CWG Magazine » Live Section

The Cab: On Saving Modern Rock And Lives All At Once

Trusted CWG Source — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:04:30 +0000

Interview By: Andrew Bansal (Editor-In-Chief, Metal Assault)

Photos By: Justin George

Music Saves Lives® is the bridge between music, entertainment and important life-saving causes. Alternative Press Magazine’s 2010 AP TOUR headlining band, The CAB, has teamed with Music Saves Lives to bring a unique and progressive way to encourage college and high school age students to donate blood. The promotion is called “Take My Hand” and sets out to register thousands of tour goers to win a chance to “Take the Hand” of the band members as they donate blood. The winner will also receive a VANS online shopping spree.

The CAB is on Decaydance / Fueled By Ramen, a record label that the bass player from Fall Out Boy, Pete Wentz, started. Alex Deleon and Alex Marshall, are both from Las Vegas Nevada and took time out of recording their new album to create a Viral YouTube Video / PSA for Music Saves Lives to help reach students for this promotion.

Music Saves Lives brings a simple concept; connect the music and entertainment, we all love, to a life saving community action. MSL has focused efforts on blood donation and the bone marrow registry, reaching out by sharing facts, educating, and empowering. As a recognized 501(c)3 organization we have grown from our home base in Southern California to having a worldwide presence. The MSL motto, Saving Lives Has Never Sounded So Good™, echoes our life saving mission.

Music Saves Lives has encouraged over 1 million young people to donate blood during the last 4 years. MSL has been honored, four years in a row, by the American Red Cross for organizing the best youth donor program each year.

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CJ Ramone @ The Galaxy

Carly Hill — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:46:52 +0000

Photos By: Phil Reed

The Galaxy in Santa Ana was alive with punk rock teenagers and adults who were eager to see if CJ Ramone could compare to his namesake and former band, The Ramones.

Although the Galaxy wasn’t packed, the crowd was pumped, and seemed excited to watch the show. Darling Nikki opened for Ramone, and came out with great energy, as they usually do. Although the music wasn’t necessarily appropriate for the concert that night, a few drunk dancers got into the music, and sang along to “I wanna be with you” and “I don’t wanna boyfriend.” The bubble gum vocals always mesh nicely with the rock music.

Next up were the Yeastie Boys, who are a punk rock cover band dressed like clowns. They came out in every color wig and began throwing things at the audience, such as blow up guitars and shreds of paper. The band didn’t really seem interested in playing music, but enjoyed mingling with the crowd and dancing around throwing things. Groupie clown girls were also on the stage to dance and keep beach balls from hitting the musicians. They sang a song called “We are clowns.” Although there was a crazy circle pit, I’m not sure anyone in that pit heard the music, because they would probably leave.

CJ Ramone came out strong with “Blitzkrieg Bop,” which is probably the most identifiable of the Ramones. Although his voice is not reminiscent of Joey Ramone, he still came out and sounded good. The music was easily recognizable, with such songs as “Judy is a Punk” and my favorite “Pet Cemetery.” CJ was dressed in a Yankee hat and baggy jeans. The musicianship was fantastic, which can partially be attributed to Daniel Rey, who also has a history with the Ramones. Rey also sang a couple songs, and his deep voice worked really well with the ballads. Tempo was on point, and the set had a great flow. Although the music did not sound as iconic as the legendary Ramones, the concert was really entertaining, and it was fun to sing along to “Beat on the brat” and “Sheena is a punk rocker.” I’ve always been a fan of the Ramones, and so it was a nostalgic and super fun to remember all the iconic jams.

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Alkaline Trio’s Dark Vibe Brightens Warped Tour

Kendra Beltran — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:33:40 +0000

Photos By: Karen Curley

Warped Tour is the one place where you can find music that spans the rock spectrum and generations. Newer bands destined to be distant memories by the time next year share the bill with acts that have stood the test of time. Alkaline Trio is one of those bands that continue to progress year after year. They got their start in 1996, one year after Kevin Lyman birthed Warped.

