Get the Door, It's Matzah (and friends)

HOT SNAKES R.I.P

2005-07-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

(© Kevin Scanlon)

After five years the Hot Snakes have decided to disband immediately following their August festival dates in Norway and Sweden. From their inception, Hot Snakes was a sporadic cross country art project that catered wholly to the impulses of it's parts. With every practice, show and recording the band bullied time with an urgency ignited by the belief that an uncertain expiration date was inevitable. So to explain an uncomplicated situation uncomplicatedly, the band reached a point where they feel it is now time to move on.

Hot Snakes achieved far more than their expectations and exceeded beyond what they thought possible given the multitude of limitations that shaped their situation. We had a blast and savored every down stroke.

Thanks to all that celebrated the sound.

The bands final shows are as follows:
August 7th @ Troubadour - Los Angeles, CA
August 8th @ Casbah - San Diego, CA
August 9th @ Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY
August 11th @ Underworld - London, England with Ted Leo
August 12th @ Oya Fest - Oslo, Norway
August 13th @ Emmaboda Fest - Sweden

Hot Snakes are survived by three full length albums and a Peel Session EP.

www.swamirecords.com

Sam Reviews LIVE (Wires On Fire @ Knitting Factory)

2005-07-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

Sam (© Trent Weisman)

In the relatively short time I've known her, my good friend Sam has opened my eyes and ears to a lot of music, broadening my musical tastes and sparking curiosity within me to find out more. So when she asked to contribute reviews to Get the Door, It's Matzah, how could I say no?

Hopefully, this will be the first of many reviews from her. Without further introduction, here's Sam's first review for Get the Door, It's Matzah:

Wires on Fire

I must first say that I have been into Wires On Fire since the very first time I saw them on my 16th birthday when they were called The Fallen. I had only known the singer/guitarist, Evan Weiss, as being that dreamy guy in jazz band at school, but when I saw them play at the Knitting Factory on my sweet 16, I swooned for their intense rock performance.

It has been 2½ years, almost to the day, since I fell head over heels for this band. They have progressed quite a bit since those early years and now put on some of the greatest rock shows I've ever seen…there I said it.

Their show on July 7th at the Knitting Factory was no exception. The crowd was filled with over-dressed and over-privileged kids who were there to "support" their friends, rather then listen to the music. However, this had no effect on the band who instead used the experience to smooth out some new songs for their upcoming tour.

Wires On Fire surged enough energy during their show for the entire three-stage venue, even the motionless felt the swell of feedback and noise in their blood. The whole band moved around the stage in a dirty, commanding way, yet when watching them, one could see that their movements, although harsh and intense, had a graceful appeal...even Jeff Lynn's seductive motions had their own allure.

The new songs bring something slightly different to the table. "Million Dollar Maybes" is my probably my new favorite. The intricate guitar solos leave you hot and ready for more. Wires On Fire have also nailed the art of cover songs, a feat that is often awfully executed. They perform "I'm Eighteen" flawlessly off of Alice Coopers' greatest record, Love It To Death, even adding a soaring saxophone to the mix. They sometimes throw in Circle Jerks' "Beverly Hills" as a transition piece…it works wonders, let me tell you.

This band truly gets better and better each time I see them. To say the least, their show is like no other and is not to be missed. Pick up their split with Record Collection's The Mean Reds where you can hear "Million Dollar Maybes" and "I'm Eighteen" here.

OMG FUCK YEAH! (Part 2)

2005-07-11T00:44:00.000-07:00

During last weekend's Fuck Yeah Fest, Myself and Richard Kill Hippies staggered down the streets of Echo Park, interviewing musicians and music lovers alike, with the intentions of posting them on Get the Door, It's Matzah. In addition, I also planned to post several interviews taken about the festival in the following days after the fest. This interview was taken with Buddyhead's Travis Keller, the man everyone loves to hate, a few days after the event. He sat down to chat with Get the Door, It's Matzah using AIM and talked about Live 8, his experience at Fuck Yeah Fest, and Darker My Love. Enjoy...

Travis Keller

Matzah: So, you went to Fuck Yeah Fest. What are your thoughts?

Travis Keller: I was really impressed by the fact that the entire event was put together by an 18 (?) year old. Good work, little Mr. Sean Blacklist. It was a really cool event, unlike anything I've ever been too. The energy level was really high and the vibes were positive. Plus, who can beat 30 plus bands for $7? You can’t really.

Matzah: Why is it important to support events like this?

Travis Keller: I just think events like this are cool and unique, and if you want more cool and unique events popping up, then support the ones we've got. Plus, what the fuck else is there to do? But...what the fuck is up with Sean donating some of the money he made from Fuck Yeah Fest to reopen the PCH Club? Newsflash! No one wants that place back open... ahh the found memories I have of getting my car broken in to, almost getting stabbed by the homeless guy who came in the show with a knife and my friends being mugged several times. Yeah, let's get that place back open. Good idea!

M: But you've got to respect his intentions though. He's trying to make good music more available to the kids.

TK: That place sucked...Bad idea.

M: So which Buddyhead artists played Fuck Yeah Fest?

TK: They were gonna fly Shat out, but they ended up playing Live 8 in Philidelpia instead. But Wires On Fire and Your Enemies Friends played. Wires On Fire played before Mean Reds in the Rec Center and Your Enemies Friends played the afterparty downtown.

M: How do you think the kids responded to both bands?

TK: I only saw Wires On Fire play. I don't have a car so I didnt make it downtown to see Your Enemies Friends. But, from what I could tell the kids seemed to like Wires On Fire. It was one of the first times I've seen them play where kids in the audience knew most of the words. That was surprising. Lots of energy during their set. Even more energy during Mean Reds set. I don't know if I've ever see anything like that... the singer surfing and falling across the whole crowd and then asking the entire crowd to spit on him... and they did! Bizarre!

M: Yeah, that was probably one of the most insane shows I've ever been to. Why do you think the kids responded so well?

TK: Because they're good bands. I hope that's why at least.

M: What other bands did you dig besides Wires On Fire and Your Enemies Friends?

TK: I thought Darker My Love were really good. I've seen them a bunch of times now and they just keep getting better. They're turning into a really great band. I can't wait to hear their new record, I think it's gonna be really good. I hear bits of The Velvet Underground, Jesus And Mary Chain and even some good punk in there too.

Rolling Blackouts were pretty good. I hadn't really seen them before. Nice dudes too.

Greg Ashley of Gris Gris was so good it was shocking. An unexpected highlight for me. Homeboy was killing it on the harmonica. I haven't seen his band Gris Gris yet, but I heard they kinda sound like The Gun Club and that sounds pretty fucking cool.

Giant Drag have gotten a lot better since the last time I saw em a few years ago. Their songs are pretty catchy and Annie's got some pretty funny potty humor stage banter. She told someone in the crowd to shut up or she'd shit down their throat.

M: Let's go back to Darker My Love for a little bit. Who's better, Darker My Love or Andy Granelli's former project, The Distillers?

TK: I like Darker My Love better.

M: As do I. Before we end this, do you want to talk a little bit about the direction of Buddyhead? Do you have any plans for new releases? What's with all the new stuff on your site?

TK: What do you mean about the direction?

M: Well, you've got a new page, new features, new releases...

TK: It was about time. We just put out a split EP/DVD between Mean Reds and Wires On Fire. A few months ago we put out "The Jealous Guy" seven inch from 400 Blows. Soon we'll have 2xLPs for Buring Brides "Leave No Ashes" with bonus seven inch and four new exclusive songs. And soon after that we'll be putting out a Gayrilla Biscuits full length, our label's FAGship band. Aaron [North, of Nine Inch Nails] and I are very excited about that. Shat's in the studio recording his new 69 song album, no idea when it'll be done but with new songs like "Smoke Pot", "Kill Baby" and "That Fucking Whore Gave Me Aids", it's sure to be a classic. And Wires On Fire and Your Enemies Friends will be recording full lengths sometime this year and they'll both be out early next year. And we'll be doing a few dvds in there somewhere too.

M: That's rad dude. Thanks for talking with Get the Door, It's Matzah.

TK: No, thank you.

OMG FUCK YEAH! (Part 1)

2005-07-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

Let me start off by saying that I'm not into festivals. You gotta stand around on big grassy fields under a burning sun, stuck in-between some shirtless fat guy and drunk, screaming frat boys. It's fucking lame.

Sean Carlson's Fuck Yeah Fest was different. Last Saturday, the drunk frat boys and shirtless fat men were nowhere to be found. Hosted in Echo Park, Carlson invited a slew of fantastic bands to play together for Los Angeles' wasted youth. Other than a few complications (lines and the afterparty being my primary complaints), I had one of the most warped, awesome experiences...ever.

Myself and 'Get the Door, It's Matzah' guest reviewer/interviewer Richard Kill Hippies invaded Fuck Yeah Fest with a digital camera, a digital recorder, and a couple bottles of Skyy Vodka. Here's what happened:

Darker My Love (© Matzah)

Matzah: Unfortunately, we arrived late and caught Darker My Love's last song. From what I remember, it was a good song. Was it their single?

Darker My Love (© Matzah)

Richard: We got there so late cuz we were drinking. I didn't know they even had singles.

Matzah's Grade: B, We didn't exactly see enough to push the grade in either direction.
Richard Kill Hippies' Grade: A, but, as you said, I only saw one song, so i wouldn't really know how the whole set was. But Tim [lead singer of Darker My Love] uses a Russian Big Muff pedal, so A is cool with me.

Rolling Blackouts (© Matzah)

Matzah: I've seen them before. They keep getting better and better. It sounds like they're headed in a good direction.

I've heard a recorded version of 'The Take' before, but Saturday night was my first time hearing it live. Good fucking song.

Rolling Blackouts (© Matzah)

Richard: I didn't even see them. I meant to see them last year when my band was playing [at Fuck Yeah Fest], but I didn't even see them then. I dunno, I forget shit real fast.

Matzah's Grade: -A, the dude who ran onstage and did the robot upped Rolling Blackouts into the A range.

Wives (© Mathew Sitta)

Richard Kill Hippies: Best show I saw of the night. The dude whose house it was in, I guess, was freaking out because it was so packed and wanted the band to play a whole other hour after they were supposed to go on.

Matzah: I was waiting for Wires on Fire through Limbeck's set.

