GIHC stream MINUTES' upcoming debut 12" 'Narrations about the god of dogs'

Mixing and mastering of MINUTES' upcoming debut 12" 'Narration about the god of dogs' on GOOD INTENTIONS HC is done! You can stream the songs on bandcamp or listen below. Let us know how you like it!

If things go right the vinyl will be available in time for their euro Tour in march. Dates coming soon.

Rumor has it that the thing will be available for free download before the record is out. Who knows? Maybe it will...

SHRAPNELL demo Tape

SHRAPNELL from Münster state on their bandcamp that they like listening to Discharge, Talk Is Poison, F-Minus, Deathreat, Trash Talk and if you eat all that up and spit it back out you'll be pretty close to what they sound like. It's said that ties to Alpinist and Toxic Revolution do exist. If that's your kinda thing check out their demo below

If you're still on board you might kick yourself for missing out on the first 100 nicely DIYed Demo Tapes.

But you're lucky. As of today Dec. 23rd there are another 100 available and I suggest you act fast before they're gone again.

Don't let that Christmas smorgasbord hold you back!

Tapes are available via mackeyslaw@web.de and downloads can be obtained here.

NIGHT BIRDS announce upcoming recording session

NIGHT BIRDS just shared this on fb:


One month from today we start recording for TWO new records to come out next year. A brand new 14 song 12" AND a 4 song 7" ep. Details on both of them coming very soon, now off to our 2nd 3 hour band practice this week. That's some serious Black Flag shit.



STOKED!!

CATHARSIS "Light from a dead star" 4 LP Box-set pre-order

Most bands these days are just about being hard or having fun. Doing things your way and giving fuck about everything else. Now there's nothing wrong with that (maybe with the 'hard' part but that's another topic) but for all of you out there who got into hardcore during the nineties there is probably something missing in hardcore today.I know I definitely miss some parts of the nineties. Political correctness sure got way out of hand and ridiculous during those days but I liked the discussions it inspired and the train of thought behind it. Seeing that there are things going wrong in the society we live in and addressing those rather than just rocking out with your band or releasing a fuckload of records. It seems a lot of ethics fell to the wayside which at least I think is a huge bummer.

Catharsis have always been a beacon in the dark even if you (rightfully so) think that they should be viewed with a critical mind. At least they stand for something more than diy, having fun and being punk/ hardcore (whatever the fuck that means). I miss that. But no matter what your stand on this issue is. Either way or in between the upcoming 4 LP discography is well worth buying. Ltd. color vinyl is already sold out though but with all the hype around colored vinyl lately no matter what the amount pressed is I start to care less and less about that. Gladly I must say in this case as 40€ is already more than enough. Not that that would be asking a lot for the package. Quite the opposite actually but buying two versions right now would feel like digging too deep into my pocket at one go. But enough of what I think and do. Who gives a shit about that. So here's all the detail copied straight from Refuse Records. Read and buy. I'm sure your parents will share some of their hard earned cash with you over the next couple of days or maybe those of you already slaving their life away still have some of that christmas bonus left. This is a good thing to spend that money on. Even if it didn't come for free. This box set is well worth the money. Now I'll shut up.

REFUSE 086/087 CATHARSIS "Light from a dead star" 4 LP BOX SET PRE-ORDER Two decades ago, before the music industry began to colonize it, the do-it-yourself underground was a space of exodus and experimentation, often in violent opposition to the rest of the world. This was the context in which Catharsis appeared, one of a new wave of bands to meld metal drama with the raw urgency of hardcore punk. They quickly distinguished themselves by an almost self-destructive intensity and uncompromising anticapitalist ethic. Inverting Christian iconography to champion the struggle of the individual against a hostile cosmos, they took up the centuries-old banner No Gods, No Masters, extending this project of total defiance into their increasingly tumultuous lives. This apocalyptic orientation in turn informed their music, as they sought to hit upon the magic combination of words, harmonies, and rhythms that could spark a global conflagration.

Catharsis broke up in 2002, following relentless touring on three continents and a final catastrophic five months in Europe. After a decade of watching the old records sell for absurd prices while bootleggers profited off substandard editions, we’ve finally taken it upon ourselves to offer a proper collection of their work.

This discography, “Light from a Dead Star,” includes their debut 7”, "Samsara" LP, “Passion” LP, split Lp's w/ Gehenna and Newborn. It also includes the final Catharsis song, “Absolution,” recorded alongside “Arsonist’s Prayer” in their last session but never released. That totals over two hours of music on four LPs, packaged in a box with oversize booklets offering all the original artwork, limited to 500 copies.

Pre-orders will include digital versions of all these songs and others, plus video footage, fliers, and other archival material.

In addition, Catharsis is briefly reuniting to play four shows this January:

January 17 in [Raleigh, NC](http://kingsbarcade.com/2013/01/17/catharsis-with-man-will-destroy-himself-cynarae-dead-in-the-dirt-gut-feeling/);

January 18 in [Baltimore, MD](http://blowthescene.com/bands/integrity-bands/catharsis-integrity-despise-you-and-more-to-play-a389-records-bash.html);

January 19 in [New York City](http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2012/12/catharsis_adds.html);

January 20 in [Washington, DC](https://www.facebook.com/events/123695294458599/?notif_t=plan_user_joined), at a benefit show for political prisoners as part of a counter-inaugural festival of resistance.

