0 NEWS: Grenades' Badmotorboater EP Release

One of our favorite bands over the last few years has been Grenades.  For those who haven't caught their energetic frenzy of a live set, or heard their split 12" with Mercy Ties, Grenades formed out of the dissolution of the comparatively button-down Kane Hodder, when three of the remaining members decided to throw caution to the wind and play the angular, heavy shit that they had to constrain to some extent until then.  They have been killing it on stage ever since, and now it's looking like we might be having a Grenades spring this year.

It's almost criminal how long their debut full-length, Heaven is Empty, has been waiting for a proper release.  The SRG family has been fortunate enough to hear this behemoth and it nearly capsized our brains.  Word on the street (and on their website) is that we are finally going to be able to purchase a physical copy or download for our very own. 

As if that wasn't enough to tide us over, they decided to make some 4-song rarities tapes!  Cassette tapes.  You crazy kids and your cassette tapes.  Anyway, if you have a cassette player or a walkman or just like collecting plastic things, these will be available at their next show in very limited supply. 

They are pretty cute, aren't they?

Here's some more details,  http://wearegrenades.com/release-update/badmotorboater-ep/ 

If you aren't deaf and like fun, be sure to check out their next show on February 15th at the Highline, where they will be celebrating the 1st anniversary of the Seattle Passive Aggressive magazine with Norska, Samothrace, and Great Falls.  Of course, we'll probably be mentioning that show again in the near future...

0 [NEw MuSic] Today in Melvins Press Releases

I had to share this press release, though I usually prefer not to just post press releases. It's just that it's the best one I've received to date. I've listened to the new record now probably over a 100 times already, and 5 times today. (Shit, I should probably get my shit together and review the thing). Even so I'm still totally stoked for release day, not mention this summer's tour, where I will be seeing the band at both Bonnaroo and July 6th in Seattle. Ok, enough. MELVINS are pretty much the greatest band ever. EVER! The Melvins' The Bride Screamed Murder is out on June 1 via Ipecac Recordings. Better buy it fuckers!

Enjoy!

--
It's 2010 which means it's time for another Melvins record!
THE BRIDE SCREAMED MURDER...

That's right, THE BRIDE SCREAMED MURDER.
With a title like that you know the record has to be a stone groove.
THE BRIDE SCREAMED MURDER was recorded in a couple of weeks somewhere in Los Angeles... I've been told the recording studio they used was within walking distance of a Starbucks.

Where isn't?

This marks the third recording in a row with the same band lineup, which is almost a new record without booting a band member!

What gives?

People are born ignorant but they are not born stupid. In a high-tech age that has seen the creation of artificial intelligence by computers; we are also seeing the creation of artificial stupidity by people who call themselves educators. Fortunately for us, the experiences of life can help people outgrow whatever stupidity they've been indoctrinated with.

Got it?

As Oscar Wilde said, “A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything but the value of nothing."

Anyway...

The Melvins have been around for like 25 or 26 years at least and they've seen some heavy shit come down...

And some of it was even music.

They did like five albums on indie labels before they got signed to Atlantic Records in 1993... I know it sounds like a crock but it's the truth. For once something in a Melvins bio is the truth. And AND.. Atlantic actually released THREE Melvins records before dumping them. I guess that once the top brass at Atlantic finally got around to listening to what the albums they were paying for sounded like, they gave them the old heave ho!

Oh well...

In almost no time at all It was on to greener pastures in the form of Ipecac Records where the Melvins have been putting out albums ever since. How many albums have they done on Ipecac?

A shit load.

But what do the Melvins SOUND like?

They've been described as sounding like an explosion in a machine shop, a drum set falling down stairs, a wolverine and a trout in a blender, ice cream and pickles, talentless geeks and a several other flattering epithets.

King Buzzo describes the Melvins music as Captain Beefheart playing heavy metal... I guess that's a pretty good description.

The Melvins have also been through a shit load of band members, remarkably they STILL include founding member King Buzzo and almost founding member Dale Crover and they STILL have the Big Business guys Mr. Warren and Mr. Willis playing with them...
Here's what the boys think of their new album THE BRIDE SCREAMED MURDER.

