I thought I would drop a treat for all the jersey metal noise lovers, so go ahead and check out a cover version of Metallica’s “fight fire with fire” by the Eastern Anchors on mog.com. Lars please don’t sue the band. they know it’s a classic — so go be their friend and download some more music on myspace and such.
SAT MAY 5th 2016 at PINO’s in HIGHLAND PARK, NJ a whole slew of 90’s indie rockers will be playing some tunes and listening to book excerpt(s) describing main character’s boyfriend’s penis. It could happen and you won’t know unless you attend. We love Mercy Brown confident nature and sexy personality right off the wiffle ball bat when she doesn’t even take her own advice to not sleep with anybody in the band; as she digs deep in her Hub City e-romance debut series LOUD Is How I Love You.
The show is going to be very campfire style but with full on rock with 20 minute sets followed by a reading or just gabbing on the mic. Members from the different groups will be filling in for those that can’t make it to celebrating words and music from Mercy’s head. A big chunk of the New Brunswick 90’s local music scene will be here and there may or may not be Hello Biafra shots being served.
The book really throws one back to a very exciting time – pre-internet where you actually had to see a flyer, or talk on one of them landline phones devices, read a local paper or hang out in a record store in order to know what local bands were playing in the Hub City. While those in attendance will be tweeting and instragramming like like millennials; what will really matter most is the music that is being performed this evening.
Check out the ebook iBooks or Amazon.
LINE UP:
9pm Three to Six
9:30 The Urchins
10:00 Ex-Vegas/Prosolar Mechanics
10:30 Bionic Rhoda / Holly Hobbies
11:00 Buzzkill / Boss Jim Gettys
11:30 Aviso’Hara / Eastern Anchors
12:00 The Stuntcocks?
PS A new documentary film announcement is coming soon for NOISY BASEMENTS & BARS which will take a look backwards to the punk heyday of 1980’s, the birth of hardcore and the indie rock of the 90’s when music was dangerous and all the way up to the present day New Brunswick local music scene. For details visit VLH FIlms.
I always look forward to annual “best of” music list that begin popping up every year when the cold weather arrives. It is fascinating who thinks what is the hottest fucking music out there each year. Two thousand fourteen is no different.
And since I am kneeling in the musical confessional booth, I must fess up I am constantly stuck somewhere between 1982-1999 when it comes to my musical listening, but somehow, in some miraculous way I do manage to stumble across “new bands” worth listening to, though few and far between.
Some 2014 results make sense (the new Hold Steady and Tom Petty) while others don’t (am I the only one who doesn’t understand the big deal behind The War Against Drugs or Sun Kil Moon?). And some are just plain fucking bullshit (the new U2 #1 Rolling Stone? How much is the band paying you to make such a claim??). And don’t even get me started on the Foo Fighter’s, Sonic Highways…except that is basically a bunch of medicore, over-produced shit….see what you made me did now??
Anyways, fuck it…here it goes…my best of 2014 (in no particular order)….ta da!!
1. The Temples – Sun Structures : some of the best psych-pop out of the UK in years per Johnny Marr, Noel Gallagher and now me. If the opening tracks “Shelter Song” or “Sun Structures” doesn’t make your booty move then you are just lame. They are also, importantly, one of the coolest look bands on the planet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCxao4jFLHI
2. Interpol – El Pintor: after 2010’s disastrously forgettable self-titled album, the NYC post-punk darlings are back in full form. While Kessler’s guitar playing gets a little tedious at times, El Pintor is still a great bunch of tunes that blend in well with earlier material. They too are one of the coolest looking (and best dressed bands) on the planet. Yes, I like cool looking bands.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m05f7Fsgv_s
3. Overlake – Sighs: said it all right heremonths back. Still in super heavy rotation in my life. The track “Our Sky” is one of the best songs ever written with a breakdown bridge starting at the 2:05 mark that will knock you on your ass.
4. The Gaslight Anthem – Get Hurt: Read this. Probably their weakest album, but that is what is what makes it so endearingly intriguing. The song “Dark Places” shatters my heart every time, especially after a couple of glasses of wine.
5. Life Eaters – Self Titled: Confession? I only heard this debut record from this Jersey City group for the first time mere days ago, but it has been kicking me in the nuts ever since. An extremely strong effort from start to finish. The track “Man Pain”, is just absolutely killer. If you don’t like it then guess what…yup, you lame.