This is a co-release between CRIMETHINC. (USA) and REFUSE RECORDS (Europe).

Refuse Records: www.refuserecords.prv.pl

Ordering North America: CrimethInc. Far East

Pressing info:

40 test presses (sold out)

100 copies on color vinyls - red, blue, yellow, green (sold out)

400 copies black vinyls (40,00 EUR / $50 + shipping)

Also available:

CATHARSIS "Samsara" cass (Youth Culture, last copies) (3,00 EUR / $4 + shipping)

ordering:

refuserecords@gmail.com

www.refuserecords.prv.pl

http://refuserecords.bandcamp.com/

Links to Crimethinc. were not in the original Refuse post so here you go:

Info
Order

NEUROSIS - honor found in decay vinyl pre-order

Neurosis. The band, the legend. No introduction needed. You love them or you can get the fuck out of here ;) With that out of the way I can get the nerdario stomp out to the people with good taste. The CD for their 10th studio album is available for a while already. For how long I really do not know because I don't care for that format. It's inferior in every way. So it's good the wait is finally over. The vinyl is available for pre-order.

Collecting Neurosis vinyl is a bit expensive though and this release is no different with 4 different pressings available to the public from two different shops starting at $34.99 a pop. The clear pressing out of 100 is not available to order at all. Orange and yellow vinyl each out of 500 and grey out of 1000 are available through Relapse Records. Black vinyl out of 2000 is available from Neurot Recordings. Make your decision. Go broke or pick one. My order is placed.

"A treat for your feet if you don't eat meat"

When I first turned vegan in 1994 (there was a period of darkness in my life when I returned to being vegetarian but that's already more than half a decade behind me now) it was quite a challenge to put together a nice vegan breakfast and that wasn't only due to financial restrictions. Becoming a vegan in the little shithole village I grew up in wasn't really the easiest choice. Even for my soy-milk I had to make the trip into the next city but buying in bulks was out of the question mainly because of limitations caused by the method of transportation i.e. going by train. Nowadays you can get that stuff in every supermarket all over the place next to a slew of other vegan products.

So things - luckily - have changed quite a bit. Yet we still have to face a similar problem: Footwear! Leather is still all over the place and if you're trying to go for a hundred percent there's still the question of what glue was used to hold your canvas sneaker together. Not to talk about other shoes than your average sneaker. Especially now in the cold most vegans I know feel that problem.... well... feet first haha

Although I know about vegan shoe stores they're still extremely rare and honestly speaking don't offer too many good looking shoes if any. Now that might be just me being picky as always but if you know what I'm talking about and are in dire need of good vegan shoes here are a few online sources that combined give you a range of choice no vegan shoe store can afford to have readily available. Maybe you'll get lucky. Fancy vegan shoes can only up your chances if you catch my drift. Hahaha

I know there are probably more sources available but these are the ones I know of. Feel free to add more in the comments section.

Avesu

Brave Gentlemen

Dr. Martens (vegan line)

Eco-Vegan-Shoes

Good Guys (don't wear leather)

Keep

Mac Beth

Moo Shoes

Novacas

Three Leaves

Vegan Kicks

Vegetarian Shoes

Vegane Zeiten

Wills

 

Remission stream songs of their new 7"

One of the best bands I got to know in 2012... or was it 2011?... anyways.... One of the best bands around these days is REMISSION from fucking Chile! For me they are the ones really putting Chile and thus South America on the Hardcore-Map. I bet there are more hc bands where they come from and I know there are better known bands in at least Brazil but any band from South America I ever listened to (not that there would have been many but still) didn't arouse my interest in the least. I cannot even name one other band from that continent. Only band that needs an honorable mention because a friend of mine played in it is Invictus Maneo from Mexico but unfortunately there was too much metal and I'm not sure if Mexico is considered South America already although I'm pretty sure a lot of US americans do ;)

Also I think South America over there is the equivilent to eastern europe over here if you catch my drift! Any band from those regions is not really prone to a lot of attention by hc kids who are not from that particular area. It's a shame and I have to admit being guilty of doing the same. Everywhere I look all channels are floated with bands from the US, Canada and west europe with a little bit of Australia thrown in the mix. And all my hands are already busy trying to sort through the debris of that Tsunami.

Therefore it is even more exiting to come across a band like Remission (to get back to our actual topic). And without cutting them any slack for being from a not only hc-wise marginalized part of the world I have to say I'm very siked on their upcoming 7" on Amendment Records who might just as well be from South America and would therefore be the only label I know of that operates from there. Without a proper oldschool real life address on their website it's hard to say but judging by the bands they put out and all the spanish going on (which I unfortunately didn't care about learning back in school. Talk about a bad decision in life) it could very well be but who knows or cares? In any case they played a huge role in getting the band some exposure and finally having releases on React! Records and germanys Assault Records.

To be honest I have to mention that although I liked their LP right away I wasn't too sure if I would listen to it often but it grew on me. A lot!! Probably because I also love Verbal Assault. Remissions music is the perfect way to honor Verbal Assault's legacy without just being a clone. And their lyrics? Well... up there with the best of them.