Richard Kill Hippies: I was right in the front at the beginning and all I got was crash symbol blaring into my ear but it was fucking awesome. One of the better bands I saw that night.

Richard Kill Hippies' Grade: A. Rad band. Loud band. I like loud.
C- for the dude wanting the Wives to wait a whole other hour to play.

Limbeck

Matzah : So while you were at Wives, I sat around on my drunk ass during Limbeck waiting for Wires on Fire. I wasn't paying any attention. Bryan Sheffield from Doghouse was raving about them the other day too. Too bad I missed it.

Richard Kill Hippies: Wasn't All American Rejects on Doghouse?

I didn't see Limbeck. But who cares? I saw Mark from Home Improvement and that was fucking awesome!

Matzah: That was pretty rad. I got a quesadilla from him. It was actually pretty good.

Matzah's Grade: n/a

Wires on Fire (© Matzah)

Matzah: One of the best bands of the night. I was right next to the speaker, which fucked up my ears real bad. I couldn't hear right the next morning. But, I had my digital camera in one hand and a bottle of Skyy in the other, up front for Wires on Fire, so I couldn't be happier.

Wires on Fire (© Matzah)

Richard Kill Hippies: Sweet band! Awesome guys. I dug it. One of the better shows that I've seen em at.
was that place like an art gallery?

Matzah: Yeah, I think it was an art gallery. Also, their new drummer Darren is pretty rad. Good drummer. His style of drumming fits into Wires on Fire's sound well.

Richard Kill Hippies: Yeah, he is sweet.

Matzah: Did you see that dude humping Jeff from behind? That was hilarious.

Richard Kill Hippies: Ahah, whoah! What?

Matzah: That was one of the highlights of the set. What a good fucking band. They get better and better everyday.

Matzah's Grade: A- for the band, A for the dude who humped Jeff from behind.
Richard Kill Hippies' Grade: A-, I give the the guy working the door a C for not letting me bring my drink in.

Mean Reds (© Matzah)

Matzah: Intimate and intense. I loved it.

Richard Kill Hippies: How were they intimate?

Mean Reds (© Matzah)

Matzah: The band had no space, no room in between themselves and their audience.

Richard Kill Hippies: Oh, that's right...the Rec. Center. I keep thinking they played the Echo or something...that was last year.

Mean Reds (© Matzah)

Richard Kill Hippies: They kinda sound like XBXRX. Nate [Harrington, still a virgin at press time] says they don't even listen to that shit though, which is funny 'cuz they sound like 'em. I dig em.

Matzah: I loved it. The boys wore matching high school wrestling outfits. Anthony [lead singer of Mean Reds] sported a homemade tattoo that reads 'Mia,' (apparently a girl he's been stalking) and claimed to smoke a joint made out of pubic hairs. I believe it. He also crowdsurfed, nearly started a riot, and had everyone in the crowd spit on him. Amazing.

Matzah's Grade: What's better than an A+? Nothing, so that's what they get.

So what did you guys think? Make yourself heard and comment!

Keep reading. More to come.

Matzah's Shows To Watch Out For - June/July Edition

2005-06-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

JUNE

Wednesday, June 29 - Vagenius @ Viper Room ($10.00)

Giant Drag

Thursday, June 30 - Giant Drag @ Tokyo (Free)

Thursday, June 30 - Lion Fever @ Koo's ($7.00 @ door)

JULY

Friday, July 1 - Lion Fever, the Willowz @ El Cid ($5 @ Door)

Fuck Yeah Fest

Saturday, July 2 - Fuck Yeah Fest ($7) @ Echo Park (Sea Level Records, The Echo)

Sunday, July 3 - The Mae Shi @ The Smell ($ @ door)

Moving Units

Wednesday, July 6 - Moving Units @ Henry Fonda Theatre ($18)

Thursday, July 7 - Gram Rabbit @ Troubadour ($10)
Thursday, July 7 - Eels @ The Avalon ($25)
Friday, July 8 - Shoot Out the Lights, Tsk Tsk @ Knitting Factory ($7)
Friday, July 8 - Moving Units, The Like @ House of Blues Anaheim ($15)

Wives

Friday, July 8 - Wives, The Pope @ The Smell ($ @ door)

Saturday, July 9 - Dungen, Mia Doi Todd @ Troubadour ($12)
Saturday, July 9 - 400 Blows @ The Smell ($ @ door)
Tuesday, July 12 - The Like @ Viper Room ($ @ door)
Tuesday, July 12 - Nicky P @ The Gig (Melrose) ($6 @ door)
Tuesday, July 12 - Billy Corgan @ Henry Fonda (Sold Out)
Wednesday, July 13 - Billy Corgan @ Henry Fonda (Sold Out)
Thursday, July 14 - Rolling Blackouts/Weird War @ Glass House ($10)
Thursday, July 14 - Dwarves, Willowz @ Troubadour ($12)
Saturday, July 16 - Sufjan Stevens @ El Rey ($17.50)
Sunday, July 17 - Some Girls @ Troubadour ($10)
Sunday, July 17 - Frausdots @ The Echo (Free)
Monday, July 18 - The Starvations @ Spaceland (Free)
Tuesday, July 19 - Vagenius @ Troubadour ($5 @ door)
Thursday, July 21 - Year Future, The Pope @ The Smell ($ @ door)
Thursday, July 21 - Go Team! @ Troubadour ($13)

Circle Jerks

Thursday, July 21 - Circle Jerks @ The Glass House ($15)

Friday, July 22 - Go Team! @ Troubadour ($13)
Friday, July 22 - Beck, Le Tigre @ Gibson Ampitheatre (Sold Out)
Friday, July 22 - Red Onions, Rolling Blackouts @ Scene Bar ($ @ door)
Saturday, July 23 - Beck, Decemberists @ Gibson Ampitheatre (Sold Out)
Monday, July 25 - Radio Vago @ Detroit Bar (Free)
Tuesday, July 26 - Int'l Noise Conspiracy @ The Echo ($5)
Wednesday, July 27 - Int'l Noise Conspiracy @ 8714 S. Vermont ($5 @ door)
Thursday, July 28 - Bad Dudes, The Oohlas @ The Echo ($ @ door)
Friday, July 29 - The Red Onions @ The Smell ($ @ door)

Matzah Interviews James Tweedy (of The Bronx)

2005-06-21T00:37:00.000-07:00

James Tweedy

James Tweedy, better known to Bronx fans as Tweedy, doesn't fit the stereotype of a punk rock musician. Well spoken and well educated (not to insult the great uneducated punk rock musicians of our time), he brings intelligence and talent to Los Angeles' very own, The Bronx. Though the band has released merely a full length album and an EP in it's relatively short history, The Bronx have already carved their name into the filthy, marred walls of the historically rich Los Angeles punk scene. He sat down to speak with 'Get the Door, It's Matzah' recently. Here's what he had to say:

Matzah: So, you're from Los Angeles, right?
James Tweedy: Yes sir.

Matzah: Why name your band The Bronx when you're from LA? Is their any meaning behind that?
James Tweedy: It's a good band name, plus irony is big right now with the kids.

M: Who are your influences as a musician?
JT: In high-school I was all about 'indie-alternative' - Sebadoh, Ride, Sloan, Dinosaur Jr. - then in college the influential bands were Superchunk, Jawbreaker, Fugazi, Jawbox and the Likes. Biggest influences outside of that would of course be Led Zeppelin, the Stones and the Stooges. It's hard putting a finger on it being an avid fan of music - influences come and go from different places at different times. Lately it's the easier to digest of black metal (Cursed and Mastadon) and early 90's shoegazish type stuff (Swervedriver/Ride/Jesus & Mary Chain)

M: Do you read any music blogs, aside from 'Get the Door, It's Matzah'?
JT: We're new here.

M: I saw a few pictures of The Bronx, where you guys dressed as cops. Who do you like more, cops or meter maids?
JT: No one likes meter maids - we have friends who are cops, so I'll say cops - it's really quite funny that these individuals we know retain the power of the law and the ability to brandish firearms. God help us all.

M: Do you have any infamous police stories?
JT: There have been a handful of run-ins. A bike cop in Philadelphia gave us a 'disturbing the peace' ticket for playing our 'Best of 80's Metal' cassette at ear-shredding volume while parked just off State street. For the most part they've helped us out - when we rolled our van in Utah they helped us out, when our first van got totaled in Michigan by a drunk driver they helped us catch the shitbag - cops are nicer in other parts of the country, except Texas.

M: Are The Bronx recording a follow up to their self titled debut yet? What are the plans?
JT: Yes. We're currently writing the record. When we've written the best record we're capable of we're going to record it, then release it.

M: What was it like signing to Island/Def Jam so early in your career? What were the perks?
JT: It was great. None of our other bands had ever been signed to a major label before and so far it's nowhere near the ass-fucking that everyone claims it to be. They've been quite good at accommodating us and our whims. As long as the music is not being influenced by what label you're signed to, it doesn't matter if you're signed to Ducky Records or Universal Music Group world conglomerate evil headquarters. Everyone is trying to fuck you - the majors do it with the lights on. We might have a more sordid tale down the road but for now we're quite happy with our relations.

M: Did it seem too much, too fast (especially because you guys were signed within playing a couple of shows)?
JT: We had to hit the ground running but it all worked out. We had a plan, they just stepped along side us, supported our ideas and let us do it. Our goal was to release a record and tour for two years. We did.

M: Why did you guys form White Drugs Records?
JT: White Drugs was formed because the deal we did with Island didn't affect our first record, because it was already done and we wanted it that way. We formed White Drugs as the entity from which we could license out our record from to get it released. For example, White Drugs did a deal with Ferret Music - they licensed the record to release and distribute it for us. The same story repeats in several different countries with different labels licensing the record from us (White Drugs).

M: What is happening with White Drugs Records now? Are you guys planning to put out other bands on it?
JT: We're focusing on being a band before being a label. Eventually it will grow into something. It's our avenue to get stuff done ourselves. The Drips record will be coming out on White Drugs later this year, that's a Matt/Joby side-project deal that in the past put some stuff out on the surf/punk label Hostage Records. Maybe another 7-inch or two. Nothing outside of our immediate family for the time being.

M: It seems like a big aspect to your music are drugs. Why the drug references?
JT: Sometimes it's tongue in cheek to exploit cultural faux-pas but mainly it's from individual personal experience which reflects itself in certain songs/attitudes.

