I got to the last night of shows just as the first band hit the stage at The Bottom of the Hill, where Lawrence Arms was headlining. Bomb The Music Industry was top bill over at Thee Parkside.
The truth is I barely made it to this show. I'm not a big Lawrence Arms fan, and after four shows and an A's game and Alkatraz in four and a half days I was about ready to start uploading all the discs I had collected on the trip. I knew though that to miss the last show was to miss ... well the last show but I'm nosatalgic so it was a necessity.
The bands were all good, but I forgot the camera and the info is of the Asian Man Facebook site so I can only remember that Spraynard, Short Round, and Chollo Ghetto played before the Lawrence Arms.
You could see the exaustion in the crowd that had been to most of the same shows I had been to throughout the week. Pits were sparce, and movement was at an all time low.
I thought Brendan Kelly ended the festival right when he said, "That was our last song, now go get some sleep."
Don't worry if you follow War On Music this is the last you will hear of the ASIAN MAN RECORDS 15TH ANNIVERSARY EXTRAVAGANZA.
Best ever onestopshopforskapunkrock - MIKE PARK!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
A Saturday O' Surprises
Saturday was probably my favorite of the entire Asain Man Records 15th anniversary. What put it over the top was teh BBQ that included about 10 surprise bands that played between three and six songs, and intited whoever on stage to party with them.
The festivities started with Mike Park and a friend flipping tofu burgers and turning wieners for whoever came to this free event. Then he treated his about two hundred friends to some more free stuff. The bands that played right after included teh Apers, O Pioneers!, Kepi Ghoulie, and Bomber the music industry. It was awesome, and I even came away with two King Aparatus CDs.
I have a few pictures from the show that night which I will put up, but only video can do the night justice. Instead of that video here are some brief descriptions.
The night started with a band made up from the remenants of Link 80, but I cannot remember the name for the life of me. Long story short it was quite the stage show, and included a Mike Park song, a Roxette line, and the singer humping me as I stood watching.
What did I do you ask? I humped him back and enjoyed the rest of the show, including the parts that included a lot of crawling around the floor of the Bottom of the Hill.
The best part of the whole thing was the two Link 80 tunes that were played at the end Verbal Knit, and Dimestore Hoods.
I missed the next band because I went up the street to see Kepi Ghoulie, but instead spent the entire set in the can, but I made it back in time to see the Apers play.
The Apers were recommended to me by a couple of guys from Switzerland, and they were as rockin, as promised. They even played a Mr.T Experience cover. Shecky claims they were the longest set of the night. Great chatter knocking Blink shows, why they never play the same somg twice (in a two show gig), and a bunch of stuff that my translatter was away for provided another great band that I was unaware of before the trip.
The Queers ended the show, and it was my favourite set of the festival. Shecky claims that the set lasted just over a half hour, but I think he is full of it just because I like the Queers so much. It's kind of our dynamic.
The set was nice and old school with fast tunes played fast with no bullshit inbetween. I can deal with some talk, in fact I love a good chatter, but this was a cool set. Tons of stuff off of Love Songs For The Retarded, some new stuff that was well selected: Tit Fuck, Back to the Basement, and even thier cover of Black Flag's White minority. They had a lot of other memorable tunes plastered throughout including Debra Jean, Born To Do Dishes, and Janelle Janelle.
Great night that even included a trip to the hospital, and some 3AM BBQing.
Sorry Travel Lodge, we didn't know the BBQ hours. We also had chips in the pool.
The festivities started with Mike Park and a friend flipping tofu burgers and turning wieners for whoever came to this free event. Then he treated his about two hundred friends to some more free stuff. The bands that played right after included teh Apers, O Pioneers!, Kepi Ghoulie, and Bomber the music industry. It was awesome, and I even came away with two King Aparatus CDs.
I have a few pictures from the show that night which I will put up, but only video can do the night justice. Instead of that video here are some brief descriptions.
The night started with a band made up from the remenants of Link 80, but I cannot remember the name for the life of me. Long story short it was quite the stage show, and included a Mike Park song, a Roxette line, and the singer humping me as I stood watching.
What did I do you ask? I humped him back and enjoyed the rest of the show, including the parts that included a lot of crawling around the floor of the Bottom of the Hill.
The best part of the whole thing was the two Link 80 tunes that were played at the end Verbal Knit, and Dimestore Hoods.
