RockN' Roll Never Looked So Good

Tours, Shows, and Awards for Maren Parusel

2011-08-10T15:27:00.000-07:00

Since days off for me are very limited or are a week long. It is hard to pick and choose the show that I want to attend due to work scheduling and my constant procrastination. Not to mention the insomnia that occurs since all I can think about is work and the local music scene.

This Sunday was like no other weekend night. Maren Parusel just returned from an excruciating two month tour. The night before they were in Las Vegas playing the Artifice. Hours, and I mean hours later they made it back to San Diego. Right off the van and onto the Casbah Stage.

The line up was Noel Jordan, Maren Parusel and Jesse Malin and St. Marks Social. With a total of maybe 60-75 people in attendance for the show, this was still a highlight of my weekend. Walking into Noel as he was in the middle of his set took me back to my teen years of hanging out watching The Classified his voice is recognizable compared to all the vocalist in San Diego.

With a quick hellos and hugs to Maren and the band. The drinks started quick flowing. (this was probably bad idea number #1) It has been so long since I have seen and hung out with Kyle McGee. (the few stories of Austin, TX were enough to bond us for a while.)

The time came and Maren Parusel introduced her self and the band. With in seconds the sound that exploded from those speakers were undescribable. Not seeing the band since maybe SXSW and a Bar Pink show in between. It was time to take note of a band that once held a place to my heart. Playing songs from their debut album Artificial Gardens. Songs such as "Dont Take Your Eyes Away," "Artificial Gardens," and "Ordinary Day."

Although the line up has changed since the first time ever seeing Maren Parusel. The music being played out and written by this band is extraordinary. Maybe a reason why Monday night they won Best Pop Album for Artificial Gardens at the San Diego Music Awards this year. Only predicting that this band is just beginning to see the good out of of all the hard work is now finally paying off.

Do not miss Maren Parusel next time around. Their next show is August 18th at The Belly Up Tavern with Kevin Martin.

As I wish I can do a full review, I was too intoxicated half way between Jesse Malin set to write an honest review, however the pictures I took were great!

Maren Parusel trouble in the East Coast.

2011-07-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

Reading updates on Owl & Bear or NBC Sounddiego Blog is awesome when it is about the locals on tour. A tour diary more or less of the ins and outs of what is going on with the band as they travel city to city. However, when you read a story such as that of Maren Parusel, it breaks my little heart to read that there are people out there targeting touring bands when their van is left unattended.

A few years back I had a few friends have their studio broken into. A slew of benefit shows began. Equipment that is irreplaceable or has some kind of significance to the band. (Their "baby") A few weeks later another tour van disappeared. Another studio broken into. So on and so fourth. What do you do when you are in another part of the country and your van gets broken into. Do as Maren does.. Keep on trucking and don't give up!

Between the early morning of 3am and 7am on W87th street not to far from Central Park, the white ford E250 was broken into. Taking guitars, merch box, cash box with money inside, food and clothes and almost all the belongings left in the van. Below is a laundry list of the items with a description followed by pictures. If anyone can help out and keep an eye for these items that would be great. Tragic as it seems, if any one wants to donate to the cause of helping Maren out here is where you can lend your donations:

Donations can be made to: Chase Bank
Account Name: Maren Parusel
Account Number: 444 201 2871
4078 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA
619-280-8872

Items gone missing:

1. Custom built bass guitar, in shape of Fender Precision Bass. Red w/ white pickguard.
Black hardshell case with some damage on corners,

2. 1984 Fender Japanese Stratocaster, white w/ white pickguard, lace sensor pickups.
Brown guitar shaped case w/ "Gorilla Coffee" sticker on case. Also "Fragile" sticker.

3. Fender "Telecaster/Esquire". 80's Japanese Fernandes Telecaster body, brown/black sunburst w/ black pickguard. Fender Esquire neck.
Black "Kases" case. Hardshell with soft surround and zipper, rectangular shape. 2 cables in the pocket.

4. Epiphone Casino, Hollow body. TV Yellow.
Black guitar shaped hard case w/ stencil "Maren Parusel"

5. BOSS Pedal board w/ 5 pedals.
-Boss Chromatic Tuner
-Boss Chorus
-Maxon OD-808 Overdrive
-Ibanez Tubescreamer
-Boss Tremolo
-Boss Digital Delay

6. Yamaha Keyboard. Black 88 Keys, weighted.

7. Alesis Micron synth. In violin case with stencil "Maren Parusel"

8. DW-9000 Kick Pedal, in hard-shell DW case, with stencil "GOLD"

9. 1 Rack-Tom. Porkpie 12", Sparkly Red with stencil "GOLD"

Other items:

-Black Cashbox w/ approx $1,100

-Garmin GPS w/ stand and cable.

-HP Laptop computer, black.

-Camping bag full of clothing and personal items.

-Black chest w/ band's merchandise

-Black windbreaker type jacket

-black and red "Trader Joe's" food bag.

Hanging with the King...and other debaucherous tales

2011-07-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

So what was a weekend full of music like? Started at the Casbah and ended at the Casbah. Everything in between was just plain fun. Pictures are worth a million words, right? Something like that, I got some words about Jul16-18th. You can blame me not updating the blog for that reason actually. I decided to take a mini local vacation and pack as much rockn roll into 3 days as one can do.

It started with King Khan and Gris Gris. Opening for them was The Fink Bombs and a maybe new favorite band Shake Before Us. Maybe a new favorite band. I need to go check them out a few more times prior to making that final decision. Then finally the moment that this sold out venue was waiting for, King Khan and The Gris Gris hit the stage. The dance party unfolded. Casbah was in full swing of rockers looking for a dance floor to shake what their mother gave them. A full hour or so of music and the band was done. Drinks with the Guitarist and lead singer of The Gris Gris took place by the merch table. Always a treat to speak to the band afterwards especially if they had a very stellar set. What to do? What to do? Probably go home and sleep the night away with dreams of the beauty that was a Saturday night filled with music, laughter, jokes, friends and whiskey.

It's Sunday mid-afternoon, only one place to be; Lafayette Hotel Pool for the ultimate KK & GG PP. Acronyms could really suck if you don't know what this means. Let me break it down for you. King Khan and The Gris Gris Pool Party. Ten dollars gets you into the pool to hear King Khan DJ a good amount of songs out of his iPod. (Let's just say that American Airlines is not that to good with shipping vinyl). Few hours into the mixing of the ones and twos on the iPod, the ever so loving staff at Lafayette set up for another hour of King Khan and The Gris Gris pool side. What more can this little lady ask for pool side in a classic two piece, the sun shining and rockn roll live music from a great band.

The day was not over after the party. It kept going as a mater of fact. That night Bar Pink was celebrating 4 years since the day they opened their doors with musical guest The Creepy Creepys (who r recently opened for Robert Plant June9th in San Manuel) . Then the lights went black. Woke up the next day with the worst hangover in months!

The only thing that would get me out and about again was being kidnapped to lay in the beach. No such luck, instead, got kidnapped on a boat. That is right. Not just any boat, however the KPRI boat with Portugal, The Man playing as we cruised the beautiful San Diego Bay. (Yes you are allowed to be jealous right now). I can not explain the beauty that is San Diego. The Sunset, the downtown skyline, the water and all of the above. This is probably why people pay so much money to live in our beautiful town.

Once that boat ride was over, Casbah here we come. Behind The Wagon, Screaming YeeHaws, and Coda Reactor. Still trying to figure out how all these shows were done with in 48 hours baffles me! Honestly it does not. Although, trying to keep the weekend "mellow" was an idea that occurred many times. For Casbah show, The highlight was no other than local boys Coda Reactor. It is a mix of Danzig and Jim Morrison. It has been said over and over. Pretty sure everyone is tired of hearing the mix of what the lead singer sounds like. He jumps jives and wails on vocals like a mad man on speed. The likes of Davit Buck(Homeless Sexuals) and Iggy Pop when it comes to his antics on stage. After this the weekend was over.

Coda Reactor

2011-07-18T23:31:00.001-07:00

Get to know them

You might be Seeing Red

2011-07-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

Get excited! Many bands are emerging out of our wonderful music scene. I can laundry list every single one of them. Seriously, that would be completely boring. If you know me, the word boring only happens when I stay home and watch re-runs of CSI: Special Vitim Units. So within the weeks to come there will be a posting for each band recommend for the rest of the year.

If you go to the deepest darker corner of San Diego, you will find a hole in the wall bar. Between a taco shop and a laundry mat. The same bar that I constantly call The Bar of Broken Dreams. Although it has changed from time to time. The drinks are as stiff as half of the bargoers, and ordering a double anything is the worst mistake ever. You do not want to be the jackass with a pint of whiskey not being able to drink what you ordered. (Which I did drink and then ordered a regular afterwards.)

Out of the gloom, the metal, and the empty bottles of Jack Daniels and Jagermister comes the three piece thrash rock band, In The Red. Rodney on guitar and vocals, J-Sin on drum and vocals, Nichols on bass and vocals. That is correct all three share the duty of beating the mic with their heavy vocals. I am still trying to pin their exact sound. They could be considered thrash metal, rockn roll, punk and just good ole' times at a bar. They call themselves Scrap Metal. The lesser takings of what have been left behind from previous metal bands that havent be explored. I just call them Punk Metal. Cause that is what they are.

With their crazy personalities, these three men have been making some noise together. Their first show was opening up for Red Fang and Ghetto Blaster at Casbah. They followed up a few more shows with Lord Howler and opening up for The Archons. Their latest show with got San Diego wound up with an excitment of getting people from all over watching them was at Eleven, with True Widow and Lantvrn. With the newly media attention those guys are getting, it is no joke that by the end of the year they will have a steady mark on the map with their genre of "scrap metal."

Their up coming show at Bar Pink August 11 with Unruly Bangs and Queen Caveat. Also Sept 17th (a birthday celebration for me!) with Long and Short of It and The Marsupials at Eleven.

Check them out on Facebook

photos by : Michael Klayman taken @ The Casbah Atari Lounge
Please visit Michaels' webpage here.

Weekday Picks. You should Go to These shows!

2011-07-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

Ever have the case of the Mondays? I sure as hell wont remember what that feels like for a while. Not working on Mondays and going back to writing from the moment I wake up til it is time for the rockn roll show. Sounds like a good Monday to me. Can't forget the sleeping in either. So as you all Monday mourners are reading this, here are the Weekday Picks from yours truly.

Monday July 11
Anti-Monday League Presents: Melvins Lite, Toshi Kasai @ Casbah
(and why would you miss this silly music junkie?)

Tuesday July 12
Drew Grow and The Pastors' Wives, Todd Day Wait and the Golden Hills Blues Band, Brothers and Sisters @ Soda Bar
Tinariwen, Mr. Tube and The Flying Objects @ Belly Up Tavern (I would totally be there)

Wednesday July 13
Avalon Tattoo Anniversary Party w/ Ghetto Blaster, Low Volts, Stephen Rey and The Slicks, The Lumps @ Casbah
H.R. (of Bad Brains), Katastro, Roots Covenant, DJ Peril @ Soda Bar

Thursday July 14
Normandie @ Bar Pink
The Blow, He's My Brother She's My Sister @ Casbah
Avenue Saints, Big Buck Hunter and The Pros, San Deviants @ The Shakedown Bar

See ya kids around the scene!

The Weekend. 3 Days of Shows. Where to GO!

2011-07-08T23:56:00.000-07:00

So I have made a weekly writing assignment for myself. Everyday I will try to come out with two post. That is right I said it TWO post a day. Starting today I will start with my weekend picks. I will be doing Weekend and Weekly Picks. This should make it easy to decided on what is out and about the town.

The question really is how far are you willing to travel for shows? Personally it just really depends on how badly that artist is needed to be seen by yours truly. As you all know, I am pretty picky of my Rockn Roll.. However, given the right band I would travel to the depths of Hell to see them. Locally I go to the ones that run along El Cajon Blvd and University Ave with of course the constant travels to Casbah. Also, LIVE MUSIC. I really can't DJ Ones and Twos or "Dance Party Taco Pants off"

So now with out further rambling the weekend Picks starting actually tomorrow. Ill post tonights for those who haven't decided where to go or is home like me and wonders what was playing out tonight.

