Yodeadodoyodeadodoyodeadodoyodeadodoyodeadodoyodeadodoyo-bab-baaaaa

Good day midweek militia, and welcome to the latest debacle of Wednesdays With Andrew, the Interwebz' best/OKest/worst source for punk and punk(ish) playlists. This week we are really throwing gas on the fire with some hard hitting songs from bands like Consumed, Dwarves, The Murder City Devils, Spider, Big Black and more. So put some buds in your ears, turn it to 11, and go LISTEN NOW



Annnnnd here's the SoundsGood link and Spotify link for all you goons.

We're kicking off the weekly festivities with an aggressively pop-fueled track from Sydney-based punk band The Hard-Ons. These energetic Aussies have been annoying crowds since 1981, writing and performing their own brand of glazey, messy and fast pop punk...albeit with a distinctive crust around the edges. Girl in the Sweater was originally released as a single in 1986, and touches on one of the band's favorite lyrical themes: girls in sweaters.

Heavy Metal Winner is a thrashy and explosive tune from Nottingham outfit Consumed. The song was featured in Tony Hawk 2, and is also the first track off my favorite EP by these sheriffs, 1998's Breakfast At Pappa's. A perfect blend of palm-muted chord progressions, metal-inspired guitar runs and catchy cockney melodies, all anchored by a solid rhythm section, Heavy Metal Winner is fun for the whole family.

Up  next we have Rum to Whiskey, a sonic libation courtesy of The Murder City Devils. Hailing from the rainy and caffeinated environs of Seattle, WA, these post-punk rockers have centered their trademark sound around electric organs and vocalist Spencer Moody's searingly harsh melodies, all the while creating a dark yet alluring timbre to their music. Rum to Whiskey proves to be a fun little ditty, and was part of their 3rd studio album, In Name and Blood, which was released in 2000 through the Sub Pop label.

Spider is the west coast punk band you may not know, but definitely should fucking know. Formed by four friends who grew up in Long Beach during the peak of 80s SoCal hardcore and punk, these guys haven't forgotten their musical roots. Unruly and unrelenting, Spider plays a style of raw, speedy and in-your-face rock that will make any fan of the Black Flag/Fear/Circle Jerks era quiver. Can't Control is a chaotic composition; punctuated by stop-and-go rhythms and lead man Hector Martinez's piercing vocals, I came away from the song a tad unnerved. They're releasing a self-titled 'best of' EP, which you can pre-order here. Get on it!

Since I have incredibly low standards I figured I'd throw on a couple tracks by Dwarves, a seminal shock punk band slash everybody's favorite arseholes. These pIMPs have been playing resolutely abrasive punk rock since forming in Chicago in the early part of the 1980s, a time when coke and ronald reagan were both...cool. Both inclusions in our list, Everybodies Girl and I Will Deny, are from their 1997 album The Dwarves Are Young and Good Looking. Although the Dwarves have gone through many line-up changes during their long and storied career, singer Blag Dahlia and guitarist HeWhoCannotBeNamed have remained consistent fixtures in the band.

Feels Good, written by long-time Hawaiian dub rockers Pepper, is a vacation from some of the more agro vibes we've been getting thus far in today's playlist. The band toured, played lots of shows and generally putzed around for several years before releasing their debut album, Give'n It, in 2000, on which this track appears. Consistency is neat...since their formation in 1997, and to this the day, the band has retained the same three members in its line-up. These days the fellas in Pepper are busy not only creating and sharing their own music, but spreading the love for a variety of bands through their label LAW Records.

Our penultimate selection today comes in the form of Bad Penny, written by the disturbing Chicago noise rock act Big Black and off their second (and final) album Songs About Fucking. The band was formed by singer and guitarist Steve Albini (yes the same Steve Albini who produced Nirvana's In Utero) and a couple members of Naked Raygun. During their short-lived career, Big Black focused their music around uncomfortable and taboo subject matter. Their sound was characterized through the use of a drum machine (instead of a kit) and tinny guitar tones, which led to them being a major influence on, and precursor to, the industrial rock scene.

Have you guys seen Baby Driver? You gotsta watch Baby Driver. That movie, written and directed by Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Scott Pilgrim, etc), is what a musical should be. The sound track is phenomenal, and is interlaced with the action and plot development of the film. Anyways, Focus' Hocus Pocus (try saying that five times fast) is the backdrop to one of the chase scenes in the film, and is a goofy ass song...so I am closing today out with this bit of music honey.