M: Obviously, you guys have had some hard times. Do you still feel like 'Los Angeles kicks you in the teeth everyday'?
JT: We love living here, it's been gentler on us lately - mainly because we've been on tour and haven't been here for the last 2 years.

M: On a more upbeat topic, what up and coming LA bands are you stoked about at the moment? What bands do you think deserve exposure?
JT: 400 Blows. The new record [Angel's Trumpets And Devil's Trombones] is out, go buy it. Just saw Giant Drag play tonight - it's good, honest and authentic - something that lacks these days in most efforts. The Icarus Line released one of the best records of last year 'Penance Soiree' much to the inattention of the public at large - and their new stuff sounds amazing.

M: I've heard that The Bronx have had some crazy tour experiences. Care to share any stories?
JT: What happens on the road stays on the road.

M: If we were backstage at one of your shows, what would we see?
JT: A bunch of sweaty, greasy 35-year old dudes telling us that they haven't been this excited about a band since they saw Black Flag in '84.

M: Can you give us a little known fact about yourself?
JT: I love fishing.

M: Name three things you can't stand about music these days.
JT: 1. Consumerist mentality in regards to music. Music is 'consumed' instead of enjoyed and/or appreciated. It is blatantly shaping music. Just turn on FUSE for 15 minutes. The effect this is having is that music is essentially eating itself, like a stomach deprived of substance begins to feed on itself. Our culture is so instant gratification - internet, tivo, music downloading, pre-records release - that no one is willing to wait for a good thing to come along. As a result, bands are making records on someone else's schedule and this is reflected in the sheer volume of shitty, unoriginal bands that are plaguing the musical landscape. There are only a few bands daring to slow down, take a breath and make truly classic, timeless albums.

2. Fake aggression. Screaming does not equal genuine aggression/emotion.

3. The imitators are being celebrated more than the imitated. This has always been the case though. The originators die in obscure poverty while the contemporaries they influence enjoy the fruit of their labor pains.

M: If a fan wanted to find you, where would be the first place for them to look?
JT: Online.

I Love 400 Blows - Contest Winners

2005-06-18T01:05:00.000-07:00

Here are the winners in the first 'Get the Door, It's Matzah' contest, sponsored by Buddyhead:

1st - Bobby Daly (San Jose, CA)
2nd - Scott Thomas (Jacksonville, FL)
3rd - Samantha Watkins (Santa Monica, CA)

More contests to come in the future.

Keep reading.

GUEST POST: Nick Dewitt (of Pretty Girls Make Graves and Dutch Dub)

2005-06-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

Nick Dewitt

It's undeniable, Nick Dewitt is a talented musician. Currently the drummer for Pretty Girls Make Graves and having worked on projects varying between Murder City Devils and rap ensemble Gun Called Tension to his recent creation, Dutch Dub, Nick has proven his value to music. Brother to Los Angeles DJ/Record Exec. Cali Dewitt, Nick recently signed to Record Collection and released a self titled record under the name Dutch Dub. Though Pitchfork panned the record (completely misunderstanding the album), Nick has created a gem. My suggestion is, buy the album and leave it on repeat. It becomes a soundtrack - to your day, your week, or your life. It just fits.

Without any further introduction, here is a guest post from Nick Dewitt:

Fuck the nazi Pope! Fuck Pat Robertson! Fuck both sides! Chris Rock has good ideas. Harlan Ellison is a funny, cynical guy. Religious war or environmental meltdown, maybe if we ignore them both, they will go away? Anything you haven't heard is new. New stuff- Steve Reich/ music for 18 musicians/ beautiful pulsing rhythms and unusual arrangements spread among strings, marimba, metallophone, piano, voices, winds, more.

Laurie Anderson or Frank Zappa said "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture." And my friend Caryl says "Giving a music journalist anything about yourself is like handing them ammunition." Thus we arrive at a not so profound declaration...Fuck music journalists! Say something. Exceptions to every rule but i haven't found many for mj's. Back to my likes.

Forever Changes and Da Capo by LOVE. If you haven't heard it, I suggest you do. You set the Scene is especially bitter sweet: "This is the only thing that I am sure of, and that's all that lives is gonna die. And there will always be some people here to wonder why and for every happy hello, there will be a goodbye." -Arthur Lee.

Summer time is here almost and I have a new/used, recently purchased Univega ten speed to celebrate it with. I know you are reading this and you find yourself wondering why you are reading this. I LOVE YOU. Do something nice for someone today, and that irritating guy or girl at the bar who you try to hide from a few times a week, tell them what you really think about them. You might hurt their feelings now, but they will be greatful for letting them in on something even their mother couldn't say.

Do you know what I am saying?

B-bye

Nick

'Get the Door, It's Matzah' Contest - Sponsored by Buddyhead Records

2005-06-04T17:34:00.000-07:00

400 Blows - The Average Guy 7"

In anticipation of 400 Blows' recent 7" release on Buddyhead, titled The Average Guy, Travis Keller, one of the two masterminds behind Buddyhead, graciously offered 'Get the Door, It's Matzah' some Buddyhead swag for a contest.

So here's how this is going to work. You send an email here (or do it yourself and send it to matzahscontests@gmail.com) with your name and address. Don't forget to title your email 'I Love 400 Blows'. If you're email #4, #8, or #2000, you win.

Here are the prizes:
1st - 1 Buddyhead shirt of your choice, 1 400 Blows 7", Buddyhead pins, 1 Buddyhead Compilation CD
2nd - 400 Blows 7", Buddyhead pins, 1 Buddyhead Compilation CD
3rd - 400 Blows 7"

If you are not a winner, do yourself a favor and go pick up The Average Guy from 400 Blows at Amoeba Music or at the Buddyhead Online Store. This 7" is not worth missing out on, so go get it!

Contest end date - 6/18/05

Matzah Reviews LIVE (The Icarus Line @ Troubadour)

2005-05-29T01:02:00.000-07:00

I expected to be blown away by the long awaited return of The Icarus Line at the Troubadour last friday night. With a lineup of Darker My Love, Jim Brown (of Bluebird) and Dim Mak Records' newly signed Icarus Line (The Like excluded), how could you go wrong? Right?

Wrong. Not to say that the night was a dissapointment, but I was surprised by several of the acts. Having reluctantly skipped Darker My Love, I began my night with Jim Brown. Originally expecting something similar to his band, Bluebird, I was immediately caught off guard. Jim looked more like the stage technician, until I slowly realized that he was performing, not testing out the instruments. Accompanied by a drum machine, a guitar, and a bass, Jim played each instrument by himself, recorded it, and looped it, creating a surreal ambiance of drum loop mantras, tribal like singing, and primitive dancing, complemented by equally strange lighting.

Next came The Like. I must admit, I had low expectations for them. I've had the priveledge (ha!) of experiencing similar (or so I thought) 3 piece girl outfits and have been thoroughly dissapointed time and time again. I half expected Z Berg and The Like to follow the same lines as the others. They didn't. Z's voice shines, backed by herself on guitar, Charlotte Froom on bass guitar, and Tennessee Thomas on drums. Their unique brand of introspective pop rock exploded into a full blown rock performance and I dug every moment of it. Oh my god, I just admitted I liked The Like. Fuck man.

Following The Like were the headliners of the night, The Icarus Line, who were introduced with a steamy performance from goth go-go dancers. After the girls filed offstage, primadonna Joe Cardamone and the Icarus Line entered. They were dissapointing, to say the least. They stuck with material from their upcoming album 'Black Lives at the Golden Coast,' which has turned me away from their music.

(© Andrew Jacobsen)

The Icarus Line (© Andrew Jacobsen)

The Icarus Line (© Andrew Jacobsen)

The Icarus Line (© Andrew Jacobsen)

Their entire performance wasn't exactly a bust. The Captain is still awesome after all these years and can still play drums the way they should be played under the circumstances - with no mercy. They also played 'Caviar,' 'On The Lash,' and 'Spit On It,' all from their critically acclaimed album, V2 Records' Penance Soiree. All the while, Joe Cardamone pranced around onstage, looking lost until it was his turn to sing. You could hardly hear the dude and his inaudible muttering in between songs didn't help the cause. Next time, turn the vocals up.

Here's the setlist:

1. Golden Rush
2. Caviar
3. Better Tastin Teeth
4. Watch Your Step
5. On the Lash
6. Cut Back the Herd
7. Victory Garden
8. Fashion Fever
9. Frankfurt Smile
10. Slayer
11. Spit On It

Matzah's Ratings:

Jim Brown:
B

The Like:
B+

The Icarus Line:
B-/C+

Matzah Reviews LIVE (400 Blows @ Knitting Factory)

2005-05-12T01:05:00.000-07:00

It's official. I've lost my hearing and I couldn't be happier. Here's why:

400 Blows (© Matzah)

400 Blows (© Matzah)

400 Blows (© Matzah)

Last night, I attended the 400 Blows Record Release show at the Knitting Factory. I couldn't have asked for more - an entertaining live performance with an energized audience. Mainly, 400 Blows played music that was unfamiliar (from their upcoming releases, GSL's "Angel's Trumpets and Devil's Trombones" and Buddyhead's "The Average Guy" 7"). Towards the end of their set, the band returned to earlier material with 'Root of our Nature' from Black Rainbow (GSL), which blew me away.

Amidst turbulent moshing (with The Bronx's Matt and Jorma in the heart of it), 400 Blows played twisted anthems meant to fuel your adrenaline. Coward that I am, I made sure that I was well protected from the chaos, enjoying the music from the corner of the stage. Never again! Next time I see 400 Blows perform, I plan to leave the camera at home and show up with nothing but unresolved anger and clenched fists. I suggest you join me.

Matzah's Rating:
A-/B+

Matzah Reviews

2005-05-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

The Intelligence (© Tim Haynes)

The Intelligence - "Let's Toil" (Single)
from "Narnack Records Is...a Fist-First Sampler of New Music" (Narnack Records)

It's often difficult to find a musician able to succeed creatively in more than one musical endeavor. Yet, Seattle's Lars Findberg has destroyed the conventions of musical success (with little recognition ironically), from the underground no less! First with Sub Pop's critically acclaimed A-Frames and Omnibus' The Dipers, Finberg began The Intelligence with members of Double Fudge and Heroic. "Let's Toil," a track from the rich Narnack Records compilation "Narnack Records Is..." (which also features The Fall, Guitar Wolf, and Fast Fourier), is Finberg's homage to his underground success, where he sings reassuringly, "I've been made perfect from practice."