Spirits seemed down the first day of Warped. Crowds weren’t giving back the energy bands were giving them. A few Ska bands got their fans to cause a raucous at the Kevin Says Stage but other than that people looked drained. The clock barely struck four when Alkaline Trio took the stage. Things then took a pleasant turn because according to long time fan, Chris Maldonado, “Fans of Warped Tour were compensated for a slow opening day by the lover we have come to know as Alkaline Trio.”

Finally, a crowd who cared to move and get into the music they paid to see. Sprinkling their set with new ones from their latest album, This Addiction like “Dine, Dine My Darling” and classics such as “Mercy Me,” Alkaline Trio had a well rounded set that left their fans more than satisfied.

Alkaline Trio is a band I only know because of my BFF, so it was weird seeing them without her. Nevertheless they preoccupied me with their “sick, sick senses.” I joke about their fans all having their logo inked somewhere on their body, so I couldn’t help but laugh and point at the boy who sauntered by after their set with the heart and skull right on his chest. Fans with the infamous logo on their body and fans without can look forward to Alkaline Trio tearing it up all summer on the Teggart Stage.

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The Game @ Club Nokia

Jim Markunas (Editor-In-Chief) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:04:18 +0000

Photos By: Cole Lundstrom

“Aw, hell no!” The Game hollered, “Whoever threw a beer at me while I’m holding my child, you about to get fucked up, and I’m about to get sued!”

What’s a good rap show with out a good ol’ fashioned ass-whoopin’?

After finishing his encore, that consisted mainly of the L.A. classic, “One Blood,” The Game brought his two sons, Harlem (Age 7) and King (Age 3) out on stage to meet the audience. Game gave a warm thank-you to all his fans, and made his kids thank the audience for ‘paying for their private school.’ King bashfully and adorably told every one ‘thanks’ amidst applause, as his father held him proudly. Out of nowhere, a full cup of beer flew across the club, and landed right in King’s face. Someone in the audience thought it would be funny to throw a beer at The Game while he was holding his child; which in actuality was not at all humorous.

Five members of Game’s entourage lept over the photo barricade and proceeded to beat the living shit out of the man that had purportedly hurled the beer. Security rushed over to stop the scuffle, as The Game and his entourage calmly walked off stage.

Before all the melee, the night had started off with a bang (no pun intended). The Game was a one-man-army, opting to perform without a slew of guest stars (the only one of the night being Xzibit), and without the aid of a hype-man (a rarity at a rap show). Much like Snoop Dogg, The Game is basically a rock star playing a rapper in real life. Game took the stage amidst cheers, and ran right into the title track off of L.A.X. Xzibit rushed the stage, and the two MC’s performed “California Vacation” as a duet. Xzibit ripped in “X” as The Game went off stage to change clothes (something he did numerous times throughout the night). A table with crack-cooking supplies was carted out, complete with Pyrex pots and Bunsen burners, and The Game ran back on stage. He gave a speech about drug-dealing before ripping into “Dope Boys,” which was followed by “Let’s Ride.”

For some reason, Game doesn’t believe in 3rd verses; he didn’t perform a single 3rd verse from any of his songs. Game, if you’re reading this… The 3rd verses are just as good as the 1st and 2nd, you should rap them!

After a few songs, and outfit changes, Game was handed a full bottle of Grey Goose vodka, “It’s about to get real fuckin’ gangsta in here!” he shouted and proceeded to drink the whole bottle in one shot. That’s fuckin’ gangster! Game didn’t even flinch, and showed no outward signs of being intoxicated, as he ran through the rest of the set that consisted of his biggest singles, “Hate It Or Love It,” “How We Do,” “Wouldn’t Get Far,” “Put You On The Game,” “Dreams,” and “Big Dreams.”

