Blog — Page 279 of 283

The infrequently-updated site blog, featuring a range of content including show reviews, musical musings and off-color ramblings on other varied topics.

500+ Reviews

Posted by Michael • May 31, 2009

I hit the 500 review mark last week with my Narrows review. That's a lot of reviews. Sometimes I get burnt out with all the stuff coming through, especially when it seems that as soon as one sound gets hot, then that's all we seem to get sent in the mail.  And yet I keep going, churning out review after review.  Here's to 500 more to come, which should take another four or five years I'm guessing. That's if the Internet or even humanity is still around by then...

Michael • May 31, 2009

Braffed!

Posted by Michael • May 6, 2009

So I just got done watching the season finale of Scrubs. It was Zach Braff's final episode. His character is saying goodbye, but I think they gave it a nice "here's what is probably going to happen." Though I think we all kind of figured it out by now.  Not sure how the show is going to hold up without him though...

Michael • May 6, 2009

Remember Those Browns?

Posted by Michael • November 13, 2008

Two months ago I had high hopes for the Cleveland Browns. Now I am left with a fairly mediocre season.  We shall see how the remainder plays out. I'm looking for a 7-9 finish.

Michael • November 13, 2008

Intro

Posted by Graham Isador • September 22, 2008

Might as well has this here too, it's been three years since I wrote it. I think it still holds true.

Space for rent. Your ad here.


My name is Graham Isador, the prodigal son of tradition and crackers.
I am eighteen years old and would rather not be.

Blink.

My entire life, culture, opinions, soul were bought on books, records, websites.
For six easy payments of mistrust and dignity this could be yours!
But right now it’s mine, and I don’t mind that.
Hornby and Gavin call it the best years.
I call it my teens.

When I was five I wanted to be a power ranger.
Nine a police man.
Twelve an anarchist.
Sixteen a martyr.

Now I just want to be. There isn’t nearly enough time for that anymore though; as I waste my days in a school, a coffee shop, a basement, a bar; playing a big city life in a small town. I rotate the things that are still here to make it seem as if none of the pieces are missing. A lot of time spent, shooting, and filling blanks. She hasn’t minded, so I pretend not to. I’ve always had a strong appreciation for vertigo. It keeps me grounded.

Giving up and growing up haven’t really been that different.

Cough.

The most important thing to remember when ordering a green tea is that it’s tall, medium build, brown hair, with a battling sense of arrogance and insecurity, five sugars and no milk. Milk just fucks it up. That’s not shock value. It’s just how I see it.

There is a time and place for subtlety and articulation.
Describing myself is not the time or place.

If you’re so enamored I still have some room in the back.
The front rows are reserved for a dog named Jodie and a girl named Cassie.
She’s in California. I don’t recall what colour her eyes are but mine are grey.
If you turned her sideways she’d disappear. I like that.

Capitalism, though the ism people like most, is organized exploitation.
But you and I have always run on cheap oil and profit.
So it goes. We’ll learn soon enough.
The right don’t get it and the left have it wrong. I hope, I think, I know.
But there’s still a hole where a phone was thrown.
A pint of Guinness to make me strong.
A light that never goes out.
And another pattern forming.
These tunes in play in my head and when no one's looking I sing along.

Twitch.

Sometimes I try and get the insides out.
Other times I’d rather not.

I wonder if they talk about me, and if they do what they say.
“A writer with no direction, a poet with no muse, a liar, a cheat, and a loser”
Not that I’d care. I just really want to be noticed.

Really. For real. Forever. Ever Ever? Really.

Every line I’ve ever written has never really said what I’ve wanted to say.
Every mic I’ve sang into has never been loud enough.
My voice cracks when too many people listen.

I am over prescribed and under the weather.
My parents tell me it’s a phase. They’re okay.
It may be a phase. I don’t see them enough to know.

Trust me.

I’ll say sorry if it’ll make you feel better.
I’ll apologize if I can have my way.
That’s childish. You’re childish.
Time out. Wait your turn.

