Rocks My Socks...

well now, ain't this a surprise??? it seems i do have some faithful readers out there!!! thank you all soooooooo much for checkin' in on me and my obsession with writing whatever comes to mind. as of right now, what's happenin' is this oncoming winter storm. i think it's either hitting tonight or tomorrow night, so i better get this post down asap!!! good thing i'm in such a happy mood at the moment as well, because if i wasn't then this post would have been put on the back burner...

let's see, so far it's been an extremely awesome weekend. me and kristy hung out friday night and ate dinner with some of her family then watched movies together. i got her to check out Evil Dead II for the first time!!! lol oh, and she made me watch, Easy A, which actually wasn't all that bad. on saturday i tried out this new sushi place near my house and it was pretty darn good. oh, and then i wandered over to the local buy for less grocery store and got a ticket to see Jimmy Eat World live at the diamond freekin' ballroom!!! seriously, i felt like i was 16 all over again. oh, and while i was there, i got to hang out with several local buddies whom i've met from going to so many concerts around here. it's pretty cool when you get to meet new people who are a part of this whole network of local artists trying to make their way in the scene. there were guys from local bands, Streets of Thieves, John Moreland and the Blackgold Band and Red City Radio. a most excellent night indeed, but to top it all off, matt, lead singer from another local favorite of mine, Over Stars and Gutters, gave me permission to write about them on my blog and post their tunes, so big thanks to the guy and his band mates. let's get started shall we???

so, like i said, the band i'm currently going to write is named, Over Stars and Gutters and they are awesome. ya digg???



a quick apology for the photo above since the band has had a major lineup change since then, but it was the only black and white photo i could find and for some reason, i think black and white pics are timeless and add a certain mystique to the bands. anyway, OSAG are a local four piece band that started back in 2007. i first got to know matt and his gang from a friend i met at community college. that guy was named richard and he played in a local ska/punk band named, Third Grade Scuffle. matt was the lead singer for them, so that's how this whole thing got started. i went to a few shows before the band kind of disappeared, (moved on i'd say...) and for a little while there was nothing going on. the oklahoma city music scene seemed to be at this standstill and all the venues that catered to punk rock and DIY ethics closed down. (green door R.I.P.) so yeah, i moved on to college in santa fe and lost track of my home state for about four years. not many shows in between, just stuff in new mexico which i hated for the most part. so, to get to the point, i graduated, came back, and discovered what had happened in the mean time. matt went on to form OSAG and other local acts popped up like the one's mentioned way up above. i was pleasantly surprised...

"orgcore" had entered into my vocabulary thanks to the fine folks at punknews.org and the org summit. the gruff style of singing that's been made famous by acts like, Leatherface, Hot Water Music and American Steel, has evolved into this kind of virus that's spread across the world and many bands are making good use of it. not to pigeonhole any band on here with a sort of copy-cat mark, it's all meant for the good and when i post about it, you can assure i mean well. i don't want to spend my time posting on bands i don't like, so bleh...

OSAG are orgcore, but also special in their overall attitude and style. it's bittersweet emotion mixed with temperamental shifts and that's exciting to me. there's the punk rawness of matt's voice and the personal lyrics that are sung with heartfelt meaning. it has this overall feeling of youth and passion that has been built up for so long and then finally set free. you get this sometimes when listening to certain band's first recordings. it's a special quality that's rare and you won't find it on mxtxvx. needless to say, this is good music and i'm proud of these guys for sticking it out and playing their tunes, not matter what age or time we all find ourselves in.

and so we finally come to the music. skipping their split casette with the band, Virgins, in first place is their wonderful debut album, Consider This Your Curse and after that is their new 2010 demo. this latter piece is certified fresh and i'm stoked to check it out. matt mentioned about how it's more straightforward and uptempo, what, with the new lineup and all, so yeah, totally boss. give these a listen and also check out these links to their sites. support local music ya newts!!!

http://www.theblacknumbers.com/artist_overStarsAndGutters.html
http://www.myspace.com/overstarsandgutters
http://overstarsandgutters.bigcartel.com/
http://overstarsandgutters.bandcamp.com/


http://www.mediafire.com/?qouzzndtqft


http://www.mediafire.com/?3mbggmr71jubza7



right off...

