That would be a great show. – TDS

RUINGLORIA – I’m Pretty Sure My Ex-Girlfriend Is A Vampire (superhappyrecords) This 3-song EP is eccentric and boisterous synth pop from Australia. I’d be interested in hearing the rest of the CD if/when there’s more. BTW - in case you read the PR on this band, an ‘arvo brunch’ is afternoon brunch, ‘arvo’ being Aussie slang for afternoon. – RiP REV THEORY – Light It Up (Van Howes/Interscope) “Hell Yeah” - Gimmee a Hell, Gimmee a Yeah – sounds a lot like Drowning Pool.

“Light It Up,” the title cut, was used as Wrestlemania’s theme song last summer. It’s called “the first joint release” between Van Howes and Interscope. Joint Release. Get it? Get it? “(You are my) “Favorite Disease” is my personal favorite. Musical selfhatred is always fun. - KH

RISE AGAINST – Appeal To Reason (Interscope) Romping songs of social and political import about how it was (“Hero Of War”) how it is (“Re-Education (Through Labor)”) and how it will be “Whereabouts Unknown”). Be very afraid of the future – and the past and present. But don’t stop with the music.

– CC CHRISTIAN SCOTT – Live At Newport (Concord Music Group) This CD is smooth and easy, with very nice jazz trumpet and percussion, with the keyboard and guitars providing percussion at times as well. All 8 songs are Mr. Scott’s original compositions.

“James Crow Jr., Esq.” is an intriguing song title (but it’s an instrumental of course). The accompanying DVD includes performances of 7 of those songs, plus interviews. It bears repeating - Smooth! – KH

SEA SICK – (Sea Sick Music) Dizzying and hypnotic music with a Nico-esque vocalist, yes, but I still don’t see what all the fuss is about. I guess they must be great live. As far as Nicoesque goes, personally I prefer Nicki Jaine (“Pigeon Named Crow”). - KH TY SEGALL (Castle Face) Traditional Fools frontman Ty Segall changes gears to fast pop and surfinfluenced party rock. “So Alone” is not the Thunders tune; it actually sounds more like The Who crossed with Jet, as played by a one-man band. Cool. - KH SILVER DARLING – Your Ghost Fits My Skin (Crossbill Records) An A side and a B side. The first cut, “Living For Breath,” starts out well but becomes excessively mournful as it goes on. Finally Kevin Lee is whining like an emo Tom Petty. Meanwhile on the B side, “Rosewood Country Face” is country mournful. I don’t need this stuff. Put on some Violent Femmes. – KZ Jr. SIX FEET UNDER – Death Rituals (Metal Blade) Yup every cut on here is about death and dying. You will die, you are dying, you are dead. Classic Six Feet Under material for all the hard core fans of their melodic riffs, gutteral vocals and death-inspired progression. - RiP

RIP SMOPS - Life Is Sad (ripsmops.net) They say Rip Smops is prone to (evidently unsuccessful) suicide. Yes I

hear the Zappa influence but what about Wild Man Fisher? Nuff sed. – KH

THE SKABS – Revenge of the Skabs (Black & Blue Records) The punk rock feud of the Midwest continues, with Bloody Mess as the Hatfields and Skabs as the McCoys.

Bloody Mess & The Skabs disbanded in 1991 after a variously-explained incident possibly involving indecent exposure and/or underage suctioning.

At any rate (and with Gabby Skab that rate is practically supersonic), these Peorians are relentless in their pursuit of musical mania. The devastatingly thrilling "Hate" (Parts One and Two) packs more of it than you'd think possible. All the way to the last harsh musical cut "Rock Stalker," these crazed hard core punks make it well worth the price of admission. Great cover art too, imitative of another nearby ex-band… for those in the know.

You can't handle this one – but I double dog dare ya to try! - TDS SLANK – Anthem For The Broken Hearted (MRI) “DEVILINU” grabbed me immediately with its happy, bouncy negativity. “I Miss U But I Hate U” also rocks merrily along, whereas “Love Cursed is wistful and slow. A very interesting and enjoyable band from Indonesia. - KH JESSIE SPARKS – Breathe Easy (Jessie Sparks) Ms. Sparks has a lovely voice somewhat in the style of Celine Dion.

With the price of cigarettes hitting an all-time high, Jessie should expect to be used as a paid spokesperson for the American Lung Association, and for general use on government-funded anti-smoking advertisements. No offense! I’m serious! “Breathe Easy.” I wonder how much cigarettes are in Australia. – TDS

SNOW PATROL – A Hundred Million Suns (Fiction) Spiky indie pop from these Irish fellows. “Take Back the City” is a pushback directive that can apply to any city. Yah, let’s take em all back. – KH

SOLANGE – SoL-AngeL and the Hadley St. Dreams (Geffen) OK I cannot even deal with this sister of Beyonce. First of all the CD art is ludicrous (what the hell are those green blobs supposed to be? See above back cover), and the font is ambiguous. That means it’s hard to read the song titles.

