STRANGLEFISH....weren't they a christian band or something?

ROCK AND ROLL UPDATES ARE GOOD WHEN THERE ARE ROCK AND ROLL THINGS TO UPDATE.

PART I: THE BEGINNING

I started getting into music around 20ish years ago when I joined a 'band' called BLIND UNTIL NIGHT. While by most standards people wouldn't really consider what we did as being music but then again I have never done things based on the standards or beliefs of others. We recorded 2 tapes "Pseudovegetarianismrehabilitation' and 'Steele your thunder' in a living room at a house on Holcomb Acres Road back in 1991. For me, being a part of this band was the most exciting thing in the world to me as it allowed me to express the creative side of myself with other like minded individuals. The point was not so much about whether we were making hits or getting popular in town, it was just a way to have fun and kill time on the weekends. The idea of doing shows never really occurred to us since A. no one really cared about us and B. people were just going to hate it anyways so what was the point. By the time we 'broke up' we had started work on a third tape [1], recorded a live cassette [2], and tried getting signed to Alternative Tentacles Records [3], and had only sold one tape [remember no one gave a fuck]. When I think back to these times I remember only the fun, the pure innocent enjoyment of life, and just trying to 'do something'. Myself and Chris Peyton went on to actually try to start a band and went through many permutations and alterations before things started clicking. Short lived bands such as CHALK DICK and SINESTRO'S BIG HEAD were mainly just ways for us to continue playing and attempting to get better. Video footage and memories from the time period suggest that we should have been practicing more but I swear we practiced every fucking day. For us, jamming with different guitarists and singers was nothing new to us and it was always a good time. Despite the sheer fun of just playing and hanging out, we really did want to find a good combination of people. Then…….two dudes entered the equation and it was in that moment that we were sure our ship to fame and fortune had finally come in. The two dudes in question were DEAN and DALE GROFF. 

It seemed like our search for a guitarist was over since now we had two and both of them were killer players. The search for a singer was far more problematic because it was decided that we needed to have a girl fronting our hot new band. While I had no opinions on the matter whatsoever I always just felt like it was a way for Chris to get some pussy and had little to do with finding someone with actual talent. Now my memory may be skewed about this but, I swear at every audition I was subjected to having to play 'White Rabbit' over and over again. While there is nothing wrong with this song in and of itself, Spencer Dryden is not doing anything all that exciting in it drum wise which drove me crazy since I was a drumming machine [joke]. Anyhow to keep the story show, we eventually arrived at a singer and I promptly bailed out during a practice. Something pissed me off so I said 'fuck this I'm outta here.' I didn't talk to Chris again for awhile[4]. 

I spent the next several months playing with various people in different configurations, the object was simple: have fun. Now without further ado:

FUN LIST NUMBER I: IT WAS A BUSY TIME.

KENTUCKY FRIED CHILDREN [me: drums / rich meyers: bass / joel stehman: guitar / jesse clark: vocals]

DREADFUL LOAF [me: drums / gary stephenson: bass / erik gidney: guitar / rich meyers: guitar]

SIX INCHES OR BETTER [me: drums / gary stephenson: bass / rich meyers: guitar / tony jones: vocals]

BILLY WAS BORN DRUNK [me: drums / gary stephenson: bass / rich meyers: guitar / jesse clark: vocals]

CUNTRY [me: drums / rich meyers: guitar / guy gallear: guitar / joel stehman: guitar / jim mclinton: bass / jesse clark: vocals]

BLIND HALF HUNDRED [me: drums / gary stephenson: bass / dean groff: guitar / chris peyton: vocals]

While I was off doing all these fun and wonderful projects, my old pals Chris and Dale [Dean had left or was fired but I wasn't there for that so I can't say what actually happened] were still plugging away. My departure was not seen my them as a setback but as an opportunity to put a real drummer in my place. Matt Jones is a drummer who has always had a way with making the art of playing drums look easy. The dude has always had the talent and the chops to jump into any situation and make shit happen. My feelings were somewhat hurt but then again I was the one that left so what where they going to do beg me to come back. Fuck no, when you get Matt Jones in your band you don't look back. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for the boys as they went through lineup and name changes. So, with that said, here you go:

FUN LIST NUMBER II: FINDING A SINGER IS HELL.

ANAKRUSYS [chris peyton: bass / dale groff: guitar / matt jones: drums / bryan edmison: vocals][5]

THE ADICKT [chris peyton: bass / dale groff: guitar / matt jones: drums / dan hepner: vocals] [6]

SID KHATRYD [chris peyton: bass / dale groff: guitar / matt jones: drums / joey labard: vocals]

One afternoon I was hanging out with the old crew as they practiced. By this time they were doing the SID KHATRYD thing and were starting to play out a little bit. I had become a big fan of theirs as well because I really enjoyed the direction their music was going in. Their one weak link was Joey, whom although better than his predecessors still didn't have the pipes that their music warranted. In retrospect though, what Joey did have was charisma, good looks, and was a genuinely nice guy. Those qualities make it easy to overlook the sour notes. This practice was different though because Joey just seemed a little bit 'off', not in a bad mood, but not in a good mood either. After awhile he simply handed his microphone to me and that was that. I don't remember if he just stood there and watched or if he left but it was definitely clear that Joey was not going to last. We spent the rest of the time just goofing around while I sang jokey stupid shit. At the conclusion of the practice, Dale and Chris asked me to come back next week and 'audition.' Well goddamnit that's what I did. I was tasked with rewriting lyrics to one of their songs and learning 'Rock-n-Roll' by Led Zeppelin. While there is no existence on video or otherwise of my audition I don't know how it could have been very good but apparently it was good enough for them because I was in [7]. This alliance was then dubbed STRANGLEFISH and we immediately got to work on rebuilding the set list and making new songs. 

Our first appearance as a band was a halloween show where we played so many goddamned songs it was insane, but the crowd ate it up and everyone had a fantastic time. I look back at this show as the very essence of what so called punk rockers refer to as D.I.Y. The halloween show was a D.I.Y. affair as we built our own stage, lights, sound booth, printed / sold our own tickets, and spread the word [pre-internet where you actually had to tell people in person about stuff]. We bought a bunch of pizza and soda and proceeded to rock the fucking house. We ended up making money and it was one of the few times where a profit was turned in any band I have ever been in. For the next 15 months STRANGLEFISH played shows, wrote songs, had fun, and made friends everywhere we went. Then……it ended……..I joined the military and ended up moving away. This was an incredibly heartbreaking thing for me but it was something that needed to be done and proved to be a fun experience in its own right. However, it could never replace the fun I was having with my friends doing what we loved to do. From March of 1994 to spring of 1996 we would get together when I was in town and the magic would immediately return each time. During this period we played 2 shows, one at the shed in June of 1994 and sometime in 1996 at Nic Rheaume's garage. Then……once again…..it was over because life has a funny way of calling at the most inopportune times. Sometimes growing up means growing apart.

After returning from my sojourn in the Air Force, there was no band to come back to, in some ways there was very little to come home to. Most of my old friends were either gone, or doing drugs, or just didn't have time to hang out anymore. Shit had definitely changed and I was not a fan of those changes. Eventually I ended up playing in some cool bands with some good friends over the next 15 years……but I always felt like STRANGLEFISH was the foundation for everything I ever did. 

PART II: A NEW BEGINNING

In 2005 I was approached by former STRANGLEFISH guitarist Lee Bennett about the possibility of getting the band back together to play a show. I said yes immediately because it just seemed like such a fantastic idea. I mean seriously, who wouldn't want to get back together with some old friends and do the thing you so enjoyed doing? To be able to go back and recapture a feeling or a moment is a rare thing to be able to do. Certainly one can look at pictures and watch videos but to actually live it and breathe a moment in the past is something too irresistible to pass up. By all accounts everyone was on board and we were ready to go but…..something happened or didn't happen. Whatever the case may be we never did manage to put this thing back together. I don't recall ever feeling sad that it didn't happen as my adult life is a fairly busy one and I was already doing music related projects at the time so I doubt I took it as a major loss. Some things are just not always meant to be, and that is something that most adults learn to accept. We can't expect things to come back after we've let them go. There is no such thing as a time machine………..or is there?

As of last month…..I can honestly say….YES MOTHERFUCKERS THERE IS SUCH THING AS A TIME MACHINE. I am proud to say that STRANGLEFISH is alive and well and currently practicing all the old favorites. We have practiced a few times so far and it has been an absolute thrill playing with these dudes again. Yeah there's a lot of rust there but the magic is definitely there. I totally feel the old energy swirling around the room. Thus far I can say that it has been a fantastic time re-connecting with these very dear friends of mine. To me that is the most important part of it, even more so than the music, the opportunity to hang out with my friends and catch up on all the things that have taken place in our lives. Along with that, there is the reminiscing that we have done, which has helped refresh our memories about a ton of stuff from the days of way back. Then of course there's the music which is coming together quite nicely. We have a pretty large list of songs to choose from and we really want to play them all. Thus far we're coming along quite nicely and it's really sounding good and in some instances it's even better than it was. The first practice was funny because we just looked at each other and said 'well here we are'. 

We have discussed a great deal of things over the coming months and yes there is definitely a show in the works at some point in the spring or summer. There has also been talk about recording which would be exciting but ultimately unnecessary for the richness of the experience. I for one would like to try and write a few songs just to see what we can come up with. I really believe that we could capture that old school feeling and make songs that fit right in there with all the old ones. Again, there is a great deal of stuff we want to do and we are going to do our best to get to doing all of it. One important thing I would like to do while we're active is dispel the old myth that this band was a joke. While talking about the old days, we started getting into some of that shit, how people didn't believe we were any good, or that we weren't punk enough. Yes it's true we weren't punk so whether we were 'punk enough' was never really a concern of ours. What we were was a band of explorers, taking our influences and throwing them together to make something else, something that made us feel cool, something that made our friends feel good. It was never about trends, never about being the flavor of the month, it was about friends doing something creative. While playing these songs again, one thing is definitely clear to me and that is none of the songs sound dated. It all sounds fresh to me and in some instances it sounds timely. So with all of that said what I want to do is go on a stage with these dudes and give a killer show that you will not forget. I want each person who shows up to say 'fuck yes.' To all our old friends from way back we wanna take you on a trip because this is just as much for them as it is for us. We intend to rock you all the way from start to finish. 

CONCLUSION

For me this experience is something that makes me feel like I've come full circle. Each time I go to practice with these dudes I feel like I'm going home. I know for some that sounds kinda silly coming from me because I'm usually such a cranky person but it's true. In the future I'll be doing a lot less and focusing more on family life as well as my education. While going out and playing music is something that's important to me it is not the be all end all of my existence like it once was. I remember getting so fired up on the days that a show was happening. That is something that is harder to come by these days. Part of it is just plain old youthful enthusiasm. The other part of it is simply due to me finding magic in making music privately and for my own self. To me, the creation and building of a song is far more exciting than that presentation. This is by no means me saying that I'm going away, it's just me saying that I have a full life with varied interests and I would like to take part in all of them. You will be seeing me for a good while still and I will continue to make music even past the point where I no longer go out and perform it. For me, reforming STRANGLEFISH has taught me about the important stuff in life: friends, family, and music. I am living the old days right now and for me that is enough. I'd like to thank DALE GROFF / LEE BENNETT / ROBERT MOORE / and MATT JONES  for bringing the good times back. 