In A Constant Heaven...

there is a serious pain my right arm. from the elbow up to the shoulder. those who know me will find this familiar. i’ve had some serious trouble with my right arm ever since i almost threw it out in high school baseball. it’s a nuisance and one that gets under my skin to the point of annoyance. seriously, i haven’t had a good sleep on my right side in over ten years!!! and i prefer to sleep on my side yo!!! ugh, this sucks…

so, last night was a good event. i picked up my buddy from the airport and we caught up quickly. not to sound super cheesy, but it felt like she had been gone FOREVER!!! heh heh, yeah, i’m totally cheesy and i like it!!! this coming weekend should be eventful, what with me having actual stuff to do instead of just laying around the house like my cat joshua… well, there is something i could do that will take some of my time away, but i’m thinking that i should wait a bit longer before diving into that. i’m of course talking about Dead Space 2!!! i just got it tuesday and finally got to use my best buy gift cards from christmas. oh man, this game looks sick!!! it also came with the original nintendo wii game, Dead Space Extraction, which is an on-rails shooter/prequel to the original game. they upgraded the graphics and implemented the new playstation move controller, which i’m now a sucker for. (i’ve played it at mike’s and it’s awesome!!!) so i guess this means i got more bang for my buck. all i need is a move controller and some time to kill and i’ve got an eventful showcase ahead of me. bbbuuuuuuuttttt, i think i’d rather do the important things this weekend like our annual Indian Falls Creek meeting and spending time with kristy. oh, and saturday night Jimmy Eat World is playing here in okc, so yeah, video games can wait. besides, i sort of want to purchase a bigger and better hd tv before getting involved in something as epic as dead space 2…

since i feel a little more happier and happier each day in these new times, i think the music should reflect that as well. for today’s post, i want to focus on a band that was a great find for me back in 2003. they go by the name, The Rapture.

Picturethe rapture are a post-punk/dance/indie rock band from new york city that started back in 1998 in san francisco i think. they quickly gained recognition for their intense, yet catchy and insanely fun live shows. they also arose during the post-punk revival of the 2000’s, alongside other acts like, Bloc Party, Interpol, The Killers, The Strokes and Editors. i usually held the rapture up a little higher because their music has this incredible flow and beat that makes you want to dance and dance hard!!! back in 2007, i finally got the chance to see them live, which was at Coachella. they performed right after LCD Soundsystem in the dance tent and it was a rowdy show. i bopped and weaved like i knew what i was doing and guess what??? nobody cared!!! we were all dancing terribly, but at that moment it didn’t matter because the music was so darn good and the atmosphere was amazing.

as of right now, the band is currently making their fourth full length album and going on as a three piece. i think the future is still bright for them and that their epic has yet to come. and for the tunes, we have four listing here today. first is their debut full length, Mirror, then the ep titled, Out of the Races and Onto the Tracks. next we have their second full length, Echoes, and if you want a great place to start, here would be a good choice. this is my favorite of theirs and it's a mad crazy good time. and lastly we have their third full length, Pieces of the People We Love. yep yep yep, that's it for now!!! grab some and dig it...

http://www.mediafire.com/?9o5nfx3q07rg7oi


http://www.mediafire.com/?jbi13yoeru53snl


http://www.mediafire.com/?sm649wab36brwb7


http://www.mediafire.com/?em2p8rt1r49szsg



shake down...