And OMG her autobio. Yes, she wrote it all by herself (why did they ever let her?), and fits more of the words “I” and “me” per sentence than you would have thought possible. I’m sorry but I’m already gaggin too much to listen. CC SONIC SYNDICATE – Love And Other Disasters (Nuclear Blast) Six Swedes kick ass with this monster sophomore effort. The three vocalists, one being the hottie female bass player, provide relief from the customary gravel-voice only metal trend. “Hellgate: Worchester” is a prime example. The percussion is strong, and the full release has a bonus DVD and 2 more tracks. I must see this DVD. And you? - RJ ALYSSA SUEDE – Black & White In Color (Kaneball Enterprises, Inc.) A 6-song EP from Beck’s sister – a little squealy on the vocals in “Ferris Wheel.”

“Falling From Mars” is much better.

Unconventionally mainstream is a good description. It will be interesting to see what she does next. Interesting choice of surname, BTW. - KH SYNTHETIC ELEMENTS – Trashed Out Paradise (Filthy Beast Records) Kind of ska punk. The title cut is more punk than ska, bangin’. The single

“How Far” – OK, it’s not punk rock so it’s ska punk? The CD as a whole has a familiar sound. Also includes a faithful cover of “Wooly Bully,” which is unfortunately my favorite. - RC THE BABY GRANDS – TBG (Backspace Records) This CD is absolutely as advertised – “alt-rock for kids that won’t drive the adults crazy. “Sugar Makes Me Loco” has a slight latin flair, while “Surfer Shake” and “Diggin’ a Hole to China” are pretty catchy. It kind of reminds me of the music my 4th grade teacher used to play for us – there was one called “New Math.” Nice – no ‘swears’ and booty shaking, just an easy listen for all ages. – KH THESE GREEN EYES – Relapse To Recovery (Blackledge Music) Catchy-rhythmed hooks and a good vocalist make this CD very listenable (and I coin this term with no apologies to Bud Lite either). “Blood Sweat And Beers” is a song of regret with catchier lyrics. The rhythm picks up partway into the song, making it stands out from the jauntier cuts. That’s why it’s my favorite. - KH

ROBIN THICKE – Something Else (Interscope) I think this genre has been thoroughly exploited already by many musicians.

Like the Stylistics, Barry White, and Tom Jones. I’m sorry but “more” is not what I think when I hear this. What I think is “Put something else on.” - KH TONIC SOL FA – Boston to Beijing (Vivaton! Records) The title cut is a scatty doo-woppy with great vocals. “It’s Me Again” almost gets a little Barbershop and then blends or resolves into the street-corner doowop style. Well done! Great singers and great guys too – read who-all they

thank in the liner notes. No, it’s not

God. – KH TONIC SOL FA – Sugarue (“It’s Good” Music) This a capella music collection starts with “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” in a scatty hymn. “Joy To The World” is a little doo-wop version. If you need Christmas music and like hymns (Episcopalian upbringing perhaps?) then this is for you. Very nicely performed. I don’t know why it’s called Sugarue, though. Makes me think of “Sugaree,” which has nothing to do with this at all. – KH TOO PURE TO DIE - Confess (Trustkill Records) Des Moines, Iowa breeds some pissed off individuals, as evidenced with the states’ newest purveyors of heavy mayhem; Too Pure to Die. The title cut “Confess” (“you’re a slave to yourself”) brings to mind NIN’s “Head Like A Hole,” but this is more hard core. Songs like "Gotham City," "My Vow," and "Trial" tread a fine line between caving your head in, and making you nod it in time to the precision riff’age. I imagine seeing these guys live is where it’s at, if you’re a fan of heavy music that’s not afraid to wear its influences on its sleeve (genre be damned) give these guys a go. Nice Iowa farm boys, they are not. Like maybe if Garbage all took steroids? Harsh, violent, and above all catchy. - Josh K. TOWER OF POWER – Great American Soulbook (Tower Of Power Records) A bunch of great songs with guest singers including Tom Jones, Joss Stone, Sam Moore and Huey Lewis.

Great selection of tunes by (among others) Bill Withers And Aretha Franklin. My favorite is “Me and Mrs. Jones.” Not the usual Tower Of Power hits, but some great songs by a great band. – KH THE TRADITIONIST – Season to Season (Better Looking Records) Traditional ballads: they tell stories. In “Only A Nightmare” a woman needs her space. Her partner needs her to need him. Organ music punctuates his sorrow. “Satchel Paige” picks up the pace and is my favorite. Satchel takes his time but the song doesn’t. - MTC

TRAPT – Only Through The Pain (Eleven Seven Music) Yow. Lots of feeling in these songs.

“Cover Up” is a good message for people who think they have secrets. A lot of emotion and thought went into these, but the music reminds me of something much simpler. Easy to hear and hard to listen to? Chris Taylor Brown has obviously been through it.