CHEERS. CHUCK ROAST

headlesspymp@gmail.com

ENDNOTES:

[1] The third BLIND UNTIL NIGHT tape had no working title and was only partially completed when I stupidly erased it because I needed to make a mix tape for a party. What a dumb fuck. 

[2] The live BLIND UNTIL NIGHT tape was called 'Live and Live Again'. It featured several feeble attempts to recreate songs off our first tape along with a bunch of made up stuff. Also a notable event due to the fact that we had a 3 man horn section, who also were our audience. The tape has long since lost but I remember listening to it way back when and recalling how you could totally hear a band completely losing interest until all you can hear is the television which happened to be playing 'The Song Remains the Same'. Surreal and depressing at the same time. 

[3]We of BLIND UNTIL NIGHT really felt we had made some real progress on our 'Steele Your Thunder' tape. So much so that we decided we should send a copy of it to Alternative Tentacles Records, because we were sure we would get signed. We sent a tape off along with some promo pics [polaroids of us sitting on a roof with flower pots on our heads and other stupid shit] and eagerly awaited a response, which unsurprisingly never came. We then realized to our horror that we had sent the ONLY FUCKING COPY of 'Steele Your Thunder' so now none of us have it. Several years later I wrote to Alternative Tentacles and inquired as to whether they might still have our tape. I was happy to receive a letter from Jello Biafra and he stated that he looked for it but couldn't find it. This could quite possibly be the stupidest move in all of music. IDIOTS.

[4] Me and Chris started being friends again when we did a version of 'Night of the Living Rednecks' for drama class. Reed Barker was Jello Biafra and Chris and I were Klaus Flouride and whoever the drummer was in the DKs at the time that song was made. Teenagers are such pussies I swear.

[5] I gleefully informed them that there was a band on Metal Blade Records called Anacrusis. Bryan got kicked out because he couldn't memorize lyrics. Boner face.

[6] Dan was kicked out after fans say stuff like 'You guys are really good but your singer sucks.' Most of the time fans don't know what they are talking about, but in this case I think they nailed it right on the head.

[7] Dale recently relayed the story about how they were auditioning singers at the time. He said they had really been scraping the bottom of the barrel with a cavalcade of shitty singers. It was decided that they should go with me because they knew me and I couldn't possibly be any worse than the dudes they were auditioning.

IT'S WRESTLEMANIA TIME AGAIN BITCHES.

CHUCK ROAST TALKING SOME GODDAMNED WRESTLING JUST CUZ IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN MOTHERFUCKERS:

It has been awhile since I last ranted about anything. The last several blogs from me have been on the serious tip so I figure it's time to lighten things up and get back to basics, and since Wrestlemania is right around the corner….well…yeah. I figure you could use a little expert advice and analysis. As I have no doubt stated in previous blogs, especially those regarding the subject of pro wrestling, I have been a long time fan. Clear back to the mid 70s when I was drawn to wrestling magazines, to the early 80s when I would watch Portland Wrestling every saturday night, my foundation was well set by the time my family got cable T.V. I'm sure many of us from the same generation all have great moments of television glory when the cable got hooked up at your houses. For me, cable was the gateway into a full on lifelong addiction. Not only was I able to watch Portland Wrestling still, but now I had access to WWF / AWA / NWA / WCCW, the magazines of my early years were now coming to life. I could not only see Ric Flair but I could hear him talk, watch him wrestle, watch him do all the things that have made him the greatest of all time. Along with Naitch, there were a whole host of other killer characters to get stoked about [1]

FUN LIST #1: MY WEEKLY WRESTLING SCHEDULE [Cable television made me an even bigger fan of wrestling and with a schedule like this it was hard to not be a total fan geek. I have provided approximate times since it has been about 20+ years since there was a schedule like this on television.]

Monday: Prime Time Wrestling [8pm / USA Network]: Hosted by Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan [quite possibly the greatest broadcasting duo in wrestling history[2]]. This show featured 2 hours worth of matches from videotaped WWF shows all over the country. These days, house shows are rarely videotaped much less broadcast, so here was an excellent example of a weekly compilation show featuring the latest action. Not only did the show feature top talent of the day, but they always concluded the show with a 'classic' match from the past. [3]

Tuesday: Tuesday Night Titans [8pm / USA Network]: If there was one show that I rarely watched it was this corny 'Tonight Show' rip off featuring interviews and goofy skits with wrestlers. This was my take it or leave it show.

Saturday: WWF Superstars [10am / KPTV channel 12]: Squash matches and shit, saw a lot of debuts on this show for certain, which was its primary purpose in my estimation. / NWA Saturday Night [3:05pm / The Superstation WTBS channel 17]: Tons of interviews and matches with both stars and jobbers of the NWA. If you needed a weekly Ric Flair or 4 Horsemen fix this was where you got it. I used do my paper route early so I could stop off at Dale's Meat Market and buy some pizza pockets so I could get back in time to watch this show. It should be noted that while I totally enjoyed WWF, I always felt that the NWA had the superior product that was less cartoony and more on the serious tip./ Portland Wrestling [11pm / KPTV channel 12]: My weekly stop for all the action going down in my neck of the woods. Us northwest wrestlings fans all have a favorite moment that comes directly from this show [4]. / NWA World Wide Wrestling [1am on some fucking channel I can't remember]: Since this show was a late night deal, this was where you got your blood violence. More killer NWA action with the volume turned up. / GLOW [2am on the same channel]: Yeah the wrestling sucked by when you're a teenager and you need a little boner fuel this was a good show to have on. I enjoyed all sorts of wrestling and wasn't as picky and discriminating as I am today. Hot chicks in lingerie and other dainty outfits pretending they knew how to wrestle, whatever.

Sunday: All American Wrestling [12pm / USA Network]: Hosted by Mean Gene Okerlund and sometimes Lord Alfred Hayes, another killer compilation show featuring news and scoops along with the requisite WWF styled squash matches. A killer lead up to Kung Fu Theater which came on at 1.

Scattered throughout the week, mostly on ESPN one could catch AWA or WCCW matches too. I wasn't as diligent about those shows but when I happened to flip past them I would always stop and get sucked in.

SO…YEAH……WHAT'S UP FOR WRESTLEMANIA THIS YEAR:

As I type this, the full card has yet to be determined but the bigger matches have been set. As with most Wrestlemania events, there is a mix of both killer and not so killer. With the current product being more family friendly, the potential for killer matches being allowed to play out has been largely hampered. At this point, my biggest gripe with the current WWE product is not the lack of violence and blood, it's the boxing in of characters. The current roster is chock full of wrestlers who are being constricted by script writers. Character development is crucial to the essence of what makes people enjoy wrestling, and many wrestlers are so one dimensional that it fails to engage the audience. While certainly there are some wrestlers who lack the charisma and ability to get their characters over, there is a certain element of blandness in the writing that simply cannot be overlooked. I feel that the lack of chair shots and blood has been incredibly helpful in the grand scheme of things. My initial view was that it was a further clamping down on the natural flow of the product. I have since changed my opinion and feel that now when there is a chair shot or some blood it means a little more to the audience. Anyhow…..all gripes aside, let me run down the card and give you my predictions and opinions. Before I do, let me say that I feel that this year's 'mania has a great deal going for it, but they need to flesh out the card a bit more. Without further ado……here we go:

THE CARD THUS FAR:

The Rock Vs. John Cena: This match has been in the works since last year and by many standards could and should be considered a dream match. I would personally like to see The Rock go over but I don't believe that to be the case in this match up. Ultimately, a win for The Rock doesn't do much for his career since he's already been at the pinnacle of the sport with his multiple title wins and classic rivalries, he is already considered to be one of the greatest of all time. Cena, on the other hand could totally benefit from a win here. While I am far from a John Cena fan [5], he could use this particular feather in his cap. For many fans over the age of 6 or 7, there is not a lot of buying into the Cena character as a whole. The goody goody Hogan-esque comebacks, failure to sell for his opponents, lack of a varied move set, and rare losses are all major turn offs to the more scrutinizing wrestling fans. By and large, I think the era of a totally 'good guy' wrestler are over. For this match, Cena needs to be the Doctor of Thug-a-nomics and not Dudley Do-Right. I'm hoping he pulls out some heel tactics in order to obtain the win because he really needs some additional facets to his overall character because when one says the word 'stale' he's what comes to mind immediately.

Chris Jericho Vs. CM Punk: While the Rock / Cena match is what the WWE is using to sell 'mania with, this is going to be the match which people will remember the most. Here are two guys who have tons of ability, charisma, and are excellent on the stick, going at it because A. There's a title at stake and B. Because they both want to prove to each other who truly is the best in the world. This one is a hard one to call for me because Chris Jericho has already had a long and storied career full of incredible highlights and title wins. Jericho, like the Rock, must be considered one of the best of all time. Jericho truly has done it all in wrestling, from Japan to Mexico, to the WCW, to the WWE, from cruiserweight titles to World champion, he has proven that he has the skill and the personality to be taken seriously as a top player. While Jericho, doesn't necessarily need the win to cement his already sterling reputation, a Jericho win could prove interesting down the road. However, lets not discount CM Punk, who has also been plying his trade for years on the indie circuit to Ring of Honor, he has steadily built a reputation in the WWE as a guy who can be relied upon to hold the top spot and continue to deliver killer matches and promos. Right now, Punk is the man, and he will easily remain in the top tier for the next 4 or 5 years. Punk needs this win to prove he can hang with a great competitor like Jericho. This will be a potential match of the year without a doubt as both guys have the skills to put on a match for the ages. I call Punk for the hard fought win, which will lead to a spring and summer rivalry for the two. This rivalry is just getting started and will definitely have additional rematches with each one topping the last. This is old school wrestling at its best [6].