Friday - July 8th

Pussy Galore’s 4 year Anniversary feat. Hotel St. George, Grand Tarantula, DJs Robin Roth, Terryn S, and Jaime Ali @ Whistle Stop
The New Kinetics, Masxs, Clockart, Uniform Victor @ Tin Can Ale House
Bella Novela @ Soda Bar

Saturday - July 9th

Short Eyes @ Tower Bar
The White Buffalo , Ari Shine, Blackout Party @ Casbah
The Hot Moon (record release), The Donkeys, Foreign Film @ Soda Bar
The Goomies, The Littlest Viking, Housewives @ Tin Can
Statue, Sandbox Bullies, Who Rides The Tiger @ Eleven

Sunday - July 10th

Otro, Hazzard’s Cure, Badr Vogu, Deep Sea Thunder Beast @ Tower Bar
The Bassturd, Coolzey, Mic E$ @ Bar Pink

SDMA - Lets start the voting.

2011-07-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

Quick side note: I would like to apologize for this not coming out last Monday, when the voting began; but hey, it's out now. So don't fret my readers. Here is my thoughts on SDMA 2011:

It is certainly that time of year. Seems like the San Diego Music Awards are right around the corner and voting has begun (as of last Monday actually). Every year its the same old story, with a few morning text messages and emails of: "Why didn't my band get picked?" or "Why this and what that?" Really, please stop your bitching for one minute about why your band did not get nominated for being one of San Diegos' best (insert category here). If you had a time to shine in the past then let others have the spotlight as well.

This year I was actually part of the "Academy" that got the pre-ballots for picking the categories in which people live and die for in San Diego. After reading and seeing how the SDMF chooses their nominees, for the first time in a while I felt content with the bands that have been chosen in the majority of the categories. I only say majority due to the fact that I would not be able to choose a "World Music" band in our city. I may be in the know of music for San Diego however, the rock, metal and indie scene is more my cup of tea.

In the previous years, I volunteered my time in helping my music community in being part what seemed to me the biggest event of the year. From the first year I ever attended the SDMAs (in 2001), til now, ten years later. The bands and local talent that we had in the past has now tripled almost quadrupled in size. What do you do when it actually becomes time for public voting? So many people, artist and groups on the ballot. Take this years' Best Americana category; It has Blackout Party, Brawley, Bill Cardinal and The Canyon Band. How does one pick just one band when all three are just as great as each other. This happens with all the categories actually, except hip hop and world.

This year Ben Johnson (heavy front man and wicked drummer) has landed two nomination in different categories. One of Best Hard Rock and the other Best Hip Hop act. The Long and Short of it and Grammatical B. This is not the first time a band or solo act has been nominated for two different categories. Also Nena Anderson nominated in the Jazz category and also her band Brawley for best Americana. Although those are the good things about these awards.

The only real complain I have with the way they are categories is based on the genre of the band and then the genre of the album they are nominated for. Take Hyena for example, nominated for best Electric Group or Act. However, their album is nominated for Best Alternative. Does anyone else see a problem in that? Or, Lady Dottie and The Diamonds as Best Blues act, instead of best Tribute band. There probably is a method to this madness. I just do not see what this method is. I am sure they have the same problems when it comes to The Grammy's right or the LAMA's.

I am sure there could be more said about the ups and downs of our music awards. Although for Best New Artist/Act, some of the new artist I have seen around the greater San Diego area were not nominated. I wont mention who, however I will keep supporting them. Last but not least. If there was to be ONE year and I mean ONE year that Jason Marz and Slightly Stoopid were no longer on the ballot, it would probably make my year.

The SDMA's will be August 8th at Humphrey's By The Bay. With special performances by The Silent Comedy, Cuckoo Chaos, Gilbert Castellanos, The Penetrators, and Candy Kane and Sue Palmer. Make sure you get your tickets here. For a list of all the nominees and for voting please visit San Diego Music Awards website.

I'm Back - (A Quick Release before I Start Again)

2011-06-20T00:07:00.000-07:00

Hello to all those I have abandoned. I am so sorry. You aren't forgotten. Priorities got mixed up in the whole rockn' roll scene here in (weather has been fucked) San Diego. I have been doing way to much. I know at the end of the night when my buddies give me a hug and whisper sweet nothings about how much I do for this music scene I smile. Then I go home and wonder to myself how many people realize that there is so much work behind the scenes. The stress, the hours of emails, the constant running around, poster making, socially interacting with people you might or might not see again, not to mention a good amount of bands that you must work with and sometimes, just sometimes, said bands don't appreciate what you did just to make that show happen. Nights like those are when I actually go home and cry in my pillow.

How many people can actually say that rockn roll saved their lives many times? I realized when I was a young child that music would be my life. Playing bass, booking shows, making posters, taking pictures and just supporting the local musicians. I tried so many different career choices that included : grip on a few films, make up artist in Hollywood, coffee shop girl, photographer, bartender, cook, chef, personal chef and not to mention I am still working at a restaurant. Some how I go back to music.

I'm only 27 years old. Yes, that is right a youngin'. Many people think that with the amount of connections and knowledge on music, I have to be at least in my early thirties. (Hopefully it isn't the way I look.) I have gotten this far with music due to my passion. I eat, sleep, and dream of music. I BLEED music. Now I am living my dream, I work for a pretty cool bar, a restaurant (which I will be booking a few nights a month.) I am also managing two bands who will be touring pretty soon. Please be excited and I got my blog back into order. Expect new designs, a few fun little gadgets and so many upcoming post.

If you have a new EP, LP or any kind of music that you would like to be reviewed shoot me an email at BULLETMCK (at) GMAIL (dot) COM. I will make sure to review that shit!

I will also be doing my weekly picks of upcoming shows. So get ready for an upcoming half year of craziness and wild shows! A lot of writing that's for sure.

ALSO thanks for reading and the support.

Exciting Weekend Ahead...

2010-11-18T19:17:00.000-08:00

First time in a while that I have been so excited for shows! This weekend has some amazing acts coming into town. I am pretty sure you will see me at everyone of those shows. I know this Friday I will be jumping from two venues..
Lets just make the quick list of shows you should all attend. If you are not at these shows. Then I recommend you ask for your testicles back from whom ever is hiding them!
I am going to make your weekend plans very easy.

Tonight 11/18 - Echo Revolution's CD Release Party w/ Wendy Bailey and The True Stories @ Eleven
Maren Parusel and Guest @ Casbah San Diego .
Tomorrow 11/19 - Images, Jet Kill Radio, and Compton SF @ Eleven
Flexx Bronco w/ Superbees, and Tuggs at Bar Pink
Saturday 11/20 -The Dragons with Lord Howler and DJ Gary Shuffledust ... For Mario's Tearful Birthday (mans getting old but still looking young)
Sunday 11/21 - Bloody Mary Recovery time @ Eleven... DO IT!
So Ill see ya at those shows!

Pictures sometimes are better than words..

2010-11-13T00:02:00.000-08:00

So I will admit it, I have had writers block over and over again. My post could sound so much better.I know I should have done many reviews on shows, cds and the random guy at the bar who thinks his band is the coolest thing since Blink 182.

Well I am apologizing. However, I have been getting my creative juices flowing by doing the next thing I know how to half ass. Which is flyer making. Yes Photoshopping and the use Illustrator to make some pretty flyers for upcoming Eleven shows.

I decided to post them on here so you can all go "OOO," "AHH," and "oh shit girl really?"

All in order by dates of the shows.

Enjoy all the shows to come!

Like a bird ready to fly

2010-11-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

For the longest time I knew I wanted to do a small piece on Maren Parusel and her wonderful band. Every time the opportunity came, so did writers block. I would sit there and wonder, what is it about this band that puts a smile on my face. Six months ago when at SXSW I was watching the band and something came over me. It was almost like a form of relaxation and complete bliss. When headed back to San Diego, I asked for the press kit and started reading their bios and listened to their music more than before.

Today finally I decided to do what their live music makes me feel, to just go with the flow. As "Days in Universe" is playing in the background. I placed my hands on the keyboard and went along for the music journey that is Maren Parusel.

Ever since Maren step foot unto American soil, only good things have been coming her way. She grew up in small town in Germany (Tubingen). As a child, she was classically trained on piano. Then jumping on to a bass and guitar in her teenage years. Her musical influences also changing. From composers such as Debussey and Chopin to artist like Chuck Berry, The Pretenders and song writers such as Leonard Cohen.

From Wild Weekend to her own band, the stylistic music journey is never ending for Maren. During SXSW the legendary Kim Fowley took an interest in her. The band traveled to Los Angeles to record with him. Following that was a mini tour up the coast. Maren is like a song bird ready to wake the morning before soaring the sky with her enchanting voice and dreamy lyrics.

Her next show will be at Casbah San Diego with Get Back Loretta, Black Hondo, and Gunrunner on Novemeber 18. Make sure you get your tickets soon. This one will sell out quickly. While you're there make sure to pick up her five song EP.

Beer Week at Eleven...a little more than a week.

2010-11-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Looks like its that time of the year. Beer Week San Diego. We at Eleven have a super big treat for all of you beer drinkers and music lovers!

This is our schedule for the entire week. (its more like 10 days of nonstop drinking and festivities!)

Starting this Friday (Nov 4) and ending with a day time bbq on Nov 14th

Nov 5th - THE QUEEN'S GUARD and THUNDERADO - 5 bucks

Nov 6th - SATELLITE SKY, RUN DEVIL RUN and COZY CORNERS - 5 bucks

Nov 7th - LIARS' CLUB REVISITED & M.E.X. BBQ JAM! - 3pm

Nov 8th - CHIMAY HAPPY HOUR 5pm; OPEN MIC NIGHT starts at 7pm

Nov 9th - BALLAST POINT BEER & SPIRITS NIGHT; MUSIC FROM 90 PROOF PISSERS - $2 after 8pm

Nov 10th - HAPPY HOUR WITH THE BARNACLES; LIVE COMEDY AT 9:00 PM

Nov 11th - CORONADO BREWERY NIGHT WITH MUSIC FROM FOR DAYS - $3 after 8pm

Nov 12th - SKYLINE UNION and THE YEASTIE BOYZ- 5 bucks

Nov 13th - 20 GRAND CLUB WITH THE BAJA BUGS - 5 bucks

Nov 14th - THE FIRKINS BBQ JAM - 3PM

Being a San Diego scenester is not all that bad.....

2010-11-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

Hello to all my readers and followers. I know I have been MIA from writing on my blog. I haven't really. I have drafts that I have started and have left there due to my running around.

I really need to take more days off.

However, luckily enough San Diego City Beat was generous enough to write a small bio about my love of the San Diego music scene.

You can catch it here at San Diego City Beat. Thanks for your continued support with this blog.

I wish my original partner in crime was still here to see this happen... Chris Wick (RIP) lil buddy this was for you!

Young Post Hipster Sweethearts Playing Dirtwave..

2010-10-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

The description given to me by San Diego's lovable Ryan Blue about his new band was "post hipsters sweethearts playing dirtwave." Post hipsters so true. Sweethearts, also true. Playing dirtwave, Is that a new genre? Or is that just what the creative Ryan Blue thinks of his music?

If you remember my expedition with five awesome companions towards SXSW earlier this year, well one of those companions was no other than Ryan Blue. Silly tall man that was around for an entire week with four others. A good thing I met Ryan. Didn't know much about him till that week.

Now months after that adventure, here I am doing a piece on his band. Centerlight Pop. Don't let the name confuse you to thing they are bubblegum, happy go lucky, pop rocks, and lollipops kind of band. Instead they bring the alternative - country, anything can happen rockn roll into the bar.

That crooning Ryan does in all his songs bring that almost country vibe. The music behind him is high energy rock. When the other members of then band cosist of River City, Golden Red, and Gun Runner. You know your in good hands.

Their music could be best describe as a country rock ballad that has never been heard. Its not really like Ryan Adams and The Allman Brothers had a bukaki. Nothing like The Who decided to explore their Amur-ic-ahn red neck side. However the classic meets the new improved alternative country rock. Centerlight Pop takes it to a whole new level of music. Since the band first started with their debut show at Lestats for NPMT, they have been getting nothing but exploding reviews.

This might not be as exploding, however, I recommend checking out the band.

