Music play list for the week ending October 25, 2009

Top 25  - In no particular order -

Rotting Out - From the Inside
Lemonheads - Hate Your Friends
SSD - Get It Away
WAX - Hang'in On
Embrace - Money
Dag Nasty - I've Heard
Echo & The Bunnymen - Silver
Sham 69 - Leave Me Alone
Rollins Band - Shine
Warzone - Fuck Your Attitude
Runaways - American Nights
Motorhead - Eat The Rich
David Bowie - Cactus
The Boys - Nothing Ventured
Gotohells - Soothe My Soul
Resistoleros - Rock & Roll Napalm
Cro-Mags - Don't Tread on Me
Minor Threat - Seeing Red
The Cramps - Can't Find My Mind
Nekromantix - Jack the Stripper
Mad Caddies - Cup o Tea
Descendents - Doghouse
Save Ferris - Come on Eileen
Bad Brains - Pay to Cum
Eddie & the Hotrods - I Might Be Lying

The above list are some of the top played songs amongst our staff this week.

Message of the week:
Arguing with a fool proves there are two.
-Dorris M. Smith

 

This weeks playlist brought to you by: Goldenvoice

 If you would like to sponsor our weekly playlist - Contact us

 

 

Copy and paste the above banner and link to your MySpace or website and stay up to date.
Add: myspace.com/bigwheelmagazine as a friend on your MySpace page.

Shows and events calendar for Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura, San Diego, San Bernardino, California and states all over the United States and the world. Complete and extended listing covering Punk, Indie, Rock, Psychobilly and more.

Weezer – WAX – at The Hollywood Palladium – Hollywood, CA

This past Saturday night as I made my way through Hollywood, I thought of all the great venues Hollywood has to offer and how many great shows were going on as I cruised down Sunset. Tonight it would be The Palladium for me! Local stars Wax and Weezer were coming together for a kick ass night of Rock n Roll! This would be the first time Wax and Weezer have shared a stage since 1992 when both bands were starting out in the LA music scene.

Wax recently released  a vinyl 7-Inch, "Hangin' On". It features four unreleased songs that were originally intended for their 1995 release 13 Unlucky Number. SideOneDummy Records released the record and all proceeds are being donated to UCP Wheels For Humanity. Wax, with their original line-up, including Joe Sib, Tom "Soda" Gardocki, Dave Georgeff, and Loomis Fall,  just kicked off a set of reunions shows with an appearance at LA's Darkroom on The 5th of October, it was their first show in over 14 yrs, then  RiotFest '09 in Chicago on the 9th of October.

Weezer invited Wax to support them for this hometown show at the Palladium as Weezer is getting set to release their new album "Raditude" on November 3rd on DGC/Interscope records.  These two bands have  a lot of respect for each other, Joe Sib said "We're honored and humbled that Rivers and the guys asked us to play with them. We have a lot of shared history, and this just seems like everything has come full circle." Rivers Cuomo of Weezer said of Weezer's early days with WAX: "Not only had these friends and former equals (at the bottom of the social ladder) actually made it (in the sense of getting a record deal) but we actually LOVED their music, we worshipped their music. It was so catchy, so ridiculously hook-laden. Every part of every Wax song was as fun and heart-stirring as the last, and each part lasted only as long as it was fresh and then was replaced by the next."

I was super excited about this assignment, a great line-up. While Wax and Weezer have two obviously different styles, their music actually goes hand in hand with their light hearted, fun, songs, and catchy hooks and lyrics! Seemed like a natural choice.

As Wax was getting ready to take the stage, the crowd was surprised to see Johnny Knoxville come out to introduced them, and with that, Wax took to the stage with a fury! Joe Sib is a thoroughly entertaining front man, he was all over the stage and his band backed him up with an equally intense stage presence. This didn't seem like a band that just started playing again after 14 yrs!  They sounded great and their set was packed full of charisma.

I always loved this band as a teenager and felt so grateful to be at The Palladium covering this show for BigWheel. I never thought I would actually be watching a live Wax show. I really hope this is the start of a permanent come back for Wax because they are honestly one of the most entertaining and fun bands I have had the pleasure of experiencing!

After a short intermission, the crowd of 4,000 was pumped and ready for Weezer! This would be my first time seeing them, so I was pretty pumped too! The band played an intro and the energy built up til' it finally came to a head and Rivers Cuomo jumped onto the stage as the song transitioned into Hashpipe, one of the best intros I have seen, it was awesome!!

As the show moved along, they played hit after hit, a couple of covers including  Black Sabbath's  "War Pigs", and some new material including a duet "(If your wondering if I want you to) I want you to", "Can't stop partying" ,and "Pokerface". It was a great mix of old and new material.

Even though Weezer has made it into pop legend status, they are still loved and respected by the Indie world of music, because of their originality. They put on a great show! Go see them if you get a chance and remember to pick up a copy of "Raditude" when it comes out in November!