He played the Cool and Dre-produced, “Shake,” the most unusual gangsta rap song ever made. Seriously! Picture The Game rapping over a Gwen Stefani beat (watch the video, you’ll see).

I have a feeling that The R.E.D. Album is going to be another hip-hop classic, and may even give the multi-platinum-selling Documentary a run for its money. If you haven’t checked out the list of tracks and slated A-List guest stars that include Dr. Dre, Lil’ Wayne, etc., you can do so by hovering over this link.

The R.E.D. Album is set to drop August 24th on Aftermath/Interscope, so be on the lookout!

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Kelis/Robyn @ The Fonda

Victoria Hill (Urban/Pop Editor) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 07:04:44 +0000

I was not born when Disco and Studio 54 was all the rage and I have never been to a rave, but after last night, I can say I have experienced both.

I walked into the Fonda in Hollywood and the first thing I hear is The Beatles “And I Love Her” juxtaposed against hard core electronica. It is a weird combination to be honest and as a die-hard Beatle fan- it just does not work. The crowd on the other did not care. As the strobe lights flashed and the beat became intense, the crowd danced faster and faster.

At 8pm, the music stop suddenly and everyone looked confused, like the world had stopped, but that feeling would not last long. Kelis took the stage and she looked like a disco diva. Decked out in a sparkly purple jumpsuit, platforms and a silver, streamer wig- she owned the stage. Performing hits like “Milkshake,” “Got Your Money,” and songs off her new album, Flesh Tone – “Acapella,” “Emancipate,” and “Brave.” The crowd was hyped and from the side of the stage where I was, it looked like a wave bobbing along. Kelis was on the stage for over an hour, but it didn’t feel that long. I was having so much fun dancing, so when the confetti blew from the stage, I was a little sad as I did not want to stop dancing- but that feeling it not last long.

A few minutes later, Robyn took the stage, or should I say landed? The beats her band was playing sounded so futurisitc. I must admit, before a few weeks ago, I hadn’t listened to Robyn since her big 1997 hit “Show Me Love,” which she did perform. Robyn performed most of her new album Body Talk, Pt. 1, and I have to say how impressed I was with her as she killed it. Robyn is a great performer and gives her all to each song. When she did “Don’t Fuckin’ Tell Me What To Do,” which was more of a battle cry, had the audience stomping their feet. I thought for a second we were having an earthquake as the floor at the Fonda shook. I loved “Dancing On My Own” and took the opportunity to dance with the new friends I met.

When the lights came back on, the crowd looked like they finished working out- hair a mess and sweaty. Now, just because the show was over, that did not mean the party stopped, it just spilled out onto Hollywood Blvd. Cars started playing Kelis and Robyn and people were dancing literally in the streets. I never would have believed it if I didn’t see it for myself.

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Rage Against The Machine @ The Palladium

David Carr — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:29:03 +0000

Photos By: Karen Curley

In Hollywood, Arizona Proves To Be All The Rage – After ten years without a show in Los Angeles (Coachella and San Bernardino’s Rock the Bells don’t count, apparently) Rage Against The Machine reunited for a concert in Hollywood. The catalyst bringing the band together was the recent anti-illegal immigration bill created in Arizona; SB1070. While many feel the law will be a deterrent to illegal immigration in Arizona, the specific language of the law, may open the flood gates to racial profiling in the state.

A number of grass roots organizations have been established to battle the law. Legal challenges over its constitutionality and compliance with civil rights law have been filed, including one by the United States Department of Justice. The left-leaning, rap/rock pioneers decided to stage a benefit show to raise money and awareness with regards to the problematic law. Proceeds from the show went to immigrant’s rights organizations, including the Florence Project and Puente, Arizona.

The show started off with a Mexican folk band made up of day laborers, and then one of the other sponsors of the show, Conor Oberst took the stage next with his Mystic Valley Band.

