Vanguard Party 1

Details inside. ?
PO BOX 266
Vanguard Party 1.2
Perhaps.
[email protected]
Cincinnati Harboring Terrorists?
7.20.2002
?
Insi
de:
Music
Culture
MisfiCritique
ts | Pigface | Art
Tomahawk
| Sick of It All | Tiger
Politics
Army | Hope SanNews
doval
Ozzy | Limp Bizkit | Iggy
Advice
Classifieds
Pop | Getting Off Campus
MusiReviews
cians on 9/11
Vanguard Party 1.2
Call for Submissions
Contents
Submissions are encouraged:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Reviews
Announcements, classifieds , art
Articles (politics, culture,
Bethany)
Advice
Creative Writing
Editorials & Letters
Vanguard Party is produced by only a
few, effectively limiting its scope,
political
commentaries,
and
undermining the value it places on
diversity and unity. Only with your help
can it reflect the diversity of Bethany’s
community. Only with your help can we
accomplish our goals.
Anonymous
welcome.
submissions
are
There is no restriction on content,
However, we will not tolerate and
reserve the right to edit, revise, or reject
material that contains hate speech or
that violates the values of social
equality.
Style: As long as submissions meet a
minimal
standard
of
readability,
conventional grammar, mechanics, and
usage are not important. Consider that
every transgression of language is a
rewarding transgression of the Law.
With luck, freedom from standards will
encourage writers with limited time or
writing anxiety to make submissions.
Submissions can be mailed to PO Box
266 or [email protected].
On the Cover: Cinncinati Harboring Terrorism?
2.
Introduction: Music & Subculture @ Bethany College (A
Manifesto)
3.
Breaking News
4.
CD Reviews : Hope Sandoval, Tomahawk, Clutch, & More
5.
Show Reviews: Pigface; Misfits; Sick of it All, Tiger Army,
Dropkick Murphy
6.
Gig Guide & Diatribe: Take the Red Pill, Neo
7.
Musicians Speak Out on 9/11 and its Aftermath
8.
Poll: What’s the Most Important Year in Rock History?
9.
Advice
10. Classifieds
Distribution and Support
Depending on your response, Vanguard Party can be published several
times a semester.
Producing this issue cost $80, money culled from selling personal CD
collections.
If you find this as awful as we do, consider making a donation. Anything will
help. With the slightest monetary donation, you will receive a subscription,
which will bring each issue directly to your Bethany PO BOX.
No spare cash? Support us by taking the time to send encouraging words
to our snail or email addresses. (2 Min)
On the Cover: Cincinnati Harboring Terrorists?
Nationalist skinheads in Cincinnati fired an unprovoked shot from a car
at a young adult from WV who was standing outside a show in Cincinnati
last year.
The bullet went through his arm and entered his abdomen.
Shout Outs and Thanks
To Boyer, Kiser, Gavin, Truckgrind, and
the rest of the 516 crew. Goldman for
thoughts, and to all contributors for
realizing the project.
Contributors
Kira (Kira@[email protected])
Uncle Myke
Mother Tongue
([email protected])
Krusty
Mr. Goldman ([email protected])
Anonymous
7.20.2002
1.
Cincinnati Police discouraged the family from pressing charges, warning of
dangerous retaliation from a network of nationalist (hate) groups.
Wisely, the family submitted to the authorities’ advice.
But it begs the questions: Does our Nation’s new initiative against terrorists
and those who harbor them apply to domestic terrorism and terrorizing hate
crimes? Should authorities discourage victims from coming forward? Offer
protection?
There’s a fine line between patriotism and nationalism. Careful how you
wave your flags.
Vanguard Party 1.2
[email protected] // P.O. Box 266
Page 2
New & Upcoming Releases
Gig Guide
January 8
January
Adam & The Ants, Dirk Wears White Socks
Wed, 23rd: Boy Sets Fire @ Club Laga, Pitt. All ages.
Candysnatchers, Candysnatchers
Sat, 26th: All Mighty Senators @ 123 Pleasant Street,
Morgantown. 18+
Crosby/Nash, Best of
February
January 15
Blood for Blood, Outlaw Anthems
Fri, 1st: Concrete Blonde (original lineup!) @ Club Laga, Pitt.
21+
Bolt Thrower, Honour-Valor-Pride
Tue, 5th: Catch 22 @ 123 Pleasant Street, Morgantown. 18+
Fleshcrawl, Soulskinner
Thu, 7th: The Clarks @ 123 Pleasant Street, Morgantown.
18+
January 18
Government Issue, Complete History, Vol II.
Sat, 9th: Lennon w/ Speedealer @ Club Laga, Pitt. All ages.
New York Dolls, From Paris with Love
Sat, 16th: The Dictators @ Black Cat, DC.
US Bombs, Lost in America – Live 2001
Sun, 17th: Anthrax & Judas Priest @ Nation, D.C.
Uncurbed, Punks on Parole
Sat, 23rd: Fu Manchu w/ Injected @ Black Cat, DC
Wed, 27th: Gwar w/ Goatwhore & God Forbid @ Metropol,
Pitt. All Ages (?)
January 22
Bad Religion, Process of Belief
KMFDM, Boots (CD5)
Nine Inch Nails, And All That Could Have Been Nothing
January 29
March
Wed, 6th: Lars Frederickson & the Bastards , Sick of it All,
Tiger Army, The Distillers, Nekromantic @ Club Laga, Pitt.
All Ages.
Wed, 13th: NOFX w/ Mad Caddies @ Nation, D.C.
Arkham, Arkham
The Chemical Brothers, Come With Us
Cracker, Forever Back Porch
King Diamond, Abigail II: The Revenge
Wed, 20th: Daniel Ash (of Bauhaus) w/ Lennon @ Club
Laga, Pitt. 21+
Sat, 23rd: Reverend Horton Heat w/ Nashville Pussy @
Metropol, Pitt
Tue, 26th: Twiztid w/ Wolfpac @ Metropol, Pittsburgh. All
ages.