'Pain understood' is the title of the new single and that's pretty much giving away what the topic is they're dealing with on this 2 song platter.

On their bandcamp they write 'pre-order from Rev' but I send Pablo a message and he let me know that he's going to put some copies on his webstore soon too. So either way I suggest you get your hands on this piece of hot wax and if you're still undecided or just curious about the new tunes here's the whole shebang:

KUMULUS the next new band from Cologne, Germany

Next to Cobretti, Finisterre, Zosch, Lambs, the almighty Hangin' Tough and all the other bands I'm forgetting about right now (sorry) they add a new flavor to Cologne's assortment. At least it's new to me. If I'm wrong let me know.

They are an instrumental band that bring bands like Russian Circles, Pelican or Neurosis to mind without sounding too much like any of them. Which is mainly due to the apparent influence some of the 80's Wave bands had on their music. So it's not just the next clone in a line of many but a fresh addition to the variety of that genre. Usually I pass this kind of band by without paying too much attention because in most cases they are just not worth it but they managed to keep me listening to that preversion track for all of the genre-typical 6+ minutes. And i didn't get bored at all. If anything it made me curious about what more there is to come. So if you like any of those mentioned bands chances are you will like Kumulus.

 

Richie Dagger + Filler + Salad Days - jan 19th AK47

Stepdown announced a new show for friday january 19th @ AK47 in Düsseldorf, Germany

Expect some red hot action from

Richie Dagger

Filler

Salad Days

GIHC stream teaser track of upcoming MINUTES 12"

From the GIHC-HQ come these news:


Things are happening! Good things!!
The final mix of the upcoming MINUTES 12" is in.
Big THANK YOU to The Atomic Garden Recording Studio.
We uploadad one track to our bandcamp to tease you....




 

Mindset euro tour

Most people probably know already but just in case you don't.

XXX STRAIGHT EDGE XXX

Nails announced new LP

Just read that on twitter:

"NAILS "Obscene Humanity" 7" is a re-recording of 3 songs from our first record. New album "Abandon All Life" coming Spring 2013. It's good."

Good News!!

xCOUNTERx demo news & upcoming shows

Good Intentions are one step closer to releasing San Francisco Straight Edge band COUNTER's demo Tape in europe. Can't wait! So stoked!!

And check out those sweet shows they'll play in March

Songs for new REPLICA 7" are being mastered

I don't know what blog pointed me towards the REPLICA bandcamp profile where you can listen to their demo. But I know that I liked it enough to tell people in a hardcore related group on facebook to check them out. And apparently my buddy doing the Mosh Eisley Blog likes it so much he ordered the Tape and posted about it. Resulting in the band thanking him on their fb wall and mentioning his blogpost.

Now all the while later here I am telling you that you still might be able to get their demo from them or from Gasmask Records out of the Czech Republik. Why didn't I do that earlier? Well with Chris already covering the demo and me not really having the time I didn't think of it much.

But now I have some more time on my hands for stuff like that and just saw that they sent off new recordings for a 7" to be mastered. I'm definitely looking forward to hear those new tunes and who knows maybe when that platter drops I'll pick up both releases

Let's see if they pick up my ramblings too. Haha.

Anyways. Check them out. It's raw. It's fast. It's hardcore. It's punk.

Hangin' Tough working on new songs

And unfortunately that's already all that can be said for sure. It's probably gonna be a 7" and maybe... maybe it's gonna come out on Good Intentions HC. Who knows? It will be quite a while until they are ready to talk business. #slackedge ;)

 

LAMBS!!! New band from cologne, germany. Demo download

There's a new cat in town and it goes by the name of LAMBS. The best I can come up with to describe their sound is  'emotional punk'. It's raw, driving and has that certain 'emo' feel I can't pin down. Koyaanisqatsi is the only band I know that sounds anything like them. I'd say they probably carry on the musical tradition of  90s german bands like Age. No idea if anyone would agree with me here though. Have a listen and decide for yourself. Free download. Tape's 3€

GIHC SHOP OPEN!!!

FINALLY it's done. After weeks of back and forth, adjusting this, adding that; the GOOD INTENTIONS STORE is finally open for business. Check out the xCATALYSTxEUROPEx section, the leftover PUNCH euro tour merch incl. a slipmat, the LOMA PRIETA shirt we exclusively distribute in europe or just browse through our new and 2nd hand records.

Unfortunately with all the other things going on in our lives we are not able to offer you the DANGERS and BEAU NAVIRE tees just yet but we're on it.

Also there are no further news on the upcoming Minutes and XcounterX releases. Work in progress.

Hang in there for further updates

GOOD INTENTIONS!!!

Yo!

I know it's been a while since my last update and quite a few things happened that would be well worth to post about but I just didn't have the time. I was way too busy getting something new off the ground and today we are taking a big step in that direction.

The blog for our new merch and music distribution and label just went live with the first post! In which we give you an idea of what GOOD INTENTIONS is about. Like what records we distribute, what US bands' merch we exclusively distro in europe and what our first two releases are. Punch, Ordination Of Aaron, Minutes, Infest, Loma Prieta, XcounterX and Discharge are only a few names being mentioned. Check out wether we sell those bands' shirts or records or maybe even support them with a release by clicking here.

