Records can come in all sizes, some of them are even square, weird. This here is one of two 9” records I own, and I think it is my favorite of the two. This record is another glorious gift from my pal Mike. I am not sure if if was a trade for magic cards this time, or what, but it rules.

Das Oath was one of the early generation Youth Attack Records bands from the 90’s and 00’s. The band was also fronted by Mark McCoy, starting it a few years after the demise of Charles Bronson. This is their second release out on Coalition records. There was actually a 10” version of Korper Kultur released the year after the 9” was released. While I am a fan of Das Oath, I would say this is some of the weaker material, my favorite being the self-titled EP (released as The Oath).

The record is chalked full of pornography, as you can see on the sleeve. And throughout the insert, there is a ton of transvestite porn stills. My mom was a little taken aback when I first brought this record home.

She-males, blast beats, and high-pitched vox.

6/10

I have also decided to run a little contest on here. I am currently at 50 followers, so, for the next 50, you have the chance to win a record from me, as well as a short, hand-written note about said record. Tell your pals to follow, because they could win!

3:10 pm  •  2 March 2012  •  1 note

Back in February of 2010, I organized a flea market fundraiser with the proceeds going to the relief effort in Haiti after their devastating earthquake. I believe it was $50 dollars for table, as well as some amazing prizes that we raffled off (tattoo time, a Gorilla Biscuits skateboard, some clothing, test presses of HKR records, etc…). People were also free to donate as they pleased. I believe in total we raised about $1200 on one gloomy sunday afternoon, which wasn’t bad. I was also able to clear out a few drawers full of old band shirts, so that was a bonus.

One of the people who had a table set up was this dude Christian. He is a rad older skater dude from Weyburn, I think. One of the few records he had for sale was this one, A Blaze In The Northern Sky- a classic in the genre of black metal. I think he sold it to me for like $5 or something. I just checked online and this version (from 2005) is going anywhere from $25 to $40. This was a really good deal.

One night a few years back, my friend Carl and I (go see his band Library Voices on tour all the time everywhere) stayed up late at his place drinking Dr. Pepper and listening to black metal. I think him and I came to the conclusion that this was our favourite of the batch. I think we also had listened to some Mayhem, Gorgoroth, and some Satyricon. While I am still rather pedestrian to the genre, I have made it my mission to start listening to it more. I have been jamming a lot of Marduk and Hate Forest lately. I am also open to suggestions, so get at me.

A classic in the genre, and a great way to get into black metal.

8/10

4:36 pm  •  1 March 2012

The first time I saw Risky Business was back in 2005. It was the One Last Victim last show at Rochdale Brews and Cues- a venue that was shut down because they didn’t have the proper licensing to do all ages shows, which they did anyway. The second time was in 2007, where they toured through Canada with Bleeding Through, The End, and Cancerbats. I remember there being a crew of us who had gotten on the Risky Business “mosh list” via John Kapp. That ruled especially because I was a 15/16 year old kid without a job at the time, and I think I remember that show being somewhere around $20. 

To me, Risky Business did the whole “get low” LOC style better than a lot of bands at the time. They were essentially Canada’s answer to Righteous Jams. They were also responsible for one of the most recognizable shirts of the mid-2000’s. The new balance logo, with RB instead of NB. I think everyone had that shirt at one point or another. Mine was kicking around somewhere, but it was a youth large. Those of you who know me know that a youth large will not fit my belly anymore. It would certainly be a sight for sore eyes.

This record is the second press. The first pressings have both silver and gold covers. This second pressing here is out of 450. While I think the 7” would be pretty hard to track down these days, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a copy of the Some Days CD, which included the 7” tracks I believe. Or, you could just download it if you’re into that sort of thing.

Risky Business also did a split with Nervous Wreck. If anyone has a copy of that 7” that reads this blog, and would like to work out a trade or sell it to me, that would be greatly appreciated.

It’s risky business when you’re fucking with us!

8/10

5:19 pm  •  27 February 2012  •  1 note

Those of you who lurk the Bridge 9 message board (or any other hardcore-related message board for that matter) have probably been hearing a lot about this band for a little while. Whether it be good or bad, Hoax has garnered a lot of attention this past while with their violent shows and onstage persona. They have been deemed the new “hype” band by many. I think this has a lot more to do with their affiliation to Youth Attack records than anything else.

This last summer when I was in Calgary on tour, I stopped in at Sloth records after a typical Tubby Dog visit- I was writhing in pain. It’s a cool second-story shop in one of the more fashionable shopping districts in Calgary. It’s medium in size, but packed with rows and rows of records. I grabbed this 7” knowing that Deranged had a hand in it, along with the new Katorga works label. I hadn’t heard Hoax yet, but I was a fan of Creem, another band on the up-and-coming label. While I was there I remember grabbing the Converge/Dropdead split, and a few other things that I can’t remember off the top of my head.

