Speaking of the Weakerthans and awards, they just won the Verge Award for artist of the year. Verge is XM Radio's Canadian alternative/indie station, and this is a fan-based award (something like 45 000 people voted for their favourites of the bands 'in regular rotation' on the channel). Like the Polaris Music Prize, the glory comes with a nice chunk of change - in this case, CDN$25 000. I'm not sure if Natalie Yanchak (of the Dears, who were also nominated in this category) considers the prediction in her rather catty blog post to be negated or fulfilled: "It’s gonna be a free for all, and some totally corporate band who hired a bunch of kids to vote everyday for them is going to win. And that’s what some bands want, which is great." (despite her dismissal of the idea, she was nevertheless thoughtful enough to provide a direct link to the voting page for her readers).

I can, however, guess how Weakerthans' frontman John K Samson's former bandmates in Propagandhi might feel, given their account of Samson's departure:

For the next 3 years, we rode the tail-end of the punk-rock explosion. When the smoke cleared and we were putting together Less Talk More Rock, it was becoming evident that Jordy and I, the rural metal-heads, were cut from an entirely different cloth than little John-John, the urbane poet. He just didn’t seem to enjoy getting attacked by nazi-skinheads or sleeping on piss-soaked mattresses in lice-infested italian squats anymore. Go figure.

So shortly after we recorded LTMR, we shook hands, performed a mutual culling of the herd and like all good revolutionary anti-capitalists, got into an argument about money. Eventually, we worked out our differences and helped John into his proverbial Golden Parachute, which he has apparently, thus far, rolled into $80,000 worth of pennies with which to buy gourmet peanut butter and bread made of gold. Weird!

Personally, I'm happy to see the Weakerthans get the recognition I think they deserve.

EDIT: Natalie of the Dears stopped by in the comments to say that she was 'happy with the results.' All's right with the world.

Alright, here are my top ten (modern) punk songs to vote to:

10) No voice of mine - Strung out

Strung out describe living living in a country where you’re nation’s representatives do not represent you. Under the majority of political systems it is likely that most people are not represented in parliament. Under two party systems both parties are often very similar, as they strive to get the “mainstream” and swing voters, leaving everyone else effectively disenfranchised. Let’s hope New Zealand hangs on to MMP for this very reason, among others.

The wind is shifting, something’s different in the air.
I see it in the form of choices everywhere
And I've been asleep a lifetime just to wake in time to find
The voice that has been speaking for me is no voice of mine!
Now you’ve just been spoken for,
Now you’ve just been sold!
My eyes fixated on the life I left behind,
A puppet dreams of being human
Every time that a string gets pulled before you know, your dancing to the lie
Of someone else’s vision of the perfect wasted life.

It’s in the way we never seem to get it right
A systematic form of bowing down and under,
And all we know is what we are, without the faith in who we are
So desperate...

Something' here has got to give and my instincts fill me with this dread,
That I've become what I'm trying' to kill, that my appetite is my free will.
There is no right, there is no wrong, there is only that is forever gone.

9) Project for a new American century - Anti-Flag

Here’s one for American voters, or for any Iraq War supporters out there. Any one who still thinks Iraq was about freedom or whatever, look at the “Project for a new American Century” and check its signatories.

It's a gut check of what you believe

A Global Pax Americana
Neo-con, neo-fascist blue print - USA hegemony
Charlatan war hawks, untried, untrue
Celebrate and exploit tragedy
To steal away control

And it's a gut check of what you believe
Will you stand up for democracy?
or a New American Century?
Endless...
Endless violence, endless hatred
Endless empire tyranny
Will you make a stand for human dignity?
Or never ending hate?

It's a think tank, psycho and crazed
War profiteering membership - a world catastrophe
They've got a war plan that counts on you
to kill for their corporate empire
while they sit at home

And it's a gut check of what you believe
Will you stand up for democracy?
or a New American Century?
Endless...
Endless violence, endless hatred
Endless empire tyranny
Will you make a stand for human dignity?

Are you going to...Fight Back!
Time to prove what you really believe
We gotta FIGHT BACK!
Until we win it all
We gotta FIGHT BACK!
Will you heed the call?
The Neo-Fascist race to war
The PNAC plan to rule the world

It's a gut check of what you believe
Will you stand up for democracy?
or a New American Century?

Are you going to...

And it's a gut check of what you believe
Will you stand up for democracy?
or a New American Century?
Endless...
Endless violence, endless hatred
Endless empire tyranny
Will you make a stand for human dignity?
Will you? Or never ending hate?

8) 95% of the world is third world- Suicide Machines

Before you vote, think of those not as lucky as you. And there are a lot of them!

I am a common man, I use common words.
This is no manifesto, this is no propaganda.

(hey!)
95% of the world is third world.

Take a look around, you might not like what you see.
Yeah we're all comfortably living in a privileged society

Open up your mind and think outside of the box,
Yeah, it's just a case of ignorance and benevolence.

America's a privileged society.
When it comes to other countries, we don't see the cultural beauty.
We see famine, death, disease, poverty and war
which almost always involves US military.
That is what most US citizens know about other countries,
is what they see on CNN and other television programming.
And yet here in our own country, unemployment is at an all-time high,
and thousands of businesses have gone bankrupt.
Just look around, how many buildings do you see empty and policed?
and here in America, disease, poverty and famine DO exist.
And it's not just in our ghettos anymore,
it's now become a struggle for the middle-class to survive.
Maybe if the poor in America had something for corporations
and our government to profit off of (like oil),
Maybe then they would take an interest in problems here in America,
or maybe they would just bomb us...

7) Sunset on 32nd Strike Anywhere

Strike Anywhere take on the justice system and “Law and Order” lobbyists who never ask why.

When they broke down the door
and put their guns in the face of your wife and child
and as they pinned you to the floor
did you say, "officer, I am not resisting you. “?

American Justice American dream
is this what ' the other half ' means
half of our lives dissolved in fear
half of our rights they disappear
is our apathy so corrosive
where does the cycle start
hear the sirens screaming out in the distance
hold your family close to your heart

American Justice American Lies
a war of words that I despise
I wish the good cops If they exist
the very best
and a bullet for all the…

Complications injustice deliberations what's the deal
they fake it, we break it, and take back what they steal
we could rise black and white unbound and make them pay
for every tear, for every fear, defend our yesterdays

When they dropped the bomb on the building to kill a movement
did they care where the rights of the murdered went
police terror in the eyes of the children
police terror in the streets of every town
where's our freedom when the sun goes down
and will the houses that the landlords built keep out the bullet sound

American Justice American Lies
a racist prison
anaesthetized
I wish the good cops If they exist
the very best
and a bullet for all the . . .

so we try
to defend
together

defend our yesterdays , defend our tomorrows
together

6) The biggest Lie - No use for a name

One of Nufan’s best ever songs, with great lyrics to match.

The writing's on the wall, but no one cares at all
To convey the message that we wrote ourselves
Destroy the walls we mend and burn the candle at both ends

(I really think we are)
Becoming more mindless of the heart
(Becoming everything we hate)
Building our castles for the future
(A Trojan horse is at the gate)
Built by the enemy that we made

It's false sincerity, we hear celebrities
"Buy a hybrid if you can" with ten years of your food stamps
Caught myself listening to sheltered excuses for human beings

(So it becomes elite)
They separate then what have we got?
(Nothing in common with their wealth)
One clip can change public opinion
(One sin can send you straight to hell)
Learned how to lie and not get caught
More piss in the melting pot

Shut out majority with riches
(Their words become more valuable)
Then the voice of a million starving children
(That they have a million ways to solve)
Left freedom bleeding on the roadside,
We believe the biggest lie

5) aPathetic - Mad Caddies

Not really known for their political commentary, Mad Caddies hit the mark with this not so ska song.

