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1/22/12 - FRY, FRY BABY...
Welcome to 2012!
We're back with our "release of the year": a gem of a single from
Toronto's ACTUAL
WATER. These hitmakers have a great new LP due any day now,
and you need that, but this is definitely the place to start. Listen, swoon,
and buy!
We've also got up for
grabs a small stash of YOUNG
GOVERNOR's "Pizza Face" 7", released on SP
Records. Grab one with the Actual Water single and
complete your Guv collection!
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1/31/11 - NO GUV, NO LUV
Back from our extended
break, we've got a new YOUNG
GOVERNOR single on tap and it's awesome as usual! This one
has been in the works for a while, but Ben's hectic schedule delayed
the sleeve for several months. In the end, everything came
together quite nicely and we've all been itchin' to get this out the
door and onto your turntables. Two fantastic songs, including one
you may have heard before (but certainly not like this). Buy here!
In other "Ben" news, we just sold out of Marvelous Darlings' "Teenage
Targets"
single; we are considering a repress, but no formal plans have been
made yet. If you need a copy, please consider buying directly
from the Guv, who has set up shop here.
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6/3/10 - NEW MARVELOUS DARLINGS VINYL
The latest MARVELEOUS
DARLINGS single,
"I'll Stand By Her" b/w "Friend of a Friend," is finally
up for grabs. "It's about damn time!" you say? Well,
of course it is! We lost about a month due to a pressing plant
snag,
but doing it right takes time and we weren't gonna settle. The
guys
in Marvelous Darlings know a thing or two about doing it right.
They
haven't made a bad record and this single is no exception. In
fact, it's arguably their best yet! Take the plunge and see for
yourself. Next stop: Catalog.
In
other label news, the future of the
remaining "coming soon" titles is up in the air. We
don't post records that aren't confirmed, but sometimes projects take a
detour and wind up in different places. These things happen, and
when they do, it's usually out of our control. So, for the first
time
in I-can't-remember-when, Plastic Idol doesn't have any records
in the pipeline. It actually feels nice.
Get
your orders in soon-ish for the
new Marvelous Darlings single, because I'll be out of town for a week
in the middle of June.
Thanks for your support!
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2/7/10 - WELCOME TO 2010...
The new year
is well underway as I type this, so it's probably
a bit late to wish you all a "Happy New Year," but it's never
too late to say "thanks" for your support in 2009. Though it was
a slower year for Plastic Idol in terms of production, we think the
three records we put out represented some of our best work to
date. We plan to continue the trend in 2010 with a handful of
exciting records, starting with a few we've been promising you for a
while.
A month and
change into 2010, we've equaled our vinyl output of 2009 with
three new releases, starring MARVELOUS DARLINGS,
SUPERIOR UNITS,
and the MINDS. We
made more Marvelous Darlings vinyl than Superior Units or Minds, a
factoid that should influence your purchase, so please take
note and buy accordingly. Hit the Catalog page for
ordering information and song samples.
Up next is
another brilliant Marvelous Darlings single, the Pitchfork-approved
"I'll Stand By Her" b/w "Friend of a Friend," which goes into
production this week. Best news ever? Yes, indeed!
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7/5/09 - UPDATES? WHO NEEDS 'EM?
Our second update of 2009 includes two
new singles for you, courtesy of the MANIKINS and CRASH NORMAL. The
Manikins record is no surprise if you've been keeping score, but a
Crash Normal/Plastic Idol collaboration probably is news to you. We jumped at
the opportunity to do a record with Crash Normal and were very pleased
to see everything come together so quickly over the last several
months. One spin and you'll be pleased too! The Manikins'
new single is also a certifiable smash from the first spin, featuring
two exclusive tunes that would make a fine addition to any summertime
soundtrack. Both records are in-house and ready to ship and
you should take advantage of it! Buy here.
We've been staying pretty busy
behind-the-scenes at Plastic Idol HQ. In the queue we've got
the long-awaited MINDS
record, of course. We're also working on the debut EP from East
Bay teen heartthrobs SUPERIOR
UNITS (folks from the IMPEDIMENTS and BUZZER), which should land in
August. Ben Cook is working on another killer YOUNG GOVERNOR single
for Plastic Idol in his precious free time, and in related news, we're
planning to drop two MARVELOUS
DARLINGS singles later this year. Hitsville 2009!
Finally, go see POPPETS
on tour! They're blazing their way across most of the United
States as we speak.
1/12/09 - YOUNG GOVERNOR
The debut single from YOUNG GOVERNOR is
here: "Virginia Creeper" b/w "I'm a Mess." It's
ridiculously good. You need a copy. Fast-like. No
telling how quickly these will fly out the door, but I suspect records
will move at a brisk pace for a couple of reasons, not the least of
which is Ben Cook's tremendous talent as a songwriter and
performer. Hopefully there will be more Young Governor on Plastic
Idol in the future, but for now, go see him on tour with FUCKED UP,
where you should be able to score a copy of this record for a limited
time. Otherwise, make your next stop the Catalog page and
reserve yours right now!
Up next on the docket is the MANIKINS' "The Start
For Me" single. It goes into production this month and should
land in March. Also, the last MINDS record is
finally ready to go
to the plant. Look for that to hit the streets in mid-2009.
Happy New Year!
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12/7/08 - LARS ATTACKS
There's a new INTELLIGENCE single
available
on Plastic Idol and it's faboo! Maybe you've heard these songs
before, maybe you haven't, but leave it to Lars Finberg to remind us
that we want to hear them over and over again. There's really not
much else to say about this awesome record, so get 'em while they're
hot! Next stop: the Catalog page.
Look for the YOUNG GOVERNOR single to land shortly after the
Christmas holiday. We'll be ready. You?
Happy Holidays!
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10/29/08 - A DOUBLE SHOT OF MKS
Sacramento's MATT K.
SHRUGG is back on
Plastic Idol with two new singles: "Phono" b/w "Around In a
Circle"
and "I'm Gone" b/w "We're So S.O.L." Both are limited to 400
copies
and will not be repressed. Please visit the Catalog page for
the lowdown.
Up next on Plastic Idol: the INTELLIGENCE
(November) and YOUNG
GOVERNOR (November/December). Stay tuned!
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8/20/08 - THE EBB AND FLOW
Plastic Idol has a
nice batch of vinyl in the works for the balance of 2008.
Right now, we're putting the finishing
touches on three new records, with three more to follow on the heels of
those
three--and possibly a couple others. I'm
not sure how we find ourselves in the position of cranking 'em out in
bunches
again, but it does seem to be the norm rather than the exception these
days. It's kind of funny: one minute,
everything seems to be stranded in various stages of "getting there,"
and the next, the stars align and everything is ready to move forward.
Here's a rundown of what I know today:
*There
are two MATT
K. SHRUGG singles at the pressing plant as I type.
You may know the well-traveled Matt K. from
the laundry-list of bands to whom he has lent his talents, including
Black
Dahlias, whose "Wednesday Night" EP (PIR-003, if you're keeping
track) is very nearly out of print. Matt's
debut solo EP just landed on Tic
Tac Totally and we're
stoked to
add to his fine discography in such short order. Both
MKS singles will be limited to 400 copies
each, one on white vinyl and the other on clear vinyl.
*We're pleased as punch to be releasing another INTELLIGENCE single
on Plastic Idol. Yes, you read that right! This time, Lars
weighs in on a couple tunes that have tickled his fancy, much like he
did with last year's single on Disordered. The chosen tunes will
remain a mystery for now, but trust me, they are superbly
rendered. This will be another onetime pressing--650 is the magic
number this time--so mark your calendars. Also, be sure to catch
Lars and Co. at Goner Fest V in late September!
*Ben Cook, also known
as YOUNG GOVERNOR,
is very close to achieving "green light" status
here at Plastic Idol HQ--that is, I'm ready to give him the green
light to give me whatever he damn well pleases, and as much of it as
possible, to put out on vinyl, no questions asked.
I think he's that good. The Guv's
plate is pretty full right now with the likes of FUCKED
UP, MARVELOUS DARLINGS, and more, but we got a dandy of a single out of
him to follow-up his soon-to-be-released debut 12" on Parts
Unknown. Hit him up on MySpace for a sneak peek at "Virginia
Creeper," the A-side of his Plastic Idol single. It rules!!!
*The MINDS and MANIKINS
records find themselves in the same place: artwork. One of Plastic Idol's "go-to" guys, Jonas Norway, is the man
behind the sleeves for both records. You
can thank Jonas for the eye candy that is the packaging for the FLIP-TOPS' "Dangerous Game"
and the Manikins'
"Spend The Night Alone" records--that's his handiwork.
We're in
good hands with Jonas at the helm and I can't wait to unveil his latest
creations for Plastic Idol. Stay tuned!
That's the news for now. There
are some other
odds 'n' ends in the mix, but nothing solid enough to announce here. I should give you a heads-up that STATUES and ANTEENAGERS M.C.
records are running low, so act sooner rather than later if
you need copies. I'm also down to the
last copies of HANK IV, whose
second LP will drop on Siltbreeze this fall (one of my most-anticipated
releases of 2008). And don't forget about
all the great stuff in the
"distro" portion of the Catalog page, which is always updated as
things change, even though the "news" page isn't always so new.
Thanks
for your continued support!
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5/14/08 -
STIMULATING THE
ECONOMY, ONE
RECORD AT A TIME
STATUES and ANTEENAGERS
M.C. records are ready to go! Make the Catalog page your
next stop for details and song
samples and be sure to stock up while there's enough to go
around. There are no plans to repress either record.
I'm officially
sold out of the POPPETS'
"Get Back" 7" EP. No need to worry yet, however, because there
are copies available from various distros and stores as you read
this. My advice: buy today, not tomorrow. Also, be
sure to check out what the Los Angeles Times (!) had to say about the
record right here.
That's the news
for now. I've got your orders to pack!
Thanks for your
support!
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4/20/08 - THREE NEW RECORDS, TWO MORE ON THE WAY
I'm very excited to
announce the release of three new records on Plastic Idol, courtesy of the FLIP-TOPS, POPPETS, and the INTELLIGENCE!
The Catalog
page has all the details you need in order to buy, including song
samples from each record. I encourage you to act fast on all
three records, because there are no plans to repress. Ready, set,
scramble!
Records from STATUES and ANTEENAGERS M.C. will be
ready to go by mid-May. In the interim,
please visit Plastic
Idol on MySpace and get a "sneak peek" at how both records look and
sound.
Lurking around the corner
is the MATT K. SHRUGG
vinyl and a single by the
MANIKINS, which features two exclusive power-pop gems ("The Start
For Me" and "Let Me Go"). Expect these records to land sometime
this summer.
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2/24/08 - THE HAPS
Plastic Idol has put together an ambitious release schedule
for 2008. In fact, the last several
months have rivaled the busiest I've ever been in terms of legwork. Sorting out the details of new projects isn't
always as newsworthy as it sounds, though. After
all, there are only so many ways I can dress up
tasks like "approved
test pressings" and "reviewed sleeve artwork," you know?
I'm sure some of you find these things
interesting to read about, but I'm guessing most of you care more about
the
records themselves—and I don't blame you!
I've got lots of great stuff in the works right now.
By "lots of great stuff," I mean 5 new releases on Plastic
Idol over the next 2 months. Yeah! So
here's the latest dirt, formatted for quick reading:
*There are three new Plastic Idol releases on deck for March
2008: the FLIP-TOPS,
POPPETS, and ANTEENAGERS M.C.
*The Flip-Tops' "Dangerous Game" 7" EP
represents Plastic Idol's first foray into heavier vinyl. This record will be
pressed on 48 gram wax,
a new service offered by United. For the
vinyl color, I've chosen to mix white and blue,
which should
give us a cool shade that matches another awesome sleeve design by Jonas Norway. Visit the Flip-Tops' MySpace
page to sample
2/3 of the record!
*The HEARTATTACKS
are sadly calling it quits this month, but
Magnus is already 3-records-deep into a new project:
Poppets. Poppets is Magnus,
his girlfriend Lina, and a drum machine. Together
they will conquer the world with
their stripped-down poppy punk tunes—or at least convince you they
could if
they tried (Victim
of Time seems to think so too). Plastic
Idol is releasing their second EP, "Get Back," in
a limited edition of just 300 copies.
*Anteenagers M.C.'s "(Illusions of the) Teens"
7" EP represents the first new material from these French scenemakers
since 2005's "Let's Not Have a Party" EP. These
guys sound better than ever on these
four tunes, one of which is a swell take on the KICK's "Let's Get Back
Together." Expect clear vinyl, because
it's an illusion, and a great sleeve design, courtesy of Nicus.
*In April 2008 Plastic Idol will release a new three-song
7" EP by STATUES, one of
Canada's finest power-pop/punk exports, just
in
time for their European tour. The EP is
entitled "Broken Hands" and is one-half of a two-part series, the
other issued by FDH/P. Trash. These
songs will eventually make their way onto a CD singles collection
released on
Deranged Records. Listen to "Soft Lives,"
from the new Plastic Idol EP, on Statues' MySpace page.
*Also in April 2008 there will be a new single from the
INTELLIGENCE, who will also tour Europe shortly after the record's
release. An Intelligence record on Plastic
Idol has
essentially been four years in the making, so it is incredibly
fulfilling to
see this one come together. The record features two exclusive
cuts mastered by Weasel
Walter and will be limited to a onetime pressing of 600
copies. Repress schmepress.
*I've also got in the works a pair of singles from
songwriter extraordinaire MATT
K. SHRUGG, currently of the PIZZAS and
LOSIN' STREAKS
and formerly of BLACK DAHLIAS, among countless others.
Matt is one of the most talented (and nicest) dudes in
town and there's no question the world needs to hear more of his music. These records will drop sooner
rather than later, so stay tuned!
*Later this year Plastic Idol will release the final MINDS record. I know it appears we've been taking our sweet
time with this one, and perhaps we are, but we're going to include an
extra
song on the record in exchange for your continued patience. The "Knifed" single is now the
"Knifed" EP—three-songs spinning at 45 RPM. Joel
"The Thinker" Jett is in charge
of the sleeve and we're fixin' to roll out the record as soon as
everything
comes together. I promise!
*Speaking of Mr. Jett, he recently started a record label of
his own: Sonic
Jett. We recently discussed the future
of the JETPACK
discography and have
decided to
let him take over the reins completely, so look for a Jetpack release
on Sonic
Jett at some point. Go Sonic Jett! Meanwhile, there's now a Jetpack page on
MySpace,
featuring previously unreleased tuneage. Yes!
*There's a ton of new non-Plastic Idol swag for sale on the Catalog page,
some of which is out-of-print and/or tough to come
by, like the debut PRESS GANG 7". The
newest stuff comes from Big Black Hole
Records (Spain)
and includes releases from ALUMINUM KNOT EYE and 3 DELICIAS. Also up for grabs is the debut release on
Sonic Jett, a way-recommended 7" EP from Italian power-poppers MISS
CHAIN &
THE BROKEN HEELS, and much, much more.
That's the news for now. Next time, I hope
to have more information about the
second MANIKINS
record on Plastic Idol. Congratulations
are in order, because these guys recently inked a deal with Full Breach
Kicks
for a U.S. release of their new album, reported to be their best yet. Hopefully a U.S. tour won't be far behind!
As always, thanks so much for your support!
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11/10/07 - ACK!!!
Long time, no
speak! In fact, the time
that has elapsed since my last web site update marks the longest time
between
updates in Plastic Idol history, now going on 4 years. I'm not
sure
which is more surprising at this point--that more than 6 months have
passed
since my last release, or that I've been doing the label for nearly 4
years. Time flies!
All is well here
at Plastic Idol HQ. Things are still moving, albeit at a more
relaxed pace, which I find more enjoyable than the
new-release-every-other-month rat race. Occasionally, I do have
to remind myself that Plastic Idol is something I
want to do and not something I have to do. I know it sounds
simple enough, but I struggle with the burnout bug every now and then.