After a brief intermission and a few impassioned speeches, Rage Against The Machine hit the stage and like four powder kegs of dynamite, proceeded to explode inside the Hollywood venue. The band is still the most powerful, heavy rock group in a live setting, and they can still seamlessly blend the Clash, Black Sabbath and Public Enemy like no other. Bassist Tim Commerford and drummer Brad Wilk are the hardest working rhythm section in modern rock. Guitarist Tom Morello stabbed and jabbed at his guitar making it sound like a rapid fire machine gun, an air raid siren and two turntables all night long while Zack De La Rocha solidified his place along side Bob Marley and Chuck D as one of the most charismatic political frontmen, in the business.

From the first note they played, Rage had the audience in the palm of their hand. When the band ripped into “Bulls on Parade” and their tribute to jailed former Black Panther, Mumia Abu Jamal “Guerilla Radio” the intensity of the night reached a fever pitch. Rage has always been a band with a direct, left of center, political message. At times, the band’s message has been a bit short sighted, but during the song “Wake Up” vocalist/rapper Zack De La Rocha delivered possibly his most balanced speech/diatribe of his career. De La Rocha declared that the Arizona law did nothing more than scapegoat the immigrant community and blame them for the economic woes the country is facing. He implored the audience to internalize the concept that it has been corporations like Goldman Sachs and AIG, and not immigrants, who have been responsible for the economic plight the United States is now in.

By raising over $400,000 for various immigrant rights groups in Arizona and by inciting a true dialog about SB 1070, Rage Against The Machine may at long last understand that sometimes you may have to reason with the machine, in order to articulately rage against it.

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Sum 41 Tear Up Warped Tour 2010 Like It’s 1999

Kendra Beltran — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 23:30:54 +0000

Photos By: Karen Curley

When I saw that Sum 41 was doing a large chunk of Warped Tour, I’ll admit I laughed. But I take it back, because they drew the biggest crowd of the day. I was there for the TRL classics. There’s something about “Fat Lip” and “In Too Deep” that just take you back to a time and place. There were actually a lot of people packed behind the crowd of die-hards who thought it really was 1999.

The whole time, I hoped for Avril to come out to do some bad-ass version of “Sk8er Boi,” but instead front man, Deryck Whibley pulled two ecstatic fans onstage. It warms the heart when you see a band being appreciative of their fans. Hoards of crowd surfers filled my view, as the set rolled on. A sea of faded Sum 41 tees spanning back from the All Killer No Filler days spilled their hearts out to a high-energy set.

Banter between songs is usually something I love, but not with Sum 41. It doesn’t take 25 years to tell a story. Boredom from that aside, I don’t know why they’re not on one of the main stages. They have enough pull of actual fans and people who are amazed that band’s still active. “They have a loyal fan base that still goes crazy when they play. Their set warped you 10 years and you forget Deryck ever being Mr. Avril Lavigne,” expressed Denise Mestas.

Sum 41 gave their all and was met with much admiration. Whether people were there out of pure love of the band, or they just wanted to see the songs that put Sum-41 on the map, no one was left disappointed. Who needs a main stage anyway? Not Sum 41 proved that this year they are just fine on the Glamour Kills stage along with The Summer Set and Enter Shakari.

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Hawthorne Heights @ The Troubadour

Kendra Beltran — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:42:38 +0000

Photos By: Karen Curley

I usually spend my weeknights watching Jeopardy trying to master the “Daily Doubles.” My date with Alex Trebek was haltered by plans to see Hawthorne Heights and company take over The Troubadour. It was a typical Thursday evening in West Hollywood. 9 to 5′s waiting on the metro to go home, nightlife seekers on their way to the bars, streets alive with vigor and a rock band on the edge of town ready to give it a go. That night had Hawthorne Heights sharing the stage with local band, Acidic, PMToday and The Story Changes ; an eclectic buffet for fans to eat up.