How can you call this land we walk on free
two centuries of deception
a system put in place
dollars bear their face
equal rights those who can afford to pay
content to believe what they say
they say democracy
I scream a scam
big bucks from big business buy uncle Sam
no conspiracy it's apathy
we the people can't seem to just open our eyes
content to believe all their lies

Hey they got to go
how can we take back what was ours
you got to know
what they are doing to you

Kids die for their country
but they can't buy beer
they'll outlaw what's natural
motive unclear laws are put into place
their morals in my face
but we got an ace up our sleeve
oppression plants rebellion's seed

Now the time has come
to say fuck what they've said what they've done
yeah we're young and dumb
but as a sum
we are worth more than one

4) Blood Red White and Blue - Rise Against

The questions at the end of this song really begs patriotic right wing Christians to answer - Do they believe in a benevolent God? Would their god bless America?

So come test me, so come break me
So come on intoxicate me
With hands tied behind my back I fight
And wait for you to strike

A new problem we cannot stop them
We're outnumbered and uncautioned
A rally cry rings out into the night

So pride yourself on what you are
And hold them all to words they can't take back
I've seen a place (it comes) to me in dreams
Where fires die but light still shines for us to see

What did you have to say?
Give me your logic, your definition
The words you twist to justify your position
Of mass starvation and blind airstrikes
Every problem is solved with a fight

Peace won't be found
Till we're underground
As long as we live without a sound

So pride yourself on what you are
And hold them all to words they can't take back
I've seen a place (it comes) to me in dreams
Where fires die but light still shines for us to see

Would God bless a murder of the innocents?
Would God bless a war based on pride?
Would God bless a money-hungry government? Noooo!

Would God bless our ineffective court system?
God bless the sweatshops we run.
God bless America?
God bless America? Noooo!

3) I want to conquer the world - Bad Religion

Imagine you were in charge? What would you do? Man I wish Bad Religion's Greg Graffin was in charge!

Hey Brother Christian with your high and might errand,
Your actions speak so loud, I can't hear a word you're saying.
Hey Sister Bleeding Heart with all of your compassion,
Your labours soothe the hurt but can't assuage temptation.
Hey man of science with your perfect rules of measure,
Can you improve this place with the data that you gather?
Hey Mother Mercy can your loins bear fruit forever?
Is your fecundity a trammel or a treasure?
And I want to conquer the world,
Give all the idiots a brand new religion,
Put an end to poverty, uncleanliness and toil,
Promote equality in all my decisions
With a quick wink of the eye
And a "God you must be joking!"
Hey Mr. Diplomat with your worldly aspirations,
Did you see the children cry when you left them at the station?
Hey moral soldier you've got righteous proclamation,
And precious tomes to fuel your pulpy conflagrations.
And I want to conquer the world,
Give all the idiots a brand new religion,
Put an end to poverty, uncleanliness and toil,
Promote equality in all of my decisions
I want to conquer the world,
Expose the culprits and feed them to the children,
I'll do away with air pollution and then all save the whales,
We'll have peace on earth and global communion.
I want to conquer the world!

2) The idiots are taking over - NOFX

The Bush presidency has really focused NOFX's lyric writing. Although it may be a fair comment to say the band has somewhat jumped on the "fuck bush" bandwagon, behind the piss taking and satire are some of the most intelligent lyrics you will hear. In my mind, where NOFX are at their best is when they take aim and fundamentalist Christianity and the evangelical movements forays in politics. "Leaving Jesusland" is an example of Fat Mike at his best, but the song that really sums up the likes of George Bush, Karl Rove, Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin is "The idiots are taking over", from The war on errorism.

Its not the right time to be sober
Now the idiots have taken over
Spreading like a social cancer, is there an answer?

Mensa membership conceding
Tell me why and how are all the stupid people breeding
Watson, its really elementary
The industrial revolution
Has flipped a bitch on evolution
The benevolent and wise are being cornered, ostracised, what a bummer
The world keeps getting dumber
Insensitivity is standard and faith is being fancied over reason

Darwin's rolling over in his coffin
The fittest are surviving much less often
Now everything seems to be reversing, and its worsening
Someone flopped a steamer in the gene pool
Now angry mob mentality is no longer the exception, it's the rule
And I'm starting to feel a lot like Charlton Heston
Stranded on a primate planet
Apes and orangutans that ran it to the ground
Were generals and the armies who obeyed them
Followers following fables
Philosophies that enable them to rule without regard

There’s no point for democracy when ignorance is celebrated
Political scientists think the same one vote as some Arkansas inbred
Majority rule, don't work in mental institutions
Sometimes the smallest softest voice carries the grand biggest solutions

What are we left with?
A nation of god-fearing pregnant nationalists
Who feel its their duty to populate the homeland
Pass on traditions
How to get ahead religions
And prosperity via simpleton culture

The idiots are taking over

1) War is peace, slavery is freedom, may all your interventions be humanitarian- Propagandhi

I could really put almost anyone of this bands songs on this list. This song sums it all up really! The realisation that everything in this song is true should disillusion and depress everyone. Enjoy!

Four more years of War is Peace, Ignorance is Strength and Slavery is Freedom.
Four more. May all your interventions be "Humanitarian".
Four more years of pay-to-play politics, power and influence.
Four more years of legalised bribery and served corporate interests.

Vote for tweedle-dum or tweedle-dee
And a framework of debate narrowed for you courtesy
Of the ultra-rich and a media that filters
Out any voice that challenges their power
(like Nader bounced in Boston by state-troopers
Cos he don't speak for oil-tycoons and bankers, oh yeah
Whose pursuit of happiness and liberty
Demands a rhetoric of fear to be
The litmus test for viable heirs to
The phony drug-wars, the trumped-up rogue-states, the permanence of a war-economy).

I feel less hopeful and less human
As I'm reduced to nothing more than
Cheering on embassy bombings
As the liars pave their way through

Four more years of War is Peace, Ignorance is Strength and Slavery is Freedom.
Four more. May all your interventions be "Humanitarian".
Four more years of pay-to-play politics, power and influence.
Four more years of legalised bribery and served corporate interests.

I know I'm probably missing something out! Maybe I'll come back to it. And yes I could have picked some oldies, but this is what I've been listening to recently and I think each song makes some valid points about the state of democracy that are particularly relevant at the moment, especially in America, but to a lesser extent New Zealand and elsewhere around the world.

It's an interesting article which would never see the light of day in mainstream media, I highly recommend checking it out.

Пропагандата която се пробутва от медиите е толкова гнусна, че понякога чак се учудвам колко подли могат да бъдат републиканците. Гьобелс щеше да е горд с това което се случва в момента.

Faux News фор дъ уин!

war is peace / freedom is slavery / ignorance is strength

Nach über sieben Jahren schafften es Propagandhi endlich mal wieder nach Europa. Im Vorprogramm: Nein Nein Nein, Rentokill und Kafkas. Folglich war das Konzert in der Bochumer Matrix ein Pflichttermin. Anscheinend sahen dass nicht nur wir so, am Club angekommen stellten wir fest, dass anscheinend halb Ostwestfalen den Auftritt der Kanadier sehen wollte. Bekannte wohin man sah.

Pünktlich um 20 Uhr legten dann auch Nein Nein Nein los und hauten den bereits Anwesenden ihre kurzen, krachenden und kompromislosen deutschsprachigen Punkrocksongs um die Ohren. Leider verpasste ich die erste Hälfte des Sets der Mönchengladbacher, sechs der 12 Songs waren bereits gespielt als ich mich in die "Konzertröhre" begab. Es gab noch relativ neue Songs, so z.B. "Endstation Bullshit", den Titeltrack der aktuellen EP.

