Free nachos

Why hello there. Welcome to the latest episode of Wednesdays With Andrew, your weekly overdose of punk (and punkish!) rock. 

Strap in for a rick-rollin' rollickin' good time, as I discuss new music, the women's World Cup, the etymology of "um" and more. 

Featuring dank tunes from artists like The Flatliners, Dillinger Four, Plague Vendor, 88 Fingers Louie, Bane, The Specials and more. So, get off the pot, and go listen, NOW:


Liner notes:

Spotify playlist

Tracklist

• 1All of the above by Plague Vendor
• 2Mother Theresa Chokeslams the World by The Flatliners
• 3Two Faced Bastard by 88 Fingers Louie
• 4Bound by Hot Water Music
• 5Vote for me by The Specials
• 6The Art of Whore by Dillinger Four
• 7Frens by TOP Nachos
• 8Superhero by Bane
• 9Me and your mama by Childish Gambino

If the 13 to 0 trouncing of Thailand by the US Women's soccer team is news to you....you can try to relive the thrilling massacre here

For the millionth time, here'e the link to 88 fingers Louie's most recent foray into new music...not to underscore the fleeting nature of our time on this earth or anything...but this shit came out almost 2 years ago...wild

If you dug All of the above, go check out Plague Vendor's brand spankin' new release, By Night. It is a slamming good time...electric...

Annnnnd for your weekly goofy ass punk fix, here's Top Nachos and their album Dank Side of the Moon. I don't know you, but I think you'll like this.



OK that's it, I'm out, baaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Acting unaffected by this hand of fate

Why hello there internet people, and welcome to another episode of Wednesdays With Andrew. In store this week is an absolutely tantalizing playlist to enjoy, featuring tunes from the likes of Transplants, Arrogant Sons of Bitches, Lifetime, 88 Fingers Louie and so much more.  Ok less talk, more punk - let’s kick it.

Annnd the web player link – https://play.spotify.com/user/agood1no/playlist/3a4ZdogOYh1sMTx2ME6pXs

The Network – Teenagers from Mars

We kick off the week with The Network’s new wave-ish cover of the Misfits classic Teenagers from Mars.  Although they don’t stray too far stylistically from Danzig’s original vision, they do slow it down, add a clanky, somewhat metallic feel to it and also eschew the Misfits’ typical lo-fi sounds for a more refined production. This track is off The Network’s debut (and only) album, Money Money 2020, released in 2003. Although the band tried to hide their identity through weird monikers (Fink, Captain Underpants…the Snoo??), it came apparent pretty quickly that this was just a side project for the dudes from Green Day. Come on Billie Joe – we could recognize that voice from miles away!

Transplants – Tall Cans in the Air

Up next we have the punk-hop sounds of SoCal supergroup Transplants. The band got its informal start in 1999 when Rancid/Operation Ivy frontman Tim Armstrong and his longtime friend and Rancid roadie “Skinhead Rob” Aston started playing around with Pro Tools and writing beats for fun. Pretty soon they decided to formalize some of the material and put out an album, which is about the time they enlisted the help of Blink-182 drummer Travis Baker. Tall Cans in the Air is off the Transplants’ debut eponymous album, released in 2002 through HellCat Records. The song, like much of the rest of the album, has a fun and loose vibe to it, highlighting the dueling vocals of Tim and Rob, heavy bass lines and silky guitar runs.

The Big Sleep - Pinkies

Pinkies is a soulful tune from Brooklyn’s The Big Sleep, off their 2008 record Sleep Forever. I believe the song’s biggest strengths lie in the arrangement and production, as opposed to the notes and chords that make up the song - Pinkies is noisy and transcendental, skillfully leveraging guitar pedals, atmospheric melodies and pervasive drums to create an alternate reality for the listener to get lost in. The rest of the album is equally creative, not relying on conventional song structure or musical arrangements; definitely worth checking out when you have a spare 42 minutes.