The heat from the day had carried over into the night. Everyone seemed drained as the fans who wandered in early were all too chill. Energies rose a bit when the show finally started. Local boys, Acidic took the stage and had a decent draw; you got to love friends and family for their support. Acidic looked like a band straight from a high school talent showcase, but didn’t sound or perform like it. During “Black Box,” lead singer Mike Gossard took the show to the fans. With mic in hand he leapt in the crowd and got in fans’ faces. While the set was made up of songs of their own, it was their Beatles cover, “Come Together,” that stuck in my head throughout the night. It takes balls to cover The Beatles and props to Acidic for taking charge. Mike raved about the fun he and the guys were having on the road with Hawthorne Heights. He said they may be on future dates of the tour, but nothing’s set in stone. Right now they’re just focusing on the now, boosting Acidic awareness and playing with The Smashing Pumpkins and The Ataris in the coming months.

As the clock ticked, the crowd trickled in one little clique at a time. The ones who found their way in by the second band got a dose of PMToday. They’re a progressive rock band that I’ll never understand, but for the people who are into it, good for them. They had some folks in the crowd getting down to their quintessential Mars Volta like riffs. I however, wasn’t one of them, but as I always say…to each their own.

Things took a style turn as the next band, guys, came on. The Story Changes changed what is expected. Instead of The Troubadour’s small stage being overrun with members, a duo took the stage. With Poppy on drums and Mark McMillon handling the guitar and vocals, I was more than impressed two men were able to execute the sound of a five piece band. Aphrodite Wilson had the same thoughts, “They sounded better than I expected considering they only had two members.”

You can plan all you want, but time holds for no one. A little behind schedule, Hawthorne Heights finally took the place. Their intro could’ve been straight out of a Tim Burton, Johnny Depp mash up; epic to say the least. Kicking things into gear with “This Is Who We Are,” Hawthorne Heights took control; mixing in both new and old, the set was a well received variety. The band played their asses off, and a handful of fans sang along just as hard, but for the most part…the crowd was dull. Heights fan of five years, Steve Fortier, was into it from start to finish and noticed the crowd’s lack of energy as well. He believes Hawthorne Heights is one of the greatest bands he’s ever had the pleasure of hearing and wished the LA crowds could be more than “scenesters” just trying to be cool by going to shows.

As the night went on lead singer JT Woodruff kept reminding fans to download their new album Skeletons, legally. Because a ticket bought online for their show got fans a download card. In these economic times, JT said, “Nobody’s too cool for free music.” Everyone knows the LA crowds are glued to their Blackberrys, and JT poked fun at that. After the crowd’s sing along to “Silver Bullet” he was quick to say, “Well I guess it’s hard to sing and type on your Blackberrys at the same time.”

Almost three years ago Hawthorne Heights lost their friend, band mate, screamer, Casey Calvert. While it’s still weird to hear Micah Carli taking over the reigns, he’s doing a superb job executing. Closing their set with renowned hits, “Ohio is for Lovers” and “Niki FM” was a perfect way to cap off the night.

Four bands, three hours, two members in The Story Changes and one great show. The LA crowd couldn’t put a damper on Hawthorne Heights and company’s performances and it’s a great thing they didn’t or else I would’ve been pissed I missed Jeopardy. You can catch Hawthorne Heights through the end of July. And for the whereabouts of Acidic, PMToday and The Story Changes, you can head over to their Facebooks’ and “like” them, or their MySpaces’…but who’s on that still?