 

-J. Moncrief-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
 

 

 

Echo and The Bunnymen – She Wants Revenge – at Nokia Theater – Los Angeles, CA

On any given night in Los Angeles you can usually find epic shows going on and then there are those shows that come along a few times during the year that are a big deal –This was one of those shows.

The show would take place within the LA Live compound at The Nokia Theater. An hour before the show was to start a mob of people were already all over the entrance area to get in for this long awaited Echo and The Bunnymen show. Tonight’s show with 80’s post-Punk fave would be very unique because there would be an orchestra backing them up as they recreate the sound of the entire iconic album release from 1984, Ocean Rain. This alone had Los Angeles’ buzzing ever since the show was announced at the start of summer. This would be the band's 30th anniversary, with a trilogy of records released in that period, yet their forth album would be considered by fans far and wide as the album that defined the band.

Opening up the show at 8pm sharp was the most perfect opener, She Wants Revenge from the San Fernando Valley part of Los Angeles. People were still piling into the vast theater as they began playing. The set was disappointingly short, maybe 10 songs total with a most of the songs from their debut album. The sound was all that a fan of SWR would expect in a live show, which was album quality. They ended with the song that put the band on the map, “Tear You Apart”. Apologies from the band came for the short set that they said was out of their control (since it would take a while for the stage to get properly for the Bunnyman). The half hour set blew by way too fast for the audience's liking.  www.myspace.com/shewantsrevenge

Now that there was an intermission people were milling about the lobby, standing in long beer lines or gawking at the tour merch for sale. More and more people were still showing up and the theater would soon be packed out. The crowd was a mix of the 80’s old guard to a whole new set of young Indie fans that came to experience a truly epic band. A point to keep in mind is that a band the caliber of Echo and The Bunnyman is the epitome of what is known as Indie Rock today, yet back when they started, that designation was far from being figured out.

At 9:40pm the show's main event started. The orchestra commenced as the graphic of the album Ocean Rain came up on the 2 large screens that were situated on both sides of the stage. The entire theater came to their feet and cheered as the opening track from the Ocean Rain album, “Silver” began. With the two remaining original members, Ian McCullough on vocals and guitarist Will Sergeant and a very solid 10 plus person orchestra providing the backbone to the performance. No less than 10 seconds into the show as the first lyrics of “Silver” were expelled from Ian’s lips, the crowd’s cheering and clapping continued as and act of sincere approval. The vocal inflection and cadence was right on the money. "Silver" was truly replicated from the band's signature album and really set the stage for the show that was to unfold. During the show the 2 large screens displayed a montage of vintage photos of the band. The photos were a nice compliment to the show and then at times became a distraction because the photos were just so excellent to see.

By the time they played “Crystal Days” it was really sinking in that this capacity crowd was being treated to something very special. The strings of the live orchestra adding the perfect replication to the music which just carried you away. The orchestra’s full weight was felt with the stretched out plucking of the strings during “The Killing Moon”, the entire audience was singing along to this dark hypnotic favorite.

All the songs were played in the sequence as they were on the album, Silver, Nocturnal Me, Crystal Days, The Yo Yo Man, Thorn Of Crowns, The Killing Moon, Seven Seas, My Kingdom, Ocean Rain. Tonight’s performance of this acclaimed album contained all the quality’s devotees of this recording would appreciate and demand.

After a 15 minute intermission the 2nd part of the performance started with “Rescue” from their 1980 debut, Crocodiles. The rest of the show consisted of their timeless classics with some songs from their new album, The Fountain. Song highlights in the second half included, Rescue, Show of Strength, their own version of "Roadhouse Blues, Bring On The Dancing Horses and The Cutter.

The encore started with: Nothing Lasts Forever, going to Echo’s own version of Lou Reed’s “Take A Walk On The Wild Side” and ending the night out with, Lips Like Sugar from their self-titled 1987 album. The nearly 2 hour performance was now over and the atmosphere in the theater was one of euphoria. In the words of one fan that danced and grooved all throughout the show said, “If I never go to another show again in my life, that's ok, I just saw the best show EVER!” If you were there, you probably were thinking the exact same thing.  www.myspace.com/thebunnymen

 

Big Wheel Online Magazine
 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
 

 

Anti-Flag – The People Or the Gun

Anti-Flag's most recent release has everything today's active and aware youth wants from music: fast paced beats, insightful and politically aware lyrics, and the face of Punk Rock to launch it. Anti-Flag's "The People Or The Gun", released through Side One Dummy Records, is an exceptionally insightful album that delivers you such thought provoking lyrical content, you'll feel like you're in a philosophy or literature class, Punk Rock edition. While the album maintains enlightening content, Anti-Flag stays true to their angsty sarcastic attitude by being able to manifest everything they have to say into music you can still form a circle pit to.

