Smuggling in Some Good Cheer

The Smuggler’s “Selling the Sizzle” is anything but mere sizzle. This album is a great light trash, sorta rockabilly, skate album that really has that old Mint Records sound that Gob had when they released “Too Late, No Friends”, and something that sounds like the songs they played on Hannah Barbara cartoons - “ I know a little town called bedrock, twitch-twitch.
“Bishy-Bishy” is one of the thrashier tunes, and could be the best on the album it is fast, catchy, and “Bishy-Bishy” is followed by “Big Trouble”. The album keeps pumpin’ out great tunes. This is definitely an album that you can listen to song for song, and not lose interest until you finish the fifteenth track. Stay away from sixteen, it is a hidden track, and although I haven’t listened through it seems like something I already heard Another Joe do at the end of “Ass Seen On TV.”
One of the best surprises is “The Dedication” a song that is basically a bunch of dedications, but it reminded me of the Beatles’ “Birthday Song” in that it is a weird, basic premise song, but it works when surrounded by great tunes - by the way it is sung, not spoken in some weird art style.
“Selling the Sizzle” reminds me of what made me fall in love with skate punk - fast rifts, and great lyrics that are funny, but actually have some real content behind them.
Oh Yeah, if you like supporting anything Canadian these guys are a Vancouver gem that you are depraving yourself of if you don’t check them out.

Propagandhi... One Great Band

I was at The Burton Cummings Theatre Saturday night to see The Weakerthans perform their last studio album from 2007 Reunion Tour. I was instead surprised with all four albums played in reverse order, and although The Weakerthans aren’t near my top ten for bands, I have always been a fan of John K Samson, and the fact that Anchorless , a Propagandhi redo, was the second last song played I was pumped to be into show right to the very end.
But that is enough of that, on to my favourite Winnipeg based release ever - Propagandhi’s “Less Talk, More Rock. This is the album that “Anchorless” is originally on, in the forth track, and it is surrounded by some of the most enlightened tunes I listened as a kid including the title track, which is a slower tune, but the lyrical content and the time changes make it a crowd pleaser when ever played in shows, and one ditty that I can assure you will be sung if you listen to it at home when alone - even if you aren’t.
If you are into the Fat Wreck Chords scene you have probably heard “And We Thought Nation-States were a bad idea. There is a reason for that. This song combines great music, with great lyrics, and they are so well written that they even have that catchy vibe pop-garbage has, only there is meaning to what Propagandhi does, but I have a feeling songs like this may be why Propagandhi turned in to a completely different band after about a five year hiatus.
There isn’t much else to say about this album other than songs like “Apparently I Am A P.C. Fascist“, “Nailing Descartes to the Wall, “Resisting Tyrannical Government“, and “I was a pre-teen McCarthiest“. Are a great mix of 90s skate punk melodies, and a whole heck of a lot of lyrical content, even one nice track call “Public Dis-Service Announcement” that mocks Shell’s involvement in international affairs.
This album is faster and harder than any Weakerthan’s album, but you can really hear Samson’s influence on the band before he left.
See a review collaboration between Andrew Parker and I on the Weakerthans show in the next issue of The Projector. Just a taste - there is mention of a “Judy for Mayor” shirt, and Winnipeggers beating the traffic.

Alkaline Trio

I got another one for my boy Dewey - Andrew Parker, and this time it is a band he recommended to me, or at least told me he liked - Alkaline Trio. I gotta say that I pigeon holed these guys as emo fluff. For the record, 95 percent of emo is garbage. I give an exception to the originators such as Moneen, Choke, and Boy Sets Fire, but what emo has become is a bunch o’ junk - see Silverstien, The Used, and any band with a day of the week in their name. I was going to check if I spelled Silverstien wrong, but they have wasted enough of everyone’s time, no chance I’m going to care what a bunch of middle to high class whiners have to say about anything. Let a real writer get in there and criticize, before you cut weirdo.
I’m still a little ticked so first I would like to say that I am flashing back to 1998, and the Trio’s first major album “Goddammit”. Unfortunately I am still bissed about bands like As I Lay Sucking, so I am going to get negative right off the bat, and say that Alkaline Trio has got to lay off the cheesy slow intros THEY ALL SOUND THE SAME. I am serious, but don’t let that turn you away from this group. They have some great old school skate lyrics and music. “Cop” is one that reminds me of what was great about 90s skate. They hate something, but they don’t take on more than they can comprehend. In this case they seem too be singing about a former friend, which, if you remember my lookout weekend featuring Screeching Weasel, is what someone they know, which is what I love about 90s punk - these stories that make way more sense to them, but are cool, because ,even if they are fabricated .they remind you of people you know, and therefore seem real.
I will also admit that I am a sucker for punk love songs. They are not the typical love tune, often involve humour. That is why I love bands like the Descendents, and these guys seem like a newer school Strung Out. They are my favourite band that the “kids” seem to love, although they seem to be less popular than in the past, maybe that is why I like them. But seriously they have a great melodic sound that reminds me of Good Riddance, No Use For A Name, and Face To Face. A
Alkaline Trio is good, but if you area expecting Bad Religion, Descendents, or early Strung Out you had better buy Bad Religion, Descendents, or early Strung Out. If you want an album I can burn you one just let me know where to find you in the comments. For the record I download nothing. I bought albums before, and now that stores don’t stock albums from a two decades ago I scour the used bins like my late Plecostomos Al that past away last year. He was hardcore as fish go - his favourite album was Void of Faith’s album Discography - Darn hardcore man!