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After Midnight Project @ Warped Tour 2010

Jim Markunas (Editor-In-Chief) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 07:39:44 +0000

Photos By: Alexander A. (So Cal Music Today)

At the risk of sounding cliché and/or cheesy, After Midnight Project is like booze or fine wine, they really do get better with age. Every time I see these dudes live, I think to myself, “Goddamn, they’ll never be able to top this performance,” and sure enough, at the next show, they’ve topped themselves. I could go on and on about this band…

First, they played with a brand new drummer, and he’s crazy good! Longtime member Danny Morris left right before AMP’s first Warped Tour date due to personal reasons, and was replaced with a drummer recommended to the band by Chevelle. This new guy kicks ass! If starting a nationwide tour with a new drummer wasn’t challenging enough, AMP’s bass player, TJ Armstrong, a Canadian national, had Visa issues, and had to be temporarily replaced. As this was being told to me before their set, I pictured that scene in “Speed” in which Keanu Reeves pokes a hole in the gas tank of the speeding bus and Sandra Bullock sarcastically says to him, “What? You felt like you needed a challenge?” Line-up changes aren’t always a good ting. Fortunately, the new and, I guess, half-way temporary line-up was killer, and added to the band’s high-energy, onstage dynamic.

After Midnight Project’s set consisted of the classics from Let’s Build Something To Break, and they debuted new material, which can be heard on their Myspace. I’m a fan of pretty much every song, but the stand-outs that day were “Take Me Home” and “The Real Thing.”

I’m still convinced that these guys are going to be the biggest thing in rock within the next 2 years. I mean, their style is ballsy, yet pop-accessible, and you really can’t fuck with their live show, and I love it when they do this thing, it really gets everyone going!

Want more After Midnight Project?
Interview With Jason Evigan
5 Reasons Why After Midnight Project Are The Next Big Thing
After Midnight Project @ The Roxy
After Midnight Project – Let’s Build Something To Break

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Hootenany @ Oak Canyon Ranch

Carly Hill — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 01:01:49 +0000

Photos By: Justin George

At the Hootenany at Oak Ranch Canyon in Irvine, I was underdressed. Apparently, I was supposed to have big hair, high waisted skirts, lots of makeup including red lipstick, and high heels. I was in a tye-dye tee-shirt and shorts. Woops. I felt like I was transported into the movie “Cry Baby,” but Johnny Depp wasn’t there.

Anyways, this rockabilly festival was located in the middle of nowhere, which was perfect for the ambience. The venue is surrounded by trees, which helps you focus on the music, rather than the surroundings. Plus, the venue was really clean and well-maintained.

Highlights of the show include Chris Shifflet, who was more rock than rockabilly, but tore up the side stage with “Not Going Down Alone.” I’m not sure why they would put the lead guitarist for the Foo Fighters on the side stage, but whatever.

They had a good indie sound and entertained all the people who were eating or relaxing. At the same time, the Old 97’s were playing on the main stage. They are a great alternative country typed band that got everyone dancing. There energy was pretty radiant throughout the set. They have a great following, and seemed to entertain the crowd.

I was really excited to see Nick 13 from Tiger Army, and rightfully so. Although his solo project has only performed 4 live shows ever, they tore it up. Nick’s voice is so unique and dreamy, and translated very well to the style of music. Right now, Nick is in the middle of making his solo album, which should be fantastic. I loved “101,” which reminded me of Bad Religion a little bit, and “Someday.” At the end of his set, he got back to his roots with the song that started Tiger Army, “Outlaw Heart.” Although the band did not have exceptional stage presence, the music spoke for itself.

Although Jerry Lee Lewis was sick and couldn’t perform that night, Chuck Berry came out swinging. At 83, it’s surprising that he can still even sing, let alone give a performance for over an hour. In a sailor cap and a button-up shirt with slacks, Berry gave a surprisingly entertaining set. However, I feel like even if he came out and talked the whole time, people would still clap. He is a legend. He played hits like “School Days” and the ever popular “My Ding-a-Ling.” I loved his performance because it was about the music and the lyrics, and everything could be taken at face value. He sang very matter-of-factly, as if he was telling us what to do. “Sweet lil’ 16” was really cute. Although Berry complained of being tired halfway through, he still managed to keep the crowd and his show going.

Hootenany was honestly about the music, and giving people a good time. It was run extremely efficiently, and although I lost my car, I only had to look for it for 15 minutes. And knowing me, that is good.

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