Romantic, but not romanticized, rock. – CC

think of Gwen Stefani’s vocals and maybe Oingo Boingo. Rapid-fire lyrics and catchy licks piling on each other in “Don’t Make Me So Mad” has a uniqueness all its own.

Complex. - GH WALTER SICKERT AND THE ARMY OF BROKEN TOYS Casualty Menagerie (armyoftoys.com) 6 songs ranging from mellow to drony to spooky. - KZ WHITETRASH COWBOYS (Crooked Bastard Music) Kind of white trash grunge rap.

Interesting stuff and definitely not country. Oddly the cut called “Do What” reminds me of Wham!’s “Young Guns/Go For It!” This is not necessarily a bad thing… I really liked that song. - KH

TV ON THE RADIO – Dear Science (DGC Records/Interscope) Huh. The lyrics are personal and often depressing, but the music is catchy and upbeat. The result is surprisingly different from their earlier albums, but still recognizable – as the New, Improved TVOTR. - RA

SHANE WYATT – The Last Cowboy (Shane Wyatt Music) A mostly mediocre example of what you might call modern country. Shane has a nice voice, but he doesn’t really stand out, despite the long list of ‘session cats’ that includes George Strait’s backing vocalist Thom Flora.

Undistinguished from many other current offerings. – KZ Compilations & Soundtracks

VAN ATTA HIGH – Doin’ Somethin’ Right (Thriving Records) The band name is from the name of the4 Junior High on Full House. The cover art reminds me of the cartoon version of Jay and Silent Bob. Nine Power Pop tunes, including an amusing cover of “Afternoon Delight.” Huh? Well they are from New Jersey. The state Rhode Island makes fun of. - TDS THE VINCENT BLACK SHADOW – El Monstruo (Beef Records) If you like Paramore you’ll probably like this. If you never heard of either band,

DORM SESSIONS 6 (Heavy Rotation Records) These offerings from 9 Berklee students and grads is pleasantly varied. Shea Rose is a lil funky on “Free Love.” Re-Up’s “Re-Up” is definitely some good rap. Sex! does a nice raunch-styled number called “Chevy Nova”; car as sex object? Interesting. – RA REPO – The Genetic Opera (Lions Gate) The original motion picture soundtrack is sometimes opera, sometimes Goth, etc. etc. Many fabulous musicians took part in the musical score, including members of Rasputina, GNR, and Korn. The vocals are still delivered in operatic style, throughout, to tell the story. This sounds odd to me musically, but the music is good and jams right along. Have you seen it yet? - CC

Vinyl Reviews JOHN BARRETT’S BASS DRUM OF DEATH (Fat Possum Records) A Side “Stain Stick Skin,” with the lyric “the revolution ain’t televised,” and (my preferred) B Side “The Ballad of Bandit X.” The ballad has nice ringy guitar strumming and out-there vocals. “Oooh, I’m gonna lay down the law…”. This is the best 7” I received all year. Bass Drum of Death indeed! - KZ THOMAS FUNCTION – Belly of the Beast (Fat Possum Records) A Side “Belly of the Beast,” B Side “Bones Don’t Bleed.” It’s an all yellow vinyl 7” so I can’t tell which side is A and which is B but I can tell you this both sides kinda suck. OK I figured it out, the first one I played was Side B. My only question on that one is how many takes did it take to record the guitar solo (but I hope it was 1). - KZ THE KING KHAN & BBQ SHOW – Animal Party (Fat Possum Records) A Side “Animal Party.” Here’s a guy who likes to tell stories more than he likes to write songs. B Side “God Of Raisins.” Uh. It does include an animal party coloring book, though. Wish I hadn’t given my crayons to the Vietnam Vets, now. – KZ

DVD Reviews JAMES BROWN – Double Dynamite!

(Charly Films) True dynamite from the godfather of soul. You get 2 complete shows from the 80s. I love the crooning "Try Me" from the Studio 54 show, as well as his showier standards. No one can whip off a cape like James Brown! Great footage worth seeing for the showmanship alone – but the music is top drawer too.

- KH CRAIG (Brinkdvd) This is a Danish movie about a man who runs out of medication and becomes a serial killer. I have to say I was more impressed with the soundtrack than with the movie. - KZ ARAB ON RADAR – Sunshine For Shady People (Three.One.G.) Why would anybody make a documentary following the lame exploits of this touring band of crapmasters? Talk about a waste of good film. These posers are the ultimate in incoherent, noise generating, talentless, sub-garage band level never wavers. Think DEVO without any musical hooks or masturbation references. Worthless crap on every conceivable level. I'd rather listen to mill noise without ear plugs through a 16 hour shift than subject myself to 10 minutes of this anti-art. – JV

EL ALAMBRISTA: The Fence Jumper (BRINK) A young masked Mexican lucha wannabe sets off to make his mark in

