Happy Halloween!

After spending time at the mall and various stores over the course of the week, it became apparent how painfully cliché Halloween playlists are. One can only listen to "Thriller" and "This Is Halloween" so many times. We here at Rock'n'roll Etiquette put together a list of songs that embody the Halloween spirit in a way that "Monster Mash" does not.

1. Fall Children - AFI
2. One Hundred Years - The Cure
3. Silent Scream - T.S.O.L.
4. Bela Lugosi's Dead - Bauhaus
5. Panic in the Year Zero - Schoolyard Heroes
6. Filistata - Stolen Babies
7. Singapore - Tom Waits
8. Rasputin - Johnny Hollow
9. Thrill Kill - The Damned
10. Blue - The Birthday Massacre
11. Careful With That Axe, Eugene - Pink Floyd
12. The Walking Dead - Spinnerette

"Enrich the fallow soil with germs of perfection"

In honor of Bad Religion's 30th anniversary, SPIN Magazine and MySpace collaborated with various bands to put together a tribute album. As of October 19, the album has been available for download on the SPIN website... for free! The album features cover songs performed by a variety of artists, ranging from Guttermouth to Tegan and Sara to William Elliott Whitmore. With their politically charged lyrics and energetic delivery, there is no doubt that Bad Religion is one of the most well-known and influential punk bands still making music today. (Their most recent album, Dissent of Man, was released last month, by the way.) Could any of the covers on Germs of Perfection possibly do the band justice?

The answer, believe it or not, is yes. Each of the artists employs their own style to make the songs their own, which is what makes these covers so refreshing. Bands like New Politics ("Generator") and Riverboat Gamblers ("Heaven is Falling") don't stray too far from the original sound of the source material. However, others, like Switchfoot ("Sorrow") and Frank Turner ("My Poor Friend Me"), recorded acoustic covers that add new dimensions to familiar songs. The Weakerthans' version of "Sanity" might just be the strangest cover of them all, complete with bongos and an airy, folk sound.

In short, Germs of Perfection: A Tribute to Bad Religion is worth checking out. There's something for everyone on this album, whether you're a long-time Bad Religion fan, like myself, or a fan of some of the featured artists. Listen with an open mind and you might be surprised with the songs you end up enjoying.

Verdict: 3.5/5
Sounds like: What do you think?
Favorite tracks: "Suffer" (performed by Tegan and Sara), "Against the Grain" (performed by Ted Leo), "Better Off Dead" (performed by Polar Bear Club)

To download the full album for free, click here.

All Things Heavy: Kvelertak

Need a heavy music fix? A song, video, or band to kick your teeth in with heaviness? Well then, you've come to the right place.

With music as powerful as a punch to the groin and vocals akin to a snarling wolf just before it rips your throat out, Kvelertak are gearing up to take the metal scene by storm. That is, if people can get past the language barrier.

Kvelertak, who sing in their native language of Norwegian, get their unique sound by blending elements of hardcore punk, metal, and classic rock, resulting in something totally badass. Don't believe me? Then check out the video for "Mjød," where the band is so awesome that everyone in the room decides to fight to the death to prove who their number one fan is (not what really happens) or check out their song "Sultans of Satan," where the band decides to take a break from doing their own thing mid-song to pay homage to Jimi Hendrix by playing a bit of "Foxy Lady." Actually, check them both out.

Mjød


Sultans of Satan

Shameless Plugs: Rock and Roll Writing Class

An e-mail was received here at Rock'n'roll Etiquette about a month ago (oops!) from someone who found this blog via a Google search for "rock and roll writing." It turns out there is an online class by that name and we were asked to check it out by the aforementioned e-mailer. The class is offered by the Basement Writing Workshop, which features a series of creative writing courses, such as the Memoir Writing Class and the Comedy Writing Class. Why a rock and roll class, of all things? I think the description explains it well enough:

"Consider the rock and roll writing section of your local bookstore. How big is it? Where is it located in the store? How does it compare to other genres? It's strange how slim the pickings can be when you consider the amount of people who love rock music, buy records, go to concerts, and harbor hopes of one day being rock stars themselves. Our class will explore the current state of rock lit and discuss what we as writers can do about it. Come prepared to write about your rock and roll experiences-why your characters love the music they love, what happens backstage or on the tour bus, what it feels like to play in your band...or jam along with your iPod-and learn ways to make your prose the kind that could inspire a rock lit revolution."

The class is taught by Arthur Edwards, former bassist of The Refreshments (they did the theme song for King of the Hill), and runs from October 4th to December 12th, so there's still a bit of time left to sign up if anyone is interested. There is a fee, of course, just like with any class you'd be taking on a college campus. For anyone with $320 -- the discounted fee -- burning a hole in their pocket, this might be what you're looking for to kill some time or brush up on your writing skills.

If you don't have the money, there is also a writing contest you can enter to win a free class. The writing prompts for the contest are posted on Facebook and Twitter and aren't limited to just essays; you can write a poem, a story, or anything else you can think of. Submissions must be 2,500 words or less and the winner can choose from any of the writing classes offered. The deadline is November 1st, so get writing!