I missed the next band because I went up the street to see Kepi Ghoulie, but instead spent the entire set in the can, but I made it back in time to see the Apers play.
The Apers were recommended to me by a couple of guys from Switzerland, and they were as rockin, as promised. They even played a Mr.T Experience cover. Shecky claims they were the longest set of the night. Great chatter knocking Blink shows, why they never play the same somg twice (in a two show gig), and a bunch of stuff that my translatter was away for provided another great band that I was unaware of before the trip.
The Queers ended the show, and it was my favourite set of the festival. Shecky claims that the set lasted just over a half hour, but I think he is full of it just because I like the Queers so much. It's kind of our dynamic.
The set was nice and old school with fast tunes played fast with no bullshit inbetween. I can deal with some talk, in fact I love a good chatter, but this was a cool set. Tons of stuff off of Love Songs For The Retarded, some new stuff that was well selected: Tit Fuck, Back to the Basement, and even thier cover of Black Flag's White minority. They had a lot of other memorable tunes plastered throughout including Debra Jean, Born To Do Dishes, and Janelle Janelle.
Great night that even included a trip to the hospital, and some 3AM BBQing.
Sorry Travel Lodge, we didn't know the BBQ hours. We also had chips in the pool.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Day 2 - Monkey Around On Ska Night at Thee Parkside
The second day of shows was hard pressed to match the excitement of the first night in San Francisco, but the line up at both The Bottom of the Hill (Alkaline Trio, Kepi Goulie), and Thee Parkside which I attended equalled if not surpassed the night before depending on which bands you came to see.
The Parkside show included Monkey, Unsteady, Buck o’ Nine, and Slow Gherkin. Monkey was my favourite band that I was not familiar with before the festival. They were masterful with the instruments, and put on a stage show that may have been the best of the week topped of when the band would start skanking or “working it” around the small corner stage. Things really picked up when a cover of Skankin’ Pickle’s Fakin’ Jamaican was played prompting lead vocalist Curtis Meacham to invite everyone on the stage before retracting the invite due to an obvious lack of space.
If Monkey comes to your neck of the woods get out to see them, and be blown away by their fancy matching outfits.
Actually, I’m listening to their Lost At Sea album right now, and it is a really nice mello listen that keeps a good tempo. Great for a sunny day, and we actually got one today in Winnipeg.
Unsteady followed with another smooth set of ska that I unfortunately had to miss part of, because my friends room storage was broken into. No, wait, we later figured out that the wind had pulled it open on the freeway, because someone forgot to latch it closed.
Buck o’ Nine had the most energy of any band that played the Asian Man 15th. They came out fast, and old slowed down the action for moments in songs like Pass The Dutchie to crank it up again in the same tune. Their were highlights throughout including My Town, Drink and Fight, and my personal fav of the night, Calling in Sick.
It was also cool to talk with the lead singer of Buck o’ Nine Jon Pebsworth who actually knew a little about Winnipeg, and wanted to meet my buddies kids he brought along. Good guys, and you could tell they were having a good time.
Slow Gherkin was the last band on, and if Buck o’ Nine had the most energy Slow Gherkin matched the energy with crowd enthusiasm. There was a group of about 20 or 30 guys that seemed to know every word, and appeared to be some of the few locals.
It was cool to be immersed in another city’s scene, and see some bands that haven’t played in years. It reminded me of the Bacteria Buffet show (including the free stuff), only it lasted five days, and played in three different venues, and had a really cool BBQ, that included Mike Parks special pasta salad.
The horn section for Slow Gherkin was outstanding, and certain members were going so wild their glasses were flying off, being put away, and then put back on and lost again. Wild stuff. Shed Some Skin, Trapped Like Rats, and Turned Off are some of the other highlights, and videos that you can find on YouTube.
Almost every band I saw at this festival was a first time, and it is pretty amazing to see so many bands that rarely to never make it all the way up to Winnipeg. This show was the one that really made me realize how cool the Asian Man Records 15th really was. That and the fact that people I talked to were rarely from San Fran. I went to many shows with a guy from England, and two dudes from Switzerland turned me onto this band the Apers from Holland that were another huge surprise during the week.
Thanks to MNSKA1 for posting these videos. Mine were not worthy of putting up, but here are some photos that kinda suck too.
