Oh worshippers of the mighty ALL, when I was growing up, I had a dream of becoming the bass master general. Why, you ask? Simply because of a guy named Karl Alvarez, who tore shreds on the bass for surf/ pop/punk band, The Descendents.
The Descendents were formed way back in '79 by powerhouse drummer/songwriter/engineer, Bill Stevenson. Over several years and a couple of line-up changes, the Descendents have endured since '87 with Karl on bass, Bill on drums, Stephen Egerton on guitar and the most famous nerd in rock'n'roll on vocals, Milo Aukerman. Not only was this caffeinated four piece around at the beginning of the punk movement in California, Bill actually played drums for the infamous, Black Flag, at the time Mr Rollins took over from Des on vocals. How cool is that?
Where's My Silly Girl?
Over the years, Descendents songs have become iconic among their legions of fans, even to the extent that bands such as NOFX and Blink 182, have covered Descendents songs on tour. Back here in Oz, Bodyjar always did a rockin' version of 'Coolidge'.
He like's food
Although Bill, Karl and Stephen have toured here many times with their alto ego band, ALL, Milo is yet to make the journey. I, among thousands of others, await with excited anticipation, the arrival of our coffee-fuelled punk/scientist idol. Hail the geek!
Mass Nerder
This is my tribute to a band that has inspired me for so many years. Enjoy!
Saludos rockers, I have probably stated this before, but nothing gets my amp buzzing more than chicks who play rock’n’roll. If they happen to be wearing black micro minis and black vamp boots and singing about teenage werewolves, then I’m sure to blow a fuse. Today’s RockVoyage pays homage to the spookily sexy girls of rockabilly / psychobilly music. First up is Ghouls Night Out , a tidy three piece from MA in the US (ironically, where they used to burn witches). GNO features Myra-guitar/vocals, Vampira-bass/vocals and Lily-drums.
GNO
Don't be fooled by the creepy cuteness of these vivacious vamps because their sound is a raw fusion of 60's garage with Misfit's style punk/horror. Songs like: Bully, Demons Are a Ghouls Best Friend and Pleatherface are fast becoming cult classics among their legion of followers. GNO are just the kind of nightmares I enjoy.
GNO
Next up is Thee Merry Widows, California's all female Psychobilly band. Fronted by the buxom Eva Von Slut, this rockin 6 piece take the shlock/horror genre to another level of entertainment. Thee Merry Widows also feature: Mistress Mandy-guitar, Nishone-lead guitar, Jennaferocious-double bass, Nikki Nightbreed-OG bass and Andrea-drums Theater of Blood at Hubba Hubba
After watching Jenna rip that bass, I need to have a cold shower. Adios amigos y amigas
Thought it was about time to do a tribute piece on a band who is fast rising to the top of the independent scene. Forming from the ashes of another trully great rock/punk band, The Lillingtons, Teenage Bottlerocket are shredding all competition in their wake. With the release of their second CD, Warning Device, about a year ago, this full-on four piece from Wyoming in the US, are conquering the planet. Their cool, melodic riffs and ass-kicking chords work magic on the ears. The old favourite, Blood Bath at Burger King is now a cult favourite amongst fans. Not only are these guys cool for taking the three chord formula to new heights, but they recorded their stuff at the Blasting Room, Fort Collins CO, home to legends of punk, ALL/Descendents. To the nerds out there who have not had the pleasure, here are a couple of vids to educate and entertain. To fans of TB - enjoy!
Hey there Rockers,
Seeing the recent Batman flick gave me pang of nostalgia. Heath Ledger gave the performance of his short life (no pun intended) and finally gave credence to the Bat's arch-nemesis, the Joker. It was the Joker's warped-looking face paint that had me all gooey-eyed and it made me think of another bunch of clowns that used to be at the top of the rock'n'roll / sideshow tree. They were: Clowns Of Decadence.
Life's a circus
Not only were COD brilliant musicians, they also had the best stage act around. Flame throwing, juggling, sword swallowing and other feats of carnival curiosities that had the crowd going wild. All this added to the most unique blend of macabre rock/jazz/funk ever to be played. It was an amazing show
Hey there Rock Voyagers, I am overly excited with the return of Roller Derby because two of my favourite things have joined forces to create one hell of an entertaining sport. For the unitiiated, Roller Derby was huge in the 70's, but sort of disappeared in the 80's. Now it's back and gaining popularity by the day. For girls, the concept of roller skating around a rink beating on other chicks, wearing cool and sexy outfits, is a turn on. For guys, the thought of chicks roller skating around a rink, beating on other chicks, wearing tight, sexy outfits, is a turn on. So, what are the negatives? There are none. It's great sport for everyone.
What does this have to do with music you ask? Well, as far I have seen, the chicks involved in this game, have a love of rockabilly, psychabilly or old school rock and live it somehow. For guys or girls who are into chicks with tatts, piercings and all the bad girl stuff, then you will worship these goddesses of the four wheel boot. Remember that this is a global sport and is sure to have a team in your town, so check it out. I dare you!
There's one thing that really gets my drum beating ( I said my drum), and that's hot chicks playing kick-arse rock'n''roll. The Killerbirds are young, hot and play the kind of gutsy, chain-crunching rock that most guys try to imitate and fail. Hailing from Bendigo, this power-house trio have released a killer 4 track EP (produced by Knighty from The Cosmic Psychos and mixed by the guru, Lindsay Gravina), which has already sold out. For those who haven't had the pleasure of seeing or hearing these goddesses of grinding rock, check out the clip below
The one thing about playing rock music that has always been the bonus for every knucklehead out there with a thread of talent, is looks are unimportant. This is fantastic news for all the homely or completely spew-worthy gonzos in the world who struggle to be accepted in their own street. Thanks to this un-related law of physics, there is hope for everyone to rise to the top of the charts. It seems in some cases, the uglier you are, the better. Ofcourse, this applies to the band theory, not so much for a solo singer, especially if you are a chick. Let's face it, no-one can market a girl the size of her car. Unless she's Urethra Franklin
Hey Ho Rock Voyagers,
The Oz music scene is shocked and saddened by the tragic death of one of it's brothers', guitarist Tas Blizzard. A founding member of infamous punk band, The Meanies, he was also known for his stint with Seaweed Goorillas.
Greetings to all mutants and spuds,
I have a message from five suburban robots. They have sent me a transmission from their native country of the US, outlining an upcoming journey to Oz. They are following the commands of their genetic codes and they are coming here to entertain corporate life forms. They will spread the word of de-evolution. They are called DEVO and their message is simple, “Opposites and rebellion are obsolete. The fittest shall survive, but the unfit shall live. It’s all the same”.
I have a diverse and broad taste in music but two singers guarenteed to uplift my mood are Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. I will also add Kate Miller-Heidke and The Ramones. Ha ha told you my taste is broad.
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