Anschließend waren Rentokill aus der Wiener Neustadt am Werk. Als 2007 das aktuelle Album "Antichorus" erschien war ich begeistert, verpasste die Band seitdem jedoch live leider mehrmals aus verschiedenstens Gründen, so zuletzt auf dem U&D in Porta am letzten Wochenende. Nun war es also an der Zeit für mein erstes Rentokill Konzert. Die Österreicher gaben von anfang an mächtig Gas und hatten das Publikum schnell überzeugt: Der Punkrock-Hardcore-Mix mit politischen Texten passte einfach perfekt ins Propagandhi Vorprogramm und wurde mit viel Applaus verabschiedet.

Weiter ging es mit den Kafkas aus Fulda, die quasi zum Standardinventar bei Propagandhi Konzerten in Deutschland gehören. Trotzdem wurde die Band anfangs nicht ganz warm mit dem Publikum. Erst als tanzbare Nummern wie "Vegetarier können nicht tanzen" und das neue "Klatscht in die Hände" (einer von drei Songs mit Elektrobeat im Set) gespielt wurden, regte sich etwas in den vorderen Reihen. Die Combo um Sänger Markus ließ sich nicht beirren und forderte "das beste Publikum das wir je hatten" auf sie doch mit Bierbechern zu bewerfen. Nach einer guten halben Stunde und einigen interessanten neuen Songs war es dann schon vorbei. Kafkas räumten "für die Götter" die Bühne.

Und nach einer kurzen Umbaupause kamen die Kanadier dann auch. Natürlich ohne Intro ging es mit "A Speculative Fiction" los und die mittlerweile proppevolle Matrix war sofort da. Propagandhi redeten wie immer wenig zwischen den Songs, gaben musikalisch aber mal wieder umso mehr Statements ab. Songs wie "Fuck Religion", "Less Talk, More Rock" und "Back To The Motorleague" standen selbstverständlich auf der Setlist, wohingegen man im Zugabenteil, trotz anderer Ankündigung, auf "Ska Sucks" verzichten mußte. Im Set befanden sich ebenfalls einige neue Songs, von denen man definitiv behaupten kann: Propagandhi werden nicht softer, Trashmetalriffs treffen auf Hardcorepunk. Wir dürfen also auf das neue Album gespannt sein, das nach Bandangaben nicht über Fat Wreck Chords erscheinen wird.

Hochzufriedene Gesichter machten sich auf in Richtung Heimat. Mich beunruhigte lediglich, dass auch auf Propagandhi-Konzerten viele Leute einen Starkult um die Band machen und dass auch die Message nicht alle ZuhörerInnen zu interessieren scheint...

]]> http://anamateurcartography.wordpress.com/?p=83 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:28:05 +0000 anamateurcartography http://anamateurcartography.bg.wordpress.com/2008/07/31/everything-that-happens-is-from-now-on/ i've been to a lot of great shows lately that i haven't even commented on. i blame this fact on work, being insanely preoccupied with exercise, and my extraordinarily slow transition from pc to mac (which is now complete, huzzah!). so here are some quick overviews of the wonderful musicians i've seen:

bon iver, the bowerbirds - lee's palace, july 22nd 2008.

my first thought is: i can't believe i forgot my camera. if ever there was a show that deserved to be documented, one that i would really love to take a video and some photos at, it would be this one. imagine my dismay as i'm driving towards the highway to pick up matthew and i realize that it's still sitting at home. charging, on my desk. such a travesty.

despite my lack of proof, this was easily one of the most beautiful, emotionally charged performances i have ever seen. it was not what i expected, which is normally a bad thing for a show, but in this case it made the experience all the more meaningful. i also love it when bands open their sets with opening tracks [FLUME!]. bon iver defied my expectations of a quiet, mellow set and instead played powerful, loud, totally-rock-your-face-off versions of the songs on the widely acclaimed for emma, forever ago. the album has been my favourite of the year [and not only because it feels like justin vernon is singing to me the whole time] and watching it come to life was too much to really describe. the only songs that were played quietly were those that demanded it most: skinny love and re:stacks; the latter of which made me cry. afterwards when we stood awestruck, he confessed that it is his favourite song. it's easy to see why...it lays bare the bones of a familiar story: someone who has spent much time making mistakes and now needs to repent, someone who is not transformed, just who's love is now unlocked and lifted away. your love will be safe with me.

openers the bowerbirds were also very impressive, with catchy tunes and awesome male-female vocals. the inclusion of an accordian as well as violin are always wonderful in my books. seriously. get into this band.

chuck ragan and two other dudes - the sound academy, july 26, 2008

i only feel slightly guilty for not paying attention to the other two performers, but let me lay this out for you. we're told that this show, the "amazing" wakestock after-party, is free with a wakestock wristband or $10 at the door. we arrive and it turns out neither of these things are true, that the cost is $20, no ifs, ands, or buts. BUMMER. once we're inside the tiny room where the show is to be held, we're plagued by the dance beats on the other side of the wall; drinks are $5.50 and beer is $5.25 and they only have some shitty domestic. okay. this had better be awesome.

which it was. i saw chuck ragan in chicago in february and it was better than this particular show, but only because ben nichols was with him and he played picker. otherwise this performance was just as good, just as heartfelt, and i could probably see chuck ragan another 30 times in my life and never tire of it. highlights included god deciding, cursing concrete, and the boat. apparently that song is a tribute to leatherface and more broadly, to music and the affect that it can have on our lives. amen to that. i can't even begin to sum up what ragan and hot water music have done for me. they're coming back to canada soon, apparently, so keep your ears open!

propagandhi - the phoenix, july 27th, 2008.

this show was much akin to a time machine, taking me all the way back to being 14 years old, listening to less talk more rock during a road trip to nova scotia to visit relatives. it would be on this trip that i would decide to take up vegetarianism, which i gave up this year (yes, shame). but this is just one small example of the ways in which propagandhi opened and changed my mind, for which i am forever thankful.

this was hands down the hottest, sweatiest show i have ever attended and despite this, i had a lot of fun. propagandhi played with fantastic energy, hit all the songs i needed to hear (and we thought nation states..., for example) and one of the members was rocking an incredible moustache. couldn't have asked for more.

On Saturday, some friends and I missioned out to Wakestock, post-storm, to catch Hot Water Music (& Rza/Gza). As expected, save for the sound, it was awesome. There was enough stuff off of "A Flight and a Crash" to keep me satisfied. I hope that they eventually come back, but I doubt that it is likely. Later in the evening, I missioned to the venue formerly known as the Docks to check out Chuck Ragan's solo set. It was mind-blowing to say the least.

Sunday was also awesome for similar reasons as I got to see Propagandhi. Seriously, Propagandhi is one of the best Canadian punk bands ever and very well might be the best political punk band ever. I don't think I really need to explain. They closed the set with "Fuck the Border". Fuck. This band rules. Still. So incredibly tight live.

And once I'm done writing this, I'm gonna go home and get in a car to go catch the first of two FULLBLAST reunion shows. 16 year-old Greg is having the time of his life.

Back to hardcore-focussed writing tomorrow. More shit is in the works than you can imagine. Photos were by Andrew Schoenrock.

Lets get back to America. By saying north American punk I refer to all kinds of punk, may it be pop-punk (stupid title I never went along with it), skate-punk, hardcore-punk, anarcho-punk, and so on. There is also cookie-punk, or else turquise-punk or scoobie doo-punk which are titles we have come up with my friends in Greece to characterise bands like greenday, millencolin, nofx, blink 182 etc. So, from the oldest to the newest ...

1. Ramones - Leave Home (1977)

The Ramones are for me the cornerstone of punk music. They have all the elements I am looking for in a punk band. Most importantly, I need the drums to sound like the Ramones. If they don't, it's not punk! The second Ramones album is my favourite because it is the album to which I have danced more than any other album in my life. It has a 100% rock n roll feeling but in a totally different context, with simplistic structures, drums, guitars and bass that can be played by absolute beginers. Yet, all the songs are so inspired and all the melodies will stick on the brain forever. Riffs like in the chorus of "commando", were meant to be a guide for composing punk songs since. Favourites: "oh oh, I love her so", "Commando", "I remember you", "Swallow my pride". "Gimme gimme shock treatment".