The Parkside show included Monkey, Unsteady, Buck o’ Nine, and Slow Gherkin. Monkey was my favourite band that I was not familiar with before the festival. They were masterful with the instruments, and put on a stage show that may have been the best of the week topped of when the band would start skanking or “working it” around the small corner stage. Things really picked up when a cover of Skankin’ Pickle’s Fakin’ Jamaican was played prompting lead vocalist Curtis Meacham to invite everyone on the stage before retracting the invite due to an obvious lack of space.
If Monkey comes to your neck of the woods get out to see them, and be blown away by their fancy matching outfits.
Actually, I’m listening to their Lost At Sea album right now, and it is a really nice mello listen that keeps a good tempo. Great for a sunny day, and we actually got one today in Winnipeg.
Unsteady followed with another smooth set of ska that I unfortunately had to miss part of, because my friends room storage was broken into. No, wait, we later figured out that the wind had pulled it open on the freeway, because someone forgot to latch it closed.
Buck o’ Nine had the most energy of any band that played the Asian Man 15th. They came out fast, and old slowed down the action for moments in songs like Pass The Dutchie to crank it up again in the same tune. Their were highlights throughout including My Town, Drink and Fight, and my personal fav of the night, Calling in Sick.
It was also cool to talk with the lead singer of Buck o’ Nine Jon Pebsworth who actually knew a little about Winnipeg, and wanted to meet my buddies kids he brought along. Good guys, and you could tell they were having a good time.
Slow Gherkin was the last band on, and if Buck o’ Nine had the most energy Slow Gherkin matched the energy with crowd enthusiasm. There was a group of about 20 or 30 guys that seemed to know every word, and appeared to be some of the few locals.
It was cool to be immersed in another city’s scene, and see some bands that haven’t played in years. It reminded me of the Bacteria Buffet show (including the free stuff), only it lasted five days, and played in three different venues, and had a really cool BBQ, that included Mike Parks special pasta salad.
The horn section for Slow Gherkin was outstanding, and certain members were going so wild their glasses were flying off, being put away, and then put back on and lost again. Wild stuff. Shed Some Skin, Trapped Like Rats, and Turned Off are some of the other highlights, and videos that you can find on YouTube.
Almost every band I saw at this festival was a first time, and it is pretty amazing to see so many bands that rarely to never make it all the way up to Winnipeg. This show was the one that really made me realize how cool the Asian Man Records 15th really was. That and the fact that people I talked to were rarely from San Fran. I went to many shows with a guy from England, and two dudes from Switzerland turned me onto this band the Apers from Holland that were another huge surprise during the week.
Thanks to MNSKA1 for posting these videos. Mine were not worthy of putting up, but here are some photos that kinda suck too.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Day 1 - A Walk With The Park
It is hard to believe that it has been a week since the Asian Man Records 15th Anniversary spectacular. The first night was held at Slim’s, and started off right with buckets full of free shirts, Cds, pins, and posters.
It was rumoured throughout the week that Link 80 was supposed to also be on this bill, but the bands that were there included the Chinkees, MU330, and a Slapstick reunion that blew the crowd away. Oh yeah, a very drunk Matt Skiba also made several memorable appearances.
Mike Park head of Asian Man, and lead for the Chinkees started the festival right, with a high energy skankin’ set, and some great chatter in between including where the name name the Chinkees came from. Turns out that as is well known Park hates racism so he chose this name to bring a focus on the subject. He explained that he want the Chinkees to attck the subject on a constant basis, but the crew ended up having to much fun , so they didn’t tackle quite as much as they would have liked. But from all the anti-racism gear available you can tell Park heads that fight as much as possible.
MU330 was next up and they kept the momentum going. Pumping up the crowd with an aggressive set that include great tunes like Tune Me Out, Hoosier Love, and Ireland. The MU330 set was like every other one as it felt like one of your buddies was up thier playing due to all the interaction , and have most of the band members milling through the crowd throughout the show.
The reunion of Slapstick was definitely the highlight of the show for most of those in attendance, and Slapstick did not disappoint. Bredan Kelly, who played every night of the festival put on a great show, playing several great songs (she doesn't love me, sick of this place, broken down), and letting Matt Skiba put the show over the top with some great druken humour.
If you ever get a chance to see Slapstick get on top of it becuase they are unreal. Here is just a taste.