Jersey Spotlight: The Static Jacks

We've been absent on this blog for a little over a month. I apologize for that, but think of it as an internet vacation. Anyway, in order to make up for getting rid of the news posts (I really just don't have the time to keep up with them every week) I'm going to introduce a new feature called "Jersey Spotlight" that I hope you guys will enjoy. Every so often we will try to showcase great local bands from New Jersey in an attempt to get the word out on them. These bands need all the support they can get.

Without further ado, I present to you The Static Jacks, a five-piece indie band from Westfield. I use the term "indie" loosely, as that is what they are considered by the majority. Don't let that stop you from giving this band a listen. If their gritty, soulful music doesn't grab you, their catchy hooks certainly will. The vocals even remind me a bit of a young Glenn Danzig at times. They may not have complex guitar riffs or masterfully written lyrics, but what these guys do have is raw talent and a love for what they do.

Despite having been featured in various MTV shows, namely The Hills and Jersey Shore, it doesn't seem like this band is getting wide recognition. I recently had the pleasure of seeing them open for Biffy Clyro in New York and their set was fantastic. Before the show, a few fans waiting in line relayed a story about the previous night: The Static Jacks weren't able to play at the 21+ venue because some of the members are underage. They tried to find a place to crash for the night, but no one was generous enough to offer up their floor, so they slept in their van. The next day they tore up that stage in NYC and made me fall in love with their music.


The Static Jacks "My Parents Lied" from Michael James Murray on Vimeo.

This Week in Music... kinda

Another double week news post?! Sweet.

Recap for the week of August 8th:

• NOFX began streaming The Longest EP on their MySpace page. The album features out of print EPs, previously unreleased songs and rarities, and was released on August 17th.
• Defunct band Planes Mistaken for Stars has confirmed that they will be playing not one but two shows this fall. That brings us one show closer to a potential reunion tour. Pretty please?
• Protest the Hero announced that they will be entering the studio on August 30th to begin recording the follow-up to 2008's Fortress.
• The first new song from Jimmy Eat World's new album, Invented, is streaming on the band's website. The album is set to be released on September 28th.
• Punknews.org is streaming We Chase the Waves, the new effort from Sundowner. You can listen to it here.
• A new single, titled "Shakedown," from psychobilly band Devil's Brigade has been released. The song can be heard on ampmagazine.com, while the self-titled debut album will be out on August 31st.
• The Aquabats are planning to independently release a new album on November 9th and will be touring with Reel Big Fish after playing a few shows on the Yo Gabba Gabba! tour. If that sounds strange to you, let me clear things up: the band's lead singer, Christian Jacobs aka The MC Bat Commander, is the co-creator of the popular children's show. In fact, the band has appeared in multiple episodes.
• Weezer unveiled the album artwork and track list for their new album, Hurley. Here's what the album cover looks like:
  
  
  
  I wish I were joking. The photo is of actor Jorge Garcia, who played Hugo "Hurley" Reyes on the television show Lost. Maybe you've heard of it. The album is available for pre-order on Amazon.

Recap for the week of August 15th:

• Hardcore punk act Comeback Kid are streaming ten of the eleven songs from their upcoming album, Symptoms and Cures, on their MySpace page. The album is due on August 31st.
• Coheed and Cambria announced via Facebook that they are holding a contest for local bands to win a chance to open for them on their upcoming tour dates in October. The contest will take place on the band's Facebook page, while details can be found here. Lead singer Claudio Sanchez was quoted saying, "...local scenes haven't flourished like they once did. Hopefully this helps bring awareness to some good up and coming music."
• Dag Nasty will be re-releasing a version of their 1986 album Can I Say. The album is titled Dag with Shawn and will feature original vocalist Shawn Brown, who left the band in 1986. Nine of the ten songs from Can I Say, which had been re-recorded with new vocalist Dave Smalley after Brown left, will make it onto the album.
• In addition to the album artwork and track list for Weezer's new album, Hurley, being revealed, the band has also released their first single, titled "Memories." The song is available for download via the Spinner website. There are also rumors going around about a possible Pinkerton tour, on which the band will play the 1996 album in its entirety. Even if it doesn't happen, keep an eye out for the re-issue of Pinkerton, which will be released this fall.
• In an MTV segment called "re:Play," Tom Gabel of Against Me! attempts to teach viewers how to play "I Was A Teenage Anarchist," a single off the band's most recent release, White Crosses. The video can be seen here. Gabel also talks about Against Me!'s writing process, as well as their influences.
• Minus the Bear announced a fall US tour. A full list of dates and locations can be found here.
• New Jersey natives Screaming Females have a new video for their song, "I Don't Mind It." Contrary to the band's name, there is no actual screaming from any females.
  
  
  
• Dave Hause, lead singer and guitarist of The Loved Ones, posted a song titled "Melanin" on his MySpace. The song is from his solo 7", which was released this spring.
• A song from Tim Kasher's (Cursive, The Good Life) upcoming solo album has been released. The song is called "Cold Love" and can be downloaded from Spin. Remember to mark your calendars for the release of the album, The Game of Monogamy, out October 5th.