Israel's TV Buddhas Brings the Rock to Pink

2010-09-22T00:53:00.000-07:00

So we got the news they are from Israel. Well at least their EPK said so. Their publicist says they are from Berlin. When I was trying to get a supporting act for them, the manager for a local band asked me how I had affiliation with a band from Israel (will no longer contact that ass). They are originally from Israel, but have found a residency in Berlin while recording their new EP We are Busy Bodies.

This trio team consist of a brother and sister, a husband and wife, and a complete road family. Their first American tour started in the beginning of September. For six weeks, these band of rockn rolls will become Americanized with an extensive every day, city to city, cross country experience that they haven't encountered before.

On September 15th I received an email from their label. "For Immediate Release," the band made a vlog (video log) based on their tour so far. A band that has no friends, no family and no time for themselves, in a country where the face of music has drastically changed. These DIY rockers face what a true American tour has become.

Through the hard aches of the music industry in the USA (big time fancy promoters, Hipster publication, and music consumer hype. Which I always say DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE). The log shows that, their tour has been a bust. Promoters are putting them as a headliner in clubs and cities they have never came across before. The clubs are clearly empty, they are making under 50 bucks a day and living off that. A frustrated amazing band that deserves the right crowd and maybe the right club to turn their depressed, frustrated, almost frantic tour into something to write home about.

With local act The Displaced headlining the 26th of September at Bar Pink, the show might change the way the rest of their tour goes. San Diego is their first city in California, making their west coast tour maybe something they are looking for during their six weeks of hard work and road wary. I guess what I am saying is we west coast rockn rollers could probably turn their frowns upside down.

Ever since I heard TV Buddhas via Dang at Bar Pink and their label, I knew it was a must see show. Their music was so enlightening. Like if Modern Lovers married the Ramones and found garage rock near Motor City. Is that even a possible way of explaining what a band sounds like? I think so. Their album We Are Busy Bodies makes you want to shimmy and shake while wearing your sunglasses in the night club and drinking your PBRs. In my case I will stick to my whiskey and beer while I dance my face off in the front and hoping that you will be next to me as well doing the same.

September 26th with The Displaced at Bar Pink. Be there or... well, you know the rest. Like I mentioned in my tweeter update if you aren't there it must mean you do not like talented musicians and great rockn roll. (Or you aren't in the city. But they are on tour so catch them in your city!)

http://www.myspace.com/tvbuddhas
Facebook
Twitter

Upcoming shows! The weekly Picks are back up!

2010-09-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hello end of summer. Oh, wait, it never came. That's alright, based on the nights and the shows this could have been one of the best summers San Diego has seen in a while. This year for my birthday, I celebrated with my dear friends and The Night Marchers. How awesome is that?

Now, it's been a while, however back to my weekly picks starting with tonight!

Sept 21:
Nena Anderson and Friends @ Riviera Supper Club
Signal Path, Blockhead and Nocando w/Open Mic Eagle @ Casbah
Saccarine Trust, Neo, Tribraco, Pea @ Soda Bar

Sept 22
The Jim Jones Revue, The Bellrays, Coasting @ Casbah
Wise Monkey @ Bar Pink
Paul Collins Beat, Baja Bugs, Jungle Fever @ Soda Bar
Lindbergh Skies, Dying To Wake, Paper Rock Tiger, Dead Animal Mod @ Beauty Bar

Sept 23
Riverboat Gamblers, Victor Ship, One F @ Bar Pink
The Riot Before, Breaker Breaker One Niner, The Getdown @ Ruby Room

Sept 24
Centerlight Pop w/ Hotel St. George @ Eleven
Dungen , No Joy @ Casbah
FOOL'S GOLD, Hosannas, Mattson 2 @ Soda Bar

Sept 25
Adams Ave Street Fair Day 1
MR ROCK DUDE nite! w/ EARTHLESS, The Loons, Joy, Operation Mindblow
Immovable Objects w/ Mundy Knights @ Eleven
Helmet , Bison BC, The Makeup Sex @ Casbah

Sept 26
Adams Ave Street Fair Day 2
The Displaced w/ TV Buddhas @ Bar Pink
The Amalgamated, Unsteady, Ottley Mercer, Fire Corner @ Casbah

See ya guys at the shows!

Where have all the Postings gone..

2010-09-21T00:14:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

I would like to thank you all for your continued support over the blank pages of this blog. No, I have not decided to abandon my blog. The past few months have been a bit hectic on my end, but in a great way. After the many many years of helping out in the music scene and paying my dues for the past 10 or so odd years. My dues decided to pay me back. I have in the past month taken over the responsibility of booking shows in San Diego, going on the road with a a couple of legendary bands, and just being the eyes and ears of all Rockn' Rollers in the world.

In the past two months I have seen more of California with two amazing bands The Dragons and The Zeros, then I have alone. The road treated us well. The first weekend it was Thee Parkside and Benders with The Dragons. Merching is always a great time. Those guys know how to treat a lady. At least one who (and this is still up in the air) can maybe, possibly out drink the band. Again it hasn't been put to the complete test, but who knows.

The weekend after that The Zeros! Hector Penalosa came to my house at 9am, and it felt like a kidnapping situation. A green creeper soccer mom van with two out of the four Zeros. Back up to San Francisco again for a show at the Elbo Room and Sacramento for the show at The Blue Lamp. A place that I always found interesting is the city of Sacramento. Tweeker galore. Kind of creepy, but still had a blast.

The final weekend of the mini weekend tours was the Vegas Shakedown. There is no place like Vegas. Crazy fun times with some amazing bands. Both The Dragons and The Zeros took me along (in the same creeper van) with Captain M as the driver. This man kept us all in order when it came down to taking care of some business all three weekends. When we got to Vegas, it was towards the 4 Queens. In our rooms, we rest up and shower from the hotter than hell ride towards the desert. Two nights two venues. The Las Vegas Country Saloon and The Beauty Bar.

Now back home and your truly had a few shows I was already booking for Bar Pink. Now I have my own proper venue. Eleven (www.elevensandiego.com) This is the old Radio Room/Zombie Lounge. The nice people at Hamilton's have taken over the management of the amazing now renovated location. If you do not get Eleven then watch Spinal Tap. The bar is open daily from 3pm-2am Monday-Friday. 12pm-2am Saturday - Sunday.

Again, just cause I book here does not mean I will only pick those nights as my pick of the nights. Well, wont lie, if I booked them, that probably means you should really check it out! More road stories, more highlights will continue to do the weekly picks. All in due time. Until then thanks for the patience and support!

The North Park Music Thing...

2010-08-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

3 years ago NxNP was one of the first music festivals that actually caught more than just my attention. It caught also my eyes and ears. I have been to many festivals over the years. However, this one is in my city. Representing San Diego while helping you (the musician) understand the whole dynamic we call the music industry. The NxNP changed their name during the second year to North Park Music Thing. It is similar to the world famous SxSW that occurs every year in Austin Texas. As many of my readers remember, I did attend

You might be asking yourself, is it that time of the year again? Yes, my good friends and comrades, it is. Changing the name from NxNP to North Park Music Thing, the event is now spread out for two days. Before it was two days of panels guest speakers, questions, demos so on and so forth. One day of 150-200 artist in 15 venues and panels. Second day of panels and a large music stage in front of hotel.

This year, it is going to be so much better. I can feel it. It's two days of music and two days of panels!

I was asked to book an "Official Showcase" and help finish rounding up the line-up for another showcase.
Taking a lot of bands into consideration. What better than to book a good rockn' roll band that was in one of my first rosters ten years ago. Back when the only venues I was able to book was my backyard and a coffee shop, it was hard to find cool bands that weren't made up of young kids my age. (Mind you I was 16 years old)

They say things come back in full circles. I believe it when it comes to the music scene in San Diego. When The Displaced first moved to San Diego as a band. They came to me for a show. I booked them at a coffee shop and here it is a full circle. The Displaced will be headlining the official showcase for RRNLSG. Also on the bill is Gun Runner, Little Hurricane, Centerlight Pop (a debuting band from Ryan Blue) and Shawn Rolhf and The 7th Day Buskers. This is an All Ages show so bring the kids down and show them what good rockn roll sounds like.

If you decided to want to drink and listen to music, by all means please stop by the Ken Club for "A Night of Whiskey Drinkin and Shitkickers." Yes you heard it right, The Ken Club will be hosting the only Honky Tonk/Cowpunk/Country Rockn' Roll showcase during the NPMT. Headlining that showcase will be The Screaming Yeehaws and Behind The Wagon, The Palominos, Stephen Rey and The Slicks, and El Monte Slim.

Be sure that you picked up your passes for both days. This event goes off the wall every year! I would hate for you to miss it.

For more information go to The North Park Music Thing Website

Weekly Picks.. I Recommend you go here!

2010-07-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

Rain, misty nights, and clouds? Really in the middle of July? I thought this was "sunny" San Diego. Let's not let this weather get us down. There are way too many good shows this week to allow this weather to make you a homebody. So get up; get moving; get rocking. These are you weekly picks:

July 22
Johnny Rad Fest Day 1 w/ The Grids and The Embalmers & More @ Tower Bar
The Black Diamond Riders @ Bar Pink
Ghetto Blaster, Dead Ghost, Fkenal @ Ruby Room
Blessure Graves, Eyes, Jesus is Angry @ Soda Bar
Street of Little Girls, Chappo (NY), Long Claws @ Tin Can Ale House

July 23
Johnny Rad Fest Day 2w/ The Zeros, NoBunny, The Boy Toys and More @ Ken Club
Le Butcherettes, Marquez, Shapes of Future @ Soda Bar (should be one HELLVA SHOW)
Loons (CD release party), The Creepy Creeps and The Deep Ones @ Casbah
Bagdad, Slipping Into Darkness (The Desert), Zodiac Death Valley (SF), Doves and Desperados@ Tin Can Ale House
The Insiders (UK) and More @ The Ruby Room

July 24
Johnny Rad Fest Day 3(day show) The Fast Takers @ Two Roses Tattoo
Johnny Rad Fest Day 3 w/ THe Spits, Tokyo Electron, Half Rats @ Ken Club
Longsleeves, Bobby Pena and the Stowaways, Mark Haeck, David Romirez @ Tin Can Ale House
The Burning of Rome Comic Con After Party @ Soda Bar
A Scribe Amidst The Lions, Gunrunner, Ryan Blue @ Ruby Room

July 25th
Sunday with CJ , Roxy Jones, Behind the Wagon and more, Free BBQ @ Bar Pink (starts at Noon)
Silian Rail, The Burning of Rome @ Bar Pink (late night show)

July 26th
Scitzophonics, The Mashtis, The Canton Mudders, and Happy Ron @ Casbah
The Styletones @ Bar Pink
Lady Dottie and The Diamonds @ U-31
Zombie Surf Camp @ Soda Bar

July 27th
Breaker Breaker One Niner, London's Falling, Sic Waiting @ Casbah
TIKI Tuesdays W/ Craig Prior @ Bar Pink
Gayle Skidmore and guest @ Soda Bar
Nena Anderson and Friends @ The Turquoise Room (La Mesa)

July 28th
Nathaniel Rateliff w/ Pearly Gate Music @ Bar Pink
NORMANDIE WILSON (CD Release!), The Preteens, The Endless Bummer @ Soda Bar
Black Mamba, Aunt Dracula, D/Wolves @ Tin Can Ale House.

With some breaks in the clouds, this week will be great! See ya at the shows!

They Call Them Blackout Party For a Reason......

2010-07-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

Want to go fishing? How about the bottom of the sea? Ever heard of a blackout party? Besides what Blackout Party defines in drinking? If you haven't ever seen this band, then you wouldn't understand what I am talking about.

For a while the Monday night residencies at the Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room would belong to no other than Blackout Party. Playing all the known favorites from their self release album Bottom of the Sea. It was a night to be sitting at the bar or in a booth with friends while eating a steak and drinking whiskey. It would be one of those nights where you know what was going on till you woke up with a tiger in the restroom and a baby in the closet. ( Hangover reference for those confused)

As Mondays came and went the band finally decided to go on a small hiatus. Leaving their usual gigs to Melly Francis and The Distilled Spirits. (Another band that is worth noting.) During the bands' hiatus they will be working on a new fall album. Recording at three different locations, his will be another DIY recording by Blackout Party. The songs that will be featured on the the new album will be some that the regulars at the Riviera Supper Club might be familiar with. Also featuring new songs by Tim Lowman and Jeff Hawthorne. As Brian mentioned, " im hoping to get everyone singing lead on at least a song or 2 in the future, like the Band." That would be a special album made by this band.