Less philosophizing, more vinyl?!?! You
got it! I'm very excited to share with you two new releases on
Plastic Idol, courtesy of DAN
MELCHIOR UND DAS MENACE and the
HEARTATTACKS. Both are now available for purchase via the Catalog page,
along with some new non-Plastic Idol swag. The list looks like
this:
LES HATEPINKS "Hate-Oupopo
Songs" 7" (Squoodge)
URBAN JUNIOR "Tres Chic" 7" (Squoodge)
THE MODERNETTES "Get
Modern or Get Fucked" LP (Rockin' Bones)
STEVE & THE JERKS/THE HECKLERS split 7" (Rockin' Bones)
SCREAMPLAY "Don't Tell Me" 7" (Rockin' Bones)
THE GAGFACTORS "We Rock, You Suck..." 7" (Rockin' Bones)
LOT LIZARDS "Leave Me
Alone (I've Got a Bomb)" 7" (Perpetrator)
THIS DAMN TOWN "Love Like Lies" 7" (Perpetrator)
LADIES NIGHT "Hell On The Phone" 7" (Perpetrator)
GIANT HAYSTACKS/OUTNAUTS split 7" (Snuffy Smile)
SMALLTOWN/PRACTICE split 7" (Snuffy Smile)
SMALLTOWN/THE CRUMP split 7" (Snuffy Smile)
DAN PADILLA/GLEAM GARDEN split 7" (Snuffy Smile)
BLOTTO/DRUNKEN BOAT split 7" (Snuffy
Smile)
COME ON FEEL "Red Heart Beat" 7"
(Snuffy Smile)
CHOYCE
"Won't You Come
Back" 7" (Goodbye Boozy)
COCOBEURRE/CHOCOLAT split 7" (Goodbye Boozy)
THE PRIMATE FIVE/THE TRADITIONAL FOOLS split 7" (Goodbye Boozy)
LOT LIZARDS "Nightmare
Creep" 7" (Yakisakana)
THE GREAT REUNION "S/T" 7" (Yakisakana)
HOMOSTUPIDS "The Edge" 7" (P. Trash/Radio 81)
THE MANS "War Penis" 7"
(Ken Rock)
THE WAX MUSEUMS "Ancient Structures" 7" (Ken Rock)
THE BLOWTOPS "64 Teeth"
(Certified PR)
THE KRUNCHIES "Cameltoe
Patrol" 7" (Certified PR)
THE RETAINERS "Lose It" 7"
(P. Trash)
THE FEELERS "2007 European
Tour" 7" (P. Trash)
M.O.T.O. "Climb Up The
Eiffel
Tower" 7" (P. Trash)
PRESS GANG "Your Way" 7"
(Shock & Awe/Hardware)
LOVER! "S/T" LP (P. Trash)
BRUTAL KNIGHTS "Living By
Yourself" LP (P. Trash)
KAMIKAZE TRIO "Rain On
Your Parade" LP (P. Trash)
The next record out the
door on Plastic Idol will be the
FLIP-TOPS' "Dangerous Game" EP. It's easily their best stuff
yet, alongside their "comeback," a split EP with the Yokohama Hooks
(also available on the Catalog
page). I'm going to try and get this on the streets before we say
goodbye to 2007.
Looking ahead to 2008,
I've got lined up the new ANTEENAGERS
MC record (final mixes and artwork are ready to go), two singles
from local legend MATT K.
SHRUGG, and to-be-determined vinyl releases from STATUES, the MANIKINS, and
more.
Thanks for your continued
support!
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5/27/07 - FINALLY!!!
Thanks so much for your patience these past couple
months! I'm still working out a few kinks from my move, but it's
pretty much "business as usual" around here once again, which means new
records for you! Yes, it's finally time to make available to you
three new singles on Plastic Idol: (1) the RETAINERS
"She Likes To Get Attention" b/w
"Super Space Missiles"; (2) HANK IV "Dirty Poncho" b/w
"Symptomatic"; and (3) IMAGINARY ICONS "Off The
Grid" b/w "Fun With Capital." A trifecta of hits, if I may say
so! Hit the Catalog
page and dig in!
A quick note about mail order: After 3+ years without a price
increase, I have raised the postage paid price on all Plastic Idol
vinyl releases by $1 (many of the distro items have also been increased
accordingly). This hike is due to the recent postal service
increase, along with increases in production costs, of which there have
been several since I first started doing the label. In addition,
all prices on the catalog page are now postage paid within the USA
only. Please get in touch for rates if you live outside the USA.
New non-label additions to the catalog page:
THE HEARTATTACKS "Stay
Away" 7" (Ken Rock)
GHETTO WAYS "Party Bag" 7" (Wicked Singles/P. Trash)
THE FLIP-TOPS/YOKOHAMA HOOKS split 7" (Iron Goat)
THE
MANS "High" 7" (Yakisakana)
STATUES "New People Make
Us Nervous" LP (Radio 81)
CPC GANGBANGS/THE
CONFUSERS split 7" (Radio 81/P. Trash)
ALABAMA CHROME "Knoxville
Girl" 7" (Yakisakana)
THE FEELING OF LOVE "The
Right Bitch at the Right Place" 7" (Yakisakana)
THE MOTARDS "Stardom" LP
(Gonna Puke)
THE BLACKS "Shattered" LP
(Gonna Puke)
Thanks for your continued
support!
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4/17/07 - ON THE MOVE
Despite the infrequent web site updates, the Plastic Idol machine
continues to work its magic behind-the-scenes to make things
happen--and big things are happening! Right now, I'm sitting on
lots of records. I've got new singles from IMAGINARY ICONS and the RETAINERS ready
to go, and I will have the new HANK IV single later
this week. I plan to update the site to reflect these new
releases in a week or two, but I just completed a move--my first move
in 7 years--and my life is in boxes at the moment. I sincerely
appreciate your patience as I get back up to speed, so don't sweat a
delayed e-mail response and/or receipt of an order. It's not the
norm around these parts!
Calling all Hank IV fans: You need to make the trek to Davis,
California, this Saturday, April 21. We're having a "record
release" show for their new single on Plastic Idol ("Dirty Poncho" b/w
"Symptomatic") at the Delta of
Venus, located at 122 B Street, in Davis. The BANANAS and
STANDARD TRIBESMEN (members of the SORES) round out what promises to be
a stellar bill. Showtime is 9 p.m., the cover is only $5, and the
venue is all-ages (and they sell beer). Most importantly, this
show will be your first, and perhaps only, chance to score the limited
colored vinyl version of this record. That's right! For the
first time in 3+ years, Plastic Idol is doing a limited color run for a
record: 100 on gold/white vinyl, 400 on black vinyl. The
limited version of the Hank IV single will also include a goldenrod
dust cover in place of the stock white dust cover you usually see, and
it will be inserted into a slick Japanese-style resealable sleeve to
set it off. Of course we'll hand-number 'em too! You
snooze, you lose. See you Saturday!
In other news, there has been another new addition to the Plastic Idol
family: DAN MELCHIOR
UND DAS MENACE. Dan and I have been corresponding for several
months and we've finally agreed to do a single on Plastic Idol.
I've been a fan of this guy's work for years, and when he e-mailed me
to share that he was a fan of the label, I couldn't believe it!
There are so many great Melchior records out there and I'm confident
that the two tunes we've selected for his Plastic Idol single rank
among his finest. Stay tuned!
Look for another
web site update soon-ish!
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2/26/07 - SOMETHING TO REMENBER
Plastic Idol is pleased as
punch to announce the debut vinyl release from the REMENBERS, a
three-song 7" EP entitled "It's." This fantastic trio from
Marseille, France, offers up a spirited take on garagey punk, drawing
equally from more traditional-sounding fare and the genre's fringe
dwellers. The Remenbers like it LOUD, make no mistake about it,
but fortunately they remembered (no pun intended) to bring great songs
with them to the rumble and the proof is in the grooves. Hear it
for yourself and check out an MP3 on the Catalog page
before you buy!
In other label news, there are currently 5 (!!!) other records in
production as I type: IMAGINARY ICONS, THE RETAINERS, HANK IV, the FLIP-TOPS, and the HEARTATTACKS.
No, I'm not kidding. Yes, I'm crazy. The first of the bunch
to surface will be Imaginary Icons' "Off The Grid" b/w "Fun With
Capital" 7". Great stuff, much like their debut on
Daggerman. I think the A-side has a TWINKEYZ meets VELVET
UNDERGROUND feel to it, while the B-side is colder-sounding and minimal
in execution. We're shooting for a SXSW release and I'm crossing
my
fingers that we'll make it.
Following Imaginary Icons out the door in hot pursuit is a stunning new
single
from Hank IV, "Dirty Poncho" b/w "Symptomatic." I just got the
master for this record over the weekend and I was immediately floored
by the quality of the new tunes. My expectations were sky-high,
especially after the monster that was "Third Person Shooter," but these
guys exceeded them tenfold. What a great band! A record
release show is on tap for Saturday, April 21, at the Delta of Venus,
in Davis, California, where lucky show-goers will get first crack at
the new single, and quite possibly, limited colored vinyl. Stay
tuned!
Rounding out the production news: the vinyl for the Retainers'
"She Likes To Get Attention" b/w "Super Space Missiles" single should
be here shortly; the Flip-Tops' "Dangerous Game" package is now
complete, including another superb sleeve design courtesy of Jonas Norway; and Magnus of the
Heartattacks just sent me three great new songs for their second
Plastic Idol EP.
The other, other big news is that Plastic Idol will release a new 7" by
the band STATUES, from
Canada, later this year. These guys have taken over my turntable
lately and you're next! Check out some of their music on their
MySpace page and track down all their releases as soon as
possible. That's an order! And look for their version of
the CARPETTES' "Nothing Ever Changes" on an upcoming 7" comp featuring
the TRANZMITORS, SMALLTOWN, and the TOYOTAS.
New and restocked "distro" titles on the Catalog page:
THE TOYOTAS "...Make Headlines" LP (P. Trash)
HUE BLANC'S JOYLESS ONES "Fait Accompli" LP (P. Trash)
LOCAL OAFS "Too Dumb to Reason..." LP (P. Trash)
THE RETAINERS "Lose It" 7" (P. Trash)
BLACK LIPS "Hippys" 7" (Bachelor)
THE MAKEOUTS "Worst Band Ever" 7" (Bachelor)
Whew!
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TOP
1/16/07 - IT CAN BE TRUE
The FEVERS' "Get On Again" b/w
"Can't Be True" 7" is now sold out! There's no need to scramble
(yet), because there are copies in the hands of various distros and
mail orders in the U.S. and abroad. They're not gonna last long,
however, so make sure you score a copy while you have the chance.
As always, feel free to fire off an e-mail to me if you're looking for
a tip.
The other big news of the day is that there's a brand new RETAINERS single in
the works on Plastic Idol!!! These dudes have three fantastic
records to their name (Fashionable Idiots, P. Trash, and Jilted! are
the ones to blame) and record number four may be their finest
hour. "She Likes To Get Attention" b/w "Super Space Missiles"
drops real soon, so stay tuned!
BACK TO
TOP
12/23/06 - GETTING ON WITH IT
The new FEVERS single, "Get On Again"
b/w "Can't Be True," is finally here! This record features two
exclusive originals that were recorded in late 2005 during one of the
band's now-infrequent rehearsal/recording sessions. Both tunes
are great and so is the packaging: pink vinyl and a vintage-style
sleeve design courtesy of Gavin May (bass, vocals). The first
press is limited to 500 copies and there are no plans for a repress at
this time. Next stop, the Catalog page!
The debut EP from the REMENBERS is on deck
and should be available in January 2007. I've got the sleeves,
which look fantastic, but the vinyl is missing-in-action. Imagine
that! I'm not sure what to make of two consecutive delays, but it
ain't too cool. What is cool, however, is MySpace...er, I mean,
the Plastic Idol Myspace page, where you can hear a tune from this
record. Here's
the damage!
The IMAGINARY ICONS
record is also moving forward as we speak. I got the final master
from the band last week and it's now on its way to Rob Jones of Jealous Butcher fame, who
will do the mastering. The sleeve also came together last week
and is now ready for printing. We're jammin'! Look for the
Imaginary Icons' "Off the Grid" b/w "Fun With Capital" single to hit
the streets in February 2007, just in time for the band's appearance
the following month at the South By Southwest (SXSW) festival, in
Austin, TX!!!
HANK IV's upcoming
single on Plastic Idol will also see the light of day in time for their
appearance at the SXSW festival in March 2007. The band is slated
to record in mid-January and then we're gonna plow through the
production process in order to meet our deadline.
In other news, Jonas Norway, whose design work
graces the MANIKINS'
"Spend the Night Alone" EP, is designing the sleeve for the FLIP-TOPS' "Dangerous Game"
EP, out in early 2007. We expect to see a preview of his
incredible work before the end of the year. Speaking of the
Manikins, we've agreed to do another EP on Plastic Idol in 2007 and I
couldn't be happier.
I just got a note
from Laurent of ANTEENAGERS
MC, informing me that they recorded last week as scheduled!
Some fine-tuning and mixing is in order and then I should have some new
tunes with which to play around in a month or two. I can't wait!
Last but not least, I'd like to wish you all a "happy holidays."
Thanks for your continued support the past 3 years (!). See you
in 2007!!!
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11/6/06 - DUDE, WHERE'S MY UPDATE?
I apologize for the lack
of updates recently, but I've been waiting to share with you the "big"
news--that the new FEVERS
single is ready to go. But we're still not there yet. What
was slated to be an October release will now be a November release,
after a production snag set us back a few weeks. It's small
stuff, I assure you. Thankfully Plastic Idol has been relatively
"snag-free" since its inception; I guess it was about time for us to
sweat a bit, eh? Not to worry, the vinyl is here already and the
sleeves will be soon. Thanks so much for your patience!
Though I don't have much
to show for it in the way of new releases, I've been busy with odds 'n'
ends the past month that will likely result in a flurry of activity for
the label as 2006 winds down and 2007 begins. The new MINDS and FLIP TOPS records are now
ready to go into production (still no artwork), and the debut EP from
France's REMENBERS
is already on its way. I encourage you to investigate this
amazing French band, because the three songs we're committing to wax
will surely inspire some pushing and shoving on the way to the
wagon. Visit the Remenbers on MySpace right here.
I'm also pleased to
announce that Plastic Idol will release a new 7" by San Francisco's HANK IV! These
guys floored me the first time I saw them live earlier this year, and
they just delivered a monster debut LP in "Third Person Shooter,"
released by Hook or Crook. We're still working out all the
details, but the new record should drop in early 2007. Join the
Hank IV party right here,
and track down their new LP, which rules completely!!!
If you've checked the Catalog page
recently you may have seen a handful of new records posted. I'm
quick to add new stuff to the catalog page once I get it and I always
keep the in-stock titles up to date, regardless of how often I update
this page. Keep that in mind in case you're searching for that
must-have record. Some new stuff posted since the last update:
THE INTELLIGENCE "I'm Your Taxi" 7"
(Holy Cobra Society)
IMAGINARY ICONS
"Eye-Cons" 7" (Daggerman)
MURDER BY GUITAR "Rock Bottom" 7" (Alien Snatch)
TURPENTINE BROTHERS "Get Your Mind Off Me" 7" (Alien Snatch)
THE FEVERS "Love Always Wins" CD (Alien Snatch)
THE KIDNAPPERS "Ransom Notes and Telephone Calls" CD (Alien Snatch)
THE RETAINERS "Lose
It" 7"
(P. Trash)
THE PLUTONES/LOS RAW
GOSPELS split 7" (P. Trash)
CHEB SAMIR & THE BLACK
SOULS OF LEVIATHAN "Don't Like Girls" 7" (Yakisakana)
THE NORMALS & JEFF
CLARK "Street of Your Heart" 7" (Yakisakana)
BOB BURNS & THE
BREAKUPS "Frustration" LP (P. Trash)
HUE BLANC'S JOYLESS ONES "Fait Accompli" LP (P. Trash)
Act swiftly if you need
this stuff! My stash of the new Local Oafs LP, featuring two
members of the
MANIKINS, is already gone. What a great record! It
sounds like Henry Fiat's Open Sore meets Dean Dirg! I will
restock as soon as I can, so please check back with me if you want a
copy.