Sheamus Vs. Daniel Bryan: For anyone thinking that the former American Dragon Bryan Danielson isn't easily one of the top 5 wrestlers in the world right now should leave the hall immediately. His career has seen nothing but classic execution and style, recalling some of the greats of old. Since his entrance into WWE he has really fought to gain credibility and respect. His hard work and dedication has allowed him to attain the top prize in all of wrestling. In my opinion, the WWE is doing something right for a change by allowing him a chance to run with the strap. His current character development harkens back to his days in Ring of Honor as he is now being allowed the opportunity to show some personality. Yes, he's the chicken shit heel who uses his wits to gain wins by the skin of his teeth. Do not think that this man can't wrestle because he is right up there with some of the best grapplers of all time. He is a total throwback to the glory days of the Funk Brothers and Ric Flair, true tough guys who used cunning along with ability to cement their reputations. Sheamus, the Irish warrior or whatever the fuck they're calling him, has been at the top and always seems to be hanging out at the periphery of greatness. I honestly believe that he has all the necessary tools to be considered a top guy in the business. His only detriment is his ability to talk on the mic, but he makes up for that with sheer physical dominance. One important factor is that he doesn't seem to be resting on his laurels, but rather appears determined to improve both his in ring ability and his character. Putting him in a world title match with a man of Bryan's caliber is going to help him accomplish just that. Just as Ric Flair used his considerable talents to help his opponents improve and look good, Bryan will do the same here. If Sheamus doesn't pick up the win here, he will still look dominant, and will have learned a thing or two about where he's at in terms of his ability. Guys like Bryan, have so much skill that they really can be considered a measuring stick that opponents can use to gauge their own skills. My pick for this match is going to be Daniel Bryan, but it's going to be a rough night for him. Unlike the Miz who totally squandered his top of the card status last year, Sheamus is going to prove to the suits and ties at WWE that he's the real deal. He is going to take this opportunity to show the world that he has what it takes to be at the top of the bill. I'm calling it right now…..this match is going to rule.

Undertaker Vs. Triple H: This will be the 3rd 'mania match between these two and it is a continuation from last year's match up. I'm sort of on the fence with The Undertaker these days. His win streak is now a major component to modern wrestling lore, and is an additional selling point for 'mania. However, he is getting up there in years and has really put his body through some shit. Each year people wonder if this is going to be the last year they see the dead man. I think if he's going to limit his schedule to Wrestlemania, he has a few more years to go [7]. But, there are two questions that I have: Will the streak ever be broken? and….. Who will be the one to do it? Personally if it is to ever he broken, it needs to be done by one of the younger stars who can use the win as some serious bragging rights. So based on that alone, I see Taker going over here since Triple H doesn't need the win. However, there are two additional factors to consider which may tip the scales the other way. First off, this match is going to be a Hell in the Cell cage match. These two are considered to be the masters of this particular match which has seen continuous instances of total violence and some big time injuries. By my estimation this is going to be the first time these two have met in this type of match. So now not only is Taker's win streak on the line, but both men's Hell in the Cell reputations as well. Now, the second factor to consider is the as yet unannounced special guest referee being Shawn Michaels. Again, this isn't official as of yet but the rumors are going around pretty heavy right now. If this pans out, here is an additional dimension to this match. If Michaels is the referee will he be impartial and call it right down the middle or will he show some form of bias? In the end Taker will get the win but this one is going to be their most violent chapter yet.

Big Show Vs. Shaquille O'Neal: This match hasn't been officially announced and I don't really care. This is Show's annual 'lose to a mainstream sports guy' match. If it happens, O'Neal will pull out the win. Personally I hope it doesn't happen and they go with Cody Rhodes Vs. Big show since that match has a higher probability to attain a level of quality that the other match simply will not be able to live up to.

Team Laurinatis Vs. Team Long: So there's this rivalry going on between the Raw and Smackdown General Managers which apparently is manifesting itself into some sort of tag match to determine something or another. From all indications this is going to feature David Otunga and Santino Marella so right off the bat I am totally non-plussed. Don't know, don't care.

Diva's match: Beth Phoenix will most likely face someone……hopefully it's Kharma or Natalya Neidhart rather than some barbie doll. If I have to watch women wrestle I want it to be a match between two women with actual ability rather than a nice set of fake tits. I have heard that Trish Stratus has expressed interest in coming back to face Beth Phoenix so if that happens I would be all for it because it would be a rare instance where both competitors actually have the ability to carry a match.

Beyond that I don't know what else 'mania will feature. I would hope that there's a tag team title match on the card but that isn't likely to happen. The tag team division is dead as fuck, and until they get some real teams [8] and Vince realizes that there is a real need for tag matches it will most certainly remain that way.

Musical guest: Don't know. Probably someone I don't care about. At one point I heard Vince was trying to get Justin Bieber to show up. That would only be good if Terry Funk or Abdullah the Butcher came out and juiced that lil piece of shit. They just need to keep that portion of the show to a minimum i.e. no nu-metal or hip hop garbage. Honestly if I was booking the show I'd want Darkthrone but hey that's just me.

END NOTES:

[1] Other killer wrestlers that I loved watching when it came time for some NWA action:

     Arn Anderson: A great example of a mean motherfucker who didn't need a bunch of flash to get over with the people. The Anderson clan has always been all about the business of hurting people in the ring. Classy stuff.

     Ole Anderson: The older 'brother' of Arn, and another example of toughness. Possibly the meanest Anderson of the bunch, not to discount Gene or Lars though because they were sadistic assholes too.

     Tully Blanchard: Another wrestler who didn't rely on flash yet carried himself like a champion and talked the talk right up there with Ric Flair. Tully had the ability to back up every word he said. One of those guys who never quite made it to the world title but should have.

     Barry Windham: Son of the great Blackjack Mulligan had skill, looks, and personality. Was over as hell as a fan favorite because he was a genuine Texas tough guy who showed an impressive mean streak when he joined up with the 4 Horsemen. Old school to the max.

     Dusty Rhodes: Whether you loved him or hated him you simply couldn't resist watching The American Dream talk it up or step into the ring. While I always rooted for the good guys I didn't hate Dusty like I hated Hulk Hogan. Dusty could fuckin' go despite being a fat piece of shit.

     Midnight Express: The very essence of a true heel tag team. Beautiful Bobby and Sweet Stan were two sides to the same coin and had nothing but ability all around. They could match up with any team and create magic. Plus you factor in the managerial genius of Jim Cornette and you have a true unit.

      The Rock-n-Roll Express: Being staunchly against baby faces as I was and still am, I simply cannot leave this team out of the discussion. Even though they were good guys for the large majority of their career they were true pioneers of the fine art of tag team wrestling. Fast, efficient, and always ready to fight.

     Terry Funk: Remember 1989? I know you do. The Funker returned from a long sabbatical to the top of the card when he blindsided Ric Flair. Their 'I Quit' match is the stuff of legend. Their feud set new standards in all out warfare and sadistic violence.

     The Great Muta: Whenever this Japanese stud was in the U.S. he mixed it up in the NWA. Another deadly heel that innovated every time he was in the ring. His style was so fluid and so perfect.

     Sting: His matches with Ric Flair, Rick Rude, Muta, Vader etc. took the NWA into the 90s. For some reason his good guy act didn't grate on me like that of other baby face wrestlers. His legendary status is justified.

     Magnum TA: Here again, another good guy that didn't make me want to puke. This was but one reason I preferred NWA over WWF in overall product quality. The NWA simply had wrestlers that were believable and even if they were good guys you could still like them and not feel like a cocksucker. Magnum TA would have been right up there with the best had his car accident not derailed his career.

     The Road Warriors: The kings of tag team wrestling….period. These guys came in and beat dudes up and it didn't matter what side of the fence the Legion of Doom was on. If you don't know I suggest you get to learning asshole.

[2] Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan were a great broadcasting team for one simple reason: they were friends in real life. These guys came at the sport with both expertise and humor which only enhanced the quality of any matches they ever called. Now of course I enjoyed the work of teams like Monsoon / Ventura, Solie / Caudle, McMahon / Ventura etc., the pure fun that Gorilla and The Brain brought to the matches was simply unparalleled. Even though some of their skits and stuff veered off into silly town, you could still enjoy what they were doing because you could tell they were having a blast.

[3] The classic matches they would show were always cool but the one that sticks out in my mind was a match which featured Adrian Adonis and Randy Savage Vs. Tito Santana and Bruno Sammartino inside a steel cage. While this match had only taken place a year or two prior to its broadcast, it was a display of both sheer wrestling ability and all out violence. One of those matches that only enhanced my bloodlust.

[4] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwOBxmR1EhA Here is my favorite moment of many that took place right here in the great northwest. One of the greatest heel turns of all time plus you get Raven on commentary. When you're done watching this piece of wrestling history keep on watching other vids from Billy Jack Haynes. The man is deranged and nothing but pure gold on the mic. Shoot interview magic deluxe.

[5] Needs a heel turn desperately. The people in charge of merchandise in WWE are scared that a full on heel turn will cause sales of John Cena merch will plummet which is why they won't pull the trigger on it. He's the type of good guy that I absolutely hate to see on my television screen.

[6] Watch anything featuring Chris Jericho and CM Punk and see exactly what I'm talking about daddy.

[7] Last year there was the possibility of a Sting Vs. Undertaker match which didn't happen because Sting chose to stay with TNA Wrestling [shit company by the way but that's another story]. I still believe there is hope that this match will happen sooner rather than later because it truly is one of the last 'old school' dream matches left. I for one would mark out like a motherfucker for that one. That aside, if Taker is to ever allow himself to lose at 'mania, he should lose to someone who can take that win and propel it into additional career longevity.  CM Punk / Daniel Bryan would be my first choices but it would most likely be given to John Cena. None of it really matters to be totally honest but I think if they are going to go with this scenario it needs to be planned carefully and under the strict supervision of The Undertaker himself. His character is such that he should be the only one allowed to plan out what his next moves are going to be. No script writer should be allowed anywhere near something as momentous as a final Undertaker match. 

[8] Tag teams that the WWE needs right now [just a few off the top of my head. There are no doubt more that I'm not thinking off but whatever]:

The Kings of Wrestling [Claudio Castignoli and Chris Hero]: Castignoli is already on deck as he is working in FCW and apparently Hero has signed on as well. These two could bring back tag team glory. In today's WWE this may be their best bet for getting the fans behind them for a long term stay. Show off the tag team skills then set them up for singles action. These are the guys who can make it happen.

The World's Greatest Tag Team [Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin]: Here is a veteran team who has already done their stint in WWE. While individual success eluded them during their stay, their ability in the ring is top shelf and their prowess as a team is unquestionable. Haas and Benjamin should be considered for any rebuilding of the tag team division in the WWE.

Dudley Boys: While they are currently doing solo acts in TNA it would be great if they could close their respective careers down in a revitalized WWE tag team division. One of the greatest teams of all time without a doubt. Guaranteed they got a few more killer matches left in the tank.

Beer Money [Bobby Roode and James Storm]: What initially started off as a sort of hastily thrown together team, rapidly developed into a must see TNA attraction. These guys would make a big time impact as a team and as solo acts in the WWE if handled correctly. The operating words there being 'handled' and 'correctly'.

Motor City Machine Guns [Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin]: High flyers who can get down and wrestle old school. Could be the modern equivalent of The Rockers where you got dudes that aren't all that imposing in the ring but can kick your ass if you underestimate them.

Briscoe Brothers: While their promos aren't exactly family friendly material these guys could still be a crucial unit in WWE. Their promos speak some righteous truths about the wrestling industry and about themselves as people. They bust their asses to be the best and are the sorts of guys you see at sports bars all over the country. America could totally identify with these guys plus factor in their amazing abilities in the ring and you have a formula for tag team gold.