What the Love is with the Foo Fighters

I wouldn’t call this album punk, but it is close enough, and I still maintain that Nirvana was a punk band, so just wait till I do my “Insecticide” flashback. Best Nirvana album by far . “New Wave Polly”, but I digress. The first and self-titled Foo Fighter album is a great mix of music that reminds me of Propagandhi in the way they can go from a hard rockin’ song to a softer more melodic tune. The first two tracks “This is a Call”, and “I’ll Stick Around” are great tunes, that when played live insight some of the nuttiest pits I have seen. “Big Me” slows it down a little, and if you don’t like the song I bet you were won over by the video. The rest of the tunes have a laid back hardness that blows my mind. This album is one for every season, every emotion you could be feeling - seriously.
Track 10 - “X-Static is a buried gem that makes this a rare major label album that you can listen to track to track until it is over.
Too bad “There is Nothing Left Lose” ever happened. For those harder rockin’ Footos fans - is “Stack Dead Actors” not the best song they have written, but on one of the most disappointing albums. I rushed to buy this disk after I heard that. Thank God that tune is worth the price of the disk.

Rancid - A Great Stocking Stuffer

I was looking for one last blog to slide in before the deadline for PR, and I realized that I had not completed a Rancid blog yet. So here ya’ll go - Let’s Go. Let’s Go was Rancid’s second album on Epitaph Records, and it is arguably their best work, but their first three efforts are some of the best punk you can find. That is if you count Rancid as punk, some consider them “urban reggae”, but I heard that at the U of M, and they pass out PHDs like they were mail in from what I hear.


http://www.rancidrancid.com/

Let's Get Toasted

I don’t have any albums from The Toasters, but I think this is may favourite band that I know nothing about. I cannot recommend an album but here are a couple of my favourite songs by these two tone skanksters. Let me know if you can recommend a good album.

Nicholsanian has been enslaved

This is Oderus Urungus, and the scumdog you call Nicholsanian has been enslaved or he is dead, nobody really cares. I am here to tell you human filth that your time on this damned rock is coming to an end as I and the rest of GWAR turn the Earth into a Bloody Pit of Horror - our new album too - so you better absorb all the GWAR and drugs you can before Beefcake, and Balzak come to kill you and steal your girlfriend... and kill her too.
I suggest that you either check out America Must Be Destroyed, or Carnival of Choas. GWAR is to great for humans to comprehend, so just watch the videos.

MORALITY SQUAD - from America - warning one f bomb at the start


The Private Pain of Techno Destructo from Carnival - more cursing



Sick of You

Catholics Gone Wild - A Creative Writing Post

　
　

Merv Michalyshen was at McNally Robinson Tuesday night to read and discuss his book Above The Rest.
As a former practicing Catholic I was very interested in the content, which discusses that switch from Vatican 1, compared to Vatican 2. The main difference for those who know is that Vatican 1 is the hellfire and brimstone version of Catholicism, whereas 2 has relaxed the rules slightly, and there is less reference to everyone going hell.
Michalyshen said that his greatest fear when he wrote the book was that he wouldn
Forced Celibacy - you bet he questions the value in that.
Molesting Priests - it
Misogyny in the church - Yeah Michalyshen is on it like stink on a camel.
 He read a part of his book that discussed how the church is not the mystical thing some have made it, but the people that come to the chapel. I feel that the church getting away from the people is the reason I have avoided church for the past decade. The rules that Michalyshen questions are the ones that bother me the most. All these rules about depraving ourselves in order to prove something that doesn't affect anyone accept ourselves. I figure the church's main message is good, do onto others and what not, but it is what people turn religion into the grills my Chilean Sea Bass, and that is where former principal, my former principal Merv Michalyshen also diverges from the order o' Rome.