The entire show was awesome, and from the "it was a perfect night" category even the security was pretty cool. They let the kids mosh hard, and even found my hat when it was knocked off while MU330 was playing.
Best music experience of my life.
It was rumoured throughout the week that Link 80 was supposed to also be on this bill, but the bands that were there included the Chinkees, MU330, and a Slapstick reunion that blew the crowd away. Oh yeah, a very drunk Matt Skiba also made several memorable appearances.
Mike Park head of Asian Man, and lead for the Chinkees started the festival right, with a high energy skankin’ set, and some great chatter in between including where the name name the Chinkees came from. Turns out that as is well known Park hates racism so he chose this name to bring a focus on the subject. He explained that he want the Chinkees to attck the subject on a constant basis, but the crew ended up having to much fun , so they didn’t tackle quite as much as they would have liked. But from all the anti-racism gear available you can tell Park heads that fight as much as possible.
MU330 was next up and they kept the momentum going. Pumping up the crowd with an aggressive set that include great tunes like Tune Me Out, Hoosier Love, and Ireland. The MU330 set was like every other one as it felt like one of your buddies was up thier playing due to all the interaction , and have most of the band members milling through the crowd throughout the show.
The reunion of Slapstick was definitely the highlight of the show for most of those in attendance, and Slapstick did not disappoint. Bredan Kelly, who played every night of the festival put on a great show, playing several great songs (she doesn't love me, sick of this place, broken down), and letting Matt Skiba put the show over the top with some great druken humour.
If you ever get a chance to see Slapstick get on top of it becuase they are unreal. Here is just a taste.
The entire show was awesome, and from the "it was a perfect night" category even the security was pretty cool. They let the kids mosh hard, and even found my hat when it was knocked off while MU330 was playing.
Best music experience of my life.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Asian Man Records - Your One Stop Shop For Skapunkrock - Mike Park
Back from the greatest music festival I have ever encountered, the Asian Man Records 15th Anniversary. This thing was a non stop energy trip that left most of the people who were at shows every night exhausted by the end.
The experience was unique as the members of just about every band hung out in the crowd before and after sets, and Mike Park, who runs Asian Man, was even flipping tofu burgers, and hot dogs at a barbeque he hosted which include a bunch of surprise bands including Kepi Goulie, Bomb the Music Industry, and the Apers just to name a few of the eight bands that played brief sets that afternoon.
Oh yeah, and there was loads of free stuff in exchange for donations. Really good free stuff. Mike Park really did it up proper in San Fran last week. If you were there you know that it was unforgettable.
Check out the blog over the next week as I post pictures, and reminisce about the great sets, the big surprises, and the people from around North America, and Europe that I met during my days in the city by the bay.
The experience was unique as the members of just about every band hung out in the crowd before and after sets, and Mike Park, who runs Asian Man, was even flipping tofu burgers, and hot dogs at a barbeque he hosted which include a bunch of surprise bands including Kepi Goulie, Bomb the Music Industry, and the Apers just to name a few of the eight bands that played brief sets that afternoon.
Oh yeah, and there was loads of free stuff in exchange for donations. Really good free stuff. Mike Park really did it up proper in San Fran last week. If you were there you know that it was unforgettable.
Check out the blog over the next week as I post pictures, and reminisce about the great sets, the big surprises, and the people from around North America, and Europe that I met during my days in the city by the bay.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
QUAGMIRE - Local feature 1
I had heard a lot of talk about this band named Quagmire, but I didn't know who they were until a team named Quagmire appeared in my work football pool. I put two and two together, and talked to Brad the drummer of Quagmire about being in the War On Music concert series. The wheels are in motion and hopefully near the end of August Quagmire will be headlining the first show.
What will you get from this trio of gents and lone female. I tells you ya get one hell of a vocalist that can front songs that range from rock to punk, to psychobilly.
I haven't been able to hear the latest release becuase Brad keeps forgetting to bring one for me and my buddy Matt, but I do have One For The Ditch, and it blows me away.
The best part of the tunes are the uniqueness of the style. It is similar to some bands, but over the entire album you will be hard pressed to pigeon-hole this quartet.
My favourite tunes are Anola MB., State Of The Quagmire Address, and Johnny Q. These cats love Qs. What can I say?
If you like Necromantix, Farrell Bros., or Tiger Army I would definitely try to get my hands on their latest as One For The Ditch is all sold out.
