For Christina

Hey everyone welcome to Outloud. Believe it or not, this is the 30th edition of my column. It certainly doesn't feel like ti has been that long It seems like just yesterday that I accepted my job with Broken Dial and pitched my idea to one of Broken Dial's resident overlords, Shawn. Shawn took one look at my idea, which was and still is, just an excuse for me to geek out all over your computer screens every week, and saw some promise in the idea.

In the past couple of months we have seen it all: rare clips from established acts, fixing the spotlight on bands that time seems to have forgotten along with the weird obscene and the controversial. Hopefully you have enjoyed the ride. At the end of the day, I love writing this column, but my focus is on you loving it too.

Well, since this is my birthday party, or at least my creations birthday party, that I can have any band come and play at the bash. My selection is one of my favorite all time bands, whom whenever I mention them I get blank stares from even those who claim to be musically educated - Camper Van Beethoven. The name be familiar to some of you but only because you have probably heard the band's "hit" song, "Take the Skinheads Bowling" a couple of hundred times. Well, my friends, good old Camper is much more then a one trick pony. Each one of their albums has been fantastic. They even managed to pull of the ultimate rarity and released a great comeback album after an over decade break with all the original members. Nothing can stop Camper.

To me Camper, really trade marked the kind of slacker cool that would later come to light in acts like Pavement. Camper's simple song structures like on the three chord wonder, "Where The Hell is Bill?" and the first track i am going to share with you, "Ambiguity Song" are fine examples. Of the smart, over educated suburban kids being forced into jobs that don't completely fulfill them or the potential that their parents had set aside for them. Camper is unsure, uncaring and that is what made them so endearing. It seems as if genius just flowed from their finger tips.

This clip comes from what I can only guess is the tour for their major label debut, Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart. Check it out.



The reason that I love this particular version so much is because it manages to echo the, "campfire sing-a-long" vibe that the song just screamed for on the record. The super sweet simple melody along with catchy and wonderful lyrics simply make it a smash. Plus it is a joy to hear the kids in the crowd singing along

Another one of my favorite Camper Van Beethoven cuts is their hilarious, almost country-rock, recasting of Black Flag's classic "Wasted". Believe it or not, the song was the perfect fit for them.
Not only does it blend the insane with the beautiful, which Camper did on a regular basis, but the lyrics, although punk rock to the bone can actually come out of lead singer David Lowry's mouth. It's not hard to believe that the guys in Camper Van Beethoven, were hippies, burnouts and were surfers.

Postcard 7

Hey Everyone welcome back to the Postcard From Hell radio show. It has seemed like ages since I have done a radio show and I am oh so happy to be back. You may have noticed some changes to how things get done around here already. For starters you no longer need to download the files to hear them. I have decided that it would be a better move to stream them so you can listen and enjoy without the guilt of killing your hard drive space. The files are listed below and all you have to do is simply press play on them and then the fun can begin. You will have to excuse the space between the widget that makes this all possible and the tracklisting for a certain part. I tried to change this but I ran into trouble, so I decided to just leave it as it is. At least to me, it is not that distracting and I hope you will not hold it against me.

Before we get started just let me state that I am not doing this for any kind of monetary gain. There are no paid advertisements, wither they be in verbal or in the form of links. I do this show because I love music and I love sharing music with people. Helping someone find out about a new band or a song that they are absolutely going to love.

Support the bands by visiting their links (which are provided in the tracklisting section, right under the file) or clicking on the links below to go to one of the many websites to buy a cd

Insound
CD Baby
Asian Man Records
Amazon
CD Universe

Thanks for dropping by and giving me a listen. It means the world to me. Hopefully you will have some fun. oh and as always, if any band or artist disagrees with their material being posted here the show will be taken down immediately. Also, the radio show will only be up for two weeks so I would hurry up and enjoy it before it is gone. If you like what you hear please tell your friends. Now on to the fun.


Postcard 7
Part One


---Me Talking
The Orion Experience - Obsessed With You (Cosmicandy)
The Nerves - Hangin On The Telephone
Big Dipper - She's Fetching (Heavens)
---Me Talking
Aqueduct - Split The Difference (Or Give Me Death)
Awek - Phototype (Awek EP)
Allen Clapp - Something Strange Happens (Something Strange Happens)

Part Two


---Me talking
Pernice Brothers - Clearspot (Overcome By Happiness)
Pavement - Grave Architecture (Wowee Zowee)
Low - Murderer (Drums and Guns)
---Me talking
Thing One - Move It (Thing One EP)
Heavy Vegetable - Song For Wesley (Frisbee)
Autumn Defense - Silence (Circles)

Part Three


---Me Talking
Brainiac - Vincent Come on Down (Hissing Prigs of The Static Coutre)
Arthur Russell - A Little Lost
Belle And Sebastian - Get Me Away From I'm Dying (If your feeling Sinister)
---Me talking
Leadbelly - Where Did you Sleep Last Night?
Flying Burrito Brothers - My Uncle (Gilded Palace of Sin)
Old Crow Medicine Show - Hard To Love (O.C.M.S)

Part Four


Hickey - Naked Cult (Various States of Disrepair)
We Are Wolves - Maquiqe (Pure Maquiqe)
The Coast - Stop The Kazoo Symphony
---Me Talking
Ladybug Transistor - The Swimmer
Paul Westerberg - Love You In The Fall (Open Season Soundtrack)
Sea Wolf - Your A Wolf (Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low)

Part Five


David Peel - Lower East Side (Have a Marijuana)
Colossal - Table Settings
Phosphorescent - Be Dark Night (Pride)
----
Dan Bern - The Fifth Beatle (Live)