Using simplicity to their advantage, The Intelligence play music just long enough to grab your attention, but short enough to make you demand more. Set to a simple guitar melody and percussion varying between a drum machine and live drums, "Let's Toil" features Finberg's moaning vocals, reminiscent of Daniel Johnston. "Let's Toil" literally toils in a subtle, lo-fi sound, which is exactly why I like it. If you dig the A-Frames, make sure to get your hands on the Narnack Records compilation or go out and buy The Intelligence' 'Boredom and Terror LP.'

Matzah Rating:
B+/B

Matzah's Shows To Watch Out For - May Edition

2005-05-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 7 - Loretta Lynn @ Galaxy Theatre ($75, if you can afford it)
Sunday, May 8 - Red Onions, The Prix @ The Mint ($ @ door)
Sunday, May 8 - Har Mar Superstar (DJ), Kid Millionaire (DJ) @ The Standard Hotel - Rooftop (21+, $10)
Tuesday, May 10 - The Ponys, The Willowz @ The Echo ($10)

400 Blows

Wednesday, May 11 - 400 Blows Record Release Party @ The Knitting Factory (Free, All Ages)

Thursday, May 12 - The Pope @ The Smell ($ @ door)
Friday, May 13 - Lion Fever @ The Smell ($ @ door)
Sunday, May 15 - M.I.A. @ El Rey (Sold Out)
Monday, May 16 - The Walkmen @ Galaxy Theatre ($15)
Tuesday, May 17 - M.I.A. @ The Echo ($ @ door)
Tuesday, May 17 - The Boredoms @ The Knitting Factory ($18)
Wednesday, May 18 - Mt. Egypt (backed by Simon Dawes) @ Key Club

Das Oath

Friday, May 20 - Melt Banana, Das Oath @ Troubadour ($12)

Saturday, May 21 - Prefuse 71, Battles @ The Knitting Factory ($15)
Sunday, May 22 - Prefuse 71, Battles @ The Knitting Factory ($15)
Monday, May 23 - Darker My Love @ The Echo (Free)
Tuesday, May 24 - The Dears @ El Rey Theatre ($15.50)
Wednesday, May 25 - Red Onions @ The Smell ($5 @ door)

Goldie Lookin' Chain

Wednesday, May 25 - Goldie Lookin' Chain @ Troubadour ($12)

Wires On Fire

Thursday, May 26 - Wires On Fire, Year Future, 400 Blows @ Chain Reaction ($8)

Friday, May 27 - 400 Blows, High On Fire, The Pope @ The Echo ($ @ door)

The Icarus Line

Friday, May 27 - Icarus Line, Darker My Love @ Troubadour ($10.00)

I'll continue to update this post if I hear about anything else. Feel free to post any shows that you plan to go to.

Matzah's Back from Coachella!

2005-05-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

I'm back! I enjoyed Coachella and the freaks, indie children (and their parents), and scorching heat that came along with it. But, when I am forced to choose between bands, that is where I draw the line. With all complaints aside, here's the list of bands I saw during my one and only Day 1. Feel free to disagree.

COACHELLA!

Buck 65 (© Matzah)

Buck 65 - Canadian rapper with raspy, Tom Waits-ish vocals, rapping about his abnormally large penis. I can dig it.

Radio 4 (© Matzah)

Radio 4 - Gang of Four ripoffs play politically charged music, complete with bongo drums. Yawn...

Jamie Cullum - British songster covers Pharell's 'Frontin'' and Coldplay's 'We Never Change', accompanied by loudspeaker troubles. Thanks, but no thanks.

DJ Peretz (Perry Farrell) - Reaffirms Farrell's bout with insanity.

Eisley - Spent more time apologizing for the stage's technical troubles than performing. Oh well, it's probably better that way anyways.

Razorlight (© Matzah)

Razorlight (© Matzah)

Razorlight - Aside from 'Golden Touch,' the band represented an ego they can't live up to. Razorlight frontman Johnny Borrell also displayed his poor climbing skills trying to scale a column on the left side of the stage, only to find himself trapped with a twisted microphone cord ten feet above the stage. Keep up the good work Razorlight (just not in the states)!

Wilco - Stuck around long enough for Jeff Tweedy and company to play 'I am Trying to Break Your Heart'. Goddamm, that is a great song.

MF Doom (© Matzah)

MF Doom (© Matzah)

MF Doom - Worth showing up early thirty minutes early for. The masked Doom, sporting a vintage Patrick Ewing New York Knicks jersey, rapped over amusing beats with vocals that were too hard to understand. Good shit!

Bloc Party - A fucking disaster! The overhyped NME posterchildren packed their Mojave Tent tenfold, prompting unbearable closeness and painful stampeding. Worst of all, I couldn't breathe!

Coldplay (© Matzah)

Coldplay - Not my thing, but a strong performance nevertheless. Unfortunately, when I wandered over to the 'Outdoor Stage' to catch some of the Spoon performance, only to discover technical problems and anxious fans, I missed the 'best' part of the Coldplay set. While waiting for Spoon to perform, I missed a song Coldplay wrote for Johnny Cash and a short cover of Johnny Cash's rendition of NIN's 'Hurt'. Thanks a lot Spoon! And, not to mention, Chris Martin leaping offstage during the encore was fucking awesome!

Spoon - Started fifteen minutes later than expected, still boring as ever. Simply put, a waste of time. Should've stuck with Coldplay.

NOTE: I am fully aware I missed Bauhaus and I am not proud of it. Give me a break.

Before I end this post, I'd like to thank all of you who read my blog and encourage you to keep supporting 'Get the Door, It's Matzah'. I have new interviews to post, contests to announce, and even more Matzah to share with all of you.

Matzah Reviews LIVE (Brother Reade @ Knitting Factory)

2005-04-30T01:31:00.000-07:00

Brother Reade (© Andrew Jacobsen)

"It's refreshing to see rappers without do-rags or spinning belt buckles," comments my companion Jacobsen, before Record Collection's newly signed Brother Reade hit the stage at the Knitting Factory's Divebomb night. Jacobsen's right. With Jimmy on vocals and Erin on turntable, Brother Reade reminded me on Wednesday night what good hip hop sounds like by bringing it back to the basics: one mic, a turntable, and a lot of energy. Minus the ego, Brother Reade's songs were intelligent and targeted subjects more important than smokin' blunts and drinking Henessey.

(© Matzah)

(© Matzah)

The indie crowd in attendance were reserved at first (myself included), possibly more concerned with their 3 dollar vodka specials than the music. Into their third song, 'Benji Got the Big Head' (one of the better songs of their set), Brother Reade had the audience in the palms of their hands, begging for more with heads bobbing in unison to Erin's beats. They ended their set with a bang, my personal favorite, 'The Marcie Song,' an anthem set to a floor shaking beat complemented by soothing vocals with provocative lyrics. Unbelievable! But don't just take my word for it, go see Brother Reade perform yourself.

Matzah's Rating:
B+

Set List:
1. Oboe (We Ain't Scared to Hustle)
2. Friday
3. Benji Got the Big Head
4. The Loft Party Classics
5. Seven Leagues
6. The Marcie Song

Motherfuckin' Censorship (Matador Records vs. Paste Magazine)

2005-04-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

Is this advertisement for Stephen Malkmus' newest release, Face the Truth, too provocative for media publications?

Well, the Advertisement Department at Paste Magazine thinks so.

I'm sure Matador Records (Stephen Malkmus' label) is thrilled. Here's what the fine folks at Matador Records have to say:

"We'd like to offer a shout-out (ie. "fuck you") to the cowards and thought-cops at the Ad Dept at Paste Magazine who have deemed our proposed advertisement for 'Face The Truth' to be beyond the bounds of "good taste." God forbid that anything might challenge the sensibilities of Paste's Yep Roc-loving, Starbucks-guzzling, Wes Anderson-worshipping readership. Seriously, if there's anything we or SM have done that is a poor fit with Paste's Ad Dept's narrow worldview, that is the highest compliment we've been paid since the last time Spin refused to run one of our ads."

Personally, I believe that for a magazine like Paste, who "[...] pride ourselves in being the premier magazine for people who still enjoy discovering new music, prize substance and songcraft over fads and manufactured attitude, and appreciate quality music in whatever genre it might inhabit," choose not to run this ad because of it's lack of "good taste," is rediculous; the advertisement obviously complements the album (or at least it's title). My verdict? I'm with Matador on this one. The fine employees at Paste's Ad Department are a bunch of overly sensitive idiots, who prefer to advertise AmericanSingles.com (which can be found on their website here) than promote the music that they claim to enjoy.

What do you think? Is it too provocative? Where should the line be drawn?

Speak up, my readers!

Coachella '05: The Set Times

2005-04-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

Well, that time of year has come again, where we can rejoice under the desert sun in overpriced band merch and watch our favorite bands perform. Like a holiday, minus Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny, I am excited to be attending Day 1 of Coachella. If any of you are going to Coachella, feel free to comment and let me know.

