's Blog |
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| That blog with boring shit about music
| | GO PACK GO! |
8-1, hell friggin yeah. Brett Favre only gets better with age, he's like cheese or a fine wine, hell, make him both! Hell, he's worth more than that!
In honor of how awesome football has been, I'm going to tell you about a couple of albums I spin when I'm schooling folks in Madden 08 (yes, I got it in august and I STILL play it!)
A Wilhelm Scream- Career Suicide: This album is seriously awesome, and the high octane riffs and fast drumming is great way to keep you motivated to keep a drive going. It'll make you as relentless as Adrian Peterson (until the packers secondary took him out today FUCK YEAH!)
Every Time I Die- The Big Dirty: This album is a great for the people who love defense, who love to give the big hits. It has the technical riffs and punch to stop a great offense in their tracks, with a relentless rock swagger for celebration. Although it would be preferred to play as the Buffalo Bills in honor of them, if you want to get pumped, The Big Dirty is just plain DIRTY!
Anything by The Beastie Boys: Actually, just make a mix of your favorites and get the groove rollin. ("Sure Shot" and the "Body Movin" remix are preferred, seriously, they just rule!)
The Swellers- My Everest: Okay, but this is kind of self indulgent, I just love the swellers.
You can throw some suggestions in the comments, but seriously, listen and enjoy!
Ryan
P.S. GO PACK GO! | |
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| | I'm seeing double vision with our ghosts... |
World of Friggin warcraft.
Well, I do have a habit of knocking folks for playing, and one of my friends finally sat me down and said, "dude, just try it." and he handed me one of those 2 dollar demo disks.
Although it has hardly affected me, I've spent 2 days playing it and I can understand where people are coming from when they say it's addictive. It's diablo 2 with 3d graphics. The time I spent playing that has been fun, and I do plan on using this out until assassin's creed is released on wednesday.
There is something about getting with a few friends and kicking some troll ass.
So, I officially understand why people are into world of warcraft.
But still, don't let it get out of hand.
World of warCRACK
lol
Later boys and girls
P.S. BUY THE A WILHELM SCREAM CD NOW!!!!! | |
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| | Live Like a Legend and Die Like an Asshole |
Okay, so, the new A Wilhelm Scream album has had more plays on my Itunes than any other album.
That may not be impressive but....
I've had Itunes for 3 frickin years.
I've listened to this album all the way through 98 times
I've spent roughly 4 days of my life listening to this since October 9th.
WHY HAVEN'T YOU BOUGHT THIS FUCKING ALBUM?
Otherwise, the musical front is doing well lately. I started researching the full on DIY bands, the most respected and lauded DIY band as of lately is Bomb The Music Industry! . This band is a great band, and are an infusion of rock, punk, ska, and Whatever the FUCK they WANT.
This is what I love about music now. A scene can be so saturated and beaten down, but there is always going to be hope. BTMI! just might be it right now.
I know this is late, but RIP Latterman, one of the best modern DIY (well, DIY as far as booking goes) bands I've ever had the honor of seeing in someone's basement.
I'm mixing my 7 songs, and hopefully the songs will have names and my voice won't sound so shitty on them.
Ryan | |
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| | She's fucking pregnant |
And the worst part is...
It's not mine.
Talk about never going home again.
What can you listen to in order to cope with the fact that the reason you were moving back home decided to slap you in the face and make you feel like your word was worthless no matter where you were.
Can someone tell me? | |
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| | Okay, this isn't about music.... |
But seriously, Butters is the best character on south park.
"OOOOOH HAMBURGERS!"
Hearing him say that in the midst of thousands of evil monsters from our imaginations made me laugh really hard. | |
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| | Hot Water Music is awesome! |
You know, first of all.....
WHY HAVEN'T YOU GOTTEN THE NEW A WILHELM SCREAM RECORD?
Otherwise.....
There have been rumors floating around that the blood brothers broke up. That would be rather disheartening news for me if so, as much as they were pompous art rock pricks who thought they shit gold, they were also very good musical artists.
Yet, I have good news.
Hot Water Music is looking to come back!
If you didn't know me well enough, I generally don't go through a musical conversation without mentioning Hot Water Music.
If you haven't already listened to them, I suggest listening to Fuel For the Hate Game and A Flight and A Crash.
Their music is one of their highest influences to me, and I really think that you might love it too!
Enjoy great music!
Ryan
P.S. A WILHELM SCREAM'S NEW RECORD! GET IT! | |
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| | Ok it's time for things to be said. |
This is all a reflection of my opinions:
Fueled by Ramen and Crush Management are making a mockery of musicians.
Less than Jake's last record sucked balls.
Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails made the best statements against record labels in a long time.