I really wish I remember the name of the guy working there, because he was great. Very knowledgable, and friendly. A lot of times I notice record store dudes being snobby, and not very interested in what the customer wants. You know, because their music taste is clearly better than yours.

Those of you who have been hearing negative feedback about this band, please do not pay much heed in that and go and listen to them yourself. If you’re disappointed, so be it, but if you like raw, angry, and stripped down hardcore, this should be right up your alley.

8/10

 

5:02 pm  •  22 February 2012

Youth Unit was a youth crew (go figure) band from Edmonton in the mid-2000’s. My good friend Nate of xTruex Records was responsible for this release, among many others (High Jinks 7”, Nikola Tesla/Except My Life split, Rape Revenge 7”, etc…). For a smaller label, they put out some of the best Canadian hardcore of that time. 

I believe I got this record when Dylan and I ran the Danger Room, but I could be wrong. It may have also been a gift from Mason, I know I either bought him this, or the other way around. It’s a record I hadn’t listened to for probably three years until today. I sort of understand why. It’s still good for what it is, however, it’s 2012 now, and not 2005. My personal style has changed. That’s not to say you shouldn’t go listen to it (if you can find it). Really, for what it was, it is a pretty decent record.

A few years back Nate was selling off the tests of these records, and I was lucky enough to snag the test press for pretty cheap. I think around $25. I am not too much into the test press game, however, I would be more open to purchasing a few if any of you guys want to sell me anything cool.

Support local music and the cool dudes running the labels and bands.

6.5/10

3:08 pm  •  17 February 2012  •  1 note

Well, it’s February 15th today, and I am hoping those of you with significant others spent time yesterday enjoying one another’s company, and enjoying the ones you truly care about. For those of you without, I hope you did not see the day as one of upsetting memories of a better time. I assure you, there is plenty of time left to find love in this crazy world. Wow, that was inspirational.

This here is the little valentines spread I gave to my sweetheart.

She treated me to coffee rub massage a scalp treatment at a local spa. Something that sounds amazing that I would never treat myself too. She is great.

Anyhow, now onto today’s record. Cult Ritual was one of the big second wave Youth Attack bands. Along with Nazi Dust, Veins, and Aerosols, they helped shape what hardcore was going to sound like in the last 2000’s. Fast, aggressive, violent, and noisy. Cult Ritual was one of the bands that was surrounded in a lot of mystery. Not having a real online store, just doing a blog, small live shows. They seemed to be a band surrounded by rumours more than anything. 

Though I never got to see them live, I was fortunate to acquire this 7” from my friend Mike, who I got in a trade for guess what- magic cards. Yes, this is another one of those rare, hard to find, and super great jams that I was lucky enough to get in exchange for some cards. That said, a mythic rare or two changed hands in this series of exchanges.

Though this record it out of print, and probably difficult to find, I would recommend grabbing the tracks online, as they are all bangers. While your at it, go order that Nazi Dust LP that was just put out. That is an amazing record.

Rare finds and rare artifact creatures.

7.5/10

 

Bobbleheads pictured from left to right: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Yoda, Darth Vader, Ken Griffey Jr, Mark McGwire, Ichiro Suzuki, and Cyclops. 

4:08 pm  •  15 February 2012

The past week I have spent slowly moving my things into my new room at my pal John’s. I have bought cleaning products, air fresheners, my own soap, and have scrubbed my room top to bottom. I guess this is growing up. I’ll use that all as an excuse as to why I haven’t updated this in a while, the truth is though, I’ve been pretty lazy.

The first time I saw Die Young was at a small packed all ages venue called The Buffalo Lounge in 2006 playing on tour with Far From Ruin. It was a staple for the hardcore scene in the early to mid-2000’s. Playing host to countless amazing shows. The BL was also where I got my start at putting on shows. That place has a lot of memories, and it’s sad that shows there are so few and far between, but I guess that’s life. Die Young came through again in 08 at an even smaller venue. It was a house show in our friend Jeff’s basement. What a wild night that was. I also remember very clearly having the worst back ache of my life at this show, so much so I got Tommy to drive me home right after their set to lie down. I remember how much of chore it seemed to be just to keep standing up.

I grabbed this 7” at that show, not realizing that it was a special tour pressing out of 100. Though it’s hard to tell in the photo, it’s on grey swirl vinyl and it numbered on the printed tour cover 75/100. I am not sure how much it’s worth, and I am not too concerned. This record is great. I’d say it’s probably the best thing they ever released, not that they put out anything bad.

Die Young seemed to be one of the bands that got overlooked by the typical hardcore crowd and I am not too sure. They toured everywhere, put out a ton of great, and accessible music (as they were on Eulogy at one point), and had a very great, straight forward 90’s-style sound. They were one of the first bands that really made me see music as a way of delivering a message. Daniel was very well-read, smart, and political. I imagine taking a lot of nods from Greg Bennick in his lyrical structure, and ideologies. That is something really refreshing in a sea of beatdown, tough guy, posturing hardcore bands now. This band did not lack substance whatsoever, and for that, I think that it is not only a great listen, but also an important listen.

