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Home , Body of Song, Boysetsfire, Brian McTernan, Broken Spindles, Crooked Fingers, Danny Way

SUPPORT Danny Way vs. Tony Hawk INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING Today, Saturday July 9th, 2005, Danny Way once again amazed the world with a World Record jump over the Great Wall of China. He landed it on his second attempt. After he landed a straight air over it, he tried it 3 more times, landing backside 360’s over it. Can you believe the ADVERTISE guy 360’d the Great Wall of China? That’s fucking insane. Sure, to jump that 61 ft gap is huge, but imagine spinning WITH US 360’s over it.

Also today, Tony Hawk is gearing up for another stop on his extreme sports whoring arena tour, Boom Boom Huck Jam.

Who do you think is earning more money today, and who do you think it earning more respect?

I think you know the answer. contact After looking at the sponsors for both Way and Hawk, you [email protected] can tell who’s after the money and who’s in it for skate- boarding. Danny’s sponsors include: DC Shoes, Plan B, and Independent trucks. Tony’s include: Birdhouse, Adio, McDonalds. Not to mention his earlier endorsements for Bagel Bites, Hot Wheels, and Club Med. Win Free Product!!! Both Tony and Danny are alike. Both were young skate- boarding prodigies, Danny with H-Street and Plan B, and Tony with Powell Peralta. Both are known for their vert What was the name of the short lived skating skills. Both own their own skateboard companies. skatepark that was located at the 1201 E. Lake St. location,after Twin It seems though, as soon as Tony landed the 900, that the endorsements started flowing. He has video games, kids Cites Skate Oasis,but before 3rd Lair? clothing lines, stadium tours. You don’t see Danny Way excepting endorsements for fast food joints or other com- panies outside of every time he breaks a Prizes world record, do you? - Kyle Berard Accel Wheels 51mm Tony Hawk is a great vert skateboarder, but the choices he’s made and the companies that he’s affiliated himself - Lo Cut 3 Etnies Shoes (size 9) with since becoming popular are only cheapening skate- - Plus a grab bag of various product boarding. Instead of pushing kids to go out and skate, he’s pushing kids to stay inside and play video games, sit at an auditorium and watch extreme sports, or eat the terribly unhealthy food McDonalds. Send answers to Danny Way has done nothing but push skateboarding in an [email protected] inventive and positive way. Congratulations Danny on by September 1st for a chance to win another World Record feat. (Correct answers will be thrown in a hat and selected randomly. Only 1 winner will be picked for all the goods.) Contact: Swimmer’s Ear Magazine P.O. Box 2076 Maple Grove, MN 55311 [email protected] swimmersear.blogspot.com

4 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine Editors: Adam Sever Chris Pernula

Contributing Photographers: Zach Windahl Sam McGuire Adam Krause

Thanks: David Lewis, Zach Windahl, Sam McGuire, Tom Ward at Fat Wreck, Alexis Henr y at Epitaph, and all the companies that sent us product.

Cover: Uly Marin - Kickflip - Iowa City, IA Luke Hunt - Back Tail - South Minneapolis Photos: Sam McGuire

Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 5 variance - Paper Cuts

How Do You Pay?

Paying in Pain is a rad skate zine from California. They really capture the inde- pendent spirit. They have tons of great photos and plenty of well written con- tent. Each issue keeps getting better than the last. This magazine would look awesome if it was on some shiny gloss paper like the major publica- tions. For more information, www.payinginpain.com

Non Stop Get Focused! Party Wagon™ Focus Skateboarding Culture Magazine is a new Al Burian is an independent society free mag from the East icon. He writes so well that everyone Coast, that covers the East wants to be like him. In Burn Collector 13, join Al on his travels over- Coast skate scene. Issue 1 seas for a family reunion. Then follow him on his hitchhiking/train features a guest editorial by, journey all around . A great reanby any standards. Ricky Oyola, and interviews with amateur Darren Harper and pro Chris Cole. It has a lot of nice photos and great design. They also do articles with skate shops (Kinetic), board Dan’s Zine companies (Syintific), websites (Post22.com) Dan’s Zine is a cool zine from NJ. It’s put together and trick tips. They really took the time to make by Dan Bracaglia. Issue 20 is mostly photos, but a good newsprint skate mag, unlike some other they’re quite good. Dan’s Zine also has hilarious news print mags I’ve seen. Future issues should fake ads. www.freewebs.com/danskatezine be awesome. www.focusskatemag.com

What’s Your Subject?

Subject is a new newsprint magazine from Chicago/New York. It is published by Liz Schroeder(New York) and Nora O’Donnell (Chicago) and is beautifully art directed by Luckyface.org’s Sarah Eva Krancic. Each issue of Subject focuses on a different subject. Issue one’s sub- ject is “What’s in a Name?” It has interviews with bands Tv on the Radio and Braid and articles about Moms Named Sharon and a feature story of the city of Calcutta. Issue two’s subject is “Carnival!” It has interviews with bands the Fiery Furnaces and Maritime, and articles about various freaks and circus related materi- al. Both issues have been pretty good reads. They have a limited run of 1,000 and it is hard to find. Try checking out their website at www.subjectmag.com, for more information.

6 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine Powell Pat Channita Deck - With most skate brands manufacturing boards out of the U.S., it’s refreshing to ride a board that is pressed in the same warehouse that the com- pany is located. This Powell deck has a nice ride. It’s a little smaller than I’m used to riding, but it spins and flips well. It’s lasted over 3 months. That’s included a session at 3rd Lair, plain street skating, and flatground flip tricks sessions. It’s tail is turning into a razor from so much use. Overall, I would recommend the Pat Channita deck to anyone looking for one.

Powell Bombers Wheels 60MM - These Bombers wheels from Powell are an excellent overall wheel. They are grippy and soft for bowl and park riding. And they work great on asphalt.

Bones Swiss Bearings - There is a reason why these are the best bearings in the world. For those who don’t know, the ABEC rating doesn’t really apply to skateboarding. ABEC is an acronym for Annual Bearing Engineers Committee. The duty of the ABEC committee is to establish tolerances and specifications for the size and geometric accu- racy of all bearings. Companies send their bearings to the committee to be rated. Bearings are rated from 1 to 9, using odd numbers. The higher the number the tighter the tolerance and greater precision.

“Significantly, the ABEC committee doesn't test for axial—or side loads. Skateboarding exerts tremen- dous axial loads on bearings when skaters slide sideways or boards land on their rails, flexing the wheels over the bearings. Bearing components can deform or be damaged by heavy or repeated axial loads, particularly if they are manufactured to a high tolerance.

In the early 1980s, George Powell realized that skateboarding did traditionally unconventional things to bearings. Powell, who has a background in engineering, began to experiment with various bearing designs for skateboarding. The Powell Swiss bearings were the first bearings designed specifically for skateboards. Powell recognized that bearings used in skateboarding should be designed with axial loads in mind, and that unlike bearings made for electric motors, skateboard bearings don't have to spin quite as fast. Machine bearings are typically packed with thick grease, which ensures a long life but is sluggish at low temperatures. For his skateboard bearing, Powell began using a lighter lubricant that was less resistant and retained far less dirt than heavier greases, and synthetic ball retainers instead of metal retainers that are more easily damaged from axial loads.”

So, that’s why the Bones Swiss are the best bearings. To further prove my point, ask any pro that has ridden them or skate some for your self. (Source:http://www.twsbiz.com/twbiz/industrynews/article/0,21214,704264,00.html)

Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 7 variance- Walk and Roll

Bastien Salabanzi Etnies Shoe The debut Bastien Shoe from Etnies is quite a comfortable shoe. Lots of padding around the ankle/heel area and a nice thick padded tongue. It has a nice suede and leather combo with cool checkerbox stitching on the sides. The Bastien also comes in some nice colorways, grey/white/gold, black/white, two tone brown, and all black.

Etnies Lo Cut 3 The Lo Cut 3 from Etnies looks more like a shoe to chill in than to skate in. Minimal padding around the heel/ankle area and a thin padded tongue. The Lo Cut is also an all leather shoe with the Etnies Level 2 Foam sole. From a skateboarding aspect, they might be ok if you like having a lightweight shoe, but they might not hold up as well. From a chill aspect, you could rock these to the club in a variety of outfits, or to the corner store for some milk and eggs. Check page 3 for a chance to win these Etnies Lo Cuts!!!

Movement Bearings ABEC 7 I’m the kind of guy who hates cleaning his bearings and have tried to avoid it most of my skateboarding life. But most bearing companies choose to make bearings with removable shields for easy cleaning. Movement designed these bearings with guys like me in mind. It even says so on the box. It also says they make bearings with maximum performance with minimum maintenance, and they’re totally right.