"Steal my album" is the most punk rock thing i've heard in years.
Panic At the Disco fucking sucks and their last record was a fluke. They realized how bad their songwriting abilities are and are trying to take a second shot, most likely with some kind of producer that will help them write songs.
All Time Low shouldn't have to pose in their fucking underwear in order to sell records- Their record is a spectacular example of no holds barred pop punk.
Bands are too young. A lot of these young bands break up quickly because they haven't fully matured, record labels are exploiting and or fucking bands in the ass because they make no money on record sales and then left out in the cold a year afterwards.
A Wilhelm Scream made one of the most relevant releases of the year. Go buy it fucking NOW!!!!
The phrase "Punk Is Dead" is only a matter of opinion. I think Punk is alive in the people it still affects day to day.
If it wasn't obvious, the music industry is dying. But hopefully someday, music won't be about money anymore, and people will walk into basements cheerfully to hear their local favorite. Music will be about music again and we can breathe a sigh of relief.....
Oh, and sometimes, I'm kind of an asshole.
That's a mouthful.
Ryan | |
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| | Perfect Songs: SOCK IT TO ME! |
Okay, so as a hardcore MUSIC fan, I do not leave out any kind of music, except, for modern rap or modern country which is based mostly on gimmick songs for certain people types (Redneck Woman anyone?). But sometimes people will ask me after a show (well, not for awhile considering i haven't played a show in about 9 months) or at a music store, my definition of a perfect song is.
And I honestly could only tell you one thing.
A perfect song is something that just destroys you when you listen to it, that just picks you up when it's uplifting and tear you the fuck down when it wants to break your heart like the slutty girl that it is (okay, a tad bit harsh but still).
So once in awhile on this silly little blog I'm going to mention what I think a perfect song is.
So as a trial, I'm going to do a song that's a little close to my heart I guess, you know just the song that basically got me into MUSIC.
"Basket Case" by green day
This song, is kind of a defning moment for a lot of contemporary pop punk bands, and is it any wonder? Everything about this song screams catchy. First of all, I really think this and "Longview" were the big pop punk songs that started the explosion. At first glance, when I was 8 years old, I just listened to the voice and the warm crunchy power chords. As I started playing guitar shortly thereafter, I started to realize that Green Day was more than 3 chords and the truth. I started going off on my bass when I was 11 thinking it was easy, so I put on the stereo headphones and I was completely mindblown by the way Mike Dirnt played. The rhythm section for green day is repetitive but brilliant at the same time. Consistently powerful and heavy, everything came together in this song complementing billie joes almost cracked voice and crunchy guitar.
Now for the lyrics, you couldn't get more everyday life in the 1990's, the world was getting crazier and more fast paced by the second, computers were getting more complicated, colleges were getting harder to get into. The Burnout revolution was coming around and his lyrics battling between about worrying about the modern world and dating or he just thinks it's all in in his head cause he's stoned.
Does it get any more relevant than that? I don't think so for the time (I was 8), but as I got older and older I realized that this is an anthem not just for those great mid 90's but also for RIGHT FUCKING NOW! This song is timeless in my opinion, and Thats why I'm saying this is a perfect song.
Ryan
Any Ideas/opinions on your perfect songs? Comment them, why not? | |
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| | I miss the shit talking |
I realized that if my new project ever got any press, I'm going to talk as much shit as possible.
I think it's hilarious when people talk smack and they don't follow through, apologizing a week later.
Where did the balls go?
I only see a few bands doing that, Every Time I Die, the Lawrence arms, and right now, thats all i see really. Everyone is so reserved.
Isn't a punk scene, or an emo (NOT "scene") scene supposed to be a forum for opinions? That's what between song dialogue is for! There's no controversy anymore, man!
Talking smack and all that, well, it's all in good fun, is a band really going to throw a tantrum about what people say about them? I don't know, considering how young bands are now, I guess it could affect them.
Otherwise, I think the big reason is because fans are so fickle!
"I'm not going to listen to them if they're mean to other people."
Music isn't supposed to be safe! It's all in good fun! If you're so worried about selling records, GET OUT OF MUSIC FOR GODS SAKES!
Stop being so damn lame, folks! Let's make this dying scene fun! | |
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| | Paramore's Sexism Double Standard |
(this story is very true)
So I was at the only record store in town, and I struck up a conversation with a young female aspiring music collector, when I noticed she was buying 3 cd's: Paramore's Riot, Schoolyard Heroes' Abominations , And Flyleaf's obligatory Major Label (and horrifyingly bad) debut. Obviously, you know what they have in common, they all have female singers. As usual, I feel the need to ask why she went for the 3 cd buy and she replied "Because I love their lyrics so much."
