Blog 8: Possibly The Most Important Song Ever Written

Song I'm Listening To Now: Reinventing Axl Rose by Against Me!

Yesterday I reviewed the Against Me! album "Reinventing Axl Rose." On the album there is a song with the same title which in my opinion is one of the greatest and most important songs ever written. Near enough every line means something to me. Tonight I decided to post the lyrics and a video as I think everyone should hear it.

We want a band that plays loud and hard every night
That doesn't care how many people are counted at the door
That would travel one million miles and ask for nothing more than a plate of food and a place to rest
They'd strike chords that cut like a knife
It would mean so much more than t-shirts or a ticket stub
They'd stop at nothing short of a massacre
Everyone would leave with the memory that there was no place else in the world
And this was where they always belonged
We would dance like no one was watching
With one fist in the air
Our arena just basements and bookstores across an underground America
With this fire we could light
Just gimme a scene where the music is free
And the beer is not the life of the party
There's no need to shit talk or impress
'Cause honesty and emotion are not looked down upon
And every promise that's made and bragged
is meant if not kept
We'd do it all because we have to, not because we know why
Beyond a gender, race, and class, we could find what really holds us back
Let's make everybody sing
That they are the beginning and ending of everything
That we all are stronger than everything they taught us that we should fear 

BRAP!

Song I'm listening to now: Reinventing Axl Rose by Against Me! 

CD Review: Reinventing Axl Rose

What I'm Listening To Now: Cassettes by Mixtapes

Today I'm finally finishing reviewing my top 5 albums ever. The past few weeks I have been very busy wasting my time with Skyrim and FIFA, my bad! My final choice is Reinventing Axl Rose by Against Me!

When I first heard Against Me! I wasn't really sure what all the fuss was about. I never disliked any songs but was completely flummoxed as to why they were adored so much by the punks. Then I saw this video.

 I instantly fell in love with them. I found the energy and passion of the fans mesmerizing. Straight away I went online and brought the album.

Reinventing Axl Rose starts of with Pints Of Guiness Make You Strong. This song is a very clear indication of the musical style you will find on this album. Fist in the air sing-a-longs, fast drumbeats and the raw intensity they are known for after years of performing live in basements and dirty bars. 

The next stand out track is We Laugh At Danger And Break All The Rules (The song from the video), is a song about growing up and struggling with who you are, feeling trapped and wanting to escape and do something great. My favourite part of the song is when the music drops out and you think the song is ending and then a huge sing-a-long. It gives a wonderful impression of a room full of kids clapping along to the beat with huge smiles on their faces.

The title track in my opinion is the greatest song ever written. It is an anthem not just for punk, metal or hardcore bands but for any band that has loaded up a van to travel the world to play their music. There are soooooo many great lyrics in this song I'm tempted to post them all. I won't, but you should definitely check them out here: http://www.plyrics.com/lyrics/againstme/reinventingaxlrose.html

My personal favourite lyric is "Just gimme a scene where the music is free, And the beer is not the life of the party." This lyric is very dear to me due to my own views on drinking alcohol. Any scene where there isn't the social stigma that says you don't need to drink to have fun is definitely a scene for me.

Reinventing Axl Rose is an amazing piece of work by a band that are now one of the biggest punk bands on the planet. Every single new album is always greeted with great anticipation but for me this will always remain the best. Every time I listen I seem to find something else I love about it. Check it out!

Song I'm Listening To Now: Walking Is Still Honest by Against Me!  

 
 

Blog 7: Fudge X-Factor, listen to something new

Song I'm Listening To Now: It Coulda Been Me by Social Distortion

Sunday night I was finding myself getting incredibly irritated by constant posts on various social network websites about the x factor. I hate that TV "talent" show with a passion. The sole purpose of this show seems to be to give the "judges" some exposure while Simon Cowell lines his pockets with more millions. Very few contestants on the show seem to have prolonged careers in the music industry.

You might say "Colin, you incredibly handsome man, why do you watch it if you hate it so much?" I don't watch it but it seems every other person I seem to know does and feels the need to post there judgement on the Internet for my uninterested eyes to see. This is fine, the Internet is a great tool for people to put their own opinion across about anything and everything. I'm sure the majority of readers of this blog will have a different opinion on the points I've already put across.

I really wish people instead of listening to what Simon Cowell and Tulisa decide the public should listen to would go and give something different a chance. There are so many talented hardworking underground bands in the UK. Here are my top 5. Give them a chance, you might like them. If you do, go see them or BUY a CD. 