Sting gets Stung

As you people may or may not know, I absolutely hate Sting. And it seems it has been a banner year for Sting haters world-wide. Heroes of mine like, ex-Jam frontman Paul Weller, have come out in full support of the cause. Weller's contribution was spitting on a photo of Sting and saying that his music sucked at an art opening (for more information on this and the article please visit "Now That's Entertainment". Well done, Mr. Weller. Anyways, I am happy to announce that more anti-Sting statements are filing in from all over the country. Which genius has decided to waltz into my hear this week by calling Sting a "petulant pansy"? Stewart Copeland that's who. For those that are not aware, Stewart Copeland plays drums in Sting's group The Police. Copeland did not need to publicly speak out against Sting to win my respect and admiration because he already has it from being a good drummer and getting in several fist fights with sting during The Police's career. I thank Stewart again for his contributions to the cause. For more on this hilarious story take a gander at the article

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070601/en_nm/police1_dc

The Show Must Go On

Hey guys,

I am back from my extended break from the Postcard from Hell radio show. I have been so busy writing, interviewing, doing press and nearly everything under the sun to really take the time to sit down and play some rock and roll. Well, have no fear I have come to my senses and I am ready to get back to work and putting on the best damn show I can for you guys. So stay tuned for further developments on this front.

Ann Coulter is Satan

Ann Coulter is Satan. I usually don't post or focus on politics, but I found myself drawn to this hilarious clip of Coulter trying to fight her way out of a hole and it spiraled downward from there. Before I knew it I had several clips I wanted to share with you guys about how stupid, bigoted and homophobic she really is. Sadly, instead of laughing at a bulk of this footage it makes me cry. The fact that not only does she hold these views and get on TV but that people buy her books, go to see her speak and respect this fucking lunatic. It should make you want to vomit blood. This stuff should make you want to pick up a guitar, start a website, start a political discussion group or just riot in the streets. We need to do something to stop people like this.

Prepare to be crushed

Ladies and gentlemen, the human race is now one genius shorter. Author/genius/poet/essayist and all around great guy Kurt Vonnegut died yesterday after suffering from brain damage which he received after falling several weeks prior. Words cannot express the level of admiration I have for this man. His unique vision, word choice, story subjects and overall attitude are not only fun to read but also extremely important lessons in writing 101. He will be greatly missed by all of his friends and fans worldwide. Luckily, we still have his books to guide us through the tough times.

Kurt Vonnegut 1922-2007

So That's Don Bolles Crime

In the weirdest story you are likely to hear this year, Don Bolles, drummer of great punk bands like The Germs, Nervous Gender and .45 Grave, is under arrest. His crime? Drug possession. Here's what happened. Bolles was driving around LA when he was pulled over for having his taillight out. Like any good American, Bolles pulled over and spoke politely with the cop. For some reason, the cop searched Bolles car and came up with an odd bottle of shampoo: Dr. Bonner's Shampoo. For those of you that don't know, Dr. Bonner's Shampoo is made using hemp seed oil. The officer seeing the bottle quickly did a drug test on it and guess what? It turned up positive for pot. Bolles was then removed from his car and arrested. At the moment he is being held on possession charges. He has a set bail but at the moment he can't pay it. His friends are asking for good people like you and me to throw in a couple of bucks to help out one of our heroes. So, if you got a little extra cash in your pocket or your need a dose of good karma send an email to: deernora@yahoo.com and say that you want to help fight the good fight.

Stay Tuned

Hey guys,

I just figured I would let you know that I am recording a new show tomorrow. It promises to be a good time full of some really great music. We also have a special guest, as my good friend Merced Perez-Hall will be on the air with me chatting about music, our trip to England and life in general. I hope you tune in.

Now, Thats Entertainment!

I have been telling people for years that Paul Weller is the shit but for some reason I am never believed. Maybe it's his not-so-good solo albums, rapidly balding hair or his "too cool for school" attitude that gets that reaction. But you can't help but respect the former Jam frontman for performing his finest act since he recorded, "Town Called Malice"(which despite what everyone thinks came from their last album) as he spit on a photo of Sting. Now that's entertainment!

Here is the actual story for those that want all of the gory and hilarious details.
_____________
NME: Paul Weller spat on a portrait of Sting on Wednesday (March 28) at the Teenage Cancer Trust gig.

As previously reported Weller joined Noel Gallagher at the charity event for a version of The Jam's 'The Butterfly Collector' and The Beatles' 'All You Need Is Love'.

According to The Mirror, during the interval of the event at London's Royal Albert Hall Weller saw a picture of Sting's gig from 2000 and decided to deliver his own style of music criticism.

According to the report, Weller "marched straight up to it [the photo], coughed-up as much phlegm as he could muster and planted it plum in the middle of The Police frontman's head... as he walked away, Weller then snarled: 'Fucking twat!'".

Weller has never shy of expressing his opinions of Sting, recently stating: "He's a fucking horrible man. Not my cup of tea at all. Fucking rubbish. No edge, no attitude, no nothing."
________________

If anyone finds out any more information please pass it along to me.

Victoria

Hey Everyone,

I am back from England and Scotland. Let's just say we had an interesting time over there. The trip kicked off with the band getting deported and only got wackier from there. If you want the full details feel free to tune into the next addition of the Postcard From Hell radio show which will be hitting the airwaves around the third or fourth of April. If you have any requests for the program please send them in, I would love to play the music that you love.

See you then,
---Dan

Here Comes Postcard 4

Hey Everyone,

Here is the fourth edition of the Postcard From Hell Radio Show. A couple of things to mention before you give the show a download. First of all, you will notice that I wanted to play the MC Paul Barman track, "Cock Mobster" but on the audio track I decide to do something else well fuck what I said I figure the people need "Cock Mobster". Oh and the David Sugar track I wanted just didn't work with Cool Edit Pro. I tried like mad to find the song on Soulseek and like 8 million websites but it just didn't work so I had to settle for this other Sugar song which is pretty good as well. Word to the wise listen to the whole Sunny Day song at the end.