I posted lots of new
reviews on the Press
page, so be sure to hit that up if you need another take on Plastic
Idol's catalog.
Thanks as always for your
continued support!
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TOP
9/15/06 - THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
I expect FEVERS test pressings next
week! While we're anxiously awaiting the vinyl, I'm fixin' to
throw up a song from the new record on Plastic Idol's
MySpace page real soon, so add me to your "friends" list if you haven't
already done so. Also, be sure to visit the Fevers' page right here.
The FLIP TOPS' upcoming record
on Plastic Idol will officially be a three-song EP. "Dangerous
Game" will grace the A-side, while the B-side will be home to "Looks So
Scary" and "T.V. Love," originally by the SIMPLETONES. It's time
to start getting excited, because this shit rules!!! Joel dropped
off the tunes for mastering this afternoon.
The MINDS single has been
mastered and we're just about ready to put it into production.
The Flip Tops EP should follow the Minds single out the door. But
back to the Minds. I've got some exciting "band" news to share
with you, but I can't spill the beans until we get closer to the
release of "Knifed" b/w "Twist It Off." More on that later.
I'm pleased to announce
that Plastic Idol has two new records in the works by IMAGINARY ICONS
(ex-DISSIMILARS, SHOP FRONTS, TIE REDS) and the REMENBERS
(blown-out racket from France, a bit like the FATALS). Look for
them to land as soon as we get everything right, and expect great
things!
The nice folks at Victim of Time recently
spotlighted Imaginary Icons as part of their "Breaking Sounds"
feature. Check out the goods right here!
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TOP
9/2/06 - STAYIN' BUSY
The new BOB BURNS AND THE
BREAKUPS record, "Hydrostatic Heart," is turning heads and selling
briskly! I've heard nothing but raves from everybody that has
ordered this EP. And we got our first review on the Press page! So give these guys a
whirl if you're new to the party!
The artwork for the
upcoming FEVERS single is
ready to go and it looks striking! Next stop: the
printer. Hopefully I'll have test pressings in a couple
weeks. We're still on
track for an October release, so stay tuned!
I recently got new FLIP TOPS recordings and
the new songs are the best they've ever written! I've given the
new tunes plenty of time and I think I'm pretty close to nailing down
the Plastic Idol EP. I expect final mixes early next week, at
which time I'll make the final song selection. This record should
drop before the end of the year, along with the MINDS' "Knifed" b/w "Twist
It Off" single.
THE FEELERS paid a visit
to northern California a few weeks ago and floored me with a killer
set! Like everybody else, I flipped out when I heard their debut,
the "Fuhrer's New Miniskirt" EP. I've tracked down every release
since then and it was awesome to finally hear all their great tunes
live. After the damage was done, I hit them up to do a record on
Plastic Idol and they were all for it! Yes!
Hungry for more ANTEENAGERS
MC vinyl? Me too! Word is, the band is slated to lay
down some new tunes this fall and they're sending 'em my way! I
pitched the idea of doing another record on Plastic Idol to Laurent
(drums, vocals) when the "Let's Not Have a Party" EP was released, but
he wasn't sure when they would be able to focus on writing and
recording new material due to other commitments. Well, it looks
like that day is almost here! More news as it happens!
New stuff on the Catalog page:
THE
BAYONETTES "Stuck In This Rut" 7"
(Deranged)
CHINESE
LUNGS "Get Yer
Lungs Out" 7" (Squoodge)
LOOK BACK AND LAUGH
"Street
Terrorism" 7" (Deranged)
RAT TRAPS "Complications"
7" (Ken Rock)
RED RED RED "Static
Signals" 7" (Perpetrator)
REVEREND SAVAGE
& HIS
HOLY ROLLERS "God's
In My Garage" 7" (Squoodge)
ROYAL ROUTES "I Want Her"
7" (Perpetrator)
THE TRANZMITORS "Bigger Houses, Broken Homes" 7" (Deranged)
Pick up these fine records
and many more with the new Bob Burns and the Breakups EP! Or the ANXIETIES' "De-Evolution
Will Be Televised" EP, which is fading fast. Only 40 copies left
before you start kickin' yourself for being a slowpoke!
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TOP
8/5/06 - MORE RECORDS, PLEASE!!!
The brand new BOB BURNS AND THE
BREAKUPS record, "Hydrostatic Heart," is ready to fly! Like
their recently released "Frustration" LP/CD, this EP absolutely
smokes! The songs are there, the band can flat-out play, and it's
damn fun to hear them deliver the goods. I'm confident you'll
agree with me once you hear this fine record! The "Hydrostatic
Heart" EP features three new songs pressed on clear vinyl and is
limited to 500 copies. Head to the Catalog page and
get yours today, along with the CD or LP version (now in stock) of
their debut full-length "Frustration."
Up next on Plastic Idol
is the new FEVERS record,
"Get On Again" b/w "Can't Be True." Gavin (bass, vox) is working
diligently on the sleeve, Mark at Prairie Cat Mastering is
ensuring the vinyl sounds impeccable, and I've still got a smile on my
face about everything. Hopefully we can roll out this single in
early October, maybe even sooner if we get lucky. Meanwhile, if
you're gonna be anywhere near Minneapolis, Minnesota, on September 1,
the Fevers will be making a very rare live appearance with the
legendary HYPSTRZ! Click here
for the details!
In other news, Joel Jett
recently shared with me that the FLIP TOPS recorded a
truckload of new songs for their upcoming Dirtnap LP/CD and Plastic
Idol EP. Word is, the recording went swimmingly! Keep your
fingers crossed for a new Flip Tops record on Plastic Idol before the
end of the year! And don't forget about the MINDS
single. It's coming, I swear!
New non-label additions
to the Catalog
page: BOB BURNS AND THE BREAKUPS "Frustration" LP, HUE BLANC'S
JOYLESS ONES "Fait Accompli" LP, and a restock of the great "Killed By
Trash" LP. Act fast!
Finally, I've posted many
new reviews of Plastic Idol product on the Press page in
recent weeks. How do these takes compare with yours?
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TOP
7/9/06 - SPEND THE NIGHT ALONE
The MANIKINS' "Spend The
Night Alone" EP is now sold out on this end!!! Please pick up the
record from your favorite mail order or local record store if you
missed it here, or send me a note and I'll point you in the right
direction. This is such a great record and you need a copy for
your collection! And don't forget that you can keep up with the
Manikins' other releases on the Catalog page, where there are several hot
records up for grabs, including a brand new three-song EP on Squoodge
Records (Austria).
New non-label stuff now
available: I scored more copies of the MAGNETIX and SEXAPHONE
(members of BLACK TIME) records on Yakisakana. I had some of
these before, but they sold out really fast. I highly recommend
both EPs and encourage you to act fast if you need them!
BACK TO
TOP
7/4/06 - THE TIME IS NOW
I'm down to just 15 copies
of the MANIKINS' "Spend The Night Alone" EP! If you wanna score
it here, now is the time to score. Otherwise, keep your eyes
peeled for the Manikins record at many of the excellent mail orders
listed on the Ordering
page. Or ask your
favorite local record shop to order it from Revolver USA!
I recently procured a modest stash of another new (and already
out-of-print) Manikins EP entitled "Bad Papers," released by Austria's Squoodge Records. This gem is
limited to 333 copies, and odds are, you won't find it elsewhere in the
U.S. I also have for sale a few copies of the new Reverend Savage
and His Holy Rollers record, "God's In My Garage," another fine product
of Squoodge. Hit the Catalog page now!
More additions to the catalog page: the great new HAIRCUTS single
and an oldie but goodie from LES SEXAREENOS, both on Sack o' Shit, along with a
couple titles that disappeared quickly a few months back. Who's
paying attention?
In other label news, there will be a new FEVERS single on Plastic Idol
later this summer! YES!!! The Fevers are hands down one of
the best power pop bands of the modern era and I'm honored to share
with you two new songs recorded last year. Every time I hear them
I can't stop smiling or singing along! Stay tuned!
The new BOB BURNS AND THE BREAKUPS record will be here by the end of
the month! Get their new "Frustration" CD on the Catalog page,
dingus! It rules!
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TOP
6/16/06 - NO MORE LONELY NIGHTS!
The MANIKINS' "Spend The Night
Alone" 7" is here for you! Three fantastic songs, white vinyl,
and a killer sleeve, limited to 500 copies. The total
package! Visit the Catalog
page right now and plunk down $4 if you're in the USA, $6 elsewhere,
and
you'll have your very own copy in a matter of days. The Manikins
rule!!!
Speaking of bands that
rule, I just got
test pressings for the BOB BURNS AND THE
BREAKUPS 7". It sounds awesome! While you're waiting
for their hotshit new EP, I encourage you to check out their debut
full-length "Frustration," which they just released on CD on their own Mad Cook Records.
Pick up a copy on the Catalog page when
you snag the new Manikins record. You won't be disappointed!
Word is, I will have the final master for the MINDS' "Knifed" single
within the next few weeks. Though this project has had its share
of delays, I assure you that the finished product will be worth the
wait. Thanks for your continued patience!
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TOP
5/26/06 - ANGRY ANGLES REDUX
ANGRY ANGLES' "Apparent-Transparent" 7" EP is once
again available, now in its second pressing on opaque yellow/gold wax
with yellow/black labels! The second pressing is also limited to
600 copies--the first 600 were pressed on "mixed" vinyl with
silver/black labels--and I expect these to disappear just as quickly,
because I'm already down to double digits after filling distro
orders! Go for the gold and make a beeline for
the Catalog
page right now!
Up next on Plastic Idol is the MANIKINS' "Spend
The Night Alone" 7" EP, which should drop within the next few
weeks. Its beautiful WHITE vinyl pressing is ready to roll, and
the
sleeves should be here soon. While you're waiting, visit the
band's recently launched
MySpace page here
and get acquainted with one of Sweden's best bands!
And keep your fingers crossed for a U.S. tour later this year!
It's official: there will be another HEARTATTACKS record on
Plastic Idol. "Your Lies" is a total smash and there are
tentative plans to deliver yet another stellar batch of tunes for your
listening pleasure later this year. I couldn't be happier!
I've been listenin' to lots and lots of BOB BURNS AND THE BREAKUPS
lately--and with good reason. Their Plastic Idol EP, "Hydrostatic
Heart," is in full-swing and it's a corker. Hit up these dudes on
MySpace here
and join the party. Hydrostatic heart, baby!
While you're wolfing down the Angry Angles repress, make a note of the
19 new and restocked distro titles that I've added to the Catalog
page. We're talking the cream of the crap from the likes of P. Trash, Yakisakana, Certified PR, Out of
Order, The Party's
Over, and Profet.
You know the drill: lots
of great records in limited quantities! Go!!!
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TOP
5/3/06 - WHERE DO ALL THE RECORDS GO?
So records are coming and
going pretty damn fast around here, eh? It's not exactly a bad
problem to have, but don't let the competition get to you. I hope
you're all keeping up, keeping track, and having fun, because there's
lots more in the works and you won't be disappointed. Thanks so
much for coming back!
Need a HEARTATTACKS
record? Your best bets domestically are Underground Medicine, Know Crap, and Midheaven, all of whom have stocked Plastic
Idol stuff since day one. Midheaven took the biggest chunk of
copies, and many of those will end up in stores via Revolver USA, but I
think they're sometimes overlooked from a mail order perspective.
Try them if you're looking for an out-of-print title. Or visit
the Ordering
page, where you'll find links to lots of potential sources for Plastic
Idol product.
The ANGRY ANGLES repress has been pushed back a week. That's the
word from the pressing plant, anyway. I'd share with you more
news if I had it, but I don't. I really thought I'd have the
records by now. Stay with me!
I'm pleased to announce a new addition to the Plastic Idol fold: BOB BURNS AND THE
BREAKUPS. These Midwestern cats turned heads with a killer
debut EP on the underrated Dingus label, and now they're gearing up for
the release of their debut full-length on P. Trash. I got ahold
of a brand new session they did literally a few weeks ago and it rules
completely! Three of those songs will be released as the
"Hydrostatic Heart" EP on Plastic Idol in the near future. Visit
the band on MySpace
and get on board right now!
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TOP
4/30/06 - THIS ISN'T A LIE, EITHER
I'm sold out of the
HEARTATTACKS' "Your Lies" EP! Yes, they only lasted a week!
Though I don't have any more copies to sell, the good news is that you
will have an opportunity to purchase the record from many great
people. I'm sending out distro orders left and right, so records
should be available within 2-3 weeks. More on that in a few
days. In the interim, you may be pleased to know that I've asked
the Heartattacks to do another 7" on Plastic Idol. It's early,
but I think we're going to make it happen.
Look for an update
sometime this week with new and restocked P. Trash vinyl for sale!
BACK TO
TOP
4/22/06 - NO LIE, HEARTATTACKS RECORDS
ARE
HERE!!!
The HEARTATTACKS' "Your
Lies" 7" EP is ready to go! This fine piece of wax is the band's
first U.S. release, their fifth overall, and it really smokes.
"Your Lies" features three new songs, including a spot-on FEATURES
cover, and it was pressed on lovely gold vinyl, which matches Magnus'
killer sleeve design. Sample the EP's brilliant title track on
the Catalog
page, and order yours today for just $4 ppd. within the USA and $6 ppd.
elsewhere.
The ANGRY ANGLES repress should be here within two weeks. This
time, you'll be treated to beautiful opaque yellow vinyl! The
second pressing will also be limited to 600 copies, and while that
sounds like a lot, trust me, it's not. Judging by the volume of
e-mails I've received about the repress, it wouldn't surprise me if the
EP's second pressing disappears just as quickly as the first.
While you're waiting for more Angry Angles records, check out Jay
Hinman's (Agony
Shorthand blog) awesome review of "Apparent-Transparent" on the Press page.
While we're on the subject of records disappearing quickly, now would
be a good time to secure a copy of the ANXIETIES' "De-Evolution"
EP. I'm down to about 50 copies, and odds are, that number will
be significantly lower by the next update. While this record is
conspicuously absent from the Press page, because
I haven't sent out review copies yet, a few folks have e-mailed me and
likened the Anxieties' sound to a grittier BRIEFS, and that's pretty
close. Don't wind up reading about this record after it's gone!
The MINDS' "We Got The Pop" 7" EP lasted, like, two days after my "last
call" warning. It's sold out on this end and won't be
repressed. "Knifed" b/w "Twist It Off" continues to inch forward,
and now there's talk of limited hand-screened sleeves!!!
I got test pressings for the MANIKINS' "Spend The Night Alone" EP last
week and everything sounds great. Look for this release in late
May 2006.
New stuff on the Catalog
page: more of the Heartattacks' "Radio Radio" EP and Manikins'
"Kriminella Tendenser" EP, both on Ken
Rock and limited to 300 copies,
and a handful of the Heartattacks' debut 7" on Savage. I'm
expecting a package from P.
Trash
any day now that includes new vinyl
from the Mind Controls, Brutal Knights, Digger & the Pussycats, and
more.
BACK TO
TOP
3/30/06 - WAIT AROUND
Though
the
ANGRY ANGLES' "Apparent-Transparent" 7" EP is temporarily sold
out on this end, roughly half the record's first pressing of 600 copies
found
its way into the hands of distros in the United States and
abroad. This
means you have a great chance of scoring a copy of the first pressing
if you
regularly peruse the Internet for records. Don't be duped into
paying ridiculous sums of cash for this one, because the exact number
of colors available and their
respective quantities is unknown. The batch of vinyl I got was
truly a "mixed"
pressing and I didn't count colors as I stuffed records. The only
record-buying advice you need is to act swiftly when the opportunity
presents
itself, because you may not get a second chance.