THANKS FOR READING.

send your hate mail / debates / and love notes to:

headlesspymp@gmail.com

CHEERS.

CHUCK ROAST.

NEVER TRUST AN ART SNOB

So what happens when a scene becomes so ridiculously uptight that it becomes a caricature of itself? When those who are allegedly the bright lights of a community's arts scene become so dreadfully aloof that they come off like a bunch of assholes. Better yet, what of individuals who possess certain creative gifts feeling entitled to get so stuck on themselves that they become complete pricks? Is this a healthy thing for a scene? Let me really mix this motherfucker up and ask this: can two creative pursuits exist in the same room without one overshadowing the other or being indifferent to each other? To answer all of my own questions in the most hopeful way I would respond thusly: It becomes a fucking joke, they should be willing to share their talents without being a total cocksucker about it, it is totally unhealthy, and finally I would like to believe so. I was a part of an event last night that made it glaringly apparent that the city of Portland has a real fucking problem that needs straightening out immediately. It's totally ridiculous that I even have to bring this to anyone's attention but apparently it hasn't been said enough. Here I am, a creative person being asked to be a part of some event with other creative people and I was left with nothing but a bad taste in my mouth. Everytime I am subjected to such humiliations it makes me wonder what I'm doing wrong but then I immediately correct myself: the problem is not me it's the rest of you that have the fucking problem. It really boils down to this: art snobs of any and all persuasions are the reason that countless creative and GIVING people throw their hands up in defeat and eventually move on to less spiritually rewarding pursuits.
It all started when a friend of mine suggested that my band play this event that an acquaintance of his had planned. I was put in contact with the organizer of this event and was informed that they were looking for a musical guest as part of a literary event. I expressed interest immediately [1] and I was informed that they were looking at some other bands and that I would be contacted soon. So to make this story a bit shorter, we were told that they wanted us to play at their literary event. We were told that we would play as part of a 'half-time show' [2] and would also play at the conclusion. We then began to spread the word to our friends as we were very excited to be a part of a unique event where more than one thing was on display. I mean let's face it, who wouldn't be? I am a pretty astute person so on paper all of this seems to be a cool enough thing to be a part of. Boy it's amazing how wrong a person can be, it makes me feel bad that I drug my friends into it as well. But nonetheless, we were looking forward to this a great deal and couldn't wait to potentially turn some people on to some new music. My initial theory was that this was an entirely new audience that we could give some music to and that they could come see future shows and in turn see not only our band but countless Portland bands. Again, this was my idealistic dream which was about to turn into a nightmare.
We arrive at the venue which is located in a neighborhood that has been subject to gentrification. Gentrification, as it has been shown countless times in countless cities, does nothing but draw out the worst sorts of idiots and yuppie assholes who are willing to pay too much for goofy alcoholic drinks, schmaltzy coffees, oddball sandwiches, and experimental cuisine. The moment we walked in the place I felt that this may not go very well. Here we were in this dimly lit room full of artsy fartsy shitbags all trying to outcool each other. It only got worse as more people began to file in. A seemingly endless line of aloof hoity toity pricks all looking like different levels of John Mayer and Lisa Loeb. I thought to myself 'Look at all these uptight so-called artists thinking they're the be all end all.' The room reeked of arrogance and irony and it was definitely one of the worst vibes I have ever got at any show that I have ever attended. So beyond the menagerie of shitbags now littering the room,the second sign that the organizers were a clueless bunch was when one of them introduced themself as the emcee [3] and started asking me questions about our c.d. and some general information [which at the conclusion of us playing they couldn't seem to recall with any sort of speed......'their c.d. is called....uh......uh.....oh shoot I had it written down......uh']. Then.....THEN.......they couldn't decide when they were going to have us play and whether they were going to introduce us or not. Jesus H. Jumped Up Christ couldn't you have figured this shit out beforehand? It was at this moment that I knew we were in trouble. So they have us start off the evening with no introduction [which to me said 'you are not really worthy of an introduction so would you hurry up and get this over with please'][4] So we proceed to get fucking loud and play our set the way we normally play it. I will never tone shit down for anyone, we take pride in our work and have just as much creative merit as anyone in this fucking room. In fact I would venture to say that the four of us have more combined talent and skill than all those so called artists who were present at this event. That's no idle boast and that's not me being a snob about it because I have no aspirations beyond just doing what I do and being both TOTALLY WILLING and MORE THAN ABLE to be giving of my talent. In the end we played about 5 or 6 songs because the organizer came up and gave me the 'one more' signal. The audience seemed lively at first but by the third song they stopped clapping and merely stood there and stared at us. Hilarie got on the mic after we stopped and said something to the effect of 'feeling like John Merrick.' [5] According to one of the organizers they were recieving complaints about us and that is why we were asked to stop which I found to be totally offensive. We immediately hustled our gear out of there because there was no way I was going to wait around and witness what these pretentious snobs were REALLY there for. Those who attended were clearly unprepared for us and were not interested in hearing us and ultimately they were a bunch of fucking dicks about it. Indifference and rudeness are the beginning stages of scene cancer. When you show up to something and put on your 'I will not be entertained by anything' shield on then it's YOU that has the problem....not me and certainly not my band.
So what does all this mean? It says to me that Portland, a city that once was the jewel of the Northwest due to its vast array of unique and creative sectors has been spending the last 20 years drinking its own bathwater. Personally I think it all stems from some sort of stinging notion that while Seattle was the place to be in the 90s due to the grunge explosion, Portland got largely ignored when all the big labels came a'calling to sign every Seattle band in sight in hopes of finding the next Nirvana. Portland was the ugly kid brother to Seattle back then and it pissed people off. Now Portland is attempting to reinvent itself and take its revenge for the transgressions of the general public's ignorance about what was going on there in the 90s. This reinvention is now taking the form of shoddy music industry insider events such as the abominable MUSICFEST NORTHWEST and PDX POP NOW and the uber ironic SMMR BMMR fests. This bullshit that I was a part of last night falls right in line with the rest of that stuff. Not only is there a gentrification of the neighborhoods but there is also a gentrification of the arts scene. Portland wants to put on this front that it is a haven for artistic types but in reality it is some sort of control thing where the old notion of 'the cream always rises to the top' is being forced into oblivion. I am but one individual and I don't even live in Portland...........BUT..........let me state some goddamned facts: I have been playing shows in portland for 20 years [6]have worked my ass off for the good of both myself but those people I go out in front of and present my work to. I have given everything I have to the rock and roll gods and that to me is the absolute truth. But that is just me, only one person, what of the countless others who are also giving everything they got? What of all the killer bands whom you ignore that are the real true lifesblood of your city and your scene? You ignore them in favor of some creepy bearded hipster folk band and you attempt to pass that shit off as the real deal. Let me be the one to tell you uber hip motherfuckers that you don't have any clue the damage you are causing. The entertainment industry is dying a slow yet steady death yet there are those among you who are attempting to cash in before the gods finally pull the plug on the whole thing. You fucking idiots who stood there in your costumes trying so hard to not be entertained are the reason your city is being made fun of on T.V. You people pretend like you're the movers and shakers but to me YOU AIN'T SHIT.
Is this a conspiracy theory? Perhaps, but I have been right in the midst of the conspiracy and can tell you that it looks and feels very real. I may not be able to tell you if 9-11 was an inside job or not[it wasn't but that's another tale for another day] but I can say that there is a very real scene within the scene that is attempting to keep out the outsiders. Their plan is to ignore, humiliate, mistreat, anyone whom they deem unworthy of praise. This is why my band's c.d. never got reviewed in their piece of shit arts and entertainment rag THE PORTLAND MERCURY. Their feeling is most likely that we are not worth their time to review. It is entirely possible that they threw our disc in the garbage. It's a shame too because I could have just given that disc to someone who would have appreciated it far more. I know that the band I am a part of is good. We work hard and do our best. We make ourselves available for those parties who wish to have us. We appreciate our supporters. We don't bullshit the public. We play loud. We are proud of who we are and what we do. Most importantly, we support those artists [no matter what medium] who are giving their all and get joy out of what they do. That to me is what doing creative things is all about, it's about making oneself happy first and foremost but it's also about taking it to the people and making them happy as well. It has fuck all to do with mustaches, tight pants, pea coats, scarves, fixed gear bikes, exotic coffees, dorky alcoholic beverages, clove cigs, how much money is in your wallets, or your fake environmental concerns.
*********************************************************
SOME THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ART SNOBS:
1. Do not confuse art snob with art fag. These two things are not the same thing. The difference being that I detest art snobs and think art fags are cool.
2. NEVER trust an art snob. They are all a bunch of two faced liars who get their jollies out of treating fellow artists like shit because they think that's how you get street cred.
3. If you are in a band.....never allow them to talk you into lending your talents to their bullshit events. In some way shape or form you will get fucked and you will not enjoy it.
4. They hate you plain and simple. Some of them will come say hi to you but in reality they don't care about you.
5. They pretend to hate stuff so that they don't look like pussies in front of their friends. They're pussies anyways but that is beside the point.
6. It isn't about the art to them.
7. They are not generous people in terms of compliments or praise. You pretty much have to put a gun to their head to get them to compliment you on your hair.
8. They have a tendency to look above you and not at you.
9. They still think smoking looks cool. This is no jab at my friends who still smoke mind you. There is just something so pathetic about watching these upscale douchebags pretending they're Clark Gable while they suck down an American Spirit. Idiots.
10. As of right now.......all art snobs are my enemy. Consider war declared on you and your kind. I will not be open for negotiations. I will put my foot on your collective throats before it's all over.
******************************************************************
Now as I sit here typing this out while listening to The Rolling Stones I can't help but wonder what the fuck it is that's wrong with people. The world is so full of greedy and worthless fucking people that it staggers the imagination. But in the world in which I chose to dwell I have given everything I have. I have never put on a phony front in order to get people to think I'm cool. I participate solely because doing so is a fun thing to do even in the most miserable circumstances. It makes me feel good to pick up a guitar and make sounds with it. It makes me feel good to sing out loud. It makes me feel good to jump around and act like a spazz. I guess I simply don't understand how music can make others so miserable, especially those people who claim to be artists. It makes no sense to me that someone who writes books couldn't get off on some music. But the only thing I can guess is that whoever was in charge of picking us for this event was not looking out for the interests of their potential audience. Those idiots wanted Simon and Garfunkel but they got a blast of loud Longview rock in their delicate seashell like ears. While thinking back on it all now I should have just brought them a little art project of my own. It's an art project I like to call 'Lets lock the doors and pull out some assault rifles and rob every yuppie motherfucker in the place'. How does that sound? To me it certainly sounds like a helluva lot more fun than what actually took place. Oh well.....live and learn I guess. However, the one thing you stuck up scenester clods need to remember is that I will never go away, my band or bands will never go away, I will continue to write books, I will continue to do whatever art I see fit to make. Not only am I saying this for myself but I say this on behalf of all my creative friends who have been ignored, maligned, mistreated, and flat out dissed by the 'scene'. You cannot ignore us forever and you will be forced to acknowledge us whether you like it or not. We are the ones in the trenches doing what we do because we love it. You people do what you do for something other than love. YOU'RE ALL FULL OF YOURSELVES AND FULL OF SHIT. Never forget that you're the ones that have nothing to offer yet you get all the rewards and I'm fucking tired of it [7].
YOURS TRULY IN THE NAME OF ROCK AND ROLL.
CHUCK ROAST.
**********************************
END NOTES
[1] My first mistake.
[2] The fact that these idiots made a football reference makes it all the more suspect. Just saying.
[3] Emcee a.k.a. M.C. a.k.a. master of ceremonies a.k.a. the person who talks in between the 'entertainment'. In my mind this person should be good at talking in front of an audience and should have all their facts straight before doing so. I digress.
[4] In my imagination even the bitchy people have manners.
[5] John Merrick a.k.a. The Elephant Man. See the David Lynch movie.....you think you have it rough? You don't know shit about what rough is.
[6] and Seattle, and Olympia, and Astoria, and Salem, and Eugene. I'm talking several hundred shows here people.
[7] Sour grapes? Maybe so but my grievances feel totally justified. I know there are others who feel the exact same way. I wanna hear from you.
*****************************************************
SOME LAST MINUTE THOUGHTS:
1. Do those individuals who reside in the literary community not like music, specifically loud rock music? If so when did everyone become such pussies about it? It is a statistical impossibility that all those who claim to be authors only listen to Iron and Wine and other folksy pussified slop.
2. The organization that put on this event touts themselves as some sort of publisher of some kind. I don't really know to be totally honest. I recently read some stuff on their Facebook page and they sang the praises of Charles Bukowski. Now I sit here and think to myself 'You and all of those monied up losers you surround yourself with are the exact sort of people that Bukowski despised.' He hated up and coming authors dropping their manuscripts into his lap touting themselves as the 'next big thing'. He thought most writers didn't write in their own voice and concealed their true feelings which in turn made their work unoriginal and unchallenging. His work was a call to all creative types to speak in your true voice and don't fall in line with the herd.