Of course we also have a facebook page. Like us!

 

Not Done and not sad!!

One of Hardcore's most underrated bands are back with a sign of life. Last time I saw the guys they were talking about callong it quits and from the long time of them being quiet I thought they did just that. But no! In today's update SAID AND DONE let us know that they decided to continue the band and are even in the process of recording a new Album! . LIC . is stoked and so should you be. Read all the details behind the link above.

If you're not familiar with the band but like NYHC in general and Later era Leeway, Underdog, The Icemen, True Blue or Headfirst in particular you might be wondering how you could not have taken notice of this band earlier after checking out these songs. Great music and even nicer dudes. How's that possible? Haha.

 

Absolution

Honestly never ranked too high on my list. At least musically. The individuals in that band have my biggest respect though. Well, actually I can only say that about Djinji and Gavin because I didn't come across interviews with or statements of any other band members so far.

It's a shame that I couldn't get into the music yet. Usually I am somehow used to dislike a band although they play great music because I don't like someone or everyone in the band. With ABSOLUTION it's the other way around. Only good interviews cannot change a sound I'm not into. I wish it could.

But recently I came across a sparkle of hope in this interview on the In Effect site. Seems the band wasn't too fond of how the 7" sounded and want to re-record it. Also they have some songs that were never recorded and those will be put out on an LP with some more re-recorded stuff. Maybe once this is out I can appreciate the band the way they deserve it. Can't wait for the release. Good things still happen.

 

Hearts still beat

The OUTSPOKEN Tour is getting closer. First dates have been confirmed via the MAD site. German dates only so far and on each they will be supported by Suffer Survive.

 

13.10. Dresden, tba w/ Suffer Survive

15.10. Saarbrücken, Garage w/ Suffer Survive

19.10. Weinheim, Cafe Central w/ Suffer Survive

03.11. Berlin, tba w/ Suffer Survive

 

I am well aware of the controversy concerning this tour. Mike Hartsfield and Travis Guichard being the only original members of the current line up while at least John Coyle's voice was integral to their sound. A lot of people think that this won't make for a memorable live experience. Also the fact of a bigger booking agency taking care of the tour doesn't help it either. I admit being concerned about what it will be like but still am looking forward to see them live.

I don't know about you but when I got into hardcore in the early 90s they were one of the best bands around. I loved them to bits and their music and lyrics mattered to me and shaped my idea of what hc is or should be more than any of its originators. Outspoken were my here and now. They represented the current state of affairs, dealing with things that I was trying to figure out myself.

And they never toured europe before so I never had the chance to see them live before they went on hiatus. The Discography is out for quite a while already so I don't think they come over to sell some more of those. Also there isn't really a buzz surrounding them that they could try to cash in on. From what I know Mike just feels like doing it. And I recall him stating that he thinks Outspoken had a lot more in store when they stopped and that he would like to pursue this feeling.

What more could you ask of a re-uniting band. I say go for it and hope to catch one or the other of their shows. At least this seems a lot more honest than the whole CASH REV 25 thing.

WxD again

Somehow it eluded me until now that WOLF X DOWN prior to their UK Tour (still one date needed) in September will be heading out with Demonwomb for a (south)east european Tour. Seems like they are working their asses off more than ever. Crucial band to support!

 

RAF

Just like the aforementioned Social Distortion RISE AND FALL also start their euro tour today. Go see them if you can! I hope you don't need to know that except for one all the dates will be with Converge to make you go.

08/03: Knokke-Heist, Belgium @ Leviathan Fest w/ Oathbreaker, Verse, Soul Control, Ritual
08/04: Hannover, Germany @ Chez Heinz w/ Converge, Oathbreaker, Birds In Row
08/05: Port, UK @ Hevy Festival w/ Converge, Descendents, Madball
08/06: Paris, France @ Le Glazart w/ Converge, Birds In Row, Toxic Holocaust
08/07: Geneva, Switzerland @ L'usine w/ Converge, Birds In Row, Toxic Holocaust
08/08: Munchen, Germany @ Feierwerk w/ Converge, Birds In Row, Toxic Holocaust
08/09: Wien, Austria @ Szene w/ Converge, Birds In Row, Darkest Hour
08/10: Jaromer, Czech Republic @ Brutal Assault Festival w/ Converge
08/11: Karlsuhe, Germany @ Stadtmitte w/ Converge, Birds In Row
08/12: Ieper, Belgium @ Ieper Fest w/ Converge, Bolt Thrower

 

VAX over the UK

My friends in WOLF X DOWN will be visiting the UK for a few dates in September and still need help with a show on their way home either in South England or anywhere in between the UK and their home base.