King Buzzo says:

"I like the record and for once we didn't fuck it up. I mean it's fucked up and everything but we didn't "fuck" it up... If you follow me."

Dale Crover:

"It's good! They pretty much just woke me up to play drums or sing. I slept through the hard part of the mixing while lying on the couch with head phones on. "

Mr. Warren:

"I really dig my bass sound on this. It has a sort of "up" quality I've always been looking for but never was able to achieve until now. "

Mr. Willis:

"I think the general public will really get this one for once. Dale said I was playing my drums like a king shit hillbilly hotshot... I guess that was a compliment..."

Dang! These guys have been a band for like 25 or 26 years! HOLY ZOMBIE JESUS that's a long ass time.

I suppose we can expect a decade of "farewell shows" to start up in about two minutes...

Ha!

Who knows what the future holds for the Melvins? We do know they WILL be hitting the road for a bunch of shows in the U.S.A. this summer, so make sure to come on down.
Shows in other parts of the world may happen as well...

Probably...

A lot of things haven't changed.
The masses and the media still don't know shit.
When some son of a bitch sells you something you expect the god damn thing to work.
The Melvins are family entertainment on another level.
Safety third.
Some people still think the Melvins should be called "the fucks" because they're fucked.
The Melvins gambled heavily in Vegas and lost $7000...
The Melvins have been described as "thieves and shit kickers."
Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.
Being in it for the "chicks" hasn't seemed to work out... Yet...
The Melvins are starting a "stoner rock" label called "Heavy Grass Records." Well, not really... But someone should... Well, not really...
It would be criminally and morally irresponsible not to get behind, promote and endorse the Melvins with every tool (legal and illegal) possible.

0 [VIDEO] Kinski @ The Croc (4/7/10)

Words and Video by Nik Christofferson

At a recent Crocodile gig opening for their Sub Pop label mates Retribution Gospel Choir, Kinski unveiled close to a full album’s worth of brand spanking new material. I’ll be the first one to say it was damn good, all of it. With Chris and Matthew tag teaming some rather beefy power chords, and the always sturdy team of Lucy and Barrett holding down rhythm duties with certifiable pizzazz. Kinski’s psychedelic stoner rock fusion sounded rebooted and kicked up a notch. The new stuff is crunchy, fuzzed out, melodic, and undeniably Kinski. It also wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination to say that the new songs bring to mind the driving stoner rock contained on their excellent 2005 release, “Alpine Static”. The 40 minute preview, saw Kinski sounding like a well oiled machine, one that beyond anything else knows how to put on a blistering rock show. The new record (whenever they decide to release it) is not only going to be a continuation of their already stellar catalog, but also hopefully a step towards the much needed “return to rock” kick in the ass this town needs. I’m hopeful that at the very least it’ll be a step in the right direction.

Here's a taste:

0 [VIDEO] "A Bride Screamed Murder" Video Preview

Check out this video preview of the new Melvins record, out June 1st on Ipecac. Maximum Stokage!

0 Fu Manchu Announce New Album

**Updates**

Southern California's heavy fuzz rock legends FU MANCHU will release their eleventh full-length album, "Signs of Infinite Power", on October 20, 2009 via Century Media Records.

Recorded at Maple Studios in Santa Ana, California by the band and producer Sergio Chavez (MOTÖRHEAD, HELMET) and mixed by Andrew Alekel (FOO FIGHTERS, DANZIG), "Signs of Infinite Power" could well be dubbed "a reawakening" of FU MANCHU as the record delivers monstrous doses of the group's punk energy, hard rock drive and psychedelic crunch in spades. From the instant the album's lead track "Bionic Astronautics" soars from the speakers, it is undeniably evident that FU MANCHU is as primed and hungry as ever before. The record holds the sound of a band rocking purely for the sheer joy of rocking; amps cranked to 11 and revved to maximum overdrive.