Nine Females Who Kick Ass

It's no secret that a number of female-fronted punk bands are seen as a huge joke. While it's true that some should have never bothered picking up an instrument, there are others who deserve recognition not only for their talent, but also for their attitudes and beliefs. I present to you, in no particular order, a list of women notable for their badassery.

1. Brody Dalle (The Distillers, Spinnerette)

Any girl who can style her hair in liberty spikes or a mohawk and still look amazing is a win in my book. Hailing from Australia, Dalle began her music career at the age of thirteen and relocated to the US after meeting Tim Armstrong of Rancid. Though Dalle is often compared to Courtney Love because of her rough singing voice, she made a name for herself playing guitar, singing, and writing nearly every song for The Distillers until they disbanded in 2006. In addition to fronting her own bands, Dalle has also made numerous guest appearances on songs by bands such as Leftover Crack, Queens of the Stone Age, and the Transplants. And her opinion on female artists? "They say women can't play guitar as well as men. I don't play my guitar with my fucking vagina, so what difference does it make?" Amen.

2. Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre)

If you don't know who Kathleen Hanna is, then you've probably been living under a rock for the last two decades. Not only was she the frontwoman for both Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, but she was also a major part of the Riot Grrl movement that started in the early 1990s. Hanna is an outspoken feminist activist (she attended her first rally at the age of nine!) and isn't shy about voicing her opinions on other political issues, whether it be in interviews or in lyrics. She's also volunteered at the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls and has taught an art class at NYU. Whether it be the fact that she stands up for what she believes in, or her high-energy performances at shows, there's a reason people love her. Now enjoy this video from 1992 of Bikini Kill performing "Jigsaw Youth," in which Hanna shows off some nerdy dance moves:

3. Jenny Hurricane (Midnight Creeps)

I've read one too many comments on the internet in which the author calls this woman a slut because of her raunchy performances and the outfits she chooses to wear on stage. It all boils down to the fact that she is open with her sexuality and isn't afraid to express that. I think the best description of Jenny Hurricane comes straight from of the Midnight Creeps MySpace biography: "Jenny Hurricane lives up to her name, shaking across the stage like the second coming of Iggy Pop." You won't understand until you see it for yourself, so below is a video of the Midnight Creeps performing at CBGB's. The best part comes at around 4:10, when she is asking audience members to describe something dirty they will do to win a piece of her skirt, which is made out of caution tape. One guy even manages to win two pieces by telling her he's going to kill George W. Bush. Classic.



4. Alison Mosshart (The Kills, The Dead Weather)

There are no words. All the proof you need of her excellence can be found in the video for "Treat Me Like Your Mother" by The Dead Weather. Great voice? Check. Subtle sexiness? Check. Shooting Jack White with a submachine gun while wearing heels? Triple check.

5. Ryann Donnelly (Schoolyard Heroes, Blood Cells)

In 2000, Schoolyard Heroes played a cover of The Misfits' "Last Caress" at a Christian Battle of the Bands, and the rest is history. Though she has been the singer for horror punk bands with lyrics about the undead, serial killers, and other topics along these lines, Donnelly does not throw femininity out the window. In fact, she wears dresses during most, if not all, live performances. Her vocals can get high-pitched and shrieky at times, but in a way that is not grating or otherwise unpleasant to the ear.

6. Juliette Lewis (Juliette and the Licks, The New Romantiques)

Chances are you know her as the actress from movies such as Whip It and What's Eating Gilbert Grape. The characters she plays in films are often raw and in-your-face, which isn't a far stretch from reality. Unlike most, Lewis makes the transition from movies to music smoothly; she's not just another actress trying to tap into her nonexistent well of hidden talents. Obviously this spitfire was made to be an entertainer.



7 & 8. Tegan Rain Quin and Sara Keirsten Quin (Tegan and Sara)

These twins, who call Canada their home, began their foray into music at the age of fifteen, writing songs under the name PLUNK. Since then, they've released six albums as Tegan and Sara and have both worked on numerous collaborations for artists such as Against Me! and DJ Tiesto. Tegan even wrote a song for the audio book version of A Wolf At The Table at the request of the author, Augusten Burroughs. The duo write all of their own lyrics and music, but rarely ever write songs together. The media seems to dwell on their sexuality, as they are both lesbians. Most adorable Canadian twin lesbians ever.



9. Chibi (The Birthday Massacre)

Though she is the lead singer of a synthrock band (often incorrectly referred to as a goth band), and certainly looks the part, she happens to be one of the biggest sweethearts on the planet. Her airy vocals are usually a stark contrast to the music, but at times she employs a low whisper or scream to add an extra layer of creepiness. Chibi never forgets to show gratitude towards fans of the band, whether it's by interacting with them in person or by making hearts with her hands while performing. She often blogs about cats, knitting, and Star Wars -- a girl after my own heart. In addition to fronting a band, she makes jewelry for an Etsy store called Goodbye Forever, alongside her long-time friend, Laura, and her younger sister, Emily.