Sep. 11th - CinePalace - Kortrijk // Belgium
Sep. 12th - The Bull & The Gate - London
Sep. 13th - The Three Cranes - Sheffield
Sep. 14th - Arc Studios - Glasgow
Sep. 15th - The Croft - Bristol
Sep. 16th - somewhere southern UK or on our way back home. get in touch! wolfxdown@riseup.net

Still in another state of mind

Social Distortion! Oh yeah! After more than 30 years this band is still able to release great records and their last one Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes is no exception. I have to admit that at first I didn't think too much of that record but that was well after I order both versions of the LP. So I thought: "Great. Now I'll get two copies of a record that's no good." But once they arrived I had to give it another try because I've had bad experiences with good records on CD before and.... Lo and behold! This one was no different. I can't put my finger on what it is but once the needle hit the grooves I was sold. That record is so good. Of course in a different way from the last one but in its own category it's as good. If you don't believe me maybe try this new video of theirs or go buy the fucking LP. Everything else is bullshit. Well, except for demo tapes.



For more details on the clip go check out the SWNK post. They also have some Tickets to give away for their european Tour that starts today.

August 3rd - Blackpool, UK @ Rebellion Festival
August 6th - Århus, Denmark @ VoxHall
August 7th - Stockholm, Sweden @ Cirkus - SOLD OUT
August 8th - Stockholm, Sweden @ Cirkus
August 10th - Eschwege, Germany @ Open Flair Festival – SOLD OUT
August 11th - Püttlingen, Germany @ Rocco del Schlacko
August 12th - Rothenburg, Germany @ Taubertal Festival
August 14th - Hamburg, Germany @ Stadtpark
August 16th - Hasselt, Belgium @ Pukkelpop
August 17th - Luedinghausen, Germany @ Area 4
August 18th - Grosspoesna, Germany @ Highfield
August 19th - Tilburg, Netherlands @ 013 – WIN TICKETS ON SWNK
August 21st - Dublin, Ireland @ The Academy
August 22nd - Glasgow, Scotland @ The Garage
August 24th - Reading, UK @ Reading Festival
August 25th - Leeds, UK @ Leeds Festival
August 26th - Paris, France @ Rock En Seine
August 29th - Zurich, Switzerland @ Komplex 457
August 31st - Wiesen, Austria @ Two Days a Week
September 1st - Konstanz, Germany @ Rock Am See
September 2nd - Bologna, Italy @ I-Day Festival

 

It's available!!!

The release date for DOWN AND OUTS' Forgotten Streets LP was July 23rd but if you've been anticipating this release as much as me you will already know it wasn't.

Today though both Yo Yo Records form Germany and All In Vinyl from the UK upped the pre-orders and you better be quick. It's limited to 300 copies.

Negative Punch

I was recently informed that NEGATIVE APPROACH are coming over for a european Tour in October of this year and they will be accompanied on all dates by the fabulous PUNCH. Nice package! There are no dates set yet but there are rumours of an Oct. 5th date kicking off the tour in Berlin. Stay tuned for updates.

The Queen of Rock-a-Billy is back

If only I had more money. I would buy each and every regular (not those crappy best of or golden hits repackagings) WANDA JACKSON record but unfortunately what little I have is tied up in all the hc and punk releases that are popping up left and right not even taking into account all the classics my collection still lacks.

Her 2003 Heart Trouble LP on Sympathy For The Record Industry is amazing and the latest output I listened to so far. The 2011 released The Party Ain't Over LP was on Third Man Records. Which as you might know was founded by Jack White. A guy I dislike very much. First of all because of this awfull band of his that everybody thinks is so cool while it's totally lame and boring which led to the general ungrounded hype around the dude. And secondly because I feel that he fucked up the 2004 release Van Lear Rose of the last still living Queen of Country. Of course Linda Gail Lewis is good and it was a pleasure to meet her on her Tour supporting the 2004 Boogie Woogie Country Gal release on Castle Records and Dolly Parton released some great records but they cannot hold a candle to either Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells or Loretta Lynn.

Although the CD release of Loretta Lynn's Van Lear Rose was on Interscope Records the Vinyl edition was on Third Man and Jack White mixed the recordings. I was so stoked on getting that release but listening to the CD was a total let down. That boy has no idea how to handle the recordings of a country legend. I think while going along he somehow aquired a bit of knowledge about how to mix his own music and this he applied to the latest Lynn output. It might be possible that I was distracted by the CD sound (when I first heard Earth Crisis' fantastic All Out War release on CD I didn't like it as well which later appeared to be a misconception due to the inferior medium) but I don't think that's the case although I feel an urge to give the LP version another try.

This experience had me disregard Wanda Jacksons 2011 LP The Party Ain't Over because as I already mentioned it's on Third Man. Which probanly means it was fucked up too. But brklnvgn tells us that there is hope. A new LP is in the pipeline and Sugar Hill Records is taking care of the release which seems to have a due date in October. It's supposed to have a back-basics approach that the producer for the Unfinished Business LP encouraged. Wanda being in favor of this might be saying that she was somehow not satisfied with her last record. Why else would you be changing Labels? Or is Third Man defunct? Didn't they just release some fancy stuff for Record Store Day? Whatever it is I'm siked for the new release.









And she has a few US Live Dates coming up over the next months plus one show in Berlin in Nov. Let's hope she adds some more. If not I might have to go on a little trip across the country.