SATURDAY (APRIL 30)

MAIN STAGE
1:55-2:40: Buck 65
3-3:50: Raveonettes
4:15-5:05: Snow Patrol
5:30-6:20: Keane
6:45-7:35: Wilco
8-8:50: Weezer
9:15-10:15: Bauhaus
10:40-11:55: Coldplay

OUTDOOR THEATRE
1:40-2:25: Nic Armstrong and the Thieves
2:50-3:35: Jamie Cullum
4-4:45: Eisley
5:10-5:55: Razorlight
6:20-7:10: Rilo Kiley
7:35-8:25: Cafe Tacuba
8:45-9:30: Sage Francis
9:50-10:35: Mercury Rev
11-11:55: Spoon

MOJAVE TENT
12:30-1: Sexy Magazines
1:15-2: Gratitude
2:15-3:10: Radio 4
3:35-4:20: Ambulance Ltd
4:50-5:40: The Kills
6:10-6:55: Stereophonics
7:15-8: MF Doom
8:25-9:05: Secret Machines
9:30-10:15: Bloc Party
10:40-11:30: Fantomas

SAHARA TENT
1:30-3:15: Evil Nine
3:15-4:15: DJ Peretz (is Perry Farrell, former member of Jane's Addiction)
4:15-5:15: DJ Narky
5:15-6:30: Tiga
6:30-7:45: UNKLE
7:45-9: Josh Wink
9-10:15: Hernan Cattaneo
10:20-11:50: Chemical Brothers

GOBI TENT
12:30-1:20: Boom Bip
1:35-2:20: Katie Melua
2:35-3:20: K-os
3:40-4:30: M83
4:55-5:45: Immortal Technique
6:05-6:50: Jean Grae
7:15-8:05: Swayzak
8:30-9:20: Four Tet
9:45-10:35: Amp Fiddler
11-11:50: Zap Mama

SUNDAY (SUNDAY APRIL 1)

MAIN STAGE
1:40-2:25 Gram Rabbit
2:50-3:35: Perceptionists
3:55-4:40: Thrice
5:05-5:50: Futureheads
6:15-7:05: Gang of Four
7:35-8:35: New Order
9-10:15: Nine Inch Nails
10:40-11:40: Black Star

OUTDOOR THEATRE
1-1:40: Shout Out Louds
2-2:45: Donavon Frankenreiter
3:05-3:55: Jem
4:20-5:10: Fiery Furnaces
5:30-6:20: Tegan and Sara
6:45-7:35: The Arcade Fire
7:55-8:40: Aesop Rock
8:55-9:40: British Sea Power
10-10:50: The Faint
11:10-12: Bright Eyes

MOJAVE TENT
11:50-12:20: Goodbye Radar
12:40-1:10: Midlake
1:35-2:20: Sloan
2:45-3:35: Autolux
4-4:50: Kasabian
5:15-6:05: The Bravery
6:30-7:20: Roots Manuva
7:45-8:35: Dresden Dolls
8:55-9:40: Pinback
10-10:45: Blood Brothers
11:10-11:55: The Locust

SAHARA TENT
12:30-2: DJ Jun
2-3: Diplo
3-4:15: Matthew Dear
4:15-5:30: Ben Watt
5:30-6:45: Miss Kittin
6:45-8: Junkie XL
8-9:15: Armin Van Buren
9:15-10:15: Roni Size
10:30-11:45: The Prodigy

GOBI TENT
1-1:40: Zion I
1:45-2:30: Subtle
2:55-3:45: Sixtoo
4:10-5: M.I.A.
5:25-6:15: Beans
6:40-7:30: Z-Trip
7:40-8:30: DJ Krush
8:50-9:40: Matmos
10:05-10:50: Wolf Eyes

Matzah's News Bits, including the implosion of Zwan, as narrated by Billy Corgan

2005-04-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

The Ironies of 'Indie' Music, complements of the Orlando City Beat

AND

A foreign preview for the release of Last Days, Gus Van Sants loose interpretation of the life and death of Kurt Cobain (Notice Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon towards the end of the trailer.)

AND

Billy Corgan sits down with the Chicago Tribune's Greg Kot here.

When asked about his ill-fated band, Zwan, Corgan said:

"The music wasn't the big problem, it was more their attitude: `Why do we have to practice? I'd rather be hanging out at the Rainbo.' Lifestyle stuff. And then you get into what I would call cataclysmic behavioral stuff. Sex acts between band members in public. People carrying drugs across borders. Pajo sleeping with the producer's girlfriend while we were making the record. I just tried to do what I've always done, which is to patch it up and roll it out. You go into a denial state. I got snookered in by really bad people. It's embarrassing to me. But it wised me up to why I play, and who I love, and it made me appreciate my old band even more."

Matzah Interviews Aaron North (of Nine Inch Nails)

2005-04-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

Aaron North (on tour with the Icarus Line in 2004, © Jason Nocito)

Aaron North doesn't mess around. While opening for the Distillers, Aaron, playing with the Icarus Line at the time, was hit in the head with a bottle. Chaos ensued, with Aaron, singer Joe Cardamone, and bassist Don Devore in the crowd, beating the shit out of the fan who threw it. Soon thereafter, the fan was ejected from the venue with nothing to show for it, except blood and bruises. The same attitude goes for Aaron's other endeavors. Having started Buddyhead in 1998 with friend Travis Keller, the two have managed to trash the reputations of shitty celebrities and musicians alike, interview cool bands, and put out great records. Now in Nine Inch Nails, Aaron continues with the same passion he began with. He sat down with 'Get the Door, It's Matzah' and talked about Nine Inch Nails, the Icarus Line, Buddyhead, and most importantly, why he cut his hair.

Matzah: What's in your rotation?

Aaron North: In N' Out, Del Taco, Panda Express, Tommy's.

Matzah: Who are your influences as a musician?

Aaron North: I'm a musician? If so, the list would be long and boring. It would start with a bunch of people who could barely play but made the most of it with soul and panache. People such as Ron Asheton, Bob Dylan, Syd Barrett, etc.

M: Could you give us a history of your musicianship/music career?

AN: Started playing guitar when I was 14. Played in a really bad hardcore punk bands through my teens. Played with the Icarus Line people from 1996 to 2004. That about covers it.

M: When did you take a larger interest in music, aside from playing (i.e. interviews, reviews, starting a label)?

AN: Punk rock is what made me really want to be involved in music. Up until discovering that, music seemed way too hard and technical to get caught up in. I liked Guns N' Roses and Metallica, but there was no way I'd ever be able to cut that shit, until I heard Black Flag and I realized I could probably do that stuff myself and it seemed more fun and pertinent anyway than soloing and worrying about technique and all that crap.

M: What are your hobbies besides music?

AN: Mexican food. Sleeping. Dudes.

M: What music blogs do you read? If any?

AN: None. Not a big internet fan.

M: How do you feel about the growing role of the internet in music (filesharing, music blogs, etc)?

AN: I dunno. I don't really participate in the file sharing stuff and I don't participate in or read anything on the internet besides Buddyhead.

M: What role do you play with Buddyhead now that you've joined NIN?

AN: Same as I always have, run the fucker with Travis.

M: Could you give us a brief history of Buddyhead?

AN: Started as something fun to do cos we were bored, about 1998 we put out some records cos we thought it'd be fun and we were bored. Still do it wheneverit seems like fun and we're bored.

M: Something I know a lot of people enjoy about Buddyhead is the gossip column. Short and to the point, but sarcastic and hilarious at the same time, you and Travis have successfully managed to piss off the likes of Fred Durst, among others. Who writes the gossip?

AN: Me and Travis write the gossip.

M: Did you guys ever 'make up' with Fred Durst? Or, better yet, have you had any confrontations with him since?

AN: Naw. That kind of shit isn't even really on my radar anymore.

M: How did the opportunity to join Nine Inch Nails come about?

AN: They asked me to be in the band. I said, "ok."

M: Are you planning to stick with NIN through the summer tour or continue afterwards as a permanent member?

AN: Haven't thought about it.

M: Do you have any plans for after NIN?

AN: Not really. Haven't thought about it.

M: Aside from the money, what are the benefits for you as a musician playing in NIN than in the Icarus Line?

AN: None. What's more important than money?

M: Also, I know that NIN is scheduled to play Coachella on May 1st. How does it feel to be headlining Coachella? Are you nervous?

AN: Hmmmm, not really. Haven't thought about it. I've played festivals before. Playing to that many people isn't nearly as frightening as playing a solo show to a handful of your closest friends.

M: What bands are you excited to see?

AN: Hmmmm, not really too hyper-stoked on any of the bands really. There's some cool stuff I wanna check out, but nothing I'm wetting my pants over.

M: I also wanted to ask you a few questions about your former band, the Icarus Line. When did you officially split with the band?

AN: Late last year.

M: Was the Icarus Line split amicable?

AN: I dunno. I didn't stick around for a reaction. I just quit. You'd have to ask them.

M: Have you heard the new Icarus Line material ('Fashion Fever' maybe?) If so, what do you think of their direction?

AN: Haven't heard any new stuff from them. Hasn't really peaked my interest to check anything out.

M: Do you keep in touch with anyone from the band?

AN: No.

Fan Questions:

1. Why'd you cut your hair?

AN: I wasn't born with long hair y'know. I was starting to look like I was either a wrestler, or homeless, or both. Not cool.

2. Choose one to have sex with, one to marry, one to kill: Travis Keller [of Buddyhead], Trent Reznor [of Nine Inch Nails], Joe Cardamone [of Icarus Line].

AN: I wouldn't want to fuck, marry, or kill any of those people. Sorry.

3. Were you a dork in high school?

AN: No. The dorks were the ones who actually went.

Matzah Reviews + LA Weekly Interviews Gang of Four

2005-04-22T00:21:00.000-07:00

The White Stripes - Blue Orchid
[Now Available for Purchase on ITunes]

After hearing 'Blue Orchid,' I first thought to myself, "Why does Jack White sound so pre-pubescent?" 'Blue Orchid' exemplifies not only Jack White's unusually high voice, but also Meg White's elementary drumming (it's amazing to me that she can keep time, barely.) The song's cheap thrill lies in Jack White's guitar, which leaves you dissatisfied midway through the song. Somehow, the White Stripes typically provide filler in their sound, despite using simply a guitar and drums. 'Blue Orchid' lacks that filler, leaving their sound lacking. You'd think you could hear something like this at a high school battle of the bands, with Meg White's simple drumming and Jack White's repetitive guitar. Instead, the White Stripes graciously provide us with 'Blue Orchid' by mainstream means. Though they may have scored a hit with the teenage 'indie' crowd, 'Blue Orchid' lacks emotional or intellectual depth and ends in a short, anti climactic manner at 2:37. Simply put, press skip next time this dull song pops up on your IPod.

Matzah's Rating:
C-/D+

PLUS

LA Weekly interviews Gang of Four here.

Rumors, Rumors, Rumors - It's Coachella Time + UPDATE!

2005-04-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

It's almost that time of year again, when everybody flocks to Indio, California for Coachella. In addition to the festival itself, some of the featured Coachella bands play 'secret' shows. Though nothing is confirmed at the moment, Wilco, Weezer and Gang of Four are all rumored to play. I will keep you all posted, and for more news, you can check out Ambitious Outsiders.

UPDATE:
Thursday, April 28 - Bauhaus @ the Glass House ($25)
Tickets Available at Ticketmaster

PLUS:

LA Weekly's guide to Coachella '05.