Green Chili...

things seem to be spreading about in the schuyler camp. i'm enjoying the sudden change in attitude and lifestyle. i feel as if the next step is upon me finally and i can move on from this basement of shame and depression. ugh, just thinking about my past makes me sick to my stomach, but amazingly, i can now look upon it with an academic sort of mind frame. a history lesson in what not to do i suppose. and gratefully i now have somebody close that can make the days better and turn my mind away from such awful feelings and thoughts. (big shout out to miss kristy!!!)

she caught me at a vulnerable moment...


ok ok, enough with that cheese. i want to go to norman and buy some lp's for my new vinyl collection that i'm wanting to start, so let's get this music thing over with. in recent email correspondence, i've been given the chance to review a new artist and their debut album, so let's get going with the duo known as, Night Surgeon.



from the press release sent with the cd i got in the mail, it says that these guys hail from portland, oregon and i'm thinking, started around 2000 something. eh, sorry for not knowing the exact date of inception, but these cats are a little hard to find. of course don't let that keep you from checking them out!!! their music is pleasantly surprising. now, based off what the press release has quoted, these guys have been compared to artists like, Depeche Mode. Cut Copy and Placebo. i can get behind those and agree. lead singer patrick replogle does have a similar vocal style that can remind one of brian molko, but i don't want to stop just there. often when listening to music, i end up thinking of many artists all at once. i like to try and pinpoint where certain musicians sit in between those who have already established themselves. to go a bit further, i'd say i was reminded of roland gift from Fine Young Cannibals. yes, that band FYC. no seriously, his vocal style reminded me of roland and i find that an awesome link. replogle does the glitchy music justice, while not relying to heavily on studio distortion for his vocals which often can hamper down the tunes. i want to see this performed live now!!!

oh, and let's not forget john boyd who supplies the live drums and piano. combined with patrick's live guitars and synths, the duo creates a miss mash of this past decade's better moments. there's traces of techno/dance as well as new wave synths and chiptune/mega man blasting through robot bag guys type of jams. saying these guys are just like similar indie pop acts Passion Pit and Owl City, would be a slap in the face i'd say. (no, i didn't compare them to those two. i read that somewhere...) night surgeon is their own unique sound and style and by golly, it freekin' works!!!

while jammin' through their entire debut album, Day for Night, i was taken aback by the crisp, yet clean production. this comes courtesy of studio wiz, gabriel espinosa, who has worked with artists such as Blondie and Fischerspooner. the music follows simple, yet dynamic patterns that rush the listener along as if they were riding tidal waves. the atmosphere is calming, but with just the right amount of rushing and free falling that it can get you caught up in the moment. if i had to make any complaints, i'd say it comes from the repetitiveness of a few songs. they do seem to follow the same sort of rhythm and style, but this isn't a major, nor a terrible issue because thankfully we have the slower tracks, which in my opinion, are the albums best kept secrets. track three, "roman error" and track six "better to be young" are my faves. this is where the fyc comparisons took root. also, if you've ever jammed Yeasayer's latest effort, Odd Blood, you will find solace here if that hasn't happened yet.

overall, i'd say this debut warrants a strong listen and if i had to rank it, i'd give it an 8/10. do pay attention because this is something refreshing and hopefully useful when it comes to making a choice between good music and bad music. night surgeon = good!!! owl city = baaaaadddddd... oh, and i also want to give a big shout out to patrick for sending me an advanced copy of the album and for getting me in on the know. please visit their myspace to jam the tunes and grab this album when it drops on february 15, 2011.


https://www.box.net/shared/static/n00chkro8c.mp3
http://www.myspace.com/nightsurgeonpdx
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Night-Surgeon/103439243048888
toodarkrecords@gmail.com

video coming soonish i hope...

meep meep meep...

Dude Bro...

(take note that this post was written on tuesday, but not posted till thursday...)

:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

“there's a feeling i get, when i look to the west, and my spirit is crying for leaving…”

who or what is this feelin that haunts me??? you know, that little thing that makes you follow along towards your own personal doom. i guess an easy answer would be the word “sin.” now i’m not going to divulge into the areas that sin corrupts and resides in because it’s everywhere. no, instead i’m just gonna say that i hate sin and everything associated with it. of course, i sin everyday, so i’m not perfect. ugh, things sure can be confusing, but when i think about them too much, the idea for whatever it was i was thinking about becomes stale and eventually just falls off into the unknown…

is there a point to all this??? i have recently come to known that yes, there is a point to EVERYTHING!!! and as of this moment, i think i’m possibly getting started on the next phase, the newly christened “second half” or something to that effect. i’ve met somebody special and i can’t help but make a huge shout out on a wolf at the door. she’s an amazing person who makes me happy and i couldn’t ask for anything more. where will my life lead me now??? i have no idea, but for once in a very LONG time, i’m super excited!!!