February 5
Antiseen, Screamin’ Bloody Live
Einsturzende Neubauten, Haus Der Luege (rerelease)
February 18
Less Than Jake, Goodbye Blue and White
NATIONAL HOPELINE NETWORK
February 26
Cannibal Corpse, Gore Obsessed
If you, a family member, or a friend are in trouble and
need help don’t hesitate to call.
1-800-SUICIDE
24 hour, confidential assistance and referrals on youth
crisis issues including abuse, neglect, depression, drug
dependency, suicide…
7.20.2002
Vanguard Party 1.2
[email protected] // P.O. Box 266
Page 3
Music, Sub-Culture, and Cultural Literacy @ Bethany College (A Manifesto)
For all the tremendous assets Bethany’s size and seclusion provide, it has one
crucial liability: cultural isolation. It’s a class issue, and a marketing issue, and
it’s stifling.
For many, leaving home means leaving behind a community of like-minded
music lovers. Goths are left to wear their fishnets on the inside, punks shed
their Mohawks and chuck their safety pins , and metal and hardcore fans are
told to turn down their devil music.
Those involved in music subcultures are justified in hesitating to wear their
subcultures on their sleeves. But as a result, it can be difficult to tell who
shares our tastes, values, and interests. Building a community becomes
difficult, and our investments in the musical subcultures that played such an
important part in our lives before Bethany are left to rot beside our congealed,
unused Manic Panic. But coercion and fear of ridicule account for only a small
part of the problem.
Coming to Bethany too often means abandoning our cultural identities.
Yet, Bethany offers an outstanding opportunity for cultural exchange, even
though its size and market puts a limit on how much exchange can occur.
Bethany’s core market has recently been limited to the tri-state area, and
therefore to a pool of students with similar experiences, cultural assumptions,
and aesthetic values.
This generalization is somewhat unfair, but there’s something to it
nevertheless. One student from the Midwest commented that no one here
listens to the music she’s used to. Given the circumstances, this is expected.
Different regions produce very different music and subcultures (e.g. Chicago
and industrial, Detroit and So. California’s punk, Florida’s tremendous metal
scene, D.C.’s hardcore and go-go scene, New York’s noise and art rock,
Seattle’s grunge, etc.).
Without a diversity of cultural commodities, cultural exchange seems rather
pointless.
Our isolation from cultural centers only exacerbates our problem. Our
distance from shows, record stores, and magazine racks can leave us
information poor, and left to mourn for what was an integral part of our
identities.
Vanguard Party attempts to address this problem. Concert reviews, upcoming
shows, new music reviews, and ways to stay connected to the music world are just a few things Vanguard Party can
offer. We’ll also provide suggestions for building and fostering a music scene in Bethany.
But Vanguard Party can’t succeed without you. Submit reviews, articles, suggestions, encouragement, criticisms,
or music-related classified ads. If writing seems daunting, because of time or anxiety, don’t let it: we’ve asked
contributors for this first issue to end their articles with an estimate on the time it took to complete their articles; and
there are no style requirements. No need to proofread. No need to be embarrassed about spelling. And
anonymous submissions are welcome.
See the submission guidelines above for more information on submissions.
But remember, submitting writing isn’t the only way to help: Don’t just tolerate difference: celebrate it. (25 Min)
--Kira, [email protected]
7.20.2002
Vanguard Party 1.2
[email protected] // P.O. Box 266
Page 4
Open Letter: Alum Remembers Music @ Bethany
Breaking News
When I saw the first issue of Vanguard Party, I was excited
someone took the time to put it together. So when I got
email asking if I would contribute some comments, I was
excited that there would be a second issue. I’m glad I’ve
been given the opportunity to participate.
? Metal god Ozzy Osbourne recently fractured
his leg stepping out of a shower, forcing him to
cancel several dates of his upcoming
Ozzteoporosis tour with Rob Zombie. Find out
more
@
http://www.ozzyosbourne.com/diary.php3.
(1
Min)
The years between 1990 and 1994 were exciting for music:
grunge came and went; metal and new wave were breathing
their dying breaths; and indie rock experiments became the
industry’s top sellers.
The excitement was reflected on Bethany’s campus. The
Annual Fall-Fest consistently brought big, important,
successful bands to Bethany’s campus: skate-punk
luminaries The Dead Milkmen; Seattle grunge pioneers The
Screaming Trees; weirdo nerd-rockers They Might Be
Giants; classic rockers The Romantics; and perhaps most
shockingly, for those who keep up with these things,
Pennsylvania’s Live. These weren’t small acts; they were
already national successes. Comparable colleges couldn’t
hold a torch to what our school had to offer. The Student
Activities Council was rigorous, enthusiastic, daring, and
most importantly, very well supported financially.
Between Fall-Fests, SAC and the administration kept the
campus rocking with nearly weekly shows at Boomers.
They weren’t always exciting acts. But it was live music. It
was a taste of what was going on in the rest of the country,
because the bands were brought in from around the nation.
It happened weekly. And it was at Bethany.
? Having recently lost guitarist Wes Borland,
Limp Bizkit is now seeking a female guitar
player. Reportedly, the hope is that now, rather
than silently encouraging sexual assault as they
did at Woodstock, they can now give step by
step lessons directly on stage. Who’d you like
to see fill the spot? Send your nominations to
[email protected] or PO Box 266. (1
min)
? Eight months after he died from lymphatic
cancer, Joey Ramone is being honored by
New York officials, who have approved a
proposal to rename the corner of East Second
Street and Bowery “Joey Ramone Place.” The
corner is the home of CBGB, the club the
Ramones helped to make legendary.
Congratulations and sincerest thanks to 20year-old student Susan Wojciechowski, who
spearheaded the project and, in doing so, has
shown us all that we can make a difference in
local government. Your initiative is appreciated.
Check out www.cbgb.com and www.cmj.com
for more information.