Apologies, I Have None
Hailing from London, Apologies, I Have None are an upbeat punk influenced four piece. Starting off as an acoustic duo they have since added a drummer and bass player to their ranks and have gone from strength to strength and have gained a very credible following. After releasing a string of EPs and Singles they released their debut album this year named London. The album has received extremely positive reviews and I personally haven't stopped listening to it. 

Songs to check out: Sat In Vicky Park, Clapton Pond, The 26

Crowns
Crowns are a folk punk band originating from Cornwall. Forming in 2010 they refer to their music as "fish punk" due to being partly inspired by traditional Cornish songs. After seeing them live twice I can tell you they are a great party band. Lots of energy and can really get a crowd moving.

Songs to check out: Full Swing, She Swears Like A Sailor, Kissing Gates

Faintest Idea
Formed in Kings Lynn in 2008 Faintest Idea describe there music as "rudeboy punk." They play a energetic brand of ska and street punk. Mike Davies of the Radio 1 Punk show called it dance punk during a recent interview. However you want to classify Faintest Idea one thing is for certain, they are cracking fun. First time I saw them live the horn players started the set at the back of the crowd and made there way towards the stage playing an intro. I thought this was absolute genius. Despite only being around for a short while and being on a small independent record label (TNS) they have already released 3 albums of fun and political anthems. 

Songs to check out: 2 Years Conscription, Bull In A China Shop, Stand Tall

Beans On Toast
Jay McAllister, better known as Beans On Toast is a folk singer from Essex. He mostly sings about love, drugs and politics. So far he has released four full length album. He has a reputation for being completely shambolic live. He is well known for completely messing up his songs by getting the chords wrong or forgetting the lyrics. Amazingly, due to an amazing amount of charm he manages to make the live show work despite those short comings. Check him out soon.

Songs to check out: M.D.M.Amazing, Peter Pans Playground, Can't Take Another Earthquake

Random Hand
Yorkshires Random Hand play a fusion of ska, reggae, punk and metal to create a huge sound. They have released three fantastic albums and played shows with some of the greats such as Reel Big Fish and Big D & the Kids table as well as performing at Reading and Leeds festival and being at the forefront of the current UK underground scene along with the likes of Sonic Boom Six and The Skints. These guys can only get bigger and bigger.

Songs to check out: Play Some Ska, Scum Triumphant, Anger Management

Those are just five are loads of underground bands that get little to no exposure due to shows like x factor. Honourable mentions also go to New Town Kings, Tyrannosaurus Alan, Anti Vigilante, Leagues Apart, Roughneck Riot, Dirty Revolution and The JB Conspiracy. Go check them all out!

BRAP

Song I'm Listening To Now: Answers by Random Hand

Blog 6: A Happy List

Song I'm Listening To Now: Someday I Suppose by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

 Recently I've been feeling really really low so I've decided to list things that make me happiest to cheer myself up.

• The Abu Club
• My School Friends
• My Work Friends
• Jess
• My Nephew Captain Chaz
• Going To Gigs
• Crystal Palace
• Playing Football
• Nutmegging People
• Sitting In The Country Park Late At Night
• Long Walks
• Old Photos
• Buying CDs
• Alphabetising New CDs
• Cock Bumping Brad
• Cheers
• The Rovers Tye
• The Johnstones
• Less Than Jake
• Dropkick Murphys
• Road Trips
• Singing "Bohemian Rhapsody"
• Train Journeys
• Frinton Beach
• Making My Friends Laugh
• Playing "Lets Get Naked"
• Boobies
• Fajitas
• Skanking
• Chuck
• Lord Of The Rings
• Star Wars
• Lego
• Playing Cards
• Good Conversation
• Pointless Bickering 
• Blogging

Thats what makes me happiest.

Brap!

Song I'm Listening To Now: The Corpes Of Our Motivations by The Lawrence Arms

CD Review: Sing Loud Sing Proud

What I'm Listening To Now; Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now by The Starting Line

Whilst the more mainstream Blackout was the first Dropkick Murphys album I ever heard Sing Loud Sing Proud was the album that really gave them a permanent home in my heart. Sing Loud Sing Proud for me was the album where DKM (Dropkick Murphys) really found their classic sound. This was when they really started to blend their traditional folk influences into their street punk sound without losing any of the attitude or energy. There isn't a moment where a folk instrument feels forced or out of place. I'd also argue that this is the classic DKM line up with Marc "The Kid" Orrell on lead guitar. If I were to make a fantasy band he would be my guitarist but that is a blog for another day.

Sing Loud Sing Proud starts off with a recording of the fans battle cry of "let's go murphys!" before launching into For Boston. This song is a great way to kick off the album due to the pounding drums, bagpipes taking the lead over the guitars and huge gang vocals. Gang vocals are a huge part of of what makes DKM great.