America. On its surface, this is pure comedy, exploiting every Mexican racial stereotype ever invented by man but deeper down it's a serious look at the challenges faced by the peasant class of Mexico and their strong motivation for crossing the border into America in order to survive. The cinematography is exceptional and while all the dialogue is in Spanish, it's easy enough to follow along with the subtitles and get the full force of the movies message. Pure camp and yet serious drama at the same time. Best movie I've seen in years. - JV PETULA CLARK – Portrait Of Petula Clark (Infinity) I fully expected to hate this with a passion but I really didn't. It's a quality 60's pop variety show with orchestral accompaniments and surprisingly sweet and tender vocal arrangements. Think Disney music with a British flavor. Andy Williams, Sacha Distel and Ron Moody add the variety. Sorry, there's no "Down Town" but Petula covers a bunch of other hits including "My Funny Valentine", "You And I" and a quaint little duet with Andy called "You Can't Rollerskate In A Buffalo Herd". Filmed in Paris, London, Geneva, New York and Los Angeles. – JV

MARC ALMOND – Live At The Lokerse Feesten 2000 (Charly) Effeminate European techno/rock-aBilly bull shit. On a positive note, it's really well recorded and the sound quality is excellent. Then again, that's also it's major drawback since the music totally sucks. Marc weighs about 98lbs. soaking wet and his exaggerated gestures are reminiscent of an

emaciated Elvis wannabe on crank. The guitarist is wearing one of those oversized cowboy hats often seen on carnival clowns. Yeah, they've really honed their image and stage presence.

16 musically offensive tracks recorded in glorious Dolby 5.1. - JV

BIKINI BLOODBATH CARWASH (ECLECTIC) The women are hot in that sleazy "I need a shower just watching them" kind of way. The acting is a solid step below B movie camp. The plot is as transparent as plastic wrap. Yet, there's something strangely redeeming about this flick. Maybe it's the case of Miller kingers that I consumed right before viewing it. Maybe it's the Canadian skunk that I smoked half way in. Who can say? It's billed as 100% pure brainless fun. I agree with the brainless part. In any event, pick up a copy and decide for yourself but don't say I didn't warn you if you decide to view it without any extra curricular motivations like beer and bud. - JV COUNT BASIE & HIS ORCHESTRA Live In Berlin & Stockholm 1968 (Impro-Jazz) The video may be old grainy black & white but the remastered audio simply explodes out of the speakers with all the urgency and vitality of the day that it was created. 18 exceptional big band tracks that'll have you panting for more. If I had to limit my DVD music collection to a dozen discs, this would be right up there at the top of the stack. – JV

sound like fun to you just stay home South Bronx. When illegal immigrants there and play Warcraft. weren't burning down buildings or killing each The pot farm just happens to be right other, they were creating over rated musical next door to Camp Crystal Lake and in trends and styles like salsa, mambo and hipthis new installment just happens to be hop. Lots of vintage footage if you're into where Jason has made is happy home, that sort of thing. It always amazes me how so all you potheads that have always old people remember the actions of their wondered, I think I just answered your irresponsible youth in such heroic terms. I question. The first round of kids is guess this explains why the media promotes slaughtered pretty quickly but not crap like rap. You have to gauge it against before you get an oiled down booby the backdrop of hopelessness and despair to and sex scene. really appreciate its marginal creativity and I don’t want to give too much of the pseudopositive influence. – JV plot away, but I will say that it carries a good pace and isn’t to chatty as well as are a couple of good “jump outa your seat” type moments. There is a lot of background placement of items from the original movies that is kick-ass if THE CHICK COREA ELEKTRIC BAND you a hard core fan and there is a - Live At The Maintenance Shop funny comment about not bringing any (QUANTUM) Heineken and they’re drinking PBR. The progressions may be simplistic and (For all you Lynch fans) The only repetitious but the augmentations are complaint I have to make is; I really as complex, technically sound and wanted a “Ralph the Rat Man” character melodically inspirational as it gets. For to tell all the kids that they were just three guys, Chick on keys, Dave doomed, or at least a cameo by Corey Weckl on drums and John Patitucci on Feldman. The film also surprisingly isn’t bass create a world of wonderment that gory at all. I was hoping for more that's well worth experiencing. I swear puddling or an artery squirt but I’ll take they syncopated my psyche. 5 cuts - 75 what I can get. minutes worth of electronic jazz/fusion So go on ahead and spend the twenty fun. - JV bucks, sneak your own food in and enjoy yourself, I heard scary movies TH FRIDAY THE 13 make chicks horny so bring someone (Warner Home Video) you like.

What do I know? By Scott Reese Overall Rating: Three of Five Pints This time I’m coming through to tell you all a little about the 95min. 2009 edition of Friday the 13th. I have to say that I was impressed with how this new approach on an old “classic” slasher film held up. In the past I have been pretty bummed out on how someone gets a crazy idea to remake something sacred and just can’t pull it off. Not that I’m saying the many Friday the 13ths that have been released in the past were sacred but definitely a staple in the American tits/horror genre, or at least that’s what I call it.