Don’t forget that music can be a medium for a message.

9/10

12:01 am  •  8 February 2012  •  1 note

I have some of the best friends in the world. Far better than I deserve. Friends that will extend a hand without even a hint of need, friends that will give you gifts beyond those of your family, and friends that stand by you through the years. This record was a gift from my dear friend/former band-mate Mason, and it is awesome. I love Christmas.

Sunn O))) is a band surrounded by a lot of mystery, almost austere in appearance. The music they create is a hybrid of probably anything and everything you’ve ever listened to, but put together into something you could not even imagine. On one record, their vocals were recorded in a coffin being driven to a cemetery. Their vocalist really wanted to portray a true sound of fear. 

Mason also happens to be one of my close friends that I ended up discovering a lot of music with. Hours and hours on the internet chatting back and forth, showing each other new bands, going to shows, playing in bands, and touring a bit too. We have a bond stronger than most. We are also both really cool dudes (the best).

This EP (which happens to be about an hour long) contains three tracks. All three of which being dark, sludgy, and really heavy. The hardest time I have with bands like this, though, is my musical ADD. I am hard pressed to listen to much over the three minute mark, (save for Bruce Springsteen or Bob Dylan) it takes a lot to hold my attention. That said, this record really sticks out for it’s genre. Well-worth a listen, or maybe just side A if you are on a time constraint.

8/10

3:01 pm  •  24 January 2012  •  1 note

In the summer of 09 my then girlfriend and I joined her family on an overnight trip to Minot, ND. We stayed in a hotel right near one of the large shopping centres, which is where we spent the bulk of out time there. This mall housed a Scheels sporting goods store, a store where guns were rowed up like hockey sticks. They had trigger locks on them, but you could walk around with them and play with them at your leisure. God Bless America. 

This mall was also home to a Hot Topic. A grotesque chain of stores cashing in on “punk” culture and over-dyed hair. Naturally I had to go in and see what all the fuss was about. Yes, it was very silly. Probably a lot of Nightmar Before Christmas merchandise, or Emily The Strange (is that still a thing?). However, tucked into a corner there was a small record shelving unit that housed some decently surprising jams. Nothing too extraordinary, I think there was some Hatebreed reissues, the TUI 7” (maybe the first LP if it was out), and this Get Up Kids record. I imagine they also had stuff by that Skrillex fella’s band, but we won’t talk about that. If memory serves me correctly, I got an Alkaline Trio LP here too, but I forget which one.

When people think about record shops, I don’t think people would immediately think Hot Topic, I sure as hell wouldn’t. But who knows, maybe next time you are in your local mall you should check it out. I think I found that Ceremony covers LP at one in LA this past fall. Don’t always judge a book by it’s cover.

The record itself is practically flawless. It is my second favourite Get Up Kids record, falling closely behind Something To Write Home About. I think this record is like fourth pressing out of 1000. Not exactly rare, but it’s nice to own a physical copy of this. I think I have put The Get Up Kids on every mix I have ever made for any girl.

9/10

12:20 pm  •  19 January 2012

In the summer of 2008 a tour came through western Canada that consisted of Trapped Under Ice as the opener, CDC, the Warriors, Death Before Dishonor, and Terror. The heaviest, silliest tour, but it was still a lot of fun. Tommy, Graham and I thought it would be cool to hit up the Winnipeg show as well. We set off to WInnipeg the early morning after the Regina show, and headed off to the city of dreams. We got there and we were greeted by our pal Beeps (xBeepsx) with a batch of probably the best vegan cupcakes you could ever desire. I believe they were banana cream flavoured. All kinds of next level.

That afternoon we drove around Winnipeg hitting up some shops, Beeps and I would be hollering at girls out the window (most of the 16, myself being 17 and Beeps around 27 or 28). Tommy seemed less than enthused. Especially around the time Beeps threw on some Slipknot. We got to the show and I had to get TUI to get me through the backdoor as it was an 18+ show at the Albert. There is where I met Sarde! She worked at the Albert and fed me colas all night. Very rad.

After the show we all headed back to Sarde’s place, where our pal Davey also lived. The TUI dudes stayed there too. It was a lot of fun. That was back when Klipa was still in the band and just smoked lots of weed. He had some weird infection on his ball sack that made it look that his balls had little nipples. I nearly puked. 

Later on that night Sarde and I were peeking through her records. In my youthful ignorance I remember saying that she had “a great record collection- for a girl” (something I would never say anymore). However, it was quite the little collection. I don’t know why this Madball record stood out as much as it did, but I was fascinated by it and was excited to listen to it. The next morning over breakfast at Falafel Place (yes, that is the name of it), she gave me the 7” as a gift. What a nice girl, hey?

7/10

3:27 pm  •  18 January 2012