Alright my pretties, that is all for today. Thanks as always for tuning in, and keep sending over suggestions, new songs I don't know, fantasy football tips, etc.

Andrew out.

I'm fucking loco

Alright Wednesday warriors, gather around for another one-man song circle. Lots of great tunes to get through today, including a bunch of tracks from relative newcomers like Metz, Posers and Remo Drive, as well as some classics from Pennywise, Buzzcocks, Ramones and Heckle. Even though we're living in a topsy-turvy world right now, we can still take comfort in the little things, like the consistent and frenetically soothing sounds of Wednesday With Andrew playlists. Enjoy kiddos.


And here's the web player link for all you web surfers.

Kickin' off today's playlist with a Philly band, discovery of whom is courtesy of my main man Mike D. Posers are a rocking four-piece outfit featuring dual vocals (think 70s act X) and a brand of fun, fast and frantic pogo/pop punk. Exist is a counter-fatalist tune off their 2016 EP Posers, Too. I hear they have a wildly enjoyable live show too, so be sure to check 'em out next time they swing through your locale!

So my OTHER buddy named Mike (everyone's got 2) introduced me to Remo Drive this week, and my heavens are they good. Hailing from the northernmost crust of the continental USA (read: Minnesota), these goofs include a healthy dose of teen-o whine in their brand of fast and furious garage rock. Yer Killin Me also happens to be the perfect case study on how to make an awesome DIY music video; check it out here. Oh yeah and Mike, if yer readin' this, congrats on the baby!

Freedumb is the eponymous first track off Suicidal Tendencies' 9th album. Helmed by original vocalist and band leader 'Cyco' Mike Muir, these Venice Beach punks cite a wide range of musical influences, spanning from Ramones and Sex Pistols to Kiss, Van Halen and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Fun fact of the day - Mike Muir is the younger brother of Jim Muir, one of the early members of the infamous Dogtown skateboarding team.

No, And So I Watch You From Afar is not your little cousin's middle school emo band. They are a hard-hitting 4-piece prog rock outfit from Belfast, and Big Thinks Do Remarkable is off their 3rd studio album All Hail Bright Futures. Quasi-instrumental, this track is an explosion of big bass tones and rhythmical arrangements with complex key and guitar parts leading the charge. Don't get too comfy, the song just does not slow down.

Up next is Pure Auto, a hot mess of a song from Ottawa noise rock group METZ. Dissonant guitar tones and a punctuated rhythm section drive the song forward as band leader Alex Edkins serenades us with Biafra-esque flare. Pure Auto constitutes one half of METZ's latest 2 song-single, a statement that's as confusing as the sounds they're able to produce. Like all their previous releases, they released this abomination through Sub Pop.

Final Chapters is a sonic treat from longtime political punk rockers Pennywise. This song is a deep dive into the band's past; it is off their 2016 release Nineteen Eighty Eight, which is a remastered compilation of their earliest 2 EPs, dating back to (you guessed it) 1988. And yes, I will be including Tim Curry gifs from Stephen King's It every fucking time I play Pennywise. OH speaking of, anyone else excited for the It remake dropping later this year??

Guys, it's not just about traditional punk music. At the heart of it, these playlists are really just a violent knee-jerk reaction to how lame the DC radio market is, and to compensate for the shit stew that is Clear Channel/ifartradio. With that in mind, I am pumped to include Hazey by Oxford indie funk masters Glass Animals. These guys have produced some of the most played songs in my household for the past couple of years.

De Nalgas is a rowdy, 'fuck you' punk band from Mexico (pronounced Meh-He-Co), formed in 2010. Vergaviota, like many of De Nalgas' other singles and EPs, was financed by the Terrícolas Imbéciles label, and produced by Molotov bassist Paco Ayala. OH SHIT, using my keen Internet sleuthing skills, I just found out that 'Nalgas' means butt cheeks in Spanish. Ha cooool.