2. Circle Jerks - Group Sex (1980)

It is hard to comprehend that it came out in 1980! A record whose speed and intensity are unbelievable even today. I cannot remember how I reacted when first listened to "red tape" but I am sure I laughed a lot. "Operation" is indeed a statement of our times, funny but dead serius at the same time, "Live fast die young" is an all time classic 'into the pit' song, "I just want some skunk", is furious. In spite of the fact that it is less than 20 minutes, it is varied and all inclusive and certainly provides with a sufficient dose of neck-breaking hardcore. However, the term hardcore is really not enough to describe the richness of this album. It is a shame the albums that followed were at least indifferent.

3. Adolescents - s/t (1981)

The combined geniuses of Rikk Agnew, Casey Royer, Steve Sotto et al. shine in this album which is the definition of O.C. punk. I consider Rikk Agnew as my all time favourite punk composer and overall one of the great personalities of punk music. His first personal album is a true gem, and the only reason I put this album here instead of his personal is...I do not know why...! Anyway, in here at least two of the best songs ever are included: "Kids of the Black Hole", "No Friends". Agnew's melodies over the main riffs are ubiguitus and make the compositions special. Songs like "Amoeba" or "Creatures" are blueprints of the o.c. sound. The band proves in songs like "self destruct" or "word attack" that when it comes to faster more hardcore sound they are still capable of writing inspired songs.

4. Agent Orange - Living in Darkness (1981)

If I had to choose the most serious record the californian scene has produced, "living..." would have to be the one. So much a typical californian sound and at the same time so different from the rest of the scene. One thing fo sure, this band does not transmit the delinquency the other bands of their time and after transmit. Eight songs, each one an instant classic. Ok, I have to admit that if I listen one more time to "Misirlou" I will puke, but it is not their fault. A quite melancholic album in general, with songs like "A cry for help...", being timeless testaments of the alienated contemporary society. Palm sounds jaded and saddened by the passing of years, loneliness and short-lived human relationships. All songs are perfect, but my two favourites are "cry for help..." and "everything turns grey".

5. True Sounds Of Liberty - Dance with Me (1981)

Another album definition of californian punk. Hymns like "Abolish government" or "superficial love" are not included here, but other are. A dark record with perfect guitars and drums, some unbelievably good lyrics (e.g. "The triangle", "80 Times", "Peace through Power") and some unbelievably bad lyrics (e.g. "Code blue"). Grisham (vocals) sounds a lot like Biafra sometimes but they started about the same period. Barnes is my personal favorite drummer and together with Tommy from the Ramones, the definition of punk drummer. The riffs and melodies are most of the time far from the typical punk. The frequently changing rythms are another interesting aspect of their music, obviously copied by bands like System of a Down (e.g. the ending of "I'm tired of life" is exactly like any system of a down song!). Favourites: "The triangle", "80 times", "Die for me", "Peace through power".

6. MDC -Millions of Dead Cops (1981)

An angry political hardcore album from the early 80s in which two or three songs were meant to become classic. The quitars are insane and the riffs are ahead of their time (just like the Bad Brains and DK). All songs are hyperfast and the singer is awesome, among the greater punk vocalists of all time. Openly gay, Dictor's lyrics criticise in a clever way the fascist homophobic american society, with best example the chorus "...What makes america so straight and me so bent?". The fury, the riff, the incredible lyrics of "John Wayne was a nazi" are beyond the imagination. The chorus of "Born to Die is a timeless slogan ("No War, No KKK, No Fascist USA"). My family is a little weird resembles "Sick Boy" by GBH but they came out around the same time... So I cannot tell who stole whom. Certainly a cornerstone of hardcore music. Fast, powerful, technical and political.

7. Minor Threat - s/t (1981)

Even though it is not a standard album but a compilation of the first two 7'' ep's it is a big part of hardcore history. Only MDC are equally furious, but in a more 'metal' way. Minor threat are furious in a 100% punk way. Clever riffs, frenetic drums and great vocals, on some of the greatest hardcore songs ever. Even though I am against the philosophy of "Guilty of being white" (as a criticism against violent black groups) I think it is the best song ever writen! In fact all songs are monuments of how hardcore-punk should sound. Again no one ever managed or attempted as far as I know to copy them because it is impossible (although Pantera's song "strength beyond strength" starts exactly like "Guilty..."). Their "out of step" album is equally perfect and more coherent, though much slower.

8. Dead Kennedys - Plastic Surgery Disasters (1982)

Even though the first album is a masterpice and probably the most important album from that scene in America, "Plastic surgery..." is my personal favourite. When I first listened to it I was sure that I would never listen to another more complete album ever. I still don't think I have. By far the best orchestration I have ever listened to in a punk album. The changes on "Forest fire" and the lead guitar when Biafra sings"....and hey, what about that cocaine...", the fury with which it continuous with "...where's your brand new pretty wife...", the guitars on "dead end", the riff of "Buzzbomb", the lyrics of "Terminal prepie"!!! What about the boiling tension of "Riot" and that bass-line, maybe the most descriptive song ever written. Biafra, Ray, Peligro and Flouride give their best performance ever. Really a masterpiece of flawless compositions and variety.

9. Misfits - Walk Among Us (1982)

Misfits is a name with negative connotations in greece, because of its connection with football fans and their clubs (Misfits 7 is a club of violent olympiakos' fans) and generally it is considered a band for brainless fans. It is certainly not the band with a serious punk ideology, and their lyrics are full of sexism and murder, and would easily fit into a heavy metal band. With the difference that they are written from a person (Danzig) who, writting music and lyrics is what he was meant for! This said, I think that aside some offensive ideas, which are not really present in this album but in the past like on "Last Caress", "Bullet" or "Who killed Marilyn", this album has the best melodies and some really fun lyrics. The key quality of this record is that it is enthousiastic and makes you wanna dance. It has incredibly intelligent choruses, every single song is a surprise and the BEST vocals EVER. Here's a cool video of "I turned into a martian" and the incredible "All hell breaks loose".

10. Bad Brains - Rock for Light (1983)

When it comes to punk, Bad Brains stick out from the rest bands. Their genious is admitted by most bands of that era (late 70s early 80s). However, their influence is not easily recognisable. This happens for the reason that they simply cannot be copied! The funny thing is that I cannot explain what they were listening in order to play the way they did. I don't mean the reggae songs, but the punk ones. The riffs would remind me death or grind riffs, but the Bad Brains came first! So, what were they listening to play the riff of "FVK" or the riff in the middle of "We will not" just before the solo? The brutal vocals on "Riot Squad" surely had an effect on early death or grind bands. The tempo of "Big Takeover" is among the highlights of the album. Bass, drums, guitars and vocals are from another planet, not only at the time of its release but even in terms of contemporary music.

11. Youth Brigade - Sound and Fury (1983)

Stern brothers' first album has everything one can ask for from California. Fun, speed, rage, attitude, thoughtful lyrics and melody blend together in the most beautiful way. When I first listened to the record I found traces of british Oi punk (in Men in blue, What are you fightin for) which made it even more interesting. This album contains the famous oozin ahs Bad Religion use, before Bad Religion! It also contains the punk hymn "Sink With California". Favourites; "blown away" (the chorus-the ending are unique), "What are you fightin for", "Sink with California", "What will the revolution change?".