Matzah Reviews

2005-04-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

Karen O. & Squeak E. Clean - Hello Tomorrow (Adidas Version)
[Now Available for Purchase on ITunes]

Let me begin with the observation that 'Hello Tomorrow' is a strange fucking song. Originally set to a bizarre Adidas commercial directed by Karen O's boyfriend, indie filmmaker Spike Jonze, the song holds less weight alone than it does paired with the Adidas commercial. The first song from a secret side project between Squeak E. Clean Productions and Yeah Yeah Yeah's frontwoman Karen O, 'Hello Tomorrow' is definitely spacy, with Karen O's distant vocals, calm acoustic guitar, and echoing xylaphone. As it picks up with added piano and violin, the song becomes more interesting. The piano and violin almost bring 'Hello Tomorrow' back to the listener, making the music sound less distant. Listening to this song, you can't help but feel isolated in a fantasy world, as Karen O's voice surrounds you and encourages you to "Go where the lights go dark." 'Hello Tomorrow' would better complement an acid trip or a delusional state, but otherwise, this song is better forgotten.

Matzah's Rating:
C+

Matzah's Shows To Watch Out For - April Edition

2005-04-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

Looking at the music calendar, it's looks as if I'm going to be pretty busy going to shows at the Echo and the Smell. The gem of this month is Coachella Day 1, featuring Wilco, Keane, Weezer, Snow Patrol, Doves, Coldplay, and a Bauhaus reunion. With so many bands playing on one day, you can't go wrong, even if you think Weezer plays predictable anthems for preteens (cough, cough, 'Beverly Hills'), and if Coldplay, Keane, Rilo Kiley, Snow Patrol and Eisely are too boring for you. Aside from the aforementioned, also playing are the NME 'hype' bands (Bloc Party, Razorlight) and the indie rappers (MF Doom, Buck 65, Sage Francis). No harm in paying $81, not to mention brutal TicketMaster "service" fees, to see some 44 bands play, right? Anyway, here are the dates for the rest of this month:

Friday, April 22 - Rolling Blackouts, The Starvations, The Orphans @ the Smell
***Saturday, April 23 - Simon Dawes, Black Black, Revalators @ the Echo ($7)
Sunday, April 24 - Bullet Train to Vegas @ the Smell
Monday, April 25 - The Mae Shi @ Spaceland (Free)
Friday, April 29 - Radio Vago @ El Cid ($5 @ door)
Saturday, April 30 - Willowz, Tsk Tsk, sO sO sO @ the Smell ($5 @ door)
***Saturday, April 30 - Coachella Music Festival, Day 1 @ Empire Polo Fields ($81.00)

Support Live Music! Take care.

Welcome Back, Matzah + GUEST POST: Evan Weiss

2005-04-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

Well folks, I'm back. Somehow, I lost contact with you amongst my Ojai Trip, Spring Break, and my recent college excursion to NYC. For this, I apologize.

As you may or may not have noticed, I am using a new blog site, Blogger.com. I made the switch from LiveJournal.com to Blogger.com in hopes of making 'Get the Door, It's Matzah' more professional. I have a few guest posts and reviews planned, so be on the look out.

With that being said, I have a new guest post from a new guest writer and I, for one, am really excited. A few days ago, Evan Weiss (of Wires on Fire) graciously wrote a guest post for my blog. Lead singer and guitarist, Evan anchors the band's 'in your face' style of punk with his wavering, screaming vocals. The band's debut 6 song EP, 'Homewrecker,' has been in heavy rotation for me in the past few months (and to think, it still hasn't lost it's kick!) As far as I know, the band is planning a split release (in June) with Record Collection's Mean Reds and a west coast co-headlining tour in the summer in support of the release. In addition, UK label Bloodloss Collective also plans to release a Wires on Fire 7" (in June). Again, big thanks to Evan Weiss for his guest post:

Evan Weiss

I was looking through my collection of music, trying to decide what to write about... then I saw a gem that I havent listened to in years... here we go:

Stikky - Spamthology Volume 1
Sound Pollution Records

When I was in the 8th grade I was in a band called War Wagon with my good friend who we called DoRF. He was into lots of crust, thrash, and political punk. He turned me onto this record, and I played it a lot. Stikky featured Chris Dodge, who later went on to form bay area trash legends, Spazz. Stikky were part of the late 80's Berkeley scene (they played with Op Ivy, Neurosis, released records on Lookout, etc..) I never hear anyone talk about them (maybe for good reason, haha), and almost forgot about them until I was at the Lookout! Records office and saw a framed Stikky photo on the wall. YES! Fast, silly, punk music, with a great sense of humor. Lyrically, they often attacked the scene from which they came from. My favorite line comes from "Band In DC" (Bad Brains reference... get it?). "Ian McKaye to copy we try, our master, our lord, our Rasta Far I." Other great song titles include "Girls Suck," "Girls Still Suck," "Tim Yohannan's Christmas Present" "Cheese Is Fantastic," "Cheese Is Still Fantastic," "I Love Fonzie," and "Floppy Ass." 48 songs! Check it out. At times I can be pretty nostalgic, and this record brings me back to a really fun time in my life, when I was discovering a whole new world of music I never knew existed.

Thanks Evan.

In Other News:

a MUST Read: The Columbia Spectator talks with Adam Shore (of Vice Records) here.

AND

The Icarus Line released a new song, 'Fashion Fever,' on their website, Separate the Sounds. Give it a listen.

AND

I just discovered a relatively new blog, devoted to the music industry, called Coolfer.

AND

Fanzine Terminal Boredom talks to Mark Sultan (of BBQ and Spaceshits fame):

Keep your eyes open people. 'Get the Door, It's Matzah' is back!

Matzah Reviews + UPenn Loves Sonic Youth

2005-03-31T22:04:00.000-08:00

Hello to you all. I apologize for not posting in a few days, I've been working obsessively on a review I'm debuting tonight. In case you haven't caught on, I've decided to add another feature to my blog, called 'Matzah Reviews.' For the time being, I primarily plan to review new singles. Hopefully, I can increase my vocabulary and strengthen my writing skills, with the hopes of eventually reviewing albums. Without further ado, I'm proud to present the first of many reviews:

Matzah Reviews:

Death From Above 1979 - Better Off Dead (Single)
[Now Available for Purchase on ITunes]

Clocking in at 2:19, 'Better Off Dead' reaffirms DFA1979's talent for writing short, catchy songs. With rapid fire drums, contorted bass, and drummer Sebastian Grainger's wailing vocals, 'Better Off Dead' definitely falls in line with DFA1979's older material. However, 'Better Off Dead' lacks certain elements of the DFA1979 style, the most noticeable being the synth, which DFA1979 generally relies on for added depth. Bassist Jessie Keeler also contributes stronger backup vocals, in comparison to his efforts on 'You're a Woman, I'm a Machine.' With that being said, 'Better Off Dead' is a catchy song. However, stacked against their older material, 'Better Off Dead' doesn't come close. With the song's unusually memorable chorus and distorted, melodic bass, Producer Paul Epworth (who also produced Bloc Party and Futureheads) may have geared DFA1979's dance-grunge sound towards a wider audience. I've heard better from DFA1979, but I applaud their efforts nevertheless on 'Better Off Dead' and I can't wait to hear more material!

Matzah's Rating:
B

AND

'Go Play Somewhere Else,' says UPenn Students to Sonic Youth.

AND

MTV's 'You Hear It First' profiles Death From Above 1979. If MTV thinks it's cool, shouldn't you catch on by now?

ALSO:

Big thanks to Scott at Strange Reaction for linking me to his site. His dedication to punk music has put forth a great read: an in-depth blog, covering many genres within punk music. Having covered the Misfits, the Wipers, Nervous Gender, and Black Flag (among many other bands), Scott also releases great songs (often b-sides or sessions) with each post. What are you waiting for? Go check his shit out.

Ambitious Outsiders Did WHAT?!?

2005-03-28T22:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Chris at Ambitious Outsiders for linking Get the Door, It's Matzah!

Happy Easter, Mother Fuckers + Buddyhead.com Additions + Kanye West collaberates with...

2005-03-27T22:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Easter to you all. In celebration, I will be smoking a bowl shortly.

ALSO:

It appears that independant punk label, Buddyhead, is revamping it's site. Travis Keller and company have added two new interviews:

http://buddyhead.com/music/markarm/
Mark Arm (of Mudhoney)

http://buddyhead.com/music/devendra/
Devendra Banhart

AND

Medication: A Buddyhead MP3 Blog
http://buddyhead.typepad.com/

AND

Studio Drummer Matt Chamberlain announced today on his website, MattChamberlain.com, that not only is he working with Kanye West on Kanye's sophmore release to College Dropout, but also that the producer is none other than the brilliant Jon Brion! According to Chamberlain:

"Right now I am in L.A. tracking drums with Kanye West--Jon Brion is producing the record and I think it is some of the most innovative Hip-Hop music that I have heard in a long time"

I, for one, am very excited about the collaberation between West and Brion; both are innovative producers and out of the box thinkers in their respective genres and, hopefully, the combination of the two minds will create something memorable.

Check it out for yourself:
http://mattchamberlain.com/_wsn/page2.html

Jessie (from DFA1979) punched me in the stomach + SXSW Muses from OC Weekly (a MUST read!)

2005-03-26T22:02:00.000-08:00

Well, actually, Jessie didn't punch me in the stomach. But, apparently, he did punch a female fan in the stomach, who, in turn, threw a tantrum and walked onstage only to complain to him (as shown below):

Among the jeers and cheers from the crowd (which included James Tweedy, Jorma Vik, and Matt Caughthran [of The Bronx], Skot [of 400 Blows], Dan Monick [Photographer], and 'LA Royal Rock Sleaze' Cali Dewitt) were the urges of drummer Sebastian, who encouraged the injured fan to punch Jessie in his stomach. Instead, she chose to pull him aside (onstage, mind you) and complain to him, prompting the crowd and Sebastian to boo her offstage.

As for their set, they were fantastic. Unfortunately, I became tired mid-set from the two Red Bulls I drank earlier, but nevertheless, I had a great time. The melodic, heavily-distorted bass lines and thundering drums almost beckon you to mosh, which most of the audience participated in, willingly or not.

If you don't own a copy of Death From Above 1979's highly acclaimed album, You're a Woman, I'm a Machine, go out and buy it...NOW!