08/10/12 Knucklehead's Saloon Kansas City, MO
08/11/12 Blueberry Hill St. Louis, MO
08/12/12 Hi-Tone Memphis, TN
08/17/12 Maxwell's Hoboken, NJ
08/18/12 Philadelphia Folk Festival Philadelphia, PA
08/31/12 Minnesota State Fair St. Paul, MN
09/01/12 Minnesota State Fair St. Paul, MN
09/02/12 Bumbershoot Festival Seattle, WA
09/12/12 The Square Room Knoxville, TN click here
09/16/12 WorkPlay Theater Birmingham, AL
09/28/12 Bartlesville Community Center Bartlesville, OK
10/12/12 Highline Ballroom NYC
11/9/12 Bassy Berlin, DE

In the rare case of someone not being familiar with her music here are some songs for you to stream.

 

Reigning the East Coast

The Mighty OATHBREAKER are going to teach all you wimps at the US East Coast a lesson in heavy Hardcore. Attendance mandatory. Crucial lecture! ;)

Seriously now. Go check them out!! They are awesome!

 

 

BLONDEVO

Why oh why is this package not touring europe but the US in September? BLONDIE and DEVO on one night? Awesome!

Sept. 07 -Woodinville, WA - Chateau Ste. MichelleSept. 08 - Ridgefield, WA - Sleep Country Amp

Sept. 10 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield
Sept. 11 - Saratoga, CA - Mountain Winery
Sept. 12 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre
Sept. 14 - Citrus Heights, CA - Sunrise Marketplace
Sept. 15 - Newport Beach, CA - Taste of Newport
Sept. 18 - Austin, TX - Stubb's Waller Creek
Sept. 19 - Houston, TX - Arena Theatre
Sept. 21- Tampa, FL - Stadium Green Iguana
Sept. 22 - St. Augustine, FL - St. Augustine Amph.
Sept. 25 - Carmel, IN - Center for Performing Arts
Sept. 26 - Chicago, IL - The Chicago Theatre


And brooklynvegan didn't just share the above information. They also posted 2 video clips and mentioned that the both of them released new music in the past few years. How could that have passed me by? Maybe I was working too much? Haha! So now there are 3 more releases of old legends on my wantlist one each for the last two years and one from this year:

Devo - something for everybody LP 2010

Blondie - panic of girls LP 2011

Patti Smith - banga LP 2012

Well, while downloading the covers from discogs I realized that I did see the Devo record in some record store. Can someone tell me why I didn't pick it up?

At least I recently got this fresh platter. Not exactly old legends but hey... who didn't doesn't like Sleater Kinney?

Wild Flag -s/t 2011 LP

Devo and Patti Smith providing the best artwork with Wild Flag being to arty and Blondie just plain ugly. Sorry.

Robot World

or "The (Not So Promising) Future of Shitty Jobs: Meet your noodle-making robot..." as they titled this post on the always delivering Dangerous Minds Blog.

It's about a cheap-ass Robot that can do a shitty job way better and for a lot less money than any human could. Check out the link above if you want to know details.

However, what I am aiming at is the finishing statement of the article:

"The thought of a world population of over 7 billion people being increasingly put out of work by robots—the most menial jobs will be the ones to go first—is a rather bleak thing to contemplate isn’t it? Then again, maybe there’s an opportunity in all off this somehow? Who knows?"

Hell yes there is an opportunity in this. I don't think anyone is too passionate about working a straining, repetitive, monotonous, exhaustive job. I know that a lot of people still kind of like to do something like that because it gives them a feeling of being useful. Of being worth something or even being someone. Now this mindset I never understood. Do we really have to do something to be someone? Do we need a job to give us self esteem?

I truely believe that everything in this world has its own value just by being there. A value that you cannot measure or compare. The mere existance of anyone or anything goes along with the right to be treated with respect. You don't throw your waste into the woods, a river or out your car window for that matter. You don't just cut down a tree without reviewing other options to achieve your goal. You don't (ab)use animals for meat, dairy, leather, wool or anything else including zoos, circuses or your own little amusement at home where living beings are put into tiny glass cubicles or little backyard ponds. And you don't exploit humans for cheap labour. Be it kids in sweatshops, below minimum wage jobs that continuously are getting pushed further east or shit jobs (that don't earn you a living or burn you out) right here in the so-called civilized western world.

Another thing I believe in is that humans are born to be free and pursue their desires. To live means to learn. Learning means improving. And if you do that having in mind what I wrote in the paragraph above it will lead to a better world for every form of life. Of course there are certain needs to be fulfilled that will cause more or less harm to others. That's just the way it is. What makes the difference is how you go about getting where you want to be. Don't just disregard anyone and everything else. Work on accomplishing something in the least harmful way. Be ready to compromise. And before you do so think about wether it really needs to be done.

What's the use of all these different tech gadgets for example that actually complete the same tasks but differ in quality? It's such a waste of resources because a lot of these things break way too soon and end up in a bin not getting recycled. Not to mention the energy, labour and annoyance that acompanies the slow death of said things. Just like in healthcare I only want the best so why not make it affordable for everybody? What's all the differentiation about but making profit? Just look at the current situation in europe. That's what this state of mind comes too. It's inevitable. We actually did come up with a pretty good set of morals and yet in many ways we don't act too different from when we first started walking on two feet. With all the physical violence among people and corporations exchanging the bat with money. How can anyone not see this? We only think about me, my family, my community, my country and so on. What we don't see is that all of these things are just constructs that have been thrown around and reshaped over time. They are more or less arbitrary and heavily influenced by the way we live which in turn is influenced by where we live. And all of these separations are just means to divide and conquer. Now I don't believe in Any of the many conspiracy theories out there but there definitely are people who benefit from our quarrels and do everything they can to keep things the way they are.

