Three bands that have been getting a ton of play lately here at Weasel Manor:
Jesse Michaels of Operation Ivy and Common Rider has a band called Classics Of Love that just released a killer 6 song EP on Asian Man Records. Jesse hasn't lost a step - this EP is fantastic. Listen HERE and buy the EP HERE
Chris Barrows of the Pink Lincolns is fronting a ferocious new punk band called the Spears these days. Chris is great as always and the songs are a little more complex musically than I was expecting which was a nice surprise. Kick ass guitarist too. This is terrific stuff. Listen HERE, buy HERE
And finally, out of Ottawa come the Visitors reminding me how good Ramones-based pop punk can be when done right. This stuff is sheer idiot savant bliss. Listen HERE, buy HERE and HERE
Sorry about this gang - Riot Fest Chicago is still happening but Riot Fest L.A. has been postponed. I just got this from Riot Mike:
Riot Fest West Postponed until Spring 2010
Firstly, I want to apologize to the people who were excited for Riot Fest to come to Los Angeles - it was always a dream of mine that one day Riot Fest would be able to take place in another part of the U.S. But, sometimes those types of dreams need to be put on hold.
A few weeks ago, I found out that my health was failing, and I was advised by doctors to take a few months off for treatment. It was somber news to say the least, but my immediate reaction was how this would inherently affect Riot Fest. After speaking with family and close friends about the situation and mulling it over for a few days, I decided that if I couldn't give it my all because of health related issues, then, I should postpone Riot Fest West until I'm cleared by doctors, which should hopefully be in Spring 2010.
With all of that said, there is no way in hell I would let Riot Fest Chicago not happen. For people who are attending the Chicago fest - don't fret, it is all systems go.
Even with all of this stuff happening with me right now, the amount of good wishes I've already received from bands, agents, managers and fellow promoters makes me feel like one of the luckiest guys in the world -- and so goddamn thankful that DOA made its way to my walkman in 5th grade . This is by far the best music scene, and it was completely evidenced by talking with the bands, agents and so forth in the past 7 days
For all of you who have already purchased tickets for Riot Fest West, a refund was issued this morning, and once again I deeply apologize - this was the one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make... but, mark my words, we'll see you in 2010.
Your chum,
Riot Mike