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Punk’s Not Dead

Tuesday, July 24th, 2007

Following my own link on my last post about T(I)NC, I found a news update about the documentary Punk’s Not Dead. Apparently the band, among many others, lent some time towards the filming of this movie, and it made me interested to find out more about it. From the IMDB entry:

On the edge of the 30th anniversary of punk rock, Punk’s Not Dead takes you into the sweaty underground clubs, backyard parties, recording studios, and yes, shopping malls and stadium shows where punk rock music and culture continue to thrive. Thirty years after bands like the Ramones and the Sex Pistols infamously shocked the system with their hard, fast, status-quo-killing rock, the longest-running punk band in history is drawing bigger crowds than ever, “pop-punk” bands have found success on MTV, and kids too young to drive are forming bands that carry the torch for punk’s raw, immediate sound. Meanwhile, “punk” has become a marketing concept to sell everything from cars to vodka, and dyed hair and piercings mark a rite of passage for thousands of kids. Can the true, nonconformist punk spirit still exist in today’s corporatized culture? Featuring interviews, performances, and behind-the-scenes journeys with the bands, labels, fans, and press who keep punk alive, Punk’s Not Dead dares to juxtapose pop-punk’s music and lifestyle against the roots in the 70s and 80s, resulting in unexpected revelations. A DIY search for the soul of a subculture and a celebration of all things loud, fast, and spiked, Punk’s Not Dead shows punk is stronger and more relevant today than it’s ever been. [imdb]

Basically, I think this seeks to answer the question as to if punk has sold out. I’ve seen plenty evidence to say yes, but there is a boat load of examples to say the exact opposite. Just depends on your point of view.

Find out more on punksnotdeadthemovie.com, and check out the following preview via YouTube. I know I’d like to check it out.

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Filed under: Documentaries, Movies, Music, Rock & Roll

The Lost Patrol Band – automatic kids

Tuesday, May 8th, 2007

The Lost Patrol Band is the side project of Dennis Lyxzen[wiki] that has gone from a solo thing to a full fledge band. Name doesn’t sound familiar? Try his previous stint with the band Refused[wiki], and if that doesn’t ring a bell, then The (International) Noise Conspiracy might trip your trigger. Fear not, T(I)NC is still alive and kicking. This is just what Dennis does during the off season.

This is a recent discovery to my musical knowledge. It’s a noticeable departure from what you’ve seen from the previous things that Lyxzen has been apart of. I’ve often read about his guitar playing abilities, so I’m not too surprised to see him with one strapped on. A far cry from his stage dancing, rocking out that I’ve come accustomed to at T(I)NC shows, and the music is a tad more laid back as well. Kinda poppy, a little post-punk, almost power pop. I can dig that.

If you want more, check out the video for “I Don’t Understand” and “Golden Times“. And if those videos aren’t too much for you, gander at “Alright” which features Swedish pop singer Lisa Miskovsky[wiki]. I like it all, and there is some strange flash of Bryan Adams that goes through my head when watching them. Must be that hip, retro thing.

After that, watch the video for “Capitalism Stole My Virginity” and “Reproduction of Death” by T(I)NC. Then for a full circle trip, “New Noise” by Refused. You may want to systematically turn down your speakers as the rock increasingly progresses.

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Filed under: Music, Rock & Roll, YouTube

Theme song for House

Sunday, April 1st, 2007

I just wanted to toss this out there for those who might be curious. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that Rebecca and I were watching The Wedge when this piece of knowledge came to light.

Massive Attack - Teardrop The theme song to the television show House[wiki] is by the group Massive Attack[wiki]. Now I say group because the whole dynamic that makes these guys up is fascinating. They are one of these super groups that seem to do no wrong with everything they release. Can’t say that I’m an overly rabid fan, but what I have always known and heard of them, I’ve liked a lot.

I’ve also seen Tricky[wiki], a side project to Massive Attack, open up for Tool[wiki], if you can believe that. Mind blowing show, even for sitting in the seats on stage right of an arena venue.

Anyway, we just made it through some catching up on some of the TV series that we like to keep track of. WOXY played the track a long time ago, shortly after the series started, but I never scoped out who it was. The track, “Teardrop”[wiki], has actually been used in a variety of shows, but I think you’ll find that common with a lot of stuff from Massive Attack. They’re one of those acts who produce tracks that run perfectly in various scenes for film or television.

Other guilty folks that come to mind like this are Crystal Method, Air, or Coldplay. Who else might I be missing?

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Filed under: Music, Television

Worldwide promotion through podcasting

Thursday, March 15th, 2007

This little post from GZExpat about some of the craziness in his life kinda made my day. A bit of back story, he’s our pal in China, living and working there along with his family. He’s a great supporter of our podcasts, big Canucks fan, and a damn cool guy.

He made a jaunt into Hong Kong the other day and details the events, but it was this snippet that made me a tad happy.

We spent the entire day on the run…taxi’s, walking, subway, more walking. By the time it was finished, we had walked 4 districts of the city and put on countless km’s on the sidewalks and escalators. We finished up shortly after 5:30pm. Just in time to allow me 45 minutes in HMV. Here is what I got:

* Secret Machines: Ten Silver Drops (thanks to John for the introduction!)
* Goo Goo Dolls: Superstar Car Wash (an old one I didn’t have)
* Five For Fighting: Two Lights
* The Shins: Wincing the Night Away
* Bloc Party: A Weekend in the City (new album is WAY better than the first…)

[gzexpat]

Aside from a pretty good taste in music, that Secret Machines that he picked up was a result of RadioZoom having permission to play their music on the podcast. I played it, GZExpat heard it, and has since gone out to buy their latest album.

Proof positive of the effect that podcasting can have? Yes.

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Filed under: Music, Podcasting, RadioZoom

Bum Rush The Charts

Thursday, March 1st, 2007

I’m not one to really get into movements like this, but this one involves a couple of things that I’m partial to: podcasting and music.

I’ll try to break it down as simple as possible, but you can get the long end of the story here. On March 22nd, the goal is to get an independent music artist to the top of the iTunes music chart. To do this, podcasters and enthusiasts alike have picked out who that would be and their particular song for this event. On that day only, the intent is to get everyone, that possibly can, to buy that song from the iTunes Music Store.

The band: Black Lab

The song: “Mine Again”

The purpose of this is to “prove the power of new media more than showing corporate media that not only can we exceed their reach and match their purchasing power, but that we can also do it AND make a positive difference in the world. If we can succeed with this small example, then there’s no telling what can do next.” (As quoted from the website)

The curious thing about Black Lab is that they were on a major label, only to get dropped. They have since moved into the independent realm of creating and promoting their music, adapting podcasting into their efforts. Therein lies a lot of the inspiration and consideration for choosing them for this effort.

If you’re interested in more of the details, then find more of the Bum Rush The Charts website. If you have US$.99 to spare on March 22nd, 2007, then you might be interested in joining the mob.