The movie starts off with the ending of the original with all that complicated COLEMAN HAWKINS – In Europe: story line of Jason’s mother committing London, Paris & Brussels all of the murders to avenge her son’s (DISCONFORM) drowning, and then watching his Coleman is the originator and arguably one of mother being decapitated by the last the best jazz tenor sex soloists of all time. surviving camp counselor, so people This disc is comprised of the majority of his who have never seen one of these films filmed works over the last 10 years of his life. can follow the truly complex psyche of While it's a bit on the adagio side (that one Mr. Jason Voorhees.

FROM MAMBO TO HIP HOP – means laid back for all you hip-hop hipsters), Right off the bat you get beer drinking A South Bronx Tale the expressiveness and subtlety of the kids on their quest for a rumored pot (CITY LORE) performances keeps your attention glued farm looking for a place to camp and This hour long documentary is a time throughout. Also features such jazz greats as fuck for the night, now if that doesn’t capsule focusing on a block in the

Harry "Sweets" Edison, Benny Carter, Teddy Wilson, Oscar Peterson, Jo Jones, Louie Bellson and Roy Eldridge.

20 tantalizing tracks. - JV

HIGH TIMES PRESENTS – The 20th Anniversary Cannabis Cup (High Times) It's the 2008 edition of Amsterdam's stoners Superbowl. The mere sight of some of these amazing looking buds literally brought tears to my eyes, especially since I've been totally dry for friggin' weeks now. My mouth was watering over such notable entries as Top Dog, G-13 Haze, Kaia Kush, Violator Ice-o-lator and Triple X to name but a few. It should be illegal to release this kind of a documentary without including some samples of the product. If I don't score something soon I'm gonna lose my mind. - JV

BILLIE HOLIDAY – The Life and Artistry of Lady Day (DISCONFORM) A true tribute to a great singer and musical stylist. Her artistry and accomplishments are emphasized.

Highlights include a wonderful film of Billie performing the moving and controversial "Strange Fruit." Love Billie, love her music, love seeing more of her. – KH

I WAS A TEENAGE MUMMY (Regain) The final entry in the I Was a Teenage monster series. An exchange student kidnaps another outcast and together they seek revenge on the mean incrowd delinquent nemesises (nemises?) who must now b e destroyed. More terrifying fun featuring the A-Bones' sound track. The bonus feature "Hot Rod Hearse" is a thrill too. Monster movie men and mavens, grab it. - KC

THE HOUSE OF THE RISING PUNK (ZEIT1) Our story begins circa 1973 with the beats, back when they still had typewriters. Tom Verlaine, Richard Hell, Patti Smith, Lenny Kaye – a back in the day documentary. New York City was freedom then for the avant garde. Be yourself. Television, counter culture early 70s, pretentious Stooges dangerous and self destructive Ramones Voidoids New York Dolls. How U like me now? - KR

H2O – The Bowery Collection (CBGB Records) Recorded at CBGB in ’02, it’s like you’re in the front row at the live show, catching all the jive talk among the bandmembers, and of course from the audience too. No more CBGB, so this is the next best thing. Check out “Role Model” for a prime example: H2O, live hard and punky. - TDS

IDLEHEIST (BrinkDVD) No trouble is taken to make the 4 robbers into sympathetic characters; you don’t like them, but you want to know just how badly they fuck up. The soundtrack is thrilling and suspenseful music, synth electronica, but some nice horns too on occasion, which adds a lot.

The best of the soundtrack CD is Jesse Stanley’s “Save Your Breath.” Overall, an interesting story, surprisingly well filmed and not overacted. – KH

Festival performance from 2007. A must for LOG fans. – RiP

JA RULE - 2005 (CHARLY) A whole lot of struttin', pointin' and posin' but not much else. Nigga this and beitch that. I'm so impressed....

NOT!!! Get a job ya fuckin' pecka head.... I'll pop some caps into ya 'til ya dead. See, I can rap too. It's two discs’ worth of wasted time. I'd rather pluck my pubes. – JV

LAMB OF GOD – Walk With Me In Hell (Epic) Literally provides what the title promises: a documentary of the band as they tour the world and record. Disc 1 has their Sacrament world tour, and disc 2 includes The Making of Sacrament plus their entire Download

LIVING COLOUR – The Paris Concert (Inakustik) Authentic sons of Jimi Hendrix my ass!

To be fair, Doug Wimbish is more than adequate to carry the bass load and Corey Glover is solid on the skins but Will Calhoun is just a pure pant load on guitar. His only redeeming grace is his mastery of the stiletto pick technique.

Unfortunately for him and we the listeners, he doesn't have a clue where his left hand is going other than to wiggle and twitch it in a diagonal direction so that he's sure to pick up every tri-tone and minor second available. His melodic comprehension is null and void. His middle speeds are nonexistent. All he knows is snail pace and frantic random dissonance. Oh yeah, Vernon Reid's vocals are nothing to write home to mother about either.