Lifetime – Turnpike Gates

If you’ve been even marginally paying attention to Wednesdays With Andrew for a while, you’ve most likely realized that I am a huge fan of Dan Yemin, who has earned celebrity status in the melodic hardcore punk scene. Before founding the almighty Kid Dynamite, Yemin was the lead guitarist for New Jersey punk outfit Lifetime. Formed in 1990 in New Brunswick, Lifetime built their signature sound around 2-minute or less songs, blazing rhythms and pop-laced melodies. Going against the grain of the general thematic content of their contemporaries in the NY/NJ hardcore scene, singer Ali Katz emphasized more positive and personal themes through his lyrics. Turnpike Gates is off Jersey’s Best Dancers, their 3^rd full length and last release before disbanding in 1997.

The Saints – I’m Stranded

(I’m) Stranded is the title track off Australian punk rockers The Saints’ 1^st LP, released in 1977 on EMI. Channeling the popular UK and US punk movements of the time, The Saints created a savage, unrelenting and scathing sound for its fellow citizens in the far east.  Although the band has slowed down somewhat of late, founding member and lead vocalist Chris Bailey is very active and The Saints are still playing bills. Happy fun fact for the band – in 2001, the Australassian Performing Rights Association (or ARPA…kinda like the RIAA for our friends down under) included “I’m Stranded” in its Top 30 Australian Songs of all time.

88 Fingers Louie – Summer Photos

Now we move on to Chicago greats 88 Fingers Louie, and their catchy little tune Summer Photos. Off the 1998 album Back on the Streets, Summer Photos showcases the band’s talent in blending raw emotion with thoughtful songwriting and sing-along choruses. Although the dudes in 88 Fingers Louie are busy with other projects (like Rise Against and Our Darkest Days), word is they are writing and recording new material, which would potentially mean their first release since 2009!  Did You Know? The name 88 Fingers Louie is inspired by a character from The Flinstones: he’s a shady piano salesman/gangster.

Japandroids – The House That Heaven Built

The House That Heaven Built is an instantly memorable youth anthem from Canadian rock duo Japandroids. This track drives forward with a focused energy and purpose, while retaining a somberly reflective quality. The House That Heaven Built is off Japandroids’ 2^nd LP, Celebration Rock, which received critical acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork and The AV Club. Originally from Vancouver, these two canucks have been rocking and rolling since 2006. Be on the lookout for Japandroids’ new album, Near to the Wild Heart of Life, which is slated to drop January 27 2017.

Ex Hex – Don’t Wanna Lose

Don’t Wanna Lose is a garage-y, bubblegum tune from DC punk chicks Ex Hex. Walking a fine line between fuzzy and coherent, distorted and poppy, loud and soothing, this rollickin’ anthem has something to please the whole family. Don’t Wanna Lose is off Ex Hex’s debut full-length Rips, released through Merge Records in 2014. These gals have been gaining a lot of attention, playing large shows like SXSW, earning glowing reviews from Pitchfork, and supporting national acts like Speedy Ortiz.

The Arrogant Sons of Bitches – Kill the President

I guess it’s time to dust off my ‘Where’s John Wilkes Booth when you need him’ shirt I made in November 2004. The Arrogant Sons of Bitches capture some of my current feelings with their belligerent ballad, Kill the President, off their final studio album Three Cheers for Disappointment. Shortly after the release of this 2006 record, frontman/songwriter Jeff Rosenstock started focusing on the also-now-defunct Bomb the Music Industry! Rosenstock is famously devoted to DIY punk ethic, releasing free music online and offering free stencils for fans to make their own home made shirts. Rosenstock is currently pursuing a solo songwriting career (check out his latest release, Worry) and still active with his crowd-sourced indie label, Quote Unquote Records.

MxPx – Letting Go

We end this week’s playlist with MxPx’s Letting Go, which was one of nine short tracks (clocking in at just over 18 minutes) from their 2001 Renaissance EP. This EP was the only one MxPx ever did through Fat Wreck Chords, and they had to promise to not include any songs about God in order to meet Fat Mike’s anti-religion policy (he also has a ban on anything emo, haha!). Letting Go is what you’d expect from MxPx – fast and energetic, oozing with pop, with driving vocals provided by singer/bassist Mike Herrera. I always get a ‘teen angst’ vibe when I listen to MxPx, which runs counter to their lyrical content – I realized recently that Herrera’s high vocal range just makes me think of high schoolers. Huh.