Happy Listening


Part 1
http://www.sendspace.com/file/v83ixb

--Me talking
Camper Van Beethoven--Take the Skinheads Bowling
Roxy Music---Love is the drug
Big Star--Thirteen
===Me talking
Joe Jackson--I am the man
The Notwist--Pilot
The Feelies--Fa-Ci-La

Part 2
http://www.sendspace.com/file/s8wxxo

--Me talking
Aqueduct---Split the Difference
The Frogs--Reelin and Rockin 2
Ladybug Transistor--Meadwport Arch
---Me talking
One AM Radio--Lest We Forget
Durutti Column--Sketches of Summer
MC Paul Barman--Cock Mobster!


Part 3
http://www.sendspace.com/file/qq9izq

--Me talking
Heavenly--Tool
Exploding Hearts--Rumors around town
Ozma--Domino Effect
---Me talking
Arsonwelles--City of St
Ris Paul Ric---The Sleeparound
Royksopp--Eple


Part 4
http://www.sendspace.com/file/fup1s8

--Me talking
Junior Senior--Rhythm Bandits
Goblin--Death Dies
David Sugar---Warm Analogue
--Me talking
Skalariak--Vodka Revolution
Smashing Pumpkins--1979
Pavement--Range Life


Part 5
http://www.sendspace.com/file/bl0p8b

--Me talking
The Adverts--Bored Teenagers
Oingo Boingo--Controller
Ween--Reggaejunkiejew
--Me talking
Sunny Day Real Estate--Song About An Angel

Extra! Extra!

Do you often wonder to yourself, "When is the next Postcard From Hell radio show available for download?" Well then boy, oh boy do I have something for you. This fancy widget allows me to send all of you fine people the information as soon as the show as released. I also see the emails become more newsletter based in the future. I hope to impart to you some music news, playlists for the show and eventually some trivia questions and contests. So don't think twice, sign up right now. It is what Bob Dylan would do. In the interest of making things easier the sign up for the newsletter will be on the right side of the page just under the music news RSS feed.

Hometown Throwdown

In the spirit of spreading music you haven't heard of, I figured for next week's show I would play music from local bands. Not every great band get signed. Not every band makes more than one record and when they do they are on incredibly hard to find indie labels. So if you have a favorite local band and would like to share them with the 10 people or so that listen to this show feel free to drop me a line before Thursday.

I am also debating taking the show live through shoutcast. I was wondering would any of you listen if that were to happen?

Head to the Polls

Now that Postcard From Hell 3 is up I can put up this poll. Let me know what you thought.



And just so you know all of the options are Simpsons/Futurama quotes. And yes, I am that cool.

Postcard 3

Hey Guys,

The 3rd edition of the Postcard From Hell radio show is now up. I know I had a really bad show last time but I have rebounded with what I think is a pretty great show. It's a valentine's day program for those in love, out of love and pretty much anywhere in between. There will be appearances by Tom Waits, Ween, Benni Hemm Hemm, Thin Lizzy and more. The show was alot of fun to do and I just hope you have fun listening. So set your speakers to heartbreak and get downloading!

Part One
http://www.sendspace.com/file/9vd0wi
---Me talking
The Ramones--The KKK Took My Baby Away(For my cousin Greg)
Jawbreaker--Do you still hate me?
The Replacements--Don't Ask Why
--Me talking
Petit Project--Pretty girls make me nervous
Ween--Baby Bitch
Modern Lovers--Girl Friend

Part Two
http://www.sendspace.com/file/rkhgb5
--Me talking
Westbound Train---My heart belongs to you
Sam Cooke--Cupid(Live)
The Beatles--I Will
---Me talking
Thin Lizzy--Running Back
The Pernice Brothers--Grudgefuck(Live)
Rivers Cuomo--Wanda

Part Three
http://www.sendspace.com/file/nkjsre
--Me talking
The Actionslacks--Shinning Jewels(Dedicated to someone)
Benni Hemm Hemm--Ku-ui-po
Ben Folds Five--Song for the dumped
--Me talking
John Lennon--Real Love(Requested by Daniella)
Rufus Wainwright--Foolish Love
Tom Waits--Hang down your head

Part Four
http://www.sendspace.com/file/fi862w
--Me talking
Johnny Cash--I Still Miss someone
Frank Black--Stupid Me
Bob Dylan--Don't think twice, It's Alright
--Me talking
Hank Williams--Love Sick Blues
Flying Burrito Brothers--Do Right Woman
Magnolia Electric Co.--Don't Fade On Me

Part Five
http://www.sendspace.com/file/waolnh
--Me talking
The Rolling Stones--Paint It Black
Beat Happening--Cast A Shadow
Elliott Smith--Waltz 2
--Me talking
Smoking Popes--Zing went my heartstrings

Part Six
http://www.sendspace.com/file/yis0cv
Allen Clapp--Flintstones and Honeycombs
Steve Earle--Valentine's Day
--Me talking
The Pogues--A Rainy Night In Soho

THE END

Liberty, Justice and The Ian MacKaye

Washington DC is reportedly considering legislation that would ban all youth from attending clubs. Currently, the law allows venues catering to youth to also sell liquor to those over 21.

The reasoning behind the law is a little confusing, since it stems from a teenager's death at Club 1919. The victim was killed when another patron's gun fired during an altercation with a bouncer. The law has support from both the mayor and council members, but neither explained what exactly the ban would accomplish nor why the mere presence of youth caused an otherwise perfectly safe loaded weapon to go off.

Several scene lumnaires appeared in front of Councilman Jim Graham's roundtable on the issue. The highlight of the discussion was a brief speech by god head, and a hero of yours truly, Ian Mackaye. Take a gander.

D-Day is on V-Day

Hey Guys,

New Show on Wednesday!

Their will be a special Valentine's Day edition of the show that will be posted early tomorrow. Once again I am sorry about the events of last week's show. It was a total bomb but don't worry I have bounced back!

See Ya on Wednesday,

Dan

Folks, THE BAND! and Lady Janis

It's damn hard to find an act that rocked harder than The Band. It's harder still to find a group that had more fun playing live than The Band.



How can you not watch this footage and not smile ear to ear? What a great bunch of cats they were. We miss you Manuel and Danko!