What will you get from this trio of gents and lone female. I tells you ya get one hell of a vocalist that can front songs that range from rock to punk, to psychobilly.
I haven't been able to hear the latest release becuase Brad keeps forgetting to bring one for me and my buddy Matt, but I do have One For The Ditch, and it blows me away.
The best part of the tunes are the uniqueness of the style. It is similar to some bands, but over the entire album you will be hard pressed to pigeon-hole this quartet.
My favourite tunes are Anola MB., State Of The Quagmire Address, and Johnny Q. These cats love Qs. What can I say?
If you like Necromantix, Farrell Bros., or Tiger Army I would definitely try to get my hands on their latest as One For The Ditch is all sold out.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Death (Metal) and Taxes
So I'm in War On Music the other day, and I am bugging Charley about what the best items at War On Music (for the record Voivod, but that is for the next blog).
Charley at this point is trying to file invoices, and other monetary responsibilities for the store when we get onto a conversation about filing taxes, and to my surprise Charley is not only a tax whiz, he also is a source of great savings on your taxes.
So here pre-empting the TOP 5 BEST ITEMS AT WAR ON MUSIC BLOG, is the
TOP TAX TIPS FROM WAR ON MUSIC - or is this war on taxes?
1. Make Sure You Claim the WORKING INCOME TAX BENEFIT.
This part of the process is on Schedule 6, and even though everyone qualifies for this break the government doesn't prompt you to fill it out, so many miss it. Apparently this can add up to $900 to you rpocket. I cannot say for sure becuase I miss it every year when I do my taxes.
2. Split Rent Claims with Roomates.
There is a cut off of $4500 on what you can claim on your 2011 tax form. This could change next year, but the point is anything over that amount you should put on a room mate's return, becuase anything over that $4500 mark doesn't sdd to your total.
Charley at this point is trying to file invoices, and other monetary responsibilities for the store when we get onto a conversation about filing taxes, and to my surprise Charley is not only a tax whiz, he also is a source of great savings on your taxes.
So here pre-empting the TOP 5 BEST ITEMS AT WAR ON MUSIC BLOG, is the
TOP TAX TIPS FROM WAR ON MUSIC - or is this war on taxes?
1. Make Sure You Claim the WORKING INCOME TAX BENEFIT.
This part of the process is on Schedule 6, and even though everyone qualifies for this break the government doesn't prompt you to fill it out, so many miss it. Apparently this can add up to $900 to you rpocket. I cannot say for sure becuase I miss it every year when I do my taxes.
2. Split Rent Claims with Roomates.
There is a cut off of $4500 on what you can claim on your 2011 tax form. This could change next year, but the point is anything over that amount you should put on a room mate's return, becuase anything over that $4500 mark doesn't sdd to your total.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Minority Justice League is Coming Back
I was just at War On Music, and Charley gave local punk fans a little good news in the form of reviving Minority Justice League (MJL).
After former MJL drummer Dean went on hiatus the band soon followed. I remember Charley lamenting on how hard it was to find a good drummer in Winnipeg - That back was at the original location.
Well after a three year search MJL finally found a new drummer. He's good. He is really good, but just before Charley is able to get MJL practicing again he finds out that the drummer from Evil Survives was not going to be able to go on the east coast tour Evil Survives just completed. MJL was put on the shelf again for a few months while the new drummer learned the Evil Survives tunes. He did, and according to Charley the tour was a success, especially because there were no snafus that can occasionally screw over a great string of shows.
Long story short MJL is back together and practicing, sans one Dean. Follow the blog for upcoming show times, or check War On Music out on Twitter.
@waronmusic.
After former MJL drummer Dean went on hiatus the band soon followed. I remember Charley lamenting on how hard it was to find a good drummer in Winnipeg - That back was at the original location.
Well after a three year search MJL finally found a new drummer. He's good. He is really good, but just before Charley is able to get MJL practicing again he finds out that the drummer from Evil Survives was not going to be able to go on the east coast tour Evil Survives just completed. MJL was put on the shelf again for a few months while the new drummer learned the Evil Survives tunes. He did, and according to Charley the tour was a success, especially because there were no snafus that can occasionally screw over a great string of shows.
Long story short MJL is back together and practicing, sans one Dean. Follow the blog for upcoming show times, or check War On Music out on Twitter.
@waronmusic.
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