6. The Hold Steady – Dream Teeth: A “typical” and “safe” Hold Steady album, but if you dip beneath the surface you will find a solid effort with all the stories, drugs, hardcore matinees and Jesus Christ references still intact. At first listen, I was disappointed but the tracks grew on me tremendously to the point of becoming one of the year’s best. I must admit I find the overall recording very weak (lacking ball crushing “umph” of 2008’s Stay Positive…so much guitar punch)but just listen beyond that….songs “Spinners” and “Big Cig” are two of many standout tracks.
I always enjoyed this short trailer for Dream Teeth , it captures the full essence of the album….
7. Miss Ohio – Whippoorwill Road:“delivering a perfect blend of power pop melody and guitar rock grit, with 5 songs that will no doubt make my personal best of 2014 release list” as I previously stated here and here and here! and guess what, it did! Besides they re-recorded my favorite song from them (“KGB”) so that is all that fucking matters…well unless they re-record “Picture Show…” (hint hint)….here is a funny video for another great gem off the record, “Bobby Fischer…”
8. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Hypnotic Eye: Tom and his heartbreaking team started a bar brawl, kicking everyone’s ass with this garage punk instant classic.
9. Big Ups – Eighteen Hours of Static: This Brooklyn-based band plays punk/noise rock that torpedoes Fucked Up right out of the tub. I hear me some Fugazi…Descendants? Maybe even some Slint….may I dare mention later Black Flag or even Flipper? Their sounds is something so familiar that I still can’t define it and that is why they fucking rock and can’t stop listening to this album. If you don’t like the 2 opening tracks (“Body Parts” and “Goes Black”) then you are….guess?
10. Johnny Marr – Playland : Because it’s Johnny FUCKING Marr, yo……duh.
11. Real Estate – Atlas: A hearty blend of hypnotic, mellow, reverby poppy rock from Brooklyn, Atlas picks up where 2011’s Days paused. A perfect background soundtrack for those long drives, house cleanings or annual best of writings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP9XEcOtjbc
12. Thurston Moore – The Best Day: Back to his true form from 2013’s quasi-metal project, Chelsea Light Moving, The Best Day is his 4th solo effort and 1st since his highly visible divorce from Kim Gordon. This album is very East Village, very “safe” (read: Sonic Youth) and very wonderful. Moore continues to rock out in his own alternately tuned, droning , cool cat, hipster, subdued Neil Young kind of way. “Forevermore” and album title track are just 2 of many treats found here. Besides, its Thurston fucking Moore…duh.
13. We Were Promised Jetpacks- Unravelling: These Scots quickly remind us why 2009’s These Four Walls and 2011’s In The Pit of the Stomach are constantly listened to over and over as they continue to carry the post punk meets indie pop torch with this latest release. Saw these cats live at NYC’s Webster Hall a few weeks back and they blew everyone away. Tracks “Safety in Numbers” and “Peaks and Troughs” are just two of many great songs.
14. Eastern Anchors-Dragging Your Axe Behind: I know I said a random list, but I also did save the best news for last. Set to be released later this month, if 2012’s Drunken Arts And Pure Science have you begging for more and if you thought the first single “Above Your Station” off their latest EP kicked ass, wait until you hear the other 6 songs. Oh boy……strap on in and wear a cup kiddies….
Situation wanted: 4th member for heavy metal tribute band (NJ/NY)
Indie Rock die-hards Eastern Anchors change their thing to make money. This story is actually believable. You must have guitar chops and willing to travel on the weekends. Former straight edge musicians ok but no vegans. No time wasters need apply CraigsList Post | Band Announcement
STEREOGUM: Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp Goes Grunge
Rock ’N’ Roll Fantasy Camp, the Vegas-based institution where you can get instruction from aging butt-rock stars, has long been one of your best bets if you really want to spend some quality non-sex-tape time with Tommy Lee or Bret Michaels. But the Fantasy Camp is evolving, and now it’s come to encompass another generation’s version of classic rock: Read On >>
PUNK NEWS: Nirvana to Reunite with Courtney Love as Singer Probably one of the more tasteless but funny ones is from Punk news. The story goes on to say: Although Courtney Love has been embroiled in constant legal disputes with Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic over the use of the Nirvana catalog since 2001, the three appear to have put their differences aside to play together under the name Nirvana. Read On >>
Guitar Bar Introduces Air Guitar Lessons! The Guitar Bar in Hoboken NJ will be carrying the full line of Luft air guitars at both of their shops! Here’s a video showing some of the amazing things you can do on one. Featuring their wonderful air guitar instructor Ty, and Sam from the uptown shop!