"Signs of Infinite Power" track listing:

01. Bionic Astronautics
02. Steel.Beast.Defeated
03. Against the Ground
04. Webfoot Witch Hat
05. El Busta
06. Signs of Infinite Power
07. Eyes x 10
08. Gargantuan March
09. Take It Away
10. One Step Too Far

"We're stoked to unleash 'Signs of Infinite Power' because we feel that it's the best record that we've ever made," states FU MANCHU vocalist/guitarist Scott Hill. "We're can't believe that we're going into our twentieth year as a band. The excitement and energy levels that we're feeling right now are as high as they've ever been."

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, FU MANCHU has a number of very special events planned for 2010. The band will unveil a host of plans that include rolling out both one-of-a-kind live events and extra special vinyl releases. Additionally, the VIRULENCE (pre-FU MANCHU) recordings will be remastered and packaged with the band's "1985-87 demos" and both live songs and video footage from 1987-89 under the title "If This Isn't A Dream…1985-1989". The package will be made available on both CD and LP and is slated for a winter 2009 release via Southern Lord Records.

One of my favorite bands the mighty Fu Manchu announced last week that their new album entitled "Signs of Infinite Power" will drop October 20th in the US courtesy of Century Media Records. At this point this is the only info available but the Orange County stoner rockers have released a few tour dates including a date right here in Seattle. Scott Hill and crew will grace the stage at Neumos, Saturday October 24th. I've had the pleasure of seeing the Fu twice before once with COC, Alabama Thunderpussy, and Weedeater at Neumos and once at El Corazon with Valient Thorr. I think I'll go for a third helping because I'm know they will not disappoint.

Check out this video for "Hung Out To Dry" from their previous ass-kicker "We Must Obey", and I'll be sure to have more updates when they are released. Cheers!

0 Jay Reatard's West Coast Indie Record Store Tour

Tonight I ran down to Sonic Boom Records to catch garage rocker Jay Reatard play his second set in as many days as part of his west coast independent record store tour. Yesterday he played at Easy Street (QA), and tonight Sonic Boom (Ballard). Jay Reatard is touring in support of his excellant 2nd solo record on Matador Records "Watch Me Fail". The new record is a killer slab of lo-fi garage punk with pop sensibilities. Jay Reatard has a history of churning material with recklass abandon mostly in the form of 7" singles and EP's. The fact that he decided to release a second full length has surprised many of his fans.

Just like his show back in May at the Crocodile, tonight Jay Reatard and his full time rythm section churned out song after song without much rest. The songs in live form are played at extreme volumes and in my mind showcase much more of Jay's guitar skills and musical talent. He chooses to record in lo-fi, which I believe bogs down much of the power his songs posess. Non the less "Watch Me Fail" is a great record, and his live show even better. He had a nice mosh pit going at that last Croc show and I'm sure he will again when he makes his way back to Seattle in October. Here are some iPhone pics and his awesome new video for "It Ain't Gonna Save Me".

0 "Monster's of Folk" Ready Album

**UPDATE** Just announced "Monsters of Folk" are coming to Seattle October 15th and are playing the Paramount Theater. The group will donate $1 from every ticket sold to local charity "ArtCorps". An exclusive pre-sale begins Tuesday, July 28th, with tickets going on-sale to the general public beginning Friday, July 31st.

It was announced awhile ago that Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), and M. Ward would be releasing an album together this year. These three guys have played and traveled together for years but for the first time they have recorded together and will release an album under the moniker “Monster’s of Folk”. This folk rock supergroup or ”new-age Travelling Wilburys” if so inclined, will release their album entitled “Say Please” September 22nd. “Monster’s of Folk” also includes a fourth member and full time Bright Eyes multi-instrumentalist Mike Mogis. They are currently offering their first single for free on their website. All you have to do is “Say Please”.

Get new track here:

www.monstersoffolk.com/

0 Boston's Cave In Reunite and Announce New EP

Rejoice! I guess a 3 ½ year break was long enough for one of SRG’s favorite bands. Boston’s Cave In is officially back together! In 2006 Cave In went on hiatus after touring in support of their awesome 5th full length record “Perfect Pitch Black”. Not only have they gotten back together but Stephen Brodsky, Adam McGrath, Caleb Scofield and John-Robert Conners are releasing a new EP entitled “Planets of Old” as well. The new EP will be released July 19th on 12″ vinyl only via Hydra Head Records. I have gotten my hands on the EP early and it’s fucking kick ass. It’s a 4 track heavy slab of the styles that have made Cave In so unique; racous metalcore and spaced out experimental hard rock. It’s very cool and I’m very glad they decided to make music together again. I have been fortunate to have seen Cave In twice before once with their partners in crime Converge at El Corazon in 2005 and once with the Doomriders at the same club in 2006. They are currently streaming the entire EP here. Check it out, let me know what you think, and cross your fingers for another Seattle appearance.