Kyle Berard Accel Wheels 51MM These Kyle Berard wheels from Accel roll good as shit. I mean these fuckers are round. These would be good for street skating only since they’re 51mm. The good thing about Accel Wheels is that they’re guaranteed not to flat spot, and if they do, then you get new ones for free. These Berard Wheels are on the harder side of the wheel spectrum, but as long as they’re not square, they’re good. Check page 3 for a chance to win these Kyle Berard Wheels!!!

Mike Vallely Dual Durometer Accel Wheels Like the Kyle Berard wheels, these wheels roll pretty good also. These Dual Durometer wheels have an outer white core and an inner black core. They are pretty hard and are fast on asphalt. They are a little smaller than I usually ride, but they work just fine for street and park riding. I have tried to do wheel slides in them to see if they flatspot or not, but they are kind of grippy.

8 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine Good & Evil The new Toy Machine video features a very different team from their last team video a few years ago. All of the skaters are young and eager, minus Ed Templeton, he’s not so young but he’s eager. All of the skaters have exceptional parts, but standouts are Josh Harmony and Matt Bennett. Diego Bucchieri has a killer part that shows that the guy is a crazy skateboarder. Good & Evil also has a bunch of fun extra footage from tours, demos and general clowning around.

That’s Life One thing that the riders in That’s Life have in common is an over abundance of skaters in tight pants. Except Justin Strubing. His pants are normal size for his figure and his skateboarding is quite good. Again everyone has good parts especially Leo Romero, Corey Duffel and Mike Rusczyk.

Dave Hackett Deathbox Deck This is one fatass deck, but they’re better that way. Great for pool/bowl riding or just cruising the streets. Large tail and nose that will bring back the nostalgia of skateboarding days gone by. Great for an old dude reliving his youth or an amateur exploring his roots.

Premier Snowskate - Warrior Series This snowskate from Premier is a great starter board for someone looking to get into snowskating. Steep nose and tail for getting into tricks. This is a plastic model so it is a bit heavy, but it would make for an interesting ride down a hill. It has a plastic shell, with foam padding on top for footing. It also has a slight concave.

Premier Snowskate - JP Walker Mini Wood The JP Walker model is for the more experienced snowskater. It resembles a skate deck, except that it is wider and thicker than a skate deck. The Walker is made out of wood that has a coating on the bottom much like on a snowboard. It also has a smaller nose and tail than their plastic models.

Turn it Out DVD “Turn it Out” is a DVD put out by Premier as like a promo for their decks. It looks like it is a montage of sponsor me tapes edited into one video. The quality is pretty crappy and dark, but the tricks these kids do on snowskates would even make the most experienced skate- boarder wonder how they did it. Some tricks pulled in the video: kick- flip backside lipslides, fake/nollie frontside kickflips, heelflips, 360 flips, nose/tail slides and a variety of hand rail tricks. It’s quite something seeing these kids ollie onto rails.

Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 9 ChangeInSound

Bruce Lee Band Coquettish “The Ugly Organ,” then you might want to pass “Beautiful World” “High Energy Politics” this up. The Bruce Lee Band consists of Mike Park and Whoo, Japanese punk, but sang in English, (Saddle Creek) members of the Rx Bandits as the backing band. which makes it sound like its from the US. “High The music is inspired by British 2-Tone Ska Energy Politics” sounds like early Suicide bands like English Beat and Madness. If you’re Machines or Rancid, with punk mixed with ska Darker My Love still into ska music, then you’ll probably love this and hardcore vocals. It’s a pretty good CD. If “S/T” . I know the guys at Radio K’s Rude Radio you’re into bands that are more Darker My Love is hard to classify into one will. (Asian Man) and not punk, then you’d probably dig this. genre. They’re not heavy enough to be rock, (Asian Man) they’re too heavy to sound indie. They’re right in Bughummer between. The vocals sort of remind me of Oasis, “The Getaway With” Criteria on some songs, on others it reminds me of Cave Bughummer was a band from that was “When We Break” In with atmospheric guitars wailing. in business from 1992-1998. It features Keely Criteria falls into one of those member in a (Tarantulas) Davis, who now plays with Engine Down. It Saddle Creek band that also fronts a band on sounds like a heavier version of Slint, as in the Saddle Creek. But more specifically, lead gui- fact that it goes from semi quiet to loud and tar/vocal Stephen Pederson heavy. Previous to getting this CD, I had never used to be in Cursive, but no heard of Bughummer, and anyone I asked had more. “When We Break” is a never heard of them either. It made me wonder good post punk/rock album why Lovitt would release this 7 years after the that is similar to their first band disbanded. I mean the music is good, but release “En Garde.” The I’m sure there wasn’t anyone patiently waiting opening track, “Prevent the for this release for 7 years. With this release World” is quite good, and though, I’m sure more people will be interested will intrigue you enough to in their music, than in the past (Lovitt) listen to the rest of the album. Cex (Saddle Creek) “Know Doubt” This is Cex’s first release since Cale Parks from Aloha joined him. “Know Doubt” sounds kind of “Dignity and Shame” like a sound collage/sound manipulation album Crooked Fingers is modern more than anything. The vocals are there but are pop/folk songs with Latin Chariots (america, north) sometimes hard to hear or make out. All the inspired trumpets. On p: Aaron WoJack songs are inventive and good. And one of the “Dignity and Shame,” song’s lyrics were written by Rjyan’s grandma. Crooked Fingers invites Australian singer Lara Deathray Davies () to sing on some of the songs. Lara’s voice is a “The Kick and The Snare” brilliant addition to singer Eric Bachman’s. The Deathray Davies’ follow up to 2003’s “Midnight Challenger first track is an instrumental Latin trumpet and At The Black Nail Polish Factory,” is a ray of sun- “When Friends Turn Against You” guitar ensemble, and the same sound shows in shine compared to “Midnight’s” dark sound, 5 new songs released on the Chezch Label Day later songs. (Merge) pulling influences from bands like , After Records. This EP has a different sound , Beach Boys and even The than their previous full length, but still sounds Curl Up and Die and Replacements. “The Kick and The Snare” is good. It should keep you rocking until their next “But The Past Ain’t Through With Us” a lot more upbeat than their previous album, and full length is released. Since this was released on “But The Past Ain’t Through With Us” is a great the songs are more layered with horns and other a foreign label, it may be hard to find. (Day After) short album from Curl Up and Die. Only 4 songs, instruments. (Glurp) but the last one is over 14 minutes long. This is Chin Up Chin Up the kind of hardcore/metal that I can get into. Del Cielo “s/t” The vocals are right on, and the guitars riffs are “Us vs. Them” In 2004, Chin Up’s Chris Saathoff was killed in a on target. The last track is mostly slow and quiet Del Cielo’s sound could be comparable to the hit and run in Chicago. The rest of the band con- but then erupts into an all out thrash fest and , except it’s women playing the templated not continuing with the band, but finally ends all mellow. (Revelation) instruments and singing and not guys. “Us vs later decided that Chris would have wanted them Them” is a soild album with thumpping bass to stay together. The new Chin Up Chin Up Cursive lines and catchy hooks. The drumming and gui- album is a reissue of their first Ep but with extra “The Difference Between tar are top notch and the singing is ok. tracks and a video of “We Should Have Never Houses and Homes” Sometimes I feel that the vocals don’t match the Lived Like Skyscrapers.” Three of the songs are The new Cursive album is a collection of songs music, but all in all the album sounds good. remixes done by other Chicago artists, Tim taken from their early 7 inches and 2 unreleased (Lovitt) Kinsella and Stephen Snydacker. If you’re famil- tracks. It doesn’t really sound like their last iar with their first album, “We Should Have album “The Ugly Organ,” which is their best Never Lived Like Skyscrapers,” then you’ll enjoy work. If you like the earlier Cursive sound, then this. (Flameshovel) you’ll probably dig this, but if you’re stuck on

10 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine And who needs D.C. when we’ve got D4?