Death From Above 1979 - You're a Woman, I'm a Machine

To purchase this album from Amazon.com, click here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0003JAHBA/qid=1111837635/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/102-0961440-9956169

Earlier, the Icarus Line performed new material they've been working on, in hopes of scoring a new record deal (or so I hear.) This was their first show (I think) without former guitarist Aaron North, who recently joined Trent Reznor's Nine Inch Nails. Their set was interesting, to say the least. I had heard, prior to the show, that their new material was taking a step further in the direction of Penane Soiree: a more grungy, dark sound. This appears to be true. With Don Devore now on guitar (having switched from the bass after Aaron's departure) and new bassist Caleb Scofield (of Cave-In), the Icarus Line played 9 songs, all of which, were brand new (with the exceptions of 'Spit On It' and 'Caviar,' both from Penance Soiree.) For me, it was too hard to fully soak in the new material. Matzah's verdict? It's too early to give an opinion. However, they did play a song called 'Fashion Fever' (possibly the single?) with screaching guitars and a gloomy bass line, which I really enjoyed.

Lead Singer Joe Cardamone

Guitarist Don Devore

Here is the Icarus Line setlist from tonight's show at the Echo:

1. Golden Rush
2. Caviar
3. Watch Your Step
4. Frankfurt Smile
5. Victory Garden
6. Fashion Fever
7. Cut The Herd
8. Slayer
9. Spit On It

Thanks for coming Kate:

Love the Eyes!

ALSO:

Complements of the OC Weekly:

On the Mean Reds:
"Mean Reds: 'Suck by suck WORST!' they were yelling, wearing painters’ smocks over jeans. They’re ripping off Bad Brains, etc., a lot these days, which is a welcome graduation from ripping off Le Shok. Kids shooting for the stars—always a beautiful thing. LA royal rock sleaze holding court: Aoki, Frankie Chan, Cobrasnake, maybe Cali DeWitt, camouflaged by facial hair."

On the Rolling Blackouts:
"Rolling Blackouts played the same songs they’ve played for two years, plus two new ones. They need to get famous soon or at least land a residency on a cruise ship [...] It’s always nice to see the Blackouts—they’re the friendly sort of guys who’ll yank you off the street into a van and then put drugs in you."

Thanks OC Weekly!
http://www.ocweekly.com/ink/05/29/cover.php

"I went to Ojai and all I caught was an autistic child"

2005-03-23T21:58:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am back from Ojai with renewed enthusiasm and I'm ready to post. So here it goes...

Matzah's Shows to Watch Out For - MARCH EDITION (Thanks to thorough LA fanzine AmbitiousOutsiders.com):

Thursday, March 24 - These Arms Are Snakes @ the Echo
Thursday, March 24 - The Decemberists @ the Henry Fonda
Friday, March 25 - Death from Above 1979 @ the Echo (Just bought tickets now for this one)
Friday, March 25 - the Mae Shi @ the Smell
Friday, March 25 - Bob Dylan @ Pantages Theatre
Saturday, March 26 - Bob Dylan @ Pantages Theatre
Saturday, March 26 - Ash/The Bravery @ the Troubadour (SUPPORT RECORD COLLECTION ARTISTS)
Sunday, March 27 - Ash/The Bravery @ the Troubadour (SUPPORT RECORD COLLECTION ARTISTS)
Monday, March 28 - Handsome Boy Modeling School @ House of Blues Sunset Strip

In other news, historic New York club CBGB is under fire, because of a newly implemented rent increase. Help save the club and preserve the history behind it! Plus, you can get fat eating chocolate at the same time, according to Kingblind.com:

"Among the efforts to save landmark New York punk venue CBGB is a collection of limited-edition treats from Gotham candy store Chocolate Bar. The confectioner is introducing the $25 CBGBs Punk Rock Box, a 16-piece truffle collection that includes a postage-paid petition to save CBGB, a steel logo keychain and a collection of CBGB stickers. For the budget-minded yet concerned punk, there are $3 CBGB Retro Bars wrapped in a limited-edition CBGB keepsake package that includes the postage-paid petition. Both items will be available in May, but can be pre-ordered through the store's Web site or by calling 800-481-2462. All proceeds will benefit the club's campaign to keep its doors open."

Want Some?
http://www.chocolatebarnyc.com/

With that being said, here are some photographs of artists who have performed at the historic venue over the years:

Richard Hell, CBGB, 1978. Singing "All the Way"

The Ramones, CBGB, 1977. The kids are all hopped up and ready to go. View from sidestage.

The Jam in the dressing room before they played at CBGB October 15, 1977. It was their first tour to the states.

ALSO:

Thurston Moore (of Sonic Youth fame) discusses the mix tape with Wired:
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.04/play.html?pg=3

For the IPod obsessed:
http://www.axetopia.com/news/05_03/DVForge_JamPod.html

AND

http://www.ipodincar.net/

Beck discusses his new album, Guero, with Billboard:
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/music/articles/0322beck.html

What are Tom Waits' 20 'most cherished' albums? Find out here:
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/omm/story/0,13887,1439272,00.html

GUEST POST: Cali Dewitt

2005-03-15T20:10:00.000-08:00

I'm too fucking tired to post. Fortunately, I have a guest post from Cali, penis free. Enjoy!

Cali Dewitt

Top 5 7"s to hunt down and find -

Hue Blancs Joyless Ones - Trick knee records
Carbonas -Frothing At The Mouth - Douchemaster records
Tyrades - On Your Video - Smartguy records
Fucked Up - Baiting The Public - Deranged Records
Feelers - Fuhrers Mini Skirt - Contaminated records

Just go to Contaminatedrecords.com and mailorder away.

Matzah's SXSW Artist of the Day (Part 3 - Wires On Fire)

2005-03-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

I'm especially excited to profile my next SXSW Artist of the Day. Their music was introduced to me by my friend Sam Sunchild and they've been in my cd player every since. Get the Door, It's Matzah! proudly presents:

Matzah's SXSW Artist of the Day:

Wires On Fire

Hailing from the City of Angels, Wires On Fire bring back true punk music to the Los Angeles music scene. Drawing from a range of influences, spanning from Black Sabbath to The Birthday Party to Drive Like Jehu, Evan, Michael, Jeff, and Darren (the recent addition to the band with the departure of drummer Dash Hutton) play an exhilerating blend of alternative punk, whose energy reverberates in the ears of their audience. Their music radiates a unique intensity, with pounding drums, gritty, melodic guitar, and thumping bass, complemented by raw screaming. Wires On Fire' contribution to punk music hasn't gone unnoticed, having toured with The Fall, The Mean Reds, The Icarus Line, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Death From Above 1979, and Dillinger Escape Plan, among others.

Listen to songs by Wires On Fire on their first Buddyhead release 'Homewrecker':
www.purevolume.com/wiresonfire/music

Wires On Fire SXSW Tour Dates:

March 16th
BUDDYHEAD/REVELATION SXSW SHOWCASE @ MAMBO KINGS
611 E. 7th Street
Austin, TX 78701
w/ The Starvations, Radio Vago, Temper Temper, and Your Highness (ex-Christiansen)
8:00 PM
Wires on Fire set time 10:00 PM

March 18th
Buddyhead / Satellite City Party @ Soho Lounge
217 E. 6th st.
Austin TX 78701
Noon – 5pm
w/Darker My Love, Raking Bombs, Subtitle, The WPP, Radio Vago, and Die Princess Die. Free Booze.
Wires on Fire set time: 4:00 PM

March 19th
MONITOR/BUDDYHEAD/COLDSWEAT PARTY @ Terrible One Skatepark
1809 E 6TH ST.,
Austin, TX 73301
w/Dead Meadow, Oxes, Early Man, Coachwips, Wives, Big Bear, and Black Fire Revalation.
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm

www.wiresonfire.com

If you're interested, check out WOF drummer Darren Weiss' other band, Belladonna:
www.myspace.com/belladonnarock

PGMG/Dios Malos have infiltrated my eardrums + Matzah's SXSW Artist of the Day (Part 2 - Daniel Johnston)

2005-03-12T02:10:00.000-08:00

To begin this entry, I saw Pretty Girls Make Graves tonight with Kill Me Tomorrow and Dios Malos tonight. The culmination of the three blew my brains out and I fucking loved every minute of it. Props to Cali Dewitt for the guest list tickets (and pictures) and his hot tamale Meghan "Leggo my Mego" Edwards. Happy 21st Birthday! Here are some pictures from the show:

The band at full steam.

PGMG Bassist Derek Fudesco backstage, worn out from the show.

Myself and the band playing behind me.

With that being said, I'm glad to post my second artist in...

Matzah's SXSW Artist of the Day:

Daniel Johnston

An important influence to an array of artists, spanning from Kurt Cobain (notoriously known for wearing Johnston t-shirts during interviews) to Beck to T.V. On The Radio to Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Daniel Johnston has been making music consistently for the past 20 years. His success lies in a series of homemade, lo-fi tape cassettes he circulated to friends and fans in the early 80's (while Johnston handed his tapes out for free to anyone who would listen, local Austin record stores still sold Johnston's tapes, which became local best sellers. The beauty of Johnston's unrefined music lies in it's simplicity, as he keeps his songs direct and honest. Through his music, Johnston conveys an unmistakable sadness with his voice, fueled by an ongoing bout with manic depression, often accompanied by a piano and/or guitar. Ever since the early 1980s, Johnston's creativity has earned him a somewhat international cult status among the music community and his fans. With 13 albums available, go check out Johnston's online store and purchase an album here:

http://www.hihowareyou.com/music.htm

I'm going to start off by adding to my Johnston mp3 collection with the purchase of his most intriguing release, The Late Great Daniel Johnston: Discovered Covered, featuring ten of Johnston's songs and ten artists (including Beck, Clem Snide, Eels, and TV on the Radio) covering the same songs. If you have other Johnston album suggestions, feel free to post them.

