News in Punk » Commentary

Top Punk Rock Guitar Gods

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:22:45 +0000

Check out the latest article from Ultimate Guitar, wherein they list their opinion regarding the top 10 mightiest guitar gods in punk rock history. It’s an interesting article, and definitely worth a look.

From Johnny Ramone (at number 4) to Lou Reed (at the number 1 spot,) check out the list and see how well they nailed it. I think they did a pretty good job – what about you?

You can check out the full article here. Let me know what you think! Did they get it right? Do you feel they missed someone?

Denise

(Photo Credit)

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Watch Robots Dance to Punk Music

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:56:22 +0000

Always wanted to see robots dance to punk music? Well, even if that thought has never crossed your mind, you could get the chance to see the concept in action anyway.

According to this article, artist Fiddian Warman created 6 foot tall robots to listen to – and actually LIKE – punk music; oh, and there’s dancing too.

In an effort to create a robotic version of his younger self, Warman created the robots to be controlled by a neural network. This means the robots can actually learn, so Warman has apparently been playing classic punk music to the robots in an attempt to turn them into pogo-ing (yes, they can pogo too), punk loving robots.

Sound weird? Yeah, it is – but if you happen to be in London from July 3rd to 5th, you may consider hopping by The Institute of Contemporary Arts to catch the show.

What do you think? Weird? Awesome? Speechless? Whatever the case may be, I want to hear your thoughts about these punk robots.

Denise

(Photo Credit: Michal Zacharzewsk i)

(FYI, the photo is NOT a picture of the actual robots created)

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Warped Tour Goes Green

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:53:50 +0000

In an effort to reduce their carbon footprint, Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman plans to make a strong effort to “go green.”

According to this article from The El Paso Times, Lyman created the Warped Eco Initiative as an eco-friendly approach to keeping the tour as “green” as he possibly can. Recycle, Reduce, Reuse will be a popular theme for the long-running tour this year; additionally, the tour has switched to using biodiesel fuels for large vehicles and a solar-powered stage and Warped Eco tent.

If fans really want to help out, they will be encouraged to make use of the recycling bins stashed around the place and can even purchase an eco-friendly cloth bag to tote their souvenirs around in instead of a plastic one.

For more about how Warped Tour plans to be eco-friendly this year, read the entire article (linked above.)

What are your thoughts about the Warped Eco Initiative? I want to know!

Stay true,

Denise

(Photo Credit Warpedtour.com)

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Attainment Brings “Real” Punk Rock to the Table

Thu, 22 May 2008 22:19:33 +0000

Canadian punk outfit Attainment not only sound great, but they do their damnedest to keep punk rock alive and well. Let me tell you; they’re doing their job!

Right now they have four songs up on their Myspace profile. According to a Myspace bulletin, they recently re-recorded “Riff,” and put up the brand new song “Circle Pit.” Check ‘em out, will ya? These guys are going places (or should be) and you’ll definitely enjoy giving them a listen.

From their profile, you immediately realize Attainment is a no-holds-barred, tell-it-as-they-see-it type of band. As their “About Me” states:

“We believe in REAL punk rock…”

It’s obvious, guys. Keep up the great work.

(Photo Credit: Sam Horvat)

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The Vandon Arms are Frickin’ Rad

Fri, 09 May 2008 23:53:32 +0000

Since discovering The Vandon Arms, I can’t stop listening to them. Their music has an infectious kick you just can’t get out of your head; if you like Flogging Molly, you’ll love this Irish punk group.

Why I haven’t discovered them before now I don’t know, but according to their Punx.com profile, the four-piece has shared the stage with such great acts as The Unseen, Reel Big Fish, Agent Orange and more.

Seriously, what are you waiting for? Get thee to their profile and rock out. They’ve got some AWESOME music (I recommend The Righteous Fight and The Boys Back Home), and they’re sure to become a favorite.

If you decide you really love them, check out their merch selection; from what I can tell, they’ve got two CD’s available for purchase. Go to town, lovelies.

You can also check out The Vandon Arms official website or their Myspace, if that’s your fancy.

Stay True,

Denise

(Album Photo Courtesy of The Vandon Arms OFFICIAL WEBSITE)

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Songs You MUST Put On Your iPod TODAY

Mon, 05 May 2008 19:58:54 +0000

As a self-described music junkie, I will admit to playing certain songs for long periods of time – over and over and over again (much to the chagrin of my roommate, I might add!)

With that in mind, the following two songs are definitely tunes you MUST put on your iPod. Right now. Seriously, do it. If you already have them, great; if you don’t, what are you waiting for?