12. Bad Religion - No Control (1989)

It is extremely difficult to pick one out of more than ten perfect albums B.R. have released since 1981. Even if someone would hold them responsible for all the bad taste and downfall of todays Mainstream american punk scene, that does not mean that they should not be among the greatest bands ever in music history. Suffer, No control and Against the Grain are my favourite B.R. albums but No control is the first one I listened to, so I choose this one. A 100% original band with Graffin borrowing elements from traditional american music, making the difference. The melodies are unrepeatable and the choruses are the best. A record to dance to forever! Highlights: "No control", "Big Bang", "Automatic man", "I wanna conquer the world", "you", "It must look pretty appealing".

13. Nomeansno - Wrong (1989)

A Nomeansno album should be in this list, not only because they are one of the most sophisticated and innovative punk bands, but because they continue releasing extremely perfect albums as well. Wrong is somehow a turn in the bands sound, employing a more punk attitude. In this album one can find songs with so intricate and clever orchestrations, that no matter how much technocratic bands can turn, will never top them. The chorus of "The Tower", a majestic song that deserves to be among the best songs ever, "It's catching up", "brainless wonder", are among these songs. Songs like "tired of waiting" or "the tower" are songs that every hardcore wannabe band would envy! Other uptempo songs like "Oh no Bruno" or "Two lips..." are more Ramones-like but still exciting and make you wanna dance. Overall, clever lyrics, great music but also technique, something not so common in punk bands, but definetely punk. I like to call it Zappunk or Punk Zappa!

14. Reagan Youth - Volume 1 (1989)

The first complete Reagan Youth album is huge (recorded in 1983-4). The guitars are twisted and the singer delivers some of the best vocals ever. "Anytown" is one of my favourite songs of all time and lyric-wise is a true gem. Music-wise the album in general has some of the most twisted riffs ever which create a stressful atmosphere. Best examples are "new aryans" and "in dog we trust" with that lead guitar on the latter imitating an ambulance siren and creating an unbearable tension! "Degenerated" and "Gonowhere" represent heavy critiques of punk lifestyle and yet are extremely enjoyable. All great songs with great lyrics and most importantly, original.

15. Propagandhi - Todays Empires, Tomorrow's ashes (2001)

After much thought I decided to put one new record in this list. Even though there are huge bands that I have not chosen, Propagandhi are here because they are canadiaan and Canada is not represented adequately here, and because they are gods. I really don't care if other bands are more underground or more anarchist or whatever. Propagandhi have it all. They are thinking individuals and perfect players. Further, they draw from different schools and create something very interesting and inspired. This album is unbelievably perfect. It is fast, sentimental, brutal and the lyrics are perfect. The songs "Fuck the border" and "bulshit politicians" are songs that just can't be writen! They are huge! I am tired now, I think I 'll stop.

p.s. For bands that deserved to be here and are not like Subhumans (canada), Jerry's Kids, D.I., Middle Class, Germs, Descendents, Tragedy, Brother Inferior, Ballast, Zeke I will make it up to them in the future!

Ke 30.7.2008 Tavastia & Semifinal
PROPAGANDHI (CAN)
NO SHAME
ANAL THUNDER
DEATHBED
Liput 25 / 27 euroa

Ke 30.7.2008 Klubi, Turku
VOODOO GLOW SKULLS (USA)
THE CAPITAL BEAT
ANOTHER SINKING SHIP
HASPUTRI
Liput 16 euroa (sis. narikan)

To 31.7.2008 Tavastia
BLONDE REDHEAD (USA)
REGINA
Liput 29 / 31 euroa

To 31.7.2008 Klubi, Turku
PROPAGANDHI (CAN)
THE UNSEEN (USA)
NO SHAME
ANAL THUNDER
DEATHBED
Liput 25 euroa (sis narikan)

Pe 1.8.2008 Tavastia
THE UNSEEN (USA)
ANOTHER SINKING SHIP
Liput 10 / 12 euroa

Pe 1.8.2008 Klubi, Turku
SWEATMASTER
I WALK THE LINE
DOWNSTAIRS
NO HEROES
NOVEMBERSOUNDSBETTER
Liput 10 euroa (sis narikan)

La 2.8.2008 Klubi, Turku
SAMAE KOSKINEN JA HÄNEN TAIKABÄNDINSÄ
UNDERWATER SLEEPING SOCIETY
KASTOR
MYNE
THE FRIEND
Liput 10 euroa (sis narikan)

Blonde Redhead/ Regina -keikan lisäksi erityisen hyvältä näyttäisi Turun Klubin viimeinen Indieiltama, jossa esiintyvät mm. Samae Koskinen, Underwater Sleeping Society ja Kastor.

А хората, които изсраха на плажовете лайняните си хотели, хората, които серат в морето, понеже канализацията е нещо твърде фенси и ненужно, някой ден ще гният в лайната си. Някой ден...

А междувременно ние ще тънем в техните лайна и ще псуваме. ЕС, Царя, Доган, Първанов, Сергей, ........ (попълни сам). И докато псуваме, лайната ще се покачват, ще изсичат горите и ще застрояват плажовете. И някой светъл ден, когато децата на децата ни се научат да плуват в лайняното море, докато хотелът на лицето Х им прави сянка и не могат да се изпекат нормално, те ще се обърнат към нас и ще ни питат: "Абе, дядо/бабо... защо морето по твоите стари снимки е синьо, а сега е кафяво?" Без упрек, сигурен съм, само интерес. Защото българинът седи и търпи. И свиква с "промените на новото време". И всичко е напълно нормално.

НЕ ХОДЕТЕ НА НАШЕТО ЧЕРНОМОРИЕ. ТАМ Е МРЪСНО, ПРЕЗАСТРОЕНО, ПРЕНАСЕЛЕНО. ТАМ Е ЛАЙНЯНО.

Don't go to Bulgaria for turism. It's shitty, overbuilded, overcrowded. It's a concrete jungle. Fucked up place, that will rot in it's own shit.

WHERE IS YOUR GOD NOW, ШОВИНИСТИНО?

P.S. От един оптимист, дошъл с надеждата за хубаво лято. Да ви го тура. Ебаси!

Propagandhi live:

05.08.08 (B) Temse - JOC de Nartist (+ Randy, Kafkas, Antillectual)

06.08.08 Trier - ExHaus (+ Randy, Kafkas, Versus You, Pascow)

07.08.08 Bochum - Matrix (+ Kafkas, Rentokil, Nein Nein Nein)

08.08.08 Schweinfurt - Alter Stattbahnhof (+ Kafkas, Turn Away)

09.08.08 Karlsruhe - Substage (+ Kafkas, The Red Tape Parade, Biestig)

The Weakerthans are an interesting band from Winnipeg. They were formed by the founding one of the members of Propagandhi, a fantastic, very political punk band. And it's clear that even though the sound of the Weakerthans is very different, the tone is quite similar. John Samson writes wonderfully literate lyrics (these are not overtly political as in Propagandhi, but nor are they apolitical either).

I found out about these guys with Reunion Tour, (their most recent release) and I decided to fill in the back catalog. The single from this album, "Aside" features a faster style (more rocking, less introspective) than the rest of the album, and is consequently, my favorite song. The rest of the album slows down quite a bit. It's a great chance to really listen to the lyrics, and get absorbed in the music. I often don't have opportunities to do this, (especially when driving), so the record loses something for me. However, Samsons' vocals are always clear, which allows you to catch a great line even if you're not paying attention.

[READ: June 10, 2008] Gray Horses

This was a fantastic book. That's all there is to say about it.

Well, not true exactly. I was marvelling as I read this book (and it's fast and easy read) just how beautiful this story was, and how beautiful the drawings were.

The simple premise is that Noemie has left Dijon, France for Onion City, Illinois. She is going to be an art history student. She has left a lover behind and is trying to assimilate alone in a strange city. She befriends Anna, a baker's daughter who is in her class, and together they share some pleasant times together.

The title comes from dreams that Noemie has. She dreams that she rides a horse into the wilderness to escape her past. The dreams show some portents to her current situation, and the story ties together very nicely. And that's about it. A charming little story.

