Bad Religion – Adolescents – at House of Blues – Anaheim, CA
March 31, 2010
With no previous knowledge on who exactly was supposed to be playing with Bad Religion it was pretty awesome -to say the least- to find out on the bill was The Adolescents. Being Bad Religion’s Punk rock pioneering peers, The Adolescents tore through a set with just as much vigor as you’d expect from a band with that much longevity. You would have thought they were headlining from the way the crowd went wild during the classics “Amoeba”, “No Way”, “Rip it up” and “I Hate Children”. After thanking the audience they left the stage to a screaming fan base as widespread as their personal friends, Bad Religion.
Up next were the stars of the night, Bad Religion. They got the crowd going by having a slideshow of their L.P.s and E.P.s over the last 30 years on a huge backdrop adorning the back of the stage. During the setup and sound check, the roadies taped down what must have seriously been the longest set list I have ever seen. This was going to be one hell of a show.
The same overture that’s on their 30 year anniversary tour video played out over the speakers, letting the anticipation build until all the members stormed the stage and opened up with “Do what you want”. They quickly tore through classics like “American Jesus” and busted out newer tunes like “New Dark Ages”. The crowd gladly sung their hearts out to the anthems that have spanned three generations of punk rock. Greg informed the crowd that in celebration of thirty years of playing, the band wanted to play 30 songs! This got the pit, which consisted of people anywhere between the ages of 15 and 50, even more filled with adrenaline. There was never a slow or still moment in the crowd as Bad Religion played songs spanning their entire career. “Materialist”, “Generator”, “I Want to Conquer the World”, “You Are (The Government)” and “Punk Rock Song” were among the many, many, songs played. There was even a new song played. In between songs the band fondly thanked their dedicated fan base for sticking with them after so many years. They even took us back the “How Could Hell Be Any Worse?” days with “We’re Only Gonna Die” after Graffin fondly reminisced on the earlier days of the band.
Right before their encore, Greg informed the audience that part of this show was going to be used for a live recording! When I don’t think anyone thought that pit could get any crazier, the crowd then exploded in fury as Bad Religion ended the night with some of their most popular songs. The crowd practically drowned out the band as they screamed at the top their lungs the choruses to “21rst century (Digital Boy)” “Los Angeles is Burning” and “Infected”. It would have been safe to assume the crowd would have been ready for 30 more songs from the way the energy never let up. Even when they ended the night with “Sorrow”, a rather slow and chill song, the pit was just as aggressive as ever. This was definitely a night worth remembering, with 30 years under their belt, Bad Religion definitely had a lot to show for it.
-Josh G.-
Big Wheel scene reporter
Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
Subhumans Canada – Same Thoughts Different Day
March 29, 2010
The Subhumans' first album, "Incorrect Thoughts," is a timeless classic, an all time favorite of mine that I sought after for a long time. Unfortunately though according to the liner notes of "Same Thoughts Different Day," the album was released under some pretty shady conditions by CD Presents. The Subhumans are not the only band to claim that CD Presents released a record without authorization from the band- allegedly the Avengers' L.P. was released under similar circumstances. It looks like at this point the Subhumans don't even own the rights to the recordings on "Incorrect Thoughts" and consequently they decided to rerecord their early material for Alternative Tentacles.
The results of this experiment are mixed. This Twenty First Century version of "Incorrect Thoughts" is considerably more polished than the original product, but unfortunately it lacks the venom and some of the edge from the first time around. If it's any consolation "Same Thoughts" includes two songs that were not released on either version (CD Presents put out a version with bonus tracks in 1985) of "Incorrect Thoughts," and honestly overly polished or not, you really can't go wrong with any version of tunes like "Firing Squad," "Death To The Sickoids," "New Order," or "Behind My Smile." The Subhumans did a perfect job writing songs that utilize melody and anger to create a product that is somewhere between Menace, early Bad Religion, the Partisans, and the Adolescents. A fan of any of those bands would be guaranteed to be stoked on the Subhumans. Perhaps the best solution is to buy "Same Thoughts" for the sake of the band and get your buddy to burn you a copy of "Incorrect Thoughts," which CD Presents just reissued again to get the real deal. At the very least we can say that the Subhumans can still competently play their classic material and hope that they will do a tour of the U.S. soon.
Band MySpace: www.myspace.com/subhumanscanaduh
Band Website: www.subhumans.ca
Record Label: www.alternativetentacles.com
-Ditch-
Big Wheel Online Magazine
Go HERE to see all the latest record reviews
The Standells – at The EchoPlex – Los Angeles, CA
March 28, 2010
As the Standells prepared to play one thing was clear- these guys had not turned into over indulgent rock stars. They struggled with technical difficulties involving stage monitors and a keyboard; Apparently they had no hired tech guys to help them out. Despite the fact that this led to some standing around while they resolved the problems, it was refreshing in a way to see that these guys were so down to earth. They looked more like dads and uncles than rebel rock n rollers and there jokes about how old they were only added to this image. It was hard to imagine these guys as the provocative garage rockers of the 1960's who struck fear into parents and censorship advocates.
