Shaved for Battle

Recording

Went into Negative Space studio Saturday night with our good friend John D (above). A weird experience for me (in that Hess, Nate and Chuck weren't there) -- but still awesome to be recording Right Idea songs again.

I feel like we've grown, taken a step back, and got super-awesome all at the same time. . . in this "next chapter" that is this group of 4 new tracks.

The songs ripped in practice, I can't wait to hear 'em all finished!

Geoff and Eddy

The Cat and My Chuck

7" Tour Cover Revealed

A couple things to note:

1. No, that's not a typo -- this 7" is titled Our Way and the Refuse records 7" is titled Right Way

2. Yes, Our Way is also the title of the Discography CD that Refuse released to go along with the 7" Right Way

Oh yeah, it's limited to 50, so chances are good it'll be gone before you get to it. And if not -- get an extra one for me, because I'd like one.

It's the Right Way

News soon. Tours. Records. Fun. For now, check out the Basement Boys and some Eastern Wrestling League Highlights:

Wrestling Videos on Flowrestling

Basement Boys: Tower Skins

These Joes from down on Madison just cut a demo and will be tearing the Tower down regularly. You may recall Alex from being a professional van owner, and owner of Die Hard Movers: 'Movers with Integrity,' as well as loaner of gear, practice space and ears. These Clevo boys are on the prowl, so check it out here.

New Songs

The Hessman (not the one you see to the left, that's Howard Hesseman, aka Dr. Johnny Fever) and I got together last night to nail down the finishing touches on 5 new songs.

Yes, five. I am equally impressed.

There's 2 more that aren't fully realized plus a cover or 2.

So that's like what? 15 or 20 total? I can't keep up!

No definite word on which ones will be recorded or released and which ones can or will be played live, but I would say it's a safe bet you will hear at least one performed at the show next weekend at the Champ.

So don't miss it!

Last Week's Show = PICS!!!!!!!

There's a pretty complete photo set up of last week's show at the Tower 2012 here. Thanks Pat for taking some pretty sweet shots. There's one of Hess moonstomping, Nate looking confused, and Chuck in a winter coat on the first week of summer*. Go figure.

Oh, and that shadow figure in the pic of Chuck Right is me . . . and that's as close as there is to a pic. I'm just a shadowy man on a shadowy planet, I guess.

Oh, and turns out there was a flyer made for this show, after all . . . my apologies.

*Jeff says Chuck gets a pass though for bringing the "Jewels of the Nile." I personally never got into that movie, I mean, it was really a let down compared to "Romancing the Stone."

Show Tonight

Really? Really.

No -- not that show. Evidently tonight's show wasn't cool enough for anyone to make a flyer for. So here's an oldie but a goodie.

Here's the line-up for tonight's show at the Tower 2012:

Loki (Bike-Riding Smelly-Guy HC-punk)

Basement Boys (Clevo Basement Oi!)

Masakari (Heavy Hardcore Punk)

Right Idea (Original Line-up, Fun-ness)

8PM

L, No

How about this: you don't challenge this choice, and I don't kick your ass for not being able to decide between "Jerseys Best Dancers" and "Hello Bastards," you fucking fruit.

My favorite TLR song though is actually on the "Oi! This Is England (Volume 1)" Comp. Go go download the little ditty named Held Hostage and lace up your boots, you cunt.

Here Comes The Judge (Letter J)

This is a no-brainer. 

I will accept no arguments, no denials. No matter how well-versed or "cool" you or your pick are. 

Hardcore is was and always will be Judge. The New York Crew 7" and the Bringin' It Down LP both slay, and stand alone. The LP so much so that even the rejected mix is a masterpiece that has its own merits (and has become the Honus Wagner of record collecting). 

Choose your favorite and you'll be right. 

And doesn't it feel great to be right?

Don't fight it.

Don't deny it.

Just go out and listen to it again.

And again. 

Anger & sincerity. Fast & slow, melodic mosh. Chain waving stomp parts. Metal screaming solos and enough punk wherewithal to tear down the proverbial walls. JUDGE took everything great about hardcore before it, perfected it, and set the bar for everything to come.

There's maybe only 3 records in my life that said to me "Shave your head, John. Don't fight it. It's the right thing to do."

You might even say it's the RIGHT IDEA.

Bonus points for being the ONLY band shirt I let my daughter wear. I dare say Ragan Rose will be all the better for being exposed to JUDGE early and often.

I know I was.

In Case You Missed It . . .

The incomparable Double Cross web zine put up this interview with Hess from way back when up a few weeks back. Tickle the linkle here for a full read and some sweet pics.