Grimy Goods

Damn that’s a mouthful, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson. Can’t we just call him M-Bar or something? I can’t quite remember where I came across this super talented individual, but I’m so diggin’ his music. A jewel in the Nile, in which case the Nile he represents is Brooklyn. On the same label (Say Hey Records) as Shy Child once was, I’m sure that Miles will graduate onto a bigger label too.

When I first listened to his song “The Debtor,” I immediately loved the sound and lyrics, but couldn’t quite pin-point the influence. For some odd reason I was leaning towards a toned down Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, but then I got the fog out of my head and realized it reminded me of the soulful crooning from TV On The Radio (what the fuck is up with all these long names). Re-affirming my assumption, Kyp Malone of TVOTR indeed helped out with the sound.

This rising 24-year old is one to keep your radar on. He sings from the heart with some intense lyrics fueled by some dark blues floating over a sonic landscape. His self-titled debut album hits July 1. Recorded by Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor with contributions from Taylor’s bandmates Chris Bear and Daniel Rossen, and we musn’t forget the previously mentioned Kyp Malone. Get the album when it drops! But until then listen to the album’s first single “Buriedfed” below.

The Soft Parade:

Great, another element adding to my obsession with this beautiful musical libertine. Isn’t it bad enough I impersonated him (leather pants and all) in my High School creative writing class while my bestie played Janis? As necro as it may seem, I sometimes wish I can raise the dead.

Marking the 41st anniversary of one of the greatest bands to walk this earth, the surviving members of the Doors plan to release a documentary film in about six months. Disappointed in the way the band was portrayed in the 1991 film “The Doors,” former band member Ray Manzarek says this new doc will be the “anti-Oliver Stone” film … “This will be the true story of the Doors.”

There is no title and I’m not quite sure who is directing this highly anticipated release, in which we’ve been patiently waiting for. I do know that Dick Wolf was set to produce it back in 07 but I think some changes were made along the road. What ever happened to the Stacey Peralta Doors documentary, “Six Nights, Six Records, Six Years” that was also slated for an 07 release? Neither documentary made it in time for the 40th anniversary, so let’s hope this latest flick actually does happen. For more info click here.

This is the best live footy I’ve seen, and the sound is mastered really well. Sic improv!

The boys at the 1031 camp are gearing up to go on an east coast tour. Kicking off June 2 through the 21st, ya’ll can see the boys in action. Check out the tour dates below and click here to check out their new video trailer (there’s a huge pair of knockers in there).

Wow (as I say that in a monotone, satirical manner), MTV and NBC has inked a partnership with the AST (Action Sports Tour). No surprise here, and I think for anyone to get all angry about it is kind of lame. Hate it or love it, skateboarding once again becomes even more mainstream and profitable. It’s like when your favorite band that was once so under the radar goes huge, you naturally feel disappointed because of all the douches and corpos that begin to exploit them to more douches and corpos. Well at least the musicians are then getting the pay and notoriety they deserve for their unique talents. In the same turn, skaters are equally entitled in receiving proper dues for all their hard work and skill.

This newest venture ain’t nothin’ of the new. C’mon now, MTV already brought out Jack Ass, Viva La Bam, Rob and Big (which I love), and the horrible Life of Ryan. What about the Maloof Money Cup? Now that’s some corpo shit, but pretty damn awesome nonetheless. Similarly, our skaters deserve that cash money comin’ in from the Dew Tour and such. This new partnership just provides more opportunities and money for skaters to make a living, and yes corpos are profiting but what’s new? Now when NBC comes out with their all American team (hypothetically speaking) and skateboarding goes pop warner, then it’s the apocalypse. But until then just keep it real and nevermind the bull shit, support the under before the over.

Suicidal Tendencies - “Go Skate”

After almost three years of depriving us of his beautiful music, our favorite Icelandic songbird, Sigur Ros, flys in with some more enchanting tunes. His 5th LP titled, (brace yourself, this shit is gnarly) “með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust,” which translates: with a buzz in our ears we play endlessly, will be released June 24.

As more and more kind musicians seem to be giving away free mp3’s and entire albums, Sigur has made available his single “Gobbledigook” free to download. Gobble di Gook, hmmm, I almost feel politically incorrect saying that out loud. Good music nonetheless, so cruise on over to sigurros.com and get this surprisingly upbeat, good-feeling track. Check out the new vid here.