oh, and just to let you all know that i do have a life outside this blog, here's a pic of me and my best friend mike. i think were smiling to much...

to shake things up in my schedule, i’m going to the conservatory tonight to see a few bands i like. the headliner is the focus for today’s music listing and that band happens to be, Fake Problems.

here’s a hardworking, young band, from naples, florida, that formed in 2005 and have become quite the highly recommended type for fans of the orgcore style. simply to say, if you dig bands such as, Against Me!, The Gaslight Anthem, Hot Water Music, Look Mexico and O Pioneers!!!, then these cats should be able to pluck your string. their music style seems to cover a wide range of areas such as folk/punk/pop and alt-country. their recent full length, Real Ghosts Caught on Tape, was critically acclaimed and made many best-of-the-year lists for 2010. seeing this band tonight should be a real treat and hopefully they will have some awesome shirts for sale!!! yay!!! CHEESY as all get out!!!

ah, i wrote all that above and made it sound like there would be no tunes for ya!!! well fear not because you'll find the good below!!! right, so skipping all the split albums, singles, demo's and their first four ep's, we meet the album, Spurs & Spokes / Bull Matador. this is actually a collection an ep and some demo's i believe. after that is their terrific debut full length, How Far Our Bodies Go. this is closely accompanied by the seven inch, Viking Wizard Eyes Wizard Full of Lies. in the next spot is their second, and often most cherished album, It's Great to Be Alive. and then finally, in last place, we arrive at the polarizing, yet amazing album, Real Ghosts Caught on Tape. crack down on these and get ahead of the rest because blowing up is hard to do, or something like that... uh, what now???

http://www.mediafire.com/?1oksfdkn10b


http://www.mediafire.com/?imgtnqmyd0k


http://www.mediafire.com/?y01xnwooyty


http://www.goodfriendsrecords.com/images/gfr%20webz.zip


http://www.mediafire.com/?71d8c77301syo33



she's got me...

Two ice cream cones please...

what a super feeling i have right now. my spirit is lifted up high and i feel soooooo good!!! i had a special friday night with a special friend and i left with a huge smile on my face. i went to bed thinking about how awesome a time i had and i just hope things will get even better!!!

okay, so it's now saturday and i'm just enjoying the time i have. no work on monday so yay to that!!! ha ha, i just can't express myself in words at the moment. i can't even begin to describe how i feel without saying something cliche. TOTALLY AMAZING!!! OMG!!!

alright alright, i'll take it down a notch and write some music real quick. since i was in the presence of a lovely young lady last night, i think i'll write a bit about another lovely lady who made freekin' amazing music. i'm not afraid to say, it's Siouxsie and the Banshees.



legendary post-punk from london, england, siouxsie and the banshees are one of the best, most cherished bands from punks past. they, along with several other early acts, are considered gothic rocks beginners. lead singer siouxsie sioux, along with bassist steven severin, formed in the band in 1976. they often followed The Sex Pistols during their early years, learning about making music their own way and how "anyone could do it." the band released their debut album, The Scream, in 1978 and thus, their career as an incendiary post-punk band took off. they toured all over the world and eventually broke up in 1996. they reformed in 2002 to play at that year's Coachella Valley Arts and Music Festival and have been dormant since.

many artists from all styles of music claim this band as a direct inspiration. LCD Soundsytem, Jane's Addiction, Radiohead, TV on the Radio and even DeVotchKa lay down their facts about direct influence and admiration. so, with all that, if you like a few old schools acts like, Joy Division, The Cure, Gang of Four and Public Image LTD, then you will most certainly like siouxsie and the banshees.



as for their music, i'm listing my five favorite albums. we first start with their fantastic debut, The Scream. listen to their cover of The Beatles classic, "helter skelter." next is the album, Join Hands, followed by the album, JuJu. after that is, Tinderbox, and then the amazing album titled, Peepshow. check these out and enjoy!!!


http://www.mediafire.com/?yxb56e1a29a275d


http://www.mediafire.com/?zmtmymnjgmk


http://www.mediafire.com/?zmjkz3mnydn


http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UGT7B0V3


http://www.mediafire.com/?exijn5gw0zx



need some gelato...