Des Ark Gold Rush “Loose Lips Sink Ships” “Ozona” Lords I was a bit confused when I first listened to this CD. “Ozona” is the UK’s Gold Rush’s tribute to the tiny “Swords” The only song I had heard prior to this CD was a town in Texas the album is named after. The album Thirteen songs, each under 2 minutes, by this loud rocking track. The opener on “Loose Lips Sink starts out with a splash of drum cymbals, followed Louisville, KY classic metal/punk band. The vocals Ships”, is a mostly acoustic guitar slow ballad. The up by a tambourine, then a neat little guitar riff, that sound Motorhead influenced but at a higher pitch. rest of the songs up until the last one are solid rock- will sure to get your toes tapping. If you pop this The recording sounds like it was recorded at a live ers. The ender is a quiet acoustic number. I often disc into your computer, you can watch a video of show, like the instruments aren’t as full sounding as wonder how a duo who only play guitar and drums the album opener, “Wait For The Wheels.” (Truck) they should. () do it, but they do a great job playing their instru- ments, and keeping the music from getting boring. Jackson United (Bifocal Media) “Western Ballads” It’s apparent has Despistado learned a lot from slinging guitar “The People of and Their Verses” in bands Me First and the Gimme Despistado’s debut full length and last record ever Gimmes and . He doesn’t have much to say. The music is good, but has taken his experience in those the way the vocalist sings it feels like he’s yelling the bands and put together a great lyrics at you and there is no variation in his tone. punk album. Each song is catchy Some of the songs sound the same due to the guitar and easy to listen to. In a nutshell, tuning and playing. Their previous EP was good it sounds as though Chris blend- because it gave you a small dose of the band’s ed On a Wire era Get Up Kids sound. Maybe this would be better if you listened to and In Reverie era it in separate listenings. Since the band broke up and added some of ’s early prior to releasing the album, it is only available pop sensibilities into one rocking The Loved Ones online at sites like downloadpunk.com and album. The first track will pull p: Shane McCauley Itunes.com. (Jade Tree) you in with its rhythm and flow and Track 5 will keep you entertained with its Daft Euphone Punk influenced bass and discoesque guitar. The Loved Ones “V” (Magnificent Records) “s/t” Euphone’s previous releases were instrumental This would be a great CD to have if you’re alone on , but on “V” some of the songs have vocals Jim Yoshii Pile Up Valentine’s Day. Others will ask you what you’re while the others are instrumental. You could say “Picks Us Apart” doing on Valentine’s Day, and instead of saying that this is a departure for Euphone, but it seems to The 3rd Jim Yoshii Pile Up album sounds quite “Oh, I’m having Soup for One, and going to bed have worked for the best. (Record Label) relaxing. It’s got good interplay between instru- early” you can say “I’ll be up all night with my ments, and they do some cool vocal overlappings. Loved Ones.” And if you’re a guy, people will think It’s in the same family of Pedro the Lion or Zykos that you’ll be with a bunch of ladies, and if you’re a “Black Tape” when it comes to overall sound or if you had to girl people will think that you’ll be with a bunch of Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t past Explosion lump it into a genre. (Absolutely Kosher) hot muscley guys, tending to your every need. But albums be a lot more aggressive and raw? “Black you’ll really be alone, rocking out to The Loved Tape” is a great sounding album, but it seems like Lake Trout Ones EP. (Jade Tree) this type of catchy, hook driving punk has been “Not Them, You” played to death recently by all the other punk bands I went fishing at the record store and caught Lake Make Believe out. Some stand out songs include “Here I Am,” and Trout’s new album “Not Them, You.” It kind of “Shock of Being” “We All Fall Down.” (Tarantulas) tastes like Radiohead. Of the 16 tracks, there are 3 - With most releases with in the band, 4 genres represented. Some of the songs sound like all credit goes to Tim. In Make Believe, I’m giving Full Cave In, some are instrumental. Track 6 is a nice credit to Bobby Burg, Nate Kinsella, and Sam “Desperandum” instrumental songs with piano, flute/horn(I think), Zurick. This may be the most “rock” band that Tim Vocal by Ms. Wings. Hopefully no relation to the and live drums, not computerized ones, and if has been in, but if you played it side by side with his Paul McCartney band Wings. The vocal work is played on big speakers, it sounds great. (Palm) other projects, it would be hard to tell them apart. classy and well sung. Ms. Wings has a nice voice, (Flameshovel) smooth not jagged. Full has a electronic jazz and Long View funk feel to it. I can see this band playing in a dark “Mercury” intimate club setting. (Self Released) Long View is a major label band from the UK. Mercury is a reissue of their UK hit album, but Get Him Eat Him packaged for American consumers. A lot of the “Geography Cones” press say that Long View have a U2 “Joshua Tree” I can’t even to begin to classify Get Him Eat Him, sound. I wouldn’t know, I have never listened to any except that track 5 “Mumble Mumble” is quite awe- U2 album, so I can’t agree or disagree. The songs some. “Geography Cones” is like lo-fi indie jangly are good, but at times seems overproduced and the eccentric heavy rock. Makes no sense, but shit is vocal layerings are sometimes too much. good. (Absolutely Kosher) (Columbia)

Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 11 ChangeInSound

The Mars Volta sound is very original and soothing to listen to. “Frances the Mute” Jake Snider has smooth buttery vocals that Okay If you’re going to listen to The Mars Volta album make Minus the Bear a pleasant listening experi- “High Road” in one complete sitting be sure you have a couple ence. (Suicide Squeeze) The songs on “High Road” are similar to the ones of hours to spare. The album itself is 77 minutes on “Low Road” but seem to have less distorted long, and there are few if no breaks in between guitars but Marty’s signature vocal sound, kind songs. And after, you’ll need an hour or so to “Body of Song” of froggy or croaking, is still there along with his wrap your head around what you just heard. The I’m not familier with Bob Mould’s previous work sincerity. Plus any band that uses a kazoo in their music is like nothing I’ve heard, but is one of the in Husker Du, Suger, or his solo stuff, so I can’t songs gets an A+ for originality. (Absolutely best albums of 2005 if not the most original. compare “Body of Song” to anything. What I can Kosher) Listening to The Mars Volta isn’t like listening to tell you is, on some of the songs, he does this a normal band, listening to the Mars Volta is an electronic thing with his voice that sounds kind Pama International experience. (GSM/Universal) of cool. I can tell you that from “Float Like A Butterfly” is a guest musician on this CD. The songs Pama International is a group of musicians hail- Mayday are good and would appeal to anyone who is a ing from London, England. It features members “Bushido Karaoke” fan of Bob’s previous work. (Yep Roc) of The Specials, Galliano, Push, The Loafers, I’m sure every member of every band on the Skanga, Paul Weller Band, Andy Hamilton Band, Saddle Creek Label is also in a side project band The Narrator and a special guest appearance by Madness’s Lee that is on Saddle Creek. Examples, Tim Kashner, “Such Triumph” Thompson. Now if you know anything about ska main band Cursive, side band The Good Life, Pulling influences from bands from Chicago’s or ska’s past, you’ll see that this is a list of some Coner Oberst, main band Bright Eyes, side band past, i.e. Cap’n Jazz, The Narrator have put of ska’s best bands. This CD includes 8 songs of Desaparacidos, Joel Patterson, main band The together an album that doesn’t copy the Jazz but ska, dub and rocksteady, plus 4 extra tracks Faint, side band , and the list improves on it. The Narrator’s sound is raw and recorded live on the BBC Radio One. (Asian goes on. Mayday is no exception to the angular and is never boring to listen to. The track Man) main/side band phenomenam that’s going on at “Wait No Actually” is a stand out. The first part Saddle Creek. Mayday is Ted Stevens who you of the song is like nothing else on the album, Paint It Black may have heard playing guitar with Cursive. But sounding like it came off an early Promise Ring “Paradise” with Ted, it’s unsure which is the main band and album. But about halfway through, the tempo If you enjoyed PiB’s first CD “CVA” then you will breaks and they’re back to totally dig “Paradise.” It’s everything “CVA” was normal. Definitely worth a but with longer songs. All of “Paradise’s” songs listen. (Flameshovel) are over a minute long. Instead of quick bursts of energy, they extend that burst up to 1 minute and The Nein 44 seconds on their longest song. 21 minutes “Wrath of Circuits” spilt up among 14 songs of blistering intensity. When I first listened to (Jade Tree) “Wrath of Circuits” the first song started out kind of dull, but then towards the end got Parish School a lot better and even had a “Alikeness” funky breakdown at the end Parish School is Brian Case From 90 Day Men of the song, and the rest of and is his first solo release.“Alikeness” is an elec- the album continues to to piano based album with slow songs and semi- evolve from there. The Nein whispery to normal vocals. The songs are mellow play a sort of rock with sam- and intricate, and the beats are somewhat ples and sound manipula- remindful of the Postal Service. (Record Label) The Nein tions. The sounds manipula- tions and samples add a lot which is the side project.The music is good but to the original sound of The Nein. (Sonic Unyon) Rah Bras does a lot of genre hopping, like “Standing in “EPS” Line at the Gates of Hell” sounds like Crooked Okay EPS is a remastered collection of their first 3 now Fingers or The Good Life, and other songs kind “Low Road” out of print EPs.And I honestly don’t know why of Beatle-esque or even folk/country. (Saddle Bright Eyes isn’t the only artist that can release anyone would want to listen to this crap. It Creek) two different albums on the same day. But I’m sounds like a shitty jam band improvising lyrics sure Conor got tons more coverage than Marty and sound. (Lovitt) Minus the Bear from Okay did. And I’d prefer Okay over Oberst’s “Menos el Oso” warbally vocals any day. “Low Road” is a perfect If you’ve heard Minus the Bear before, then their pop record that has distorted guitars and kazoos. sound on Menos el Oso will be nothing new, Marty was in the band Dilute but had to leave the except that their sound has matured and gotten band due to a chronic stomach disorder that a lot tighter. They have changed quite a bit from keeps him confined to his house hooked up to an their earlier recordings. No more silly song titles, I.V. almost daily. The songs reflect the emotion or songs about donkeys, girls, and parties. Their and struggle, but are upbeat and positive.