Since I posted one performance from Festival Express why not two? This piece of footage is Lady Janis tearing the house down with "Cry Baby". If her first word in this performance doesn't make the hair stand up in the back of your neck you are not alive.

Know Your Enemy

Is Joe Escalante an asshole?



The Vandals Scandal

Many people know The Vandals. Their poppy fun and funny punk rock is extremely easy to get into and is very kid friendly. That is why nearly every kid I knew growing up had at least one Vandals album in their collection. For a long time I thought that The Vandals had either formed in the 90's or were at least in their original line up, but I was wrong on both accounts. The Vandals were actually started in 1980 by two Huntington Beach teenagers, vocalist Stevo and guitarist Jan Nils Ackerman. After a couple of weeks of discussion of how cool their band would be they picked up bassist Steve Pfauter and an unnamed drummer and began practicing. A few months passed and the band had a new drummer Joe Escalante. With Escalante the band hit the vibrant west coast punk scene like a bomb. They played with the likes of Black Flag, The Germs, Descendents, X, Social D and TSOL. They released their debut EP, Peace Thru Vandalism, in 1982. In 1984 the band was the first band signed to LA indie Epitaph Records. While on Epitaph they released their debut full length "When In Rome Does As The Vandals". A short time after the album was released Stevo either quit the band or was fired depending on who you ask.

Now here is where the story gets interesting. Escalante decided to keep the band going and hired ex-Fallen Idols vocalist Dave Quackenbush to replace Stevo. This version of The Vandals gigged around for several years until they hit a speed bump around 1987. Epitaph released the copyright and music that was included on the band's first two albums to Escalante. This is believed to have happened in more of a literal sense as Brett Gurewitz says he physically gave Escalante the master recordings. Escalante without the consent of his bandmates past and present approached Time Bomb Records to re-release the albums. Time Bomb agreed and when the album came out Escalante was given credit for all of the words and music. When Stevo found out about this he was furious. He argued that the name of the band and songs had been thought up before Escalante joined the band and as such should not be given the credit for them. Once Jan Nils Ackerman found this out he promptly left The Vandals. Ackerman and Stevo were debating reforming The Vandals without Escalante, which they did. The show was a success. Escalante, who at this point was a practicing high-priced entertainment lawyer, stepped in filing an injunction against his former bandmates from performing as The Vandals or performing any of their songs till the matter was resolved. Escalante argues that the other members of The Vandals signed away their rights in return for his performance at a first album Vandals reunion show. The rest of the band denies this ever happened. Regardless, the rights stayed in Escalante's hands and he continued to perform as The Vandals throughout the world. Worst of all Escalante sold the use of several Vandals songs to un-punk causes and companies like Sony and Adidas.

The rest of the band would sue Escalante periodically over the next twenty years. The band would always lose or settling the case. in 2003 his former bandmates sued him again for mismanaging the band's back catlog and not issuing royalites that were owed. The suit was settled out of court. Stevo died in 2005 of an overdose of prescription pills which was rumored to have been caused by his trouble with Escalante. When asked about the authorship of the songs in question Escalante often contradicts himself both in court and in interviews. Escalante still owns the rights to the Vandals name and music past, present and future.

Also working against him

1. Escalante's association with "un-punk" bands like Blink 182 and The Ataris.

2. His conservative views and attitudes
--Joe is a practicing catholic who votes republican and is anti-gay marriage.

3. The fact that he bullfights
---What sort of guy goes down to Mexico to stab, torture and taunt a bull that has already been severally injured? That's right Joe Esaclante. What would make someone do that in the name of sport? This shows what kind of dick Escalante really is, the kind that hurts animals for fun. There are some good Christian morals in that, way to go Joe, the big guy is probably real proud of you. He has been practicing and competing in the sport since the early 90's.


So the answer is Yes!

Love Notes

Hey Everyone,

So as I said on the show I am going to be cranking out a show really fast for Valentine's Day. I only have till Wednesday to get it done. So If you have any requests for the program shoot them into me a soon as possible.

Customer Service

Hey Everyone,

Now that show 2 is officially up I figured I would drop in this poll to see what everyone thought of show 2. Also, when you stop by the site feel free to leave me a comment. It's always nice to hear from you nice people. Anything else you would to see from the show? Some requests? Just about anything. Let me know

One become two

Hey Everyone,

Here is the second Postcard From Hell Radio show. Before I get to posting the show I just want to say thanks again to Greg, Mike, Daniella and Shawn for requesting tunes.

Note To Listeners:
Sadly, when I was putting the show together I ran into some trouble. The original Man Man song that mike wanted "Gold Teeth", was replaced with another Man Man song, "Ice Dogs". For some reason Cool Edit Pro didn't like the file. The same goes for It's A King Thing's "87 Million Fights" The track was replaced by the equally awesome, "Metallica Meshcilla". The same goes for The Reginning Sound's "If you can't give me everything" which was sadly replaced by a Muck and The Mires track. I am really sorry Mike! And my cousin Greg's request for The Ramones "KKK Took My Baby Away" didn't end up on the show for some phantom reason. Also, I mixed up some of my vocal files and you may hear me signing off at the end of part four, but don't worry there is still the fifth part. I don't introduce Hickey, Elvis Costello or Muck and The Mires because of that. Just assume that it was genius.

God damn I am an idiot. Hopefully the next show will run a little smoother.

If you can get by t hose flaws, enjoy the show.