The way the material was presented, as well as my mother saying that she wanted to read the book has made this book interesting, and a gift idea - if you are really into religion Catholic style.’t say anything. If the reading was any indication that should not be a problem. ’s in the crosshairs people.

Blink and you'll miss it

Here is a quick hitter just for my favourite blogger Dewey, AKA Andrew Parker. For the record Blink 182 pushes the realms of what makes it into the punk a major item of contention for me. But if you aren’t to old to hear about high school and getting grounded Dude Ranch is a fast, funny album that I still find enjoyable at times.

NOMEANSNO meansitstimetogetcreative

No Means No has been rocking the punk scene for about twenty years, and the “Worldhood of the World” is right up there with the rest for the uniqueness of the music, but it is over the top with rockin’ tracks. “Joy” is the first track, and it starts with Rob Wright singing joy in a build up until he is at least he is belting it out at the top of his lungs. Joy creates a build up that sets the pace for an album that builds and fades through out with tunes like Lost which begins slowly, and then ends up sounding like a punk rock newscast, or recollection in speech form, and the faster rockin’ tracks like Wiggly Worm, Humans, and . This album is something you have really got to get to understand what I am trying to describe
I believe that my new favourite tune on this album is “Tuck It Away”. This track is hard and fast all the way through, but there are three different parts if the great “Tuck it away” chorus is included. In fact I have been so inspired by this album that this flashback is has become a NOMEANSNO double shot with “Why Do They Call Me Mr. Happy?” which I just picked up Sunday at Music Trader - The best music store in Winnipeg.





“Why Do They Call Me Mr. Happy?” is a great release on the Alternative Tentacles record label from 1993. It is no surprise after hearing this album why Jello Biafra (owner of Alternative Tenticales, amd former Dead Kennedy’s lead man) signed these guys to what is a rather exclusive label in terms of the types of bands that get signed. It reminds me a little of G7 Welcoming Committee which deals mainly in experimental, and politically driven bands.
This album has some great bass lines that actually remind me of an early Red Hot Chili Peppers in the 80’s when they played more funk, with a dash of Less Claypool, although they don’t get quite as wild as Claypool - few can.. Songs like “Madness and Death”, and “Why Do They Call Me Mr. Happy?” are two tracks that really go off on nice bass lines. They also feature unique, and epic vocals from Rob Wright, which as in every NOMEANSNO album engages the listener whether they care for the fast, or experimental tunes. “Kill Everyone” is an 8 minute roller coaster ride that includes the vocals and bass I discussed, and a great Dead Kennedy like ending. Every NOMEANSNO album is bery similar in that for some these songs may be too experimental for them to enjoy, but I really think anyone who has a decent ear for what is good, compared to what is catchy will see the greatness in each of these albums.
My recommendation is that if you take a chance on these albums try songs like Humans, and maybe check out “Why Do They Call Me Mr. Happy?” once you are down with the later stuff, but if you got the intestinal fortitude to get down with so weird shite this albums may just get you as jacked up as I am right now listening to “Land of the Living”

These are Some Good Sloppy Seconds

Sloppy Seconds’ “Garage Days Regurgitated” is one of my many finds I picked up from Music Traders that I purchased just off their reputation, and one song off a Nitro Records comp called deep thoughts. This pick up was not in vain, unlike the Doughboys disc I picked up years ago. You know what I should give that a listen.
Back to these “Garage Days Regurgitated”. The first song I heard was “I Wanna Go Home”, which is great compilation of Ramones inspired power chords combined with the raspy lead vocals of BA. BA really puts Sloppy Seconds over the top for me. A lot of people criticize punk of being poor in the vocals department, but I think when you need a fast quick hitting tune a unique growl, or even flat voice like Fat Mike can clash just right.
If I had one criticism for the album it would be that there are only seven songs on it, and they aren’t too much longer than your regular punk song. But you gotta pay for greatness right. Well this album is on the verge of greatness. Poor Little Rich Girl, Kill ( a song that reminds me of the Queers for some reason), and a sweet T.V. Party cover that for me at least is better than the Black Flag original.
This is a later release , so some of the earlier stuff is better, but for me this album is not a disappointment at all.
Here is an earlier video from Sloppy Seconds - "Fifteen Minutes or It's Free."

True Fiction

I wrote this after an arguement at work. Things may sound harsh, but I mixed it up just a little for effect. But it was about someone welching on a bet with my favorite team the Philidephia Eagles.