We're going to round out this week's raucous list with a classic tune from seminal English punk band Buzzcocks. Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've) is a mouthful, double-contraction of a title and was Buzzcocks' hit single off their sophomore album Love Bites, released in 1978 through United Artists Records. Lead composer Pete Shelley was inspired to write the song in a van outside of a post office after watching the musical Guys and Dolls the night prior. Proud Canadians, and frequent WWA featured artist, PUP did a cover of the track in 2015. 

Alright guys that's a wrap for this week. If we're not already friends on Facebook, add me for urgent and VERY IMPORTANT updates. Keep on doing your thing, send cool music my way, and don't die between now and next Wednesday. Toodles

Hard times are comin your way..but never surrender, never go down!

Hey there kiddos, and welcome to another episode of Wednesdays With Andrew. I am eschewing the typical format of doing write-ups for each song, mainly because I have been very busy (read: drunk) with the new year, friends, family, yada yada yada. That means you get all the sonic goodness without having to strain your eyes reading my bullshit. Some really neat tunes today, ranging from old school thrash/hardcore from Cro-Mags to sunshine ska sounds a la Catch 22, all the way to good old fashioned skate punk anthems courtesy of blink-182, Dillinger Four and Guttermouth...and even a little more.

OH ALSO...tune in later this week for a sneak preview of a yet-to-be-released album from an up-and-coming punk band outta Austin, TX. It's gonna be schwifty



Annnnd the link for the web player: https://play.spotify.com/user/agood1no/playlist/0NCdKscL2kWnE5htM1bkT0

Wild in the Streets

Happy Pakistani Air Force Day! I hope you enjoy this week’s tunes; listen to the playlist below and feel free to read along as you stumble through it. Shout out to my bro, Evan MCGEE, for pointing out that 3 out of my 4 last posts contained songs off soundtracks from Guy Ritchie movies; “I Wanna be your Dog” and “Police and Thieves” from Lock Stock, and “Ghost Town” from Snatch! To keep the trend, I threw in a lil’ last-minute bonus track, an obvious easter egg of sorts – medium ups to you if you recognize which one!

Web player link – https://play.spotify.com/user/agood1no/playlist/2mkCaTGinAmM9hpOnS31eY

Ramones – Warthog

We kick off this week with a track from ubiquitous 70s icons the Ramones. Forged on the gritty suburban streets of Queens, the Ramones are arguably the band that spearheaded the punk movement in the United States. Warthog is off one of their later releases, Too Tough to Die, but exemplifies a return to their roots, less glazey and more teeth. Sad fact of the week – all 4 original members, Joey, Johnny, Tommy and Dee Dee, have passed away.

Deviates – Come With Me

Come with Me is the opening song off the Deviates’ much-anticipated second album, Time Is The Distance. Melodic hardhitters and part of the early 90s punk revival on the west coast, the Deviates preferred to focus on heavy touring and honing their live sound, and so they took 7 years between their first studio release and this one. Unfortunately, the band will break up soon after the release of Time Is The Distance, and we haven’t been graced with their youthful and introspective sound since.

Catch 22 – Keasbey Nights

The title track from their debut album, Keasbey Nights, incorporates all the distinctive sounds that coalesce to make Catch 22 the unique ska band it is. From the speedy tenor parts to the chorus anthems to a rocksteady rhythm section, Keasbey Nights shows us why these Jersey boys enjoy such widespread popularity. Although band leader and founder Tomas Kalnoky bailed to start a new outfit, Streetlight Manifesto, Catch 22 still plays shows here and there.

Misfits – Horror Business

Speaking of New Jersey…up next we have the crown prince of horror punk, Misfits. Before lead ghoul Glenn Danzig left the group to pursue a Freudian solo career, he recorded a number of singles, EPs and full lengths with Misfits. Horror Business is their third single, released in 1979 off Danzig’s label Plan 9 Records. This track highlights the trademark sound of Misfits, a driving, melodic pop force interlaced with themes and imagery from horror movies.  Oh, and who can forget the mighty Danzig’s appearance in Aqua Teen Hunger Force??

Demond Dekker & the Aces – 007 (Shanty Town)

Now we head to the Caribbean for some early ska from widely influential Jamaican artist Desmond Dekker. 007 (Shanty Town) was the title track and first single off Desmond Dekker & the Aces’ 1967 debut studio album. The song makes allusions to spy and cat-and-mouse films, like James Bond and Ocean’s 11, which was a very popular pop culture phenomenon at the time in the rude boy scene. This song went on to be very influential in later reggae and ska circles, and was consistently covered by big acts, including versions by The Specials and Musical Youth.

