Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Save Me Boy - April 2007

Save me boy. Take me in your room of toys, put it down for me. And pick me up for me. Save me for them you know whom they could be. Find me for me and take me down there to meet him. Take my hand please walk me down there to greet him. 

I've done my best most of this life to defeat him. Let's get together c'mon and try to repeat 'em 
times we were young 
more than dope was way fun
South Cinema Seven made me feel I'm in heaven, I think I was barely f*ckin eleven. Different views of heaven, way different homes young feet stepped in. Till death we're still brethren. 

Monday, August 29, 2011

Midwest Independent -- Review

Friday August 26th @ 7:45 PM

The feeling of fall in the air, a perfect evening, the smell of Blue Thunder is strong and I find myself reminiscing of Thunder Power in the dead of winter. I am at that place again tonight, The Barley St. Tavern in Benson, an intimate neighborhood-type bar religiously dedicated to the local music scene. What I find most appealing is for the most part, the sound is always great. For a small venue, it is quite impressive. I've seen everything from acoustic singer/songwriter to straight up punk rock and both spectrums came across well. Tonight I'm here to see Dorkas, which my dear friend Jason "Brown" is a member. Also playing tonight is Deadbeat Darling. I have to admit my anticipation is "high" tonight.

-------------------------------------

Initially our evening started out slow. First arriving before the bar opened, then the lack of lead singer for the opening act, did not leave a strong sense of confidence in the rest of our evening. This all changed the moment Deadbeat Darling hit the stage. To put it quite simply, they blew my f#cking mind. Everything from that point forward was far better than my highest expectation. Their energy and presence rivaled that of some of the most solid veteran bands in the industry. The proof was in the pudding when my "dancing girl" could no longer stay in her seat and decided to shake it one time a little closer to the stage. Their songs have a very upbeat, almost mystic quality. They have a magnetism that shines through undeniably. It is directly related to their  chemistry and surgically accurate musicianship. The rhythm section was a tight as anything I'd seen in awhile. They psychedelic flow of the lead guitar appeared to be placed delicately just atop the beat. Lyrical content and vocals were also top notch. They have a great commercial sound, not a "Switchfoot" commercial sound but more like Kings of Leon or U2. It is obvious by their stage presence, this band is destined for the cosmos.

And next up, last but certainly not least, "my mans and them!" Dorkas and they brought it, as I expected they would. They exhibit a ferocity and aggression I haven't seen since Anatomy of a Riot graced this very stage, Jason Caldwell being a member of both these bands. Dorkas as a whole looks at home on stage and it shines through musically during their set. With a guitar heavy full layered sound, they filled the room with fury just before they blew the doors off the place. It felt great to be back here watching my dear friend leave it all on the stage once again. His performance was inspiring to me as always.

Thanks again to everyone who played on Friday and I'll see you soon!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Quote of the Day

You wanna count me out you better think again. You better realize now that I ain't stoppin...This is where I start this where I begin. This where you stop, this is where you end...Among the Dead we will rise. 

~Tim Armstrong

Ska Song of the Day



Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Upcoming Event -- Weekend of the 26th August



Hey you! Come on out to the Barley St. Tavern this Friday August 26th to see Dorkas and Deadbeat Darling live!! The show starts @ 9 PM. Get there early to enjoy a pint and good company! Barley Street Tavern is located @ 2735 N. 62nd St. One half block south of Maple on 62nd St. in Old Town Benson. $5 at the door. Thanks for supporting our local music scene. 

Midwest Independent - A Cry For Help

Is there anybody out there? Hello? Can you hear me? I can hear faint whispers and I swear I feel the shifty glares staring back at me from my Blogger stat sheet. So unless the almost 1700 views in a little more than a month is a result of my three literate friends just trying to be supportive, these beady eyes must be you! Oh no! There is another possibility...my past traumatic paranoia is flaring up and perhaps there are no beady, shifty, whispering eyes staring back at me! I know you are out there damnit! Say something! Click on the rectangle below and "comment" a simple "you fuckin suck" would suffice, honestly. I've got my Big Boy Pants on and I believe I can weather your storm. I can see you looking. I know you're there...so just say something Please!!! I need input!

Seriously folks I'd love to hear from you. Nothing wrong with a little interaction. Feel free to share opinions, story ideas, suggestions for Quote or Song of the Day...whatever you want to share I'd welcome it! I'm going to be increasing my focus on the Midwest Independent section of this blog, so local musicians hit me up! I'd love to help support you - free pub is good pub! My fan base is growing daily and I'd be glad to post flyers, show dates, CD release parties, etc. Hit me up on FB (that badge down there in the right, bottom corner), or post your info in the comment section here. Thanks for your attention to my issues in advance, talk to you soon!!