“Ooohhh!” He says in a stereotypical Italian manner.

“ You got my ten bucks?”

“What ten bucks?”

“From the Eagles bet. Indy got whooped, pay up.”

“We never bet. I never shook on it.”

“Are you serious don’t welch you goof.”

He goes to the wash room to change. I hate welchers.

“You’re a fuckin’ goof if you don’t pay up.”

“Don‘t call me a goof.”

“Don‘t be a fuckin goof and give me the money welcher.”

“Fuck you.”

He walks by me as if he wants to hit me.

“Are you serious you know you made the bet.”

“We didn’t shake, there was no bet.”

“You’re a fuckin’ bum. Pay up.”

“You’re a dumbass.”

“No. I’m not the dropout.”

Did I go to far?

FBI Stakeout See.

I got lucky when I bought the October 25, 2010 edition of the New Yorker.
First, let me tell you all that my favourite genre of film after comedy, is the mafia/heist genre, and David Means captures everything that is great about those films. I actually have been looking for other stories he has published. I haven’t read any of them yet but I found one in Harper’s I just hope I can access it.
The story in the LXXXVI, No. 33 issue of the New Yorker is called The Tree Line, Kansas, 1934, and this piece o’ fiction almost makes me want to get snooty as heck, start wearing Dockers, and subscribe to the New Yorker. This story reminds me of Reservoir Dogs the way it goes from future to past, only Reservoir Dogs is split evenly between present and past.
The description of the young agent is superb. You really get the sense of how naïve, inexperienced, and really stupid this character is, when he is saying how the stakeout is pointless, and in the end is completely unprepared for Carson, and his two other heavily armed men (The bank robbers). I just loved how it seemed like the classic heist movies of the 60’s and 70’s. The story progresses at a seemingly slow rate until the reader, and the characters are
I was torn on how I felt about the way Means creates lists of things describing the young agent and other aspects throughout the piece. I like them at first because it was a nice change of pace, which allowed a great description through the words of Lee, but they were so long I thought they eventually separated themselves from the story, and took away from other aspects of the story. Aspects such as suspense, especially at the end I felt were compromised by this strategy.
That said I want to reiterate that this story is a fabulous read, that took me by surprise at the end, although after watching loads of movies such as Bonnie and Clyde, and Thieves Like Us I thought at least one of the two agents would be killed. Truthfully I thought it would be poor old Lee.

This clip is the opposite of the story, but it is as hiest shoot down as it gets.

This Post is Systematic, It's about Grease Sing-A-Long Automatic

I am actually a hater of musicals, but Grease is one I can deal with thanks to Less Than Jake’s Greased album. This album is a complete collection of Grease tunes covered 90’s skate ska style.
Hopefully Chapman will get in for a Grease Lightning duet.

The album when I knew good Offspring had "Gone Away"

I thought I would go with an album this flashback that actually wasn’t one of my favourites, but still gets a bad rap. That album would be The Offspring’s Ixnay on the Hombre. “Gone Away” was one of the first releases from that album, and I don’t think many people including myself were excited about the direction that The Offspring had gone in. Ixnay definitely pales in comparison to there previous work on Smash, and Ignition, but there are a lot of classic style Offspring tracks on there that don’t get a fair shake because some of the goofier songs that have become the unrecognizable Offspring of the two thousands.
The album starts out with the Disclaimer which is not as funny as I believe they thought it was, but amps things up with “The Meaning of Life”, a great old school Offspring song, followed by “Mota” which harkens to the straight edge roots, and is actually funny as opposed to a few of the songs such as “Pretty Fly for a White Guy.” Wait I gotta be truthful, when that song came out I liked it, but after hearing it a million times on radio it got old quick, and for the record I only thought it was funny the song is way to gimmicky to be good I think.
The end of this album is really good too with “Amazed”, and “Change the World”, both of which are a darker style than I think any album they have ever released. They are both along the lines of “Gone Away the guitar and drums are still hard, but they are a little slower, and often lower than many Offspring fans are probably used to. The weakness of this album is the downfall, because other than “Gone Away” and “What I Want” (my personal fav. The video is good to which hopefully will be up on the blog by noon tomorrow, but check the link for now) there is a lyrical black hole that is sucking all redeeming qualities into oblivion. Don’t pick it up, and me and my old lady definitely aren’t the worst Offspring songs now, but at the time, although listenable these tracks stick the joint up. Last but not least “Way Down the Line” is a lyrically superb song, but maybe in an attempt to liven up the album do a song that has dark tones to goofy instrumentals. C’mon man. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us8OhI-OTHg&ob=av2n