After the Standells finally resolved the tech problems, Wayne Kramer of the MC5 came on stage and introduced them, saying "These guys are real heroes of mine." A clip from the opening of the 1967 film, "Riot On The Sunset Strip" played behind the stage and then the band played the song which inspired the namesake of the movie.
Things were a bit shaky with none of the guys being the vocalists that they were, but the spirit was there and the history was in the air.
These were songs that were written way before most people in the audience were ever born but people were dancing and singing along as the band played "(Sometimes) Good Guys Don't Where White," "Why Pick On Me," "All Fall Dow" and "Try It." These are all classic garage rock tunes with some occasional psychedelic undertones and they are songs that had a Punk rock attitude almost ten years before the Ramones were conceived of as a band.
The Standells closed out their set with "Dirty Water" which had everyone chanting along.
Earlier bands who had inherited garage rock tradition had been playing all day and all of them had a bit of the Standells in them. Lords of Altamont had played a badass if campy set with a go go dancer on the side of the stage and images from "Easy Rider" projected behind them. Pierced Arrows, who compose of the core members of Dead Moon received quite a bit of fanfare. Following the Standells, Peter Case of the Nerves and Plimsouls played a solo set and was followed by L.A. Punk veterans, the Zeros.
-Ditch-
Big Wheel Asst. Editor
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
The Bermondsey Joyriders – Self-titled Release
March 28, 2010
The Bermondsey Joyriders are a band that skillfully combine the musical styles of Blues and Punk to create a distinct sound that in no way can be mimicked. Former Cock Sparrer member Gary Lammin fronts his new project with former members of Chelsea and Heavy Metal Kids, to produce music that upholds a Punk personality while conveying the eccentric presence of blues, which Gary Lammin maintains with his powerfully imposing slide guitar. The Bermondsey Joyriders' self-titled album, which is released through Cherry Red Records, is an impressive collaboration of talent and ability, all which is maintained by the strong line-up of the band, and Gary Lammin's prominent ideas and influences.
If you're a fan of The Rolling Stones and/or The New York Dolls, The Bermondsey Joyriders will satisfy your musical taste. Gary Lammin's biggest goal was to create music that was similar to the music of The Rolling Stones and The New York Dolls, all while being able to introduce his unique Blues flavor to create a sound all his own. With success, Gary Lammin's ideas are put forth within the music of The Bermondsey Joyriders, which satisfy different genres all at once.
The Bermondsey Joyriders' self-titled album is a complex reminder of music that once saw its prime, but it is also a re-introduction to music that never came close to meeting its death. Punk Rock beats and slide guitar meet in the band's self-titled album to prove once again that Punk goes well with everything, and Blues makes everything greater. For the Blues experience combined with the upbeat nature of Punk Rock, The Bermondsey Joyriders will demonstrate to you exactly what they can do with such a concoction.
Band's Myspace: www.myspace.com/thebermondseyjoyridersofficial
Cherry Red Records: www.cherryred.co.uk
-Stephanie M.-
Big Wheel Online Magazine
Go HERE to see all the latest record reviews
Music play list for the week ending March 28, 2010
March 28, 2010
Top 25 - In no particular order -
Oingo Boingo - Nasty Habits
The Wipers - No Fair
Poison Idea - It's an Action
The Clash - Last Gang in Town
Lagwagon - Stokin' The Neighbors
Media Blitz - Never Grow Up
The Stooges - Search and Destroy
Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
Sweet - Ballroom Blitz
Gogol Bordello - Pala Tute
Blondie - Call Me
Crucifix - Three Miles To Oblivion
Reagan Youth - Degenerated
Government Issue - Bored to Death
The Boys - Nothing Ventured
Mouthpiece - What Remains
Sublime - Same in The End
Bad Religion - Along The Way
The Adicts - England
Slick Shoes - Don't Mess With Texas
The Offspring - Genocide
Teenage Bottlerocket - Bloodbath At Burger King
The Blood - Stark Raving Normal
Billy Bragg - To Have and Have Not
Streetlight Manifesto - Here's to Life
The above list are some of the top played songs amongst our staff this week.
Download the above songs HERE at the iTunes Music Store
Message of the week:
I kinda like it when people I don't respect hate me.
-Unknown
Get the albums that these songs are on HERE
5 Minutes Of Fame for the week of March 28, 2010
March 28, 2010
5 Minutes Of Fame is the newest feature at Big Wheel and its purpose is to present short news snippets in a quick and efficient manner so that we can provide fresh news that is related to underground music. Ideally this will be a way to get out a wealth of interesting information out in a way that takes less than five minutes to read. If you have any news that you would like to be considered for inclusion in 5 Minutes we encourage you to submit them HERE. Look for a new edition here every Sunday.
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News items: Gypsy Punk rockers Gogol Bordello are offering "Pala Tute", the lead track off their new album "Trans-Continental Hustle" due out April 27 for free download to all members of their mailing list. If you’d like a shot at the free song, just go here: http://gogolbordello.com/freesongmp3 and use that email for something other than passing around LOLCats.