Alright, that’s it for this week guys. Hope you enjoyed the music, and keep tuning in every Wednesday for more hot n ready punk rock. Next week we have some great tracks on deck, like the Smiths, Assorted Jelly Beans, Dicks and Social Distortion - it's gonna be fun. Hit me up if you have song suggestions or if you’re a band and want me to play your shit. Keep gettin’ schwifty; later gators.

Enjoy the silence

GOOOOOOOOD MORNING VIIEETNAAAM!! Welcome to the 12th episode of Wednesdays With Andrew, and happy Intersex Awareness Day to you all. I am currently touring the beautiful countryside of our great American NorthEast so I don't have time to do the normal song write ups. BUT you still get the good stuff; this week's playlist features classic tunes from a wide variety of bands like NOFX, Depeche Mode, Kid Dynamite, Gorilla Biscuits, Motörhead and more. Enjoy!




And here's the web player link for all your non-Spotify people  - https://play.spotify.com/user/agood1no/playlist/6sG6DmCcWKTAwgSL1KKPZX

They have taken the bridge and the second hall. We have barred the gates but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes, drums... drums in the deep. We cannot get out. A shadow lurks in the dark. We can not get out... they are coming....

Never Punt!

Well, howdy there folks, and welcome to another edition of Wednesdays With Andrew. We got some spicy little numbers this week, so I think you'll be pleased. Listen below and follow along with my hastily assembled notes....comportez-vous bien, chulos!

Here's the web link: https://play.spotify.com/user/agood1no/playlist/2FY1YSsCBTfLjvxuO6QHA4

88 Fingers Louie – 100 proof

Chicago has a long and storied history of churning out great punk rock acts, and melodic hardcore outfit 88 Fingers Louie is one of my personal favorites. 100 proof is off their 1998 album Back on the Streets, and stays true to the band’s melancholic and rhythm-driven spirit. Between the haunting melody lines, chugging guitar and colorfully-toned bass (including a dope ass solo), this song has something for everyone. Although the band went through their fair share of internal struggles (including alleged golden showers and fist fights), members of 88 Fingers Louie went on to be core members of more renowned acts, including Rise Against and Alkaline Trio.

Meat Wave - Network

Speaking of Chicago, I am throwing in this next track from Illinoisans (I thought it was Illinoisers, but I was autocorrected. It should be Illinoisers) Meat Wave, last minute. These guys opened up for Australian anthem rock powerhouse Violent Soho at last night's DC9 all-ages show, and goddam they were good. It's like if Igor Stravinsky was in a noise rock band. Seamlessly blending a sound at times math rock, hardcore, garage-y punk, or all of the above, Meat Wave continued to build up the dynamic throughout the set, ultimately whipping up the packed room into a frenzy. This track is called Network and is off their latest release Delusion Moon. P.S. - big ups to DC9 for continuing their tradition of all-ages shows...there were a lot of young bloods in the crowd, which is always great to see. P.P.S. - if you're upset that I didn't also include Violent Soho in the mix this week...don't worry, I'll be featuring them a lot in future episodes.

Descendents - Hope

Next up is Hope, from old and familiar heroes Descendents’ debut full-length, Milo Goes to College. Released in 1982, the album is named after biochemist and lead singer (Dr.) Milo Aukerman, and his caricature for the cover art would go on to become the Descendents’ long-standing and infamous mascot. The rise of the irreverent band in the 80s and early 90s signified a big turning point for punk/hardcore scenes, and led to the increasing popularity of the pop punk and melodic hardcore subgenres. Fun fact – I never realized they spelled their band name wrong until Microsoft Word just now informed me! I guess I’m not great at spelling!

Lagwagon – May 16

Now we turn to seminal punk rockers Lagwagon and their catchy-as-hell track May 16. Part of the punk revival movement in southern California in the early 90s, Lagwagon quickly rose to popularity while making a conscious decision to not pursue the same type of commercial success some of their contemporaries, like Green Day and The Offspring, achieved. Turning down multiple offers from major labels, Lagwagon instead decided to stick with Fat Wreck Chords, and have produced 10 releases to-date through the label.  May 16 is off their 5^th studio album, Let’s Talk About Feelings.