Please listen to OLD AFI

AFI has got to be the band that has broke my heart the most during this emo slide that came about around 2001. This album like my last Unknown Road flashback is one of the less popular early AFI albums.
After listening to the first five albums repeatedly over the years I cannot really dicipher what is so different from the other AFI albums, but like the Unknown Road album I think it is experimentation, and lyrical content.
One theme that is prevelant in through Answer That and Stay Fashionable is that of betrayal, and more specifically pretending to be someone you are not. Two of a Kind, and Yurf Rendenmein are number one and three in the album...
I'm sorry, I'm listening to the album and I realize why people didn't like this album. It's the high pitched vocals that Davey Havok used to advance East Bay Hardcore, but also converted into so poppy junk that I just cannot support. I hated it when I heard the new stuff, but it is so catchy I am worried I might get sucked into a black hole of lame emotions, and stories about my Xs. C'mon man.
AFI used put on one hell of a show, and I paid thirty bucks in 2002 I think to see them promote their new album like they were the second coming of Metallica. Thank God they haven't gone as far as to sue everyone that wears make up.
Back to the album. This album has some old school punk in it. High Scool Football Hero is an original throwback to the Dead Kennedy's Jock o' Rama. 
The tracks are solid, and the intros that include Resevour Dogs, and a movie I was sure was Spinal Tap, but on further inspection clearly is not. These aspects make this an album I think hits listeners on every level even stuff like great movies that only have a loose connection to music.
If you like new AFI ANDREW PARKER I send you a challenge to listen to two hours of old AFI without digging the real AFI.

Unknown Road

One of the bands that defines 90's skate punk is Pennywise. From thier 1989 release Wild Card to about 2003 Pennywise was creating athem like tunes that reached from kids smoking pads to hockey dressing rooms.
My favorite Pennywise album is Unknown Road. The entire album is written like a motivational speech. The title track is a great mix of classic chords, a message of pushing limits, and an introduction to Jim Lindberg singing. When the album was released many fans weren't fond, of the direction Lindberg had taken with the vocals, but I think it was a great direction to go in. I wish Pennywise would write more albums similar to this now that they have Zoli Tagles formally of Ignite singing for them.
"Up to Me",is a fast number that starts with some drumming that brings up tempo combined with classic Pennywise guitar distortion.
The one song that really won me over was "Dying to Know", it has some of the best guitar I have heard on a Pennywise album ever, and the vocals and lyrics are so strong that you cannot help but get into it. Lindberg sings the heck outta this one, and the message is more creating a heaven on earth rather than wait for when a person dies. I think it is a message that no matter what you believe you can get behind, because it focuses on problems on earth, rather than what people believe.The rest of the album is comprised of great tunes that stick out from every other Pennywise album.
There has been criticism in the past from people including myself that Pennywise got stale after about five albums becuase they mainly play sing-a-long power chord punk, but this album has fewer woahs, and the best lyrical content of any pennywise album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBtXL9NAPXk&ob=av2e

Dickin' Around on the Facebook

I thought The Social Network was going to be good, but I was surprised at how good it was when I saw it Tuesday night. Jesse Eisenberg has made it into an elite group of actors that I watch in movies as long as they are not romantic comedies - worst movie genre ever!
My elite actors by the way are Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tim Roth, John Turturro, and of course Adam Sandler. I'll even give my boy J.T. a shout out.
I liked the way Eisenberg portrayed Zuckerberg, because it didn't clearly paint Zuckerberg as good or bad. The audience is allowed to draw conclusions, and I think that most reasonable people would realize that we have all made poor decisions regarding people with which we have had differences. Stealing the idea for Facebook I thought was the most incriminating evidence, but I think if someone tells you something, and you improve on it, especially if that idea is based on something you did, it is their fault for giving intellectual property away. The film did a great job of going from present to past, while expanding knowledge on both timelines. I really liked how they developed the rift between Eduardo, and Mark. Most of the movie you are wondering how Eduardo is involved with the litigious matters, but there is enough information throughout for the audience to draw conclusions before the events are revealed in their entirety. There actually weren’t many specific parts that I loved, it was just a great movie overall.l
If there is any effect on Facebook's popularity I can only see it being positive. People don't go onto Facebook because of their love for Mark Zuckerberg. They go on there because their friends are on there too. The release of this movie likely will only increase the number of people on, and popularity of Facebook.
Mark Zuckerberg's response in the PR Post blog was necessary, and exactly what he should have done. There are parts in the movie that are open to interpretation, for instance the creation of facemash and the comments he put on a blog about his ex-girlfriend, but Zutterberg allows for people to draw their own conclusions. All he says is that the movie is supposed to be "fun", which I believe allows him to separate himself from the way he is portrayed on screen, while not making claims that the creators are lying, or misrepresenting him. I think he therefore avoids having people look deeper into his past, and limits the impact anything in the film will have on him, or his future endeavors. I don't know if there is much else he could have done, and despite what Tiffany Gallicano might think I don't believe there is ever a wrong time to give to charity. I would have done the same thing as Zuckerberg.