Imagine a tour bus parked at KA for a semester while the
band attended school between tours. Bethanians created
music. They toured. Both of the bands I remember were successful on and off campus. Maude Gonne was a sort
of mulletted metal act. They met in a course on the history of Rock and Roll. Then they bought a school bus,
converted it, and spent time each semester planning their tours. If you haven’t heard of Maude Gonne, that’s to be
expected. They set their own goals, met them successfully, and went on with life after college.
Brownie Mary, on the other hand, you might have heard of. They met at Bethany, played
here, graduated, got a major recording deal, and have been touring and recording ever
since. They’re Pittsburgh celebrities, Bethany “heroes,” and nationally recognized
perform ers.
When we hear of a bunch of nobodies getting a recording contract or going on tour, or
both, we tend to think “wow, what were the odds.” When I think that both of the bands on
this tiny campus when I was a student here were successful, I have to reconsider those
odds.
Well, that was a different Bethany. But, it doesn’t have to have been. Start a band. You
only have to know three chords. If you think there’s no point, that the odds of success
are ridiculous, think of Brownie Mary, or of Maude Gonne and their tour bus parked at
KA. And then reconsider.
They Might Be Giants play
Bethany – Photo by Kelli Poole
Get involved with the Student Activities Council. Get your favorite bands on campus.
Show enthusiasm, and you’ll get the support. The bands will come.
So, get involved with WVBC. Play at open mic nights. Get off campus for shows. Make
a music news show for TV3. Anything. Bethany offers some amazing outlets for music enthusiasm –the opportunity
to download MP3s was the least significant of them.
7.20.2002
Vanguard Party 1.2
[email protected] // P.O. Box 266
Page 5
If nothing else, support Vanguard
Party.
If they came to me for
writing, they must be desperate for
submissions. Send them a short
CD review. A piece of news from a
web site. Anything. Projects like
Vanguard Party -- that not only
demonstrate enthusiasm, but also
act on it – will make all the
difference.
Open Mic @ Maxwell’s, ca. ‘91
--Rich Goldman, [email protected]
Music Reviews
Clutch, Pure Rock Fury. Atlantic Records. Available wherever records are sold.
On Pure Rock Fury, Niel Fannon’s narratives provide potent commentaries on popular culture, even as he
distances Clutch from more explicitly political musicians by remaining cynical and critical, rather than committing
to political action: “At times I’m even tempted to seek the advice of Dr. Laura, but I ignore her/So I take a deep
breath and count to ten/Aint gonna let it get under my skin.” Fannon’s lyrics remain deliberately vague regarding
what precisely the problems are, and draw from myth, literature, and pop culture as they navigate psychedelic
landscapes reminiscent, at times, of songs by Black Sabbath or Monster Magnet. Whether singing road songs
such as “Sinkemlow,” or the anthemic title track, Fannon emerges as the premier wordsmith of stoner rock on
Pure Rock Fury.
At the same time, unrelenting, driving grooves compel the listener effortlessly into Fannon’s landscapes as deep,
wide-open riffs swagger beneath wailing solos and pounding rhythms, again recalling the specter of Black
Sabbath.
If Fannon’s lyrics are obscure regarding the problem, one thing is made clear: “Pure rock fury is the ultimate
solution.” This album delivers on its promise, and then some, as Clutch does what they do best – and perhaps
the best they’ve ever done it.
Hope Sandoval & the Warn Inventions, Bavarian Fruit Bread. Rough Trade. Available from most chain stores.
Those familiar with Mazzy Star’s Velvet-Underground influenced, trancey trip-hop can prolly imagine what
Sandoval’s album will deliver. Sandoval’s luscious vocals remain enveloped in echo, producing the same
alienated, sleepy, laconic, distant solitude that helped make Mazzy such a compelling band. The result is
essentially Mazzy Star without the psychedelic soundscape provided by Mazzy guitarist Dave Roback’s
distinctive feedback, reverb, and crescendos. The dark psychelia is replaced with a complex folkiness, perhaps
a res ult of Sandoval’s collaboration on this album with Colm O’Ciosoig (from 80s avant-pop outfit My Bloody
Valentine). Mazzy fans who revel in trancey melancholy may be disappointed. But suckers for Sandoval’s voice
will not be let down. It’s a very mellow album, and its folky darkness is perhaps reminiscent of Leonard Cohen
at times. It’s perfect for bed – sleep and sleep-plus ; it’s consummate date music. And like Mazzy Star, it’s
deeply moving and beautiful. A rewarding album for anyone in need of down time. Oh, for those keeping score-the first track is penned by The Jesus and Mary Chain’s William Reid, Sandoval’s sometime lover and
collaborator. (Digression: It must be hard for this couple to get attention after the standard set by this disturbing
pair: Nick Cave and Polly Jean Harvey. Oh to be a fly on the wall of that flat.) (15 min)
--Kira, [email protected]
Tomahawk, Self-titled. Ipecac. Available @ some stores. Available at a discount from www.ipecac.com.
With Tomahawk, Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, and Fantômas alum Mike Patton demonstrates once again that
he’s not a normal child. Like Fantômas, Tomahawk is one of Patton’s supergroups, consisting of bassist Kevin
Rutmanis (Melvins, the Cows), guitarist Duane Denison (The Jesus Lizard, Cargo Cult), and drummer John
Stanier (Helmet). If you’re familiar with Fantômas or Mr. Bungle, be warned that it would be a mistake to
expect the same experimentation here: unlike those projects, there’s conventional song structure, choruses,
7.20.2002
Vanguard Party 1.2
[email protected] // P.O. Box 266
Page 6
lyrics here; more importantly, the album can be contextualized and perhaps even comprehended. It’s not the
radical break from contemporary indie rock that we’ve come to expect from Patton.