More
Angry
Angles records are on the way. We're finalizing the details of
the
repress
right now, but the plan is to have them ready in time for the last
"Chicago Blackout" in May 2006, where you'll have a chance to
experience Angry Angles live. I've already lined up record deals
with
several distros that missed out on the first pressing, but there will
be no pre-orders for mail order folks. In the interim, befriend Plastic Idol on
MySpace and/or
send me a note with "Mailing List" in the subject line and you'll be
"in the know" when it counts.
In
other label news, I have only 20
copies left of the MINDS' "We Got The Pop" 7" EP. This is
your "last call" for this killer slab of beautiful opaque green wax;
it won't be repressed again. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated
"Knifed" b/w "Twist It Off" single is finally starting to pick up
speed. Joel
estimates the sleeve design will be finished sometime in April.
Lucas
Jones is once again on board to help us out with
the design, so you know it's gonna look awesome!!! In related
"Joel" news, the FLIP TOPS are gearing up to record for their Plastic
Idol EP, and their upcoming full-length for Dirtnap, next month.
Speaking
of
awesome, Jonas Norway, record
sleeve designer extraordinaire, just sent me the
sleeve for the upcoming MANIKINS record on Plastic Idol, which is
A-W-E-S-O-M-E.
Yes, capital letters are entirely appropriate for Jonas' work on this
sleeve. I can't wait for you to see it! And I just got the
final
CD-R master from the band, which means all the pieces are in
place. No
"estimated release date" just yet.
Next
up on Plastic Idol is a ripping new EP
from the HEARTATTACKS (ex-BLACKS, ex-TOKYO KNIVES), a band pegged by
some as Sweden's answer to TEENGENERATE. Heartattacks test
pressings have come and gone, sleeves are now in the building, and it's
only a
matter of time before you can rock this vinyl on your very own
turntable. Here's the quick-and-dirty: three songs
(including a killer FEATURES
tune) on gold wax, limited to 500 copies, with a punchy sleeve design
courtesy of Magnus
Andersson, the
Heartattacks' talented guitar-playing front man. Don't snooze!!!
BACK TO
TOP
3/23/06 - ANGRY ANGLES RECORDS
TEMPORARILY SOLD OUT!!!
It's time to make more
Angry Angles records!!! A repress is in the works, but for now,
they're temporarily unavailable. Details of the repress will be
available very soon, so be sure to check back here often. In the
interim, I encourage you to visit the Shattered Records web site
and pick up the record from Alix and Jay. They'll love you for it!
Thanks for your support!
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TOP
3/21/06 - DRUM ROLL, PLEASE...
ANGRY ANGLES records are now available!!! A few lucky South by
Southwest attendees got their hands on this gem over the weekend, and
now
you can join them by visiting the Catalog
page. "Apparent-Transparent" features three new songs, including
a killer version of WIRE's "The 15th." First pressing is 600
copies, all on "mixed" colored vinyl. There is a wide assortment
of colors available, but the color you'll get is the next record I pull
out of the box--it's completely random. The damage: $4 ppd.
within the USA and $6 ppd. worldwide. Have fun!
Kudos to Jay and Alix for their exceptional work on this project!
We set a rather ambitious deadline and we actually made it, which was a
bit of a surprise to all of us. In addition, special thanks go
out to Matt Wong, who provided some valuable technical assistance when
we were in a pinch, setting all our minds at ease. You all rule
very much!
In other label news, I'm now officially sold out of Anteenagers MC
records. There are
no plans for a repress, so if you see one floating around, don't think
twice about picking it up! For more evidence, check out yet
another stellar
review of "Let's Not Have a Party" on the Press page courtesy
of Now Wave
zine. What a brilliant record!
Speaking of reviews, Maximum Rock 'n' Roll
checked in with a spot-on review of Digital Leather's "Simulator"
single in the new issue (#275). Though I've been sold out of
Digital Leather records for months, some distros actually still have
copies! Send me a note if you're looking to complete your
collection and I'll try to point you in the right direction.
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3/12/06 - DO YOU WANNA KNOW?
Angry Angles records
should be here later this week! I'm not sure if they'll be ready
for
the band's SXSW shows on March 17-18, but we're trying.
Meanwhile, click here
to visit the band's MySpace page and get information about this week's
happenings in Texas, including what promises to be a killer Shattered
Records showcase. Don't miss Angry Angles live!
I'm now sold out of Dissimilars records. You still have a chance
to score this fine record from a handful of distributors, but supplies
are limited. In a similar vein, I'm nearly sold out of
Anteenagers MC records. Act fast!
The Heartattacks' "Your Lies" 7" EP has gone into production and is
moving right along. This should be ready to roll out in late
April.
I posted a couple new reviews of Anteenagers MC and Digital Leather,
courtesy of Dusted,
on the Press
page.
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2/25/06 - EVERYTHING'S GREEN
The ANXIETIES'
"De-Evolution" 7" EP is now in stock and ready to rock! Like
every Plastic Idol release, I'm really proud of this one. Three
songs at 45 RPM, pressed on clear green vinyl, sounding killer and
looking hot. Sample the EP's title track on the Catalog page
before picking up a copy for your collection. The cost: $4
ppd. within the USA and $6 ppd. everywhere else. I hope you enjoy
the record!
I expect ANGRY ANGLES test
pressings next week; I approved the proof of the sleeve a couple weeks
back. We're shooting for a SXSW record release, but we're cutting
it awfully close. If you're headed to Austin, Texas, in
mid-March, you may be the first to get your hands on this amazing
record!
I got my first dose of new
HEARTATTACKS recordings this past week and almost wore out the master
disc, because they're so damn good! Their upcoming Plastic Idol
EP is entitled "Your Lies" and will feature three songs, including a
FEATURES cover. Very TEENGENERATE/REGISTRATORS-like!
Believe the hype!
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2/19/06 - ANTEENAGERS MC 7" IS A
TOP-TENNER TIMES TEN!!!!!!!!!!
Anteenagers MC's "Let's
Not Have a Party" 7" EP made a whopping 10 "top 10" lists in the March
2006 (#274) issue of Maximum
Rock 'n' Roll!
It also got a great review
by Carolyn Keddy, whose impeccable taste I've admired for years.
The love for Anteenagers MC continued in Mitch Cardwell's "Let's Get
Hurt" column, where he gushed about this fine record and even finer
band. Hit up the Press page to read the reviews.
Speaking of Ms. Keddy, she
also singled out the Minds' "We Got The Pop" 7" EP as one of the
best records of 2005 in the same issue! Yes! In fact, the
"We Got The Pop" EP is prominently displayed on the first page of the
multi-page spread devoted to staff favorites. Right on!
In addition to the mandatory stuff outta France that I added to the web
site a couple days ago (FRUSTRATION, the FOUR SLICKS, LES DRAGUEURS),
I've got lots of new stuff up for grabs from Ken Rock (Sweden) and Perpetrator (New
Zealand). Visit the Catalog page on
your way out and stock up!
I have exactly 7 copies
left of
the Dissimilars' "Landmine" 7" EP for sale. Seven. If you
don't own this
record and you snooze, you will kick yourself when the band's debut LP
comes out on P. Trash. Trust me!
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2/16/06 - ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THE
ANXIETIES
The Anxieties' record is
in the building and it looks as sharp as it sounds! But I'm not
ready to roll out this baby just yet. I'm waiting on sleeves,
which should land sometime next week. Stay tuned for a late
February release!
The Angry Angles record is
moving along quite nicely. It will be a three-songer,
featuring two top-shelf originals ("Apparent-Transparent" and "You Fell
In") and a brilliant version of Wire's "The 15th." Best Angry
Angles record yet? Can they get any better? You'll find out
next month!
Visit the Press page to
scope new
reviews of Plastic Idol product. Today I posted new write-ups for
Anteenagers MC, Digital Leather, the Minds, the Dissimilars, and Black
Dahlias. Thanks go out to Lowcut,
Pocketful of Change,
Terminal Boredom,
and Screaming Bloody Mess
for their kind words.
Got some new stuff on the Catalog
page direct from France, courtesy of the Born Bad and Wild Wild
labels: FRUSTRATION, LES DRAGUEURS, the FOUR SLICKS, and an oldie
but goodie from the KAISERS. Get 'em before their gone!
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2/3/06 - GREEN LIGHT FOR GREEN VINYL
The Anxieties'
"De-Evolution" 7" EP should ship from the pressing plant sometime next
week. I approved the proof for the sleeve about a week ago, so
that's in the works too. Stay tuned for a mid-February release!
Just posted on the Catalog
page: new LPs from the MIND CONTROLS (awesome 250 gram picture
disc version, featuring Mark Sultan of BBQ, SPACESHITS, and LES
SEXAREENOS fame), JEFFREY NOVAK ONE MAN BAND, and the MANIKINS.
You need all three of these, because they kill!!!
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1/22/06 - THE UPDATE
How 'bout that Anxieties sleeve,
huh? If you think it looks cool now, imagine how cool it will
look when paired with GREEN vinyl! Special thanks to Anxieties
frontman Scott Von Rocket for his hard work on the "De-Evolution"
sleeve. I think you're gonna dig this package a lot.
In other news, Angry Angles songs
should be here sometime this week. I got a sneak peek yesterday
and was once again floored by Jay and Alix's spectacular
creations. And they cover Wire's "The 15th" for cryin' out
loud! Yes! Visit the band's MySpace page to sample some of
their new material and make a note of their upcoming tour
itinerary. Go see Angry Angles live!
Digital Leather's new
LP on Shattered Records
is open for pre-orders beginning February 1. First 100 come in a
hand-sewn leather jacket? Get your orders for this one in early!
Sweden's the Manikins have
a new web site: www.the-manikins.com.
Stay tuned for details about their upcoming Plastic Idol EP, "Spend The
Night Alone."
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1/14/06 - THAT'S WHAT THEY SAY
I just posted new reviews
of the Minds, the Dissimilars, and Black Dahlias records on the Press page.
Thanks to Go Metric!, Batarang!, and This is Rock 'n'
Roll for their kind words. Speaking of kind words, Josh
Rutledge of Now Wave
zine posted his "Best
of 2005" list and Plastic Idol is represented in a couple areas,
including an "honorable mention" for "Best Record Label!" And my
pal Willy of the Punk
Information Directory pegged the Minds' "We Got The Pop" 7" as the
best EP of 2005! Thanks, gentlemen!
In "coming soon" news, the
Anxieties "De-Evolution" 7" EP has been mastered and forwarded to the
pressing plant. Now, we're waiting for test pressings.
February 2006 is the "ETA" for this superb record and we're certainly
on pace to meet that target.
The Manikins' upcoming
Plastic Idol EP will feature artwork by Jonas Norway, a talented artist whose designs
have been featured on many great records, like the recent Manikins EP
on Ken Rock. I've exchanged several e-mails about this project
with Jonas and it sounds like he's got another fabulous sleeve design
in the works for this record. Expect great things all around!
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1/7/06 - SNATCH IT UP
Today I added three brand
spankin' new Alien Snatch
titles to the Catalog
page: Baseball Furies "Lost Ones" 7"; the Mojomatics "Nothin'
About Nothin'" 7"; and the Mighty Go-Go Players "Play, Lose, and Die"
10". Get 'em while they're hot! Look for new stuff from P. Trash and France's Born Bad
Records (Frustration, the Four Slicks, Les Dragueurs, etc.) soon.
Anteenagers MC records are moving rather quickly. Don't be left
out!
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12/30/05 - THINGS ARE MOVING
The ANXIETIES'
"De-Evolution" 7" EP has gone into production! The master is now
in the very capable hands of Mark at Prairie Cat Mastering,
whose great work may be heard on a couple of Plastic Idol releases,
like the new Anteenagers MC 7" EP. Hopefully we'll have Anxieties
test pressings towards the end of January 2006.
In other news, I'm pleased to announce that Plastic Idol will release
an ANGRY ANGLES 7" EP
in 2006! Yes! This incredibly talented, well-traveled duo,
consisting of Jay Reatard and Alix Lid, is responsible for one of
2005's best EPs, "Things are Moving," which you can find on their
excellent Shattered
label. Jay and Alix are busy recording as we speak, and I can't
wait to hear what they've cooked up for us this time! We're going
to try and get this record out in time for their February 2006 tour and
Shattered label showcase during South by Southwest, in Austin, Texas,
in March. Things are moving, indeed.
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12/18/05 - WE GOT THE POP AGAIN (BUT
NOT FOR LONG)
The MINDS' "We Got The
Pop" repress is now in stock! Pressed on lovely opaque green
vinyl, which falls somewhere between seafoam green and "surf" green (it
almost reminds me of Astroturf), and housed in a green/white sleeve,
there are only 300 copies of this gem up for grabs. I think this
is a brilliant record, and if the wonderful feedback on the Press page is any
indication, lots of other folks are on board too. Visit the Catalog page and
claim yours today!
Early reports have confirmed what we knew all along: that
ANTEENAGERS MC can deliver the goods with the best of them! Their
"Let's Not Have a Party" EP is one of 2005's best records! Listen
to a sample of "Les Conformistes," one of the EP's four songs, on the Catalog page and
hear for yourself.
I plan to hit the ground running in 2006 with the ANXIETIES' "De-Evolution"
7" EP, which will be the first release out of the gates. You can
look forward to a striking green/black sleeve design, green wax, and
three of the bounciest, most addictive '77-ish punkers you're liable to
hear in the '06. Befriend these cats on MySpace here!
In other label news, the
MANIKINS'
7" EP is going to be a MONSTER! This will be a three-song EP,
featuring one song from their "Lie, Cheat, and Steal" LP on P. Trash
Records, and two brand new, exclusive cuts. Last week, I had the
pleasure of
hearing the new recordings and one word sums it up:
Wow! You'll just have to wait and hear why I'm flipping out.
Fellow Swedes the HEARTATTACKS
are headed into the studio in January 2006 to record their upcoming
Plastic Idol EP! How exciting! The Heartattacks' debut LP
on P. Trash was one of 2005's best releases and their Plastic Idol EP
is
going to be a doozy, guaranteed! And I just saw Magnus Black's
sleeve design. AMAZING!
I have a few copies each of new Goodbye Boozy releases from
Italy: 7"s from the MILKY WAYS (members
of the SPACESHITS, LES SEXAREENOS, the EVOLUTIONS, etc.) and MONITORS
(members of the KILL-A-WATTS). Lots of great stuff on the Catalog page, all
limited of course. Act fast!
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12/12/05 - IT'S PARTY TIME!!!
Anteenagers MC records are
in the building, and hot damn, do they look spiffy! Special
thanks to Sunny Buick for all
her hard work on the sleeve. It was such a pleasure working with
her on this project! And the tunes? Impressive to say the
least. France is home to many exciting sounds these days and
Anteenagers MC is at the forefront of their underground rock 'n' roll
scene. On the Catalog
page, you can now purchase their brand new four-song 7" EP (on RED
vinyl) entitled "Let's Not Have a Party." Sample an MP3 if you
need to, but don't delay! It's a great record and it'll be gone
before you know it.
The Minds repress is almost ready to go! I just need to put
together the pieces and we'll be all set. I hope to start
shipping green vinyl by the end of this week.
The first review of Digital Leather's "Simulator" 7" is now posted on
the Press
page. Thanks to Bitch Deluxe himself, Mitch Cardwell, for the
kind words. Again, I'm not repressing the Digital Leather single,
so if you see one, snap it up!
I'm down to about 25 copies of the Dissimilars' "Landmine" 7" EP.
Its descent into out-of-printsville has officially begun.