The majority of songs on Sing Loud Sing Proud are either about workers rights (Which Side Are You On?, The Gauntlet) or are drinking songs (Good Rats, The Spicy McHaggis Jig). Both styles of song work great with the gang vocals and especially the dual vocals of Al Barr and Ken Casey. With singers seemingly coming from every direction it really makes you feel involved in the album.

You can find my two favourite DKM songs on Sing Loud Sing Proud. The Gauntlet starts off with a thumping hollow drum beat the guitars kick in. The song, like many DKM songs is about standing up for yourself regardless of the outcome. The lyric "Do you think we're gonna make it? I don't know unless we try, you could sit here scared to move, or we could take them by surprise" to me is inspiring. it has given me the inspiration many times to stand up for myself when I feel a situation I've been in is unfair. The chorus "Stand up and fight, and I'll stand up with you, we shall succeed" has taught me you don't have to battle everyone yourself and there are people who will have your back.

My other favourite song is A Few Good Men is another song with messages about standing up for yourself and banding together against 'the man.' However where The Gauntlet is a full on punk rock assault A Few Good Men is a more stripped back folk number. This makes it feel very accessible and you can easily imagine it being an anthem on a picket line or at a working class bar. 

I believe that really kick-started DKM on there way to being one of, if not the biggest punk band on the planet. It has everything a great punk album needs, passion, energy, power, truthfulness and great sing-a-longs.

Forever This Album Will Stay With Me.

BRAP!

Song I'm Listening To Now: Forever by Dropkick Murphys

Blog 5: Why I Love Gigs

What I'm Listening To Now: If You Had A Bad Time by Alkaline Trio

Thursday the 4th of November was a very exciting day for me. I was going to Oxford with four of my best boys to see Less Than Jake and Zebrahead. This was going to be my first ever gig. I couldn't wait.

We left for Oxford early that day planning on bumming round Oxford for a bit before getting the venue early to make sure we were up the front. The support bands that day were This Contrast Kills and We Are The Union, they warmed the crowd up pleasantly enough but when Zebrahead took to the stage and opened with Hell Yeah they had the crowd in the palm of their hands instantly. I'd never felt such a collective amount of energy and love for one single thing before, until Less Than Jake took the stage of course. The crowd when absolutely bananas for them, the whole room was singing, dancing, skanking and moshing the night away with them. There was so much love for the band from the crowd and so much love for the crowd from the band. I was absolutely in love with this night. This was in fact the best feeling I'd ever had from a night out. Why had it taken me so long to go to a gig?

Since that day I've been to 23 gigs and I have 15 more booked up before Christmas. It's fair to say I've become a little addicted. Today is my 16th day without going to gigs and I am starting to really get a craving for my next one. With this blog I'm aiming to work out why I love it and why it’s become such a big part of my life.

One of my favourite things about live music is the energy you get from the bands. As much as bands try it’s almost impossible to portray the energy you get from seeing a band live on a CD. It's great to see the passion and conviction being shown by the likes of Frank Turner or Justin Sane (Anti-Flag). It adds a whole extra dimension to the songs and shows they really believe what they are singing. There isn't much better than seeing a band who have been playing the same songs for years still putting as much effort and energy into the songs as they did when they first wrote them.

Something else you don't get from a CD but do at a gig is the interaction between the bands and the crowd. I've witnessed Less Than Jake get two men in morph suits get up on stage for a drinking contest, I've seen Fat Mike (NOFX) pay a kid £50 to let him cut his hair of on stage. One particular highlight from a band I've seen was when Pat Thetic, the drummer from Anti-Flag setting up his kit in the middle of a circle pit whilst for the bands final song (Power To The Peaceful) during their headline set at AntiFest earlier this year. At the last gig I went to I saw Jimmy Stadt (Polar Bear Club) pull someone on stage to help play one of their closing songs. He said it was the first time they'd ever done it. It was truly an "I was there when" moment. 

You also get to some great showmanship from the bands that help add that something special to a show. Whether it’s an in-sync jump between the bands or a big drum solo it all adds to the show. There are also the gags that are added between songs. My personal favourite was at a Lightyear gig this summer. They had just finished their main set and rather than leave the stage before the encore they brought out a table and chairs and sat and had a cup of tea and read the paper. I thought it was genius.

Another thing I really enjoy at gigs is the crowd itself. Earlier today I was watching Frank Turner's live at Wembley DVD. During his final song he introduced his band and thanked the most important member's of his band, the crowd. He did a small speech about how if the crowd didn't show up then he wouldn't be able to play his songs for people. Frank hit the nail on the head with that speech. At the end of the day a crowd can make or break a gig. I've always found if the crowd are getting behind the band the bands seems to put on a better show than when a crowd doesn't. I've been lucky enough where there have been minimal times where there has been a bad crowd.