What really blew me away was the set up of the story. First, it's bilingual. Every thought is in French and English (with the English being oftentimes slightly less prominent so you can really take her point of view.) Second, I loved the way that she uses words and lines as indicators of, well, of lots of things. Curved lines and arrows that turn into words like shhhh or click whrrr. Normal action lines turned into graceful arcs and backgrounds: stunning. Third, the color scheme of the story is peach, black and white. It's a strange color palette but it is very beautiful.

For a story in which not much happens, I was really moved by it. Her drawing style is simple and elegant. Very emotive with just a few brush strokes. Overall a delight to read.

I also just found out that she is married to Bryan Lee O'Malley who did the excellent Lost at Sea. What a talented household. Their whole house must be drawing tables. (And they live in Halifax!).

Download John K. Sampsons "Little Pictures."

Side Projects, omg. There's something fundamentally interesting about the concept of a "side project." The implication is, of course, that these projects take a back seat to an artist's primary work. But if art is anchored to dedication, and dedication is anchored to the time continuum, then what is a side project? A release from the release? A harbinger of a soon-to-be altered future? Drivel? I'm not sure. I've always viewed the side-projects of my favorite of my artists to be something along the lines of bonus material: some of it might be wholly spectacular but, mostly, it's little more than a mish-mash of potential punctuated by intermittent flashes of brilliance.

John K. Sampson's "Little Pictures" accentuates such thought in remarkable fashion. Released in 1995 by Winnepeg's G7 Welcoming Committee Records, the EP is composed of songs that Sampson wrote while serving as bass player for the surrealist/leftist/post-modern situationist punk band, Propagandhi. In Sampson's case, "Little Pictures" served as a predecessor to his cerebral rock musings later popularized by The Weakerthans.

In its totality, "Little Pictures" is neither good nor bad nor mediocre. For everything that it's not, however, "Little Pictures" contains a peculiar sort of depth, a half-actualized vision that - sometimes frustratingly - never fully emerges. At times, however, Sampson's lyrics reach stunning heights, such as on the track Maryland Bridge, in which he sternly waxes: "I can be J Edger Hoover and you be JFK/As power hungry egocentrics, we'll paper fight the night away." In contrast, tracks such as Sunday Afternoon and Sympathetic Smile ramble and stumble along, searching for purpose without fruition.

Don't misunderstand me, however: "Little Pictures" is worth listening to. And, for some, re-listening to. While the EP certainly doesn't have the reach of either Sampson-era Propagandi or The Weakerthans, it does have subtle sense of imprecise self-awareness that flickers endearingly and, at times, meaningfully.

Tom Waits, omg. Individuality is stripped for the sense of collectivism. For better or worse, a collage emerges, a real time visualization of associated elements. Somehow, the product is a touching depiction of sand and water and hectic industry.

]]> http://onefinemess.wordpress.com/?p=326 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:49:06 +0000 Andy http://onefinemess.bg.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/85-albums-weakerthans-reconstruction-site/ What is an 85% album? Well, one that's not 95% ...something that's very good, and that I recommend buying, but it may have an obvious flaw (1-2 weak songs) or have an irregular flow, etc. I'd say if you can get a deal on an online purchase of an album I put at this quality, go for it.

Here's the first one:

The Weakerthans: Reconstruction Site

The brainchild of John K. Samson, ex-Propagandhi bassist, it's maybe not what you'd expect from him (at least me with my extremely limited familiarity with Propagandhi wouldn't expect this). Very semi-mellow, sometimes each song running a bit too much alikenessintoanother. That alikeness would be one flaw, the other would be that you (me anyway) can feel how some songs come so close to kicking astronomical ass, but then just slip off kilter and still wind up very good, but shy of greatness. But sometimes that's ok and all is good, things don't have to be perfect. Flaws have their own kind of beauty.

Here are two tracks from this album, hosted via my Vox blog. Eventually I'll put another one up when I do my post about songs about pets.  In the meantime, enjoy.  I highly recommend picking it up if you like relaxing, yet energetic post-punk indie rock. Whatever that means.

One Great City

Our Retired Explorer

I'm trying to remember where/how I first heard these guys and I just can't.  I think I may have heard One Great City on some indie radio show long ago in LA.

I did get to see Propagandhi on the Todays Empires, Tomorrows Ashes tour, but this was after John K. Samson left the band. I love Propagandhi, but when Samson left the band it marked two very important things: 1) the creation of The Weakerthans as a band and no longer just a side project, and 2) Propagandi getting heavier and faster as well as the end of the Less Talk More Rock(one of my favorite punk rock albums ever) era (as well as the permanent break up of I Spy, another great Canadian punk band whose singer, Tod, filled Sampson's spot in Propagandhi). Overall I think this change was a good thing, because it let Samson develop his own voice, and his wonderful poetic lyrics (but at the same time let some of the things I really love about Propagandhi die). While some of the punk rock feelings remain lyrically, and somewhat musically, the Weakerthans are very much a rock band and they do it well.

We were hesitant about going to the show (the nervous anxious feeling of seeing a band you like...and the fear of disappointment), and almost decided to sell our tickets outside...but in the end we ended up going in...and it turned out to be really enjoyable, except for the opening act.

AA Bondy was the second of two opening acts (we didn't get there in time for Christine Fellows). Bondy was a plays slightly whiny upbeat acoustic rock (solo), and seemed like he wanted to be a mix between Conner Oberst and Ryan Adams. Singing about emotions, relationships, and drugs just didn't quite do it for me. One of his songs started out with the line "Sweet Sweet Cocaine," and while this might work for some other artists to me it just came off sounding cheesy. I realize that Bondy may have been in an influential band previously, but I can't say that I was moved at all by his set the other night. If the show hadn't have been sold out we probably would have showed up right before the Weakerthans went on, but got there early to get a decent view of the band and had to endure Bondy's set.

The Weakerthans came on around 11pm, and played for an hour and a half including two encores. We watched from the balcony, and The Weakerthans played a really tight set. While many bands today have a cohesive look, The Weakerthans are all individuals and presented to me just a bunch of friends in a band doing their thing. The four piece was joined on stage by Christine Fellows (playing keyboard and guitar), and overall had a very unpretentious vibe (as expected). I really don't think of The Weakerthans as a punk band (but I guess I used to), and while there was very little moshing there was quite a bit of finger pointing and dancing. Overall a really fun show. They surprisingly only played a handful of songs from the newest album, Reunion Tour, while playing fan favorites from all of the previous albums. While I haven't gotten super into Reunion Tour I can appreciate it, but I thought it was wonderful to see them playing songs that were released so many years ago. One or two off Fallow (hurrah for "Confessions of a Futon-Revolutionist")and several off of Left and Leaving. And a whole bunch of Reconstruction Site (I was really happy to hear "Plea to a cat named Virtue" and "Our Retired Explorer (Dines With Michel Foucault In Paris, 1961)").

Samson was actually really cute...he came out on stage before the second encore by himself and took pictures of the sold out crowd. This show really brought me back. We stayed until the end of the show, and headed out into the night with really positive feeling. I kept hearing people yell out "Anchorless," but I guess John needs some back up to do that one live (see below). We left the show feeling so good that we ended up drinking until 5am....cheers to the Weakerthans and good friends!

Media:

Listen to "Plea from a cat named Virtue" off of Reconstruction Site:
[audio http://www.theweakerthans.org/audiovisual/mp3/weakerthans-plea_from_a_cat_named_virtue.mp3]

While searching for photos of the show on flickr I came across one with the caption:

"JD joins JKS for a very impromptu duet version of "Anchorless", as viewed through Weakerthans drummer Jason Tait's camera LCD screen. "

Although the video isn't the best it is worth posting: John K. Samson and John Darnielle playing "Anchorless" (thanks Lalitree!!!)