The song writing collaboration between all the members of the BOP had gotten Brian excited. Mostly everyone writes their part in for a song, so everyone is involved no matter what. There first day of official recording begins at the end of July. Starting with drum tracks. No leaks yet, but when they happen I will be the first to let you all know.

Although, they are on hiatus, Blackout Party will be playing shows sporadically through out San Diego. Such as Saturday July 17th at Casbah with The Howls, and Silent Comedy headlining. Something new that you will see at this show is a new and bigger sound with the help of Ben Simonetti playing trumpet and flugel horn and hopefully Gabriel Sundy on saxophone.

Make sure you show up for all the new tricks this band has up their sleeve. You do not want to miss out on what Blackout Party has in store. If you have not picked up their last record make sure you do on Saturday.

Blackout Party Official Website

Official Myspace

New Picks..I recommend you go here!

2010-07-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

Normally I do weekend picks. Whats worth watching and where you should go. Well, I think I'm no longer going to have that and do weekly picks instead. Starting Wednesday nights I will be posting the weekly picks. This will actually allow me to not worry about the weekend and also give you (the reader/rockn roller/awesome person) a chance to see where I'm normally floating around on a daily basis. Stalkers please stay over twenty feet away from me at every show. Thanks.

So starting today I give you my weekly picks!

Wednesday July 14th

MASHTI'S @ The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room

Signals (feat. members of MAE SHI) and Softlightes @ Bar Pink

Antibalas , The Sway Machinery, DJ SK @Casbah San Diego

THE VICIOUS GUNS (ex-Von Bondies), Beat Panther, Rock Paper Tiger @ Soda Bar

Thursday July 15th
Third Thursdays with Brawley @ Bar Pink
Mahjongg , Vaginals, 60 Watt Kid @ Casbah
STILL FLYIN', Snuffaluffagus, Miniature Tree @ Soda Bar
Pauhana - Hawaiin/Island Reggae @ The Ruby Room
Gun Runner, Ryan Blue, Spirit Animal @ Beauty Bar

Friday 16th
BUMBKLAAT RECORD RELEASE PARTY, GRIDS, BARRIO TIGER, KUNTZ @ Radio Room
Get Back Loretta w/ Wirepony @ Bar Pink
CEDAR FIRE, Black Bone Child, Of Sons and Ghosts @ Soda Bar
Slick Idiot Tour ft En Esch and Guenter Shulz of KMFDM/Pigface, Mona Mur, and more @ Ruby Room
Dirty Sweet , Family Wagon, The Tender Box @ Casbah
Lessons from Zeke w/ For Days, Roswell that Ends Well, Eclipse 79, DJs @ Beauty Bar
JOHN MEEKS @ The Turquoise Room

Saturday July 17th
The Silent Comedy , Blackout Party , The Howls @ Casbah
BLACK FAG, Milli Vanilli's, Pussy Cow, Joyce Manor, French Exit @ Soda Bar
THE SMART BROTHERS @ The Turquoise Room

Sunday July 18th
3-year Anniversary feat. Black Diamond Riders and Hypernova @ BAR PINK ~ HAPPY THREE YEARS!!!!!!!
Lady Parts / Lauren De Rose / Guests @ The Ruby Room
Teenage Bottlerocket , Banner Pilot, The Bombpops!@ Casbah

Monday July 19th
DRINK UP BUTTERCUP, Cousins, Street of Little Girls @Soda Bar
WITCHAVEN, DEGENERATED, VAMPIRATES, RAZOR MAZE, TRASHER @ The Ruby Room
Styletones @ Bar Pink
Lady Dottie and The Diamonds @ U-31
Melly Francis and The Distilled Spirits @ The Turquoise Room

Tuesday July 20th
Tiki Two's Day with Adrain Demain and Guests @ Bar Pink (you know ill be going down the Tiki List!)
Jace Everett, 7th Day Buskers, Matt Haeck @ Casbah
NENA ANDERSON AND FRIENDS @ The Turquoise Room

See ya'all at the Shows! Remember the first recommendation in bold is normally where I'll be floating the most around! Make sure you attend the Three Year Anniversary at Bar Pink. You don't want to miss Black Diamond Riders, its going to be a riot!

Weekend Picks ... what to see and where!

2010-06-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

The Weather Channel has mentioned that this whole weekend will average between 75-80 degrees. This normally means summer is soon to come! Shows are getting better by the minute. It has been hard to decided were to go and who to see. Well don't worry I have your weekend picks here. Please allow me to decide your weekend plans for you!

Ladies and Gents the Weekend Picks are here:

Thursday June 3rd
Greg Gibson w/ Rio Peligroso @ Bar Pink

The Entrance Band, The Growlers, Space Nature @ Beauty Bar

Vision of a Dying World, Miss Erika Davies, Jehovas Fitness, Lonesome Sparrow @ Tin Can

Pelican Sam, Life Deposits, XIV @ Ruby Room

Immovabale Objects, Kris Special, Monster Hand @ Soda Bar

Friday June 4th

The Bloodflowers, Dead Feather Moon, Republic of Letters, Hooves @ Ruby Room

Dan Black, Samuel @ Casbah

Red Pony Clock, Eux Autres, Le Ra, The Endless Bummer @ Tin Can Ale House

Josiah Wolf, Cars & Trains, Cousins @ Soda Bar

Roman Numerals, Open Hand, Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra @ Radio Room

Saturday June 5th

Art Around Adams @Adams Avenue, Normal Heights/Kensington

Midnight Rivals, Spider Fever, Skyline Union @ Soda Bar

Inspired Flight (CD release), Jamuel Saxon, f.u.z.z. @ Casbah

Snuffaluffagus (CD release), Mothlight, TeamAWESOME, The Dusty Highway @ Tin Can Ale House

Sunday June 6th
Swore, Roswell That Ends Well, Wanted Dead, Ad Seg @ Casbah
Atlantic Line and guests @ Ruby Room
Amanda Carrington's "Prisoner of Love" @ Bar Pink

Now ready set go! see ya at the shows!

Come Out Tonight......

2010-06-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

Lord Howler started as a solo project by Charlie McRee who drums for variety of bands (currently MEX and Wirepony). He started recording music that he enjoyed to play. Doing lead vocals and lead guitar, McRee needed a band to capture the love of thrash and classic rock. Recruiting drummer Jake Najor, bassist Pete Pisaturo, guitarist Mike Shultzman, Lord Howler came about. They just released a 10 song self titled album recorded in no other than Chaos Records.

It's gritty, it's grungy, it's one album that is proper for the 2010 upcoming summer fun. Ladies and gentlemen when you hear the song "Come Out Tonight." Lord Howler means it. From the moment you press play all you want to do is jump over the hood of the inferno red '69 Camaro drop top down, and gun it across the country fist pumpin into the air.

This heavy, dirty, southern rock album should be praised correctly. When this album hit my cd player, all I could think about was a cross breed between, ZZ Top, Turbonegro and old school Metallica (when they didn't suck). Each song delivers it's own unique madness for high speed driving. The fast heavy hitting songs such as "Come Out Tonight" is almost the new Friday night theme song. Also, songs like "WMSP" and "Space Terror" are in the top list of songs that I have enjoyed from this album. One song however put me in to utter shock on the way it was not only arranged, but the vocals as well. "Before the Cold" had a very Alice In Chains sound to it. A melodic song that starts very somber and half way through it picks up enough beat and tempo as the old 90's grunge ballads.

The gritty style hard rock album is a great pick of albums for fast driving through the open road. Please don't get a speeding ticket. Next show that Lord Howler plays please make sure to pick up an album.

Ghetto Blaster Making a Scene

2010-05-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

The one front man that can entertain everyone including a cat in heat is no other than Ryan Foxe. From the stories I have heard over and over from people around town is two things, the man is both a legend and a "fucken tool." The former Fishwife front man has been staying busy with two projects, The Grids and now Ghetto Blaster.

Ghetto Blaster has only played two shows with their opening at Bar Pink with Dog Shredder and supporting Red Fang at Casbah. This band can be described as an experimental math-rock (not like Rush). Of course on their myspace.com page they describe themselves as Christian Rap, and Ghettotech, and Regional Mexican. Just put it this way, loud energetic and ready to melt your face. Ryan Foxe is all over the stage but not with the same antics as before, unless he is waiting for the right moment. His vocals can be best described as a nasally croon of Jello Biafra and a pissed off cookie monster on acid. Knowing Foxe more of his characters will be coming as the months progress.

Hopefully this isn't going to be a part time band, with some EP's and full lengths. Maybe a tour? They recently played at the RRNLSG show on Saturday May 29th with Lord Howler and Brian Howlerda from Blackout Party. Many people where blown away from Ghetto Blasters performance. What did you expect when you have great local musicians getting together to form one spectacular project. What more can a band ask for when they have only been together for 4 months. A few EP's sold and a few shirts sold!

Ghetto Blaster will be playing again with Lord Howler and Black Hondo at the Radio Room June 12th.

Weekend Picks! What's Worth Watching and Where!

2010-05-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since I have updated this site. Mainly because I have been out of town. Being in another country and coming right back to it all was exhausting and was completely unprepared for the shows about to come. With in the first week of being back I saw Shawn Rolhf and The 7the Day Buskers, Lemon Sun, Midnight Rivals, and Behind the Wagon twice. Last night I saw Doones Boys at the Riviera which included Joey Harris (Beat Farmers) and Stephen Rey (Deere Johns, Lady Dottie and the Diamonds, Bartenders Bible). So far these two weeks have been a riot of shows!

So back to your regular schedule of rockn roll and YOUR WEEKEND PICKS!

May 14
Brawley, Cash'd Out @ Casbah
Pocket @ Bar Pink
The Notice CD Release / Public Jones (LA) / Duchess@ The Ruby Room
Apes of Wrath, Hotel St. George @ Whistlestop

Sister Kisser(NY), The Getdown, Prosthetic Arms @ Radio Room

OF SONS AND GHOSTS, Eclipse 79, Old Tiger @ Soda Bar

May 15
Bob Log III, Jail Weddings and Glossines @ Casbah
The Strangers / Reason To Rebel / i45 / The Wrath @ The Ruby Room
BRENDAN B & THE BREAKS, Height With Friends, Yo! Drew & Drew Tube @ Soda Bar

May 16
Lights On, Midnight Rivals, The Dabbers, The Neverout, Sara Petite, and Roxy Jones @ Bar Pink Stage (NP Fest of the Arts)
Daygo Produce, Skrapez, Odessa Kane, & Illuminauts @ Radio Room
Dave Booda's Singer/Songwriter Night @ The Ruby Room

Ready Set go... Ill see ya guys at the shows this weekend!

The New Black

2010-04-30T00:21:00.000-07:00

What is the new black? DIY music videos. From bands such as Republic of Letters, Hotel St. George to The Nervous Wreckords. Bands this year have been bring out the camcorder calling up their crew and getting the visual stimulation going. A few months ago. Hotel St. George invited me and about 50-100 of their friends to help them shoot a music video directed by David McHank for their single "That's Why I Drink Every Night."
Also around that same time The Long and Short of it came out with their very indie DIY release of "Turtle Island 2012." Republic of Letters release their video "Stories," which was filmed at The Ruby Room.

Below are the new released videos of the our local favorites:

Little Children's Bones - Hotel St. George

Vast Systems - The Long and Short of It

Stories - Republic of Letters

Doing it to Do it - The Nervous Wreckords

Enjoy. Hopefully I will be seeing more videos as San Diego has some talented people and should constantly be utilized!

Weekend Picks! What's Worth Watching and Where!

2010-04-29T23:35:00.000-07:00

Yeah it's Thursday night and I should have had my weekend picks. However, as the days grow closer to the summer the shows get better. Making it hard to decided where to go and what to do. I should be at a show right now. Tonight will be a night of rest and catch up! I want to make sure you my readers are getting your fill of RRNLSG. Expecially since I have been absent for a good amount of time!