I wait a lot under a thousand calories a day!
Terrified of ending up past thirty two.
Round. Right round. Sideways. Like a tape deck.

Just flip a coin to get some head or tell tall tales.
I’ve made a habit of learning how to kill time.
I commit its murder daily.
And despite it’s death it doesn’t ever stop.

Ever Ever? Really.

Graham Isador • September 22, 2008

Go Browns!

Posted by Michael • September 14, 2008

I forgot to post this prior to week one, but given the outcome of that game, maybe it was for the best. Anyway, the Browns season is underway and that leaves me hopeful and optimistic.  But don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting a spectacular season with 10 wins. This division is tough and we've got our work cut out for us. The offense is strong, but defense still needs work - at least the secondary.  Regardless of the outcome, it'll be fun to watch and I'll be cheering all season long: WAR JOSH CRIBBS!!!!

Michael • September 14, 2008

Latest news stories

Amyl and The Sniffers live film/record

Posted in Records on August 8, 2026

Australia rock 'n' roll band Amyl and The Sniffers has a live album out next month, Truth or Consequence, set to come out on Sept. 4. It partners with a concert film releasing in US theaters on August 27. SPB covered the band's live show in Toronto earlier this summer. … Read more

trashXstrike, out now

Posted in Records on August 8, 2026

trashXstrike released their debut EP on Wednesday August 5. The straight edge band from Philadelphia, PA, play hardcore with a blend of punk influences seamlessly intertwined throughout. Listen below. Read more Read more

Let Me Downs in 2027

Posted in Records on August 8, 2026

Let Me Downs are planning a new album in early 2027, sharing "Ellen C" this week as an early teaser. The record will be the third from the Tacoma, WA trio, coming on Felony Records. “‘Ellen C.’ is about both finding and losing that special someone in your life. People … Read more

Tim Kasher film, soundtrack, and fictional metal

Posted in Music News on August 8, 2026

The first single is out from Toxic Cock Syndrome, a fictional band in Who's Watching, an upcoming feature film directed by Tim Kasher (Cursive, The Good Life). The film releases on August 10 in select screenings, and officially on Sept. 18, via Dark Sky Films The soundtrack comes on Oct. … Read more

AJJ brings a "Phlamethrower"

Posted in Records on August 8, 2026

AJJ has a new album next month, Dirty Old Power, coming on Sept. 25 courtesy of AJJ Unlimited Ltd / Specialist Subject. The Arizona band will follow its release with extensive touring into 2027. Read more 2026 Tour Dates with Greet Death October 1 - Lawrence, KS - The Bottleneck^ … Read more

ArcTanGent moves to Gloucestershire

Posted in Shows on August 8, 2026

The ArcTanGent Festival has a new home in 2027, when the festival moves to Todenham Manor Farm, Gloucestershire after several years Bristol. The moved was forced by the landowners in Bristol. Next year's event takes place August 19-21, 2027. The 2026 festival, which is sold out, features Chelsea Wolfe,Sikth, The … Read more

Bloodshed Beyond Comprehension is coming

Posted in Records on August 8, 2026

Signed to DAZE earlier this year, Bloodshed will release their label debut EP, Beyond Comprehension, on Sept. 4. The LA, CA hardcore band shared "Limits of Tolerance” from the EP, featuring guest vocals from Alex Barragan (Leave No Doubt). Read more Punishments Beyond Comprehension Tracklist: 1. Abhorrence (ft. Dan Longo … Read more

The Slovenians (Belgium)

Posted in Records on August 8, 2026

Belgian punk band The Slovenians shared "Swarte Kat" this week, a new single from the upcoming album Birds of Disgrace, which releases on Sept. 4 on Mottow Soundz. The new record has 12 songs in total. Read more Read more

The Van Pelt Remain Obscure in 2026

Posted in Records on August 8, 2026

Formed over 30 years ago, The Van Pelt return with the new Remain Obscure, out Sept. 18 on Ernest Jenning Record Co. After disbanding and a couple of one-off reuntions, the band returned with Artisans & Merchants in 2023 and, now, here they are again with Remain Obscure. Read more … Read more