While you're picking up the hot new Anteenagers MC record, you might
consider stocking up on new P. Trash Records releases, like 7"s from
the
FEELERS, JEFFREY NOVAK ONE MAN BAND, the MISTREATERS, DIGGER & the
PUSSYCATS, and a split EP featuring the ULCERS and the
soon-to-be-Plastic-Idol-ized MANIKINS. All these records and more
are up for grabs on the Catalog page.
Happy Holidays!!!
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11/30/05 - RECORDS & REVIEWS
Anteenagers MC records
landed earlier this week! Yes! The red vinyl pressing looks
hot and sounds even hotter! I'm just waiting on sleeves, which
are in the mail and should be here within a week. Check back
often for updates.
It's official:
Digital Leather's "Simulator" 7" will not be repressed. You
may still pick up a copy from some of the distributors on the Ordering
page, but I imagine their stock won't last much longer. Act
fast! Also, keep your eyes peeled for a brand new Digital Leather
LP from our pals at Shattered
Records. The
first 100 reportedly come
in a hand-sewn leather sleeve! Brilliant!
The Minds' "We Got The
Pop" repress should be here within the next couple of weeks; both
records and sleeves are in the mail as we speak. I encourage you
to pre-order your copies now via the Catalog page,
because the second pressing of
300 copies (green vinyl, green sleeve) will disappear quickly.
And this is all she wrote.
I posted two new reviews
each of the Minds, the Dissimilars, and Black Dahlias on the Press page.
And be sure to check out
the awesome rant about Plastic Idol from Henry Yu's What We Did Was Secret
blog. Thanks, Henry!!!
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11/19/05 - PLASTIC IDOL GROUNDS OUT
Digital Leather's
"Simulator" 7" is now officially sold out. Thank you very much
for your support! The jury is still out on a repress.
No Anteenagers MC records
yet. Soon.
I'm just as impatient as you are.
I posted a new
review of the Dissimilars' "Landmine" 7" EP on the Press page.
This
one comes from Beat the
Indie Drum and it inspired today's headline.
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11/10/05 - HOT OFF THE PRESS
Two new reviews of the
Dissimilars and Minds records courtesy of Terminal Boredom are now
posted on the Press
page!
I added a few new
non-Plastic Idol titles to the Catalog
page: records from the A-FRAMES,
BABY 63, the FUNCTIONAL BLACKOUTS, HENRY FIAT'S OPEN SORE, LIL' BUNNIES, the PARKINSONS, STREET BRATS, and SUPERHELICOPTER LTD.
Limited
quantities available!
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11/7/05 - TURN ME LOOSE
Thanks to the Dissimilars for treating us northern
California types to some great rock 'n' roll over the weekend!
The San Francisco show was hands down the better of the two shows, as
the band delivered the strongest set I've seen them play (I'm up to 6
times now) to a boisterous crowd. When it was all said and done,
the band was soaked in beer, Jimmy was clad only in a pair of
beat-up tighty whiteys, and Larry was still trying to tune his
guitar. It was perfect!
Now is the time to pick up your copy of the Dissimilars' "Landmine" 7"
EP. Relive the magic of this fine record in the comfort of
your own home and avoid the image of Jimmy prancing around in tighty
whiteys! Too late?!?! Well, maybe a great new review from Now Wave zine will do the
trick! Check the Press page and
order up!
In other Dissimilars news, all indications point to a
brand new full-length LP on P.
Trash
Records in 2006! A CD-R of Dissimilars demos has been in
steady rotation around Plastic Idol HQ, and I'm confident when I say a
killer album is in the works. Let the countdown begin!
The Minds repress is now on its way. I'm
pressing 300 copies on what I hope will be avocado-colored
vinyl (green mixed with white), with a pale green sleeve to
match. This will be the second and final pressing of this record
and I encourage you to get in line now, or you're gonna wind up
empty-handed. "Knifed" b/w "Twist It Off" will follow in early
2006.
I expect Anteenagers MC records as early as next
week, although sleeves are still a few weeks away. I
think these will be ready to ship in late November, but I may stretch
that into early December on account of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Anxieties sleeve is done and looks absolutely
stunning! Translucent green vinyl is what you can expect, and
coupled with the sleeve design, the package is gonna look extra
spiffy. I'm working with a tentative release date of February
2006 in mind, but it could be sooner.
I now have for sale copies of the brand new Four
Eyes CD, "Sweet Sounds," released by Plan-It-X Records. This
is the second Four Eyes CD and it's just as brilliant as their Plastic
Idol debut, "Rock & Role Playing." If you're a
fan, you won't be disappointed! Visit the Catalog page for
the scoop!
Finally, I neglected to mention a couple weeks back that you can buy
the new Digital Leather single from Stick Figure distro.
The Ordering
page has all the links you need.
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10/31/05 - ...AND NOW FOR TODAY'S
HEADLINES
I approved test pressings
for the Anteenagers MC 7" this morning! The vinyl sounds awesome
and we're now one step closer to throwing a party for the "Let's Not
Have a Party" 7" EP! We're still on pace for a December 2005
release.
This just in: By
popular demand, I'm repressing the Minds' "We Got The Pop" 7" EP.
The wheels are turning: different color sleeve, different color
vinyl, and even more limited than the first pressing. These will
disappear quicker than you can say "Record that wouldn't die."
With
that in mind, I've made available on the Catalog page PayPal buttons for you to
pre-order this gem. Use them. Or send in your order via
snail mail, using the Ordering
page as a guide. DO IT NOW!!!
Plastic Idol will continue
its quest for world domination in 2006 by releasing EPs from the
MANIKINS and the HEARTATTACKS,
both of whom hail from Sweden. I think it's
safe to say that both bands rank among the strongest of the current
garage punk crop, and I look forward to bringing you the best each
band has to offer next year.
So 2006 is shaping up like
this: the ANXIETIES, the MINDS, the FLIP TOPS, LYME REGIS, the
BANANAS, the HEARTATTACKS, the MANIKINS, and JETPACK. All this is
subject to change, of course, but it looks like one helluva ride on
paper. I invite you to join me, and I thank you for your
continued support.
The Dissimilars rock
NorCal this weekend. Here's the damage:
::::::::::
Friday,
November 4, @ Thee Parkside
1600 17th Street, San
Francisco, CA 94107
Top Ten
THE DISSIMILARS
The McCools
9 p.m., $7, 21+
&
Saturday, November 5, @
Firedance Lounge
8704 La Riviera Drive,
Sacramento, CA 95826
Seventy
Th' Losin' Streaks
THE DISSIMILARS
9 p.m., $5, 21+
::::::::::
I'll be at both shows, so
please introduce yourself if you're feeling social!
New reviews of the Minds and Dissimilars records have been posted on
the Press page.
Have a MySpace
account? Be my friend here.
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10/27/05 - RECORDS SCHMECORDS
I have approximately 50
copies of Digital Leather's "Simulator" single in stock. That's
it! I negotiated with one of my distributors to take fewer copies
so that I could have a handful to sell directly to you, mail out promos
for review, and the like. Everybody wins! For now, the
single is back up on the Catalog page, but
I suspect it won't be there much longer. I encourage you to order
a copy or 10 immediately! The jury is still out on a repress, but
if I take the plunge, you can count on different colors for the vinyl
and sleeve. Mmm, records are good.
Anybody pick up the current issue of Maximum Rock 'n' Roll
(#270)? You know, the issue where the Minds and Dissimilars
records got awesome reviews and made a gazillion top ten lists?
Uh-huh. Check it out on newsstands now; I'll have the reviews
posted shortly. In the interim, you should know that Dissimilars
records are dwindling.
Speaking of the
Dissimilars, those crazy San Diegans will be here in northern
California next week for a pair of shows: one at Thee Parkside,
in San Francisco, on Friday, November 4, and one at the Firedance
Lounge, in Sacramento, on Saturday, November 5. It promises
to be a great rock 'n' roll weekend, so get out and see these guys if
you're in the area.
Now, for some "in progress" news: I expect
Anteenagers MC test pressings any day now. Our friends at Prairie Cat Mastering
completed mastering for vinyl last week, and word is, it sounds
fantastic. In other news, I just saw a draft of the Anxieties
sleeve and it looks awesome. Three
cheers
for Scott Von Rocket!
I've got lots of projects in the works on Plastic Idol these days, and
I couldn't be happier to share them with you. In recent weeks,
I've added both the FLIP TOPS and LYME REGIS to the Plastic Idol
roster; those EPs should drop sometime next year. I'm also
lobbying a pair of incredible Swedish bands to do 7"s. It's too
early to call it, but I hope to have good news for you very soon.
Finally, please support the great German label P. Trash Records! Peter
and I have become fast friends, and I'd like to acknowledge him here
for all his help. Thanks, Peter!
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10/25/05 - WHOA!!!
I'm out of Digital Leather
singles right now. It only took two weeks! One of my
distributors placed a large order today that cleaned me out. So
although I'm sold out of the record (perhaps temporarily), you
shouldn't have a problem scoring a copy if you need one. Stay
tuned for another update in a few days.
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10/12/05 - SIMULATOR, SIMULATOR
Digital Leather's "Simulator" b/w "Dance 'til
Dead" single is now available! This release features two
superb synth-punkers, digitally-clear vinyl (of course), and a
brilliantly abstract sleeve design courtesy of Matt
Wong. Visit
the Catalog
page, where you can sample an MP3 of "Simulator," and purchase
this fine piece of wax for just $4 ppd. within the USA or $6
ppd. worldwide. And if you're on MySpace, befriend Digital Leather!
The Minds' "Wet Got The Pop" record is SOLD
OUT! Thank you very much for your support! Though I no
longer have copies to sell, you can still buy copies from many of the
distributors on the Ordering
page. Newbies to the fold include Razorcake
and Puke 'n' Vomit Records.
Please support these folks and/or buy from your local Mom 'n' Pop
record stores. Feel free to send people my way if they're having
trouble stocking Plastic Idol releases.
We're gonna put the Minds' "Knifed" b/w "Twist
It Off" single on the "fast track" in lieu of a "We Got The Pop"
repress. I hope to have the final master in hand within two weeks
and artwork not long after that. That's the goal, anyway.
So keep your eyes peeled; this may be a 2005 release after all.
The Anxieties' "De-Evolution" 7" EP is coming
together nicely. I've got the final master in hand, and Anxieties
front man and guitar player Scott Von Rocket is
working diligently on the sleeve. In the interim, I
encourage you to get acquainted with the band via their web site or MySpace page, and investigate
their debut single on Infringement
Records.
The Anteenagers MC record has gone into
production. Six-to-eight weeks is the average turnaround time, so
check back often for updates.
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10/5/05 - THE SONG THAT WOULDN'T DIE
Our friends at Tonevendor/Clairecords
just released volume five of their "Test Tones" compilation series, a
23-track CD that features an EXCLUSIVE version of the Minds
song "Brain
That Wouldn't Die."
The version of "Brain That Wouldn't Die" found on "Test Tones Volume 5"
is the original version of the song,
recorded in 2003 during the "Plastic Girls" recording sessions.
The
band later rerecorded the song in 2005 for their
Plastic Idol
EP.
"Test Tones" is a rather popular series for
Tonevendor regulars (it's currently the top selling item on their web
site and has been since it came out), and volume five will
definitely sell out of its onetime pressing at some point. These
discs are not disposable "label samplers"; rather, they showcase music
(many unreleased tracks) available from Tonevendor's great mail order
service and/or released on their Clairecords imprint, both of which are
indie-pop-friendly.
Order a copy of "Test Tones Volume 5"
directly from
Tonevendor, where you may be able to sample many of the bands' music
online, for $4 plus postage, or via the Catalog page for
$5
ppd.
within the USA or $6 ppd. worldwide. You can also pick up a copy
from the Minds at their upcoming Halloween show in Portland, which will
be their last show with guitar player
Bobby Brains. Mr. Brains is living up to his name and going back
to
school, and we wish him the best. We'll miss you, Rob!
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9/26/05 - NOW ON DECK: DIGITAL
LEATHER
The next release on Plastic Idol, a two-song
single by Arizona synth-punkers Digital Leather, should be available
sometime next week. If you're recovering from this past weekend's
Goner Fest 2 festivities, you may already have one of these
records--and a rather limited black and white sleeve to boot! A
scant 25 copies of this record feature a black and white sleeve, and
every last one of 'em was sold by Digital Leather, in Memphis, during
Goner Fest 2 weekend. The balance of the pressing is housed in
the "official" two-color sleeve, which you can score right here
next week for $4 ppd. within the USA and $6 ppd. worldwide.
The Anteenagers MC's four-song "Let's Not Have a
Party" 7" EP will go into production in the coming weeks. It
has been several years since we last heard from this stellar French
band, and like many of you I'm really looking forward to new AMC vinyl
in which to sink my teeth. Stay tuned for more updates as
the release date nears.
The Minds' "We Got The Pop" 7" EP is making a beeline
for out-of-printsville; I'm down to 15 copies. Act now if you
need one! If you're gonna think about it some more, check
out Now Wave honcho
Josh Rutledge's awesome review on the Press page while
you're at it. Here's a taste: "If the group's next album is as good
as this 7", it'll totally blow away Plastic
Girls." Wowsers!
In other Minds news, we haven't made much
progress on the "Knifed" single since the last update. Though the
recording is done, the songs still need mastering, and we need to
finalize artwork. It looks like Lucas Jones, one-half of the team
behind the "We Got The Pop" sleeve design, will once again contribute
his fine work to the "Knifed" sleeve. Word is, he's also going to
work on the Jetpack CD package, a project that is very
much still in the works, although a release date is hard to pin
down. I couldn't be happier to have Lucas on board for these
projects.
Unfortunately, the Dissimilars' fall 2K5 NorCal
weekend extravaganza, originally slated for next weekend, has been
pushed back a month due to band members' work schedules. We're
now shooting for the first weekend in November. The band has
already earmarked Friday, November 4, for a show at the Parkside, in
San Francisco, and we're gonna set 'em up in Sacramento and/or Davis on
Saturday, November 5. More news as it happens.
Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled for more reviews of their
"Landmine" 7" EP in the coming weeks.
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9/1/05 - DUSTED
Three new reviews of the Minds, the
Dissimilars, and Black Dahlias 7"s, courtesy of Dusted Magazine's "Still Single" column, are
now posted on the Press
page.
Plastic Idol is pleased to announce that a 7" EP from
Eugene, Oregon's the ANXIETIES
is in the works. These guys trace their bouncy,
'77-influenced sound back to the likes of the DICKIES and
the WEIRDOS, much like their neighbors to the north the BRIEFS,
and their Plastic Idol EP is a snappy affair that should turn the
heads of BEAT BEAT BEAT fans and the like. In fact, the
Plastic Idol "board of directors" detected a ZODIAC KILLERS vibe
on a song or two, an observation with which I agree completely.
This stuff is super good, folks. Visit the Anxieties' web site
and MySpace page and
try to sit tight until the record lands.
A fine assortment of records from Screaming Apple and
Goodbye Boozy are now posted on the Catalog
page. I've got stuff from the Plastic Letters, Knights of
the New Crusade, the Manikins, River City Tanlines, Sagger, and
more. Do I need to remind you to act fast? How about
this: Screaming Apple is already sold out of the Knights of the
New Crusade LP, and Goodbye Boozy only presses 300 of each 7". In
other words, these titles won't last long. Limited supply of
everything, of course.
The Dissimilars' fall 2K5 NorCal weekend invasion is all set.
Here are the details:
Friday, September 30, @ Blue Lamp
1400 Alhambra Boulevard,
Sacramento, CA 95816
Th' Losin' Streaks
THE DISSIMILARS
TBA
9 p.m., $7, 21+
*****
Saturday, October 1, @
Plainfield Station (early show)
23944 County Road 98,
Woodland, CA 95695
KDVS presents: Operation: Restore
Maximum Freedom II
Growing
Residual Echoes
The Hospitals
The Zebra Attack
Mammatus
Hustler White
Wet Confetti
The Rebel
THE DISSIMILARS
(4:25-4:50 p.m.)