SONGS AC/DC FORGOT TO WRITE

no one can deny aussie rock band ac/dc's place in the rock and roll pantheon. however, i am of the opinion that despite all the classic tunes they've wrote over the last several decades they haven't covered ALL the bases. here is my list of song titles that ac/dc missed out on:
roll up my sleeves
one more ace in the deck
all play and no work
the aids
goin to hell [in style]
when the cat's away [the mice will drink whiskey]
calling down the thunder
struck by lightning
she gave me that look
kicked in the balls
a slice of your pie
im drinkin tonite
let's get drunk in hell
crankin my jack
rock n rattlesnake
speedin down the highway
over my dead body [my balls]
takin a piss
she loves my bone
touch my jackhammer
blacktop woman
get the hell outta here
hard as nails
shotguns in hell
balls and money
the devil's woman
comin down hard
hammered all night
gunfight boogie
birds drinkin with bees
light her up
big dog balls
down payment on cigarettes
cadillac woman [balls]
get the hell outta my way
goddamned balls
headin outta here
rock n roll frenzy
outskirts of hell
wild west boogie
big city woman
she's got a big ass
fur burger
stormy night in hell
givin the dog his due
the bottle is empty [balls]
punched in the throat
beatin the meat
she's goin down [on me]
piss drinkin blues
demolition
gonna blow this joint
takin over the world
king balls
night of the long haul
flick my bic
she smokes
out of the frying pan [into hell][balls]
denim city
B.A.L.L.S.
ton of bricks
blow up your town
concrete train
whiskey and leather
set you on fire [balls]
piss in the wind
sniffin around
lil miss behavior
let's hot box this place
kickin ass in hell
pillage in the village
sweet meat
drinkin like a dog
the jack session
bustin out tonite
shes drunk
drunk on voltage
for those about to drink [drink]
cannon balls on fire
gettin high on you
shake your thunder
whiskey dick
make a mess without your dress
throwin up [the horns]
mess with the bull [you get the balls]
put the finger in you
black snow
drinkin through an earthquake
buried under her love [fat bitch]
brick to the head
time to screw
shake the arena
smoking with the devil
aint takin no shit
dont blame me baby
poundin the steel
guns with balls
suck my bottle
electric cigs
takin you down
bounty hunter
bad boys for hire
bloody lace
garter belt boogie
goin balls deep
she smokes leather
the devil's buyin tonite
dont be sober when i call ya
sippin and strippin
pole smoker
rock n roll desert
she's the cherry on top [balls]
daddys locomotive
take it home
cold runnin blood
the biker
goin off [a cliff]
gettin high on the volume
loud balls
drunk on power
rock n roll fuel
i got the keys to hell [lets ride]
she's in the cake just you wait
ass beatin blues
touchin and sniffin
backdoor smokes
guitar electrocution
steel fist
pound them all
bouncin the bouncer
wrecking the saloon
burn her down
drinkin on down the line
the paint's peelin off the walls
gettin it on [balls]
lightning in a bottle
gimme some tongue
she's givin me hell
one more for the road
messin with your head
bold and foxy
on my highhorse
the stalker
ride out [balls]
aint no fun waitin around to get drunk
bone breaker
leavin you in the dust
set in stone
swingin the sledgehammer
skull crackin boogie
i gotta hand it to ya
one last hand one last round
5 card stud
cashing in my chips
gonna take a stand [balls]
blow the roof off the joint
kickin your backdoor in
i got ya covered [tonite]
givin her the business
she's blowin me [up]
give it to her straight
ragged glory
leave me hangin
dump you like yesterday's news
give me the whiskey
aint thinkin straight since that woman left me
she's gone [good]
bury the bone
thunder highway
wasted on you
closing time
take your pick
she gets around
doin it right
punch your lights out
wiping you off my feet
gentleman's bet
makers mark [of the devil]
take her to school
shes livin off me
midnight velvet
freeloader
hijack your cadillac
she's my doormat
you're leavin [one way or another]
sweet lil cheater
wolf in sheep's clothes
takin a bite [outta you]
daddy needs a teasin
hot looks and dirty crooks
dirty bird
jailhouse wine
the woman knows how to rock me
i got your number
sweet revenge
quittin time
drinkin with the hangman
pass the bottle
gypsy switchblade
what she dont know wont hurt her [much][balls]
you wont last the night
under the table
break in
plugging into her fuse box
take her out back
she's making me drink
mental meltdown
going in deep
goin up your stovepipe
till the wheels fall off
she's my payday
crack the whip on you
when she sins [she does it right]
accept no substitutes
the real deal
livin on the edge of a knife
screwin around on you
you better watch your back
sink the drinks
packin a rod
ready for some action
fireball woman
gonna mow you down
step aside for the man
everyone's on the guest list
tonite someone's gonna get it
beat up
it's the drinker in me
so good at darts
callin a spade a spade
droppin rock n roll bombs
break her in
knockin your teeth out
six string bandit
truckers glory