Frenzal Rhomb – Let’s Drink a Beer

Since we’re globe hopping, may as well take a trip down under to hang with our Aussie friends, Frenzal Rhomb, and their mouth-watering track Let’s Drink a Beer. This song is off their commercially successful 1999 album A Man’s Not a Camel, and showcases their frenzied and melodic, lead guitar-driven flavor of music.  By the way, what the hell is a Frenzal Rhomb? Well apparently the name is derived from a Fresnel rhomb. What the hell is a Fresnal rhomb? I’d explain it but physics isn’t my forte – read about it here.

Scissor Sisters – Tits on the Radio

Next up is a track from fuzzy glam rock /nu-disco pop sensations, Scissor Sisters.  Fronted by lead singers Ana Matronic and Jake Shears, Scissor Sisters are well known for their outlandish live performances and quickly gained a cult following, first in Europe before they got big in their native United States.  Tits on the Radio is a track off their debut studio album, and some have speculated that it may serve as a vague homage to the Bugles’ Video Killed the Radio Star.

                                          

Slick Shoes – Lucky

Lucky is off pop punk Slick Shoes’ third album, Wake Up Screaming, released under the Tooth & Nail banner. They gained a following by touring extensively with other bands on the Christian label, most notably MxPx. The band name is an homage to cult movie The Goonies; ‘slick shoes’ is one of the character Data’s many homemade gadgets.

Circle Jerks – Wild in the Streets

Possibly the best name for a band ever, and our second sexual band name so far in this week’s playlist, Circle Jerks were a huge part of the late 70s/80s hardcore scene.  Formed in Los Angeles by former members of Black Flag and Red Kross, Circle Jerks embodied the energy and anarchistic counter culture that was becoming increasingly popular, especially in skate and surf scenes. Wild in the Streets is their cover of Garland Jeffreys’ original tune, and is the opening track and namesake for Circle Jerks’ sophomore studio album.

Pennywise - Bro Hymn

We end today’s playlist with the super catchy anthem Bro Hymn, off of Pennywise’s fourth full-length album Full Circle. Named after the monster clown from Stephen King’s It, Pennywise is (and continues to be) a leading force of the 90s punk revival sound, while guitarist Fletcher Dragge is consistently recognized as one of the great guitarists in the scene. Bro Hymn was originally released on Pennywise’s first album, as a tribute to bassist Jason Thirsk’s friends. After Thirsk took his own life in 1996, the band re-recorded the song (this version) as a dedication to him. “Jason Matthew Thirsk, this one's for you!” Random knowledge knugget - This song is (or has been) the ‘goal song’ for at least 3 different NHL teams.

Alrighty folks, that’s a wrap. Hope you enjoyed every last minute of it, and please share, follow, like, and all that.

Too Much Fighting on the Dance Floor

Good morning boys and girls and welcome back to Wednesdays With Andrew #wwa. Buckle in, you're in for a bumpy ride. As always, feel free to read along as you listen to below's playlist, and share, like, comment, whatever. I am open to requests! So if there's something you wanna hear in the weeks to come, let me know. 



Web Player link: https://play.spotify.com/user/agood1no/playlist/6QDxxYbLWo5NyheCAObKu8

The Specials – Ghost Town

We kick off this week with an infectious anthem from English ska band The Specials. Fronted by founder and primary songwriter Jerry Dammers, The Specials are credited for leading the ska revival and 2 Tone scene in the UK during the late 70s and early 80s. Ghost Town was originally released as a single in 1981, and spent three weeks at number one in the UK’s Top 40 list. You may also remember this haunting melody and chill backbeat being featured in the movie Shaun of the Dead.

Screeching Weasel – Stupid Girl

Stupid Girl is off Chicago-based band Screeching Weasel’s 8^th studio album, Bark Like a Dog. Screeching Weasel, through a career that spans decades and has produced 13 full-length albums, remains highly influential, often being cited for ‘muse-like’ qualities by commercially and critically popular artists. This track highlights their tendency to focus lyrics on girls and love, and get people hooked on that Ramones-eque style of glaze-y pop punk.