Rancid – Time Bomb

This song often finds itself on repeat in my playlist; if you don’t know this song, you’ve been living under a rock. If you DO know this song but have somehow neglected to add it to your preferred music player, WHY?! It’s a kick ass song and the tune always gets stuck in my head for days.Less Than Jake – The Science of Selling Yourself Short

Just TRY to listen to this song and not have the catchy melody pulsing through your brain all day. LTJ are one of my all-time favorite bands; I couldn’t make a post like this and not include one of their songs.So folks, there you have it – two songs you definitely can’t neglect to put on your iPod any longer. What are you waiting for? Hop to it, eh?

Denise

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CBGB Turned New York Fashion Boutique?

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:47:38 +0000

It’s true; former music club CBGB, after being defunct for several years, has now been turned into an “upscale” clothing shop. Designer John Varvatos, whose menswear line will debut on Monday decided to turn CBGB into a clothing shop as a means to “combine music, fashion and memorabilia…[in one].”

Located in the Bowery District of New York, CBGB was home to performances by The Ramones, Blondie, Patti Smith and others who attempted to keep punk music alive.

While a few remnants of the club’s past still remain (1970’s fliers, black walls, and graffiti, to name a few), the atmosphere has, according to some, radically changed. The shop will officially open on Monday, where a curious public will undoubtedly be waiting.

For the full article, please click here.

What do you think about this infamous music club-turned-fashion boutique? Do you feel it’s a good idea; or do you, perhaps, believe Varvatos is trying a wee bit too hard?

Let me know and, as always, stay true.

Denise

(Photo Courtesy of CBGB.com)

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Anti-Flag Starts Blog

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:44:56 +0000

Throwing their blogging hat into the ring, prolific punk rockers Anti-Flag recently launched a blog, entitled “We Are The Bright Lights.” (The name coincides with their upcoming album of a similar name, “The Bright Lights of America.”)

Once there, check out the brief video introduction, and consider submitting something yourself. Members of Anti-Flag launched the blog on the 5th anniversary of the War in Iraq, and encourage others to submit an issue that matters to them.

Kudos to Anti-Flag for creating an outlet for awareness; I anticipate the blog to do quite well once it gets going.

What are your opinions about Anti-Flag stepping onto the blogging bandwagon? Do you like the idea? Why or why not?

Let me know!

Denise

(Photo courtesy of Amazon.com)

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Fall Out Boy’s Cover of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:13:23 +0000

Are you kidding me? Okay, so Fall Out Boy can technically be defined as “pop punk” – that’s why I’m writing about them, as much as I really can’t stand their music.

BUT, I was willing to overlook that… until now. Apparently, Fall Out Boy has done a cover version of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” featuring John Mayer… WTF… JOHN MAYER?!

I’m not sure what to make of this. On the one hand, the original “Beat It” is one of those songs that I admit to liking – sort of my guilty pleasure song, ya know? The fact that Fall Out Boy covered it, well…

See for yourself here, and let me know what you think. Maybe I’m just biased, but I cannot honestly say I like this song. I just can’t.

Stay True,

Denise

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Punk Goes Crunk Track Listing

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:21:10 +0000

In a recent post, I wrote about the latest installment of the “Punk Goes…” series via Fearless Records.

The latest installment, Punk Goes Crunk, will be released on April 8th.

If you’re at all interested in punk rockers trying their hand at rap and hip hop, I’ve got the track listing for you right here.

Love it or hate it, you’ve gotta admit it’s an interesting concept. Click “Read More” for the track listing.

1. 1. Put Yo Hood Up (Originally sung by Lil John) – Set Your Goals
2. Got Your Money (Originally by Ol’ Dirty Bastard) – Say Anything
3. I Wish (Originally By Skee-Lo) – The Secret Handshake
4. Men in Black (Originally By Will Smith) – Forever the Sickest Kids
5. California Love (2PAC) – My American Heart (THIS should be interesting. I actually like this song, and I cannot for the life of me picture a punk group doing it.)

6. I Wanna Love You (Originally Sung By Akon) – The Maine
7. Kryptonite (Originally Sung By Purple Ribbon All-Stars) – Emanuel
8. The Seed (Originally Sung By The Roots) – Person L
9. Still Fly (Originally By Big Tymers) -The Devil Wears Prada
10. Umbrella (Originally By Rihanna) – All Time Low (JOh, come on… seriously?)

11. Notorious Thugs (Originally By Notorious BIG) – Scary Kids Scaring Kids
12. Nothin’ But A “G” Thang (Originally By Dr. Dre) – The Escape Frame
13. Gin and Juice (Originally By Snoop Dogg) – Hot Rod Circuit
14. Hey Ya! (Originally By OutKast) – Lorene Drive
15. Tennessee (Originally By Arrested Development) – New Found Glory

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