The Seaside EP

Owen (Mike Kinsella), released an EP this month. It is his first release since the acclaimed "At Home With..." which was released in November of 2006.

The 7 song release begins with "Heads Will Ache." My first reaction was "hey I know this song," setting the stage for the rest of the album. The song, although one of my favorites, is a worse version of "Everyone Feels Like You," off of Owen's sophmore album, "No Good for No one Now." He replaces the dramatic ending of the original, replacing it with soft, droaning, noodly guitar parts.

He covers "More than Words" by Extreem. I never liked the song much and I don't think he does it much justice.

He also covers Bruce Springsteens, "Stolen Car," replacing the lyrics with "Stolen Bike." This is probably the best song on the EP. Its a beautiful song. I like his version better than the original.

It includes a live recording of "In the Morning before Work," a song off the EP, released in 2004. Its a really great song, but nothing new.

He also added "I'm not Seventeen," which can be found on the "Association of Utopian Hollogram Swallowers," a 4 way split between Joan of Arc, The Love of Everything, Owen, and Make Believe. It is worth it to buy just for the Love of Everything song "Proud by Looking Down."

The only new songs are "I woke up today," and "a fever." Both decent songs in their own respects.

I have to say, I'm a little disapointed in the Seaside EP and hope to see more for his upcoming full leangth release which is due to come out in the fall. "At home with..." was of course a masterpiece. Hopefully, he can live up to its repore. I have my fingers crossed.

Next Level Shit Fest

So I've been meaning to post for a while, but I've been busy at work and what not. June 20th, I attended Next Level Shit Fest with some friends in Brattleboro VT. I've always been pleased with the scene in Brattleboro: their support, and open mindedness.

This festival was organized by community members and Pat the Bunny who plays music under the name Wingnut Dishwasher's Union, and previously, Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains.

The purpose of the day was to utilize public space as if we lived in an Anarchy, putting beside all beliefs. Here is what the pamphlet said:

"Welcome, friends, both old and new. If today is not a practice run of a new world, the perhaps it is at least a prototype of a refugee camp between this society and another. Today is about public space, and redefining the limits of what legitimate use of it is. Are the streets only for moving from home to work to shop to home? Or are they perhaps, if only for one hour a year, also for dancing?

We beg you to treat this day as if anarchy could work, in the best sense of the word: no bosses or governments, because people can take responsibility for themselves and take care of each other without being forced to. Whatever your opinion of the practicality of this idea generally, we don't think it's too much to ask you to try it out for the next 24 hours or so."

There was an acoustic show, zombie tag, a parade, and a food line, followed up by a concert. Everyone was friendly. We were all friends for the day.

Here was the bill:

Compression Fracture-

This was a dance noise band from Brattleboro. I wasn't a huge fan of them but lots of people seemed to be enjoying them.

Pre-School-

This band is what remains of Micheal Jordan Touchdown Pass which is Pat's brother's band. They were grungy but wrote neat songs and put on a really good show. I don't know if they have a myspace or not, but I've had a lot of trouble finding it. I suggest you check them out if you have a chance!

Heathers

A duo from Dublin Ireland. They absolutely blew my mind with their beautiful, harmonically driven songs. This is their second tour in the US with Ghost Mice after their debut release Here, not There. It is one of my favorite albums right now and I highly, highly suggest you get your hands on it if you can. Look them up at myspace.com/heatherswhatsyourdamage

Ghost Mice

I've never been impressed generally with Ghosts Mice despite their status as a staple folk punk band. I could never get over Chris' inability to hit pitches correctly. However, seeing them live was a different experience. I definitely enjoyed them greatly! If you haven't already checked them out, you should: http://www.myspace.com/ghostmice

Endless Mike and the Beagle Club

I've already ranted and raved about how great I think Endless Mike is. They played great. I finally got their 4 way 7" split with Wingnut, Mischief Brew, and Guitar Bomb which is pure gold except for the Guitar Bomb song. They played a great set. This band rules! www.myspace.com/beagleclub

Wingnut Dishwashers Union

This time around, Pat played with a full band which was a unique experience. He has a real talent. He recorded new/old songs with Endless Mike and is now releasing it for a donation to help start and anarchist bus collective. It sounds like a really great idea. For more information, check out: http://www.wingnutdishwashersunion.com/

Thats all for now folks!