Tilt – Annie Seagall

Tilt is yet another example of a great punk band that emerged from the 90s west coast skate scene, and was a shining and lauded member of the Fat Wreck family until they disbanded in the early 00s. Distinguished by the gruff and unrelenting vocals of leading lady Cinder Block, Tilt quickly made a name for themselves, and would eventually be one of the supporting acts for Greenday’s Dookie tour. Annie Seagall is a haunting tale about the despair and desperation of a young girl from Victorian years whose precociousness and sensuality led to a label of “hysteria” and a life in the loony bin. Pro tip – we’ll be featuring Cinder Block on next week’s all-grrrl show so make sure to tune in.

T.S.O.L. – Code Blue

This song is about as gross as you’d imagine, given its central theme of wanting to fuck the dead. Alright sickos, if you really want, you can follow along with the lyrics here. But Code Blue is a hell of a tune, underscoring 80s horror punk T.S.O.L.’s unique blend of musical styles, hook-driven melodies and their ‘I don’t give a fuck and neither should you’ attitude. Interesting tidbit of the week – T.S.O.L. (True Sounds of Liberty) keyboardist and songwriter Greg Kuehn went on to procreate, and his sons Max and Elvis are both founding members of one of my favorite current bands, FIDLAR.

Streetlight Manifesto – A Moment of Silence (into) A Moment of Violence

Last week I featured Tomas Kalnoky’s Catch 22, and this week I have included a couple tracks from his new/current band Streetlight Manifesto. Back-to-back tracks off their debut release, Everything Goes Numb, A Moment of Silence and A Moment of Violence act as the perfect counterpoints for each other, transitioning from a soulful, thoughtful and chill vibe to an aggressive, at times chaotic, cacophony of sound. Composed of many well-known and experienced ska musicians, Streetlight Manifesto continues to pull large draws for their shows in New Jersey and beyond.

Fat Randall – Letting Go

This next track comes from rowdy Dubai punkers Fat Randall. Letting Go, off their 2016 release Keep It Down, is an infectious tune that brings a fresh perspective to pop-driven skate punk. Speedy, loud and melodic, Fat Randall at once provides a sonic homage to its influencers/predecessors, like Lagwagon and NOFX, while bringing youthful energy and irreverence to a scene that hasn’t had enough of it lately. Keep an ear out for them as Fat Randall continues to build off their success and grow their global fanbase.

Ruth – Polaroïd/Roman/Photo

I randomly stumbled across this tune recently. I can’t find too much on these guys, but I did discover that Ruth was a short-lived, 3-piece act out of Paris, France.  Blending their interests in krautrock and synth pop, and driven by a strong desire to make people dance, they created one album in 1985, Polaroïd/Roman/Photo, before disbanding shortly afterwards.  Although they only sold about 50 copies after its release, this album was re-discovered in the 2000s, and is now a must-have for collectors and dance enthusiasts alike.  Watch the slowed down Pulp Fiction gif as you listen! It makes sense, kind of!

Pinhead Circus – Foghat

Next up is Pinhead Circus, hailing from the beautiful state of Colorado. With their growling vocals, jarring drums and focused guitar runs, Pinhead Circus provides us a refreshingly distinctive and fun sound. They have been quietly playing, recording, breaking up, getting back together, playing, breaking up, getting back together, and on and on through the mid-90s to today. Foghat, off a self-titled EP release in 2005, is the result of one of these many brief reunion stints.

Toxic Narcotic – I’m so Thirsty

OK so I am personally not a huuuuge fan of this song by Boston crust punkers/environmental activists Toxic Narcotic. BUT it was one of the theme songs for our college flag football team, Scrawny White Boys (side note: our career record was something like 1-16. We only won once because the other team didn’t show up.  NEVER PUNT!) Toxic Narcotic developed a large fanbase through their speedy rhythms and unwaveringly gritty, raw sound, and were very active in many punk and hardcore scenes throughout the 90s and 00s.

Fury 66 – Blue Strip

We round out this week’s playlist with a little diddy from 90s melodic hardcore act Fury 66, a band that shared 3 of its members with Good Riddance. This tune comes off Fury 66’s album For Lack of a Better Word…, released through Session Records. Fuzzy but soulful, with a gritty somberness, Blue Strip winds us through an emotional tale of a young girl coming to terms with her pregnancy.


Alright kiddos, that's all for this week. I hope you were marginally amused, and please let me know if you have any feedback or song requests. For all you social junkies, follow along on facebook.com/wednesdayswithandrew for extra treats.