Unfortunately those with the most power (aka money) at their disposal are the ones who could easily change a lot of things for the better but don't want to because it would mean less profit for them. But, and now we're coming full circle back to where this rant started, here we have a situation at hand that we could use for the well being of more than just 1% of the population. Of course at first it looks like a bad idea to put a lot of people out of work by replacing them with robots but as I said before we don't need the work. Just a little bit of money. Some time ago I read that the money that in Germany is spent on welfare combined with the money it takes to provide the bureaucracy and everything that comes with the process of deciding wether someone 'deserves' to get welfare or not is enough money to provide every german citizen with 1000€ a month if we would drop that whole concept. I have no idea on how to check if that is true or not but I deem it possible that this statement is not too far off if it is. Just think of the shitloads of our money the banks lost and are being refunded for out of our pockets again. Ok. A lot of that loot probably never existed. But they gave out credits anyway that were spent by people like you and me before they realized: oh shit we're not gonna get that back. And where did that money go? It's got to be somewhere. Just think of the billions of Euros pumped into Greece and now Spain. I don't want to go into this whole topic here but it amazes me to see that there actually is all this money available while we're facing more and more cuts in the social and cultural departments just to satisfy the markets aka the playgrounds of those who are pretty likely in the possession of the money we lost.

I still say people before profits and maybe when more and more people get replaced by robots we will wake up and see that there is not enough work for everyone to be employed the way we are now but that there very well is enough money for everybody to get live a decent life. Maybe then we will not blame the foreigners robots but redistribute the money that was wrongly amassed by a few ruthless individuals. And maybe then people will have the time for a little self-fulfillment. Be that as an artist, musician, dad, mom, scientist, carpenter, writer, nanny, designer or whatever people might enjoy doing when they don't have to do it 8 hours or more a day for 40 years. Maybe then every single person can live up to their respective potential and not just those who have the privilege to not be forced to support a familiy from an early age on or being restricted by their parents income.

This surely reads very idealistic and if you ask me how to accomplish all this I won't be able to come up with an answer because this is way too complex for a single human being to figure out. The answer is something that has to grow. And having robots take all the chores they can off our hands to me looks like a good step into the right direction. Perhaps then our capcities will be sufficient to work on a possible answer. Together.

 

(Of course I know that whole financial crisis thing is a tad more complex than I presented it but I, like many others probably, am not versed enough to grasp the whole thing which might play a role in why they are still getting away with it besides everybody being busy trying to survive the realities we have to face.)

Vinyl. Music. Culture.

Oh yeah! That's what it's all about. And here is Eilon Paz using those words as a subheader for his website DUST & GROOVES. So naturally I was curious when I got my nose pointed in his direction. If you're like me and those few choice words attract you as much as they do me I strongly urge you to check out all the awesomeness this guy captures in his interviews with record collectors from all over the world and the according photos. Way interesting and beautiful in every way I tell you.

And on top of all that he has an even bigger project coming up. He wants to make an 8x8" Photography book for which he will embark on a 2 month tour across the US in September. Now that's not going to be cheap and it seems he doesn't have the funds but if you like the idea you can donate to his kickstarter campaign. There are different rewards available that you can choose from according to the amount you put in. I just tried to do that but I don't have a credit card and therefore couldn't complete the 'check-out'. Seems like my wife will have to take care of that for me.

14 days left on the kickstarter campaign. Be quick, support and repost!!

 

European measures

Anyone closely following my drivel might remember me suggesting you to check out BETTER TIMES from Buffalo, NY. So far I know about two Tapes they released and one of those gets a euro 7" release on Commitment Records now. Pre-orders are up and they even had the Test pressings available for 5€ but those sold out while I was writing this. Anyone astonished about that? Not me!

The US release of the record is right around the corner but not available yet. Or am I catching a wrong drift here and they only get their share of the Commitment pressing shipped? Well whatever it might be the Tapes and some nice merch items are still for sale in their store.

In case you don't know what the buzz is about hit their bandcamp but before you do so make sure there's nothing close by that can't be replaced easily. Chances are you will break out your sickest mosh moves right away when the tunes hit. Did I mention they're straight edge and deliver solid lyrics?! Well, there you go.

Though I guess they are not vegan because it's not mentioned on their merch. Haha. Bummer. Anyways. Youth Crew still lives in 2012!! Support it!

 

Sideshow

I don't know why people are into live recordings. There's not one I can think of that I like. Well except for some of the Flipper stuff because they feature genuinly different versions of their songs and I hardly if ever listen to those. So what's the point? I just don't get it.

Yet I know that out there somewhere there are people into that kinda stuff. So for all of you here's interesting news about the mighty RINGWORM. They are going to release their first ever live record Stigmatas In The Flesh 12" on A389 Records and you can stream a song of that Album here on the Labels soundcloud account.

I don't know if this really is the cover but if so I like it.