Tomahawk is truly a composite of the bands from which it draws its members. Some songs are more like one of
the bands than another, while others don’t seem to reflect any of the members’ previous work. It’s a must have
for fans of any of these musicians . Indie rock fans who like their guitar on the noisy side and their rhythm with
driving but strange signatures will dig this. Interestingly, Patton, often lauded in the past for having one of the
most powerful vocal ranges in rock, still refuses to use it in the way critics would like. Bless him. (10 min)
--Kira, [email protected]
Show Reviews
First Impressions
Pigface w/ Damage Manual, Meg Lee Chin, Godhead, & Gravity
Kills. Nov. 19 @ Club Laga, Pittsburgh
Longtime fans of industrial music will no doubt be familiar with
Pigface. For the uninitiated, Pigface is more of a collective or a
concept than a band.
With the exception of central
member
Martin
Atkins,
Pigface is comprised of an
ever-changing
group
of
musicians culled from some
of the most pivotal and
pioneering
punk
and
industrial bands in recent
history, including Nine Inch
Nails,
Killing
Joke,
Einsturzende
Neubauten,
Dead Kennedys, Ministry,
Red Hot Chili Peppers, PiL,
Jesus Lizard, Rollins Band,
KMFDM, Thrill Kill Kult, Evil
Mothers…And this is a
frustratingly abbreviated list.
The resulting live shows are
dynamic,
anarchic,
and
unpredictable,
while
the
albums range from raucous
punk rock to danceable
industrial.
The Nov 19 line-up seemed like an effort to bridge the gap
between old school industrial fans and the new school attracted
by openers Gravity Kills and Godhead: Pigface regulars Martin
Atkins (Killing Joke, PiL), Chris Connelly (Revolting Cocks,
Ministry), Meg Lee Chin, and Charles Levi (Thrill Kill Kult) were
joined by relative newbies from The Rollins Band, Hate Dept.,
and the virtually unknown (as yet) Beer Nuts.
Martin Atkins drumming, as always, was reminiscent of Animal
from the muppets – he is frantic and vicious. And at this show
the addition of a second drummer only enhanced an already
ferocious rhythm section.
Custom Made Scare, The Greatest Show on
Dirt. USA Side 1.
These guys promote themselves by what
saying what they’re not: punk rockabilly. For
all that, it strikes me as outstanding cowpunk,
reminiscent of later Social Distortion,
Reverand Horton Heat, and even some
Cramps , and especially Hank Williams III’s
raucous country etc, but less countrified than
the Old 97s, Backsliders, or even the
Supersucker’s cowpunk classic Must’ve
Been High. Each song clocks in at far less
than three minutes, in classic punk form.
“Texas Didn’t Wreck Us” – a self-reflective
diddy on the country scene, is the outstanding
track on this first listen. (1 Min)
--Kira
Iggy Pop, Beat ‘em Up. Virgin Records.
If you know Iggy Pop, you must know how
hard this is to choke out: this release is not
impressing me. A king of American punk tries
to rap. Highly produced crunchy chords, Iggy
still sounding like he’s in a toilet (which usually
works just fine on him), and lyrics that make
Iggy the unsuspecting butt of his own jokes. If
you’re new to Iggy Pop, go out and get the
Best Of: if nothing else, it’s a history lesson.
Those who know Iggy…nothing anyone has to
say will influence you. A friend reports that
Iggy can still make your head explode live, for
what that’s worth.
--Anonymous
MC5. Kick out the Jams. Elektra.
Why didn’t I buy this 1968 classic before? A
history lesson and kick ass rock all in one.
Makes the Beatles and Doors sound sterile.
Kiss before Kiss, Ramones before Ramones.
Jinkies.
--Anonymous
Although the line-up was disappointing (more members will be picked up in every city they hit, including
members of Tool, Foetus, and ChemLab) for Pigface enthusiasts, the performance was nevertheless
outstanding. Rather than a performing a set of Pigface standards, the set instead included songs by Pigface and
closely associated artists Damage Manual and Meg Lee Chin.
7.20.2002
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Page 7
Damage Manual’s songs came off flawlessly, despite the absence of some of their members. Chris Connelly’s
voice, often compared to Bowie’s, was as haunting and beautiful as on his recordings.
Interestingly, the band is touring with more conventional equipment than electronic equipment, which had a
significant effect on the songs they could play. Pigface’s more recent and more danceable tracks were left out.
But, by far, the songs most heavily affected were from Meg Lee Chin’s solo albums, which rely heavily on
electronics and samples. Her songs suffered slightly, but her energetic stage presence, sheer enjoyment, and
powerful voice more than made up for the change. She moved effortlessly from hip-hop rhymes to banshee
screams, using the full range of her powerful pipes.
Pigface’s Martin Atkins
invisiblerecords.com)
(photo
from
Onstage antics betrayed every member’s enjoyment, and culminated
with the finale “Suck” (a song originally recorded by Pigface with NIN’s
Trent Reznor, and which appeared on NIN’s EP Broken). Curse
Mackey (Evil Mothers) tied Meg Lee Chin up with a mic cable, while the
guys from Godhead came on stage to sing along. Pigface seems to
change the way this song is performed fairly frequently. The antics at
this show suggest a subtle satire of Trent Reznor. In typical Pigface
fashion, there were no less than 13 musicians onstage at the same
time, and by the end of the show they were surrounded by audience
members who joined them on stage. Only Pigface can tear down the
barrier between audience and band like this; it was like watching friends
perform rather than a supergroup comprised of underground legends.
The fact that the set was book ended with two fans’ onstage wedding
only enhanced that feeling.
Setlist: “Broadcasting,” “Sunset Gun,” “Dive Bomber,” “Think,” “Heavy Scene,” “Nutopia,” “Heavy Scene,”
“Autohag,” “Stateless,” “Weightless,” “Murder Inc.,” “Hips Tits Lips Power,” “Supernaut,” “Suck.”
For more information on Pigface or other bands mentioned in this article, visit Invisible Records @
http://www.invisiblerecords.com , Allmusic @ http://www.allmusic.com , or the Universal Band List @
http://www.ubl.com .