comments, concerns and other shit:
headlesspymp@gmail.com

MUSICFEST NORTHWEST RESEARCH PROVIDES STUNNING RESULTS

Okay so musicfest northwest is starting up today or yesterday or whatever, and I for one couldn't be more non-plussed about the whole thing. The last 15 or so years [maybe longer depending on how you feel about such things] have been the haven of large scale industry insider 'festivals' where the tastemakers tell you what to like all for a small fee and a silly little bracelet. For many, this is the highlight of their concert going year where one has the opportunity to see tons of bands and maybe even a few favorites. While this may seem like a great deal for the financially well to do who can afford such affairs, to me, it is another high priced rip off that provides few rewards yet plenty of reasons to scoff and hurl insults, which it should be noted is my custom. Personally I think this bullshit started with that retarded South by Southwest debacle that takes place in the hipster hitching post of Austin Texas. Every club in the city fills up their week with industry and sponsored sanctioned bands that appeal to the 'alternative rock' assholes who have become a fucking cancer to the music scene at large. While these expensively dressed nerds patronize these dopey events, it only serves to give funds to a dying label industry that is struggling to maintain its grip on the mass public. While my initial suspicion that the fest was largely devoid of Portland bands, I was happy to find that the large majority of them were from the local region. However, a great deal of what I did find was far from good [no matter where it was from]. In fact most of it was either drippy alternative rock folkies or dance club morons, interspersed with some 'art rock' type bands and some metal acts for extra 'variety'. The organizers of this fest really only catered to a sector of the marketplace and anything that remotely deviated from the commercial was only a token gesture meant more as an insult than anything else. For informational purposes, all of the portland bands will be marked with a (P) before their name, which may also be substitued for 'poop' if need should arise.
(p) grails: Snoozy Eastern European folk music with banjos and acoustic guitars. Interesting but nothing more than special interest music for the uber hip culturalists.
(p) soft kill: Great band, probably one of the few that's actually worth a shit to go see throughout the whole fest.
(p) kasey anderson and the honkies: For Stevie Ray Vaughn fans who wear skinny girl jeans.
sleepy sun: Lazy San Francisco post hippie garbage.
ted leo: Since when has anyone given a fuck about this guy? Another version of Ben Folds when one was already too many. Don't know where this dope is from but it doesn't matter. sucks balls. End of story.
(p) yacht: Cutesy electronic video game schmaltz. Disco music for mustachioed nerds. Suck doesn't even begin to describe this bedroom project that should have stayed in the bedroom.
the romany rye: Don't have a goddamned clue where these ass rammers hail from but suffice it to say I made it about 15 seconds into their 'hit' and their wikipedia page mentions their name alongside Kings of Leon, and My Morning Jacket which for me is enough to dismiss them as complete fucking garbage. Some people would have you believe that secretary rock is cutting edge these days. Those people are way outta line thinking like that out in public.
(p) blind pilot: singer songwriter crap ala James Blunt. Didn't see pics but I suspect there are at least 3 beards in this band. A majority of these bands are Jack White's fault somehow.
(p) serious business: Serious bullshit.
(p) and and and: I don't really have an opinion about this which can be taken any old way you'd like to take it.
off!: This band can do whatever it wants whenever it wants. period.
(p)? DJ anjali and the incredible kid: Dance music stuff with that one beat....you know the one I'm talking about. Yeah that one.
achaelogy: Couldn't find anything out about this band and to be totally honest it doesn't really matter.
RTX: Fine. Not from the Northwest but I guess if you're gonna put a 'real' band on there then it might as well be Royal Trux.
(p) jared mees and the grown children: There is really only need for one Stephen Malkmus. This band could be on an episode of Friends.
neurosis: I've never been into this band so I have no opinion one way or another. however I must say that I have always detected a trace of pompous self indulgence with these guys.
(p) dangerous boys club: This band is pretty damned good but the video was hard to watch. That singer would look good in the sights of a sniper rifle.
(p) new york rifles: Another potential show stealer. No nonsense rock and roll. About goddamned time.
dam funk and the master blazter: Funk ala Kool and the Gang. Break out your 40s and blunts yall. This is better than all the ironic hipster bands in Portland combined.
(p) pierced arrows: Legendary legends doing that legendary thing.
the moondoggies: They're from Seattle but I see a bunch of beards in the picture so in an effort to save myself some time I'm gonna pass on listening to these guys. Fair? nope it isn't but it's my game so its my rules.
(p)? dj beyonda: Unless you're terminator X....fuck off. DJs are not bands and are not performers I don't care how witty or ironic your handle is.
(p) the helio sequence: Sub Pop hasn't released anything relevant in at least 14 years if not longer and here's the proof.
zuzuka ponderosa: One of those projects where all the members are from different countries and it still sucks. Downtown Julie Brown would open her lips for this non-descript dance club fluff.
(p) the dimes: Described as a folk-pop collective......whatever.
ty segall: Don't know if this guy is from Portland but it seems like he plays Portland fairly often. it's okay stuff but nothing to lose your shit over.
the soft moon: The trend of bands sounding like Joy Division has been a rather low-key thing over the last 20 years or so and doesn't bother me like some of the more flash in the pan stuff that people get all gooey over. Good stuff but I suspect that they're a bunch of stuck up art snobs. I wanna be wrong but I'm probably not.
(p) ravishers: 2 piece thing. don't know don't care. thx for playing.
big freedia: As I wait for the music to start I cannot help but dread what will hit my eardrums. I hate dance club music, I hate dance clubs, and this is the absolute caricature of what it's all about. So fucking stupid that I cannot fathom how shallow a person must be to like this asshole's music. DUMB beyond words.
you who: With a name so stupid it's little wonder I couldn't find anything out about this band. Wouldn't matter anyways.
bobby bare jr: Acoustic guitar and folksy homespun lyrics. About as exciting as watching paint dry.
(p) morning teleportation: Music for 13 year old girls. Soon as the singer started in with the rapid fire skit skat vocal delivery I promptly bailed.
cass mccombs band: Countrified music played super slow. Not too bad but this one song could be a lid covering up the barrel of shit. Let's see. Got another tune goin and it's in the same vein as the first....I am getting a Pink Floyd vibe. I'm okay with this.
band of horses: Band of beards. Go fuck yourself.
wheedle's groove: I'm not exactly sure what this is however it is funky as all hell and quite enjoyable. Hey, they can't all be total crap can they?
the heligoats: This Bellingham Washington based band is more of that singer songwriter stuff that can be good when the mood is right. The problem is that this is a genre that has been overly cluttered for a really long time and continues to be cluttered. It's hard for me to separate the good stuff from the so so stuff when it comes to these types of bands.
eleanor friedberger: Quirky chick pop from New York that is better than the late 90s Lilith Fair crap but not all that far removed from it neither. Carly Simon for the indie rock set.
hungry ghost: Couldn't find anything out about this band, which may or may not be a good thing. I could put more effort into finding out who and what they are but it doesn't matter all that much.
(p) kelly blair bauman: Described as Americana / classic rock / indie on his myspace page. Not so into trying to connect those dots. The song I heard was pretty good and didn't go on and on which some artists in this field tend do do. Don't know if I'd go see this voluntarily but wouldn't regret seeing it live if I happened to see it live. dig?
the kills: London duo. Typical alterna pop stuff. Well executed but a little too slick for my tastes. Car commercial music.
hurry up: I got nothin when I searched this band. I probably would have got nothin' if I found them so there's always that.
(p) sean flinn and the royal we: Yep it's that sort of stuff. Strummin and la la la's all over the place. Fair enough.
the corin tucker band: Was always a Sleater-Kinney fan and this ranks up there with their best stuff. Would watch this and like it.
crooked fingers: North Carolina indie pop stuff. Band has way too many people in it [29 fucking people....what the hell?]. Good stuff but there's already 800 bands at Musicfest Northwest doing this sort of thing.
the joy formidable: These folks are from the U.K. and brandish a very guitar heavy attack which for me is always a plus. Really good stuff.
(p) breakfast mountain: first picture of this band that I see depicts some dude doing a sort of DJ thing. I'm already calling bullshit. Now I listen: Yep.... as I suspected, retarded as fuck club jamz for uber kult indie clowns.
(p) viva voce: I've tried to get into this band but I can't seem to make myself do it. Don't know why because they are good at what they do. At least it's from the Northwest.
(p) mnemonic sounds: A slightly more intelligent Britney Spears.
dennis coffey: This dude has been around....like played with Marvin Gaye sort of around. Funk guitarist that played on the theme music for Enter The Dragon. This is good enough for me.
suuns: Don't know where this band is from. Don't care. More retardo indie discoteque stuff. I shudder at the thought of how many ill fitting members only jacket wearing dopes will soak this bullshit up.
(p) greylag: More of that indie-acousto thing.....as if this fest didn't already have enough of that already. Variety be damned.
sebadoh: Okay....I'll be the first to admit that I love Sebadoh. Have enjoyed their work for many years. However, I was not pining for a comeback from them. Another 90s alterna rock band cashing in on past glories. Looking back on it all I gotta say that only the first 4 albums are good. The rest of their catalog is a foundational brick of the emo rock empire that the teenyboppers subscribe to today. You're part of the problem Lou Barlow. Yes you!
(p) nether regions: Ah....some metal eh? Some doomy tuneage. Would watch them if they were opening up for something really good [and might even go 'fuck those dudes were killer], otherwise it's just another band doing what tons of other metal bands are doing.
brainstorm: German power metal band. You can't help but get a kick out of the double bass, shredding guitars, operatic vocals, and all the other trademarks of this well worn genre. Better than current day Iron Maiden and could very well steal the crown from them. These dudes must just happen to be in town during Musicfest because this runs completely countercurrent to what I've experienced thus far in my investigation.
(p) dirty mittens: If you have ever tried to sit through a PDX POP NOW compilation then I shouldn't have to elaborate further.
(p) sun angle: Tropical alterna-dance pop. Nothing to see here. Move along.
dirty ghosts: San Francisco band with groovy beats and chick vocals. Sounds like a demo recording but I'll bet they got paid thousands of dollars to record the tune I am currently hearing. She sings the same shit over and over again as if she's still trying to figure out what to actually do with the lyrics.
talk demonic: Haven't any idea where this band is from but they use pre-recorded music and shit. I see a lap top on stage which is grounds for an instant gonging on my personal Gong Show. A violinist and drummer with a computer. Drummer looks a bit like Meathead from All In The Family. Whatever.
(p) witch mountain: Don't got a bad thing to say about Witch Mountain. Ruleage.
purity ring: From parts unknown. Slow alterna-jamz. Going for some sort of spooky thing. It's fine but I'm not bustin nuts in my pants over it neither.
(p) unknown mortal orchestra: These guys are on Fat Possum Records so that that's a step in the right direction. Fuzzy groove oriented pop with some fa la las for you to sing along to and a noodly guitar solo. Good in a sort of dumb way.
(p) blouse: Some 80s styled tuneage that would have fit in pretty good on 120 Minutes back in the day. Although I probably would have used their video as a piss break.
(p) the needful longings: Comprised of some legendary Portland rockers. Could not find any tunes to hear but the pedigree is pretty goddamned bulletproof so I am fairly confident that these dudes are layin' it down right.
archers of loaf: Okay so the big trend in reunion tours and such is the 90s revival thing. Let's face it, the 90s was a fairly solid decade of music and there are quite a few good bands from that era that have reunited and made it work i.e. Guided By Voices and Pavement spring to mind immediately. The reason these bands can do it is because their catalog of respective works is such that people respect them. Archers of Loaf was always a 3rd rate band to me and I never understood the appeal and never understood the minimal critical acclaim that got affixed to them. I can't think of anyone who was going 'Dude I wish the Archers would get back together brah.' But apparently someone thought it was a good idea. I for one was not one of those people simply because I thought they always sucked. What's next Possum Dixon?
handsome furs: This here is one of those bands I sit on the fence about. Basement pop with manufactured beats and some overdriven guitar and some pleasantly non-obnoxious vocals. The problem here is that there is this undercurrent of 'we want to sell out so bad it's killing us' sort of thing. I don't know.