Weakerthans photo is from Anti-Records' website

(Tom)

06.08. Trier - Ex-Haus
07.08. Bochum - Matrix
08.08. Schweinfurt - Alter Stattbahnhof
09.08. Karlsruhe - Substage

Bad Religion. Nu intamplator incep cu Bad Religion. Suffer, din 1988 este practic albumul care a adus un nou sound in punk si din care s-au inspirat majoritatea trupelor de punk din 90 pana in ziua de azi. Fat Mike (Nofx) spune despre Suffer ca e "the album that changed everything". Stiu ca am zis ca iau in considerare albume de dupa 1990, dar fiind vorba de Bad Religion, fac oricand exceptii. Suffer nu este singurul clasic de la Bad Religion. No Control (1989), Against the Grain (1990), Generator (1992), Recipe for Hate (1993) si Stranger than Fiction (1994) sunt albume reprezentative ale perioadei respective, fapt recunoscut atat de ascultatori cat si de critici si presa.

Offspring, Smash (1994) este primul si singurul album din istorie care a vandut peste 10 milioane de copii fiind la o casa independenta de discuri. Ma intreb daca mai e cineva care sa nu stie piesele Come Out and Play sau Self Esteem. Daca vreti sa dati vina pe ceva pentru faptul ca punk-ul e in mainstream.... dati vina pe Smash.

Green Day, Dookie (1994). Nu American Idiot, ci Dookie. Basket Case, Longview, When I Come Around.... piese vor ramane in viata inca mult timp de-acum inainte.

Rancid, ...And Out Come the Wolves (1995). Imi vine greu sa zic ca asta e cel mai bun album Rancid, dar este o piesa de rezistenta a anilor 90. La fel de important, dar cu un succes comercial mai mic, este Let's Go (1994)

Nofx, Punk in Drublic (1994), este considerat de multi a fi cel mai bun album al lor... dar la fel ca la Rancid, e greu de precizat si parerile sunt impartite. Ma intreb cum ar fi sunat albumul asta daca Nofx ar fi acceptat oferta de 2 milioane de dolari de la o casa mare de discuri (nu dau nume... inca).

Pennywise, Unknown Road (1993). Pennywise e una din primele trupe de skate-punk, nerenuntand, totusi, la versurile cu teme socio-politice.

Propagandhi, How to Clean Everything (1993) le are cam pe toate: constiinta sociala, umor, versuri inteligente, mesaj, nerv, viteza...

Die Toten Hosen, Opium Furs Volk (1996). Formatia nemteasca este o legenda vie a muzicii europene, iar acest album nu a facut decat sa le consolideze pozitia.

Anti-Flag, Die for Your Government (1996). Ce fac din Die for Your Government un clasic sunt piesele You've Got to Die for Your Government, Punk by the Book si Fuck Police Brutality.

No Use for a Name, Leche con Carne (1995). No Use e singura trupa de la Fat Wreck Chords care a avut videoclip difuzat pe MTV, o piesa chiar de pe Leche con Carne. Nu pentru mult timp, dar au avut.

Sublime, Sublime (1996) nu cred ca mai are nevoie de vreo prezentare, fiind, probabil, cel mai important nume din ska in ultimii 20 de ani.

Cam astea sunt albumele propuse de mine pana acum. Le voi detalia pe fiecare in parte in viitor.

Arrhythmias in Music

So you may be wondering, "Why the nine-dollar title?" Well, it's quite simple really. Manitoba's powerhouse thrash-punk trio (Glen Lambert-vox, guitar, Todd Kowalski-bass, vox and Jordy Samolesky-drums) has been shredding wicked riffs while ripping to shreds everyone from Bush to organized religion to COINTELPRO for the past 13 years. They are the irregular beat in the black heart of punk rock, eschewing pop affectations and single-minded punk politics (they don't give a fuck if YOU don't think they're punk enough), fashion and desire to sell more units and make tons of cash. They don't even get along that well with their record label (Fat Wreck Chords), which isn't entirely true but what's entertainment without some controversy?

They represent the elephant in the corner that no one wants to talk about. I mean, who wants to be in a circle pit when some guy is singing about sticking an American flag in an uncomfortable place, especially some guy from Canada? Next thing they'll do is make fun of "Freedom Fries" and all the hard-working Americans who make up the McDonald's labor force.

Propagandhi has put out several significant albums in its decade-long history. Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes saw the band grow and mature while still maintaining its tongue-in-cheek humor, and its Fat Wreck Chords debut, How to Clean Everything, took the ‘Jock' out of punk rock, while nodding to SNFU, Venom and Iron Maiden. Their latest pièce de résistance, Potemkin City Limits, is a drastic evolution in musicianship, songwriting and unfettered aggression.

We recently caught up with Propagandhi bassist Todd Kowalski who answered our email questions faster than any interviewee for The Music Edge in our two-and-a-half-year history.

Oh, and we finally got the skinny on the whole Chris Hannah/Glen Lambert thing. Intrigued? Read on.

Shane: Aside from being in Propagandhi, what do you do employment or career-wise? I've read that you don't consider yourself a full-time musician-what do you do to keep sane when not playing music?
Todd Kowalski: I think Glen/Chris is going through a whole-life crisis. Actually, believe it or not, we are full-time musicians. Haha. We all practice really hard and spend a lot of time writing songs, etc. I like to play all kinds of music. I've started taking jazz guitar lessons. However, my heart lies in the thrash! When not playing music, I spend a lot of time fighting Jiu jitsu and boxing. That's a lot of fun for me. I draw and paint all the time. Someday I'd like to draw my own comics. I also want to be an astronaut, form my own space traveling company. Or maybe swim with the fishes.

SR: One of my fondest memories of Propagandhi was the show at the VFW in Denver in the mid-nineties. I had patiently waited a few years to see the band play live and then never got the chance because the promoters oversold the show; then the cops showed up and started tear-gassing everyone. What really happened?
TK: Well, I wasn't in the band at that time. From what I've heard, the cops went out of control when a kid threw a chair at them or something. Yeah, I've been tear-gassed a couple times also. It burns like hell. It can't be good for you. Imagine a bunch of cops gassing kids at a show. That is assault. No one should have to tolerate that.

SR: In regard to the San Fran show, was the "McShit Shake" costume appreciated overall?
TK: Shitty McShake never really made it to the stage that night. He just hovered along the outskirts of the stage. After that show he kept turning up the juice! Shitty was a great addition to the band and a great sponsor for us. I'd like to thank McDonalds, Burger King, Vans, Schneider's Wieners and Krusty Burger for sponsoring the tour.

SR: How did you decide on the opening acts? (Greg MacPherson, Western Addiction, etc.) How did the crowd respond to someone as diverse as Greg Macpherson?
TK: The crowd was really into MacPherson. He's a great performer and really honest. I'd rather take people with spirit and a drive to communicate [on tour] than just bands that will help sell a lot of tickets to the show. We've been friends with Chicken and the fellows from Western Addiction for years. They're great! I thought it'd be nice to have them along. We then added Toys That Kill because they are very old friends of ours as well. Todd from TTK put out the Propagandhi/I Spy split 10" back in the day. They kicked ass as well.

SR: Concerning the new album, Potemkin City Limits, how long did you spend writing it? Did you have a specific vision for this album?
TK: The record took a long time to make. A lot of riffing and lyric-writing took place. The vision for the record just comes naturally as the songs are made. The theme of the record came when we saw that the lyrics could all fit in some way to the idea of a Potemkin City or Village, which is a facade. Four more years of Democrats or Republicans makes me depressed and angry enough to keep the tunes coming.

SR: What do you want people to take with them from this record?
TK: I want people to thrash and to feel something. I hope they can identify with the despair we feel/felt about the world and we can help them get through it. For me to help someone out and help myself get through life using music is my only goal. Many musicians have done the same for me, that's for sure.