12 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine Come with me you pretty thing and we’ll celebrate with amputations Rammstein album was produced in a smoky studio in solo rhythm tracks which are kind of boring. The “Reise,Reise” Jamaica, but it comes from the sandy beaches of booklet that comes with this CD has a lot of In 12th grade I had Political Science with one of California. This album is pretty bass heavy so information about each song and is actually the the monotonist teachers ever. Our class was next next time someone passes you blasting the new best thing about this retrospective. (Revelation) to a German classroom. Every day the German 50 Cent, roll up to them, turn the volume up and class would play “Due Hast” and sing along. Our show them what good music sounds like. Satori teacher had a hard time talking over the German features members of Rx Bandits, Link 80 and industrial of Rammstein and I The Exit. (Asian Man) assume that he didn’t like that kind of music. I imagined he listened to adult contemporary, or Say Hi to Your Mom Kenny G or John Tesh. Music that wasn’t offen- “Ferocious Mopes” sive or harsh in any way possible. I don’t think he One of my favorite bands of the moment, Say Hi will be happy when that German class gets a hold To Your Mom has created another great album of Rammstein’s new album “Reise, Reise,” but of wonderful pop songs. If you get this album, those kids learning German will. read the lyrics, they are just as interesting as the (Republic/Universal) music is. Stand out songs include “The Twenty Second Century” “Yeah, I’m In Love With An Reel Big Fish Android” and “I’ll think I’ll Be A Good Ghost.” “We’re Not Happy, Till You’re Not Happy” The lyrics are like answers to questions people Reel Big Fish’s first release since “Cheer Up” is ask him and are often humorous and inventive. classic Reel Big Fish. I’m not sure if “We’re Not (Euphobia) Happy, Till You're Not Happy” is better or worse than “Cheer Up,” but they’re close. It’s amazing Schoolyard Heroes that RBF haven't broken up yet like most other “Fantastic Wounds” ska band of the Mid 90’s. But with each new Imagine if you took Gwen Stefani and bitch- release it seems they add more and more cover slapped her out of her hip hop phase and then songs. “We’re Not Happy...” has cover songs by teamed her up with , that's what Morrissey, Tracy Chapman, and Social Schoolyard Heroes sounds like. Ryann Distortion. RBF’s musicianship and humor is Donnelly’s vocals are loud, fierce, and have a still there but it seems they are lacking in the small bit of operatic style at times. The best thing Say Hi To Your Mom “coming up with more original songs depart- about their music is the guitar and drums. Steve p: M. Vorrasi ment.” Overall “We’re Not Happy” is a great ska Bonnell’s wailing guitar and metal riffs are album and it’s great to see Reel Big Fish still pro- intense, the last track has a killer guitar solo, ducing music after all these years. I’d take 20 totally GNR/Slash influenced. Brian Turner Sparrow more years of RBF music than listen to the hor- makes the drums sound more interesting than “The Early Years” rible rock, hip hop, and “punk” they play on the most bands I’ve heard this year. His drumming Sparrow sounds a lot like The Shins with it’s lo- radio nowadays. (Jive) style is a major part to the sound of this band. fi indie Beatle-esque sound. There are a lot of (The Control Group) good upbeat songs on the album that’ll have you hips shaken. If you’re a fan of The Shins, then you should check this album out. (Absolutely “A Comprehensive Kosher) Retrospective” This CD is a retrospective Department of Demo-Listen of past Shai Hulud demos and live recordings. Tracks 1-6 are from a demo from Calls From Bethany 1996, which sound quite This NJ hardcore band could be compared to good for a demo, standard Thursday, “Full Collapse” era. CFB has dual hardcore stuff with group vocals, one sings the songs and the other vocals. Tracks 7-9 are from screams the choruses. The songs sound like live from Crucial Chaos at your typical hardcore love songs, and the pro- NYU, which sounds like a duction is quite good. It sounds like they took typical live recording. the time to make their music sound good, There is some fun in instead of using cheap recording. You can between song banter that download songs at goes on here. Tracks 12-15 p: Robin Laananen www.purevolume.com/callsfrombethany are recorded during a prac- tice session at their warehouse. Track 16 is a Unsigned bands: Satori recording of the song “This Wake I Myself Have Send us your demos/CD-Rs for reveiw. “Savor Every Moment” Stirred” on a four track. Tracks 17-19 is a record- Swimmer’s Ear - Dept. of Demo-Listen Satori mix reggae, ska, rocksteady, and bluebeat ing of songs with new singer Chad Gilbert. The P.O. Box 2076, Maple Grove, MN 55311 into one heck of an album. It sounds like the last 5 tracks that round out this CD are guitar

Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 13 ChangeInSound

Spitalfield saying just as much as the lyrics do. It features The Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower “Stop Doing Bad Things” remixes by members of The Explosion and AFI. “Love in a Facist Brothel” Spitalfield's follow-up to their “Remember Right (Tarantulas) With a name that’s sure to please the French and Now” album a few years back is way better. With artwork that is perverted and disturbing, the their new album “Stop Doing Bad Things,” their Statistics music on “Love in a Facist Brothel” is ok. It could sound has matured and gotten a lot better. I’d “Often Lie” be classified as fast jangally moshable rock. It’s even say that “Stop Doing Bad Things” is better is back with the second installment of his hard to understand what this band sounds like than Jimmy Eat World’s “Futures” album. Statistics entity. With each recording he gets far- unless you’ve heard it, even then it still hard to (Victory) ther and farther from his computer roots and explain. I suggest you download a track before gone with a more guitar rocking sound. Not that you buy. (Revelation) Spitzz this is bad. The only downer to this album is it’s “Sick, Savage, Sensual” nine songs just over a half hour long. He The Sights Guitar driven classic punk with rough vocals and could’ve added 1 or 2 more songs to fill out the “s/t” choruses with group yells. There is nothing real- album a little. The closing track is an instrumen- This Detroit band can be described as a bar ly exciting about this band. They sound alright, tal song which sounds Explosions in the Sky band. It’s sad to say, but it’s the truth. They play but it’s not something that’s gonna get heavy influenced. (Jade Tree) a blusy rock with organs. It’s the type of music rotation in my stereo. A fairly short full length that you could walk into a smokey bar late at with 11 songs coming in just over 22 minutes. night and they’d be in the back kicking the jams (Tarantulas) “” out, while enjoying sips from their beers in “To Live in Discontent” is basically an anthology between songs. It can be well enjoyed in the right of past releases and b-sides. setting, but it’s not something you’ll hear being Spoon The first 2 tracks were origi- played on college radio. A bonus with this CD is nally released on the “Bread that it comes with a short video that includes an or Revolution” 7'' on Fat interview with the band mixed in with some live Wreck Chords. Tracks 3-8 footage. (Scratchie) were previously released as the “Chorus of One” EP. The Vets Track 9 is a b-side of the Exit “Ad Infinitum” English sessions and track 10 The Vets have a sound like Slint. Quiet parts lead is a song that appeared on a to loud parts and back to quiet parts. But it’s demo CD in 1999. Tracks 11- damn good. The album is around 70 minutes 13 are covers of songs by long, so listen to it when you’re driving some- Gorilla Biscuits, Dag Nasty, where far, because you need to listen to the and Cock Sparrer. Definitely album in one sitting, or you just wont get it. a CD worth checking out. (Modern Radio) (Jade Tree) Tim Kinsella The Stnnng “Crucifix Swastika” “Dignified Sissy” This is Tim Kinsella’s 2nd solo release. If you The Stnnng should receive know anything about Tim, then you know that he Spoon an award for coolest cover artwork and best is a music making machine, often playing in mul- “” album title. Their music has left me speechless, tiple bands at once. All the songs on this solo I don’t see why everyone loves Spoon and thinks though. The vocals are almost spoken, but spo- album were written during his honeymoon. The that is some musical genius. ken fast, with a few screams. And the music is songs on this release sound similar to what Tim “Gimme Fiction” is a good CD, but is nowhere heavy but can’t be categorized into metal or has done with Joan of Arc, but are all of quality. near where “” was. The songs thrash or hardcore. Maybe some classic rock (Record Label) on “Kill The Moonlight” are a lot more catchy influence? The lyrics are great and inventive and unforgettable. “Gimme Fiction’s” song are though. (Modern Radio) Vox Vermillion good and well played. “Two Sides of Monsieur “Standing Still You Move Forward” Valentine” and “The Delicate Place” are quite Temper Temper Vox Vermillion has some beautifully sung songs good and “Was It You” sounds influenced by the “s/t” by women. And this is the first release for Slug American Analog Set. Overall “Gimme Fiction” is Temper Temper is a deceiving band. The first 2 and Murs new label, Women Records. Most of ok but not Britt and Jim’s best work. (Merge) tracks start out fast and snyth based, making you the songs are over 4 minutes long and have piano think they are going to be like , then and cello in them. Track 3 is cool with it’s upbeat The Static Age halfway through track 3, boom, out comes the sound and handclaps. (Women Records) “Neon Lights, Electric Nights” organ. I have nothing against organs, but when The name of the band and title of the album they’re not used correctly it becomes annoying. makes it sound like its going to be some electro All of the songs are in the same organ dance dark rock band with bleeps and blips next to scream- rock and then Track 10. “Heart Like A Fist” is an ing guitars. Which is sort of half true. It reminds upbeat positive fast organ rocker. If their other me of slow 80’s rock with synths. The music songs were in the same vein of this one, they makes you feel like the emotion of the music is would have an ultimately better CD. (Revelation)