Bottom line, these guys are charlatans with over processed instruments and a tone deaf cult following. A dozen obscurely craptastic originals, a decent drum solo, three pathetic covers including a horrendous version of Hendrix's "Cross Town Traffic" and then they wrap it all up with their big hit "Cult Of Personality". JV RUSH – Snakes & Arrows Live (Rounder Records) Filmed over two nights in October 2007 at the Netherlands' Ahoy Rotterdam arena, this 3 disc set features all their classic hits like "Tom Sawyer", "Digital Man" and "YYZ". The 28 cuts on the first 2 discs spans their impressive career while Disc 3 is "Oh, Atlanta! the Authorized Bootlegs". 221 minutes of rock excellence. JV

MY BODY BURNS – Classics of French Erotica (Le Chat Qui Fum) A riveting tale, inspired by a true story, of a girl torn between gay love with a possessive stalker who enjoys pain or straight love with an abusive, old, fat, balding, rich pervert. Surprise!

Surprise! The bimbo goes for the money. The women aren't all that hot, the boobs are quite saggy, the plot is plodding and the ending is predictable but it's French art, damn it. I give it one thumbs up... the lead actress’s butt just for trying. JV

GLENN O’BRIEN’S TV PARTY (Brinkfilm) Two separately packaged DVDs. The earlier DVD, The Sublimely Intolerable Show, was on public TV in 1979. It has its moments, but mostly nostalgia for the horrible thing that used to be cable TV – public access. More DIY/live than any commercial offering. After initial technical difficulties, you get members of various bands like Blondie and Patti Smith Group. Andy Shernoff (Dictators) does a terrible cover of “Be True To Your School,” and Debbie Harry and others smoke a joint during the call-in segment.

The later DVD, The Everything For Sale Show, aired in 1982 and disintegrates before your eyes. Final season, various celebs poorly recorded. – KH

PUNK’S NOT DEAD (Aberration Files And Red Rover Films) Interviews, performances and sound bites from all your early days punk faves, including Joe Strummer and members of Fear, the Adicts, and more. You had me at "Gabba Gabba Hey". A necessary item. KH

PUBLIC ENEMY – Revolverlution Tour 2003 (Charly Films) A double DVD set with all their hits, recorded in Australia in ’03. Chuck D wears a nice Viking helmet with horns, and the Aussies seem to love it. And – is is just me, or does the intro to “He Got Game” sound like “Somethin’ Happenin’ Here” (CSNY)? - TDS

PUNK ROCK KARAOKE (PUNKROCKKARAOKE) An interesting collection of punk covers, unfortunately not by the original artists.

However the accompanying video footage is a nice addition to Karaoke.

The best cut by far is Sean Wheeler’s rendition of “California Uber Alles” (originally performed by the Dead Kennedys). Fun. – KH

REPO: THE GENETIC OPERA (Lions Gate) The great Chicago fire, the Hindenburg, the Titanic; and now Repo. These will be remembered as great American disasters. OK, maybe I’m being a bit melodramatic; but Repo: the Genetic Opera is a fucking disaster. Adopted for the screen from the stage by its creators Terrance Zdunich and Darren Smith, and directed by SAW vet Darren Lynn Bousman; Repo is a good idea gone awry. It is the not so distant future, and the world has been struck by an epidemic of organ failure, out of this awful event a company rises; Geneco. Geneco offers the organs you need with a price, and if you can’t make your payment the Repo man will find you and re-claim Geneco’s rightful property. This sounds like a cool idea, and the preview sparked some interest for me, a gory post modern rock opera; however having to sit through a movie that has virtually no dialogue and almost 90 minutes of singing is asking way too much of the viewer (according to Wikipedia the film featured 64 songs, holding the record for most songs composed in a film). This must have worked as a stage play, as it had a decent run, but as a movie; too much.

The cast works well, and as I said the story is cool but as one IMDB message board commenter said; “This looks like Hot Topic: the Movie” True. If they had just added dialogue and trimmed back the songs this would have worked much better, the gore is decent and some of the songs were good, but every time a new scene would happen the characters would break into song about the most inane things. For example; Anthony Head's character, the Repo man to Paul Sorvino’s Rotti Largo on not wanting to do a job: “(sung) I can’t do it Rottiiiiiii, howw can I?” Yawn, you should’ve just talked smaller dialogue. This film will certainly find a cult audience; I mean how can it not? It has taken all the cult film steps; delayed release to a limited “touring” release, two or three possible versions of the soundtrack, interesting

leather goth costumes, and Paris Hilton.