So, me being the music lover I am, I started naming off bands that had similar lyrical content, most of which were bands that had male singers: Saves the Day, Much the Same, and in my own act of self indulgence, I always mention Modest Mouse, because Isaac Brock is probably my favorite lyricist of all time.
She replied to me with something intriguing:
"I don't think the lyrics in those bands reach to me like these do."
So me being the pretentious jackass that I am, I immediately put her on the spot.
"All those bands talk about similar things, though."
She stood silent for a second.
"Is it because the singers are girls?"
She gave me a sour look and immediately said "What if it is?"
I rolled my eyes and said nevermind. She paid for her purchases and left the store.
Now, I'm NOT trying to start shit.
But to be honest, that is what i feel like is the 90th time I've heard the case of that.
Is there a line that's being drawn? Perhaps a double standard in the female eyes?
I realize that it is a guy's world in music, and there has been an insurgence in girl singers, and to be honest, it's about fucking time girls stepped up. But I really think you need to ask yourself for a second:
"Are bands like paramore and schoolyard heroes shooting up the ranks of the scene because their singers are girls?"
In my opinion, a little. As a musician who's played his fair share of shows around the world and seen hundreds of basments and dozens of venues, I could tell you, Paramore's musical center is fair at best. Now I realize, they are young and aspiring artists, but at the same time, I'm their age also, and to be honest, I could out-play Josh, or Jeremy, when I was 14, while playing the same kind of music they are. If there was a guy fronting paramore, they would still be playing In-state venues.
That being said though, I hear kids complain about seasoned musicians bagging on Paramore, here's what I have to say to them:
Work hard at learning an instrument, work harder at touring basements, and work hardest at playing live, and then tell me that Paramore is so great because they flared up the ranks in about 3 fucking years.
You'll realize that as honest as they are as musicians, they're still learning. Their new record is NOT amazing.
You know what's amazing? Crush Management. They really know how to pick the best gimmicks in the underground biz. They know where the money is at.
"Hey guys, I have an idea, let's market the same pop punk band, but with a GIRL as a singer."
Guess what boys and girls, Fueled by Ramen and Crush Management are duping you.
Paramore is not. They are a honest, hard working band, who still has a lot to learn, and unfortunately, they're going to be subject to a lot of drama in the next couple of years, if they don't try to aspire any further than they are.
If anything, paramore is the victim of the music industry, but it can be fixed.
Solutions anyone? More bands with girl singers, it'll be less surprising and you can hear the differences.
That was a lot of writing.
I'm not starting shit, it's just a matter that continues to bother me and today pushed me over the edge.
Don't just listen to girls, listen to everything. | |
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| | Hot Rod Circuit said it best |
The underground is a dying breed.
Why do you see influential indie bands break up?
The changing tides if anything. Is it really our place to argue? Yes, actually.
There are always going to be those people who beg for the sincerity and simplicity of Indie's earlier times. Post Hardcore, post punk, post ANYTHING! We're all sick of it, I'm on sincerity's side.
At the same time though, I think things are better this way. On a positive note, for every sincere, strong hearted, talented band that breaks up, at least 50 bad image based or bandwagon bands break up also. Is this the necessary price? I couldn't tell ya.
The current underground may be dying, but record labels are too.
Without record labels, will bands be able to afford those snazzy pictures in ads in alternative press? No, and that means maybe it will cut the damn image base in music. In a perfect world, people would close their eyes and listen (maybe not while driving, eyes OPEN please).
I really think that maybe music will be based on talent again someday. I just hope that we don't have to sacrifice any more great indie bands.
Well, I just hope Modest Mouse survives.
RIP for 2007:
Much The Same
Rufio (although we all knew for awhile)
Latterman (face it they did)
Hot Rod Circuit
(I know there's more but I can't think of anything else right now)
Underground is a dying breed.
Substance over style please
Ryan | |
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| | To the Depressed internet thousands... |
It's taken a lot of mixed thoughts about blogging and teenage depression to realize one thing.
Stop being so damn scared of disappointment. life happens, bad shit happens, believe me, I know this as well as you do.
You're going to find someone to love.
Some people aren't going to like you for who you are, but if you love yourself for who you are, it doesn't matter, the right people will come along. Be proud of yourself for staying the course.
Stop writing "song lyrics" if there's no music connected to it. Reading this stuff to yourself over and over is only disappointing you. And posting it online is very embarassing, I've been guilty of it.
Don't be your parents, there is life after high school, and I'm living proof, I've toured across the lower 48, canada, western europe, Japan, austrailia, with a guitar and 30 minutes worth of a music set (and about 15 minutes of in between song dialogue).