Providence-based rockers Midnight Creeps are making their return to the West Coast and all points in between in a Summer tour that kicks off this summer with NOLA legends M.O.T.O. Look for them in Los Angeles July 3 at the Redwood, with other tour dates across the US being confirmed in the next few weeks.
Horror Punk outfit Zombina and the Skeletones have posted their previously unreleased Halloween album, "Halloween Hollwerin" for free download on their fan site at http://blogs.myspace.com/zombinaarmy. As it’s unlikely to ever be an official release, the band has decided they’re happy to share it for free.
Scots Punk legends 4 Past Midnight have announced the upcoming release of a new "best of" album, selected by the fans. The 20 song compilation will contain a full book and artwork, all for free. The album will be downloadable most likely some time this summer. Follow the band here: www.myspace.com/fourpastmidnight
SoCal locals Battle Flask are looking for a new drummer, over 21 and based out of Hollywood. They can be contacted through their myspace at www.myspace.com/battleflask
On May 1 Goldenvoice will be hosting an epic show for the ages at Fox Theatre in Pomona, California. It will feature Punk Rock veterans, the Circle Jerks and 7 Seconds as well as support from two of the most prolific bands in the current Hardcore scene- Ceremony and Municipal Waste. The event will be hosted by Gary Tovar- the legendary promoter who booked some of the most revered Southern California Punk shows in the 1980’s.
In terms of Summer festival news, this year in Rutland, Ohio Interpunk will be hosting a two day festival with bands as diverse as GWAR, Fishbone, Murphy’s Law, 7 Seconds, Youth Brigade, Teenage Bottlerocket, DOA, and Greg Ginn. The event will occur on June 25 and June 26. The annual Sound and Fury Festival which showcases up and coming Hardcore acts with take place on July 23, 24, and 25 at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara, California.
Cro Mags vocalist will be releasing his second book, called "Meat Is For Pussies" in April. The book is expected to discuss issues of a vegetarian diet and how it can fit in with a physical fitness plan.
A new vinyl reissue of Agent Orange’s seminal first album, "Living In Darkness" was recently released on Drastic Plastic Records. The album has been out of print on the vinyl format for many years now and the reissue features the original cover. A 20th anniversary edition of Jawbreaker’s "Unfun" album has been released on Blackball records.
Punk Rock Bowling is coming very soon. This year’s PRB is being held at a new location, Sunset Station that is able to accommodate more bowling, more fun and all the gigs all in one place. Start making your plans now because rooms in the surrounding area will start to sell out. This will be the biggest and most ambitious PRB weekend ever held! More info HERE
Evidently at SXSW this week, Fat Mike of NOFX pissed off alot of people. He pissed off so many people that even celebrity scuttlebutt outfit TMZ picked up the story. See the video and the story of what he did HERE.
*** If you want to join our staff and make an impact on the music scene - Contact us HERE
Check out the Big Wheel poll question for this week that asks:
"When do you usually buy your tickets for a show?" Take a moment and VOTE
Get all the latest show previews HERE Win a pair of tickets to some upcoming shows HERE
Music play list for the week ending March 28, 2010 HERE
Get all the latest coverage NEW content here
Some of the shows coming up this week are: The full show listing can be viewed HERE
Wed- Mar 31, 2010 Broadway Calls w/ The Flatliners The Casbah San Diego, CA
Wed- Mar 31, 2010 The Maxies w/ Pubic Zorconians Mission Tobacco Lounge Riverside, CA
Thu- Apr 01, 2010 Broadway Calls w/ The Flatliners The Roxy Hollywood, CA
Thu- Apr 01, 2010 Cat Party w/ Knives & Gestapo Khazi DiPiazza’s Long Beach, CA
Fri- Apr 02, 2010 Alkaline Trio House of Blues Sunset Strip Hollywood, CA
Fri- Apr 02, 2010 Broadway Calls w/ The Flatliners Slide Bar Fullerton, CA
Fri- Apr 02, 2010 Static Thought w/ Vampirates Plea for Peace Center Stockton, CA
Fri- Apr 02, 2010 Faraway Boys w/ Mental Breakdown Hogue Barmichaels Newport Beach, CA
Fri- Apr 02, 2010 Rottin Out w/ Creatures, Downpresser 924 Gilman Street Berkeley, CA
Fri- Apr 02, 2010 Wooly Bandits w/ The Dark Shadows Hollywood Bar & Grill Los Angeles, CA
Sat- Apr 03, 2010 Civet w/ The Maxies The Vault Temecula, CA
Sat- Apr 03, 2010 Yeastie Boys w/ Riotgun & Waste Management Fern's Long Beach, CA
Sun- Apr 04, 2010 Poison Idea w/ DFA, Tarantuja The Blvd Cafe & Bar Los Angeles, CA
Sun- Apr 04, 2010 Flatliners w/ Broadway Calls Thee Parkside San Francisco, CA
If you would like to have us consider listing a show you know of - email us.
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Get all the past weeks 5 Minutes of Fame HERE
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