Well San Diego i'm back and here are your weekend picks:

Friday 4-30
Lemon Sun and Leopold and his Fiction @ Bar Pink
Cat Party, Repeater, The New Assembly, Veil Veil Vanish @ Ruby Room
Grand Tarantula, Shapes of Future Frames, Life Deposits @ Soda Bar.
Street of Little Girls, The Dabbers, Moviegoers @ Tin Can Ale House
Buckfast Superbee , Wirepony , State To State, The Fascination @ Casbah

Saturday 5-1
Title Tracks (ex-Q And Not U), Maren Parusel, teamAWESOME! @ Soda Bar
The Shambles performing Cheap Trick's Budokan plus DJ Mikey Face @ Bar Pink
Michael Dean Damron with Chad Price and Micah Schnabel @ Radio Room
Jamuel Saxon, Brother Face (come see who they are!), River City @ Tin Can Ale House

Heartless Bastards, Hacienda , Amy Cook @ Casbah

Sunday 5-2
The Ponys, Disappears, Christmas Island @ The Casbah
(Livewire Bar and Bar Pink for just a relaxing night at the bar! sans Rockn Roll which is unheard of)

Alright Folks ill see ya at the shows!

The Rivals of Rockn Roll!

2010-04-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

If there was a band that takes over where The Rolling Stones left off after Exile on Main Street. You would know it must have come from a city made of great talent. San Diego has been stirring the scene with new upcoming acts. Midnight Rivals have arrived.

The rock gods answered some prayers. A high energy band that not only brings it, but has the a great front man to prove that they can bring it! Have you ever seen Lucy's Fur Coat? I have. Ever heard stories about Charlie and his antics on stage? I have heard and seen way to many to write about it while keeping this sweet and short. The line up of the band is :Charlie: vocals (Lucy's Fur Coat) Mark: drums (Convoy and Louis XIV) Mike: Guitar (Lucy's Fur Coat) Morgan: Guitar (The Front) Pete: Bass (Petey X of Rocket from the Crypt). If you are looking for a band that can make you dance, shake and shimmy in your shoes while tossing back a few cold ones then this is it. Surprisingly enough I have seen almost all the show they have played and worked one show as their merch girl. Seeing these guys come from amazing bands to start a new one always makes me giddy inside.

The difference between a rock band and a rockn roll band is based solely on their influences. The Midnight Rivals are pretty much an example of a modern Rockn Roll band. They do not have gimmicks or fancy lighting, no tricks up their sleeves. On the contrary they have been getting on stage and just plain rockin out. Making this easy to dance and listen to. Bands that produce music that can be played almost anywhere (shower, while cooking, deserted on an island, stranded during a flat on the highway) are hard to come by. MR composes music that can be played in any situation

With great musicians the last thing you need is creative differences. In their music you can hear a bit of Rolling Stones, Faces, The Who and mainly anything rock coming out of '64-78. With the song writing talent of Morgan Smith. It is easy to channel what he believes his band mates might be able to grind a stone towards a great tune. The combination of Charlie and Morgan is what makes the process of writing music with the band almost expediental. The way a song can be engraved into the writers head and then brought out with different ideas and tuning that wasn't thought during the initial writing process.

As of late they have been recording a new full length with Brian Karscig (Louis XIV, Convoy, Nervous Wreckords) producing the eleven track album. When it comes to working with Brian, Morgan has mentioned "that it is like working with Dr. Awesome." Making sure that the band is recording to its full potential prior to moving on to its next song or track for that matter. After a few days in the studio, MR might have gotten their sound down. Their record should be coming out with in the months to come. Keep an eye out for that.

Till then their next show is April 17th at The Ruby Room (next Saturday) with Lessons from Zeke, Trip to Dover and SilentLune.

Wait what? Almost a year?

2010-04-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that have been writing all my life. If I can write my life in two words it would be : Composition Book. The one thing that is constantly carried in my bag. Notes on shows that are coming up, bands that have been newly introduced to me, show, and cd reviews. Sometimes I worry that it will get lost and all my ideas will be giving credit to by some one else who read what I have in my head. Then carried out. Luckily enough that hasn't happened.

Can you believe it? It has been almost a year since I started this blog. I started writing about bands a while ago working with SLAMM mag when I was 16 years old. Now I am 26 turning soon and here I am on my computer still writing about bands and local San Diego music. To celebrate the 1 year turning of this blog, I have teamed up with Sean Cute of Ruby Room for a show that is not to miss.

(Click on the flyer to make bigger for the blind)

Lord Howler is a band that started as a solo project with lots of energy from Charlie McRee (MEX, Wirepony) that needed a rockin band to back up the influential rockn' roll that he wanted to create.

Red Tiger is Steve Rodriguez (Dragons) with the ambition of a new of an almost Punkn' Roll band with the similar rockn roll attitude.

Brian Holwerda is going to be bring up some of his buddies on stage to help him with his unplugged plugged set. They will be doing a few Blackout Party tunes and also some solo songs as well.

This is a great line-up of a show. Knowing all these guys, they will be ready to get an early start drinking for this Rockn Roll show. So mark your calendars and get ready for the One Year Anniversary for Rockn Roll Never Looked So Good!

Weekend Picks! What's Worth Watching and Where!

2010-04-08T17:04:00.000-07:00

Shaking, rattling and rolling, not just a song, but the way the earth has been moving lately. Don't be scared just roll with it. If you think thats all the rattling from those St. Andres fault lines then your crazy! The weekend picks are enough to create more shaking with this rockn and rolling that beautiful San Diego does.
Check it out the Weekend Picks:

April 8th
Ride the Sun, Snail, Archons, Across Tundras @ Ruby Room
Rats Eyes, Stab City @ Bar Pink
Fever Sleeves, X-Ray Press, Fkenal @ Soda Bar
Melly Frances and The Distilled Spirits, The Cutaways @ Tin Can Ale House
Nortec Collective Presents: Bostich & Fussible, Illuminauts, Revulab @ Casbah

April 9th
Geezer, A Little Big Star (Alex Chilton tribute), and Secret Seven @ Bar Pink
Cattle Decapitation, Phobia, Destroyed in Seconds, Warkrusher, Dead Ghosts @ The Ruby Room
Stereo Summer, The Red Ribbon Army(LA), Save Amos, The Inheritance @ Radio Room
JOY, Low Volts, The Smart Brothers @ Tin Can Ale House

April 10th
Mashtis (CD Release) / Black Hondo / Cozy Corners / Joey Harris and The Mentals @ The Ruby Room
Los Straitjackets , Big Sandy and His Flyrite Boys , El Monte Slim@ Casbah
Firethorn, Petticoat, Swore, Breakhouse@ Radio Room
Rumble San Diego w/Pepper Rabbit, Writer, Black Mamba, DJ sets by Jamuel Saxon@ Bar Pink
Jungle Fever, The Watusis, The Sharp Objects, Mermaid@ Soda Bar
One I Red, Bella Novela, The Flowerthief@ Tin Can Ale House

April 11th
Murder By Death , Ha Ha Tonka, Linfinity @ Casbah (nuf said!)

April 12th
Andrews Avenue/Spero Lumina @ Ruby Room
The Styletones@ Bar Pink

Serena Ryder , Ryan Star , Cuff the Duke@ Casbah

Can't wait to get this weekend started with tonight!!! I will see ya'll at the shows!

Weekend Picks! What's Worth Watching and Where!

2010-04-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hello San Diego. Guess what? Im back into town. Fighting this horrible jet lag, But here I am still bring you the weekend picks. Scotland was exactly what I remember it being, snow, rain, a bit of break in the clouds and a bit of green. New things are coming up for RRNLSG and myself. I am currently booking a tour for a local band which will be announced soon. Also next Thursday get ready for a awesome show that will be announced. I will keep you all in suspense till then. For now here are the weekend picks!

April 1st
The Bloodflowers, Lord Howler @ Bar Pink
Serengeti Rocks, the Beautiful View, Bella Novela, Gun Runner @ Ruby Room
The Hot Moon, Manuok, The Flying Objects (DJ set) @ Soda Bar
The Wedding Present, Ringo Deathstar @ Casbah
Aaron Swanton, Spencer Rabin, Randy Hernandez @ Tin Can Ale House

April 2nd
MR ROCK DUDE! w/ Lights On, The Death Eaters, The Franks@ Soda Bar
A Scribe Amidst The Lions, Day of Anomie,Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra @ Radio Room
The Silent Comedy , Doll and the Kicks, Links@Casbah
Illuminauts, The Paddle Boat @ Whistle Stop
Hyena @ El Dorado. (and thats if your desperate)

April 3rd
Gram Rabbit , Blackout Party, Black Hondo @ Casbah
The Dabbers, Captain Ahab, @Soda Bar
The Goddamn Gallows(MI), The Strikers, Hands Down South, Jody Wayne Wood Band @ Radio Room
Lanterns,Da Bears, D/Wolves Cover @ Tin Can Ale House

April 4th
The Dabbers , A Punch And Judy Puppet Show, Mission: Valley , Myth, DJ Nightrocker @ Casbah

April 5th
Primitive Noyes, Mousefire (Florida), Manta Rae, Samhears @ Tin Can Ale House

See ya at all the shows!

Long Hard Road outta Austin .. SXSW recap

2010-04-01T18:05:00.000-07:00

The drive to Austin, TX is not as bad as people say. It is just a gruesome twenty hour drive if you got it in you to gun straight through each state. Don't forget about the check points on the way to Texas. Dogs sniffing through all the bags and slobbering all over the pillows and blankets. Sometimes its just well worth all the traveling hell just for the week long music that occurs yearly.

Years ago the recommendation of getting a badge and a hotel room, eat all the fancy BBQ in Texas would guarantee the best time of your life. Probably also spend over 2000 dollars. This year was a little different. Take 300 dollars, volunteer and sleep in a car or find a place to crash. By the end of the trip I had twenty dollars left. (It was a budget made specifically for myself in order not to spend more money than I wanted to).

From the moment the van arrived with all 5 passengers it was game time. First stop was The Lustrepearl. Checking out the San Diego Ho-Down sponsered by Bar Pink, CityBeat, The Loft and Stone Brewery. This un-official show case had some of San Diego's up and coming musical acts such as The Nervous Wreckords, Tape Deck Mountain, and El Ten Eleven. Let us not forget your favorite acts such as Steve Poltz, Dirty Sweet and Transfer. The free show included free Wahoo Fish Tacos and free Stone beer and Trumer Pilsner.

As the night went on, the walk around the city. Music was coming from every part of the main drag. 6th street Austin, Texas is the place to be this week. This unfamiliar city has left everyone in awe. (For those who have not been to Austin, please do yourself a favor and check this beautiful city out.) So many shows to catch. So many bands to watch. Stumbling around the city we walked into the One 2 One Club where The Twalls from Austin Tx was playing. This band is composed of local musicians. Dancing the set away, it was getting towards the time that Steve Poltz would be playing at the Hilton Garden Inn on the 18th floor.

After watching Poltz played we decided to walk the strip again. Just to see what was going on. Food, decided was the best thing at that point. Beer's in hand, phillycheese sandwiches in the other and Chad (my partner in crime) walked our merry way around.

Meeting up with the rest of the crew at The Hideout, a local coffee shop that included free WI-FI and nice Italian sodas. Back to the van and back to the place we were crashing out at.

The next day was more about checking out the strip and waking from venue to venue. Seeing who was playing when and what time. The morning started with breakfast taco. I do not know what it is about texas but they are big on wrapping food as tacos. This is however the craze during the whole trip. Tacos and BBQ.

At mid day my partner in crime went in to Darwin's Pub to check out what seemed to be an LA rock back. No my mistake. It was a pop-rock Los Angeles wanna be generic band from Nashville. This band was not worth seeing. November was the name of the band. They had five members, one who looked like an overgrown 16 year old in leather pants and bleached streaked hair. Their keyboardist was wearing sunglasses and a hoodie trying to cover up the fact that he might have been way to old to play in the band. Again a band that thought they were too cool for school. We walked right out.

Right across the road was Leslie and the Badgers playing at another bar. 5 bucks to get in. Well, we decided against paying due to the fact that they had open windows and you can still hear them from the outside and see their back side. It was really because we had open containers of alcohol in our hand.
The night ended on a positive note.