Flamming Lips companion album for Dark Side of the moon
Honestly, this is an amazing piece of music and they mainly fucked with the press like any respectable and credible band should. This is an amazing space jam which will remind you that you once really liked drugs. You really do believe in aliens and that life is good. Stream this while you work and write your co-workers dumb emails about nothing important at all.
Have any funny April Fools joke’s today you want to share? Please add them to the comments or email them to reviewstalker at gmail.com
Here’s a few videos of one our favorite Don Giovanni Records bands playing live called Black Wine at a Sound Station presents show. They are just as much retro SST-punk and forward unpunk as it gets. Also on the bill that night was our house band Eastern Anchors, Tri-State, Dollar Store Riot and a bunch of other local locals. BW have a new record called Yell Boss and it’s coming out in early June on the New Brunswick label Don Giovanni Records. You heard it here first folks. They recorded their new album at Volume IV in New Brunswick with Brian from Risk Relay and we can’t wait to check it out. Miranda the drummer/singer for the band also recently started a talky podcast called Totally Bitchin that she does with Jamie from a new band called Small talk. They have about 10 episodes already and worth a listen if you are jonesying for yet another decent podcast. Their most recent show is a interview with Miranda’s hub Jeff who used to play with The Ergs! They are mainly focusing on the local NJ music scene which we think is great. Subscribe iTunes | Tumblr | Libsyn.
Recommended Podcasts: Live from the Barages – Recorded live every Friday night from a garage that is bar in Queens, NY. They add “s” to everything and are a bunch of cassette listening chooches. Interviews with dudes who fuck dolphins, Krokus tapes, people who go to mars and lots of band talk – plus a few music breaks inbetween. Sound Opinions – Based out of Chicago. Pretty main stream indie. they cover the basics SXSW and other popular genres. Low Times – Short interviews for short attention spans. You Can’t Stop the Signal – Fast talking, over talking music indie based podcast by Conan and his bandmates. They land good guests.
The GoPro Chronicles: I got introduced to Captain Beefheart in high school by a friend who was really into The Greatful Dead but I didnt’ really appreciate this type of music till much later. I went more prog then onto punk/alternative. The jury is still out on the Dead though. It’s these weird herky-jerky type of moody tunes that will make for great GoPro or movie soundtracks, when the cuts are quick and disorientating so your film seem to cruise along.
Anyway, here’s a few other songs I think that might be good for a variety of camera moves. The sound bed you lay down in the background is essential to your edit for your family film. Sets a mood you can’t put into words and sets expectations. The subtle way you transition to each scene from verse to chorus will make your edit seems like it’s moving faster or slower. When shooting don’t forget to pan left and right, up and down slowly and steadily for the best B-Roll. The GoPro is much more forgiving when you shoot a fast frame rate. Which on the silver is between 30-60 FPS. You can never have enough B-Roll. Ever.
Obviously, you might not be able to easily afford clearing these songs but to practice yours skills they are great; the point is its a important to be familiar with the song. Not everybody is going to be able to score their own music. That would be ridiculous. Obviously unless you are making a rock video and shooting specifically for that song. There are millions of songs that you can lay-in while you find the perfect one. But there is always the risk of falling in love with something that just does not work. Anyway, here’s some ideas to get you thinking for something moody. This was also my first GoPro shoot. There are just 25-30 transitions in this one(guestimate). So as always enjoy the tunes and thanks for watching!
DOWNLOADS: Captain Beefheart –Zig Zag Wanderer MP3 from Safe as Milk (1967) Frank Zappa –Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow MP3 from Apostrophe (‘)(1974) R.E.M. –Camera MP3 from Reckoning (1984) Throwing Muses –film (2013) Residents –Boots from Meet The Residents(1974) The Plugz –El Clavo Y La Cruz MP3 from the Repo Man Soundtrack (1984) Built to Spill –I Dim Our Angst In Agony MP3 from The Electronic Anthology Project (2010)
Here’s some other edits that I did after first one that worked brialiantly.
MUDDERELLA 2014 NEW JERSEY – The Joy Formiddable w/ “Whirring”
Here’s some blogs we like and stalk every once in awhile ourselves. If you want to exchange links drop us a line at reviewstalker at gmail dot com. We just deleted our blog roll recently because for some reason the latest version of WP was all messed-up so we started from scratch. Anyway, here’s some places we do frequent.