Part One
http://www.sendspace.com/file/sl2iq6
--Me Talking
1. The Pietasters--Out All Night
2. Spaztikolon--Set an example
3.Superchunk--Cursed Mirror
4. Dead Milkmen--The Thing That Only Eats Hippies
---Me talking
1. The Lawrence Arms--What times is pensocola wings of gold on anyway?
2. Dismemberment Plan--The City
3. Weezer--Brightening Day

Part two
http://www.sendspace.com/file/e5f5qa
--Me talking
1. Gomez--Get Myself Arrested
2. Kinks--The Village Green
3. The Jam--In The City
--Me talking
1. Squeeze--There At The Top
2. Man Man--Ice Dogs(For Mike)

Part Three
http://www.sendspace.com/file/6dsmab
--Me talking
1. The Legendary Shack Shakers--Agony Wagon
2. Tom Waits--Another Man's Vine
3. Shearwater--Red Sea, Black Sea(For Mike)
---Me talking
1. World Inferno-- I Remember The Weimar (ich Errinere Mich An Weimar)
2. Sticks And Stones--Atlantic City(Live, Bruce Springsteen Cover)
3. It's A King Thing--Metallica Meshcilla

Part Four
http://www.sendspace.com/file/4edcnt
--Me talking
1. The Auteurs--Land Lovers
2. The Smiths--Hand In The Glove(For Shawn)
3. Lords Of The New Church--Russian Roulette
---Me talking
1. Hickey--Naked Cult
2. Muck and The Mires--If I knew then what I knew now
3. Elvis Costello and The Attractions--Oliver's Army


Part Five
http://www.sendspace.com/file/kh2zkm
--Me talking
1. David Dondero--Vestiage One(For Daniella)
2. Joe Strummer and Johnny Cash--Redemption SOng
3. Spencer Casey--Animal
--Me talking
1. Rufus Wainwright--Across The Universe(Beatles Cover)

THE END!

Polling place

Here are some quick polls for you to take. Let me know what you guys think about the show.

Let It be broken

Hey Everyone,

I am not sure of the particulars yet but some good things are already happening with the show. I was speaking with my editor Shawn over at Broken Dial and he said that they were considering expanding into internet radio and that my little show might be the start of it all. I don't know exactly how it is all going to play out but I will definitely keep you posted.

Oh and some more news. Friend and contributer to the show, Michael Correnti, is starting a book store with his family in the Village. The store is set to open in a couple of months and when it does it will receive some massive plugs on the show. Not only are the Correnti's awesome but they are starting the store to give some new authors some exposure. So not only are you helping out great people but you are helping out some of the freshest and most exciting authors out now.

Find out some more when the show debuts on Friday(02/09/07)

See you guys then,

Dan

Hey Kids!

Hey everybody. I am here to announce that Postcard From Hell show 2 will be hitting the air this Friday. I am still open to some requests so let me know what you want to hear. Also, there is going to be a special Valentine's Day show which will air on that day, which will be a Thursday. So if you are not out with a loved one why don't you spend sometime with me instead. I am young, sweet and I don't ask for much how can you resist?

Till Friday,

Dan

Read all about it

Can't get enough of my hilarious, yet informative rants? Well than you can check out the professional writing I do for various websites.


Punkbands

Ghetto Blaster Magazine

Broken Dial

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

Another day, another tragic passing.


Charlotte Lesher(1927-2007)
Mother of Joey Ramone and all around awesome lady

Charlotte Lesher(Ramone)was a fantastic human being. Besides the obvious reverence she is due for being Mrs. Lesher, she should also recieve credit for her amazing charity work. She created The Joey Ramone Foundation for Lymphoma Research and also create several charity events like the successful Joey Ramone Birthday Bashes as a way to drum up support and cash. Not that anybody reads this but if they would like to donate to this awesome cause they can contact the center here:

Joey Ramone Foundation for Lymphoma Research
P.O. Box 1107
Cooper Station, NY, NY 10276

She made us a smile, so lets return the favor.

I am taking requests for the next show. Let me know what you want to hear.

Postcard From Hell Radio Show #1

Download it now!

Here it is everybody the first edition of the Postcard From Hell radio show. I really busted my ass to make sure it got done on time. I set myself a goal to have a show by friday and I managed to pull it off, so way to go me. Anyways, I really hope you enjoy the show. I had a lot of fun putting it together. Here is how it is going to work out. I split the show into five parts to make downloading it easier. Just click the link I have provided and it will take you to a website where you can start your download. The actual download thing can be kinda hard to spot, but it is below the ads with that arrow pointing at it.

Here is the tracklisting broken up into parts:
Part One
http://www.sendspace.com/file/azb8b4
---Me Talking(Intro: New York Dolls--Jet Boy)
1. Drive Like Jehu--Golden Brown
2. Allen Clapp--Strange Things Happen
3. Colossal--Table Settings(For George)
----Me talking some more
1. Neutral Milk Hotel--Song Against Sex(for Matt Marx)
2. The Minutemen--Bob Dylan wrote Propganda songs
3. Modern Lovers--Modern World


Part two:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/651u9q
--Me talking
1. Bauhaus--Of Lilies and remains(For Daniella)
2. Flipper--hahaha
3. Brainiac--Nothing Ever Changes
---Me talking
1. The Band--It Makes No Difference(live from the Last Waltz)
2. Arthur Russell--A Little Lost
3. Ween - What The Deaner was talking about

Part 3:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/1xp9ov
--Me talking
Flying Burrito Brothers--My Uncle
Frank Black--Black Rider 1(Tom Waits cover)
Dan Bern--New American Language(Live)
---Me talking
1. Delroy Wilson--Rain from the skies
2. Prince Buster--Madness
3. Toots and the maytals--Pressure Drop

Part 4:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/vc0i2a
--Me talking
Big Dipper--When men were trains
The Weirdos--Life Of Crime
The Ruts--West One
---Me talking
Elysian Fields--Queen of meadow
Calexico--Minas De Cobre
Destroyer--Your Blues(for Mike)

Part 5:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/jn52nl
--Me talking
1. Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan--Girl from the north country(For Mike)
2. David Byrne and Brian Eno--Mea Culpa(For Mike)
3. Frank Sinatra--In the wee small hours of the morning(for Gillian)
--Me talking
The Pogues--Fiesta!

If you have any comments please drop me a line. Also, let me know what you think about my show. I apperciate every comment and listener I can get.