If music is your life, don't be just a listener, be a contributor! Pick up a guitar, join a street team, support your friends! Learn to be a tech, intern for a label, ANYTHING! If you feel your life doesn't have a purpose, find what you love about life and support it!
If you feel like you're not using yourself to your full potential, do something about it! Don't stand around and bitch! It's no fun to bitch when you know you're able to do something!
If all else fails, if you think your life sucks, watch Blood Diamond, seriously.
Oh and if you don't really have any friends and you need someone to talk to, I'm here, okay?
my AIM is Motioncityryan and I'm only on sometimes, you might catch me once or twice!
-Feel better
Ryan | |
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| | Why Senses Fail still matters |
I realize that screamo is pretty much dead. Most of it is pretentious, image based bullshit that worries more about looks than actual talent.
Then there is Senses Fail. Senses Fail has always been substance over style in my eyes. I'm not going to say that they are the most amazing band ever, but they've more good decisions than bad, and to be honest, if you don't want to break up in 4 years like most of the bad screamo bands that have been coming out, it's the good decisions that matter (duh, right?).
Their first big decision, I got 3 words for you: Keep It Going. Instead of doing what most of the 1st generation mainstream screamo bands, jumping ship, throwing out screaming, softening up, they released Still Searching, which is not a much heavier record than Let It Enfold You, it is still a heavier progression. They didn't just put that one heavier throwback song on the record to please folks ("At This Velocity"? Come ON thursday, that was weak), they actually kept a good and more TASTEFUL consistency on screaming.
Not only screaming, but their musicianship (with the inclusion of Heath Saraceno formerly of Midtown) had vastly improved, emphasis being on Guitars, there are solos, YES, solos on the record and it was a refreshing change to the usual screamo breakdown crap (although they had a particularly great breakdown on "Shark Attack"). They are obviously trying to progress in a more natural way, rather than shapeshifting to fit with the times.
Which leads me to my next point. It seems as though they feel a comfortable fit with how their music is now. They're not trying to revolutionize the genre, but by doing what they want they manage to keep the saturated genre fresh with big hooky choruses and a much heavier edge than most.
3rdly, Buddy's Lyrics are very cerebral and just from the way he words and sings (and screams) the words, you can tell they're sincere and desperate at the same time, sometimes evoking a young Chris Conley.
It all melds, the songwriting, they lyrics, the direction they choose, it just works. I think if they keep it going, they could be the millenium's version of Saves The Day, and I'll put that on record.
Ryan | |
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| | Why no new every time I die album will ever be Hot Damn! |
1. It can only be made once
2. The mix is very different compared to a lot of hard rock/heavier records.
See, on a more traditional Metal/Hardcore records, generally the Mix from heaviest to lightest goes:
1. Vocals only slightly higher than
2. Drums
3. Lead Guitar
4. Bass
5. Rhythm Guitar (but with guitars on more dual guitar oriented records Lead and Rhythm are generally the same)
on Hot Damn!:
1. Vocals
2-5. Just about equal.
The equilibrium between the instruments gives it more of a live intense feel. I love that kind of mix because it is generally used on punk rock records (Examples: Early Rancid Records, Face to Face's Don't Turn Away), and since this is more of a metal/hardcore record, it gives it a much more chaotic feel that I think it turned on a lot of people to. Chaos is good!
The Guitar Tone is more of a Fender Hot Rod, kind of fuzzy tone, and Big Dirty and Gutter Phenomenon are recorded with either really good marshall cabs or digital tone in itself.
And the drums, time signatures be damned! There was no holds barred power from Mike Novak and generally their songwriting was abstract on this record, and non-forumulaic is good, very good.
Don't get me wrong I absolutely love Gutter Phenomenon and I am stunned by the raw power of The Big Dirty, nothing beats that Sporadic Burst of power that is Hot Damn! | | Tags: Hot Damn!, Every time I die |
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| | Blah blah blah |
The new A Wilhelm Scream record is unreal. From what I've heard from thrice all I can hear is good.
I hate transitioning. Or at least the delayed transition. I need to go home, I was scheduled to leave on the 12th, but my Car accident forced me to stay a few more months because I had to unload 1450 bucks for repairs. Well, when you're hell bent to move away from Colorado and hit the East Bay (My original home) to play music again, you look like an ass when things get delayed.
Especially when you're an ass like me, talking about how recording is going to go and how well the current demos are sounding, only for people to look at you and laugh at how you did actually make yourself look stupid by bragging on how you get to get the fuck out of this hick hole and continue where you started.
But, the demos do sound good. It's just guitars and drum samples, but after burning through 16 hours of samples you manage to pick out 20-30 minutes of really good music, believe me, it's worth it.
I hate transitioning. | |
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