Buyer Beware

I got to admit buyer beware was way more informative than I thought it would be, and I think the turning point was when Digital West emailed Andrew back about the failure rates of their products. On the other hand Seagate responded to us as well unlike Hitachi, but I found the process to get information off of Seagate’s website exhausting, and futile many times when I didn’t a model, or serial number.
I had no idea that external hard drives were so prone to problems. I think the most surprising thing we discover was how fragile they are. Every site I visited recommended that you by a case for the hard drive, because a drop is a great risk with these products. That being said it seems that if you are careful with the drives they should last quite a while. Our research said upwards of five years, and in that time something better will likely come out anyway.
Secondary research helped, but primary research is really where we made some hay. As mentioned above going to the manufacturers was a great place to find information about how to care for hard drives, warranties, and even how to shop smart. John Pura deserves thanks. The guy is a wiz with computers. A couple days after he helped with our project he fixed a frozen computer in the radio station - and he wasn’t even in the room. Guy shows up anyway to make sure we a cool - class act all the way. I was surprised how much information even Wal-Mart electronics employees had about the external hard drives. We didn’t use any in our report, but when I asked about failures, and quality. He got me a hard drive from Lexmark, which is cheap, and has worked well for the first two weeks at least. I gathered much of what I learned from him by observing him talk to another customer who actually knew less than me.
I found that customer feedback, and critique are of limited value. Some are accurate, but in many cases, especially on-line, there is a limited pool that is not statistically significant, sometimes one person that rates the product so low it is meaningless accompanied buy explanations that are for the most part useless. Therefore we didn’t base any of our findings off that information, other than student, and expert testimony.
The aspect our project that I thought was most helpful for consumers was the how to care for a hard drive section, because it even if you buy the best hard drive improper care such as not ejecting, or constantly using the hard drive can cause it to malfunction. It is also good advice to ask any questions you may have, because there is so much information, and variety regarding external hard drives.
One thing that I noticed with all the projects was that there were items such as flight costs (Air Canada cheaper in some cases) that I had disregarded as impossible. The one that shocked me the most was the rental scam project. If they haven’t done this on the I-Team they should a lot of people could be helped just by what was taught in class, great research too possibly finding where the “creep” lives. I also liked that they highlighted different ways the scams can unfold.
I was impressed by all the buyer beware projects. They were all entertaining, and all immediately useful. The timeline provided for it gave time for review, and even elimination of information such as that of the forums, which were replaced by the purchase of an external hard drive.

I know how Dennis Green felt - Mayoral Debate

I knew who Judy Wasylycia-Lies was when she started the forum, and I let her off the hook. I got to ask the first question during the question period, which I used to ask about how the candidates would help families instil respect for communities in their children. I meant to include "how do you get the parents to take the kids to the community centers?", but being green to the media game I missed it, and Judy rambled about community centers.
Richard Cloutier should check his facts. I am a Ozzie Gullien fan, not a White Sox fan - I cheer for the A's, Jays, Twins, and of course the Brew Crew (Brewers) - The A's are my team for the record.
Other than those faux pas' (some one get Chris Petty on this grammar) I thought forum was great. Sam Katz is quite the speaker. It was almost as if Judy was setting him up. What the love is she thinking. I got the documents in the garage. Yeah, you wanna see my old paint, and the toilet I used before the renovation. C'mon, I thought this was political hardball, not No Talent League slo-pitch. Sam Katz returned that one like was on the Jose Canseco steroid diet. Katz guaranteed that you can find his info on the internet, rather than his garage - makes sense.
I never thought that I would vote for Sam, but I was enchanted by his speaking, and I have to admit that we made eye contact several times, and it was magical. But seriously when I asked that question that Judy waffled on I knew she is not mayoral material. She seems like follower, not a leader. Judy also seems like a contrarian, because she has only one new idea, raising property tax, and Sam shredded that information. Sam on the other the other hand (still waffling somewhat), answered my question. He talked about getting all levels of government involved, and helping dysfunctional, poor, and single parent families. I know that is a generic answer, but at least I felt like I asked a good question. Call it cliché if you wish, but I really felt like Sam was listening to the people.
Can I say that I will vote for Sam? No. Let’s just say that my boy Rav Gill may have lost a vote on Wednesday even though I like that he has different ideas, but Steve V. schooled CreComm on how little the Mayor can do without support from the council.
Am I getting sucked in buy the Sam Katz charm? Who knows?
The points that really affected me (someone please get Petty on this word use) were Sam’s assertion that Judy has no useful experience in the real world. Sure promoting events is a dream for most, but it is a REAL job. My friend Dale Kibbins does it, and until you get to a Katz level it is often hard, thankless work.
Judy had no response these kind of attacks from Sam, and I fret to think of how she would respond to Harper if she needed help.
Oh yeah “conservative” mayor will be better for Winnipeg. The federal government I believe needs to be wooed a little bit more than the provincial one, because the Provincial government is invested directly in the province. The federal government id invested in the overall well being of the country primarily. Plus Harper already does well in the west.
Stay tuned for a anti political Propaghandi flashback "Less Talk, More Rock"