SR: The artwork is pretty incredible as well-how was it chosen?
TK: We've known about those artists, Eric Drooker and Sue Coe, for a long time. We chose their art because it's great and really emotive. They have something good and honest to say. I painted the CD face as well. I wanted a photo of those kids on the CD but figured I'd paint them so it looks a little different than just going to copy a photo into a CD.

SR: What would you tell people who are concerned about the well-being of animals? Is there something people can do right now to stop animal suffering (aside from not eating them of course)? (In fact if you currently live in California you can help in the fight against farm cruelty. Signatures are being turned in Feb. 22 so next time you are going to Whole Paycheck or Trader Ho's stop and talk to those friendly hippies out front and sign your name! Learn more from this PDF; The Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act.
TK: There's a lot of organizations that help animals. You could donate money to them or volunteer. Everything we do affects animals--be that urban sprawl, agriculture, war, etc. The more we think about where we spend our money, the things we eat, where and how we travel-all those things affect wildlife and animals. If we recognize that they are vital to our own well-being, mentally we will be much better off. We need them physically as part of our ecosystem as well. The first easy, easy step is to stop eating and wearing them, of course.

SR: Does the band plan to tour a lot during 2006?
TK: We're heading off to Australia in 2006. After that I'm not sure what the plan is. I'd love to see South America or Africa. We have been offered an opportunity to play shows there. It would be great to go to these places and see what's going on. I think that would be a huge benefit to us so we understand different shit and meet lots of different people. Touring other cultures is so great. I make a point to support world music as well, so I'm not always the one blabbing and not listening to what other people have to say lyrically and musically.

SR: Do you consider yourselves a band first or activists first, or do they go hand in hand?
TK: I think they go hand in hand. We have a good situation where we can actually support things we believe in and have our say and some people will listen. There is a lot of people saying and doing a lot of great things, but they aren't allowed to break through to people. We are very, very lucky. It would be a hard world to live in if I had no outlet to get my opinion out. It is great to play music, I love it.

SR: For people just starting to play music, what advice can you offer?
TK: The advice I would give is to just worry about the songs and what is truly in your heart. Whether that is political music, instrumental or love songs, just go for it! Don't worry about the media and magazines too much. Just play for yourself. People will recognize this. Music first- posing, bullet belts and stupidity second.

SR: When did you first pick up a guitar or bass or drums?
TK: I started playing guitar in grade five. I sucked for years and years. I always played just by ear. Now I'm learning theory and stuff. I like both ways of playing. I started playing bass when I joined Propagandhi. Haha.

SR: There is a beautiful mixture of punk and thrash on Potemkin City Limits.
Aside from some of the more obvious influences (Venom, DRI, Slayer) what are some other musical influences you pull from? What is the lyric-writing process like?
TK: I pull a lot of influences from African music-Salif Keita, Oumou Sangare, etc. I like all honest music. There is a great, great, great Canadian singer named Garnet Rogers who I love. I love the death-metal band Immolation and the Brazillian band Krisiun as well. A Canadian Rapper named K'Naan is also among the great finds lately. He's got amazing lyrics. There's a lot of rad sh*t out there, almost all of it not found on any major radio station or T.V. show.

SR: Which way do we go from here?
TK: I think we have to wake up before we get eaten by the world we live in. We are either at the point of doom or the turning point. The world is crumbling before my eyes. As I travel around I can see that we're in a worse environmental state than we were even five years ago. We can only send out our own ideological transmissions to each other and do our best to live our lives in a way which is sustainable, just and reasonable. We have to live as though we are not disconnected from all other beings and our environment. If our amnesia doesn't go away, we will be beaten back to earth by our "Mother." Ha.

SR: Is there collusion between world power and the international news media to keep information at a drizzle? Are there alternatives to corporate media and journalism available? Are they viable sources?
TK: Yes. I think there is a lot of sources-a hell of a lot more viable than the major media outlets. Fox News advertises their news hour with a "sexy" anchorwoman with the voiceover saying, "Wouldn't you like to tune into this every night at 10:30?"

That says to me that this is the most bogus news station in the world. I like to check out news from all types of sources: Znet news media from the regions that the news is happening in, Al Jazeera, CNN, local papers. It's good to check out what all sides are up to. There is definitely a lot out there for honest journalists and other types of people trying to tell the real story. I find books are the best way to get a deeper understanding of something.

SR: Did Chris [Hannah] record any vocals on Potemkin City Limits? (In usual irreverent fashion, the singer/guitarist changed his name on the release and all the subsequent PR that accompanied the release.)
TK: Chris sang about eight songs. Glen Lambert is his, believe it or not, less weird alter-ego. Even if he was shape-shifted into a different form, the smell of toilet paper and vitamins would definitely give him away.

SR: The Propagandhi/I Spy split 10″I'd Rather Be Flag Burning is probably one of my most rare and cherished records. It's even cooler now that you are in Propagandhi since you were in I Spy. (Yeah, this one is a classic. If you've got it on vinyl you're super fuckin' lucky. I've got my eye out for it every time I go blast through some cash at the local wax mart.)
TK: Haha! I'm glad you like that record. It was a cool period of time. I would never want to go back and relive it but it had its charm. Embarrassing charm, anyway.

SR: When are you going to put out another Propagandhi record? Will it be in five, seven or 10 years?
TK: I have no idea. When the tune-age flows, I too will flow with it. I'd like to do it faster. I have ideas starting to formulate in my tarnished nugget right now. I shall let my fingers dance along the strings until I find salvation. Ha.

(The band is currently working on the followup to Potemkin City Limits, check their site for more news and a bunch of awesome agit-prop style rants)

Thanks to Todd and Vanessa from Fat for setting this up and jumping through major hoops to accommodate us.
http://propagandhi.com/

The Weakerthans along with Liam Finn, Christine Fellows are coming to The Mad Hatter Friday March 28 at 8pm. The Weakerthans present some of the best lyrics coming out of indie pop right now, and just recently released their latest album, Reunion Tour. I first got into the Weakerthans after seeing one of their songs called Anchorless & instantly recognizing it as a cover of Propagandhi...because how many bands would come up with a song called Anchorless. I did a little research and come to find out, it's John Sampson, the former bassist and sometimes singer of Propagandhi...one of my absolute favorite punk bands since I'd first heard Anti-Manifesto (mp3) back in 1994 on Fat Music for Fat People (I'd have preferred them covering Gifts personally).

Back to the Weakerthans, they play a blend of music somewhere between punk rock, folk rock & indie pop. Their lyrics are incredibly literate, and tell wonderful stories about anything from spilled sugar to city life and love. No surprise, they're just one more of countless bands playing great music coming out of Canada. This summer I spent a couple weeks in Canada, and couldn't help but think about some of the places they sing about. I met a girl from Winnipeg so we chatted about the song "One Great City" about the people talking about how they love the city but destroy every ounce of individuality it may have ever held. Yes...songs with lyrics you can hold a conversation about. That's what I mean....truly intelligent lyrics.

I'm really excited about this show. My favorite album remains to be the first one...Fallow....and most of the songs below come from that one....but everything these guys play is really great. Of all of the bands coming to KY over the next few months....I think the Weakerthans have to be amongst my most highly recommended. It's unfortunate they're splitting the day with British Sea Power, but this is an easy call for me....

The show is $15

The Weakerthans - The Last One
The Weakerthans - Confessions of a Futon Revolutionist
The Weakerthans - One Great City
The Weakerthans - Wellington's Wednesdays
The Weakerthans - Night Windows
The Weakerthans - Last Last Ones
The Weakerthans - Aside
The Weakerthans - Plea from a cat named Virtue

Also, these guys have an entire live show from 11/6/07 @ the Elixir