--Krusty
Sick of it All, Tiger Army, Dropkick Murphys , October 11 th @ Club Laga
If you are familiar with these bands then you know what a treat this bill was. Tiger Army took the stage first &
ripped through an abnormally long opening set that was very well received. The line up for this tour featured
lead singer and guitarist Nick 13 accompanied by upright bassist Geoff Kresge and new drummer Fred Telles.
Telles had only been with the band for a month before the tour, they played an unusually tight and well
rehearsed [set].
Through they were very well received, it was evident that most of the crowd anxiously awaited the moment when
New York Hardcore legends Sick of It all [SOIA] would take the stage. The change between bands took what
seemed like an eternity, almost 40 minutes, and left the crowd in
the dark for about 10 minutes. SOIA could not have planned it any
better as the time in the dark seemed to invigorate the crowd, who
were in there fourth minute of incoherent chanting when the band
finally took the stage.
The Room exploded, bodies flew
everywhere, and asses were kicked…sick of it all had arrived! The
Crowd ate up every minute of their set, which was almost an hour,
and were calling for more.
Though Sick of it All have been around since 1985, the weren’t
headlining the evening, rather Boston’s fastest growing band (there up to 7 members now) the Dropkick
Murphys were. There set was as tight and filled with army rock as it always is and the crowd ate it up. The
skinheads skinned and the greasers greased, on the whole, the night was a success.
--Uncle Myke
7.20.2002
Vanguard Party 1.2
[email protected] // P.O. Box 266
Page 8
Misfits, Date Unknown@ Metropol Pittsburgh
If Pigface can be considered the most important members of some of the most important bands, the Misfits 25th
Anniversary line-up can be described as the least important members of some of the most important bands: Dez
and Robo from hardcore innovators Black Flag, and now covered in the dust of Henry Rollins’ success; Jerry
Only of the Misfits, obscured by the broad but short shadow of Glenn Danzig and now abandoned even by his
brother and fellow bandmate Doyle; and finally Marky Ramone, sometime-drummer of the legendary Ramones,
leader of the insignificant Marky Ramone and the Intruders, and the shared inheritor of Joey Ramone’s
legacy. It is easily the most qualified Black Flag/Misfits/Ramones cover band in the world; but it wasn’t the
Misfits.
If this anniversary tour seems like a huge opportunity to capitalize on a punk resurgence and Joey Ramone’s
death, that’s because it probably is. No matter. These punk-rock footnotes plowed through a huge catalog of
classic crowd-pleasers by all three bands.
The show was divided into two parts, the first with Robo on drums and comprised mainly of classic Misfits and
Black Flag tunes; Marky replaced Robo for the second half and guided the crew through post-Danzig Misfits
numbers and several Ramones songs, including “…Sedated” and “Blitzkrieg Bop,” affectionately dubbed by Only
as the “two greatest punk songs every written.”
Unfortunately, the electrifying effect of the Ramones classics was stopped repeatedly in its tracks by the inane,
innocuous, comic-book metal of post-Danzig Misfits tunes. It was a frustrating juxtapos ition that seemed to
dissolve the evening’s otherwise faultless cohesion.
Previous Misfits shows with this lineup, like the New York memorial show for Joey Ramone (RIP) or their illfated jaunt on the Warped Tour, was criticized for the speed with which the band belted out the songs. They’ve
responded appropriately to this criticism; tim ing on the songs was impeccable, while still sustaining the ceaseless
energy identified with all three bands.
--Kira, [email protected]
Gig Guide & Diatribe: Take the Red Pill, Neo
Part I: Diatribe
In The Matrix, Morpheus presents Neo with a disturbing truth: what he took for reality is no more than a
simulation, a digital reproduction of a trace of a cultural memory.
We’re all a long way from being Keanu Reeves – Bethanians can act, and few of us walk around with our
mouths hanging open and wondering where we are and what we’re doing. But our situation isn’t entirely different
from Neo’s.
I’m sure upper-classmen at schools besides Bethany refer to life after college as “the real world.” But as a result
of Bethany’s rustic, romantic setting, we’re coming of age in a truly imaginary world. The real world seems like
something a long way off. And that impression may not be far from the truth.
“Bullshit. Reality is all around us. Look, I kicked it. And it hurt.” Fair enough.
However, consider how real our world is when we form our identities (and we’re at that age) based on a limited
ensemble of sanctioned models and stereotypes (carefully selected by the Dean of Admissions or hiring
committees); when our interpersonal relationships are under constant surveillance by our peers, and we’re
disciplined for any transgressions from their standards ; when there’s no representative government in our
community; when underage drinking and assault are tolerated--quietly sanctioned--while parking violations and
possession of incense are rigorously enforced and punished; when our only models of successful economic
transactions involve $5 packs of cigarettes & the sale of liquor to minors . Yes, Bethany is real; but no, it’s not
like reality. It’s a very real and carefully constructed simulation.
Our dorms are wired by Bocco Cable, simultaneously 1) confirming our suspicions that there is a world outside
Bethany, 2) mediating our vision of what reality is, and – most insidiously – 3) making Bethany look all the more
real by contrast to the popular fantasies network programming fulfills.
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Many of us make regular trips to Ohio Valley Mall to see reality for ourselves, only to find out that the world
outside isn’t any more real than Bethany. The simulation doesn’t end at Bethany’s gates.
The mall’s is a market(able) reality, the one that sells, the one people will buy, the one investors successfully
gambled on. You can’t buy any CD you want; you can only buy what mall stores sell. The rest might as well not
exist. Like Bocco Cable, the Mall mediates reality.
Perhaps this is why so many of us are compelled to go home on weekends —for a glimpse of
the Real we remember, no matter how brief it may be. And we depend on the
memories those visits provide. To some extent, our reality, like Neo’s, is no more than
a simulation, a finely produced reproduction of a trace of a memory.
Neo faces the difficult choice between a red pill that guarantees his complacent
acceptance and re-incorporation into a simulation, and a blue pill that offers an
escape into the dismal, but genuine, desert of the Real. A similar opportunity
awaits us. Pills optional.