14 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine hhee LLoovveedd OOnneess TT EastEast CoastCoast PunkPunk

Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 15 Live Photos: Adam Krause Interview With:

How did the 3 members come together to make The Loved Ones?

I roadied for Kid Dynamite in 1998 and 1999 and kept in touch with Spider through the years. I was in a band called The Curse that broke up just before we were going to do a record for Jade Tree and at the time Spider wasn't playing bass for anyone. Sneeringer, we both knew from Trial by Fire, and I was working on Brian Mcternan's house in DC. On the off days during the recording of the last record, Sneeringer, Spider and I would sneek into the studio and jam, and it ended up being great chemistry...thus, The Loved Ones were born...

Since each member of The Loved Ones has been in a band that has had a CD released on Jade Tree, was Jade Tree your first choice for a label?

Well, to some degree yes. It was an obvious choice to “start the band out” so to speak on Jade Tree by releasing this EP. We aren't quite sure what label we are going to have put out our full length yet, but Jade Tree is definitely part of our past and part of our family, those guys are great and its been fun working with them again...

Since The Loved Ones’ past bands have all broken up, have you taken certain steps to avoid that from happening with this band?

I think when you go through a band or two where it doesn't work out, you naturally make certain adjustments to the way you choose to interact in the future. If you are in a relationship with a member of the opposite sex that ends because you are selfish or unfaithful or whatever it may be, typically you think about those things then when you are attempting your next romantic endeavor...

Do you think putting a tagline of ex bands on The Loved Ones packaging will turn away or confuse fans expect- ing to hear music like those previous bands?

Well, some. The thing is, we decided to tagline it because I always like to know what people in bands that I enjoyed are up to, so I don't so much mind it. I guess the problem is, if someone loves Paint it Black or something and buys our record expecting that, they may be disappointed. But maybe they also will realize they were mislead and we can lead them onto greener pastures...Just kidding.

Has working in the past with bands like The Explosion and , helped with touring with those bands now?

Of course. We haven't toured yet with the Explosion, but I suppose it’s just a matter of time. We have played a handful of shows with them though, and our first tour was with The Bouncing Souls. Some people like to give us shit about how we are only on those tours b/c of who we know, but the thing is, you play with who you know. If we knew those people's shit- ty bands, we would play with them! Instead we are fortunate enough to have some friends in some great bands, so we are afforded some great opportunities. We don't take them for granted and we pour just as much heart into a show with the Bouncing Souls or whoever as we do with local bands on a show we headline. We are passionate regardless of who we play with. 16 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine How has touring gone so far and how has the response been from fans?

We did 10 East Coast dates w/ The Bouncing Souls, Against Me!, Murphy's Law, and Let it Burn in November and it was great. People warmly received us, and we are looking forward to our East Coast Tour in Feb w/ Strike Anywhere and the Unseen.

Have you started writing material for a full length, and when do you plan to release one?

Yeah, I would say we have it a little over half way written. We plan to record it in June/July 2005 and we will release it frankly when- ever a label makes us a deal with which we are comfortable. I would imagine late 2005.

Will you be writing more acoustic songs, like “Drastic” for the Full Length?

Yes, there are already a couple of acoustic songs in the mix, and probably more coming.

What influences the way you write lyrics and music?

I would say just general life, mostly the struggles in life. Often times I get inspired by other artist's take on life, and I get compelled to write based on that as well. But usually I write about my immediate sur- roundings, and sometimes beyond that too.

The songs on the EP sound very radio friendly, and could be enjoyable to a large audience. If The Loved Ones were all of a sudden a popular band being played on major radio stations, how would you handle that?

I guess I personally would just try to take it as it comes. Luckily there have been many artists who we respect who have gone through that sort of thing that we respect, who did/do it with grace and poise that we can look up to. I also feel like I personally have a strong family and friends network that definitely will tell me if I'm letting things get carried away, so I'm not that worried about it...But thanks for saying that the songs could be enjoyable to a large audience, lets hope they are...

Do you think where a band is from geographically influences their sound? Do you think The Loved Ones would sound dif- ferent if they were from the Mid West or West Coast?

Oh sure. I think that geography has a huge impact on the way a band sounds. We would most likely not sound the way we do if we were from either of those places. Regionally the scenes differ, and so do the influences, so naturally the sound does too. They don't get the BOSS on the West Coast man, and we don't get Strung Out...it just doesn't compute... Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 17 If you had to put a show together of bands from the Philadelphia area, past or present, which five bands would definitely play?

I would say The O'Jays, , Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers, Kid Dynamite and The Loved Ones (if I was putting the show together we would definitely play!)

What made you want to get involved with the Philly punk scene?

Just a love of the music led to like minded individuals that sort of had a community set up already. I enjoy the Philly scene, but thankfully I have other friends with other interests, too. It can get stuffy, lets put it that way...

When did you start playing music and what got you hooked on it?

I started playing guitar around age 12. I'm not sure what got me hooked on it, but I played an 8th grade talent show, and the thrill of playing live definitely has infected me ever since. It’s fun and it has grown into a great form of expression since then. I guess then it may have had more to do with girls...

What Is planned for the future of The Loved Ones?

Well immediately we are going on tour w/ Strike Anywhere in Feb (East Coast), playing record release shows and festivals in March, and then hopefully touring more extensively in April. Long term, is to write songs, record them, and play them to as many people as pos- sible. We are in it for the haul man...

18 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine How did Hooligan start, and where did the idea for sponsoring bands and not skate- boarders come from? Darren and I have always been into punk/hardcore and skating. So back in 2002, I was tour managing 9 Lives and trying to think of cool merch items we could do when we went out on Hooligans the that year. I thought of 9 Lives skate decks, they liked the idea, so I roped Darren in to help design decks for them and another band I was friendly with, Small Brown Bike. We made up about 50 of each deck and took them on the road. The rest is pretty much history; on that tour I met the guys in Death By Stereo, they liked the idea of having their own deck as well and it started the snowball effect, we picked up , Strike Anywhere, and so on.

How do you go about picking bands for your company? Do bands ever come to you first? Basically, we try to go after bands that we think hold the same ideals as us, the DIY work ethic, bands that actually say something with their music. Not trying to sell an image, it turns out most of them are our favorite bands anyway. A lot of bands have come to us first, its kind of a network, this band tours with that, sees our decks and wants to know if we'd be interest- ed in them. We have picked up some awesome bands like that but, we've turned down a lot of bands too.