Ezee Tiger
Kool Teen!
2 p.m.-12 a.m., $5
advance/$10 door, all ages
*****
Saturday, October 1, @ Thee Parkside
1600 17th Street, San
Francisco, CA 94107
Gore Gore
Girls
THE DISSIMILARS
Thee Double D's
9 p.m., $7, 21+
Mark your calendar!!!
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8/26/05 - VITAL IDOL
The Dissimilars vs. Sin
City this weekend! Roller-Con 2005, Las Vegas, Nevada. Witness
the Dissimilars bring down the house at 3:15 a.m. Saturday night
(Sunday morning). I can't believe I'm missing this show.
The Minds' record release show in Portland last weekend was a smash,
smash, smash! Their "We Got The Pop" 7" EP continues to fly out
the door at a breakneck pace. I don't have many left.
The Digital Leather 7" package went to the pressing plant a couple
weeks ago. I hope to have test pressings in the next couple
weeks. Stay tuned.
The Anteenagers MC 7" will follow the Digital Leather 7" out of the
chute. I'm thinking late November 2005 for this one.
The import vinyl on the Catalog page is
going fast. I'm already sold out of Heartattacks LPs,
Superhelicopter LPs, and Yum Yums 10"s! Still available: BBQ, the Real Losers, the Fatals, the
Fevers, and more. On the way: stuff from Screaming
Apple and Goodbye Boozy.
Thanks for your continued support!
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8/13/05 - MORE VINYL
The Catalog page has
been updated with lots of great new releases courtesy of Alien Snatch
Records (Germany). All prices include postage; rest assured
you're getting some of the cheapest postage paid prices around!
So pick up some hot imports at a cool price today along with your
Plastic Idol order!
Word is, some people are having trouble viewing the "Brain That
Wouldn't Die" video. I'm on it, and I apologize for any
inconvenience.
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8/7/05 - WE GOT THE VIDEO
Tyson Carpenter, the
talented boyfriend of Minds keyboard player Cera Bella Palsey, recently
whipped up an awesome video for "Brain That Wouldn't Die," one of three
tracks on the Minds' "We Got The Pop" 7" EP (note: the audio in
the clip is an alternate version of the song). Enjoy this
entertaining clip by visiting the Catalog page!
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8/6/05 - YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE!
WARNING: Minds and Dissimilars records are
selling very fast! Don't get caught empty-handed! You can
score copies of both records right here for only $4
ppd. within the USA and $6 ppd. worldwide. Do it now!
The Dissimilars are planning a return trip to
northern California in late September, and I'm already starting to
stock up on beer. Right now, we're working on shows in Sacramento
and San Francisco. In the interim, you can see the band
later this month at the Double Down Saloon, in Las Vegas, as part of
Roller-Con 2005. The Dissimilars play Saturday, August 27,
with the Radio Reelers, Knockout Pills, the Okmoniks, the Orphans,
and more. Visit the Roller-Con site
for the lowdown.
The Minds' second Plastic Idol 7" (PIR-008) will
be a two-songer: "Knifed" b/w "Twist It Off." Joel
Jett sent me unmastered versions of the songs a few weeks ago,
and they've outdone themselves yet again! Amazing!
I've approved artwork for both the Anteenagers MC
and Digital Leather 7"s in recent weeks; both look spectacular.
All credit goes to Sunny
Buick (Anteenagers MC) and Matt Wong (Digital Leather)
for their creativity and attention to detail on each project.
You'll be impressed when you hold their work in your hands!
While you're completing your Plastic Idol collection on the Catalog
page, stake your claim to fine releases from P. Trash Records!
I've got for sale a VERY limited supply of LPs from the Heartattacks
and
Superhelicopter, plus the Fatals' CD. And I've got more imports
on the way from Alien Snatch and Screaming Apple.
Only the best for you!
Finally, I'm thrilled to share with you that the BANANAS,
one of Sacramento's best and most-loved bands, will grace Plastic Idol
with a 7" EP later this year.
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7/20/05 - GOT
POP?
The Minds' "We Got The Pop" 7" EP is finally in
stock! Get it here
or from your favorite distributor, mail order, or retail store!
Ask for it!
Hit up the Press
page for two more reviews of the Four Eyes' "Rock & Role Playing"
CD and Byron Coley's review of Duchess of Saigon's "Hootenanny" 7" EP
in The Wire.
7/11/05 - STILL
WAITING FOR THE POP
The headline says it all. I'm
still waiting for Minds records to arrive. I talked to the
pressing plant late last week and couldn't figure out the reason for
the delay. Odds are, they're just real busy. I'm sure it
won't be much longer. On that note, I also expect very soon more
new Minds songs for their second Plastic Idol 7" EP. Stay tuned.
The new Black Dahlias reviews I promised you in the last update are now
posted on the Press
page. The Punk Planet
review marks the second consecutive Plastic Idol release to be
highlighted as an "especially noteworthy" release, which is
flattering. Unfortunately, for all intents and purposes
Black Dahlias has broken up; all three members are focusing on other
commitments for the time being. Nevertheless, there remains an
album's worth of unrecorded material--essentially the best songs they
wrote--that may surface at some point, prompting a "reunion."
Digital Leather's
two-song Plastic Idol single is shaping up like this: "Simulator"
b/w "Dance 'til Dead." Shawn Foree, the man behind the music, has
teamed up with Matt Wong (of the WONGS, duh) to do the sleeve
design. Expect great things. Our goal is to have this
record out the door in time for the band's appearance at this year's
Goner Fest II, which goes down in Memphis, Tennessee, from September
22-25. Digital Leather will share the stage at Goner Fest II with
such greats at the Reatards, the Lamps, the Persuaders, the Leather
Uppers, and many more.
I'm expecting a package from Germany's P. Trash Records, with Fatals
CDs, Superhelicopter LPs, and Heartattacks LPs. Look for that
stuff to hit the Catalog
page soon, along with the Four
Eyes' second CD entitled "Sweet Sounds," released by Plan-It-X
Records.
Last but not least, I would like to extend my condolences to Mary of
Duchess of Saigon, whose father recently passed away. Though I
didn't know Mary's father, Mary is incredibly sweet and my
thoughts are with her and her family during this difficult time.
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6/24/05 - DO IT!
I'm back in northern
California following a splendid weekend in San Diego. Special
thanks go out to Larry "Gary" Harmon for being a wonderful host, the
Dissimilars for being great friends and for wowing the patrons of
Scolari's Office with a rockin' set, and all the amazing new friends I
made during my trip--you know who you are. I assure you I won't
forget our wonderful conversations; the hangouts, handshakes, hugs, and
laughs; and the words of encouragement. Thank you all very, very
much.
The Dissimilars'
"Landmine" 7" EP is going fast. I haven't contacted any distros
yet but we've already blown through 150 copies. I plan on pimping
the record to distros in a few weeks, when the much-anticipated Minds
7" EP is ready to ship. In the interim, you can reserve your copy
here for
only $4 ppd. within the USA and $6 ppd. worldwide. I'll ship out
your record the day after I receive payment.
Earlier this week I
approved test pressings for the Minds' "We Got The Pop" 7" EP, and I
expect records on or around July 11. Thanks to Fahad Nabhan of Mission Viejo,
CA, for pre-ordering this incredible record in late April 2005.
He'll get his hands on one before anybody else does. You can join
him in line right here.
More great press for Black
Dahlias' "Wednesday Night" 7" EP comes to us courtesy of the new issues
of Punk
Planet and Horizontal Action. I'll add the reviews to the Press page in the
coming weeks.
The Four Eyes were
recently spotlighted in Sacramento's local alternative weekly paper,
the Sacramento
News & Review.
Click here
to read a brief interview with Four Eyes bass player Dave Ninja.
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6/9/05 -
TREADING ON A LANDMINE
The Dissimilars' "Landmine" 7" EP is now in
stock and ready to fly out the door. All pre-orders shipped
out today, so those of you who already ordered this fine record should
be wearing it out in a matter of days. Now is the time to
order your copy, so please visit the Catalog page,
where you can pay using PayPal, and take the plunge for
just $4 ppd. within the USA and $6 ppd. worldwide. All orders
ship out the day after I receive payment, because you deserve prompt
service (I ought to think about selling used cars, huh?).
I will be a "travelling salesman" of sorts next
weekend, as I head down to beautiful San Diego to meet up with the
Dissimilars for some fun times. If you're in the San Diego area,
I recommend dropping by Scolari's Office on Friday, June 17, for a FREE
show featuring the Dissimilars,
the Power Chords, the Mexico City Rollers, and the Spots. I'll
have with me the entire Plastic Idol catalog, plus other goodies, for
sale.
I don't have any new news for you regarding the
Minds 7" EP. Did I mention how hot the sleeves look,
though? Jonny Cat and Lucas Jones deserve all the
credit for that project. Also, the video showed up
today. Video? Oops, I did it again.
The songs for the Minds' second Plastic Idol 7" are
finished and ready for mastering. Hopefully I'll have those
tunes in hand in a few weeks. We haven't even begun to think
about artwork yet.
In other news, I'm pleased to announce that a
two-song 7" by DIGITAL
LEATHER (members of the REATARDS, TOKYO ELECTRON, DESTRUCTION UNIT,
the WONGS,
etc.) is in the works. I was fortunate enough to see
these folks live a couple years back in Scottsdale, Arizona, and I
immediately fell in love with their synth-heavy, angst-ridden sound,
which drew from the likes of Suicide, the Screamers, and Joy
Division, among others. Their discography includes a rather
elusive LP--one of the LP's songs, "Black Flowers from the
Future," was covered by Lost Sounds on their "Future Touch"
12" EP--and a handful of insanely limited CD-Rs, so this record
could serve as your first introduction to these talented desert
dwellers. If so, you're in for a treat, because the two songs
earmarked for Digital Leather's Plastic Idol single represent the
band's strongest material to date. I'm getting a Normal meets the
Units vibe. How's that for a tease?
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6/1/05 - BIG
BONES
Dissimilars sleeves are in
the building. I expect records any day now. I can't
wait! Oh, what the hell, let's get this party started! Now
available for PRE-ORDER
is the Dissimilars' "Landmine" 7" EP on Plastic Idol. Three songs
at 45 RPM, blue vinyl, with insert. Your cost is only $4 postage paid within the USA,
and $6 postage paid worldwide;
PayPal, cash, or money order. All pre-orders ship out the day
after the records land. Guaranteed. Sprint on over to the Catalog page for more information.
Minds sleeves are also in
the building. No test pressings yet, though. Soon. In
other Minds news, I'm pleased to announce they have been selected to
appear on an upcoming volume of Tonevendor's highly sought after "Test Tones"
compilation CD series (Volume 5, out this summer). They
will
be represented with an EXCLUSIVE, UNRELEASED version of the song "Brain
That Wouldn't Die," which appears as a B-side on their "We Got The Pop"
7" EP. Rest assured, however, you're getting an exclusive version
of that song with your wax. I wouldn't have it any other
way. Plastic Idol takes care of ya! More news on the comp
and video later. Video? What?
If you like good music,
you might enjoy my radio show on KDVS, which airs every other Tuesday
morning, from 6-8:30 a.m. PST. It's called "Keeping Track" and
you can click here
to learn more.
Let's be MySpace
buddies! Click here and let's be pals!
Get the Dissimilars record
here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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5/19/05 -
RUNNIN' WITH THE BIG DOGS
In today's edition of the California Aggie, the University of California,
Davis' newspaper, you'll find a swell article about Davis area record
labels penned by staff writer Elizabeth Marxen. Plastic Idol is
one of several labels highilghted in today's paper. Check out the
write-up here.
Test pressings for the
Dissimilars' "Landmine" 7" EP arrived earlier
this week; they sound awesome! Inserts arrived yesterday, sleeves
shipped out on Monday, and now we're just waiting on vinyl. Did I
mention this record is being pressed on blue wax? Mmmmm.
The Minds record has been
mastered and plated. Now, we're waiting
for test pressings. The printer's proofs were approved last week;
I expect sleeves in a couple weeks. We're still on pace for early
July.
Everybody loves Black
Dahlias' "Wednesday Night" 7" EP, and with good
reason: the record smokes! Maximum Rock 'n'
Roll reviewed it
in their May 2005 issue (#264), where it made TWO TOP TEN LISTS.
Also, Henry Yu summed up perfectly this record's appeal in his column "What We Do Is Secret,"
slated for print in
the July issue (#266). You can
read the full reviews on the Press page.
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5/10/05 -
WAITING FOR IT
No Dissimilars test pressings yet, but the sleeve
is at the printers. We're still on pace for a late May or early
June release date, so please stay tuned. In the interim, do
yourself a favor and pick up the Dissimilars' fine debut
7" from Out of Order
Records.
Last week I shipped off to the plant the much anticipated Minds 7"
entitled "We Got The Pop." We're finally on our
way. Yes! Now, a few details to whet your
appetite: (1) three songs, including a killer version
of La Peste's "Don't Wanna Die In My Sleep Tonight," that spin at
45 RPM; (2) pink vinyl; and (3) artwork by Jonny Cat, of
Jonny Cat Records, and Lucas Jones, of the Electric Eye. You will
not be disappointed when this package lands in late June or early
July! And remember, Plastic Idol will bring you another new Minds
7" in late summer. Life is good!
Visit and befriend Plastic Idol on
MySpace at www.myspace.com/plasticidolrecords.
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4/23/05
- JIMMY'S ROOM
Are
you itchin' for a sneak peek at the
Dissimilars' "Landmine" 7" EP, coming soon on Plastic Idol? I
would be if I were you, because this slab o' wax is as good as
they come. While you're waiting (im)patiently, I've got for
sale a handful of the Dissimilars' "Jimmy's Room" 7" EP,
their vinyl debut, released by Out of Order Records.
This record features six no-holds-barred garage punkers pressed on
black vinyl, with a snazzy sleeve and insert. Get 'em while
they're smokin' hot on the Catalog page for
only $4 postage paid within the USA and $6 postage paid worldwide.
I now have final
Anteenagers MC
mixes. It turns out the "Let's Not Have a Party" EP will be
a four-songer (at 45 RPM). Nice. Viva la France!
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4/19/05
- NINJA SPAWN
Congratulations to Four
Eyes bass player Dave Ninja and his wife Lisa on the birth of their
second child, a beautiful girl named Sage!
A few weeks ago the
Dissimilars made a triumphant northern California debut with a pair of
impressive live showings in Davis and Sacramento, respectively.
All had good times. Their Plastic Idol 7" entitled "Landmine" is
currently being plated, which means I should have test pressings in
about three weeks. On the artwork front, the sleeve is
essentially ready to go to the printers. I previously credited
the design work to former Dissimilars drummer Nate Red, but the
"Landmine" sleeve is actually the work of the band's current drummer,
whose name is also Nate--we'll call him "Nate the Nail." My
bad. Nate the Nail is as talented as they come, and
this sleeve looks killer. We're probably looking at an early June
release date for the Dissimilars' "Landmine" EP.
The Minds' songs are
here! The Minds' songs are here! Yes!!!!!!! I've got
the master in hand and it sounds brilliant. These recordings are
more lo-fi (the band recorded these songs themselves on a digital
8-track machine) than any Minds songs you've heard before, yet the
quality is once again through the roof. This record was totally
worth the wait! I haven't seen any artwork yet, so I'm tempted to
flag this as a July/August release, but my assessment could change as
more information becomes available. Also, I'm pleased to announce that a
SECOND Minds 7" is in the works. This record will be derived from
the "We Got The Pop" sessions and follow hot on the heels of the 7" by
the same name. You read that right: Plastic Idol has in
store for you not one, but two, Minds 7"s. Three MORE new songs
on colored vinyl. But first, "We Got The Pop" is on deck.