Bethany lies in the middle of a vast matrix of cultural centers, including
Pittsburgh, Morgantown (1.5 hours), Columbus (3 hours), and D.C. (5 hours).
Certainly, some of the distances are intimidating. But these nodes of this
matrix promise us a glimpse—maybe not outside of Simulation, but perhaps outside of
this simulation. Certainly no more than a glimpse. What we find may be dismal, like
Morpheus’ desert of the Real. And like the desert of the Real, it means the renunciation of
complacency. It can’t promise the genuine, but it does promise to make the simulation explicit. Complacency is
a small sacrifice.
Neo had it easy. The computer turned him on and provided explicit instructions. For us, it isn’t so easy. We’ll
have to turn the computer on. The white rabbit won’t come knocking on our door to invite us to a rave. We have
to search for the rabbit. Then, we have to have the courage to take the blue pill it leads us to.
One trail to follow is this list of (relatively) nearby clubs, music stores, etc.
Part II: Gig Guide
Pollstar (http://www.pollstar.com)
A database of tour dates searchable by artist, venue, and city.
Club Laga (http://www.clublaga.com )
Pittsburgh. A club catering to the indie, metal, punk, and industrial community. E.g. Napalm Death;
Stereolab; Bouncing Souls; Thrill Kill Kult. Usually restricted to 18 and over.
M [Formerly Metropol] (http://www.elkoconcerts.com/metrovenue.htm)
Pittsburgh. Club with both DJs and live music. Bands are usually alternative, punk, metal, rock, folk, indie.
E.g. Slayer, Tesla, Soul Coughing. Dance nights are themed – 80s, Techno, Industrial. Sometimes all
ages, otherwise 21+.
Mr. Roboto Project (http://www.therobotoproject.org)
Pittsburgh. For the scene, by the scene. A drug and alcohol-free, non-profit, all-ages collective in the finest
punk rock tradition. Features ‘zine archive. 2 venues, both catering to hardcore, grindcore, punk rock,
metal, emo, mathcore, etc. E.g. Anti-Flag; Atom and his Package; Aus-Rotten. Cover is cheap; cheaper
with $5 membership.
Millvale Industrial Center (http://mit.telerama.com/)
Pittsburgh. Another co-op. All-ages. BYOB. Caters to indie, industrial, metal, art-rock, etc. E.g. Swans;
Foetus; Anal Cunt.
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The 9:30 Club (http://www.930.com )
D.C. An alterna-rock legend. Hosts some of the finest indie, rock, alternative, punk, metal, industrial, rap
acts around. E.g. They Might Be Giants, Tenacious D, Thrill Kill Kult, Nick Cave, Weezer.
The Black Cat (http://www.burn-one.com/music/blackcat/index.html)
D.C. A fine club that hosts the smaller underground indie, punk acts, etc. Red Room is free admission with
bar, pool, great tunes. Main room features two stages. Allegedly co-owned by Nirvana alum Dave Grohl.
Often populated by elitist scene-sters.
Nation (www.nationdc.com)
D.C. Large venue with several dance floors. Features DJs for weekly rave, goth, and industrial nights.
Bars outside and inside. Volleyball pit. Balcony overlooks the Capital. Concerts generally involve several
bands – festival style. E.g. Warped Tour, Ramones, Bad Brains, etc. Prepare to be frisked, and lock your
car door.
123 Pleasant Street (www.123pleasantstreet.com)
Morgantown, WV. Same distance as Pitts burgh, but in a university town. Less of a hastle. Usually the
center of Morgantown’s tremendous local scene, but often hosts surprisingly high-profile national indie acts
of all sorts. E.g. Fugazi, Clutch, Hank Williams III, Man or Astroman?, Murphy’s Law, All Mighty
Senators, etc. Cover is usually somewhat high for national acts. Features weekly specials (ladies night, DJ
(techno) night, boxing night; on Sunday afternoons there are often all-age, political punk rock festivals). 18
unless otherwise stated. Great place for a hastle free night away from Bethany.
Eide’s Entertainment (http://www.eides.com/)
Pittsburgh. Music/Book store. The best selection of music in the area, new and used, vinyl, cassette, and
cd. T-shirts, magazines, cult videos, posters . The basement is a full-fledged comic shop.
Vanguard Party
There’s no shame in mentioning that every issue will provide a calendar of noteworthy shows around
Bethany (like the one found on page 2 above). Here are a few highlights:
January
Wed, 23rd: Boy Sets Fire @ Club Laga, Pitt. All ages.
Feel-good hardcore in the vein of chart-rulers At the Drive In. Aggression for good, not evil.
Sat, 26th: All Mighty Senators @ 123 Pleasant Street, Morgantown. 18+.
No-one throws a party like these Baltimore guys. Really. If you like to dance, if you like Parliament and
miss Bootsy Collins, and you need to get your FUNK out, see the Senators. You really will regret missing
it. Get tickets early, it will be packed.
February
Thu, 7 th: The Clarks @ 123 Pleasant Street, Morgantown. 18+.
A Pittsburgh success story. Put on your hemp necklace and your Birkenstocks, put Dave Matthews in
your cassette deck, and drive to Morgantown for this show.
Sat, 9 th: Lennon w/ Speedealer @ Club Laga, Pitt. All ages.
Lennon is making a mark as a goth/industrial songwriting sensation. Unfortunately, music press has
been calling as much attention to her cleavage as her music. This is a promising show if you need a NIN
fix. Bonus: If you like your rock and roll on fast and loud, Speedealer gives it to you in a way that nobody
has but AC/DC and Motorhead has. Or Clutch. Or Supersuckers…Anyway, this is a great bill.
Sun, 17th: Anthrax & Judas Priest @ Nation, D.C.
This is the other Anthrax. The metal band that dared to work with rap band Public Enemy back when Axl
Rose was bitching about minorities in LA. They sing about Stephen King. They sing about movies. They
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nearly invented moshing. This is the thrash that gave birth to Korn. Oh, and Judas Priest is pretty good
too.