Good Riddance – Static

Up next we have another longstanding member of the Fat Wreck Chords family, Good Riddance. Static is off their 1996 sophomore release, A Comprehensive Guide to Moderne Rebellion. Good Riddance quickly rose to prominence during the 90s through their commitment to fast rhythms, hooky melodies and political and social commentary. 

The Kinks – (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman

Formed in London in the early 60s by brothers Dave and Ray Davies, The Kinks were one of the most influential bands of its time, and you can still hear their impact on today’s pop, rock and punk sounds. For their own part, the Davies brothers incorporated many different styles they were exposed to at a young age, ranging from dance hall to rhythm and blues to jazz to good ole rock n roll. (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman comes off their 1979 album Low Budget, and the disco feel of the song was The Kinks’ sarcastic response to their label’s insistence on recording a “club-friendly” album.

Capdown – Ska Wars

This next song is a punch to the face, showcasing the energy, rage and musical diversity that encapsulates British skacore band Capdown. Ska Wars is from their debut album, Civil Disobedients, released in 2000 through Household Name Records. Capdown is as well known for blending genres (influences ranging from punk to reggae to metal to drum+bass to hardcore) as they are for their aggressive tour schedule; reportedly, they played almost 250 live shows a year in the early 2000s.

MxPx – Weak

This is MxPx’s track Weak, off their 1994 debut album Pokinatcha. Released through Christian rock label Tooth & Nail Records, this showcases MxPx’s earlier, rawer sound. Although they eventually found their niche writing more melodic, pop-driven songs, Pokinatcha draws more from earlier hardcore and punk influences, a la Black Flag, Descendents and Minor Threat.

The Dictators – Baby Let’s Twist

Baby Let’s Twist comes from Rock n Roll Hall of Famers and proto-punk legends The Dictators. The song is from their third album, Bloodbrothers, which was hailed positively by critics as a turning point for the band, focused on a more mature and refined sound. Like their previous albums, Bloodbrothers features ‘secret weapon’ and band mascot Handsome Dick Manitoba on lead vocals. If you ever find yourself in East Village, go say hey to him at the bar he owns, Manitoba’s; I hear he’s often around and fun to chat with.

Teddybears ft. Iggy Pop - Punkrocker

If you read my first blog, you may remember me issuing a warning about playing Iggy Pop in excess…this particular manifestation features Mr. Iguana Pop as guest lead vocalist for Swedish electronic band Teddybears. Aptly named Punkrocker, this song is off their 2006 album Soft Machine, released as a collaboration of Big Beat and Columbia records. This whole album is great, and I definitely recommend taking a listen if you get the chance. Originally a grindcore/metal band, Teddybears is now best known for their eclectic mix of musical genres, and for wearing giant bear masks, like all the time.

The Vandals – Ape Shall Never Kill Ape

This next track is The Vandals’ Ape Shall Never Kill Ape, off their fourth studio album Live, Fast Diarrhea. A huge driving force of the 90s punk revival scene, Huntington Beach’s The Vandals preferred to use their music as a vehicle for comedy and sarcasm, as opposed to the more serious political and social stances their contemporaries were staking out.

Parquet Courts – Stoned and Starving

We are now transported to the streets of Queens, aimlessly (and unsuccessfully) looking for the right food for the mood, with this stoner saga by New York’s Parquet Courts. Stoned and Starving is off their 2^nd full length, Light Up Gold, released through frontman Andrew Savage’s record label Dull Tools.  Light Up Gold proved to be a breakout success, garnering hugely positive reviews and propelling Parquet Courts’ brand of musical stream of consciousness into the national spotlight.

New York Dolls - Trash

We end this week’s episode with another early influencer on the American punk scene, the New York Dolls. Trash comes off of the band’s 1973 eponymous album, released on Mercury Records. Although the New York Dolls had attracted a huge following in lower Manhattan, it took them a few years to land a record deal; labels weren’t eager to take on what they viewed as a huge liability in the cross-dressing, vulgar-laden Dolls. Mercury finally decided to take a bet on them, but ended up losing - although the album was a critical success, and helped pave the way for many bands to come, it was a commercial flop, selling only about 100,000 copies.

Hope you enjoyed the playlist! Share with friends, make requests, let me know what you think, etc.  Until next week...