Click here to listen to 'Rock This Town' by Daniel Johnston (as well as songs from other SXSW 2005 artists):
http://www.moletiemedia.net/php/
(scroll down to Daniel Johnston)

Johnston's SXSW Tour Dates:

2005-March 19
Austin, Texas - ACC 4:45 pm MOIVE possible appearance after movie

2005-March 17
Austin, Texas - ACC 4:30 pm MOVIE possible appearance after moive

2005-March 17
Austin, Texasw - Daniel LIVE at Cactus Club 9 pm

2005-March 16
Austin, Texas - with Ron English at Escapist bookstore, 2209 South First Street between Live Oak and Oltorf 6 pm

2005-March 16
Austin, Texas - Daniel LIVE at Austin Music Awards - 3 songs televised 9 pm

http://www.hihowareyou.com/

GUEST POST: Cali Dewitt

2005-03-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

In lieu of posting Matzah's SXSW Artist of the Day, I decided to add a post from a guest writer, Mr. Cali Dewitt (the Babyman himself!) Considered the A&R man for Record Collection, President and sole Employee of True Love Records, a renegade DJ, and one of the coolest dudes I've had the pleasure of meeting, Cali has an amazingly diverse and deep taste in music. Having collected nearly 5,000 records and smoked nearly double that in cigarettes in his 30 plus years, Cali Dewitt brings knowledge, wisdom, and humor to the table. Without any further introduction, here is the first guest post to my blog (completely uncensored and unedited):

Cali Dewitt

Honey Bane - You Can Be You 7"
I've been trying to get ahold of this Crass Records release for years. It is a young [14] girl , Honey Bane , backed by various members of Crass.
Her high pitched feminine whining against that weird crassy song structure winds up sounding better than I could have even hoped . The 10 bucks I paid was a pittance! The a-side is the biggest winner, but the anti pornography rant on the b-side , 'Porno Grows' is almost just as good. Find and buy.

a sweet shot of Anthonys' Sin Stick.

*If you weren't disgusted or horrified by Cali's post, visit his blog, Cali's Corner, at Recordcollectionmusic.com.

NOTE: I have opened up my blog for comments from anyone, regardless of whether you are registered with livejournal.com or not. Feel free to post!

Matzah's SXSW Artist of the Day (Part 1 - 400 Blows)

2005-03-06T13:58:00.000-08:00

First, I know you all must be wondering, 'Is Matzah Going To SXSW?' Unfortunately, no, my friends. Instead, I will be hugging trees and making friends with squirrels in Ojai. Sounds fun doesn't it?

The bands playing the South By Southwest festival (in Austin, Texas) have really caught my eye this year. With so many interesting acts playing this year (not to mention some of the Record Collection bands as well), I would love to go. However, as previously mentioned before, I will be sucking on bark in Ojai. So until SXSW Music begins (on March 16), I have decided to profile bands playing SXSW this year. This section will be called...

Matzah's SXSW Artist of the Day:

400 Blows

From Los Angeles, 400 Blows have made a name for themselves, playing shithole venues all over the city. A three piece band, (Ferdinand-Drums, Skot-Vocals, and Christian-Guitar), the guys play songs that make you want to go fucking crazy. The band attributes this, in part, to, "the drummer and the guitarist lock[ing] themselves into taut, relentless, rhythm heavy grooves. The vocalist then skillfully bobs, weaves and jabs his way around these syncopated, complex compositions of noise with his caustic brand of story telling." Even if you're not into metal (which I completely understand), 400 Blows play a unique live show. So go for the experience, if not anything else. Here are their SXSW dates:

3/17/2005
Austin, TX (SXSW)
Emo's/GSL+31G Showcase
8pm

3/17/2005
Austin, TX (SXSW)
Backroom/Skyscraper Magazine Party
11am

3/18/2005
Austin, TX (SXSW)
Emo's/GSL+Ace Fu Party
4pm

3/18/2005
Austin, TX (SXSW)
The Vibe/L.A. Rock Riots
1pm

3/19/2005
Austin, TX (SXSW)
Narnack Showcase
afternoon party

3/19/2005
Austin, TX (FXFW)
Lombardi Gallery/Fuck By Fuck You
starts 1pm, we play 8:30pm

They will also be playing on March 10 at the Knitting Factory with Some Girls and Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower. I'll see you all there.

Click here to listen to 'The Root of our Nature,' 'The Ugly are so Beautiful,' and 'Mortar and Pestle' (all from 'Black Rainbow'):
http://www.400blows.net/music.asp

http://www.400blows.net/

'Octopus Too' Playing in a Town Nearest You

2005-03-03T19:42:00.000-08:00

Those Mean Reds are at it again. This time, they're touring with none other than...Blood Brothers!

Live from the Mean Reds Merch Table (Thanks Cali!):

Apparently, aside from selling copies of their latest EP, 'Some Sort of Adventure Through History,' they're now selling penis collages and $1 kisses. Don't miss out. These offers are selling for a limited time only, so act fast.

WIERD: Ben Lee Did What?!

2005-03-02T01:33:00.000-08:00

That's right folks. Ben Lee performed on Conan O' Brien tonight.

But, this performance was different from the typical late night musical performance. Ben Lee performed the pop single "Catch My Disease" (from his new album 'Awake is the New Sleep') with a band (that's to be expected) and eight backup singers (slightly unusual). Amongst the backup singers, clapping and singing, were none other than DJ Kid Millionaire/Dim Mak Prez Steve Aoki (very unusual!) and Prince of Pop Har Mar Superstar (who, surprisingly, was fully clothed). And, towards the end, Lee improvised his song, plugging bands on his home label, Dim Mak Records and Har Mar's home label, Record Collection, by adding different bands into the lyrics:

"They play Pony Up! (Dim Mak) on the radio, and that's the way I like it. They play Har Mar Superstar (Record Collection) on the radio, and that's the way I like it."

Here is the Pony Up! Bio (courtesy of Dim Mak Records):
"The latest upholders of feminine prestige in the race for hit parade honors are a commanding fivesome calling themselves Pony up!. Formed New Year' eve 2002, they spent a year together honing their skills and shaping their sound, before unleashing it on the world, debuting at a pizza parlor in Burlington, Vermont. They spent the next year wowing crowds in one-horse towns and sprawling metropolises alike, loading their gear into various clubs, art galleries, and abandonned movie theatres. Armed with a veritable arsenal of pop hits, Pony up! entered the Hotel 2 Tango studios in the fall of 2003. They cut eleven strange and wonderful tracks, seven of which are slated for an ep release in october of 2004 on Dim Mak records. Comprised of sisters, roommates, coworkers and lifelong friends, Pony up! is a genuine labor of love for all involved. With Lisa J. Smith on bass, Lindsay Wills on durms, Laura Wills on keyboards, Sarah Moundroukas on guitar, and Camilla Wynne Ingr on everything else, they rotate lead vocals and deliver inspired harmonies to a rapt audience at every show. Indeed, Montreal's phenomenal pop combo always bring down the house."

If you're interested, you can purchase the new self titled EP from Pony Up! from the Dim Mak Store. NOTE: I must admit, I've not very familiar with Pony Up!, so I can't comment on their music. With that being said, here's the link:
http://www.dimmak.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=30&products_id=345

And, last but not least, here is the Har Mar Superstar Bio (courtesy of The Fucking Best):
"LOUD. LASCIVIOUS. UN-FUCKING-BELIEVABLE. Who ever said suburban Minnesota white boys can’t rock your fuck? Foremost, Har Mar Superstar is an entertainer. Sent from above bearing unrequited soul and multihued briefs, the portly Casanova’s rhythms have allowed Minnesota’s Sean Tillmann the opportunity to throb his way into our heads, hearts, and pants. Not a fan? You will be. Har Mar Superstar is not a singer or a songwriter—he is a god-damned revolution. Stealing the show from brilliant acts like the Strokes, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Incubus, Kelly Osborne, and Hot Hot Heat, Har Mar provides sweet relief from the music industry’s methodical ass-chaff. Har Mar Superstar fans—and they are everywhere—will attest to this, and with violent rapture. Aflame with rhythm and exuding an unnatural sex all his own, Har Mar Superstar takes the stage with a steadfast minidisc backup band, gushing out beats like he just can’t hold it any longer. And the dancing—oh, shit, the dancing…He is the fucking best."

Even if you're not much of a pop fan, Har Mar's most recent release 'The Handler' is an ass shaker, guarenteed to give you a good time. With catchy songs such as DUI and Cut Me Up (featuring Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs), you can't go wrong owning a copy of this album. Go buy it here:
http://www.merchdirect.net/x2/c/product.php?productid=3742&cat=&page=1

Matzah's Month of March (Day 1)

2005-03-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

Nicky P. has an EP for sale that you can buy, titled "Something to Sell". Order one from Record Collection or pick one up when you go see him play on the Taste of Chaos Tour (Acoustic Tent). You Hotel Cafe enthusiasts (Goob and Aranna especially) will enjoy the work of Nicky P.

Here's the Bio for Nicky P, brought to you from the fine folks at Record Collection:
"Nicky P is 23 years old. Most 23 years olds are fresh out of college and facing the challenges of the "real world" for the first time. Nicky P is not like most 23 year olds. The only reason that up until now you've heard of musicians like John Mayer and Dashboard Confessional and have not heard about Nicky P, is because Nicky has been in rehab and jail. Underneath his model-handsome good looks and perfect pop song structure is a darkness rarely seen in young singer songwriters. And it makes for better songs.... These songs are about life - REAL LIFE - not puppy love. Record Collection is proud to introduce you to Nicky P. The face of the teenage heartthrob is about to change."

I just ordered the Mars Volta "12 from GSL (featuring the non album track Frances the Mute and a live, acoustic version of The Widow). It won't be shipped until March 22, unfortunately, but I can wait.

I also bought "Frances the Mute" by the Mars Volta (Strom Thorgerson did a great job with the artwork), "Group Sex" by Circle Jerks, and "Leave No Ashes" by Burning Brides at Tower Records in Santa Monica today. Next on the list, the first Specials album and old Bronx EPs.

Mars Volta - Frances The Mute

Circle Jerks - Group Sex

Burning Brides - Leave No Ashes

I'm seeing the Rolling Blackouts (Record Collection), Radio Vago (Buddyhead), Darker My Love, and Famous Men at the Smell on Thursday night. Come buy me a drink and see some good bands play.

If you're interested in hearing some tracks from the new, unreleased Fiona Apple album, entitled Extraordinary Machine, click here:
http://www.angelfire.com/wa2/nadjadee/index201.html

Support good music. Listen to "Waddlin' Around" by the King Khan and BBQ Show here:
http://www.marksultan.com/kingkhanandbbqshow.html
Click on "Waddlin' Around"
(That's dedicated to you, Goob)