I think you will find three different types of people at a gig. Firstly you get the people who like to get right to the front and get as close to the band as they possibly can. Then you get the people who like to get wild and crazy in the pit and lastly you get the people who like to keep out of the action and just get watch the show from a safe distance. All of these positions have their pros and con's. For instance if you’re at the front you get a great view but you do get crushed against a steel barrier for a couple of hours. If you’re in the pit you generally have a great night dancing the night away but often feel like you've been in a fight when you're done. If you’re at the back you avoid the rambunctiousness of the pit and being at the front but you struggle to get as good of a view.

I've had some amazing nights at many gigs in all of those positions but if I'm being honest I've always had the best nights when I've been in the pit. I find a mosh pit to be a weird and wonderful place. In everyday life if you push and shove in a big crowd you are public enemy number one. At a gig you are accepted. It is strange. I've had many amazing nights where I've ended up being half naked, covered in other peoples sweat as well as my own, bouncing around with guys twice my size. Anywhere else this would not be accepted but here it is considered the norm and expected. It may sound daunting, but despite the craziness everyone is looking out for one another. There is an unwritten law where if you see someone fall pick them up and make sure they are ok.

I really do love the people you meet at gigs. Especially at a punk gig. Everyone is there with the common goal of having a great time seeing a band that they love. This makes it very easy to quickly become great mates with a complete stranger from a completely different walk of life.

The first gig I ever went to alone was NOFX and Less Than Jake at the O2 Academy in Shepherds Bush. I was a bit apprehensive about going at first but as soon as I found the place (my plan of follow the NOFX shirts worked perfectly) I soon felt fine. During that gig I managed to have great conversation with a father and son who'd come as a father’s day gig. The father was definitely an old original punk and was a complete hero. I spoke with some lads from Norwich who turned out to be in a band supporting one of my favourite UK bands ever, 4ft Fingers and a German girl who if I'm being completely honest turned out to be one of the coolest people I've ever met.

Fans of punk rock seem to be the some of the friendliest people alive. In the summer my boys all had gone on a lad’s holiday. Hot weather and getting mindlessly drunk, definitely not a holiday for me. During the time they were away Less Than Jake were on a UK tour. The date that fell on my day off was in Brighton. I thought to myself "fudge it, it will be a great adventure even if I am by myself, I always make friends at gigs." So with that theory I booked a hotel and caught a train down to Brighton. I got to my hotel which upon arrival gave the impression I'd booked myself into a brothel. The receptionist took me to my room and explained that my room had been upgraded. She showed me my room and told me the toilet is down two floors. If my upgraded room didn't have a toilet in it I dread to think what my original room was like. This adventure was pretty poo so far but I decided to make the best of it and go explore and find the gig venue.

Anybody who knows me will tell you how bad my sense of direction is so finding the venue obviously didn't go smoothly. It went so bad in fact that I managed to accidently walk down some sort of gay hang out and get harassed by an old man called Bob for a blowjob. I'm far from close minded or homophobic but this incident really shook me up. This paired with how crap my hotel room was made me want to go home but again I decided to make the best of it.

I'm so glad I didn't. Not long after getting into the venue and getting a good spot two girls came and started talking to me due to the fact I was wearing my Big D &The Kids Table t-shirt. Turns out they are big fans to. They made me feel so much better. Eventually the gig got going and they disappeared but I was feeling so much more comfortable. The warm up bands finished and I was waiting patiently for Less Than Jake and I started talking to some fella. He was a cool bloke and thought it was brilliant that I'd come so far for the show. He introduced me to his friends and we all got on like a house on fire. I explained how bad my day had been (worryingly one of them thinks they have met the same gay harasser that I had) and they made me feel right at home. They even offered me a place to stay for the night and if I ever came back to Brighton. This to me was the epitome of human kindness and I loved them for it. 

I love a punk crowd.

That is why I love gigs so much. I get to meet so many different and interesting people. They are all friendly and kind and accept you despite the way you look or who you are. It gives me a great feeling of belonging. These are my people. I've been to eight gigs by myself now and it amazes every time how comfortable I am here than I have been times when I've been dragged to a Saturday night in town going to pubs and bars. I hate those nights.

Ultimately I love gigs for all of those reason but mostly because it gives someone who has never fit in with the cool kid crowd somewhere to fit in.

BRAP!

Song I'm Listening To Now: Before They Make Me Run by Supersuckers