I'm giddy.
The new issue of Go Metric!
(issue #19, Winter 2005) zine is another outstanding read, featuring a
lengthy Bananas interview, among others, plus awesome reviews of
Duchess of Saigon's "Hootenanny" 7" and the Four Eyes' "Rock & Role
Playing" CD. The great press continues to pour in via the April
issue
(#263) of Maximum Rock 'n' Roll,
where columnist Mitch Cardwell raves about Black Dahlias' "Wednesday
Night" 7". Visit the Press page to read
the reviews.
KDVS is having its annual
fundraiser this week, from April 18-24. In return for your
pledges, you get goodies like CDs, t-shirts, DVDs, books, and the
like. Black Dahlias 7"s, Four Eyes CDs, and Duchess of Saigon 7"s
are among the premiums available to you! Click here for more information!
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4/1/05 - THE DISSIMILARS ROCK
NORCAL NEXT WEEKEND, APRIL 8-9!
Next weekend, the
Dissimilars will be in northern California for two shows. On
Friday, April 8, the show goes down at Plainfield Station (23944 County
Road 98, Woodland, CA 95695), with PLAYBOY MILLIONAIRES, BUTCH vs.
FEMME, and the READYMADES. Showtime is 9 p.m. and it's a FREE,
all-ages show. The following night, Saturday, April 9, we head on
over to the Distillery (2107 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95816) for a 21+
show with the BANANAS, LYME REGIS (ex-FM KNIVES, YAH MOS, LOS HUEVOS),
and the READYMADES. Showtime is 10 p.m. and the cover is
$6. As a special bonus, CHRIS WOODHOUSE
will play drums for the Readymades at the Distillery show!
Yes!
I expect the Dissimilars' "Landmine" 7" EP to go to the plant within a
week. We're probably looking at a late May release for this
record. It will be limited to 500 copies on colored vinyl.
I can't wait!
Final mixes of the Minds' songs should be here any day now. On
the artwork front, Mr. Jonny Cat is putting the finishing touches on
the sleeve.
Anteenagers MC remixes (several mixes of each song) showed up this
week, and Laurent and I are working on selecting our favorites for the
record.
Congratulations to the Four Eyes on finding a home for their second
full-length entitled "Sweet Sounds." Plan-It-X Records has stepped up
and will release the CD in a couple of months.
The first review of Black Dahlias' "Wednesday Night" 7" EP is in,
courtesy of Terminal Boredom.
Check the Press
page to read the glowing review!
Be Plastic Idol's friend on MySpace at www.myspace.com/plasticidolrecords.
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3/21/05 - SOMETIMES, LESS IS MORE
Visit the Press page for
new reviews of the Four Eyes CD and Duchess of Saigon 7",
respectively, courtesy of Roctober zine (issue #39).
This entertaining read manages to cram more relevancy into a single
sentence than most people do into a single paragraph. This is
what I'm talking about: "[Duchess
of Saigon's "Hootenanny" 7" EP] sounds like the Beach Boys if Brian
Wilson was sane but everyone else was fucking crazy."
Brilliant!
The MySpace friend-adding blitz continues!
Click here
and request to be added!
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3/4/05 - MR. PLASTIC IDOL
CLAIMS HIS SPACE ON MYSPACE
You can now purchase Black Dahlias' "Wednesday Night"
7" EP from Out of Order
Records. They stock a fine assortment of titles on vinyl and
CD, including the elusive Catholic Boys LP on Dropkick Records.
Visit their web site and order up!
The
Dissimilars are scheduled to play Sacramento on Saturday,
April 9, at the Distillery (2107 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95816),
with the BANANAS, LYME REGIS (ex-F.M. KNIVES, YAH MOS, LOS HUEVOS,
etc.), and the READYMADES (featuring BLACK DAHLIAS' drummer
Jeff Melendez and DUCHESS OF SAIGON guitarist Richard Haley).
We're working on a show for April 8.
I posted a
couple more reviews of the
Four Eyes CD and Duchess of Saigon 7" (in Italian) on the Press page.
Look for Black Dahlias press soon!
Finally, if you have a MySpace account, I encourage you to become one
of Plastic Idol's friends. Click here
and request to be added!
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2/26/05 - IMPORTED WAX NOW UP FOR
GRABS!
I've now
got in
stock a limited supply--"limited," as in 5 copies
each--of new 7"s by the Rebel (member of the COUNTRY TEASERS) and
a split with Les Viperes (member of the FATALS) and Les
Derailleurs. Both records were released by SDZ Records
(France). I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity
to
score import wax from Plastic Idol. And as long as they're
available,
order one or both of these French imports AND a Plastic Idol 7" (Black
Dahlias and/or Duchess of Saigon) and save a buck or two. E-mail me for
details. Otherwise, please visit the Catalog page and
have at it!
If you've picked up a copy of Black Dahlias' spectacular "Wednesday
Night" 7", you've seen the handiwork of our pal Aaron Winters at Abide Visuals. More of
Aaron's fine work is now on display at a slick new web site called Ultra Mega, a site
that showcases some of Sacramento's talented artists, like Jeff
Melendez of Black Dahlias.
Check it out!
In other Plastic Idol
news, the Dissimilars will
make
their
northern California debut in early April. Stay tuned
for more
information!
2/16/05 - THE
DISSIMILARS ARE
TERRORIZING SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA!
The Dissimilars'
"Jimmy's Room" CD-R is eliciting
anything but dissimilar reactions from those who've heard it.
First, Razorcake raved about it. Now, Thrasher!
Check out Wez Lundry's "Notes from the Underground" column in the
March 2005 issue for some kind words about the band. In addition,
the Dissimilars' logo is on display in the pages of SG (Surfer Girl) magazine as part
of a "DIY" feature on stencil-making. How about that?
Yes! Dissimilars vinyl is coming soon, I promise!
Meanwhile, I encourage you to pick up their CD-R for only $5
ppd. from Electric
Frog Recordings and visit their web site to see pictures of
their frontman Jimmy in a skirt. Jimmy rules!
The Minds songs for their Plastic Idol 7" have
been mixed and are ready for mastering, according to Joel
Jett. These recordings are much rawer--the initial recordings,
which were from the same session as their LP, were scrapped--than their
debut 7" and LP but no less tuneful. Joel's songwriting has
always been amazing and this record continues the trend. Artwork
is coming together as we speak courtesy of Jonny, the guy behind the
excellent Jonny Cat Records. If you've seen this guy's work, you
know we're in store for something cool! We're getting there
slowly but surely, and I'm excited!
In other Plastic Idol
news, over half the
Black Dahlias 7" pressing is gone in just two weeks. Promo copies
will be mailed to zines and college radio stations very soon,
so keep an eye and ear out for Black Dahlias in print and on the
air. Live dates in Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Cruz, and
Berkeley are also in the works. Visit the band's MySpace page here to learn more.
In new mail
order/distribution news, you can now
purchase the Black Dahlias 7" from Alicja Trout's (Lost
Sounds) awesome Contaminated
Records mail order site. She's got so many great
records for sale that you'll go broke in a heartbeat (but you'll
impress your pals with those records). Visit her site and order
lots of stuff!
While you're surfing the 'Net, head on over to the Dirtnap Records site and the
online home of their newly acquired record store Green Noise Records.
You can now purchase Black Dahlias 7"s from Ken and company along with
Four Eyes CDs and Duchess of Saigon 7"s. Support your local Mom
'n' Pop record stores like Green Noise Records!
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1/31/05 - THE WAIT IS OVER!
Black Dahlias 7"s are
now in stock and ready for
you to enjoy! Yes! Three terrific tunes, snazzy artwork,
and always refreshing "Coke Bottle Clear" wax make this is a
memorable vinyl debut by this exciting Sacramento band.
Sample a taste of "the real thing" on the Catalog page,
where you'll find an MP3 of "Wednesday Night" (along with MP3s of other
Plastic Idol releases). Look for Black Dahlias' "Wednesday Night"
7" EP to hit distributors, mail orders, and stores in the coming
months; start askin' your vendor of choice for it now.
You can purchase records directly from me for
only $4 ppd. within the U.S.A. and $6 ppd. worldwide. All
orders ship out the day after I receive payment!
Black Dahlias' record
release show was a smashing
success. The club was packed and the band
wowed the audience with their anthemic, mid tempo garage
punk sounds. We sold about 30 7"s during the show and
received nothing but positive feedback about the way it sounds and
looks. Order yours today and see for yourself!
Next weekend, Black
Dahlias will play three
shows in the Pacific Northwest to coincide with the release of
their brand new 7" EP on Plastic Idol. Here's the lowdown:
Friday,
February 4, at Porky's Pub
835
N. Lombard Street, Portland, OR 97217
The
Flip Tops
Clorox
Girls
BLACK
DAHLIAS
The
Helper Monkeys
9
P.M., $5, 21+
Saturday,
February 5, house party at Arie's house (near the Lobo Saloon)
1210 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109
Lethal
Rejection
BLACK
DAHLIAS
The
Helper Monkeys
7
p.m.,
FREE, all ages
Saturday,
February 5 (2nd show), at the Lobo Saloon
433
Eastlake Avenue E, Seattle, WA 98109
Evil Twin
BLACK DAHLIAS
The Helper Monkeys
9 p.m., $5, 21+
Black Dahlias will have
their new record for sale at
all three shows, plus other goodies, so be sure to hit them up for
merch.
Anteenagers MC songs are being remixed/rerecorded as we speak
with help from a former member of the great French band
Blutt. Anteenagers MC drummer Laurent is excited about the
progress they've made thus far and I can't wait to hear the
results! Laurent's girlfriend, a talented artist, is working
on the sleeve design for this record. I'm confident the
"Let's Not Have a Party" EP will be regarded as one of 2005's best!
Speaking of 2005's best,
the Dissimilars received a
glowing review of their "Jimmy's Room" CD-R in the newest issue of Razorcake (issue #24).
The reviewer tossed around names like Scared of Chaka, the Marked Men,
and the Knockout Pills, as well as descriptors like "scuzzy," to
describe the Dissimilars' sound. He ended the review by gushing
"Can't wait 'til this band releases some vinyl." Rest assured
Plastic Idol is working hard to make
sure the wait isn't much longer. The
Dissimilars' "Landmine" 7" EP will go into production as soon
as the sleeve artwork is finalized, which shouldn't be too far
off, thanks to former Dissimilars drummer Nate Red (ex-TIE
REDS). While you're waiting for the Plastic Idol 7" EP, visit the
Electric Frog
Recordings web site and pick up a
copy of "Jimmy's Room" on CD-R for only $5 ppd. Trust me,
it's a steal!
In other Plastic Idol
news, I've agreed to a
trade with Nicolas of SDZ Records,
a superb French record
label responsible for the
debut 7" by Anteenagers MC, among others. I'll soon have a
limited
supply of records by THE
REBEL (brilliant solo effort
from Ben R. Wallers of COUNTRY TEASERS fame) and a split 7" of
awesome French garage punk, pairing up LES VIPERES
(pre-FATALS) and LES
DERAILLEURS. These French imports won't last long, so
order one now to avoid kicking yourself later. See
the Catalog
page for details.
My KDVS radio show is still going strong. I'm currently on the
air every other Tuesday morning, from 6-8:30 a.m. PST. My next
show goes down tomorrow, on February 1. Click here
for show and playlist information.
BACK TO
TOP
1/23/05 - WAITING
Black Dahlias test
pressings were approved on Monday of last week. Now, we're
waiting for the goods from the plant. Unfortunately, there's a
chance that the records won't be here in time for Matt K. Shrugg's
B-Day bash this weekend, in Sacramento, which is a shame. But
they'll be here before you know it, so stay tuned!
While you're waiting for Black Dahlias 7"s to arrive, why not sample an
MP3 from their soon-to-be-released record on the Catalog
page? Yes! I finally have MP3s available for all Plastic
Idol releases. So sample some Black Dahlias, Four Eyes, and
Duchess of Saigon songs and get on board! PayPal shopping cart
coming soon.
The Minds' recordings for their "We Got The Pop" 7" are being mixed and
mastered this week. Joel Jett couldn't be happier with the way
they turned out. And if he's happy, I'm happy, which means you
should be happy, because I'm happy. We're all one big happy
family!
Speaking of a Happy
Family, this week I'm going to touch base with Laurent of
Anteenagers MC regarding their Plastic Idol 7". Stay tuned for
an update.
The Dissimilars have a web site, which you can visit by clicking here.
BACK TO
TOP
1/12/05 - THE SCOOP
I've got Black Dahlias sleeves
in hand and they
look hot! Test pressings should be in the building by the
end of the week. Then, we'll really be in business. I
expect to have the finished product ready to ship before the
end of the month, so feel free to get in line now and
order yours via PayPal, for only $4 postage paid within the USA
and $6 world. All orders will ship out as soon as the records
land.
There will be a "record
release" show for Black
Dahlias' debut 7" on Saturday, January 29, in Sacramento, at Old Ironsides. This
show is doubling as Matt K. Shrugg's B-Day bash, so come out
and say "hi," pick up the new Black Dahlias 7", and enjoy
great sets by Black Dahlias, the Losin' Streaks, Rock The
Light, and Sacramento.
In other Plastic Idol
news, the Four Eyes are busy
playing shows and becoming legends at 924 Gilman Street, in
Berkeley. Their 6th annual "holiday show," a three-hour marathon
of cover tunes and beer drinking, at the Loft, in
Sacramento, was a huge success, especially in the eyes and ears
of superfan Daniel. The next Four Eyes show goes down
on Saturday, January 22, in Davis, at the G Street Pub, with the
Losin' Streaks and Harold Ray Live in Concert. I wouldn't miss
that one if I were you!
The Minds are back in
the states, following a wildly
successful European tour. In excess of 400 people exhibited
Minds mania during their New Year's Eve show, in Germany!
Wow! Joel and I talked shop earlier this week and we're gettin'
busy on the Minds record. If all goes according to plan, I should
have recordings in a few weeks. We appreciate your continued
patience (THANKS, ABE!)
with this project, and we'll do our best to get it out the door as soon
as possible. The goods won't disappoint!
My chat with Joel
also touched upon the
Jetpack CD. We're both behind this awesome disc 110 percent, so
it'll start moving forward too. The Minds 7" will go out the
door before the Jetpack CD, in case you're keeping score.
In a recent development
here at Plastic Idol Records
HQ, I'm excited to announce that a 7" EP by the DISSIMILARS,
an incredible new San Diego band that includes Larry Harmon of Genetic Disorder
fame, is in the works. I asked this band to do a record within
five minutes of hearing their demo. They really are that
good and this 7" is guaranteed to be a year-end top ten pick for
fans of bands like the Motards, the Real Losers, and the
Fatals, among others. I encourage you to check out the
band's MySpace page here,
just don't forget to pick up your jaw off the floor on your
way out. Trust me, this record is gonna fly in and out the door
before you know what hit you. Consider this your warning.
And keep your eyes peeled for a 7" on Out of Order Records too!
As you've probably
figured out already, I've got many
exciting projects in the works for 2005. You can look forward to
7"s by the likes of the MINDS, the DISSIMILARS, and ANTEENAGERS
MC, as well as a killer blast from the past, a CD
discography of JETPACK (folks from the MINDS, FLIP TOPS, HUNCHES,
and REAL PILLS). Who knows what else 2005 holds? Thank
you for supporting Plastic Idol Records during 2004!
I'm slowly recreating
web pages that were lost when
my computer crashed last year, so please pardon the "dust." I've
also got plans to add PayPal buttons to the "Catalog" page and
make available some mp3s, so stay tuned.