Here is the official press release from the band:

Official statement from Cave In

Dear friends,

After 3 1/2 long years, Cave In has decided to end its hiatus. Please join us for an EP release show at Great Scott’s (1222 Commonwealth Ave., Allston MA) on Sunday, July 19th @ 9PM. Also playing will be our friends Disappearer and Phantom Glue. Copies of the “Planets Of Old” limited 12″ (recorded by Adam Taylor, Alex Hartman & Johnny Northrup @ Camp St. Studio) from Hydra Head Records will be available that night.

We hope to see your lovely selves.

Steve, Adam, J.R., Caleb

CAVE IN

0 The Cave Singers "Welcome Joy" Presale

There are quite a few records I’m really excited about being released in 2009. Besides PJ’s “Backspacer”, AIC’s “Black Gives Way to Blue”, Yo La Tengo's "Popular Songs", and the still untitled Yeasayer record the one I’m most excited about is The Cave Singers second effort “Welcome Joy”, due out August 18th. In 2007 this Seattle band released probably one of the best local records of that year in my opinion, and one of my favorite records of all time (That’s right, all time!). I think “Invitation Songs” still gets more spins by my wife and I than any other record in the past few years. The trio of Peter Quirk, Derek Fudesco, and Marty Lund created incredibly beautiful music together on that record, and blew us away the first time we saw them live at Neumos that year. The gorgeous new song “Beach House” made available for download by Matador Records a couple months ago hopefully is only a precursor to what is sure to be an amazing record. This time around they are also joined by the Ashley Weber of Lightning Dust and Amber Weber of Black Mountain and Lightning Dust, which should add some more pretty harmonies as well. If you haven’t caught The Cave Singers in a live setting yet let me just say you have missed out so far, it’s nothing short of hypnotizing. Never fear though you'll have plenty of chances soon enough, because they are scheduled for 3 Seattle performances in the second half of 2009. The first being a record release show August 18th @ Easy Street Records (Queen Anne), then September 7th @ Bumbershoot (Monday), and also October 17th @ Neumo’s.

Matador records has announced the pre-sale for “Welcome Joy” and you can order it here. I’ve also posted the song “Beach House” from the new record below; right click-save as, enjoy and hopefully I'll see you August 18th @ Easy Street.

Beach House

0 Listen to New Pearl Jam Now!

I'm back from my trip to Hawaii and just in time it seems. Pearl Jam has released their new single "The Fixer" for streaming, and I've added the link right here at seattlerockguy.com. It is an upbeat little ditty in my mind reminiscent of "Unemployable" from their 2006 self-titled album. I love it, and have already had it on repeat for the last 2 hours. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Pearl Jam "The Fixer"

2 Melvins To Release Remix Album?

I'm still not to sure what I think about this, but you know what... the Melvin's will always will be one of my favorites band, so I will continue to follow them on their long strange journey because they have yet to let me down. It looks like artists such as Lee Ranaldo from Sonic Youth and Merzbow have remixed tracks which should make for an interesting listening experience. The Melvins are also coming back to town as mentioned before in a previous post with Down August 11th at the Showbox Sodo!! Here is the press release info for this new remix record:

The Melvins will release "Chicken Switch", a 15-song remix cd with a twist, on Sept. 29 via Ipecac Recordings. Unlike usual remix cds where the remixer is given a single track to work with, for Chicken Switch each remixer was given a full album to work with and pull from to create their track (and in some cases, more than one full album was used as source material). The song names were also newly selected by their remixer.