Who does the design for the boards? Darren & I collaborate on the deck designs plus we've also had guest artists like Shepard Fairey (Bouncing Souls), Tim Gough (Paint It Black) and Andy Cummings (The Esoteric) work on designs too. We're also working on a line of decks with Derek Hess for his Strhess cloth- Brian Dorry ing line which we are very psyched about. Marketing Director Do the bands have a lot of input on what their boards will look like, shape and design wise? We work with the bands so we have both have a board we can be proud of. Bands have the final "OK" on the designs and shape. Chuck from mentioned that he loved the shape of this old Natas board from the 80's, so I went out and found one so we could make a mold of it for the HWM shape. I did the same thing with Dave from Paint It Black, he wanted the PIB board to have an old Rob Roskopp shape so we hooked it up.

How many of each board do you make? It depends on the demand we think we are going to have for each design. We have done short runs and ran out but, since we make our own boards we can always press more if we need. The Bouncing Souls model has gone into a bunch of pressings, they move a ton of decks.

How are Hooligan boards prices compared to other skateboard companies? We under cut most companies price by $10-$15. We use the same process and wood that most of the top companies do. Our decks are 7-ply Canadian maple cut and pressed right here. We take pride in the fact that our products are made in the US, while companies like Element and World Industries have decided to out source to China to have their decks made. Darren Cruz Buy American and Americans work! Creative Visionary

Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 19 Do bands get board royalties from deck sales? We are just starting to get some distribution in some shops and online sites; once that is in place, we are going to put a royalty deal into motion. Hey, if there are any shops out there that want to carry our decks give me a call!!!

Why do you think skateboarding and music go together so well? That's like asking why beer and football go together so well. Music and skating is a way for kindred spirits to come together. I think it kind of goes back to the early 80's when and skating weren't commercially viable, they were both underground and dangerous. In 1984 a pro-skater would never been scene doing a Hot Pockets commercial and you'd never hear a Buzzcocks song in a SUV commercial, parents tolerated their kids skating and listening to punk rock but, they weren't considered construc- tive behavior by any means. You'd see Cabellero skating with SST stickers on his board; Thrasher Magazine used to sell these compilation tapes with bands like Cro-Mags, Black Flag, Circle Jerks, SS Decontrol, Agnostic Front, 7 Seconds, Agent Orange, , , Dead Kennedys and Sick Of It All that became the soundtrack to skating. Me and my friends would get our little boom box out, steal some wood, build a ramp and skate until we had to go home.

Will there be boards made for all the bands on your roster? Eventually, sometimes it takes a while for a band's deck to come out for one reason or another. For example The Explosion was one of our first bands on the roster and their deck is finally coming out this Summer.

Does a band or its members have to skateboard to be considered for your company? Do all the bands on your roster skateboard? There is usually at least one member of each band that is into skating but, its not a requirement. A lot of these guys grew up skat- ing like me, so they do have a history with it and are excited about having their own model skate deck. But its not like I'm going to make them ollie in front of me to make it onto our roster.

What should people expect when they pick up a Hooligan Skateboard? A kick ass skateboard! One of our goals is to provide top quality boards at reasonable prices. There is no reason why a board should cost $55 or $60 just because it says "Bam" or "Flip" on it. Kids don't realize it, but so many of the skate companies that they think are independent, grass-roots companies are really owed by large corporate conglomerates and they are the ones driv- ing up the prices. I've had more kids complain to me about the shitty quality of boards put out by some of these top companies are than I care to remember. That really pisses me off, if somebody is bucking up and buying one of your decks it should be built to last. Remember the most expensive isn't necessarily the best.

What bands can we expect to be on the roster in the future? We just added The Esoteric (Prosthetic Records) and Smoke Or Fire () to the roster. The Street Dogs and Big Wig will be the additions. I've also got some top secret legendary bands that will be added to the roster soon. Definitely no eye- liner, faux-hawked, metalcore bands in matching outfits. We made that mistake once already and had to drop those shitheads Atreyu. -- Check us out on the Warped Tour This Summer!!! Buy more boards!!! Hooliganskate.com Starting in February 2005, Asian Man Records re-released the out of print catalog. They re-released “BoogadaBoogadaBoogada,” followed by “,” “Wiggle,” “Anthem For A New Tomorrow,” “How To Make Enemies and Irritate People” and finally “Kill The Musicians.”

BoogadaBoogadaBoogada - The original “Boogada...” album sold over 125,000 copies. It’s a great introduction to Screeching Weasel. The re-release is remastered and redesigned with new liner notes and photos.

My Brain Hurts - Probably the best album of their early releases. Many of the Screeching Weasel albums have close to 20 songs or more on them, “My Brain Hurts” comes in at a perfect 14. Just enough to get your SW fix, but not too much t make you bored. Remastered and redesigned with new liner notes, photos and flyers.

Wiggle - “Wiggle” has been out of print since September of 2003. It’s a classic punk album. Remastered with a special bonus track and all new artwork with never before seen photos.

Anthem For A New Tomorrow - Originally released in 1993, Screeching Weasel’s 5th release takes their signature sound and adds to it with tighter production and catchier melodies. Sold over 100,000 copies world wide with no commercial radio airplay.

How To Make Enemies and Irritate People - Classic Screeching Weasel to say the least. Another short album, with only 13 songs. But still has the same amateurish song titles and lyrics. You can really tell what punk bands was influenced by Screeching Weasel’s sound. You’ll hear parts on this album that will remind you of other band’s albums recorded years later.

Kill The Musicians - This album includes all of the rare 7 inches, split EPs, and various compilation tracks, collected onto one 31 song CD. Remastered and redesigned with rare photos and new liner notes.

Available Now!!! While I Was High

Chris has never been drunk or high in his life, but he’s had plenty of friends who have been. While I was High is a collection of anony- mous stories and comics about random peoples’ adventures while intoxicated and fucked up. Imagine smoking weed and getting bust- ed by your elementary school D.A.R.E. Officer. While I Was High is a great collection of humorous short stories. Coming Soon!!! Cathartic Reason’s Bleeding Hearts Brigade Join Jimi and Destiny as they set out to destroy all of the corporate forced happiness companies with a BIC Lighter and a can of gaso- line. Bleeding Hearts Brigade is a black and white hand drawn Blow Me, A Fanzine - The name says it all. A sexy, comic by Pen 15 Films leader, Jimi Nguyen. If emo could be trans- provocative zine with a cast of junkies, yuppies, kiddies, lated into comics, then Jimi has done it. It’s love, heart break and oldies and goodies. fire, wound up in a nicely drawn comic.

Super Friends #1 Swimmer’s Ear Back Issues #1 - #15 A zine of found photographs made into funny and dis- turbing personal ads. Get all the past issues of this long running zine featuring skate- boarding, snowboarding and independent music. Tons of great While I Was High 2 photos, interviews, articles and other fun stuff. Another hilarious collection of stories while being crunk, All of the past issues were limited run, so there are only a few of fucked up and passed out. each issue left.

Subtitles Publishing • [email protected] • P.O. Box 2076 • Maple Grove, MN 55311 Michael Stenerson - 5050 Gnar Grab Out - Iowa City, IA - p. Sam McGuire 22 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine

crooked fingers

Originally 21 songs were recorded for a Crooked Fingers double cd, what made you change your mind to make it a single CD with 12 tracks?

We just felt like a double album might have been too much all at once...too much clutter. As it was when we put 18 songs together as a double it seemed quite all over the place...that could've been a good thing, too. And I'd be lying if I said I know it's the right thing to do...to make a single record...but you have to decide and do something...so that's what we did.

Are you planning on releasing the other 9 songs?

Yes. "Ship To Spain" will be released on the Bloodshot Records anniversary CD...And "Carousel" will be released on ITunes as a single with "Call To Love" and a remix version of "There's a Blue Light" on February 1, 2005. "The Ballad of El Cuchillo" and a new version of "New Drink for the Old Drunk" will be on the 4th side of the “Dignity and Shame” vinyl release. "La Maleta Fea" is on the Merge 15th Anniversary CD...All that's left is "Sinisteria," "Let's Not Pretend To Be New Men," "Cannibal," and "Quarantine." The first two--"Sinisteria" and "Pretend"--I'd like to put in the movies and the last two--"Cannibal" and "Quarantine" must go to the doctor...they're sick and need some more attention before they're let loose in the world.

Lara Meyerattken's singing is a great compliment to your singing, will she be singing on the Crooked Fingers tour?