The next day while the boys went around putting up flyers for a record company that they decided to volu volunteer nter for, I went down to the lawn party to check out Dum Dum Girls and Yellow Fever. This isnt really my cup of tea when it comes to music. So I just sat and wrote about the experience that i have been going through in two journals. Mason and I went back to The Hideout to meet up with the rest of the crew. We left Mason as my partner in crime, the dreamy Ryan Blue and myself went off putting up more posters. By ten pm Ryan mentioned the Hilton Garden Inn again. We all walked over that direction to catch the show. When we walked up the lady at the door said "7 dollars." I mentioned that I would go in as soon as I found out if the band we are here to see is actually playing. She noted that I took out a journal and stared jotting down the names of the artist for that showcase. She looked over at me and said "You guys don't have to pay. If you guys wanna come in its free for you."

We walked in right in time to see Correatown play. Their set was very folky. A genre that I normally don't get tired of. After that set a sweet Julie Feeney from Dublin Ireland get ready. With the snaps of her fingers her set begins. She starts the first song a-capella. She has the voice of an angel. She can whisper a fairy tale with her voice and sing it almost in a rhythmic lullaby with a harp to accompany her beautiful voice.

I looked at the clock and it was soon to be midnight. No we were not turning into pumpkins. However, DANKO FUCKEN JONES was about to take the stage. I would not miss this show for the world. With the quickness of our feet we walked right back to the Texas Rock Fest stage right as Danko Jones went on stage. This is the kind of music that gets me antsy for rockn roll. They played "Code of the Road, "Lovers Call," and a few new tunes off their up coming release Below the Belt. Once they were done, Broken Teeth took on the stage next to them. Another great rockn roll band from Austin. With in a few tunes in, lead singer Jason McMaster called up Danko Jones to help him out with “Viva la Rock, Fantastico!” an amazing rock song that is to debut in Broken Teeths' new album.

To much rocking and rolling, I dont think so, but it is bed time the next two days will be to die for!
Wake up the next morning. (i believe this is day 3.) By this time all the days are meshed in together the whiskey is no longer taking effect! Hello Requiemme Showcase!

The Aquarium is the place to be for the first unofficial showcase for Requiemme, The Call the Office, and Bar Pink conjoined showcase. Featuring some amazing bands. The line up (in order they played) Lady Dottie and the Diamonds, Maren Parusel, The Bellrays, Nico Stai, Broken Gold, Darlings of Chelsea, MadJuana and The Zeros. I, of course am behind the merch table. With Mario and the Requiemme artist, doing merch for the guys is always fun! The highlight of this showcase was The BellRays and MadJuana. Of course my west coast heroes and now friends The Zeros. Free Beer, loads of friends and a great time ahead. The BellRays have the energy of a ADD crack baby and its all over the place. It sounds bad, but infact it is some amazing vibing going on when lead singer Lisa get that microphone in her hand. Jumping,dancing, swaying, and rockin the day away. Thats the BellRays way.

After this show case, it was time to hit up Alejandro Escovedo at the San Jose motel. When your intoxicated a mile and a half walk isnt that bad intill you realize holy shit. We have been averaging a total of 5-6 miles a day of walking. By this time, I think I hit my "im done" button. Passed out on the backseat of a car while everyone watched Broken Bells at the Lustrepearl. Granted I was able to hear them since it was only about 100 feet where I passed out for the night.

Next morning we started off at Sam's BBQ. Yeah it was about time we tried the very popular Texan BBQ everyone raves about. It was tasty I will admit. We went to Over Coffee to check out the handsome Ryan Blues' friend. Singer song writer Devon Sproule. Entertaining funny, witty songs. Folky and with a country twang. After that set we all took the Austin Metro back to 6th street. Went into a bar and just relaxed. This was the last day of the 4 day leg of the SXSW "Freelance Writers Tour." What happens when alcohol doesnt have effect on you. The drinking doesnt stop but your not sure if you want to continue? You grab some street food and keep on trucking! The Last showcase of the night.

The Requiemme official show case. The line up (in order they played) Transfer, Maren Parusel, Darlings of Chelsea, MadJuana, Lady Dottie and The Zeros. In this show case Michael Monroe, Ginger from the Wildhearts, Sami Yaffa (who is in MadJuana) all were hanging out while Darlings of Chelsea played. Sami Yaffa who used to play in bands like Hanoi Rocks, New York Dolls, and Michael Monroe new band. Plays guitar for MadJuana, and killed it on their set. First time ever seeing them play live, however have all ways been a big fan of them. Their music is best described as gypsy folk with balls. Not exactly Gogol Bordello, however in that similar genre. Karmen Guy's vocals makes the band a different from what is normally noted for similar bands.

Again, behind the merch table, I sold out of Maren Parusel ep's. All of Darling of Chelsea Albums, and all their shirts except for 2 which Jay Millette said its cool to keep. (Thanks Jay) A few Zero's items. Once the Zeros finished their set. They did two more encore songs. The audience was not wanting them to end. However, it was over the the club was not wanting them to continue. The rest of this night has declared off the record due to the adventure in a van and what was an after party with 8 cases of beer.

Recap on this whole adventure : Unofficial Shows and street food, Breakfast tacos. Please beware of the Border patrol going to the festival. Look out for Free Beer shows, they fuck you up! and Make friends with Canadians they are fucken amazing people. Till next year!

Weekend Picks! What's Worth Watching and Where!

2010-03-25T02:21:00.000-07:00

Hola San Diego, Im sitting here on a train going to London. I was absent last week due to SXSW (review to come soon). I decided to take a small week and a half trip to Scotland to visit family and have a little bit of me time. When your a workaholic, tension builds within your head. Leaving the city, state or in my case the country is the best thing to do sometimes. Yes right now im siting down getting ready for this train to leave Aberdeen, Scotland and take me to London, England. Don't worry San Diego I will be back next week in time for some great shows including Gram Rabbit and Blackout Party. I am also still looking out for you as in what shows to go to.

Ladies and Gents I give you the Pick of the Weekend! (Remember I am there in spirit.)

March 25th
Weatherbox w/ Italian Japanese @ Bar Pink
Dying to wake/Arms Entwined / Rock Paper Tiger @ Ruby Room
Heart Fall Hearts,Tumbledown(Mike Herrera MXPX),The Brandy Alexander Band @ Radio Room
Otis Heat, Starcrossed, The Morning on Fire @ Soda Bar

March 26th
The Morning Benders , Miniature Tigers , We Barbarians @ Casbah
Surfer Blood, Turbo Fruits, Lanterns @ Bar Pink
The Fleshies, Stones at Heart, Street Eaters, Tubers@ Soda Bar
The Donkeys, Space Nature @ Tin Can Ale House

March 27th
The Dabbers, The Hot Moon, Sunday Times@ Tin Can Ale House
CKY, Year Long Disaster, Warner Drive@ Casbah

Reverend Mothers, Cidro Punks, La Corde@ Soda Bar

Four Minutes Til Midnight / Fight From Above (LA)/Cat party(LA) @ Ruby Room

March 28th

Fever Sleeves , Helen Earth Band , The Tall Ships, Greg Gibson @ Casbah

JEFF The Brotherhood w/Splinters @ Bar Pink

I will keep you all updated on more shows to come. Hope you can all make it to these shows although I will be there in spirit, I will see you all when I return.

Limbs and Treasure

2010-03-25T01:12:00.000-07:00

The Mashtis might be the next best thing to come out of this era. Not just saying that because CityBeat announced it during their "Great Demo Issue of 2010." Prior to the demo issue coming out, I had the album in my hand. They were "pick of the weekend" many times for this blog. Now it is time for my review of their self title album to be released!

If you think their name looks familiar, it may be due to the fact that they were named after LA's famous Mashti Malone's Ice Cream shop located at La Brea Ave. Only a year together and The Mashtis have been sprinkling their fairy dust into everyones ear for something new and creative on the scene. This is not your hard heavy rock band. Not a pop-rock-clap-your-hands and tap your feet band. Not something that you would hear out of the ordinary. It is best described as a dreamy jangly almost Pixie style band. Influences such as Pavement and Sonic Youth are very much heard in their music.

From the moment you press play on your cd player, your automatically hooked. Their catchy dreamy tunes could be called rockn' roll hymns. If there truly existed a church of rockn' roll, you would see "Limbs and Treasure," " Harmony Circles," and "Sympathetic Pearl" some where in the one million page book of hymns. It may also have to do with intertwining male-female harmonies and evocative, almost cryptic lyrics. The Mashtis, it's music for all occasions.

The formation of this stellar three piece band started four years ago when lead vocalist and guitarist Itai Faireman posted a simple craigslist ad looking for people for a drummer to experiment with. Neal was the only one to respond. They played a hand full of gigs together before Itai moved back to the east coast. A year ago Itai moved back to San Diego with a brand new solo album entitled The Sunbed Tapes. With a quick jingle and jangle of the phone; Neal was invited to the cd release party. Erica was an addition to the band. Itai met Erica through a mutual friend and together they formed what is now The Mashtis.

The recording of this album was done at Chaos Recorders with Christopher Hoffee, master engineer and producer (Truckee Brothers, Robin Henkel, Transfer, White Buffalo, and more). With Hoffee recording the album was both challenging and comfortable in this creative situation. Due to time restraints the album was recorded in 3 days (15 hours per day mind you). "I'm very happy with how it came out. We recorded the album live..a snapshot of The Mashtis moment." Itai mentioned when asked about the recording process. "I'm real pleased."

The CD release is April 10th at the Ruby Room with Black Hondo, Cozy Corners and Joey Harris and the Mentals. Make sure when your there to grab one of their albums.

Weekend Picks! Where to go and whats worth watching!

2010-03-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

Did you all see it? The Great Demo Issue. It came out yesterday. Yes in one day I read the whole thing. I believe this year all the music contributors decided to be nice to all musicians. I don't understand why. The past few demo reviews have been more critical than this years. Maybe Citybeat was feeling generous. Well on the bright side of it all the weekend is here. This weekend I will be posting more than I should. So be on the look out for quite a few reviews.

Ladies and Gents The Weekend Picks:

March 12th
Hotel St. George, Riddim Saunter, Softlightes @ Tin Can Ale House
Thee Oh Sees, Baths, So Cow @ Bar Pink
Irradio, The Slants, Silent Scream @ Radio Room
No Bunny, TV Ghost, Stalins of Sound @ Tower Bar
Cave Singers, The Duchess and The Duke, The Moondoggies @ Casbah
Casbah Presents Tim Barry, Possessed By Paul James, John Meeks/Brian Holwerda @ Soda Bar
Dave Howard, Bart Mendoza @ Java Joe's at Cafe Libertalia

March 13th
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Whigs @ House of Blues
Little Boots, Dragonette, Class Actress @ Casbah
The Paragraphs, Scarlet Symphony, Apes of Wrath @ Beauty Bar
Lauren DeRose, Sharon Hazel Township, The Dirty Legs, Mermaid @ Ruby Room
Gregory Page @ Java Joe's at Cafe Libertalia
SD: Dialed In Presents The Burning of Rome, Judgement Day, Battlehooch, Boyscout@ Soda Bar

March 14th
Or, The Whale, The Maldives @ Bar Pink
A Sunny Day In Glasgow, Tropical Depression, Primitive Noyes @ Soda Bar
Hunx & His Punkettes, Shannon & The Clam, The Kabbs @ Ken Club
Quasi, Explode Into Colors, Pivot, Little White Teeth@ Casbah

March 15th
Animal Ancestors @ Ruby Room
Mathew Good, Automatic Loveletter @ Casbah
Rum Rebellion, Abject, Brian Congerjo @The Handsome @ Radio Room

Ill see you guys at any of these shows. BRMC at HOB is giong to be killer and i cant wait for that show alone!
Beat the Devils Tattoo is such a great album completely recommend that you all get it!

Weekend Picks. What's worth Seeing and where!

2010-03-04T15:07:00.000-08:00

Ah yes the weekend. It is finally here and of course there are a lot of great shows within the next few days. To be honest, there are good - great to not so great shows on a nightly basis. Tonight is the Sounddiego Launch Party. With performances by Gregory Page, The Silent Comedy, and other. I'm excited for this as much as I am for Wirepony being member of the day today! Yes, Fm94.9 played Wirepony's Some Lighting off their lastest release Wirepony.