OK, the last one is not a cult qualifier, but it’s funny…to me. If you like dark Switchblade Symphony-esque music (non stop), post apocalyptic back drops, and the SAW movies well then this one is for you. However if you are not 14, don’t wear corpse paint and hate your parents, then you should just rent Hedwig for an exercise in how to make a good rock opera. – Scott Reese

STING JAMAICA 2003 – The Greatest One Night Reggae Show On Earth (CHARLY) Disc one is a three hour concert featuring JUNIOR KELLY, PREDATOR, ASSASSIN, NINJAMAN, KIPRICH and a dozen more quality acts. Disc two is three hours worth of behind the scene footage. That's six hours of reggae fun all wrapped up in one tidy package.

How can you resist? Roll up a couple of fatties and pull up a comfortable chair.

You know you want to. - JV

THE STORY OF THE YARDBIRDS – The Documentary (ZEIT1) An interesting account of the band that at different times included Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, covering 1963-68. When Clapton left the band to pursue more rootsy blues, Beck replaced him. Some of the songs are not included in their entirety, disappointingly. Lots of commentary

from all the appropriate jickeys – which I mention because at times subtitles would have been helpful for us US bastids. – JJ SURVIVE THIS! – Ghosts of Pirate Island (Regain) A graphic screamfest that features a pretend reality show that pits guests, including Ivy Super Sonic and The Naked Cowboy, against each other in a steamy jungle nightmare. Fun! Includes a mini-comic of the story. - JJ

ART TATUM - The Art Of Jazz Piano (SCREEN EDGE) A highly insightful 60 minute documentary on jazz/stride piano centered around the greatest of the greats, Art Tatum. Amazing isn't strong enough of a word to describe what Art can do on the ivories. A must have for all serious musicians of any genre. JV

URBAN LEGENDS (Eclectic) Urban legends with a not-for-the-weak stomach, something about the FBI, warning – and then a laugh track? I mean, Waltz Tango Foxtrot… Hosted by Rust DuFage, whose euphonious appellation (his name, dude) should explain a lot. Wry and sick, and kind of Hee-Haw like reenactment of 7 ‘urban legends’ with some voice-over commentary from Mr. DuFage that reminds me of that show where aliens

in silhouette would comment on the onscreen action. This is the kind of thing where you tell your euphemisticallynamed ‘drinking buddies,’ “Hey, you gotta see this, it’s so douche!” – CC

VANILLA FUDGE – When Two Worlds Collide (Zeit1) Back in the day, these dudes seemed like really underrated artists who helped push the creative boundaries of early rock. Now, they're just washed up has-beens who haven't improved one iota since the mid-60's. While the addition of a full orchestra usually revitalizes outdated songs, it does nothing for the arrangements in this case. I was frankly embarrassed for their delusions of self grandeur, especially during the mega crappy bass solo. Performing covers of Rod Stewart or The Back Street Boys doesn't help either. They even manage to ruin their biggest hit "Season Of The Witch" by performing it at approximately half speed and out of tune. 89 minutes of worthless dreck. – JV

JOHNNY GUITAR WATSON – Live In Concert (CHARLY) I'm sure Johnny was a substantial force back in the day (late 50's thru the mid 70's) but by 1993 he's lost a good step or two. The act itself is structured much like a James Brown show and the band does an excellent job of delivering the

energy, excitement and big sound but unfortunately the show is still focused on Johnny who, while his mind may be willing, his body and pipes are not.

At least he's playing a vintage SG so it sounds really good when he hits those clinkers and breaks the beat. A 78 minute attempt to recapture his youth with about 3 minutes of meager success. "Superman Lover" indeed. I think "Three Hours Past Midnight" is more like it. JV VIDEOGAME THEATER (Uproar) Parodies of video games like Pac Man and Donkey Kong. Did you ever listen to someone play a video game you were sick of? That’s what this is like.

More Crank Yankers than Home Movies.

Annoying and unnecessary. Now if they parodied some old Sega-type thing or Atari – Pong or Space Invaders? I’d watch that. - CC

JOHNNY WINTER – Live Through the ‘70s (Bullseye) NO ONE does a better “Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo” (with echoes of “Frankenstein”) than his band. Not whatisname with a flower in his mouth, not nobody, nohow. I am not worthy to review even his drummer or bass player. That’s who’s showcased when you start the DVD, the drummer cycling clockwise through sounds like grandma used to make to beat an aig. The natch’l blues. JW is a truly great guitar player, singer, and all-around bluesman. Pick it up and leave it up! RiP

Book Reviews

BATTLE OF THE BAND NAMES: The Best and Worst Band Names Ever - Bart Bull (Abrams Image) A wonderfully silly and pointless book by a true obsessive. As stated, it’s the best and worst band names ever, exhaustively organized by genre and attractively presented with colorful charts, lists, and graphics. OCD music lovers take note! – KH

ROCK & ROLL HOMICIDE – R. J. McDonnell (Killeena Publishing) This is the best rock and roll murder mystery I’ve read in years – and believe me I seek them out.

It takes place in San Diego.