Sat, 23rd: Fu Manchu w/ Injected @ Black Cat, DC.
Fu Manchu is all that’s good and wonderful about stoner rock: long strange trips from what sounds like
the in side of a very mean Harley. Download some if you have any questions.
Wed, 27th: Gwar w/ Goatwhore & God Forbid @ Metropol, Pitt. All Ages (?).
Well, if glam rock began with David Bowie prancing around in a costume and calling himself the alien
Ziggy Stardust, Gwar does one better by taking earthling audience members as slaves, tearing each
others limbs off onstage, and drowning the audience in bodily fluids including, but definitely not limited to,
blood. Gwar…is the most theatrical show you’ll ever see. But if you faint easily or are a little squeamish
and easily offended, don’t go. Otherwise, go see Gwar. Don’t wear white. Goatwhore death metal born
from the ashes of the sadly defunct Acid Bath.
March
Wed, 6 th: Lars Frederickson & the Bastards, Sick of it All, Tiger Army, The Distillers, Nekromantic @
Club Laga, Pitt. All Ages.
A modern punk -rock dream tour. See the review of two of these bands above. If you like Rancid, Misfits,
Hole, or AFI, or if you just wanna see weird haircuts, go see this. Dance safely.
Wed, 13th: NOFX w/ Mad Caddies @ Nation, D.C.
NOFX puts the P.U. back in punk. If you wear a wallet chain or don’t always wear matching socks, there’s
really no excuse for missing this show.
Wed, 20th: Daniel Ash (of Bauhaus) w/ Lennon @ Club Laga, Pitt. 21+.
See the description of Lennon above. For this date she’s supporting Daniel Ash, a seminal figure in postpunk rock and a hero to ravers and gravers.
Sat, 23rd: Reverend Horton Heat w/ Nashville Pussy @ Metropol, Pitt.
The Reverend Horton Heat is what the guys from the Outsiders would have listened to if they had cool
bikes and tattoos. Booze, drugs, sex, and ’57 Chevys. By all rights, Nashville Pussy should be
boycotted. They’re every mother’s rock and roll nightmare. They’re every rock and roll excess taken to
absurd and often dangerous extremes. It’s dixie’s answer to AC/DC.
--Kira, [email protected]
Musicians Speak out about 9/11 and Its Aftermath
Lemme Kilmeister (Motorhead): “Since I've been coming to America to tour since 1973, I feel kind of like an
adopted American in a lot of ways, and this atrocity hit me too. The cold-blooded way these assassins used
passenger flights (and whatever creed these people follow, there were surely some of the same creed among
the passengers) is unforgivable.
“They need to be certainly identified, and then blasted and razed from the face of the earth. This is one instance
where revenge is inevitable - just make sure they're the right guys and then erase 'em. All our condolences to the
relatives and friends - all my disgust for the perpetrators.” (www.imotorhead.com )
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Scott Ian, Anthrax (photo by Kira)
Anthrax: “…Before the tragedy of September 11th the only thing scary about Anthrax
was our bad hair in the 80's and the "Fistful Of Metal" album cover. Most people
associated the name Anthrax with the band, not the germ. Now in the wake of those
events, our name symbolizes fear, paranoia and death. Suddenly our name is not so
cool. To be associated with these things we are against is a strange and stressful
situation. To us, and to millions of people, it is just a name. We don't want to change the
name of the band, not because it would be a pain in the ass, but because we hope that
no further negative events will happen and it won't be necessary. We hope and pray
that this problem goes away quietly and we all grow old and fat together.”
(www.anthrax.com)
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Marky Ramone (Ramones): “Life goes on. The towers have disappeared from the skyline but the
world did not stop on the 11th of September. No matter how hard it is, no matter how big the grief and
suffering is, the world goes on. We have to keep on going to make sure that nobody died in vain. We
have to remember the family members and friends that were lost. All the rescuers who died while
helping others. The attacks showed that the world out there is not safe and I hope we all get alert
again. Maybe we all went to sleep a little.” (www.knac.com)
Misfits: “Our thoughts and condolences go out to everyone affected by the recent tragedies. Thanks to all of
those who wrote us with concerns and good wishes. Although this hit close to home, luckily everyone within the
Misfits as well as our friends and loved ones are safe and well. Not everyone was as fortunate as we were. You
can support relief efforts of the American Red Cross by either making a donation or giving blood at your local
blood bank. Call the American Red Cross at (800) HELP-NOW to find out more ways to help. The Misfits would
also like to extend thanks to all of those working tirelessly around the clock to bring relief to our great city and all
who were brave enough to risk their lives for the chance to save another.” (www.misfits.com )
Anti-Flag: “It has been exactly two weeks since the events of Sept 11, 2001 and we still find ourselves in a state
of grief and shock. These events have devastated us, as they have devastated all of the world's citizens. We
deeply grieve for the victims and surviving family members of these heinous attacks.
“We have been asked many times, ‘Why does Anti-Flag hate America?' In these very uncertain times we want to
make it very clear that we do not hate America, what we hate are the problems that plague our country:
corporate control of our government, homophobia, sexism, mistreatment of veterans, ageism, police brutality,
exploitation of lesser economically developed countries, just to name a few. For 10 years Anti-Flag's main goal
has been to unite people and fight against violence and oppression. The content of our songs, and even our
name, is meant to break down the artificial barriers we believe are used to separate people, corrupted patriotism
or nationalism, being the issue we most often target. The most important underlying theme we have stressed in
the past, but want to stress now more than ever is that we do not support killing or oppression of any sort, by
anybody. Therefore, in the spirit of the founders of America, we raise our voices in dissent to draw attention to
such problems in an attempt to improve life for all!...”
