In my mind, Bob Dylan's career really took off in 1965, when he strapped on an electric guitar and released Bringing It All Back Home. This is not just because I'm more of a rocker than a folkie, it's because his entire songwriting style changed at this point and allowed his true genius to come through. Everything before that was just prelude. Listening to this CD from a 1963 concert only confirms that feeling. First, the basics. This is a...
There's nothing quite like a near-death experience to put things into perspective. Two years ago, producer and punk rock drumming institution Bill Stevenson was diagnosed with a cerebral meningioma which brought his wheels to a grinding halt. It was an understandably scary time – albums bearing Stevenson's name as producer or performer ceased as he underwent surgery to removed the tumor and then took some time to convalesce – but things have...
At forty-seven years old – after a few twists, turns and significant health concerns – Descendents drummer Bill Stevenson is happy to report that he's in the shape of his life – a fact that will come as no small relief to those who are aware of the events that took place over the last two years. “The one really big event that I've had happen in the last couple of years is that I got very, very ill –...
If the secret to success as a hard rock band is a matter of sticking to the time-honored adage of "go big or go home," this year promises to be one of the biggest in Toronto-bred band C'mon's eight-year history. Between releasing a ten-inch EP, a flexi-disc and the band's third LP, Beyond The Pale Horse, 2011 marks C'mon's most prolific year to date but, even better, the sound of those records is just awesome in its size. Beyond the...
Occasionally, there are bands or records that cross my path which I admire or enjoy simply because they are overwhelming. These records are usually outside of my comfort zone, are generally aggressive and sometimes odd – but always leave me exhausted and unable to articulate my attraction to them. Because I can't exactly qualify why I like it, Fucked Up's new release, David Comes To Life, will have to be added to my list of attractively overwhelming albums. A truly...
Hey junky,Awright, so, ol' fi'dollar Billy says ta me, "Hey Donnie, I gotta be outta town bein' a big shot for a couple o' days, so I'm not gonna be able ta put yer SWAG Report up on time. Figure I could getcha ta do it a little early?" Triflin' so-sn-so 'at he is, handin' you junkies ill gotten gains ain't easy ya know – didju see? He even stole my column halfway through the week an' figured I wouldn't...
What a volatile time it is in Against Me!’s career to see them live. They’ve just been released from their major label, formed their own label for God knows what reason, and acquired their third drummer in two years. Some would call it 'busy,' others would call it 'chaotic,' but everyone can agree that it's certainly exciting. That said, given that I’ve only been in Boston for a week now, what better way to start my tenure as a Bostonite...
When Frank Turner released Poetry Of The Deed in 2009, he set the bar pretty high for expectations of him when he'd return with his next album. The singer had yelled and crooned his brand of parking lot sage wisdom and dropped bars of gold into songs like “Try This At Home,” “Live Fast, Die Old,” “Poetry Of The Deed” and “Fastest Way Back Home” almost carelessly and watched happily as listeners scrambled to pick up every last one, take...
The excitement has really started heating up in Manchester, TN today as this year's Bonnaroo Festival kicks off with another great lineup. Over the last ten years, the festival has gone from a private pleasure annual music destination to a very taste-making affair as, this year, a host of hot names including Arcade Fire, The Black Keys, My Morning Jacket, Robert Plant & Band Of Joy, Pretty Lights, Girl Talk, Beirut, Gogol Bordello and more lace up their shoes to...
Easthampton, MA – The first single from Wilco’s forthcoming album, and the first release on their own dBpm Records, will be a limited-edition clear vinyl 7” of the new Wilco tune “I Might” b/w a cover of Nick Lowe’s “I Love My Label.” The limited-edition single will be available at the band’s Solid Sound Festival, which takes place in North Adams, MA June 24 – 26, 2011. Two additional versions of the single will be available on July 19. A...