So we've all heard punk bands perform songs about Christmas, but how many have written songs about Hanukkah? Atom [and his package, of course] figured, "Why not write the first?"
Atom and His Package - What WE Do On Christmas
This song, as Atom explains in the beginning of it, is about how the Jews have a yearly meeting on Christmas Day to plan their world takeover. It's quite funny. For more info on Atom and His Package, go to www.AtomAndHisPackage.com.
This is just funny:
Shai Hulud - Linoleum [NOFX cover]
Hearing the metallic hardcore screams of Shai Hulud tackling this NOFX classic is a journey in itself. This track is off the band's split CD with Another Victim [thanks for the info]. You can find Shai Hulud's official website, complete with a detailed history, more MP3s, and even some videos, right here.
The Hated are the best band you've never heard of. This song will fucking kick your ass and have you begging for more:
The Hated - Words Come Back
I know very little about this band. They were around in the 80s, they were from somewhere in the Midwest [I think], everything they put out is long out of print, and the only reason that mp3s of their stuff even exist is because my brother pulled them off some bootleg vinyl of the band that he bought. Check out Audiogalaxy for more, or IM me and you can download them directly from me. If anyone knows anything more or where to find anything more about The Hated, please post here so we can all enjoy.
Can I post "MP3 of the Week" messages or is that just a Scott-thing? Oh well.. I just recently grabbed this from the Propagandhi site and it's pretty rad. Chris from Propagandhi found some audio-tapes of their Eastern Canadian "Summit of the Americas Tour" from just prior to the Quebec City protests (he's not sure if it's from Toronto, Montreal or Quebec City). So he mixed the tapes himself and posted them on Prop's site. Its a cool, frantic live recording of three songs "The State Lottery," " A People's History of the World" and "Fuck The Border." It's also our MP3 of the week (if I have anything to say about it).Download it here: CalmDownThereBuddy.mp3
How many times have you ever heard a country band cover one of your favorite punk bands? To reduce the numbers even more, how many times have you heard a country band cover one of your favorite punk bands and do a fucking awesome job with it? I've only heard it done once, and it was by a band called Lucero. The band they cover? Jawbreaker. The song? "Kiss The Bottle." I think it might be better than the original. Give it a listen here:
Lucero - Kiss The Bottle [Jawbreaker cover]
Tell me that isn't amazing. If you'd like more info on Lucero, head on over to Lucerofamily.net.
I love writing record reviews. If it wasn't for labels sending me way too many things that I've never heard of asking for reviews, I never would've stumbled across Motion City Soundtrack. MCS is a 4-piece rock outfit from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minneapolis seems to be a breeding ground for great music, whether it be hard-as-nails punk [Dillinger 4] or over the top, so-cheesy-it's-good pop [The Stereo]. MCS walk the fine line in between both of these. On 2000's "Back To The Beat" EP [a review of which can be found on this site right here], this band showed the world [or whomever was listening, at least] that there is a lot of fun to be had up in the northern Midwest, and they were at the forefront of this. Combining all the best parts of the Get Up Kids, The Stereo, and maybe a pinch of Harvey Danger [don't knock 'em, they fucking destroy] and filtering out any overt cheeziness that comes with the nasty "emo-pop" tag, these boys rock and rock hard. This MP3 proves it:
Motion City Soundtrack - Capital H
Listen to that song and tell me that this band is *not* having a fucking blast. Exactly. You'll be singing this song in your sleep, kids. In any matter, the band has finally tacked down a permanent drummer and plans on touring their asses off come 2002. Until then, they'll be doing a few shows here and there, so keep an eye out, or just go to their webpage. Make sure to tell 'em Scott and Punknews.org sent you.
UPDATE: I just saw on MCS's webpage that they have 2 new demo tracks available for download. I got both of them, and they smoke. Go check them out: www.team-mcs.com
Ok, so I know I said this would only be one MP3 a week, but I feel the need to let all of you people know about two of the best upcoming bands New York has to offer.
Brand New - Jude Law And A Semester Abroad
This is a track off of Brand New's debut album "Your Favorite Weapon," which was just dropped on the unsuspecting public via Triple Crown Records. In the short time they've been together, they've toured with the Movielife, Further Seems Forever, and the Stryder, among others. Their demo CD has sold over 4000 copies without any label backing. Their sound is best described as a mix of Hot Rod Circuit, Midtown, and the Alkaline Trio with a pinch of Weezer. Who better to accompany them on their fall tour than The Reunion Show? The Reunion Show, in a little less than a year, has managed to tour the nation a few times, most recently with Reel Big Fish, and put out a rockin' EP called "The Motion". Not bad for a bunch of New York ska veterans [members of TRS have played in Step Lively and Edna's Goldfish]. Their blend of infectious hooks coupled with solid songwriting earns them comparisons with everyone from Elvis Costello to Weezer to the Stereo and back again. With their EP being re-released on Law Of Inertia Records, this band can and will only go on to bigger and better things. Check out this MP3 and dig 'em for yourself:
The Reunion Show - Art Of Nothing
I know I posted their tour dates a little while ago, but I'm so excited to be working with these bands tonight that I thought a little more promotion couldn't hurt. Honestly, check both of these mp3s out. If you don't like 'em, I'll give your your diskspace back.
Well, it's a Sunday night, and I don't want to do any homework, so it's time to debut a new weekly Punknews.org feature [Aubin allowing]: the MP3 of the week. It might be something rare, unreleased, or live, or it just might be a song by a band that I think you just have to hear. Sure, it's opinionated, but deal with it. Each MP3 will be up for one week [Sunday to Saturday], so download quickly. So without further ado, this week's MP3 is:
Bad Religion - Stranger Than Fiction [live]
I don't know what show this is from, or how old it is, but it's a great live recording, plus Greg changes up the words at points [even taking a crack at Mr. Brett]. So enjoy, and let me know what you think of this new feature.