McDonnell creates an interesting and varied cast of characters. I especially liked GI Jo-Jo (great name), and the main character, Jason Duffy, a former rock and roll singer and guitar player turned detective. Duffy interviews one of the band members, who analyzes the situation by telling Duffy what breed of dog the members of Doberman’s Stub would be if they were dogs, and how that affects his view of the situation (murdered lead singer of a band on the brink of stardom). Very entertaining – I highly recommend it. By the way the cover art won a prize. Check this guy out on myspace! – KH

SATCHMO: The Wonderful World and Art of Louis Armstrong – Steven Brower (Abrams) Who knew? Satchmo made collages and scrapbooks often on the tops of recording tape reel boxes. Includes many photos and quotes, too. Very entertaining and well-presented material from this “vocal proponent of marijuana use.” You know the rest so I won’t talk about his greatness. This is a great coffee table book – or cocktail table.

Really fascinating. – KH

I've always thought of myself as liberal, but when I learned that my grandfather is moving in with a girl only 2 years older than me, I was rather upset and confused.

Why is this young woman interested in a man his age? It turns out he was very supportive of her when she was in school. He helped her through her parents' divorce and her failed school exams. He even taught her to drive. So maybe she just likes the fact that someone cares for her.

Can you explain? Sincerely, Favorite Grandchild Dear Basement Steve: My eight year old son is taking piano lessons and really likes it, but I can't get him to practice more than a few minutes a day. What do I do to make him practice? Mrs L.V. Dear Mrs.: You can always try what my parents did; when he is practicing, stand behind the boy with a spoon in your hand, and if he tries to get up, use the spoon to give him a smart rap on the top of the head. Once he learns, as I did, that continuing to practice is less painful than quitting, his playing will probably improve in inverse proportion to the amount of joy it brings him.

Good luck! - Basement Steve Dear Basement Steve: I am going to Buenos Aires for the first time in December and am looking forward to my first experiences of close-embrace dance style. I am a very busty woman and am quite timid about how that is going to affect my ability to dance, my comfort level with strangers, etc. Do you have any words of advice on how not to be shy about this?

Signed, Tango or Bust Dear Tango: Dancing? Is that what they're calling it now? The only dance you'll be doing is the horizontal mambo. Just be sure you practice safe sex. If you're not sure how, drop by and I'll show you how to put a condom on with your mouth. Mucho romantico!

- Basement Steve Dear Basement Steve:

Dear Favorite: You don't mention his financial situation or how he met this shameless hoochie girl. She's probably been milking him for years, either for money or to earn the money. I'd have to say that the bottom line is money, as usual.

But you don't seem worried about him, either. It's all about you.

I think you're just a sad, jealous loser.

Get a clue, girl. - Basement Steve Dear Basement Steve: I hope that you can help me. I recently moved in with a man whom I love very much on the understanding that we would marry. I have been very clear that I am only interested in living with someone if marriage within a reasonable time is part of the plan. I am 30; he is 32.

Now he's getting cold feet about marriage. I am an artist who doesn't make a lot of money (he has a computer job, is well paid and will be even more so in future). I have never asked him to support me or take care of both of us at any time. He has not been supportive of my proposed plan to work part-time or temp so that I can focus more on developing my career in art (and hence be home more, be less tired and irritable from juggling three careers, etc.).

I know that this man loves me, but I am very hurt by his selfishness and his seemingly sudden change of heart. Any thoughts you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Lonely in Texas Dear Lonely: I think you've already answered all your own questions for

me. First of all, you are already expecting him to support you, or at least subsidize your living expenses.

And you're an artist. You knew all along he'd always make more than you. If he's not ready to accept you as an equal contributor to the relationship, the home, or whatever, you have no one but yourself to blame. Frankly I'm surprised it took him this long to figure it out. - Basement Steve Dear Basement Steve: Under what circumstances is it appropriate for a woman to pick a fight with a guy? I am an athletic female who is sick of “talking out my issues” like a good little girl. Fighting is often encouraged for men, but thought of as trashy for women. Why do men avoid “fighting a girl”? Are they just afraid?

Thanks, Feeling Feisty Dear Feisty: Violence is wrong. So don't hurt me. No, but seriously, I think these men are more afraid of a lawsuit or arrest than they are of your tiny fists pummeling their manly chests. Who are these men who are asking you to talk out your issues anyway? I think all of you are playing for the wrong team….

Basement Steve

Basement Steve regrets that it is simply impossible for him to answer all of the hundreds of questions submitted to him each week.

However, he does read every question, and tries to select those which are of the most general interest to our readers. Also, questions in all caps won't be answered. Basement Steve asks, "Is your question urgent?” If you feel you MUST have his help, you can get a personal answer from Basement Steve within two business days by availing yourself of his reasonably-priced private counseling.

Note: STUBBLE MusicZine is not responsible for any consequences to taking this advice. Just remember that Basement Steve’s advice is worth every penny you paid for it! - Editor

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