My Elbows Hurt...

oh goodness, goodness. what a week it’s been so far. i’m currently really happy and i have no qualms with anything. actually, i feel a bit lighter, and what that means is i’m floating on a cloud. being relaxed is a welcome relief and i hope it last forever.

i don’t have much to say, so i guess this will be a bit short. regardless, this blog must go on and it’s my passion to express myself as well as educate you on hopefully good music.

as i write this i’m jammin’ an older punk band who are well below the norm. here’s some loveable anarchists that go by the name, Rudimentary Peni.

rudimentary peni are a british anarcho/death rock/punk band from that little place called, the uk. they formed in 1980 and are still together, playing their witty, macabre inspired music to legions of devoted fans. the band has close ties with crust punk legends, Crass as well as hate towards joe strummer and john lyndon among other things. their debut album, Death Church, is often listed as one of the best punk album ever made and has become a staple for those just getting into the genre. if you happen to like a little bit of the dark, as well as anarchist tendencies (or just the idea…) then this band might fit right in with your music collection. heck, i just like hearing their sounds. it’s raw, crunchy and highly energetic which is how i like it when it comes to punk. for fans of The Damned, Sham 69, G.B.H., Discharge, T.S.O.L., The Addicts and of course, Crass.

oh, and like i already mentioned, their debut album, Death Church is amazing and it's what i'm jammin' right now. grab hold of this and go pogo, or something to that effect. dig it...

http://www.mediafire.com/?dnn2wz4wwvn



anarchy is eh...

Put some pink salt on it...

there is a change in plans, or maybe just temperature. you see, here in oklahoma we’re getting’ some heavy duty weather comin’ our way, so we have to plan accordingly. i need to make sure i have enough anti-freeze as well as warm gloves and a sturdy ice scraper. my car is an oldie, but a goodie, so i know it will take care of me when the time comes. during all this, my main concern is the icy roads. driving on ice is crazy work, but i’m used to it. you just gotta be careful and not rush things, because when you do, you’ll get yourself in trouble and screw up something fierce.

so, as for this past weekend, saturday night ended awesomely with me hangin’ out at my best friends. he was throwing a small wedding anniversary party, so i had to attend and wish them well. it was a blast and reminded me of all the old times we’ve spent hangin’ out. oh, and the night was made even better because i finally got to meet (sort of) this nice girl whom i’ve been trying to get in contact with for a while. heh heh, funny how things work eh???

going back a bit like usual, i want to remember this one indie/pop band who were sugary sweet, yet dark and personal in tone. today is about the band, The Lemonheads.

here is a little band that’s been through the tumblers and back. starting out in 1986 and gaining popularity in the 90’s college/alternative scene, the lemonheads (from boston, massachusetts) are a great band with personal lyrics and a creative sound. their style is mainly indie/pop, but when jammin’ their long history, there is a strong connection to punk as well as the twangy sound of country/folk. to this day, the sole constant member is lead singer evan dando and his approach to music is best described by the bands name and meaning, “sour on the outside, yet sweet on the inside.”

for the tunes, there is one album i want to post on and that's their breakthrough lp, It's A Shame About Ray. the original release had 12 tracks, but later editions added the band's cover of the Simon & Garfunkel classic "Mrs. Robinson" for which gave the band one of their most successful singles. some of my favorite standout tracks are, "it''s a shame about ray" "my drug buddy" and "rockin' stroll." yep yep yep, here is something a bit old, but still good. have a blast from my past and check it out...

http://www.mediafire.com/?jbuwexjxgfz


The Lemonheads - Rockin Stroll
Uploaded by Warner-Music. - See the latest featured music videos.

icy roads ahead maybe...