~Horace Brittlepie

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Quote of the Day

Love... Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself...To know the pain of too much tenderness,to be wounded by your own understanding of love; And to bleed willingly and joyfully...

~Kahlil Gibran

Ska Song of the Day

Friday, August 19, 2011

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Ska Song of the Day



Special thanks to Frank Rolfe for the suggestion!

Quote of the Day

In adversity, remember to keep an even mind.

~Author: Horace 

Source: The Book of Positive Quotation

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

A Night At Home Alone With My Mind

I wait and try but when is my time? I've repented my sin and admitted my transgressions. Dare I go back to the mountain top to profess yet again? I have no strength left to be a patient man. I've found a love that is true and an outlet to quench my soul but, when its my time? Where is my rhyme? My struggle may lead back to my life of crime.

Time and time again this wretched world will not let me win. Cut me off at the knees again and again and again. These words are the death of me. I feel it inevitably creeping back on me. No rest for the wicked and death sentence for us wretched, tortured souls. I don't like the way my pencil feels against us today; lets try tomorrow another way. To get together for whatever, I know that smirk means you think I'm clever. You're not the only one that's tired of stormy weather. Now that we've found our rhyme shall we be back to "Mountain Time"? Mount it like Everest and flip the world the bird in jest. I can feel the pain lift off my chest while we speak and confess. I hurt dammit, I burn and I think you know the rest.

Ska Song of the Day




Quote of the Day

The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government.  

~George Washington 

Ska Song of the Day



Quote of the Day

The most perfect political community is one in which the middle class is in control, and outnumber both of the other classes.

- Aristotle

Monday, August 15, 2011

Fox's

...continues from.

I knew it was all the wrong things that were feeling right, and I had no control over it. I was just a boy... and only God can judge me. A sixteen year old's conscious is just that -- sixteen years old. So, we made our way to the local hot spot, "Fox's" and set up shop for the night. There were kids hustling pool, some shooting craps in the corner when the owner wasn't around, and of course the sale of illicits which were as numerous as the delinquents that inhabited this place.

Anyway, I better enjoy myself tonight because it's work or journalism every night the rest of this week. That's the problem with a headstrong teenager, their priorities are all f*cked up. I should have embraced my positive outlet in journalism and been more proud of my legitimate income but, damn I loved the attention we get when we're in the streets. People respected our neighborhood back then, kids stuck together whether black, white, brown, or any combination thereof, skin color didn't count, it was about where you were from.

If you could catch the parties in our neighborhood in a single snapshot or short reel it would read like a ghetto Benetton ad, "The United Colors of the South Side." One constant in my heart from late adolescence forward was the strong sense of pride I drew from growing up in a true "melting pot community" like South Omaha, Nebraska. My family tree represents the color wheel and if you don't understand why I'm proud of that you are most likely not my type of people.

To be continued...

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Midwest Independent News and Reviews

I'd like to talk today about the album Flashlights (2006), by So Many Dynamos. During the process of beginning this article I stared down at the blank page of my Moleskine for several minutes having no clue where to begin. There is truly so many aspects of this album that are mind blowing that I couldn't decide on what I like to call "the punch point" should be for this article. None being more important/ legit than the other I decided to just start writing so...here we go folks!

I've never felt a more organic connection to a collection of songs in all my days on this earth. Lyrically it is absolutely flawless, with a near prophetic take of the state of our world today (How High the Moon). It is beyond eloquent, evoking effortlessly the emotion and vision from its listener that initially caused the writer to put pen to paper. From Search Party, to We Vibrate, to Home is Where the Box Wine Is, the memory of young lust is thick in the air! The feeling of doing wrong and feeling right about it is liberating.

To explain this album musically is not an easy task. Their sense of timing and production are impeccable. I can best explain it like this...acid jazz, fused with math rock, meets perverted dance pop. Would you like me to elaborate? I bet you would! I'd hope by now you are motivated to give a listen yourself. If I haven't quite sold it yet, by all means allow me to continue. After listening to track 6, In Every Direction you begin to realize how broad their realm of influence really is. The song is surprisingly dance club friendly. If it doesn't make you body move, I would seriously request a check of your pulse. The beat is infectious and the song finds a Blondie-esque, almost disco-dance groove.

One of the most interesting aspects of this album is the use of what seems to be a sort of "backyard friends choir" for singing background and chorus parts on several songs. I thought the traditional separation of natural musical ranges within the "choir" were underutilized but as a whole it was interesting and very effective. As lame as it is to admit, YES that was the best I could muster as far as criticism. I truly believe this is one of the most  underrated, underexposed, albums in recent history and it deserves a spin or two, so humor me children as you often do...

Quote of the Day

The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering.  

Bruce Lee 

Ska Song of the Day




Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Quote of the Day

If I thought about it, I could be bitter, but I don't feel like being bitter. Being bitter makes you immobile, and there's too much that I still want to do. 