 

The crazy Russian

In Effect posted a brilliant interview with Jimmy Kontra who sang for a brief period in Agnostic Front before Roger and had his own band Virus released on Rat Cage Records. If you're into NYHC you better read this because he is one of the original punks. Hanging out on the LES before there even was AF or Cause For Alarm or any other band that you can think of falling into the category of NYHC. It was the time of The Stimulators, The Mad, Kraut, etc.

Jimmy: "NYHC, please….the term was “hardcore punk”. Who made up NYHC, I don’t know but it’s a bullshit term"

As much as I like that statement I have to say it was The Abused, one of my all time favorites, who might not have invented the term but most probably did a lot to establish it. Anyways. Go get another crucial lesson in hc-punk history!!

 

Hot steal! A tea-boy's (-girl's) delight!!

While I'm home less than I'd like to and my pocket's probably not deep enough I still think this is a great gadget for a Tea-boy like myself. I'm just wondering about the energy that might be needed to always have 3 litres of boiling hot water readily available.

I copied the following content from Designlaunches and they got their Inspiration here.




Quick access to crystal clear boiling hot water isn’t a breeze and the best of us are left heating water on kettles these days. Behold the Grohe Red, developed by one of Europe’s largest sanitary fittings manufacturer. In essence a faucet capable of drawing boiling water directly from the tap, this one’s a great addition to your kitchen, providing instant access to hot water for your cooking requirements. The system simply stores three liters of hot water that can quickly be deployed via the faucet and is available in two different tap sizes too. Also, the Grohe Red faucet comes with a child-lock system, making it safe for homes with children.

Vicious! Definitely vicious!!

Today I got reminded that the ZERO BOYS european tour is in full swing. While I will be crying many a river because I can't make it to any of their shows you should really go out of your way to catch them while they're still here. Don't let your Amphetamin Addiction make you sleep on this?!

25.07.2012 GER-Karlsruhe, Alte Hackerei
26.07.2012 BEL-Opvijk (Brussels), Nijdrop
27.07.2012 NED-Amsterdam, Melkweg
28.07.2012 ESP-Badalona,Estraperlo Club
29.07.2012 ESP-Madrid, Grutta 77
30.07.2012 ITA-Monza,F.O.A. Boccaccio
31.07.2012 SUI-Luzern, Sedel
01.08.2012 GER-Tübingen, Epplehaus
02.08.2012 GBR-London, Boston Arms Music Room
03.08.2012 GBR-Blackpool, Rebellion Festival
04.08.2012 GBR-Nottingham, tba
07.08.2012 GER-Essen, Panic Room
09.08.2012 NOR-Oslo, Gamla
10.08.2012 SWE-Gothenborg, Way Out West Festival w/ ADOLESCENTS
11.08.2012 DEN-Copenhagen, Stengade12
12.08.2012 GER-Hamburg, Hafenklang

Mob Style & then some

As I reported earlier this years R'R Fest on Sept. 22nd, which unfortunately is the final chapter in that story, features the Mighty URBAN WASTE along with one of Europe's finest MAN LIFTING BANNER and recently there have been more bands added. For now the line-up looks like this:

Urban Waste

Man Lifting Banner

Brat Pack

Citizen Patrol

Think Again

Ruidosa Inmundicia

Fix Me

The War Goes On

Brudte Løfter

For more infor check out the fest's fb page.
It's gonna be a wild one! Talk about going out with a blast!

Burning thing to Love

Damn you Google Reader. Why don't you realize that an updated post on a blog is as interesting to read as a new one? Due to this fail I am late for the new BURNING LOVE - A Rotten Thing To Say LP on Southern Lord Records. Luckily though I'm not too late.

I wanted to order the regular vinyl along with the shirt + LP package but the ridiculous shipping costs had me take a step back, rethink and in the end order only the package because neither the record nor the shirt will be available seperately. The regular edition I'll have to order from my favorite distro or buy at my go to record store.

And then there was the Australian pressing on Resist Records but it seems today is not my day as I cannot enter their site due to a non-responding server. Bummer. I'll have to keep trying then.

Daymare Records from Japan complete the trifecta with their own pressing. Not being able to find an english version of their site makes ordering difficult though. I guess I'll have to shoot them a message.

Now go hit the links and support some real Punks!!

Oh, I need that release show edition! Can someone hook me up?

 

UPDATE: I was able to get on the Resist Records site and they only have a CD for sale which made me go back to the Daymare store and it turns out that inbetween all the japanese letters it clearly says CD but an LP is nowhere to be found. Meaning you and me can save a few bucks. But maybe you should check for yourself and let me know if they meanwhile announced a vinyl release.

 

 

They're the Meatmen and we suck!

Another early 80s band is re-united and will tour europe in September. Anyone out there who doesn't know that yet? Dates below.

11.09. Köln – Sonic Ballroom (Germany)

12.09. Amsterdam – Winston (Netherlands)

18.09. München – Backstage (Germany)

20.09. Milano – Xm24 (Italy)

21.09. Bologna – Lofi (Italy)

23.09. Wien – Arena (Austria)

25.09. Ulm – Beteigeuze (Germany)

26.09. Karlsruhe – Alte Hackerei (Germany)