Lara will sing with us on this tour on only a very few select dates, as she will be busy with other projects during that time. She will very much be a part of the Crooked Fingers family from this point on, though, and that will include future tours and future recordings. In the meantime, the lovely and talented Barbara Trentalange will be singing with us.

Do you plan on collaborating with Lara on future Crooked Fingers albums?

Yes.

24 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine interview w/ eric bachman

In terms of writing and recording, what did you do different- ly with “Dignity and Shame” that you didn't do on your pre- vious albums?

The major difference with this record is that we treated it like a live band. We tracked all 22 songs in 7 days, with some overdubs but not as many as usual. And we--more specifi- cally, Martin Feveyear--mixed all 22 songs in 5 days. Other than that, the same due diligence went into the writing that always does...And obviously, there's no quick fix formula for writing well...you have to be patient and open/connected. And, of course, because we recorded the basic tracks togeth- er we rehearsed a lot as a band before recording. That made the record more collaborative than in the past...not so much in terms of the songwriting but in terms of arranging.

Does it ever bother you that in any press about Crooked Fingers, it mentions . Do you think you will always be referred to as of Archers of Loaf fame?

No...I am very grateful to have been in that band...but no, I don't think I will always be referred to that way...it's already starting to decline, actually. Maybe a lot of people that like Crooked Fingers are too young to know about the last band I was in. Not to mention, December 1998 was the last show/sign of life for that project...that's quite a while ago.

Do you plan on doing any more EPs of cover songs?

At this moment...No...but I don't know.

How is the producing going, what recent albums have you pro- duced?

No producing right now...I always consider things when they're presented to me, but I'm far too excited about tour- ing the new record. Also, it wouldn't be fair for me to pro- duce something right now that someone is really inspired about because I wouldn't be able to give it the time and effort it deserves because I'm so focused on Crooked Fingers.

What do you have planned for Crooked Fingers in 2005?

Touring.

Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 25 Having your board gripped for you is such a convenience. The shop where you buy the board will put it on for you, at no charge even. But I’m sure some of you have never thought to do it yourself. Gripping your own board gives you a sense of accomplishment, and if those skate hoes at Zumiez can do it, I’m sure you can too. Follow the directions and soon enough you’ll be on your way. If you’re a grom, get some parent supervision, because even though chicks dig scars, they do not dig dudes with missing fingers.

(fig 0.1)(fig 0.2) (fig 1)

(fig 2.3) (fig 3) (fig 4) 26 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine You will need a razor blade and a metal file. Make sure your sheet is longer than the board. (fig 0.1, fig 0.2)

Step 1: If you’re putting grip on a new board, wipe any dust or dirt off. If you’re regripping your board, take off your trucks and wheels.(fig 1) If you accidentally/intentionally put your griptape over your bolts, you not only look like an idiot, you’ll look like one of those dipshit mall skate store workers who don’t know shit about skating.

Step 2: Peel off half of the grip’s backing and lay the grip on one end of the board making sure you’re not putting it on crooked.(fig 2) Hold the other end up and slowly smooth your griptape down making sure there are no air bubbles.(fig 2.1) When you get to the middle of your board peel off the rest of the backing and smooth the rest of the grip out.(fig 2.2) Run your hands over the deck to spot air bubbles.(fig 2.3) If you do find a bubble, poke it with the razor blade and smooth it out.

Step 3: Take your razor blade and go around the board cutting off any excess tape.(fig 3)

Step 4: Grab your metal file and smooth off the edges so the griptape follows the curves of your deck.(fig 4) If you skip this step, your grip will look like it was put on by a 2 year old.

Step 5: Grab a screwdriver and poke holes where your trucks go.(fig 5)

Step 6: If you don’t like having the board super grippy, take some of the excess griptape and rub it against the tape on the deck. This will give the grip a day old feel, grippy but not so grippy you can’t move your feet. After that, put your trucks and wheels on and go skate. (fig 6)

(fig 2) (fig 2.1) (fig 2.2)

(fig 4.1) (fig 5) (fig 6) Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 27 28 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine At what point in your life did you decide being a musician At what point in your life did you decide being a musician was what you wanted to do? was what you wanted to do? It was never a conscious decision on my part to be a musician. I started playing drums at age 17 literally right after going to It was something that happened that I fell in love with and kept Lollapolooza and watching Patty Schemel play drums with doing. Hole. I had never seen a woman play drums like that before and was totally and completely enthralled. I started taking les- What’s the worst job you have ever had? sons, and in a few months started my first band. I was hooked. Every job is a tie until I started doing graphic design and even some of those are absolutely terrible. What’s the worst job you have ever had? Cashier at Mr. Chicken ‘n Ribs. I am vegan. This was in high What would you be doing if you weren't in a band? school and miserable. I was just vegetarian at the time but still. I would be doing graphic design and not worrying about pay- Ugh. ing rent What would you be doing if you weren't in a band? Would you rather work for your money or win the lottery? I do other things besides my band that I might focus on more, I would rather win the lottery so I could continue playing such as freelance writing and travel, but there isn't anything I music with no regard for making money from it. would say I am missing out on because of my band.

Could you ever work a 40 hour a week, 9 to 5 desk job? Would you rather work for your money or win the lottery? It's been a while since I've done so but I think it's possible. It's I'd love to win the lottery! I run a small record label Exotic just a different state of mind. Fever www.exoticfever.com and I would like to be able to have tons of money to support the rad artists on it! Who do you owe your success to? Success? I wouldn't call it success but I definitely owe where I Could you ever work a 40 hour a week, 9 to 5 desk job? am at to all the people involved with this band. From the rest Hehe. I do! I am a grantwriter at a national youth violence pre- of the boys in the band to Jade Tree, David Lewis, Susanne vention nonprofit based in DC called The Empower Program Dawursk and of course everyone that likes our band and www.empowerprogram.org. bought our record. Thank you. Who do you owe your success to? My mama. She is the single most loving, energetic person I have ever met!

Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 29 At what point in your life did you decide being a musician At what point in your life did you decide being a musician was what you wanted to do? was what you wanted to do? I think I was a freshman in high school. I had been going to I've never actually decided this actively. I am a dedicated half- shows and buying records for a couple of years as a fan of the assed dilettante who has studied music most of his life. music but once I started becoming aware of how amazing and Starting a band seemed like a reasonable thing to do, but I vibrant the D.I.Y. scene in Philadelphia was (mainly thanks to never expected it to be my main occupation. shows at the First Unitarian Church and Stalag 13) I knew I had to get involved. And I have been ever since. What’s the worst job you have ever had? Fixing classic arcade machines for this complete dick who What’s the worst job you have ever had? would challenge me whenever I tried to get paid. I worked in a fried foods joint for about fifteen minutes. Hard up for cash, I accepted a friend's offer of hooking me up with What would you be doing if you weren't in a band? a relatively stress-free position slinging chicken fingers and I think I would start one of those 'car title' loan places. That or wings, but when I realized that no matter how hard I tried, I a credit card company. Maybe both. couldn't get the stink of the friers out of my clothes, shoes and hair, I stopped showing up. They could have paid me a hun- Would you rather work for your money or win the lottery? dred dollars an hour and I doubt it'd have been worth it. Thus I would like to win the lottery and devote all of my time to ended my career in the service industry, hopefully forever. learning interesting things and making stuff.

What would you be doing if you weren’t in a band? Could you ever work a 40 hour a week, 9 to 5 desk job? Probably trying to start one. Or maybe working as a nightclub Nope. But I can work an 80-hour-a-week, all-over-the-world, singer, radiantly going on with my decadent show (even in the very taxing and glamourous job. Turning this band into a suc- face of a second Bush presidency) and holding my many cessful business has been the most stressful and sweat-induc- admirers at enough of a distance that I might keep from having ing thing I have ever done in my working life, and I'm not even to bother with genuinely deep emotions. doing it alone.

Would you rather work for your money or win the lottery? Who do you owe your success to? How about both? Everyone who works with us through our label, our booking agent, our publicist - David Lewis, everyone in the distribution Could you ever work a 40 hour a week, 9 to 5 desk job? chain who has said a kind word encouraging buyers to pick up I've done it a couple times. It's only as bad as the job itself is. our CDs, and everyone who has ever spent a Some of the more creativity-based ones were amazing, barely Dollar/Euro/Kroner/whatever on us. Also, the other bands even like working at all; however some of the ones felt like who taught us how to operate: Avail and Hot Water Music. being in prison. For now I'm content to stay out of that world so I'm more free to tour, help out with R5 Productions' shows and pursue my modeling career.