Enjoy!
--Dan

Fallen Angel

Sadly I have another passing to report.


"Sneaky" Pete Kleinow(1934-2007)
Steel Guitarist for The Flying Burrito Brothers

I don't know why there was not national mourning about this. "Sneaky" Pete is most famous for his tenure in the amazing Flying Burrito Brothers. The group was founded in 1968 by Gram Parsons(The Byrds, International Submarine Band), Chris Hillman(of The Byrds), bassist Chris Ethridge(International Submarine Band) and an animator turned steel guitarist Pete Kleinow. The band's debut album, "The Gilded Palaces Of Sin", provided the blue print for every alt-country band that was to follow. Wilco, Uncle Tupelo, Old 97's and many more would not exist without this record. After recording the third Burrito Brothers album in 1971, without Gram Parsons who had bailed to start a solo career in 1970, the band split up. "Sneaky" Pete than devoted himself to session work in which he worked with some of the most successful musical acts of the 70's including: Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Jackson Browne, Stevie Wonder, John Lennon, and many more. After a four year hiatus the Flying Burrito Brothers were reformed with Klienow as the only original member. This new line up of the band would record four more albums before splitting up in 1981.

Before becoming a professional musician Kleinow worked as a special effects artist and animator for programs like Gumby and Outer Limits. After the Burrito Brothers final break up Kleinow went back to work in special effects and stop motion animation. He worked on several big budget projects like: Terminator 1 and 2, Robocop 2, Empire Strikes Back and cult classic Army Of Darkness. He also won an Emmy for his work on the mini series, Winds Of War in 1983.

Kleinow finally lost his long battle with Alzheimer's disease at his home in California at the age of 73.

Love You Till Friday

It has been decided the debut of the Postcard From Hell radio show will be on Friday. The show will be posted here in segements for you to download and enjoy at your lesiure. The format, especially in the downloading of the show, will be based upon the awesome blog, Rollins-archive.com

The website, which is run by the lovely Angela, provides us with access to Henry Rollins' amazing radio show which airs on Indie 101 which is called Harmony In My Head. Due yourself and your ears a favor and check out his killer radio show.

I am going to be playing a mixture of punk, folk, country, indie rock, rock and roll, classic r and b and pretty much everything under the sun so there should be something in there for everyone. Also, to save time I will post the track listing broken up into different parts, so you know exactly what songs you will be hearing. Although, I perfer you listen to the whole thing, I leave it kind of open for you to pick and choose.

Later!

The Color Of Money

My friend Mike and I were discussing the prospect of checking out Eddie Money when he comes to New York to play at BB Kings. Now, before you start to worry about my sanity, we were considering checking him out in only the most ironic of senses. I think it would be really funny to see a guy who was at one point making several million dollars a year, packing arenas and had a couple of hit singles being reduced to playing BB Kings. Also, I think the highlight of the show would be seeing the kind of people that would come out to see Eddie Money now.

If you want to see the kind of rock and roll Mike and I would be in store for check out this "classic" money track


Try not to rock out too hard.

"Hour Of Darkness"

During this year I am going to be listing the valuable musicians we have lost. Here is sadly the first one to be mentioned


Brent Liles(1963-2007)
Bassist for Social Distortion/Agent Orange

Brent is most famous for being the bass player for California punk legends Social Disotrtion. During his tenure in Social D, he appeared on some of the band's most hearlded moments including their debut, Mommy's Little Monster, and the killer documentary film "Another State Of Mind". He stepped into the band right after the Agnew brothers(Rikk and Frank) and Casey Royer split on singer Mike Ness to start my favorite Fulerton hardcore band, The Adolescents. Brent left Social D on New Year's Eve of 1984. Right after Brent's departure Social D's leader Mike Ness went head long into a heroin addiction which would split up the band for two years. He would later step in and take over the bass in Agent Orange with former Social D member and friend Derek O'Brein on drums.

Brent was sadly killed when he was struck by a car while he was riding his motorcycle. He was 43 years old.

Jealous A Ginn

You would be really shocked at the amount of classic punk rock footage you can find on youtube, especially from the 1980's. Everything from old promos(Ex: checkout Mike Watt promoting SST Records release), rare live performances(Ex: Rollins debut concert as the singer for Black Flag), interviews, clips from films which were never released or have since been lost. It made me think about the foresight of some of the people who recorded this material, especially the live performances. Think about it, a bulk of this awesome footage of bands like Fear, Black Flag, Dead Kennedys, Minor Threat, etc, were shot by young punk rockers with very little cash in a time when cameras were still a rarity. Also, when you think about it many of these bands were just local acts made up of their friends. There was no thought that they were filming the next Hendrix or anything that would be more than a fun memory a couple of years down the line. So cheers to those brave people who brought their super 8 cameras to shows at the risk of having their stuff stolen.

In the spirit of this sharing of classic pieces of punk rock's past allow me to direct you to some of my favorite youtube rare moments.

Black Flag Live on the Damaged Tour in Philly
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6T-1TXc1nxc

Rollins' First LA Show With Flag. For more information on this gig give Rollins Grammy(as if that really meant shit) award winning book "Get In The Van" a read. To sum it up Rollins was surrounded by kids before the show and told that him that he had better be good or he would be beaten up.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ju4DBK_71JQ

Total Request Punk. Live from some kid's basement in the 80's is a brief clip in which they speak about The Misfits and play a live performance of "Skulls"
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PefNnWJ6K8w


Fear on SNL. Several legendary punk rockers were at this show including members of Minor Threat and Negative Approach. In fact if you listen close enough you can hear them in the crowd. At the end of "New York's Alright If you Like Saxophones" you can hear Ian MacKaye scream "New York Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuucks!" in his piercing and unmistakable voice. During the same tune John Brannon of Negative Approach gets up on stage and yells "Negative Approach is going to fuck you up" Classic hardcore.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=h75Db2K4NWc

Husker Du on the Joan Rivers Show?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mJ53M7zj9_M

Husker Du + The Minutemen + The Meat Puppets + Live + Early 80's = Genius
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QH-slhl-9NE

LA's first punk rock band, The Weirdos, perform live in 1978 and fucking slay
http://youtube.com/watch?v=e3fuqO1cTEI

Fear from The Decline Of Western Civilization playing the ultimate punk rock heels. The only band brave enough to step up and take a true Andy Kaufman like stand and make the audience and their reactions the true entertainment
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0s2pFo2TA-o


Fugazi destroying at an early live gig, maybe in 1987 or so because Guy wasn't playing guitar yet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGJFWirQ3ks


There will surely be more to come. I hope you enjoy the clips.

