“New Jersey” (Used 14 times)

NJ's IDES did what I'm always a sucker for—treated their live WFMU appearance as something unique and special, considered the medium / opportunity of a live radio appearance, and planned accordingly. In addition to their mini-masterpieces—tight, well-composed songs of 40 secs. to one minute in length, they bridged those songs with a series of improvised, powerful "interludes," cleverly paced and sequenced passages of enthused energy.

I knew immediately upon hearing IDES for the first time that they were a cut above simply another hardcore band, with an intensity and dedication to their sound that transcended genrefication. They pretty much played straight through their 22-min. onslaught, wound tight as a battlefield tourniquet, though there were two ever-so-momentary "breaks," which is where I cut up the otherwise-continuum presented here, for your mp3 enjoyment, stream or download. 

Like the predatory sea mammals we have today, the Megalodon cannot stop, or it dies, and the sonic charisma of IDES remains intact. The band have an incredible "swing" to everything they do, such that even an old fart like myself can daydream about careening off the stage head-first into the pit; all you'd see of me would be the flat heels of my Converse hi-tops, back when such footwear actually sort-of supported my meager arches.

The noise bridges are welcome, carefully placed throughout the set, and sound casually great, miles away from anything even remotely half-arsed. So, the verdict is and remains that New Jersey is a reliable, consistent font for all things hardcore and punk, and beyond; look just across the Hudson, 'cause great things are happening.

Can't thank the band enough for playing, adding yet another outstanding, highly memorable live performance to the ever-growing WFMU / My Castle of Quiet pantheon. Thanks also to engineer Juan A. for the reliable, versatile and casual application of his considerable talent, translating the often-chaotic happenings across the double-glass into something radio-ready and highly listenable.

I have not been as active on the FMA, since recently getting married and spending a lot of my time writing and playing in my new band, Torture Architect.

Our first gig will be a FREE SHOW celebrating the 20th Anniversary of NJ's Hardcore band, Rest Assured? (also singer Jay's 40th Birthday). Jay also operates Roacho 13 Records, releasing tapes, vinyl, and CDs since the early 90's, along with putting on shows, many charitable, and mostly all-ages for as many years.

"Torture Architect, featuring former members of Tyrannosaurus Dracula, Animal Blood and featuring The Wizard Of Gore, explores the Reptilian alien agenda via experimental heavy thrash punk reminiscent of D.C.'s United Mutation, or the early years of The Accüsed."

Friday, September 9th with...

Rest Assured?

Dead Serious (featuring Ryan Bland of Home 33)

@ "the BLVD"  401 Boulevard in Elmwood Park, NJ 9PM 21+

"Before us, it was all just a bunch of foolin' around" -Gene Wildest, regarding punk-rock

You probably haven't heard of Citizen Blast Kane, this may be due to their singer introducing them as Laser Fag, The Ernest Borg 9, Lobster Dinner, Straight To Video, Creature From The Black Neighborhood, and Reduced Lunch, to name a few... or, maybe you don't go to shows in people's basements. The duo known as Gene Wildest (vocals/sound effects), and Rick More-Anus (gui-tard) are the founders of the group. They embody the party animals in all the 1980s teen sex comedies, in their antics and music, fueled by summer high jinks, cult VHS, and cheap beer.

CBK hail from Hackensack, New Jersey, where Gene was "Hard as a kaiser roll" as the lyricist and frontman in Jumpkick & Fruitpunch. Rick, guitar wild-man, previously shredded with the preachers of sleaze, Theee Bishops as "He Who Cannot Play Guitar", and on bass in Tyrannosaurus Dracula as "Prince Matthew". Being a regular face at the T.DRAC house, Gene started jamming with Rick, promising a shenanigan laden future.

Next, in a small Moleskine® from a stupid girl, Gene mysteriously scribed the name "Chazzy D". Months later he happened upon a young drummer at a Liquor Store show with that very name. Chazzy D is to drums, as Tommy Wiseau is to filmmaking. Most recently, the boys have added Bobert (pronounced Bob-air) aka Bob Shot, as second lead guitar. They are currently recording an album of number 1 hits. Join the fan club and become a Citizen Blast Fan!

"They say that was them, and it was terrifying, and they didn't know anybody else in the locker room" -Sarim Al-Rawi of Liquor Store, on Citizen Blast Kane

-Uncle Dracula

See them live...

Their next show, hosted by a hack comedian, and following 8 other musical acts, is Saturday, May 5th, in the entertainment portion of Paterson's Annual Art Walk, presented by Petty Nobles Collective. The artists' exhibition space covers 11,000 square feet of warehouse, featuring the works of CBK's founding guitarist, and around 2 dozen others.

 DON'T MISS CITIZEN BLAST KANE, THEY ARE PERFORMING AT 8PM!

The event goes from 10am-10pm, and is located at: 60 Spruce Street, Paterson, New Jersey 07544

Coming from NYC? Take the 190 bus towards Paterson NJ from NYC Port Authority

http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T1122.pdf

 Citizen Blast Kane videos:

"Salisbury Shake"

"Honk Box"

"Fastball"

"One Shot Tony"

"Garbage Night"

"Locker Room Shenanigans"

CONTACT CITIZEN BLAST KANE: johnnycelentano@yahoo.com

Despite the sun, Uncle Dracula made it out to Flipside II Records in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. I checked out the special releases for the holiday, but wasn't really interested in any of them (well, the live Devo one is still on my mind, but I already reached my $ limit!). Flipside has a great selection, and the best prices that I have seen, including $1, $3, and $5 sections where you will always find lps clearly worth more. There are many gems still to be found there! Dan, the owner is really friendly, and knowledgeable, and played bass in Creeping Pumpkins.

Check out their groovy track "Move".

Flipside II Records 120 Wanaque Ave. Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442

Smersh are legends of the NJ cassette underground, previously featured on WFMU's blog. Beat studio guru Mike Mangino and Chris Shepard started recording together in 1979 and began releasing cassettes as Smersh in 1981, improvising cuts nearly every Monday night for over a decade.

"My God Those Legs" is a later recording featuring Roger Johansen on sax. It's sourced from 1994's Isomorphic Records comp The Arbitrary Nature Of Meaning where Smersh appeared alongside artists like Illusion of Safety and Jim O'Rourke. The track closes out a 15-track Smersh Library Sampler compiled by Mike Mangino especially for WFMU and the FMA.

Mike is still releasing fantastic small-run releases over at M-Pop, and if you dig these sounds, then you are encouraged to reach out in the true spirit of the cassette underground.

Today's song was selected by @miscellaniac.