(www.anti-flag.com/anti-flag/911forpeacestatement.html)
Maynard James Keenan (Tool): “We have to make a choice…between fear, and love and compassion. We
pick love and compassion.” (In concert, Columbus, Sept. 14)
Propagandhi: “First, we send out our most sincere condolences to all the innocent victims of this brazen
terrorist attack. Words are insufficient to express our shock.
“We can say in no uncertain terms that we condemn any and all terror attacks on civilians anywhere, and join
with others today in disbelief and sadness at the horrendous loss of innocent lives.
“We want you to understand that this is not an impersonal, distant issue for us. One of my high-school teacher’s
daughters was in one of the World Trade Towers on Tuesday. We have many good friends currently living in
New York City--musicians and activists--most of whom we have not heard from since Tuesday. Another good
friend of ours just recently left a job in the financial district in New York that was attacked. You must understand
that these attacks have a deep personal component for us.
“And so it angers us all the more that all we have heard about since Tuesday morning have been calls for
"revenge" and "retaliation" that will inevitably lead to an escalation of the kind of horror we watched on TV this
week, instead of calls for even one moment of self-examination. Our horror is matched only by our rage at the
implication that this event will be used as a pretext for shutting down any further dialogue on the issue of US
Imperialism abroad and for silencing any critique of capitalism and militarism.
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“It is our view that Tuesday’s atrocity should be regarded as the final nail in the coffin for silence and indifference
towards terrorism . All terrorism. Not just officially-named terrorism committed by "them", but terrorism
committed with our tacit approval by our own governments upon other peoples of the world. In the aftermath and
hysteria, cowards will back away from hard questions and even harder answers. We won’t. We never have. We
never will.”
(www.g7welcomingcommittee.com/propagandhi/worldtradecenter.shtml)
(10 Min. to compile)
--Kira, [email protected]
Poll: What’s The Most Important Year in Rock History?
Tell us what you think: Is it the year(s) punk broke? The year John Lennon was shot? The year rap was finally
recognized by the Grammys? The year Run-DMC collaborated with Aerosmith? The year Napster broke? Or the
year Metallica sued their fans? Anything’s game. Be creative.
Send us a year and provide a brief explanation of your choice. We’ll publish your submissions, and with luck, have
prizes for the best entries. Send responses to [email protected].
Advice: Ask DR x Gonzo
Need advice? Ask D R x Gonzo by writing to P.O. Box 266 or
[email protected].
Note: DR x Gonzo is not a doctor or licensed practitioner of anything.
He doesn’t even have a driver’s license. He’s an authority on nothing.
He consults with professionals wherever necessary or possible. Neither
he nor Vanguard Party are responsible for whether you choose to follow
this advice, and whether or not it works for you.
Please send requests for advice about
music, sexuality, culture, fashion, hair
styles, revenge, classes, seduction, or
just about anything really to DR x
Gonzo at
[email protected] or PO
BOX 266.
Gonzo,
I’ve just broken up with [the?] girl. I keep searching for music to excise pesky feelings. All the songs I can find are
syrupy, sappy, oozy. Not what I want. How do I exorcise this evil? –Fucking Hostile
Well, exorcism is one way to look at it. Lobotomy is another. A funeral for the relationship is another. But that
requires time-consuming mourning: mulling aimlessly and depressed.
In the final analysis , break-ups are murder. And that’s the best way to think of them.
Here’s a soundtrack for a crime of ex-passion, each carefully tested in our labs :
Shellac, “Prayer to God”; Nick Cave, “Red Right Hand”; Social Distortion, “99 to Life”; Misfits, “Die Die My
Darling” & “Attitude”; Foetus, “Mine is no Disgrace,” Guns ‘n Roses, “I Used to Love Her (But I Had to Kill Her),
The Cult, “Love Removal Machine”; Faith No More, “Surprise, You’re Dead!”
Most PJ Harvey will serve your purposes well; however, listening to The Cure, Tesla, or Tori Amos is a sure
path to regression.
Note, there’re fair traces of misogyny in the songs we’ve listed above. Duly noted. Use only as directed and
must be taken with a full glass of irony.
Remember, love is temporary. But we never stop hating. Contrary to popular belief, love is simply the absence
of hatred. Embrace your hatred. But don’t act on it. And keep it simple: don’t take on hating vague stereotypes.
It’s not becoming on you.
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Classifieds
Some Ideas. It’s all yours, and it’s free form -- And it’s free. Send all ads to PO Box 266 or
[email protected].
Media Exchange
Looking for the Faith No More greatest hits anthology. Also seeking any Blitz or Varukers. CDR or MP3 (stuff
to trade). --Kira, [email protected] .
Looking for bootlegs to trade/exchange? Send ads to [email protected] .
Musician Board
Musician in search of a band? Band in search of a musician? Send classifieds to [email protected] .
Personals
Connect, congratulate, thank, remind, get laid, whatever. Send ads to [email protected] .
Announcements, Gigs, Parties
A recent ad in the Tower suggests we can look
forward to open mic nights @ the new coffee shop
[Insomnia] downtown. I can’t wait to hear
something happen around here. --Anonymous.
Announce your gigs, advertise your music. Send
ad to [email protected] .
Help Wanted
Wanted: Show reviews. If you went to see a show,
Vanguard Party could use your review. See
submission guidelines on page 2. Send reviews to
[email protected].
Wanted: CD reviews. Vanguard Party can always
use reviews of CDs – classics, new releases,
anything you have. We especially encourage hiphop
reviews.
Send
reviews
to
[email protected].
Wanted: Ad sales volunteers. Vanguard Party
seeks volunteers to solicit ads from indie music
labels, area clubs, bars, etc. We have a form letter
made up – just personalize, address, and mail. If
you can help, contact [email protected] .
Wanted: desktop publishing volunteers. Vanguard Party seeks volunteers interested in desktop publishing to
do the layout of each new issue of Vanguard Party issue. If you can help, contact [email protected].
Next Issue: Body Piercing, an interview with Clutch, the Bin Laden
Tape Project, Revenge, and of course CD reviews, show reviews, and
yet another gig guide.
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