"No Elvis, Beatles or Rolling Stones in 1977"

Did Punk Rock Really Start in 1977?

If you ever go to any punk rock show, especially if you are 16 or under, you will either see or hear loads of references to '77. People often talk about that legendary summer in 1977 when punk rock was seemingly invented out of nowhere. When asked many people will tell you that it was better back then. Well this little rant is to prove that not only was 1977 not start of the 1st wave of punk but more like the end. The style was said to be created by a bunch of young kids from all over New York City playing at a dingy former bluegrass and blues bar named CBGB's(Country Blue Grass Blues). The bands that are considered integral to that movement were Blondie, Talking Heads, The Ramones and The Dead Boys.

I think that if you had to argue for a beginning point for punk rock I would say 1975 would be more apt. Many of the bands that get lumped in with the initial "CBGB" movement of punk, although many bands didn't know what the hell punk was or hated the term, all formed well before 1977. The Ramones formed in 1974 and really got going in 1975. The same can be said about The Talking Heads, Blondie, The Dead Boys and many others. Television started all the way back in 1973. 1977 often gets the credit as the year punk exploded out of nowhere due the mostunpunk of reasons, all the bands signed to major labels and dropped their debut albums. The Dead Boys released "Young, Loud and Snotty" in 1977 on Sire Records. The Ramones dropped their classic trilogy of albums(Self Titled, Leave Home and Rocket To Russia) before or right after the legendary summer of 77. Blondie had their debut out in the middle of 1976.

In fact according to several scenesters 1977 was the death rattle of the original CBGB's scene. Legs McNeil, founder of Punk Magazine, said "There was no real scene at CBGB's all of the bands were signed to major labels and touring outside of the city" It seemed everyone had been signed by Seymour Stein's Sire Records and was out on the road. Even the mighty Television was off in England where their classic debut, Marquee Moon, hit top 30 in the UK.

Also, another important note in 1977 proto punk bands split like The New York Dolls, although only Sly Slyvain and David Johansen remained with the band. Many of the former Dolls formed the Heartbreakers with Richard Hell and went off to England. The Stooges had been done since at least 1973 or 74 after they got dropped from Columbia records. So where was the punk rock in really in 1977? Over in England that's where.

The only way that you could argue for 1977's importance is due to the music being released in the UK. Many of the UK's leading punk bands had also formed before 1977: Sex Pistols(1975), The Clash(1976), The Damned(1976), The Adverts(1976), Generation X(1976), Sham 69(1976) Buzzcocks(1976). There is a reason that you see so many of these bands formed in 1976-The Ramones. The Ramones toured through England in late '76 with all girl punk's The Runaways(featuring a very young Joan Jett and Lita Ford). Their most legendary show was at The Roundhouse. Everyone was said to have been there, although there were only a couple of hundred tickets sold. This was the debut of punk or loud fast rock and roll on British shores and they fell for it instantly. Some groups formed their bands directly after the show or were so inspired by the perfromance that they now had the guts to take the stage for the first time. Legend has it Paul Siminon spoke to Johnny Ramone about what it was like to be in a touring band. They had a conversation about it which ultimately led Siminon to mention that he had a band(The Clash) but were not good enough yet to be live. Johnny shot back, "It doesn't matter if you are good. Look at us, we stink". The Clash would latter turn into one of the biggest alternative rock bands on the planet with several hit songs and albums and influence that is still being felt today. In fact Johnny Ramone said later on, "We all knew that The Ramones were the best live band around. The only band we were really scared of was The Clash. They were great"

Many of key bands released their debut albums in '77: The Clash, The Sex Pistols, The Damned . Punk really received a push due to the outrageous fashion choices of fans, which were being guided by the evil ring master and Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLauren. Punk rock looked different in England, although the basic punk rock look was ripped off ex-Television/Heartbreakers Bassist and New Yorker Richard Hell. Hell was seen by McLauren during his short tenure as The New York Dolls manager. He saw Hell's get up which was ripped clothing complete with safety pins to keep them together and brought it back to England with him. Now with some aggressive clothing punk rockers seemed less like the bunch of drunks, stoners and bored kids they were in New York and more like a gang. Many of the kids dressed in bizarre clothing including masks, ripped up pants and jackets and swastika patches (which later on led The Clash to never play with The Pistols again after Jewish member Mick Jones saw Johnny Rotten wear one). Note that many punk rockers wore the patches as a way to be aggressive and stand out and not as an affiliation with the Nazi party, although that would show it's ugly head a little bit down the line. Now it's important to note that many of the bands at the time did not encourage or dress like their fans. Many legendary punk musicians came out against the established "punk rock" look. Clash Bassist Paul Siminon said, "Kids would show up with bin liner(trash bags to us Americans) for clothing, chains and what they thought was the punk rock look. Well, if you take a look at the groups none of them dressed like that" Sex Pistols frontman Johnny(Lydon) Rotten said, "The fans killed punk rock. They took something that was supposed to be about being an individual and twisted it into a uniform"

The only place that punk rock could really be played in London, especially in the early days, was at the legendary Roxy. The Roxy opened up in July of 1976 and closed a meer 100 days later. So really british punk or the first wave of at it least died out around 1977. By 1977 some of the biggest bands in the scene were signed to labels and were on tour and really couldn't contribute much to the scene around them anymore very much like their American counterparts.