30 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine At what point in your life did you decide being a musician At what point in your life did you decide being a musician was what you wanted to do? was what you wanted to do? The other guys probably decided by middle school, but it took me a little longer. I didn't start playing guitar until my first year If I had to pick a point in my youth where I decided that I want- of college. But I would say sometime in the or so I'll ed to be a rocker it would be the summer before my senior year be ready to make the leap of referring to myself as a musician. of high school. I was 16 I think, and was playing guitar and singing in this noise punk band called the geEk Aggression. What’s the worst job you have ever had? I’m from a medium sized city in upstate NY called Syracuse Actually I've kind of liked every job I've ever had, I just get and in the early 90s there was a huge local hardcore scene. As really tired and hungry after an hour or two so I want to leave. a really young kid we would skate all week and go to The Lost I was a dishwasher at University of Delaware when I was in Horizon for their Hardcore Matinee’s. It was a full days worth high school, which seems like it would be terrible, but about of the craziest hardcore bands for like 3 or 4 bucks. Through 15 people who I was friends with got jobs in the same dining that I got into bands like Youth of Today, Quicksand, Fugazi, hall and we mutinied and pretty much had the run of the place Split Lip and Op Ivy as well as some of the killer local bands for the next two years. So that was awesome. like Earth Crisis, Infusion and Framework. I don’t know if it was my age or the just overall standoff-ish attitude of the scene What would you be doing if you weren't in a band? but I didn’t feel like I could be out there doing what those I'm actually a Law School Graduate, so I guess I would be bands were doing. Around ’90 or ’91 this shift happened in the expected to do something with that. local hardcore scene and all these skateboard kids started going Vegan X-Edge and all of a sudden the scene got even Would you rather work for your money or win the lottery? more suffocating. You’d go to the same Sunday shows you had I think I can speak for all members of Dr. Dog in saying that been going to and if you didn’t have huge X’s Sharpie’d to we would rather win the lottery than not win the lottery. your hands you were scum. I tried to stick around for a while but it just didn’t feel right. A year or two later I met the guys Could you ever work a 40 hour a week, 9 to 5 desk job? in the band geEk Aggression and started playing guitar with I would like to imagine that I could, but I'm not really that them. Through those guys I got introduced to the greats – interested in finding out. I have mastered living on very small Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth, Scratch Acid, Ramones. We amounts of money just to avoid those type of situations. I do used to practice almost every day, just getting stoned and mak- admire a finely crafted desk though. ing the loudest most angry noise our little bodies could. Once we started playing shows it all started to make sense. At that Who do you owe your success to? point I began meeting people, older guys who were in their Our band has been dealt a series of insanely lucky breaks, from mid 20s still rocking out. The two people that made the biggest being asked to open for My Morning Jacket, to being featured difference in my young rocker-dom were Rob Walsh from the in the New York Times, to having an amazing manager appear scariest band in Syracuse, SpamHammer and Lee Waters, the out of nowhere to help us out. But more abstractly, we owe drummer of Sonic Whirlpool, who is still the most rock moth- our sense of musical success to people like the Beatles, David erfuckers I have ever met. It was actually those guys that got Bowie, Neil Young, Brian Ferry, the Beach Boys, , me to Chapel Hill, the rest is history…or something like that… Pavement, Sonic Youth, the Kinks, Nirvana, Sam Cooke, , R. Stevie Moore, Otis Redding, Brian Eno, Talking Heads, and about a million others. Also, Philadelphia has Continued on next page... been very good to us.

Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 31 Instead of being a productive tool making money for something or someone else in exchange for a living wage, I would be working towards helping other people make a living wage through their art What is the worst job you have ever had? in a way that doesn’t compromise what they are doing by com- modification for a mainstream demographic. I sold vacuum cleaners door to door for Kirby Vacuum. I had to wear nice shirts and a tie. They would sing songs like "Gimme a Could you ever work a 40 hour a week, 9 to 5 desk job? K. I. R. B. Y. What's it Spell? KIRBY! What do we sell? KIRBY! What do we make? !!MONEY!!" I think I lasted 4 days. I would I do work a 40 hr a week job right now, actually its usually more ride my bike to work and get there all sweaty and have to ‘fresh- than 40 hours a week but my desk is a work bench and my paper en up’ in the gas station bathroom near the shop, get in a van with work is carving hunks of wood into beautiful guitars. I think the a group of hopefuls and knock on doors. It was the utmost in whole desk job thing really comes down to what your options are. humiliation. I don’t ever believe I’ll be in a band that will afford me to not have to work for someone else in some capacity. If my options were A very close second was going door to door collecting money for flipping burgers in a place that gave me a hard time for taking time NCPIRG. They had a killer help wanted add "Earn $300-$500 a off for tour, wouldn’t let me call in sick and paid me like an inden- week working for the environment" I lasted a little longer there, tured servant OR enter data into some computer or design circuit maybe 3 weeks. I hated interrupting stranger’s lives to ask for boards on AutoCAD while sitting at a desk in a place that gave me money and would usually just sit under trees and read pretending paid vacation and sick days. Well, then you better believe I’d work to be working. Needless to say I really sucked at it and I think I a desk job. But for now I am lucky enough to make my money only made my weekly minimum one week and that was cause one with the toil of my hands. Weather it be crafting wood into guitars of the managers felt sorry for me and gave me one of his dona- or building bikes. At least I am producing something I love, even tions. They would bring us out in groups, drop us off in a neigh- if it does make someone else rich. borhood and leave not to return until late in the evening. We would go all over Chapel Hill and Durham. One day they dropped Who do you owe your success to? me off in one of the low income ‘ghettos’ of Durham. I got out of the car and my jaw dropped. I couldn’t do it, I wouldn’t do it. I I guess the success I have is only possible because of a network of absolutely would not subject these poor people to the spiel I was amazing people all over the world that are willing to live a life that taught. Our country had cut out very definite areas of low priced is a little harder, do a little more work and get paid only in know- housing, keeping the poor legally segregated by the only thing ing they are part of something that totally kicks ass. I owe the fact more powerful than laws, money. Yeah sure, segregation is against that there are punk clubs and collective show spaces to bands like the laws held upon us by the US Government, but not the laws of the Minutemen and Black Flag who were willing to all pile into economics. I decided that instead of asking for money I was just one van and drive all over the US and play in any shithole bar that going to spread the information, one thing that doesn’t flow freely would have them. I owe the fact that kids under 18 can come to in these parts of the country. I went door to door and instead of see shows at clubs to bands like Minor Threat and Fugazi who giving my "please help us out and give generously" spiel, I told would only play shows if all ages could come. I owe the fact that them the facts and as an experiment collected signatures. I think I there are labels like Bifocal Media and Lovitt Records to all the made it to 4 houses before I was approached by two men, one very amazing bands that have been playing subversive music in a sub- large and one small, both drunk. The little one asked me for some versive way and doing it with the help of small local labels that change while the big one made his way around to my side and put out music because they love it and telling the major record before I knew it he gave me a bear hug, picked me up and the lit- labels and the Clear Channel controlled mega radio stations to tle one rummaged through my wallet and took what little money fuck off. And I guess more than anything else I owe it to MTV, I had, thus concluding my stint as an environmental activist. and for making the most watered down, unoriginal and uninspiring shitbag of a music industry that What would you be doing if you were not in a band? will continue to turn an ever growing handful of kids away from the mainstream garbage that is shoved down their throats and Probably getting a lot more sleep, having a lot more money and make them search out truth and meaning in art. Without that looking for people to play in a band with. music industry true diy punk would cease to exist.

Would you rather work for your money or win the lottery?

I would love to win the lottery, but only because it would enable me to be able to do more financially for the punk community. Even if I, out of the blue, got a lot of money I would never stop "working". I would just be able to "work" in different ways.

32 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine Rider Unknown - p. Zach Windahl

Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 33 Rider Unknown - p. Zach Windahl

34 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine Rider Unknown - p. Zach Windahl

Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 35 Rider Unknown - p. Zach Windahl

36 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine Michael Anderson - p. Zach Windahl

Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 37 Jackson Roman - FS Flip - Ceder Rapids, IA - p. Sam McGuire

38 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine Jackson Roman - Cedar Rapids, IA - p. Sam McGuire Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 39 Uly Marin - Feeble - Iowa City, IA - p. Sam McGuire 40 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine Uly Marin - Lipslide - Ceder Rapids, IA - p. Sam McGuire

Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 41 Lilman - Ollie - Iowa City, IA - p. Sam McGuire 42 Swimmer’s Ear Magazine ZED Unknown Rider

Greg Josh Folly

Swimmer’s Ear Magazine 43 Coming Next Issue…

Pat Milbery