 ~Richard Pryor  

Ska Song of the Day


Monday, August 8, 2011

Midwest Independent

Mission Statement:

To proliferate the exposure and appreciation of the independent music scenes of the Midwest. To give a voice to the treasure chest of virtually untapped talent in the Mid-states, past and present. After all, "How do you know where you're going if you don't look back?" -Everlast.

----

As I pondered on how to launch this new section of my blog, my mind immediately drew itself to the album, "Flashlights" by SoManyDynamos (St. Louis, MO). I quickly realized however, some background information may be required to make some sense of my interest in a five year old album by a St. Louis independent rock group and more specifically why I decided to launch Midwest Independent. So for your convenience and my amusement, allow me to explain.Since as early as my memory allows music has been intertwined with my soul.

The night I was given my first album, seems as though it was only a few years ago when in fact I was 5 years old in the winter of '79. It was Kiss - Rock and Roll Over. My parents got it in a "KTEL-type" Christmas 3-pack that contained a KC and the Sunshine Band album, and an album I can't recall. Even at this young age, it was obvious to me KC and the other forgotten album both SUCKED!!! They went immediately to file 13 and Kiss when straight to the turn table, and from there a monster was born.

My first concert was again Kiss, the Lick it Up Tour. Feb 9th, 1984 at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. The band Loudness opened the show. I was 9 years old and fell in love instantly with the allure of the "live show" and then the monster sprouted wings.

Dozens of hard rock and heavy metal shows later I was introduced to punk rock and hard-core around 1986 and instantly began to nest. I sank my claws into Omaha's amazing punk rock scene. There was a Great Show at least once a week, whether it be local talent or national acts. I'd go to every show I could possibly get to from about 12 years old on. While other kids were on the ball field, or settling into their Atari my friends and I were skate boarding downtown on the search for flyers for the next show. Bands like Apathy, Cellophane Ceiling, Cordial Spew, and Asphyxiation are a few of the early local Omaha acts that helped to shape my obsession with punk rock and "underground alternative music."

I've seen hundreds of shows in Omaha alone and feel truly blessed to have been a part of them. From the Power Landing, to the Raunch Bowl, to Sokol Hall, I've left my blood, sweat, and tears in those pits and wouldn't change it for the world. I've always felt a close connection towards the local music scene mostly because I've been blessed to have many talented friends who have influenced my passion for good local music and the undeniable urge to support our scene.

I'd like to credit a few of these friends in honor of their accomplishments and to acknowledge my love for what they do. Although the following band list may not be complete I've decided to list the bands that have influenced me the most.

Robin Nanfito - Asphyxiation

Pat Dieteman - Asphyxiation, Cactus Nerve Thang, Real Time Optimist, Anatomy of a Riot

Jimi Watson - 311, Fevertrees, Old Boy Network

Aaron Wills - 311

Lee Meyerpeter - Cactus Nerve Thang, Bad Luck Charm, Filter Kings

By launching Midwest Independent, I hope to shed some light on the fertile breeding grounds that are our local Midwest music scenes.

For years I've longed for clarity on the subject of my life's calling. I believe I've rediscovered this calling in writing and in Midwest Independent. I've had this idea for years and the day for stagnancy has past. So, I give to you my heart and soul for you cursed, opinionated bastards to rip to shreds... ENJOY.

Quote of the Day

"Your only competition is in your mirror." 

Melissa Bannister

Ska Song of the Day



Sunday, August 7, 2011

Quote of the Day

What I am trying to get across to you; is please take of yourselves and those that you love; because that is what we are here for, that's all we got, and that is all we can take with us. Are you with me?  

Stevie Ray Vaughan 

Ska Song of the Day

Guest ska song of the day by Tuesday Money...



BABA BROOKS - INDEPENDENCE SKA

Friday, August 5, 2011

Quote of the Day

Guest Quote of the Day by Tuesday Money...


If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
...Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

--Rudyard Kipling

Ska Song of the Day

Guest post today by Frank "Fritzilla" Rolfe... Thanks brotha from anotha mutha.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Quote of the Day

I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music.

~ Billy Joel 

Ska Song of the Day

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Quote of the Day

After I changed the string we picked up right where we left off - and punched back in at the same time. I don't know if this has ever been done before. The engineer sort of looked at us weird, but we got it on the first take.  

Stevie Ray Vaughan 

Ska Song of the Day

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Quote of the Day

“Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.” Haile Selassie

Ska Song of the Day

...dedicated to the Love of my life, my Beautiful, Amazing, Woman Tuesday Money...



Monday, August 1, 2011

Quote of the Day

A friend who is far away is sometimes much nearer than one who is at hand. Is not the mountain far more awe-inspiring and more clearly visible to one passing through the valley than to those who inhabit the mountain? 
Khalil Gibran 

Ska Song of the Day