Convulsif sounds

Posted in Records on August 8, 2026

Vaguely described as "experiemental rock," Swiss band Convulsif has announced their fourth album, which is titled Anatomy of Rage, out on Oct. 1 via Deszpot Records, Araki Records, Day Off Records, Ramble Records, and Cheap Satanism Records, depending which country you buy your records in. To save a bunch of … Read more

A new Foreign Body

Posted in Records on August 7, 2026

Brooklyn, NY noise-rock band Foreign Body shared "Libertines" this week, coming from the band's upcoming album, Libertine, out Sept. 11 via Brutal Panda Records. The band hits the road following its release. Read more FOREIGN BODY Tour Dates: 9/18/2026 McDuffs – Philadelphia, PA 9/19/2026 Preserving Shows – Pittsburgh, PA 9/20/2026 … Read more

Teddy DuChamp's Army plans

Posted in Records on August 7, 2026

Formed in 1998 and reforged in 2024, Teddy DuChamp's Army has a new single called "Throwing Rocks" (below), which will apear on a new album called ...The Spirit Never Dies. The lineup on the record features vocalist Andy Wright and drummer Jeff Kopanic, joined by J. Robbins on bass duties … Read more

New from The Albert Square

Posted in Records on August 4, 2026

The Albert Square will release their second full-length album this summer on Sept. 18, courtesy of Asian Man Records. The new album has 14 songs and is titled I (Wish I Could) Talk To People. We've shared the first single below, "Bless This Mess," which also features guest vocals from … Read more

Hear the latest Graduation Speech

Posted in Records on August 3, 2026

Graduation Speech, a solo project from Kevin Day, has shared a new two-song digital EP called "I Answered b/w North America: 1991." The project last released Arcane Feelings in 2024. "This EP is a message in a bottle to myself. The songs were written and recorded in the apartment that … Read more

Fight To Unite in LA w/ Lambrini Girls, D4 & more

Posted in Shows on August 1, 2026

Punk Rock Bowling is sponsoring a second event this year, a rally called Fight to Unite, taking place Oct. 9-10 at The Belasco in Los Angeles, CA. A portion of proceeds will benefit Siempre Unidos, a nonprofit supporting immigrant families affected by ICE raids and deportations in Los Angeles. The … Read more

Neurosis updates

Posted in Tours on August 1, 2026

Lsat week Neurosis came out of hiberation to play Fire In The Mountains festival, announcing a small selection of additional live performances this year. Earlier this yera, the band released An Undying Love For A Burning World (Neurot Recordings), their first album in a decade. The band hints that more … Read more

"Revenge" now with DeeCRACKS

Posted in Records on August 1, 2026

DeeCRACKS returns, announcing True Nothing, a new album out on Oct. 23 via Pirates Press Records in the US (cd via in their home Austria via Lotterlabel). The band will follow its release with a European tour. They last released Serious Issues in 2021. Read more RELEASE SHOW and first … Read more

William H. Michael, aka BillMike, and Big Neck

Posted in Records on August 1, 2026

Multi-instrumentalist William H. Michael announced the pending release of Jazz Destroyer on Big Nect Records later this year, due to us on August 7. It features 9 songs, classed as an EP. Read more Read more

Scarves come out in September

Posted in Records on July 31, 2026

Scarves will release Strays Forever on Sept. 18, a new record from the Niko Stathakopoulos led indie project that initially began back in 2013 in Seattle, WA. Strays Forever will release via Tender Loving Empire. Read more tracklist: Self Soothing Marionettes Hey! Strays Forever Sour Things Berlin Chainsaw We Should … Read more

Tabs on the new Mad Tab

Posted in Records on July 31, 2026

After sharing a single earlier this year when the band first inked to InnaNuttshell Reekordingz (owned by Fishbone co-founder Norwood Fisher), Mad Tab has set a release date of Sept. 18 for Alas! The Bomb Voyage. Read more Read more