"The People Or The Gun" is the real deal. The thematic concerns of each song all consist of the same ideas: the government, religion, the economy, and in a nutshell, LIFE. In "The People Or The Gun", the band questions and argues against a lot of ideas which society easily and readily assimilates to. The song, "Sodom, Gomorrah, Washington D.C. (Sheep In Shepherd's Clothing)" includes a line that states, "Allah, Jesus, and Muhammad. Their words have way more in common than the Midwest or the Middle East like to preach. It's a tragedy. It's a strategy." Lines even more assertive and too intimidating for the mainstreams can be found all throughout the album, and with that kind of content provided, how can anyone resist such a force as intriguing as that?

Anti-Flag's "The People Or The Gun" is a powerful album with dilemma after dilemma present to broaden your perspective and opinion. If you're ready to make the judgment yourself, allow the album to guide you through much of what you never thought or felt before. "The People Or The Gun" is everything you were never taught in high school economics and history.

Band MySpace: www.myspace.com/antiflag

Record Label MySpace: www.sideonedummy.com
 

 

-Stephanie M.-
Senior staff reporter
Big Wheel Online Magazine

 

                                           Go HERE to see all the latest record reviews reviews

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Butterfly Boucher – Scary Fragile

Butterfly Boucher is an artist truly fit for Indie music; she plays the majority of the instruments in her album herself, writes all her lyrics, and even leaves Geffen Records all on her own to provide her most recent album. Butterfly Boucher's "Scary Fragile", released through Nettwerk Records, has a distinct personality that sets the artist apart from other female musicians today. "Scary Fragile" is a very versatile album which conveys fiercely Butterfly Boucher's right to be deserving of the title of musician, and our privilege to be graced with such talent and prowess.

"Scary Fragile" is an album with many melodic songs, some that demonstrate hints of Folk influences, but overall maintains an upbeat Indie Rock ambience. Much of the lyrical content in the album is honest and deep, making "Scary Fragile" a very fulfilling and remarkable album to take listening pleasure in. The last song in the album, "A Bitter Song", is a powerful melancholic song that features only Butterfly Boucher's alluring voice, and her piano. "Scary Fragile" is an album to enjoy if you're into artists like Tegan And Sara, or Rilo Kiley.

It won't be long before Butterfly Boucher makes a name for herself, especially with the skill and devotion for music that she maintains and manifests completely. "Scary Fragile" is an album with much integrity and beauty, and as an independent female artist, delivers more than what we can find or even expect in music today. "Scary Fragile" will guarantee your appreciation, and keep you anxious for more.

Band Myspace: www.myspace.com/butterflyboucher

Record Label Website: www.nettwerk.com
 

 

-Stephanie M.-
Senior staff reporter
Big Wheel Online Magazine

 

                                           Go HERE to see all the latest record reviews reviews

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vince Galindo and Gallows to Graves – at Frank Amestoy’s – Bakersfield, CA

Friday evening my good friend Cesario Garasa, had called me up to have me check out a band he's filling in on drums for temporarily. Gallows to Graves, they would be playing at Frank Amestoy's,a quaint lil hole in the wall, nestled comfortably in the hood of East Bakersfield. The only time I venture to the Eastside to party is when there's a good gig at Amestoy's, I've seen bands like The Strangers, The Duane Peter's Gunfight, 3 Bad Jacks, Stab City, Joe Buck Yourself, Bob Wayne and the Outlaws Carnies, and many others grace the stage at Amestoy's, I've always had a good time there and tonight would be no exception. Vince Galindo was opening up with a set of classic country music, covering songs by Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and others. It was a great vibe to start the night out and he put on a hell of a show with Cesario backin' him up on drums.

Gallows to Graves was coming on next, I had heard about them around town. Their line-up includes lead vocalist / guitarist, and brother of Justin Cronk from Vendetta Red, Jared Cronk,  who formerly played with a band called "Since July", Bassist Mike Montano, who has been in bands such as Adema, Karmahitlist, and Midnight Panic, and drummer Cesario Garasa, who currently plays with "The Iron Outlaws" and Latin Ska Regee band "Mento Buru" . All are seasoned musicians. So I figured I would be in for a treat. From the time they started playing I enjoyed their sound, and their upbeat tempo reminded me a little bit of The Gaslight Anthem with a west coast spin.

They played a great set, but the crowd of intoxicated friends and barflies weren't done yet, so in true Blackboard Honkytonk fashion, an open mic of sorts started.  Danny Garone of The Iron Outlaws came up and covered Social Distortion's "Ball and Chain" and played a few Iron Outlaws songs. Then Mike Montano Sr. took to the stage to play guitar as his son and the band covered Jimi Hendrix's "Red House". It was an awesome night of music and good friends. At the end of the night, I thought about what music is. Big shows with fancy lights  and large crowds are nice, but some of the most full filling nights I've experienced are in a small room of good friends, free flowing $7.00 pitchers of beer, and talented musicians. The energy is priceless!                                              

If you get a chance check out Vince Galindo at www.myspace.com/haggardandjonesing and Gallows to Graves at www.myspace.com/gallowstograves Gallows to graves will be in the studio working on their first EP this year. Keep an eye out for them, because they will be going places!

 

-J. Moncrief-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
 

 

 

 

« Previous Page — Next Page »