Ladies and Gents the weekend picks!

March 4

The Clientele, The Wooden Birds, Tropical Depression @ Casbah

The Nervous Wreckords @ Bar Pink

Kevin Martin, Gayle Skidmore, Jackson Price @ Tin Can Ale House

March 5

Michael Klayman Photoshow feat. A Scribe Amidst The Lions, Irradio, The Tractormen, Seesaw Ensemble @ Queen Bee's
The Bloody Hollies (CD Release), Fkenal, The Dead Ghost, Knives! @ Ruby Room

Leslie and The Lys, Christopher The Conquered, Lion Cut @ Casbah

River City, Little Hurricane, The Western Set @ Soda Bar

Christmas Island, Jeans Wilder, Dreamboat @ Tin Can Ale House

The Big Decisions, Ellamae, The Steelwells, Lisa The Lush @ Beauty Bar

March 6

Mike Watt and the Missingmen, Lite, The Hot Moon, Rats Eyes (Atari Lounge) @ Casbah

The Green Stamps, DJs Tony The Tyger & Go-Go Guillermo @ Tower Bar

The Amalgamated, The Revivers, DJ Skarina @ Radio Room

The Rumble: Twin Tigers, Birds & Batteries, Beaters, DJ Mikey Face @ Bar Pink

Mr. Rock Dude with Scarlet Symphony, Drug Wars @ Soda Bar

March 7

The Zeros @ Bar Pink

Sister Crayon, Syndicate @ Beauty Bar

Spero Lumina, Hocus @ Ruby Room

See ya at the shows!

Rockn Roll never looked so filthy....

2010-02-26T15:34:00.000-08:00

When reviewing a show at a venue, I normally have my composition book at hand. Trust me, not matter how big or small my bag is, the notebook is in there with my personal notes on local bands. It is either a book you want to read or stay away from. Sometimes it may not make a spit of sense to you. However, the better the show the harder it is for me to read it. (Drunken Scribbles make an amazing day worth writing and reading last night show review) Sometimes due to the scribbling on my journal it takes me days up to weeks to Decipher what was written. Take this last 94.9 free show. That was almost a month ago. I just was able to really figure out my notes. (Well scribbles and writers block kind of makes this a little hard!)

The night started off on the right note. The line-up: Nautical Disaster, Boyscout, Heavy Glow (cd release party) and (the return of:) Firethorn. First off I will have to say that coming into any place and introducing myself to just the bandmates freaks me out. I don't like to go up to people unless I know them. Kind of strange right? However this night was full of surprises. Met Berkeley from Nautical Disaster and was fun talking to him about music same as meeting Chris from Firethorn.

Nautical Disaster went on first. They did a rockin job with great guitar riffs and powerful bass. It was almost punkn' roll. I have always liked Nautical Disaster. They are always a pick of the weekend for me. It would be nice if the guitarist (Berkeley) was not so far off in the corner. More stage presence from him would be great. They were sans a harmonica player but still sounded just as tight. Make sure to pick up their album or catch them on their next show.

Boyscout was next. Who could not love Boyscout? I know I can! Jason Cardenas from Transfer on wailing guitar. This instrumental foursome of rockn rollers know how to get the audience moving. It seems as though two is the magic number for this band. Two guitarist and Two drummers. Normally that would be way to much for me. However, who would have thought that they would be so enjoyable and fun to watch? This isn't your normal no vocal instrumental band where they are just ambiance.

By this time it seems that Casbah is packed. Now its time for Heavy Glow. During their set. There were a lot of hot mics. For it being their cd release party I would declare it a not good set. High energy? Yes! Good music? Yes! Tech problems? Yes! Over all did they give it their best? OF COURSE! Awesome time watching it. However, hot mics kill it for me all the time!

Last but not least FIRETHORN! After leadsinger Chris moved back to the east coast a few years back but still comes to San Diego to play a few shows here and there. They are of the Punk Rock genre which is very awesome since I was mainly a punk rock kid in LA before moving to San Diego for my better years of punk rock and rockn roll. By the end of the early night most of the people that were here mainly for Boyscout has left. But you were a fool to have left and not checked out Firethorn. By the end of the set, Chris belted out "Demasiado has broken up and this is for them!" Firethorn covered a song by Demasiado. Now the set was over and it was only Midnight. Oh whats a girl like me to do on an early Sunday night? GO home and recap this show!

recap: check out all the bands! and yes Demasiado broke up! (don't worry I cried as well!)

Weekend Picks. What's worth Seeing and where!

2010-02-26T13:53:00.000-08:00

The end of February is here so many random and excellent shows that have happened over the weeks. I still feel as thought I am recovering from The Long and Short of It show last Saturday. Finding random bruises on my arms and legs. That is what happens at a metal show and friendly pits to follow. The Grids that night were absolutely LOUD and worth the ringing in my ears! I guess you can say I am a bit shattered from that show and still in a bit of pain. (Does this mean im becoming an old Rocker! OH NO!) Well here are the weekend picks to brake your backs and crack your necks.. Starting with tonight:

Feb 26
Red Tiger, Wirepony @ Bar Pink
Steve Poltz @ M-Theory Records (6pm, Free)
The Adolescents, Youth Brigade, The Watusis@ Casbah
Deadbolt @ Ken Club
Kera and the Lesbians, the Paragraphs, Trouble in the Wind @ Soda Bar
The Smart Brothers, Gregory Page @ Java Joe's at Cafe Libertalia

Feb 27
Moving Units, the Dabbers, Beaters @ Casbah (the Beaters double Booked!)
Beaters, Apes of Wrath, Shapes of Future Frames @ Tin Can Ale House (The Beaters Double Booked!)
Pepi Ginsberg, Pepper Rabbit @ Soda Bar

Feb 28th
The Screamin' Yeehaws, the Farmers, Behind the Wagon, the Fooks @ Casbah
Scout Niblett, Manuok @ Bar Pink
Animal Ancestors, Rhythm and the Method @ Ruby Room

AH yes the weekend picks! Hope to see ya at one of the shows!!!!

Weekend Picks. What worth Seeing and where!

2010-02-19T13:26:00.000-08:00

Yeah a day late. Shoot me. Since writing has no sick days, I must take a sick week once and a while! Just for rest and relaxation! One thing to get me out of bed was last night The Damned. I can almost die a happy girl. ALMOST! Since that was the pick of last night then yes it was a fun time! ( A little under the weather but still was able to have a blast!)
Well, Ladies and Gents the pick of the weekend!

Feb 19th
The Donkeys, The Hot Moon, The Modlins, Joel P West (Late show, 9 p.m.) @ The Casbah.
Maren Parusel @ Whistle Stop.
Bobby Fantasy, Syndicate, Neon Cough, Death On Mars, DJ Velvet Touch @ Ruby Room.
John Meeks, Marquez!, Little White Teeth @ Tin Can Ale House.
Stitch Hopeless & The Sea Legs, The Strikers, Death Valley Drifters @ Radio Room.

Feb 20th
The Long and Short Of It, The Archons, The Grids @ Ruby Room
Anya Marina, Softlights, and Wirepony @ Casbah (sold out!)
River City, The Western Set, Justin Rodriguez, DJ Gonzo @ Tin Can Ale House
Recordable Colors (CD Release), Mia Valentine, The Canton Mudders @ Ken Club

Feb 21st
Laura Meyer, Simeon Flick, John Paul @ Ruby Room
Bedlam of Cacophony, Hunab Ku, Dead Ghosts @ Radio Room
Silian Rail, Fever Sleeves @ Bar Pink
Harlem, Thee Makeout Party, The Glossines @ Casbah

Ready Set and Go! Hope to see ya'll at one of these shows!

Releasing the 7" beast!

2010-02-19T12:44:00.000-08:00

First off people. Get your mind out of the Gutter! that's not the beast I am talking about. Still to this day one band will forever fascinate me. They will tickle every part of my funny bone. NOT because they are funny guys... (that is kind of besides the point.) The music and stage presence that exludes out of this band is so mind blowing. It will have you FIST PUMPING. (Not like Snookie or The Situation of Jersey Shore.) They will have you invoking the darkness that is The Long And Short Of It.

The beginning of this year brought good stuff towards the quadruple talented men. Starting with a video release from their latest recording Caw! Now a 7" release single. Recorded at Black Box Studios by Mario Quintero; the 7" record introduces fans to two new songs "Welcome to Gnarlsberg" and "The Lancet." Two new tracks are more of a streamline of what LASOI style is composed of. Raw talent. The black and white art work that is on the record was done by Ben Johnson himself.

This 7" release party will be held at Ruby Room Saturday Feb 20th. Sharing the stage will be The Archons and The Grids. Which will later kick off their west coast tour. It starts at Ruby Room and ends at Ruby Room. (How awesome is that?)

If you feel this isn't enough Long and Short of It. Then get ready for another music video. They guys will be filming "Vast Systems" off of CAW! at the Grammatical B Black Forrest! Get ready for another amazing video. This will be featuring bird people, strange people and chaos! Be prepared!

Man You Ok?

2010-02-11T15:56:00.000-08:00

It has been roughly six months since Manuok has played San Diego. Scott Mercado (ex Via Satellite) has come back to Ruby Room for another exciting show. This time I was able to catch the whole set.

The first time I heard of Manuok. It wasn't hearing the name, however seeing it in print. Man-uok is how i thought and every I have heard say the name. But thanks to Scott in correcting me. Its pronounced: man-you-oh-kay. I have seen the many works for Scott Mercado. Being on stage with talent such as Album Leaf, Black Heart Procession, Mr Tube and The Flying Objects. The multi-instrumentalist started Manuok as a solo project that later turned in to a full functioning band and make no mistake that Scott Mercado and his quintuple band mates are just as fascinating as all the other bands they have worked and played with.

Seeing Manuok after their Oct/Nov tour in Europe was in a way important for me to attend. Why you may ask? Being a person of different musical taste. I have always wanted to get a good feel of Manuok. Not rushed or looking at my watch to see the time, in order to get to the next show. I wanted to take my sweet time when reviewing this show. The wonders of what seems to be an indie rock band with such catchy tunes brought a nostalgic feeling as though I was listening to some of England's' latest indie sounds. The spacey laid back tracks that make it easy listening. Almost like roadtrip, date night or just ambiance music. In other words its sounds great no matter what your doing. I was glad to take my time and enjoy this show.

recap: It's pronounced man-you-oh-kay and completely worth watching!

Weekend Picks. What worth Seeing and where!

2010-02-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

Oh cupid is in the air. If you are like me, you grabbed your guns and shoot 'em down. There is no time for romancing in rockn roll. Well, there is. I will be doing my best to bat my eyes at the lovely bands that bring me great live shows this weekend. For this commercial holiday brings either the greatness in people or the ugly. It depends on their take with Hallmark. With no hesitations here are the weekend picks:

Feb 11
The Howl, Hotel St. George, The Dig, and Sunday Times @ Casbah
Lord Howler and Rats Eyes @ Bar Pink
Gun Runner, Riddle the Roar and Secret Apollo @ Ruby Room

Feb 12
Lualta, Lights On, Wake up Lucid @ Beauty Bar
Pocket @ Bar Pink

Feb 13
Drag the River, Cheap Girls, Madison Bloodbath @ Casbah (El Monte Slim in the Atari Lounge)
The Fascination, Sounds of Noise, Shaun T. Morgan @ Radio Room
Dirty Legs, Golden Years, Little Lungs @ Soda Bar
Lion Cut and Jamuel Saxon @ Tin Can Ale House

Feb 14
Roger and Sara's Wedding Anniversary Party w/ Listening Rocks, The Silent Comedy and Tan Sister Radio

Feb 15
Chris Shiflett of Foo Fighters and Special Guest Audra Mae @ Casbah
Diamonds Underfire, Lanterns, Grand Tarantula @ Soda Bar
Haymarket Squares, Antioquia, The Jason Chase Trio @ Ruby Room
The Natives, Die Sabotage, Youth Envy @ Radio Room

Bar Pink is Bring in Back The Black!

2010-01-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

Thank you Bar Pink for becoming an upcoming venue in the strip. Besides Casbah, Bar Pink has been having some great shows. Tonight being one of them. The line up is Black Hondo and Dead Meat! With a name like that you know you are getting your face melted tonight! I am more excited at the fact that Black Hondo is opening up for them.