(p) dolorean: Syrupy country tinged singer songwriter crap. This is soundtrack music for a shitty date night movie.
black cobra: Those familiar with the stoner rock / doom genre have probably run across these dudes at one point or another. I'm sure they throw down some serious heavy duty doomage but it's not something I would go voluntarily see. Their older stuff is incredibly brutal while the more recent stuff has lost some edge from what I can tell.
white arrows: Fuck this crap. Singer suffers from bubble throat. White people piss me off intensely.
little dragon: Swedish band described as 'soul' music. No soul to be detected. Dreadfully average.
twin sister: Wikipedia describes this Long Island band as 'dream pop' and 'disco'. I'll buy into the 'dream pop' label but there is no fucking disco to be had in their sleepy nap time grooves. Get your Z's the hard way with this band.
(p) richmond fontaine: This dude has been a Portland staple for years and...uh....yeah. Jangly pop rock with the emphasis on the pop and very little on the rock. Well executed and well written and well played but nothing more.
butthole surfers: They'll surf your butthole in search of your wallet. Go home guys. Seriously.
damien jurado: First song I listened to started with acoustic guitar and I immediately knew where it was heading. At this stage of my research all I can say is...... ENOUGH PLEASE! Nothing personal but I'd like to take this guy's acoustic guitar and shove it up his ass.
kylesa: This band of heavy hitters from Georgia are like an updated version of Karp. Have always enjoyed their work. No complaints here.
phantogram: More manufactured beats and mumbly chick vocals. Again I must say......ENOUGH ALREADY.
EMA: Before anyone gets the wrong idea....I think chicks rule. Now with that said let it be known that I haven't heard one fucking act thus far in my research that features a frontwoman who actually rocks and isn't doing the goofy techno or synth pop thing. From Austria.
you am i: Never heard of this 90s relic apparently reformed for a reunion tour for all 20 of their fans.
(p) sallie ford and the sound outside: This is an interesting band. Got this sort of vintage thing goin'. Finally a gal up front that sings rather than moan and mumble through a tune. One of the few bands I didn't roll my eyes at after 15 seconds.
marketa irglova: The sticker on the front of her album says: 'For fans of Norah Jones, Tori Amos, and anyone who likes to get fucked up the ass slowly by a roaring fire'. Faster than sleeping pills but not as fun.
iron and wine: Beard.
(p) the thornes: One of Portland's best bands and a must see anytime they're playing.
(p) drew grow and the pastor's wives: Secretary rock can blow me.
(p) elitist: Not to be confused with the retarded kiddie metal band of the same name. This is one of the good Portland bands and a fine example of why Portland's metal scene is still one of the best in the country.
(p) TxE: Rappers.
(p) archers: Rockin' stuff. A nice suprise.
anais mitchell: Chick / guitar / Lisa Loeb fan.
(p) wizard rifle: 2 piece band that is borrowing liberally from Karp's bag of heavy handed tricks. Definitely worth checking out.
the globes: So I'm trying to check this band's facebook page and you have to 'like' them to hear their tune. Fuck that. No thanks.
(p) mission spotlight: Sorry but Drugstore Cowboy does this same stuff but with far more class and swagger and THEY should be playing Musicfest Northwest. This band just played its first show 2 months ago and are already getting in on some high profile stuff. A clear case of schmoozing and scenester sanctioned blowjobs.
(p) hawkeye: These guys have a song called 'Charles Bukowski, You're My Soul Brother (For Evuh)' which I gave approximately 40 seconds of my life to. Jangly psych pop that the Byrds did better 40+ years ago. Charles Bukowski would be pissed off at these guys for even mentioning his name.
pickwick: Hearing this Seattle band's music while picturing them performing it is making my farts stink really bad.
(p) transient: Real grindcore.....done to perfection. 50% of this band is female which makes it all the more fucking bad ass. The number one band worth seeing at this fest without a goddamned doubt.
(p) wampire: Some strangely interesting semi-ambient new wave stuff. Oh wow.....2nd song.......fucking bullshit.
(p) john heart jackie: I made it through 32 seconds and knew this band was all about. By now you should just know the drill.
(p) caleb klauder: Country music done in the finest traditions of old. Thumbs up from dad.
shabazz palaces: some boring assed rap music from Seattle. The only thing this has going for it is the fact that they aren't droning on and on about the typical 'gangsta' rap stupidity.
(p) e rock: This guy is a very productive artist in a wide range of mediums and it's a real shame I don't give a fuck about any of it. Actually it isn't a shame but I was trying to be diplomatic about things.
the music tapes: Dude from Neutral Milk Hotel doing this really ramshackle D.I.Y. experimental pop thing with tons of non-conventional instrumentation. Pretty cool but also kinda annoying at the same time.
boat: Seattle guitar based rock stuff not far removed from Weezer and Fountains of Wayne. Snarky lyrics and their stupid cutesy faces totally ruined it for me. Possibly the dumbest band name of all time simply for how little effort it appears to have went into its selection.
reptar: Dumb fruity white boy alterna-funk that gave me awe inspiring douche chills. Garbage.
(p) celilo: More lazy sounding acousto 'americana' type stuff. Good musicians but goddamn aren't there about 50 billion bands doing this already? You know, the usual pretentious, hoity toity, coffee sipping bullshit that is the common denominator of this fest.
joe pug: Acousto dude shootin for a Bob Dylan thing. Whatever.
(p) diesto: prog doomers. Played some shows with them. Always kept it heavy and weird.
PS i love you: 2 piece thing. Kinda rocks in a really dumb sort of way. Hit song is called 'Butterflies and Boners' which is funny.
super melody: Super sucky.
(p) mbilly: AW JESUS H. FUCKIN' CHRIST.......MORE GENERIC SINGER SONG WRITER STUFF? COME ON!!......FUCK!!!!!
sharon van etten: Does rock-n-roll even exist anymore?
dirty beaches: Droney pop. Safe experimental stuff for girls so they don't feel stupid for liking experimental stuff.
(p) lost lander: More acoustic guitars, Radiohead meets the Mamas and the Papas. Poop meets pee. The singer says something about being afraid of summer because he can't swin. Words cannot express the douche chills that are coming over me right now.
a storm of light: Atmospheric prog doom I guess. I really don't know. It has elements that I like but I don't think I'd go see these guys on purpose. Nah....I wouldn't.
(p) deelay ceelay: Without listening to these guys I'll predict what they sound like.....ready? Bouncy dance club jams for tramp stamps and fat tits. Okay now let me see if I'm right. Well.....I was damned close. It's bouncy electronic crap but there were no vocals [which is commendable on their part because I shudder to think what a vocalist would do to this band]. Anyhow.....yeah.....crap-ola.
(p) fernando: No comment.......what can I possibly say that hasn't already been said about this worn out bunch of pretentious bullshit.
macklemore and ryan lewis: More white hip hop....their song is about baseball. I couldn't help but think I would enjoy watching John Fogerty waste these dudes with an uzi. This really pisses me off.
(p) natasha kmeto: She looks like Tiffany Amber Thiesen. Dance club poop. Has a song called 'Party Girl' which should tell you all you need to know.
(p) the minders: These guys have never ever heard the Beatles.
bare wires: This band is alright but it really doesn't rock enough. Tinge of Beach Boys style creeping in to compliment their wanting to look like The Ramones. Singer looks like one of those guys that hangs out in his van down by the middle schools so he can pick up chicks.
holcombe waller: This is pretentious beyond words and unbearably difficult to listen to. A feeble imitation of the almighty Air Supply.....and comes with a beard as a sick fucking bonus.
MSTRKRFT: More abominable dance pop custom made for car commercials. The usual typical cookie cutter crap which is hardly suprising.
horse feathers: At this point I am so not suprised that this is more acoustic guitar and cello topped off with sensitive guy vocals. None of these acts stand out. NOT EVEN ONE OF THEM. I swear it's the same people over and over just masquerading under different band names as some sort of sick joke.
(p) rabbits: These guys are good. Following in the sweet tradition of bands like Karp and The Melvins. Heavy. No bass player. Killz.
(p) the thermals: This is another one of those bands that I don't have any particular complaints about but I have never cared enough about to investigate fully. Watched a vid and the singer/guitarist dude was waify and annoying. Done.
(p) purple and green: Couldn't find any music for this 'thing'. My best guess is that it's more hip hop / dance club tripe that would just make me roll my eyes in embarassment.
(p) old light: Beard, two drummers, hippie jam band action.
(p) blitzen trapper: Crap. The fact that this is on a label pisses me off to no end.
the stepkids: White slow jam funk that would have fit in pretty good on 70s radio. Better than a lot of the stuff at this fest but in the end it's just more forgettable product that no one will remember in a few years.
(p) ages and ages: Zero substance, and nothing going on here.
pig destroyer: These grinders blew me away with such albums as 'Prowler in the Yard' and 'Terrifyer' yet have been on a downward spiral since then. They hit the peak and can't seem to top it.
mad rad: Seattle white boy hip hop with some real instruments in the mix. Who gives a fuck.
dan mangan: I made it through 14 seconds of this guy's music. I will not talk about it any further as you already know what it is.
(p) marius libman: New record.......8 seconds.
the ladybug transistor: One Echo and the Bunnymen has been plenty for many many years now.
thee oh sees: Noisy garage pop that blows all these bearded acoustic sellout dough heads away. Never fails to be awesome.
zeke: The old stuff is killer. Even their worst stuff peels out all over the shit that this fest is trying to pass of as the future of music.
(p) glass candy: Some sparse sounding old school techno. Pretty interesting in that late 70s early 80s sort of way.
centro-matic: Blow me.
the horrors: Here's a band that while not necessarily re-inventing the wheel are doing something that is at the very least tolerable.
GIVERS: This is the sort of thing you hear in T.G.I. Fridays while you're waiting for your appetizers to come out.
the hood internet: This does not qualify as music. Get fucked.
(p) y la bamba: Music for coffee commercials......so when Folger's is done using Randy Travis there's this crap.
rhett miller: American Idol contestant music. Cocksucker of the highest order.
the gaslamp killer: D.J. jackoff music. Self indulgent without a trace of personality.
the olivia tremor control: When bands want to do the whole Brian Wilson thing I find the bands generally have nothing going on except for delusions of grandeur.
(p) eluvium: Piano music for emo pricks.
(p) typhoon: Band that is taking all the stuff that I hate most about The Cure and using it for their own devious objectives. Suck-o-tash.
the antlers: I had a strange urge to buy insurance when I heard this band.
explosions in the sky: From the hipster capitol of the world....Austin Texas. Nauseating ambient emo feces. Goes nowhere yet sucks balls all over the place. The fact that shit like this has a fan base is a sure sign that people have no taste whatsoever. Teen Mom incidental music. Fuck off.
emily wells: This chick plays violin over hip hop beats.........nuff said.
wild ones: Okay....There is no way that the band I found was anywhere near this fest. I'll go out on the limb and say that there was no Itallian glam rock to be had and that I couldn't actually find the real band at all.
(p) onuinu: Electronic music with the usual lack of soul and balls.
(p) black prairie: Some dark sounding old time country stylings here. Pretty goddamned good.
(p) the leaders: Saw this band open up for Jay Reatard and boy where they fucking stupid. Singer ate worms in attempt to look edgy and weird.
(p) boy eats drum machine: Saw a pic and decided I would not even give this 'artist' a listen. Fuck you asshole.
akimbo: Another band of vultures picking at the corpse of Karp. I've never understood the appeal of this band.
(p) tyler tastemaker: Saw a pic and that was quite enough to suss out this absurdly named snake oil salesman's schtick. White guy, dreads, wearing headphones, probably some tribal tats.
devonwho: At this point I could give two shits if I never heard techno flavored dance music again in my life.
(p) lifesavas: Saw this hip hop group open up for Ol' Dirty Bastard. I don't like hip hop like I used to simply because here is another genre that is stuffed full of the same old shit. I couldn't tell these guys from a million other acts doing the same thing. P.S. Ol' Dirty Bastard was fucking awesome by the way.
(p) eternal tapestry: Lazy sounding space rock jams. Tune your fuckin' guitars and then come talk to me. Until then, suck a dick.
(p) death songs: Maybe I'm getting tired of listening to some of these bands but I swear I keep hearing the same shit over and over again.
bobby birdman: More audio diarrhea from some Michael Cera clone. NEXT!!!!
kelli schaefer: From Battleground Washington of all places.....and guess what........NEW WORLD RECORD.....2 fucking seconds.
alela diane: Joan Baez worship. No thanks.
(p) we shared milk: Moderately interesting. I am gonna make a guess and say that these guys despite looking like a bunch of bashful nerds are probably a bunch of stuck up dicks. Portland has a way of making the concept of being a nerd some sort of high art aspiration.