The lost Green Day Post

There was a time when Green Day wasn't creating generic junk, and lame musicals. Back in 1990 when they released Kerplunk on Lookout records Green Day had a sound that made them huge a few years later with Dookie. 2000 Light Years Away is the first track, and you can hear in this song why Green Day has been able to make it as far as they have. It is very catchy, but unlike their new stuff it has a little edge. Welcome to Paradise was originally released on this album, and it is that kind of tune you can expect for the rest of the album, but unlike later releases they still incude their hillbilly humor song Dominated Love Slave (it is sorta like Sassafrass roots off Dookie.
I don't know really where to start when discussing songs on this album, but Words I Might Have Ate is a great, almost folksy song. The cover of My Generation was a formitable achievement. Think the opposite of the abomination Limp Bizcut created.
This is the best Green Day album - trust me. Dookie is an argueable alternative, but it might be the recording value (the crappier the punker) but this album has a sound that I don't think can be topped for the type of music it is. That is not to say that I think this is the best album ever, but I believe that out of every disc I own this is the one I would bet on being universally enjoyed.
By the way I got to say I am very disappointed in Green Day, but I want everyone to know I am not sore at them despite what I am going to write.
What the Hey!? is with all this American Idiot noise. I read an article in a Magazine called Threat (don't get me started on that publication) where Green Day said they thought writing a rock opera was so the opposite of punk that it was super punk. Super punk is my descriptive word, but that was the gist of an explanation for American Idiot. There are about three quality tunes on that album in my opinion and other than that Green Day is more about make up than music.
Save your money next timew Green Day releases an album, and buy Kerplunk.

What in the World happened to you?

The name of this Blog is two fold.
It lets me explain that I had written a Green Day blog on Monday, but I didn't realize their was an error, so hear comes the belated mystery band blog.
Green Day was the answer. Good job Kenton.
The other reason is that even though it is an Offspring song, I wonder what in the world happened to Green Day. This band used to be great. The album I'm reviewing, Kerpluk, is proof of that. The tunes on this album have something that has been missing since Dookie. Lets call it over production. Kerplunk has good tunes that are a little poppy, but they still have enough edge, and lack of production that it has the sound of an old 80's punk record. Something like the Descendents, who I believe could have made it huge if they allowed their tunes to be over produced.
The best songs on the album in my opinion are "Who wrote Holden Caulifield","Sweet Children", and "Words I Might Have Ate." All of these songs have great speed changes, and they are emphasized by Tre Cool's perfection on drums. The lyrics are what I think seperates these three from the rest of the album. The rest of the songs are well written, but these ones have a reflective quality that I think complements the instruments well. They don't stink of a writer that isn't as clever as he thinks is like "Time of your life", what a piece of junk from a long time fan perspective. Maybe Green Day is just trying too hard to be profound.
I read them quoted as saying that they did the American Idiot album as a rock opera because it was so unpunk it was punk- sorry guys it is a cop-out, sell-out, waste of a forty minutes other than St. Jimmy.
And what is with the make-up? I don't think the establishment cares what these guys do now that they are anthem for everything that is wrong with music.
So to sum up I love Kerplunk, and I cannot believe that Green Day is now the opposite of Kerplunk.