Gobbledigook:

Former skater, now folk singer, but always-super cutie, Matt Costa has done a pretty good job showing his musical talents. His second LP, “Familiar Faces,” released in January has kept him in the bedroom dreams of fans of all kinds. From the slutty hipsters, to the Tiger Beat tweens and the wishful queens, he just does it for us all. Interviews that don’t reiterate what’s been asked time after time are the best. Even better well read, when the questions are oddball as fuck. Check out this short but sweet Q & A from the Houston Chronicle.

What are you doing this Friday? If your in or near the OC, head on out to the RVCA headquarters for some good tunes and the premiere of Tales From The Black Van. With some rippin’ tunes from The Embalmers and the Japanese Motors, what more can you ask for? Check out the flyer and video trailer below for more info.

See you there kiddies.

Watch some radness:

It wasn’t too long ago when we blogged about the Skate Rock Tour. Well know these thrashin’ hellraisers are ready to give you a taste of all that went down on the Skate Rock Tour. Check out the new trailer by clicking on the image below.

If your gonna be near or reside in North County, San Diego, home to many well known skaters and leading skate companies, you should swing by the San Dieguito Heritage Museum in Encinitas. “Skate and Create,” is a fresh history of skateboarding exhibit reflecting on the North County scene back in the 70’s and 80’s. Set to open May 31 and run for six months. It will include three panels of photographs, posters, video recordings of skateboarding maneuvers and interviews, and a display of vintage skateboards. Under the direction of Professor, Jeff Charles, of Cal State San Marcos, about a dozen grad students will take part in this exciting class project.

Where were these class assignments when I was back in College? It would’ve been a lot more inspiring and motivational then writing a huge PR plan for some lame ass grocery store. For more info click here.

For all you weirdoes with an uncanny Charo fetish, the old coquette is back. Her new album features her guitar skills, which actually aren’t too bad. So don’t worry about hearing any annoying “cuci cuchi” on this mix. What should be intersting about her new tunes, “Espana Cani,” is that it’s all guitar, no vocals. Set to the beat of dance remixes from some of the hottest DJ’s in the county, her album sets to fall on June 5, 2008. Hosting a live performance to an intimate crowd of invitees at her Beverly Hills mansion, it’s sure to be shits and giggles for all. Look out gay pride, this top-heavy entertainer will be promoting her new album and will be the Grand Marshall of San Francisco Gay Pride event. So bring out your best Charo fits if you want roll on her pink float.

Following her debut album, “Made of Bricks,” the Ireland born songstress, Kate Nash is preppin’ for her second album. Only there won’t be no preppy in this album. Apparently she wants to fuse some punk into her new sound. So is she jumping on an already worn down bandwagon, or has she always liked punk as told to XFM? Considering her previous B-side track, “Model Behaviour,” and her Billy Brag cover, I think her tastes are pretty legit. Bring on the punk Kate.

Skeleton Song

Photo: Chandler

Damn, this news sucks. It seems like more skaters are getting into some unfortunate, heavy shit with the law. According to the OC Register, Pro skater, Brian Patch is facing a felony charge of committing a lewd act with a minor. Patch is set to appear in court for an arraignment hearing on June 4 at the West Justice Center in Westminster. Don’t know all the details but I hope this all gets straightened out for the better on both ends.

More info click here.

Photo: Alejandro Paez

Instead of lurking and pestering him while he’s sippin’ on some Jack at the Rainbow, now you faithful fans can get deep inside the unique mind of Lemmy Kilmister, the idolized front man of the one and only Motorhead. Produced by Greg Olliver and Wes Orshoski, two former contributors of Billboard, this new flick is shot on a combination of HD video and super 16-mm film … fancy and artsy fartsy. With interviews including, but not limited to Slash, Dave Grohl, the Clash’s Mick Jones, Alice Cooper, Steve Vai, and wrestling superstar Triple H, the shit looks good. I will never forget the first time I said hello to that infamous mole on the patio at the Rainbow.

For more info click here and peep the teaser below (the ending rocks).

“You think you know who Lemmy is, but you have no idea. If you think you have Lemmy all figured out, trust me. You don’t!”
— Wes Orshoski

Today is the birthday of one of the greatest artists in the world. From his poetry, music, artwork, and physical being, Bob Dylan has enlightened the world with his wise words. After 50 years of providing quality music with a true meaning, the man is till rockin. I got the pleasure of seeing him live a couple years ago at the Cox arena in San Diego and it was epic. He played nothin’ but the blues. Check out his latest tour dates here.

My favorite: Lay Lady Lay

For all you Harley-Davidson enthusiasts, whether you’re a real rider, weekend warrior or part of the new generation of young bad boys, Harley- Davidson is going full throttle for their 105 years of riding proud. It all goes off August 17th starting as a ride home to Milwaukee for the celebration of a lifetime. There are 105 official starting points and 25 routes. Riders can begin as far as San Diego, New York and everything in between. If you’re not apart of this historical experience, it will be something amazing to see in the least. This landmark event also commemorates 25 years of the H.O.G. and the opening of the Harley-Davidson museum.