(p) mean jeans: Pop punk with a hint of garage. This is more along the lines of the true face of Portland. So while the organizers of this fest would have you believe that Portland is all about Grizzly Adam's looking dudes toting acoustic guitars around. I will have to respectfully tell them that they don't have a clue. The Mean Jeans are just one of many great punk / pop / rock bands that are out there really doing it and not being completely embarassing about it.
E3: Don't know where it's from and don't know what they do. I don't give a fuck.
(p) violet isle: First off, this band describes itself as 'genreless' as in they defy categorization. Before I go ahead and get my day off to a bad start by giving this band a listen I will call bullshit on their claims of being 'genreless'. Now for the listening: UGH.......more bland commercial pop vomit. Bands who worship U2 should just be destroyed immediately.
(p) drunk ladies: Describing itself or themselves as 'damaged art rock' I can't find any music so I will be unable to make determinations on the validity of such claims. Here's the problem I have with bands that have not so readily available music: You probably suck yet are related to one of the fest organizers and you got in on those connections rather than on whether your music is any good. Here's another thing.....when you start throwing the 'art rock' tag around in my mind you had better be fucking good. I'm gonna wager that this project errs on the side of playing like shit and then calling it art. Fuck you sideways.
finn riggins: Here is a quote from their bio that should explain everything you need to know. "Having met while completing their music degrees at the University of Idaho." The aforementioned quote may be a sentence fragment, but don't let that prevent you from rolling your eyes at this pretentious load of shit.
(p) yob: I know I may be in the extreme minority but I don't really get into this band very much. Yeah it's heavy. Yeah it's well played. Yeah it's got the requisite flavors that on the surface would appear to be enjoyable. I just don't get off on this band.
crypts: I made it all of 11 seconds and said to myself "enough." Beats.
(p) crown point: I knew.....I just knew that by looking at the picture of the band I was going to be dealing with some real assholes. Guess what? Total cunty music played by a bunch of fucking cunts. Want a dated point of reference? Dawson's fucking Creek. FUCK YOU!!!!
1-2 buckle my shoe: I got nothing for this 'band' and personally I don't mind. It would more than likely suck a big fat dick anyways.
(p) emancipator: More obnoxious club jamz for the white kids. Stupid shit. The best thing this band could do is do a recording session while getting raped in jail.
(p) portland cello project: Look.....at least it's coming at this whole singer songwriter thing from a different angle. HOWEVER it does not save it from being just another cadre of ridiculous and pompous nothing. Music for country club assholes.
white hills: New York band doing a sort of Coldplay smoking a ton of weed thing. Has some interesting stuff going on but I can only imagine that this teeters off into the absurd oblivion of jam band central.
rebecca gates: I used to be a big fan of The Spinanes way back in the good old roaring 90s but since those times she has gone off on some sort of Carly Simon / Carol King tangent that while not the worst thing I've ever heard it sure isn't all that exciting neither. I can see Daria of 'Beavis and Butthead' fame listening to this while writing poetry. [UPDATE: apparently her MusicFest performance featured two drummers, one of them being actor Fred Armisen. Now to me this just reeks of lameness since I consider that show Portlandia to be a catalyst for Portland becoming a caricature of itself].
(p) jeffrey jerusalem: Saw the pic and said forget it. Yet another guy in his 'nerd' costume thinking he's Mr. Artsy Fartsy dance club guy. This genre may be even more hideous than the bearded acousto philosopher genre.
(p)? quiet life: This is some east coast band that has apparently moved to Portland in search of fame and fortune. Hmmm I wonder what they sound like? Oh wait let me guess, more bearded coffee shop wankery. So while looking for something of theirs to listen to I see a pic of this band. Of course it's a pic of a guitar player guy wearing one of those harmonica headgear things that Bob Dylan uses. Embarassing. Now I will listen. AW FUCK....it's Counting Crows part 2. The video shows them dressed up like a bunch of Amish people which makes it even more preposterous. 'Americana'..........pfffft.
avi buffalo: Well, well, well.......what do we have here? More fruity singer songwriter stuff. The guy's voice is fingernails on a chalkboard. To the woodchipper with this one.
(p) cj and the dolls: Described as 'tranny pop'. Let me state that a witty genre name does not disguise the fact that this is just more dance club stupidity created in someone's bedroom. I want a machine gun that shoots dildos.....so that I can use this band for target practice.
youth: Initially I stopped this at 4 seconds because let's face it.....it's just more of the same shit. However I let it play till 14 seconds in hopes that things would pick up. Now here I am 43 seconds into this piece of shit and it's still a piece of shit. More stupid Maroon 5 / Coldplay worship. These guys should be fed to a school of hungry piranhas.
(p) poison idea: I love Poison Idea with all my heart. One of the greatest punk rock bands of all time. I rank them up there with the best of the best. In my opinion when talking about punk rock you simply cannot leave P.I. out of the conversation. I've shared the stage with them and it was an incredible honor to do so. But let me really tell it like it is. When we compare musical catalogs i.e. Poison Idea vs. all the bullshit bands and artists at this stupid fest, I'll go on fucking record and say that none of them combined can ever compare to the kings of punk. You want to know what Portland is really all about? Poison Idea embodies the spirit of Portland punk fucking rock which is the bread and butter of that city's scene.....No doubt about it. All of this Paul Simon masturbatory acoustic guitar sellout bullshit will just come and go, and hell, maybe some of them will write some classic tunes and make their mark, but let me say that none of them will ever come close to attaining the perfection of 'Pick Your King' / 'Record Collectors Are...' / 'Kings of Punk' / 'Feel the Darkness'.........end of fucking story.
chaach: No info on this. The name alone makes my blood pressure spike.
(p) the angry orts: I really dig this band an awful lot. A rare bright spot in a lineup full of garbage. Snappy pop rock / new wave with a great frontwoman. Interesting tunes that cover a broad range of styles without coming off as trite.
heavy cream: Don't know where they're from but it's pretty darned good. Garage pop with some of those early to mid 90s Olympia influences. Catchy. I can't believe two bands in a row have been good.
(p) loch lomond: The final band on my list is as I expected......more smarmy folk music wankery. In closing I'll just say this.......I'd like to bulldoze this band off a stage and into a giant pit of fire.
SO HERE ARE THE RAW NUMBERS:
1. By my count 184 total acts played at this fest. I am reasonably optimistic that this number is accurate and may be a little less or a little more but let's all just pretend that my count is official.
2. Percentage of bands that I found to be worthwhile [Let me first clarify what I mean by 'worthwhile'. I am addressing those artists who I felt were at best total show stealers and at the very least moderately interesting enough to not be a complete waste of time.]: 28 bands made the cut which is approximately 15.22% of the total for performers. Pretty goddamned sad actually. Again I must state that some of these bands weren't even that great but they were at least somewhat different enough to not be a total obvious clone of something that's been done to death. The actual percentage of stuff that I feel was totally fucking awesome is far lower, with estimates being around 4-5%.
3. Percentage of bands that I felt were a bunch of shit: 156 which works out to approximately 84.8% of the total for performers.
4. How many of the bands were of the acousto / singer songwriter variety [bands or otherwise [again this category will encompass any band that exhibits any sort of beard as marketing tool along with all the dreadful 'americana' and folk garbage.]]: HOLY SHIT 36 acts for 19.6% of the total were of this disgraceful variety. This is suprising since it felt like every other band was doing this stupid bunch of horseshit. I really thought the percentage was higher. Although I am now thinking that it probably would have been handy to keep better track of this stuff since some of these acts were described in disparaging yet vague terms so I am reasonably certain that I missed some bands [which would no doubt increase the percentage.] I really feel that the number is far higher as much as 25% considering that some of the bands I did not count in this category were more along the lines of soap opera rock which could very easily be construed with the beardo singer songwriter genre. I will revisit this in a few moments.
5. How many of the bands were Coldplay / Dave Matthews rip offs [I'm talking slick pop of any sort, yet could be easily used in a commercial or is heard in the cubicles of secretaries the world over. As a catch all I will throw in any band which I use the word 'hippie' to describe them]: 39 bands for 21.2% of the total. Now you take this crap and combine it with the singer / songwriter shitbags [see item 4] and you got 40.8% of the total. So basically you got nearly half of the performers at this fest could qualify for shitty movie soundtracks or car commercials. No matter how you slice the pie.....the pie is a freshly sucked dick.
6. How many of the bands could be construed in any way as being metal [very self explanatory, generally metal bands are easy to spot so let's not over analyze this. I did take the liberty of counting Zeke and Poison Idea in the metal category]: 16 bands for approximately 8.7% of the total. This is pathetic considering the fact that the northwest and especially Portland has had some great bands over the years.
7. How many bands could be construed in any way as punk rock [Again this is pretty self explanatory. Did not count the Butthole Surfers since I do not consider them punk in the traditional sense.]: 4 for 2.2% of the total. This is dangerously pathetic. The very meat and potatoes of the Portland scene is built on punk rock but I'm guessing that a large majority saw through this fucking charade and ignored it just like I should.
8. How many bands are DJ / dance club / hip hop / techno and anything else I forgot [This category should be all the crap that I missed]: 37 for approximately 20.1% of the total.
9. How many bands were from Portland: 87 which is approximately 47.3% of the total acts.
10. How many of the Portland bands were pure unadulterated horseshit [I excluded the stuff that I didn't really have a strong opinion about because there we a few bands that were just so bland it was hard to determine whether they were worth forming and opinion about]: A whopping 55 for a 63.2% of the total Portland bands. Great job PDX you fucking blew it.
SPECIAL NOTE: If one were to add these numbers up it most likely wouldn't work. I will not go through the labor of trying to figure out why simply because this was an informal study. Had I spent more time carefully categorizing everyone it would have been easier to make sense of. The selected pieces of data were picked based on particular genres. By some initial appearances there appears to be some unaccounted for bands and acts but let me assure you that despite them being missing it really doesn't matter since most of them would have just fit into some of the aforementioned genres. Some acts I could not find any data for so they remained the mystery meat of this study.
SUMMARY: So what does all this mean? Quite simple: The organizers of this fest are catering to the big corporate sponsors and their own dreadfully average tastes. The point I was trying to make is that the large majority of these bands and artists while exhibiting some skill and talent, are only plumbing the depths of the most boring music imaginable. While Portland does have a really diverse musical culture this lineup would have you believe that this is all Portland is. A bunch of guys walking around with their beards and their guitars looking for the next coffee shop to haunt. They want you to believe that Portland is all about the basement D.J.s and bedroom club jamz and it just isn't true. Where is the punk rock on this fest? Where's the metal? Where is the indie stuff that DOESN'T sound like Weezer? Where are the bands that just flat out rock and don't have to water down their style? The answer: Not at MusicFest Northwest. What it all boils down to is that all of these fests are designed to appease their corporate masters, that's why most of this shit is just nothing more than beer commercial music or Applebees happy hour jams. They would have you believe that what they are bringing to you is cutting edge but in all reality it's just the same old shit that the record industry has wanted to shove in your ears and down your throat for years. In my estimation, any bands that I felt were the really good ones are just some nuggets they throw at the public just so people don't get too suspicious when they discover what a sham the lineup really is. In the end, it isn't even really about the northwest bands anyways but it is really about all the big ticket bands like the Butthole Surfers / Sebadoh / and Archers of Loaf. In my opinion, the organizers gave a big huge middle finger to the real northwest music scene and reached into the public's collective wallet to snag some bucks to feed the corporate machine. What a load of bullshit.
questions/comments/concerns/need to stick up for your favorite band?
headlesspymp@gmail.com
END NOTES:
1. some killer ideas for next year:
-chick plays oboe accompanied by 4 drummers
-art punk band that plays only seashells and bottles
-folk rock band with 87 bass players.
-electronic band that is just 2 guys playing Atari2600.
-just pretend there is no such thing as punk or metal.
-best beard contest.