If you have never heard or seen this band, it is time to get of your couch and check them out! Black Hondo is a style of their own in a city made up of different genres. Almost like a new rendition of Jefferson's Airplane. Lucina Go, the front woman of this band has vocals unlike the other women in San Diego. Her style is similar to that of Grace Slick. In this time and age of music, the scene needs something different. Black Hondo is what this city needs.

The vocals are not the only thing that makes this band unique. The psychedelic rhythm of the backing band is just as spectacular. Almost like a siren in the night. Pure classic sounding. Please let us not get confused with 70's psych rock "I should be on LSD, " type of music. However, the sweet melodic eerie guitar is enjoyable with just a drink in your hand. What better place to see Black Hondo, than Bar Pink! This is a free show. They get on stage early so come on and check them out!

Pick of the Weekend! Where to go and whats worth watching!

2010-01-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

The end of the month is here! Time flies when your having fun. This weekend alone there are many shows worth watching. I am excited to make the rounds this weekend. Starting with tonight! The strip will be packed with lots great bands local and out of town acts. Here is the Pick of the Weekends!!!

Jan 28
Dead Meat, Black Hondo @ Bar Pink
Manuok, By sunlight, Confessions of a Corn Silo @ Ruby Room
Irradio, Get Down to Brass, Marquez! @ Soda Bar
Apes of Wrath, Hot Moon, Circus Minor @ Casbah

Jan 29
The Drowning Men, Midnight Rivals @ Bar Pink
Transfer, Wirepony, Hong Kong @ Casbah

Jan 30
DUANE PETERS, The Strikers, Die Sabotage @ Radio Room
EARLY SHOW- Polysics , Beaters @ Casbah
LATE SHOW - Town Criers, Manual Scan, Blue Gangsters @ Casbah
Normandie, Night Horse @ Bar Pink
Mia Valentine, The Flowerthief, The Mashits, Queens Guard @ Soda Bar

Jan 31
Firethorn, Heavy Glow, Boyscout, Naticaul Disaster @ Casbah
The Black Tounge Bell, Smashfash The Neighborhood Bully's @ Radio Room

Feb 1
Joe Jack (Deadmilk Men Lord Grunge, The Bassturd @ Bar Pink
Blackout Party @ Riviera
Lady Dottie and The Diamonds @ U-31

See You all at the SHOWS!!

The Dragons ~ Pictures Prove it all!

2010-01-26T14:20:00.000-08:00

If you missed The Dragons, Uncle Joe's Big Ol' Driver and the Spitfires. Well, I hate to say it but you missed an excellent rockn roll show. Those don't happen very often in San Diego. Since most San Diego bands have taking a liking to the other genres of pop-rock, country, or punk, and metal. These shows become few and far between. I am not going to write about how amazing this show was. I believed I have mentioned that over and over. However, pictures prove it all. Here is a slideshow and that will show you that The Dragons was one of the best shows that will happen in 2010. Most shows can not top this except for Exile on Kettner Blvd.

Jabbing, Stabbin, Right Hooks and all...

2010-01-26T12:59:00.000-08:00

It is raw and live. Although not recorded at a venue, Right Hook Of Love has all those qualities that most live albums carry. With these melodic songs, rockn roll is not left behind. Usually before I review an album, I must live with it. De-constructing  the living hell out of it. Listening to every sound that comes out of my speakers. This album was actually one of the hardest to review.

Right Hook of Love has amazing qualities that during the first listen of the album, I found it to be fantastic and brilliant. The more and more I listened to this album the more I enjoyed it. I've seen Wirepony live a few times. Great live set all the time. Especially now that Arron Dennis is playing side by side to Patrick. Starting the album with such a powerful song it could either go both ways. However, from there it all flows like the river to the sea. Some songs are from their previous EP's Home on The Strange and Wirepony Tour EP.  The continuity of the album is quite impressive. With songs such as "Some Lighting," "Atlantic Man," and "All My Rockets;" all have faster tempo and harder melody than that previously recorded on their EP's. Which prove that this band has the talent to take their songs and make them better.

The only problem I encountered with this album was no more than the backup vocals on a few songs. Granted O is a great musician. Talented in his own way. However, some songs he would pitch his voice higher to meet that of Patrick's. At one point the idea dawned on me. If they had a female backup vocalist for just studio recordings; this album would be much more powerful than what it is already. At one point it sounded like someone was squeezing O's sack and telling him, "please a wee higher when hitting those notes." Sorry O, you shouldn't have to hit notes that doesn't sound right. Other than that the rest of the backups on the other songs were good.

Right Hook of Love is released January 29th. Which is perfect for their show with Transfer and Hong Kong at the Casbah. Tickets are 14 bucks. Please purchase your tickets now, it will sell out! See you all there and don't forget to pick up Right Hook of Love.

Rockn Roll Kamikaze!

2010-01-22T14:38:00.000-08:00

This is a story about coming of age into a city that I knew I would become one with.

I grew up in Culver City, Los Angeles. (yes that is the industrial part of south Hollywood). A block away from the See's Candy factory. While living in LA, all I saw was punks, gangsters and sometimes if I decided to take the bus into the main part of Hollywood; I would finally see the rockn rollers. When I was 14 years old my mother thought it would be appropriate to move the family to a better place in San Diego. National City is not better than Culver City. It is better in the sense of community. However, I saw the same thing as I did in Culver City. I still took the bus and trolley into the city for shows. I remember over hearing the older crowd talk about a venue where great shows were put on a daily basis. Reading SLAMM mag on a weekly basis to check out what the scene was like. I would try to make it to all shows. I would get a ride to Empire Club, The Old Bowling Alley, The Venus Club. If i was lucky I was sneaking into The Old Playhouse, Scolaris office and Chasers. Lets not forget the sewers for crust punk shows.

By this time the only venue I still didnt visit was the legendary Casbah. I went during the summer of my first year in San Diego. Walked by the door. Yeah, this was not going to be easy sneaking in. Nor did I try. I saw one of the band loading in gear. Leather pants? "Whoa," I thought to myself. "Who are these guys" I stuck around. I asked the door guys if they were cool with me just sitting and listening to the music. Since I am not old enough to go in the club, I still wanna listen to the music. He told me about the band going on. THE DRAGONS.

With a name like that it had to be good ole' rockn roll! The moment they started playing I knew I had found a place where I would constantly listen to the great acts of my time and generation. The South Bay natives that is Mario Escovedo, Steve Rodriguez, Jarrod Lucas, and Ken Horne. They have been playing together since 1991. They have toured all over the world. Played 11 SXSW Music Conferences. Although they do not play venues on a regular basis after 2004 break up. The Dragons still get together for one special event.

I am now 26 years old and to this day I still get really excited when I know that The Dragons are playing. Even if its once a year. January 23 marks the 21st anniversery of The Casbah. With who else to turn this baby as old as the patrons they let in but The Dragons Uncle Joe's Big Ol' Driver, The Drips, The Spitfires. This is a show not to be missed at all! Like every year they play. This is the only show I can really say "I'll DIE if I miss it!" See you all there.

And Thank You Casbah for Existing for people such as myself! The Real Rockn Roll Mercenaries! Meet you at the back bar!

Weekend Picks ... what to see and where!

2010-01-22T13:38:00.000-08:00

Rain rain go away.... blah... Please do not leave, the city looks beautiful when its wet. However, it keeps everyone hibernating in their comfort of their giant tv's and their snuggies. Please don't let this weather affect you and your daily rocking and rolling. Rain or shine these are the picks of the weekend.

Jan 22
Maren Parusel w/ Maus Haus @ Bar Pink
Astra Kelly / Luce / RepublicOfLetters/EvanRobinson / Medicine for Madison @ The Ruby Room
Nothington(SF), Breaker Breaker One Niner, Sunnyside, Honest Iago @ The Radio Room
Secret Apollo (album release), Knives, Joanie Mendenhal @ Soda Bar
Dave and Deke Combo, The Bedbreakers, The Rumblers, Bill Cardinal and the Canyon Band in the Atari Lounge @ The Casbah

Jan 23
The Dragons, Uncle Joe's Big Ol' Driver, The Drips, The Spitfires @ Casbah
DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW OR YOU WILL HAVE TO WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR TO SEE THE DRAGONS AGAIN!

Jan 24
Death On Mars / Melodic Destruction / More TBA @ The Ruby Room
MACHETE, SPEECHES, SCHITZOPHONICS, RYAN BLUE @ Radio Room
Black Lips, Nobunny, Slab City@ The Casbah

Jan 25
The Fascination / Vinyl Film/ Save Amos welcome home show @ The Ruby Room
Anti Monday League Presents Jemina Pearl, Mermaid and The Littlest Viking @ The Casbah

You all know where you will see me on Saturday. This is a show not to miss. I believe I haven't Missed a Dragons show. So I don't you should either! Meet you at the Back Bar!

Morbid but not Eerie. This is a Fun Shine Line...

2010-01-14T20:25:00.000-08:00

Hotel St George. You did it again! Another record with the interchanging of the instruments. Genus or Crazy? You decide. With Fun Shine Line the new album of the decade. Hotel St. George reveals a side of the band that no one has heard. This album, by far much more darker and eerie compared to that of Hundreds and Thousand and of course their last debut City Lemon Boy.

This being their third full length album. It was all or nothing for them. The interchanging of the instruments was not as usual as when they are on stage with the SWAPPING of the instruments. This time they literally changed who played what instruments.

The album starts off with "How is Your Mother." A mellow pop introduction of the full length. Very eerie. As the album progresses the songs do the same thing in the dark melodic stages. Not only is Fun Shine Line instrumentally dark; the title of the tracks and Matt Binders voice is the perfect touch to this album. This is not your usual pop punk Hotel St. George. Most songs such as "Thats Why I Drink Every Night," has to do with frustration and pain. Mainly based on family, religion and just your ever day frustrations on life. I will have to say this is one of my favorite songs off this album.

As you listen to the rest of the album, you'll notice that there tracks are still lyrically dark but the tempo is more upbeat. The Keyboards are what makes this album. As well as the rhythm of the guitar. Hotel St. George finally wrote an album that was made perfectly for them. When they played their entire cd prior to their release at Soda Bar. I didn't pay much attention except for a few songs. After listening to this album on repeat; I can stand behind it and say its one of their best albums!

Be on the look out for Fun Shine Line!

Picks of The Weekend! Were to go and whats worth Watching..

2010-01-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

Hola everyone.. Second week of the New Year and more exciting shows to attend. After a 3 day mellow stay at home nights (even though I didnt stay home); it's time to paint the town red! Remember Casbah is celebrating their 21st birthday all month! Shows are going to be selling out so I recommend you grab your tickets for all the shows coming up! Today is the weekend picks... If your not wearing your glasses it might be your weekend pricks!

Although these all listings are going to be fun times, I highly recommending that you check this shows this weekend! READY set and go....

Jan 14th
Behind the Wagon/Nautical Disaster/The 383s @ The Ruby Room
Shawn Rohlf and the Buskers @ Bar Pink
Dave Hillyard and the Rock Steady 7, See Spot, The Lifters @ Casbah

Jan 15th
Greg Gibson CD Release Party / Erika Davies / The Hundred Days @ The Ruby Room (the Hundred days is the bizness!)
Save Amos,The Sweet Revenge(SF), One I Red, Arson Academy @ The Radio Room
Get Back Loretta, PAPA, Weatherbox @Soda Bar
Imaad Wasif w/ Vision Of A Dying World @ Bar Pink
Cash'd Out, Graceland @ Casbah

Shaun T. Morgan, El Monte Slim & Honkatonk @ Tin Can Ale House

Jan 16th
Adam Franklin, Tape Deck Mountain, Roxy Jones ($5) @ Soda Bar
The All Wait, Echo Echo, Eclipse 79 (CD release) @ Beauty Bar
The Silent Comedy w/ Mississippi Man@ Bar Pink
The Builders and The Butchers, Little Whie Teeth@ Casbah (early show)
Creedle, Upsilon Acrux, Rats Eyes @ Casbah (late show and will sell out!)

Jan 17th
White Denim, Brazos, Big Bang @ Casbah

Jan 18th
Hockey, Asa Ransom and DJ Skullcrusher @ Casbah SOLD OUT ALREADY!