This shit’s gonna be insane and the largest ride in history. Besides the fun and scenic beauty of cruising across the US, some mass partying awaits once you hit the Harley homeland beginning the 28th of August. There will be tons of music, events and attractions spanning a 3-day celebration. ZZ Top, Bruce Springsteen, The Foo Fighters and more. So start revin’ up for a hell of a vacation. For more info click here.

How far they have come …

It’s nights like these, when I wish I had my camera. Last night was unexpected and fun, the Royal Dive rocked. And so did these ladies, their looooong session put a smile on every man’s face, and woman’s! The Bleeding Irish rocked the joint as well. Awesome band.

So my buddy, “big shot Tony,” the moniker I use to pester him, invites me to The Kills’ sold out show at the El Rey theater in LA. As much as I loathe the crazy drive there, considering I’m rollin’ up from Carlsbad, I gladly jump to the occasion to see this kick ass band live. After battling the warm Santa Ana winds, and shielding off all the nasty LA debris from festering in my eyes, we make it into the packed venue. Standard LA indie scene, hipsters and fashionistas, but at least everyone here had some major good taste in music, even if it was just for one night. Virgin to the El Rey, I’ve heard nothing but good things. The large carpeted venue immediately reminded me of the Olympia music hall in Paris, France. I caught the New York Dolls there back in 06 and it was a hell of a performance.

So the soulful, rockin’ duo begins. Wow. Although, their audio does them justice, their live performance is insanely fuckin’ marvelous! Immediately I tell Tony that front woman, Allison Mosshart, reminds me of a young Patty Smith. With her tall slender body, disheveled head of raven hair, and possessed like singing and shaking. After noticing The Velvets and The Heartbreakers on the film projector behind them, who comes up next on the big screen? Why none other than, punk n’ blues queen, Patti Smith. I guess Mosshart too is a fan.

Between Mosshart and British guitarist Jamie “Hotel” Hince, they put out some dirty sweet, vicious tunes. Although they use a drum machine for their beats and percussion, it works. I definitely prefer the high energy and visual stimulation I receive from the mad skills of drummers, but as a duo, which is very popular lately, The Kills have got it down. Their music is dark but hip, grounded with a solid foundation of blues and punk. The use of their drum machine gives them a saucy electro twist. Check em out if you know what’s good.

Click here for the photo gallery.

Besides this year’s Emerica Wild Ride taking place in the bolstering heat of the dirty south, where skater road warriors will have to fend off the immense insects that dwell in the humidity, there is an upside this year. Harley-Davidson will take its newly released Dark Customs line on the Emerica Wild Ride this June in an effort to align the new motorcycle designs with a younger demographic. As an experiential marketing tool, Harley-Davidson will be giving Emerica’s sponsored team of pros the new bikes to ride during the fourth annual Wild Ride. Word up.

Andy Benka, Harley-Davidson director of market outreach, said, connecting the “grittier and raw” Dark Customs line to the Wild Ride was an authentic way to connect with its next generation of riders.

“This generation of bikers isn’t interested in a bike they have to polish every day,” Benka said. “The… line cuts against many grains of [traditional] Harleys.”

For more info click here.

Hey guys, cruise by Deluxe on the Real skateboards and leave some awesome comments for their youngest pro rider, Johnny Romano. After battling cancer for some time, it has made and unfortunate return. But this lil ripper is tough as steel and can conquer all. So roll on over to the blog they have created for him and show some love.

Check out some of his footy below from Make a Wish 2007.

Well who would of thought America’s devious lil brown noser, Eddie Haskell, a fictional character on famed oldie sitcom, “Leave it to Beaver,” would still be just as devious. Originally portrayed by funnyman, Harry Shearer, it’s refreshing to see that Shearer has kept to his cheeky roles, entertaining and enlightening the masses. “Songs of the Bushmen,” Harry Shearer’s savage and poignant musical satire of the Bush administration’s leading figures, will be released by Courgette Records, July 1. A follow-up to last year’s Grammy nominated “Songs Pointed and Pointless,” this new album solely pokes fun at the Bush administration’s most popular dumbasses. The shit’s funny, with all sorts of music styles from blues, country, pop and more. But the words are the ultimate kicker! I can only imagine what will happen to political comedy once Bush and his clowns make their highly anticipated exit. Until then, check out Shearer’s video to his new song “935 Lies.”