Adrenochrome

The Groovy Ghoulies may be the most obscure band on the Lookout weekend, but they a have a following of very dedicated fans, that were devestated when they broke up eight years ago. I was glad to see them on their tour through Winnipeg, but even happier when they released a new album in 2006. However I'm going way back to their first release Appetite For Adrenochrome. This album actually was released in 1989, but it was rereleased in 1996. The recording quaality leaves a little to be desired, but tunes like 2000 Man, or Armageddon 2000 make you forget about that with great lead vocals, and a sing-a-long feel that explains why they are so entertaining live. The best track I would say is My Computer Said "Kill".
I find it hard to explain the way the Groovy Ghoulies sound but maybe a good description is highway driving party punk. If you like fast power chord driven tunes that are a little Groovy check out these Ghouls.

Long weekend

This weekend was a little hectic so I am declaring this a Blue Bomber Streeter long weekend, Await my next two flashbacks.

Screech n' Wiggle

I didn't know which album to chose from Screeching Weasel; their albums are all dynamite, but "Wiggle" goes above and beyond even their first release "My Brain Hurts". "I'm not in Love" is one of the more unique tracks, becuase it is about dandruff shampoo, and it is written in a choppy chorus that repeats "I'm not in love -love-love", then really kicks in between. Their are too many awesome tunes to mention them all "Automatic Rejector", or "Teenage Psycopath" are my favorites, becuase of the speed and aggression in each, plus the guitar is unique.
A cool thing about Lookout records bands are how close they seem to be to each other. F**k the World which was on the Queers album, is also on Wiggle, because the lead singers wrote it together. I find that these bands seem to write more songs about their friends. The title of one track "Jeannie's got a Problem with Her Uterus" tells all you need to know about the tune, and you get the feeling that the band really cares for their friend.
Screeching Weasel has always been experimental, and it might take a second listen to get into this album, but once you get it you are in for a treat with Screeching Weasel's Wiggle.

Love is Dead

One of the staples of 90s punk albums is an element of humor, and the Mr. T Experience follows that trend. Dumb Little Band is a catchy tune that compares their career to that of their friends. The thing that fascinates me about this album is how much better than their other releases. That is not to say that the others are bad, but these songs are the perfect blend of speed, melody, and edge. Deep Deep Down is the tenth track, and is beautiful lyrically even though I'm still not sure what it is about other than a death, and right after the guys crank the tempo and feeling by hitting their audience with Can I Do The Thing?
I almost get the feeling that Blink 182 was inspired by this album because I think a fair description of the Mr. T Experience is that they are the rich man's Blink 182. (I base that off a ratio of rariety, and song to grounded reference ratio.

The Queers

The first Lookout album I am reviewing is The Queer’s “Love Songs for the Retarded”. This 1995 release is the first from this California based surf-punk triad. The album starts out fast with “You’re Tripping” The Queers anti racism anthem, and is filled with Beach inspired tunes that are the kind of tunes that can get you through a long day at work. The highlights include “Feeling Groovy”, F*** the World (which is love song), and Teenage Bonehead. The variety of tunes doesn’t range to far, but the tempo is great, and the Queers do slow it down with ditties like Debra Jean.
The only issue I have with this album is that it was recorded while the three were still minors so some of the lyrics suffer from being dated, and even get creepy with songs like “Ursula Finally has Tits”.

Lookout Weekend

　
I have been slacking on this blog, and these bands I am covering deserve better. This weekend is the LOOKOUT! Records best of weekend. This is the best record label you may have never heard of, and I am honouring the memory of this label by doing reviews on Screeching Weasel, the Mr. T Experience, Groovy Goulies, the Queers, and a mystery band.
Reply and try to guess who the mystery band is. A hint is that they have become on of the biggest punk bands ever.

Check Twitter - /@nicholsanian

I had to claw my way onto Twitter, but I'm there now. It seems like it might get addictive, but if you like movie, music, and sports thoughts check it out  - /@nicholsanian.

First Review - NoFX's "White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean"

The first punk album I ever bought was NoFX's "White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean", and to this day it still get a regular listen. The second track "Stickin' in My Eye", is great tune that eases the listener into serenity before guitarist Eric Melvin cuts in with power chords that don't stop pumpin' until the next track "Bob" starts. "Bob" tells the story of a alcoholic that cannot drink anymore. The lyrics are good, and the use of horns really gives this song another level that many bands in the nineties skate punk genre lacked.
"White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean" is 13 songs that go from comedy to punk to ska, including a cover of Minor Threats song "Straight edge" converted from its hardcore origin, into a jazz piece. This album is also the first to feature El Hefe who added a ska feel to the band, which expanded into every album following "White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean". If there was one album that I thought could turn a rapper into someone that listened to music it would be this release from way back in 1992.

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This is a test post. NOFX review coming soon.