1. Washmachine Sk8tronics - Eye Yamatsuka

2. Emperor Twaddle Reemix - Christoph Heeman

3. She Chokes Her Dying Breadn and Does It In my Face - V/VM

4. AAHHH... - John Duncan

5. Linksh änder - Matmos

6. EggNog Trilogy i) She's Ivanhoe ii) Cancer iii) Inebriated - Lee Ranaldo

7. SNOW REM REM IBVZ - Merzbow

8. Prick Concrete/Revolution M - David Scott Stone

9. Queen (Electroclash Remix) - Panaceea

10. The Silky Apple Butter of Youth - Sunroof!

11. 4th Floor Hellcopter - Kawabata Makoto

12. disp_tx_skel_mach_murx - Farmersmanual

13. Overgoat - Void Manes

14 Over from Under the Dog, Girl & Boy Treatment - RLW

15. Hard Revenge Milly Bloody Battle VS. The Melvins Ozmatized Gore Police (Feat. Cardopusher of the Five Deadly Venoms) - Speedranch

0 New Megadeth Track "Headcrusher"

Photo taken by SRG at Gigantour 2005 (White River Amphitheater)

One of the records I am most excited for this year is Megadeth's 12th studio album "End Game" scheduled for release September 15th. This time Dave Mustaine recruited ex-Nevermore (Seattle baby!) touring guitarist Chris Broderick, who is a total shredder to fill the void left by Glen Drover. The last two records have been very solid but according to Dave himself this new one will top them all. Man, September is going to be a rad month with releases from Pearl jam and Alice in Chains as well. Dave and the boys are giving away the first single off their new album entitled "Headcrusher" out on their website. Go get it before it's gone here.




"Endgame" track listing:
01. Dialectic Chaos
02. This Day We Fight!
03. 44 Minutes
04. 1,320'
05. Bite The Hand That Feeds
06. Bodies Left Behind
07. Endgame
08. The Hardest Part Of Letting Go... Sealed With A Kiss
09. Headcrusher
10. How the Story Ends
11. Nothing Left To Lose

0 [MP3] World Priemier of AIC's "A Looking in View"

The world premier of Alice in Chain’s new track “A Looking in View” is available for download at http://www.aliceinchains.com/. It’s heavy shit!!

Just in case this offer expires get it here too!

1 [NEWS] Nebula Announce Tour and New Album

**Update** Looks like Scott Kelly of Neurosis, The Entrance Band featuring Paz of A Perfect Circle fame (pretty cool psych stuff and on tour with SY right now), A Storm of Light (excellent Doom Metal/Post-Rock), and Valis featuring ex-Screaming Trees Guitarist Van Conner have been added as support for the Seattle Nebula show!! Pretty damn good lineup here!

Psychedelic stoner rock gods Nebula have announced a US tour and are readying the release of one of their best records to date “Heavy Psych”. I have had the pleasure of listening to this album a little early and it’s great. Let me tell you, vinyl was made for music like this. It has a little of everything for the stoner rock, psych rock and just plain heavy rock fans in all of us. “Heavy Psych” will be released on July 7th via Tee Pee Records who currently have a pretty respectable roster including: The Atomic Bitchwax, Kalas, Earthless, Graveyard, and Drunk Horse. NEBULA's current lineup of founder Eddie Glass on guitar/vocals, Tom Davies on bass/vocals and Rob Oswald on drums will be hitting the road August 4th and will make a pit stop in Seattle on August 7th at Chop Suey.




NEBULA tour dates:

Aug. 04 - Elbo Room - San Francisco, CA
Aug. 05 - Nocturnum - Eureka, CA
Aug. 06 - Rotture - Portland, OR
Aug. 07 - Chop Suey - Seattle, WA
Aug. 09 - Urban Lounge - Salt Lake City, UT
Aug. 10 - 3 Kings Tavern - Denver, CO
Aug. 11 - Jackpot Saloon - Lawrence, KS
Aug. 12 - Turf Club - St. Paul, MN
Aug. 13 - Bottom Lounge - Chicago, IL
Aug. 14 - Ravari Room - Columbus, OH
Aug. 15 - Club Echo - Huntington, WV
Aug. 16 - Peabody's - Cleveland, OH
Aug. 17 - Bug Jar - Rochester, NY
Aug. 18 - Call The Office - London, ON
Aug. 19 - Casbah - Hamilton, ON
Aug. 20 - The Wreck Room - Toronto, ON
Aug. 21 - il Motore - Montreal, QC
Aug. 22 - Santos - New York, NY
Aug. 23 - Johnny Brendas - Philadelphia, PA
Aug. 24 - Ottobar - Baltimore, MD
Aug. 25 - Black Cat - Washington, DC
Aug. 26 - Jewish Mother - Virginia Beach, VA
Aug. 27 - Soapbox - Wilmington, NC
Aug. 28 - Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
Aug. 29 - Hi Tone Cafe - Memphis, TN
Aug. 31 - Walters on Washington - Houston, TX
Sep. 01 - Emo's - Austin TX
Sep. 02 - Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar - San Antonio, TX
Sep. 03 - Conservatory - Oklahoma City, OK
Sep. 05 - The Sets - Tempe, AZ

New track "The Dagger" is available for free download at this location. (right click, save as)

0 [NEWS] Pearl Jam's "Backspacer" Rumored Tracklist

This is the rumored tracklist for the much anticipated new album from Pearl Jam entitled “Backspacer” due out sometime in September. German magazine “Visions” has published a story on the new record with a track by track breakdown of what we can expect in the fall from the greatest band in the land. Yep I said it. Supposedly it’s running time is a short 36 minutes which has enraged a few ridiculously rude fans on PJ’s forum. None the less it should be a rocker, and awesome. Eddie also has been on a short solo tour of the East Coast, and for you poster hounds here's a look at the what the 2 Brad Klausen posters from the tour look like. In other PJ related news Mike McCready's UFO cover band "Flight To Mars" will be playing again in Seattle Thursday July 23rd at Neumos. They just did their annual CCFA benefit back on May 2nd at the Showbox, but it should be fun as they always put on a energetic rockin' show. Stay tuned for more PJ news as it is made available.

1. See My Friend
2. Got Some
3. The Fixer
4. Johnny Guitar
5. Just Breathe
6. Amongst The Waves
7. Unthought Known
8. Supersonic
9. Speed Of Sound
10. Force Of Nature
11. The End

4 [NEWS] New AIC Coming Soon!

Alice In Chains has announced the title to their highly anticipated forthcoming album: BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE. The 11-song album is set for release on Tuesday, September 29th. This month, on June 30th, us fans will get our first real taste of what the band has been creating for the past 2 years with a video for their first single featuring the awesome William Duvall on vocals called "A Looking in View".

I can't tell you how excited I am to finally hear some new tunes from Jerry, Sean, and Mike. I have been foaming at the mouth ever since they reunited for the 2006 Tsunami Benefit here in Seattle. These guys must have so much pent up emotion surrounding the bands early demise and of course Layne's death in 2002. If anyone is going to bring the rock this year it's these guys. With all the indie rock and pop consuming the musical world it'll be great to have AIC's dark heavy sounds in the forefront once again. My first taste of the more than capable William Duvall came during Bumbershoot 2004, when Jerry Cantrell played a rainy solo set as one of the afternoon headliners. The crowd was sparse but 2 buddies and I were front row center. William was a second guitar player and filled in for Layne's parts on Man in the Box, It Ain't Like That, and Rooster. He sounded great and it was a bright moment for me as huge fan of the band. To hear those songs sung so closely to the real thing was awesome. I have been fortunate enough to have seen this current incarnation of the band 2 times now. Once for "Band Practice" at the Moore Theater in 2006. A phone call from a buddy caused me to cut my walk around Greenlake short and hurry down to the Moore to stand in line for what was rumored to be free AIC tickets. To my surprise the rumors were true and I was second in line. Jerry, Sean and Mike all entered through the front and waved to us fans. We could hear them practicing, and us early birds received free tickets. I also made the trip out to the Gorge in 2007 when they were on tour with Velvet Revolver. It was killer, the AIC Gorge sing along gave me goosebumps, and they wiped the stage with VR. William Duvall with undoubtedly handle his duties with the utmost respect and talent. I have no fear that this album will stand next to the others. It's a new day for Alice in Chains and I can't wait. The world needs this band. period.