VIVA! LA HARA RECORDS – Get music by Aviso’Hara, Eastern Anchors, The Slow Wire and Zero for Conduct
JERSEY BEAT – One of the longest running NJ fanzines and now music blogs on the East Coast. Edited by long time friend Jim Testa he always goes the extra mile and may even show-up to your show – Just dont forget to invite him. If you are a new band from new jersey especially, getting the nod from JBeat is a right of passage.
COOL DAD MUSIC – Thoughts on main stream indie music from a cool dad from the Jersey Shore. He goes out of his way and writes a lot.
SPEAK INTO MY GOOD EYE – These guys have built up a huge web music presence in a very short time. The Brooklyn Vegan of New Jersey focused on the Asbury Park music scene and beyond.
UNITED BY ROCKET SCIENCE – Features the rabid vinyl record collector Dave Galgano and photography/writing of James Damion. Based out of Hoboken/Jersey City, NJ. Good guys. They like punk/hardcore/indie. Solid. Yup they are still on blogspot.
THE DEVIL’s MUSIC – Amaze your friends. Find some really weird ass shit here taken from a massive record collection. Curated and operated by our old pal Tommy Southard from the NJ metal outfit Solace. Also on blogspot more than likely because he spends all his extra cash on fancy beer.
TIM’S TOUR DIARY – Tim Cronin from Monster Magnet and singer from NJ’s Ribeye Brothers (on freaking myspace because they are so damn retro). Funny writing because he also posts about people coming into Jack’s Music sometimes in red bank on his other blog.
CAPTAIN’s DEAD – Not that Greg ever writes about our bands or projects. He still endlessly entertains us on twitter and always has awesome live bootlegs and great music on his site. He probably gets more email from bands everyday than we can even imagine.
New Jersey and New York concerts, shows and gig listings curated by the Review Stalker music blog so you can see a band in a venue near you in Asbury Park, Brooklyn, New Brunswick, North Jersey and of course NYC. Get listed and tweet/follow us at @ReviewStalker Follow us on the Facebooks.
AUG SHOWS IN NEW JERSEY
Aug 29th Perfect Pussy, Potty Mouth, Nice War
@ Asbury Lanes! FACEBOOK INVITE
Aug 29th Dark City Presents: Local Summer Kickoff Party w/ The Vansaders, The Battery Electric, Hot Blood and MSRP Facebook invite
SEPTEMBER SHOWS IN NEW JERSEY
Saturday, September 6 at 12:00pm – 9:30pm – Rent Party Family Picnic – Facebook Invite.
Sept 6th Dark City Entertainment Presents [facebook event invite]
Live & Local Showcase with Those Mockingbirds, Smalltalk, KENYA, Prehistoric Forest and Joseph Wes
SEPTEMBER SHOWS IN NEW YORK
Tues Sept 11th The Bowery Electric [Invite]
Tubular Show! w/ Risk/Reward, Steve Shiffman & The Land Of No, The Crystalines, Erika Werry, Sersum Verbo
Fri Sept 19th – Presented by citylights
Eastern Anchors, Erostratus, Les Breaux 8pm sharp- Show is over at 11pm.
@ The Flat! 308 Hooper St, Brooklyn, New York 11211 FACEBOOK SHOW EVENT INVITE.
OCTOBER SHOWS IN NEW JERSEY: Oct 17 and Oct 18
Omega Sound Fix 4.0 – @ Alfa Art Gallery , new brunswick
[drop us a listing reviewstalker at gmail dot com]
COVERS: Today in the covers bin is a whole concept. A whole album in fact from front to back of the famous Beach Boys album Pet Sounds. Mint 400 Records presents bands like The Duke of Norfolk, Fairmont, Cropduster, Michael Ambrose, The One & Nines, The Ashes and The Multi-Purpose Solution doing different variations on some wonderful music. Which arguably are all one long song because the production uses similar tricks and vocals approaches it has this amazing sound all on it’s own. So it’s cool to see some bands attempting to repurpose and reconstruct the otherwise brilliant recording. Oh and the best part this shit is it’s free. So here’s a few choice tracks but let that stop you from enjoying the whole thing because the label is just making the whole thing completely free. nice right?
ROCK SCENE: There is a new night in the Asbury Park music scene which has been bringing you FREE shows every monday night at the Wonder Bar all summer long. Don’t try and find out about it on bars official site though as the Happy Mondays music series has its own facebook page. The shows are continuing in the fall with lots of past local luminaries such as Battery Electric, wreaths and others. Tons of give aways and concert ticket at the Stone Pony, Wonder Bar, Convention Hall or Paramount Theater! So get on it and like them on the facebooks you facehookers!
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