Also, helping the British punks receive press on both sides of the Atlantic, were the legendary "Blank number ones". The British press was so afraid by punk rock that when The Sex Pistols record, "Nevermind The Bullocks, Here is The Sex Pistols" went number one it was not listed on the billboard charts. The same went for bands like The Clash who despite playing outsider music sold rather well. The reason for all of this fear of punk dealt with more than just fashion. The Sex Pistols had made an explosive and legendary appearance on Bill Grundy's show, which my UK friends tell me was on the scale of Johnny Carson's Tonight Show, in which they cursed him and gave him the finger. Depending on who you ask The Sex Pistols were not entirely to blame for their rowdy performance. For one the green room was filled with booze which most of the entourage(includingSiouxsie Sioux) and band downed with zeal. Also, it seems that the Pistols were goaded into saying something vulgar. When asked a question Rotten cursed, albeit quietly, under his breath and when asked what he had just said, Rotten responded with "nothing just something rude" And that was that. Steve Jones also cursed under his breath when asked what had happened to the money they had just gotten by signing a record deal. Jones said "Wefuckin spent it" Later on in the interview Jones was asked by Grundy to say "something outrageous " and Jones did calling Grundy several names. Damned Bassist/Guitarist Captain Sensible has said, "Anyone could have gotten on there and cursed of Grundy. JoeStrummer could have done it and I could have to" The reaction right after the interview was instant. Legend has it many people broke theirtelevisions because of it. The following day the press ran an article calling the pistols performance "The Filith and The Fury" and "Filthy Lucre" which has it's roots in a bible passage and basically means dirty money. This was used to refer to the deal they had just signed withEMI. The bad press almost completely killed the Anarchy Tour, which had The Sex Pistols, The Heartbreakers and The Clash. The tour was schedule for 35 dates but with the press backlash several venues canceled the dates until they only played a total of 5.

With no dates in England the Pistols headed to America. The press in the states was all over them before they even touched down. Their fame hadpreceded them and several of their concerts were canceled. The ended up playing some well received shows all before breaking up after a show at The Winterland in January of 1978.


The amount of press raised the level of awareness from the general public from very little to high profile all taking place in 1977. That was many people get the idea that punk started in 1977 because that's when the world learned about it. You, the true fans, know that this isn't true. Hopefully you were there. Hopefully you bought the records or saw the shows. I know I didn't but I would have loved to. Sure, there was punk music after 1977 and it would thrive again but the point I am trying to make is that 1977 was a year that punk rock was merely discovered by the public and not invented. Looking back at the history people should look on the year or two before a little more longingly. All of the band's tied to the first wave of punk rock especially in New York, were pretty much gone starting in that year. There was no scene at CBGB's anymore. These bands went on tour spreading the message and changing lives outside of New York at around that time. So that is why so many people have fond members of 77. That was the first time they saw The Talking Heads, The Ramones, Dead Boys and listen to their records for the first time. So it is all as if it seemingly came out of nowhere. Anyways, I hoped that rant proved informative. This is simply myopinion. If you disagree that's just fine. Post a message and we will have it out. If you have anymore questions about this topic feel free to ask or consult some of my favorite works on the subject.

DVD: Punk: Attitude
The Filth and The Fury
End Of The Century

Books: We've Got The Neutron Bomb


All of which you can grab from Amazon.com

The title as listed "No Elvis, Beatles or Rolling Stones in 1977" is a line from The Clash song, "1977". The Clash were right on in this statement. The Beatles had broken up in 1970, so no threat there. Elvis had actually died that very year, so 2 for 2. And lastly, although The Rolling Stones were together, the band would not issue a studio album for the year of 1977, a feat they had accomplished for over a deacde(1964-1976). Also, for what it's worth, "1977" was the b-side to the first Clash single, "White Riot".

Welcome

Hey Everyone,

Welcome to Postcard From Hell. This blog is going to be the future home of my Internet radio show and will also serve as a rant space for top 5/10 lists, band profiles, news and history. If anyone is wondering where the name Postcard From Hell comes from let me tell you. In the classic Uncle Tupelo song "Postcard" the following lines are sung:

"Can't find the phone, can't hear to listen
Can't take along what we're missing
Just as well to write this Postcard from Hell
And the bar clock says three a.m.
Fallout shelter sign above the door
In other words, don't come here anymore"

On my upcoming radio show, which will more than likely go under the same name, I am going to play a variety of music from all genres without one in particular being the focus. This isn't going to be punk rock hour or any alt-country hootnany. The idea is to play music under the header of cool music and that's all that should matter. As the saying goes, "Good music is good music and that's all that matters"

I myself am a student of music history and culture which will worm it's way into my radio show. Inbetween playing some awesome tunes I'll be sharing little tidbits of information about meanings of songs, associated bands, myths and other assorted stuff that makes all of your favorite songs a little bit cooler.

I can't tell you exactly what I will play, because that list is simply too long. But allow me to give you some sembalance of the kind of music I like and will speak about.

Modern Lovers
The Band
Black Flag
The Clash
The Weirdos
Flying Burrito Brothers
Phil Ochs
Dylan
Fugazi
Dan Bern
Billie Holiday
Brainiac
Bad Manners
Cornelius
Pavement
Thin Lizzy
Drive Like Jehu
Exploding Hearts
The Swans
Howlin Wolf
Buddy Guy
Husker Du
Wutang Clan
Rufus Wainwright
Prince Buster
Squeeze
Talking Heads
Gomez
Hank Williams
Janis Joplin
James Chance
The Ramones
Tom Waits
Ween
Bauhaus
Tones On Tail
Lords Of The New Church
Explosions In The Sky
Hendrix
Eno
Bonnie Prince Billy
Buzzcocks
Thin Lizzy
Black Star
The Coup

Also, during programs we will receive inspirational messages from the godhead of our little show, Bill Hicks. In short it should be tons of fun and I hope you enjoy everything you are going to see, read and hear at Postcard From Hell.