BACK
TO TOP
12/3/04 - FEAR OF A PUNK PLANET
I've
got a couple new rave reviews of Plastic Idol product for your reading
pleasure: the Four Eyes CD was singled out as "especially
noteworthy" in the November/December 2004 issue of Punk Planet, and the Duchess of
Saigon 7" got the Reverend Norb treatment (at least Norb didn't get it
totally wrong this time and compare Duchess of Saigon to the White
Stripes, like he did when he reviewed their debut 7" on S-S) in issue
#23 of Razorcake. Both
zines are on newsstands now but you can read the whole scoop on the Press page.
Black Dahlias' CD-R master is off to the plant. Artwork is coming
together and "thanks" are due to the band and the swell people at Abide Visuals for their efforts
in this area. I'm very excited about this record, which will be
available on "COKE BOTTLE CLEAR" vinyl in January 2005, for $4 postage
paid within the U.S.A. and $6 postage paid elsewhere.
My pal Ryan of Noma Beach Records
has been "called out" by one of my favorite labels, Hostage Records. The
challenge: put together a compilation LP that rivals the likes of
"Tower 13" or the recently released "Collateral Damage" in terms of
quality. It won't be an easy task, because the folks at Hostage
Records have set the bar incredibly high, but you can do your part to
help out. If you're in a band and/or you know a band that might
fit nicely on a label like Noma Beach and/or Hostage, I encourage you
to get in touch with Ryan.
You might end up being the ringer in this NorCal vs. SoCal battle of
the beaches.
I'm getting lots of wonderful feedback about my KDVS radio show, "Keeping Track."
Have you tuned in yet? Please do so and let me know how I'm
doing. Click here
to download my show every week; you'll find my playlist for this past
Tuesday's show (November 30) here.
BACK TO TOP
11/19/04
- THE FUTURE'S COMING
(IN 2005)
The
three songs reserved for Black Dahlias' Plastic Idol 7" were remixed by
Chris Woodhouse last week, and the final mix is superb! The band
is finalizing artwork this week (I've seen drafts and it looks
fantastic) and I expect to ship off the package to the pressing plant
by the end of November. Look for Black Dahlias' first release on
Plastic Idol Records in January 2005.
I'm super-duper excited to announce that in 2005 Plastic Idol Records
is going to release a three-song 7" EP by France's ANTEENAGERS MC
This incredible band features ex-members of the No-Talents
and Steve & the Jerks and has a terrific 7" (SDZ Records) and LP
(self-released) to their credit. I caught these guys live in 2003
and they put on a fabulous show too (click here for pictures
from their New York show). I've heard "demo" versions of all
three songs and, frankly, it's their best stuff yet. The A-side,
"Let's Not Have a Party," is reminiscent of the Fall, with its Mark E.
Smith-like drawl; the tracks on the B-side, "Les Conformistes" and
"Cars," are frantic, angular, '77-ish punk along the lines of the late,
great Popular Shapes. Anteenagers MC will re-record these songs
in early 2005 and then we'll go from there. Mark your calendars!
The Minds are busy preparing for their upcoming European tour, which
kicks off in just a couple weeks (click here for tour
dates). Unfortunately, the Minds won't be able to record prior to
leaving for tour and, as a result, we agreed to push back their "We Got
The Pop" 7" EP to 2005 to accommodate their hectic schedule.
My good friend and fellow KDVS deejay Heather Klinger recently added
"record industry mogul" to her resume by starting her own record label,
Out of Order Records. You can learn more about her new label here (I've also added a
link to the Links
page). Heather is also looking to distribute vinyl and CDs, so if
you're a band and/or label that is looking to expand your distribution,
I encourage you to visit her web site and get in touch for more
information.
My KDVS playlist for November 16 may
be found here.
Click here
to download the show before November 23.
BACK TO TOP
11/5/04
- I'M ALWAYS HIGH ON
WEDNESDAY MORNING
Black
Dahlias were amazing live on KDVS this past Wednesday morning!
They gave us about an hour's worth of live music and then retreated to
the broadcast booth to spin records and dispense one-liners to
late-night callers. I can't recall the last time I laughed so
hard. If you missed their live broadcast, you can download the
show here
until the evening of November 9. Act fast, because this show was
a lot of fun!
The Minds record continues to move forward at a snail's pace.
I've got no news to report, except that we're all waiting. Stay
with me, because the Minds rule and this record is a winner!
I've got another exciting Plastic Idol project in the works but I don't
want to reveal the juicy details just yet and possibly jinx my good
fortune. Let's just say that I'm going international with this
one. How's that for a tease?
Click here
to see what I played on my weekly KDVS radio show, "Keeping Track,"
this past Tuesday, November 2.
BACK TO TOP
10/29/04
- LIVE DAMAGE
Next
week, both Black Dahlias and Duchess of Saigon will perform live on KDVS, 90.3 FM, in Davis! You'll
be able to catch Black Dahlias live on November 2, at midnight (Tuesday
night/Wednesday morning), on DJ Klinger's "Live in the Warzone"
show. Then, on Thursday, November 4, at 11 p.m., as part of KDVS'
"Live in Studio A" series, you'll be treated to an evening with Duchess
of Saigon. Don't miss what promises to be a great week of
radio! And, remember, you can always listen live online and/or
stream/download a show that you missed by visiting the KDVS web site.
Continuing in the live music vein, don't forget about the Four Eyes
show tomorrow (Saturday, October 30), at 924 Gilman Street, in
Berkeley, with the Bananas, Rock 'n' Roll Adventure Kids, Treephort,
and Bugs. Showtime is 8 p.m. and the cover is $5.
BACK TO TOP
10/22/04
- SUMMER IS OVER NOW
The
Black Dahlias CD on Plastic Idol has morphed into a 3-song 7" EP!
I'm afraid the story behind the shift is rather uninteresting, but
we're all pleased with the way it played out. The three songs
earmarked for this release are outstanding and the band and I are
currently brainstorming ideas to make the packaging equally
spectacular. Look for Black Dahlias' "Wednesday Night" 7" EP in
early 2005, just in time for a West Coast mini-tour (including some
tentative dates with the Clorox Girls). Wednesday nights will
never be the same.
In related news, Black Dahlias are represented with an exclusive track
on a recently released CD-R compilation of Sacramento bands entitled
"Sacramento Bands Against Bush: The Peasants Are Revolting,"
assembled by the folks at Sac
Free Press. This compilation is a benefit for MoveOn PAC, a political
organization that supports candidates who "embrace moderate to
progressive principles of national government." Every cent of the
compilation's $5 price tag goes to MoveOn PAC and their efforts to
remove President Bush from the White House. Thus far, Sac Free
Press has sold over 100 copies of "Sacramento Bands Against Bush:
The Peasants Are Revolting" and donated over $500 to MoveOn PAC.
This compilation is a steal at $5 and includes the likes of the FOUR
EYES, the Bananas, and Losin' Streaks, plus amazing DVD-style
packaging. I encourage you to visit the Sac Free Press site to learn
more about this release and view a complete track listing.
This
weekend, I'll be participating in a panel discussion regarding the
relevancy of College Music Journal
charts at the University of California, Davis, as part of the 2004
University of California Radio Network conference. I'm looking
forward to an intelligent discussion about this issue. That said,
every time I hear the initials "CMJ" I can't help chuckling at an old
George Tabb column in which he described his own CMJ experience by
referring to the magazine as "See I'm gay." "See I'm gay?"
replied his friend, puzzled. "Yes, you are," Tabb quipped.
Be
sure to tune in to my radio
show on KDVS every Tuesday
morning, from 6-8:30 a.m., Pacific Standard Time, for a great
assortment of punky music. Click here
to see what I played this past Tuesday, October 19.
BACK TO TOP
10/6/04
- HOT WIRE MY HARD DRIVE
“Time
flies when you're having fun” as they say, and with the exception of my
hard drive crashing, the past six weeks or so since my last update flew
right on by.
I saw Crime this past Friday. Yes, that Crime. And I've got
pictures to prove it. Uh-huh. Original members Johnny
Strike and Hank Rank teamed up with Mike Lucas (Phantom Surfers) and
Pat Ryan (Nuns) for a fabulous set as the "mystery band" at this year's
"Budget Rock Showcase" at the Parkside, in San Francisco. Though
their appearance was supposed to be hush-hush for fear of a turnout of
epic proportions, word leaked out in the days leading up to the
show. Fortunately, a few friends tipped me off, because the
now-obvious reference on the Parkside's site, "If you miss Budget Rock
this year, it would be a real crime," didn't register. Doh!
Look for some Crime pictures on this site eventually.
Portland's
the Observers (featuring Mike of the Minds [and Spazboy]) rolled
through town but never got to play their Davis house show, thanks to a
visit from the cops. I did manage to see the Observers twice
while they were here, however, in Stockton and San Francisco,
respectively, and they put on an impressive show both nights. I
encourage you to see them if you get a chance.
Mikey
Mind says early November is the "new" recording "date" for the Minds'
Plastic Idol 7". We--the Minds and me--are determined to get this
record out the door before the band leaves for Europe in December, so
the light at the end of the tunnel gets brighter with each passing
day. Think positive folks. I assure you this record is a
smash!
In
Black Dahlias news, their debut full-length is undergoing a facelift of
sorts. I'm anxious to hear what it sounds like when it's ready
and I'll be sure to share the scoop with you in a future update.
The
Four Eyes are slated to play at 924 Gilman Street, in Berkeley, on
Saturday, October 30, with the Bananas and the Rock 'n' Roll Adventure
Kids. Fun show alert! Fun show alert! Visit the Four
Eyes' site for their latest show
information.
Duchess
of Saigon is working on new material, some of which I had the pleasure
of hearing live not too long ago. No word on whether they're
going to record anytime soon, but the new songs are wonderful and would
make a great record. Speaking of Duchess of Saigon and records,
I'm down to about 100 copies of their "Hootenanny" 7" and then they're
gone forever (most of the remaining copies will go to
distributors). Ask around, read the overwhelmingly positive
press, and then get on your horse and order your copy today!
I
somehow duped the folks at KDVS into letting me DJ again during the
fall quarter. My act must have been pretty convincing, because
they "promoted" me to a weekly time slot--every Tuesday, from 6-8:30
a.m., Pacific Standard Time (PST). Morning drive time, here on
the Left Coast. Now, you can join me every Tuesday morning for a
superb mix of punky music and informative banter. And traffic
reports at the top and bottom of every hour … or something.
Remember, you can listen to my show live online
every Tuesday morning, from 6-8:30 a.m. PST, or download my show here.
Click here
to see what I played this past Tuesday, October 5.
BACK TO TOP
8/26/04 - WHERE DID HE GO?
So,
it looks like I've broken my record for "most
time elapsed between site updates." Not to worry,
though; I've been working hard to bring you great records.
On that note, I'm pleased to announce a new addition to the
Plastic Idol "family": Black Dahlias. This Sacramento band,
featuring Matt K. (Losin' Streaks, ex-Zodiac Killers), Adam
Miller (ex-Mallrats), and Jeff Melendez (ex-Milhouse SMF/USA), has
been honing their craft for the better part of a year, and just
finished recording their debut full-length with Chris
Woodhouse (FM Knives, A-Frames) at the controls. The result is
one helluva debut--first-rate tunes, tasteful execution, superb
recording. If you enjoyed the FM Knives' take on '77 punk,
you'll warm up real quick to Black Dahlias. Imagine a punchier,
edgier FM Knives--somewhere between '77 and garage punk--with
male/female vocal interplay that recalls X. It's great stuff, and
I'm confident you'll agree once you hear the goods. I expect
Black Dahlias' CD to move through the process at a brisk pace.
Stay tuned for more details.
The
Minds' recording plans for their Plastic Idol 7" have been moved
from September to October to accommodate the Observers'
(featuring Minds' drummer Mike) summer tour. Thank you for
your continued patience. In the interim, please visit the Minds' site and tell them how much
you love them via their guest book. And go see the Observers on
tour, because they're really good!
The
Jetpack CD needs some minor tweaking before I'm
completely satisfied with it. I'm trying
to determine if what I think needs to be tweaked is tweakable, so
please bear with me while I tweak out.
Maximum Rock 'n' Roll's Henry
Yu likened the Four Eyes' "Rock & Role Playing" CD to
the legendary Descendents in the September 2004 issue
(#256). Read his take on the Press page or visit
his blog here,
where you'll find his current column as well as material dating
back to 2000.
Duchess
of Saigon's Pacific Northwest jaunt never materialized,
unfortunately. However, if you're itchin' to experience the
Richard and Mary Show live, you're in luck. Duchess of Saigon
will perform live on KDVS, in Davis,
on Thursday, November 4, from 11 p.m. to midnight, as part of the
station's "Live in Studio A" series. Mark your calendars, so you
can listen live online and/or download the broadcast after-the-fact
from the KDVS site.
As
a reminder, all mail orders ship out the day after I receive
payment. I'm fast! Order a Four Eyes CD and/or Duchess of
Saigon 7" today, and have your goods in a matter of days. High
five!
I'm
"on the radio waves" again this Tuesday, August 31, from 3-6 a.m.,
Pacific Standard Time, on KDVS. Tune in live or visit my show page
at your convenience to download my show (available for one week after
its broadcast date). Click here
to see what I played on August 17.
BACK TO TOP
7/21/04 - JACKPOT, JACKPOT!
Two more great reviews of
the Four Eyes' "Rock & Role Playing" CD may be found in the current
issues of Maximum Rock 'n'
Roll and Razorcake, respectively. The Four Eyes
CD made FOUR TOP TEN LISTS
in Maximum
Rock 'n' Roll!
Wow! Visit the Press
page to read more about what you're missing (or, if you already own the
CD, what you've known all along)!
Regrettably, it looks like the Intelligence 7" isn't going to happen
after all. Lars tells me that the band is writing for their next
record and has yet to decide what's in and what's out. As a huge
Intelligence fan, I wish Lars and his mates the best. Perhaps
we'll get to that Intelligence record someday. In the meantime, I
encourage you to act fast and pick up a copy of their new 7" on S-S Records, "Test." You
need one of those records, and they're almost gone forever. What
are you waiting for?
If your name is Abe and you live in Olathe, Kansas, I assure you that
as soon as I have Minds 7"s, you will have a copy before anybody else
(your $4 will stay in your envelope until that day arrives).
Please be patient, though, because the record isn't done yet.
And, yes, the record will definitely be on colored vinyl.
I'd also like to bring to your attention a new addition to the Links
page: Show & Tell
Records. Plastic Idol Records endorses this superb label,
whose releases include one of my favorite bands, Coachwhips, along with
X27 and Trin Tran. The recently released Coachwhips/Trin Tran 7"
has been in heavy rotation at Plastic Idol Records HQ.
My radio show on KDVS is going
incredibly well. I'm on the air every other Tuesday morning, from
3-6 a.m. I had my second show this past Tuesday, July 20, and
will be on the air again on August 3, from 3-6 a.m. As always,
you can stream and/or download my show here.
Click here
to see what I played this past Tuesday.
BACK TO TOP
7/4/04 - I AM THE ANALYST
Ladies and gentlemen, the
Four Eyes have officially arrived. Hot
on the heels of their spectacular live appearance on local college
station KDVS in June, the Four Eyes received radio airplay on the Dr. Demento Show.
In Four Eyes' speak, this is as good as it gets, and I couldn't be
prouder of them on this accomplishment. Though the notion of a
Plastic Idol Records "street team" is rather amusing, you can make your
voice heard and ensure that "Rock & Role Playing" is played again
and again by the good doctor. All you need to do is click here to request your
favorite Four Eyes song--just a few keystrokes and you'll have
four-eyed friends for life, I promise! Thank you very much for
your support!
It has been a while since
I posted information about the Minds' upcoming
7" on Plastic Idol. Unfortunately, I haven't had much to report
these past few months as the band members' hectic schedules have pushed
back
recording plans from April to September. The Minds are now slated
to go into the studio in September to lay down the third and final
track for the Plastic Idol 7". We appreciate your patience while
this record comes together.
In related news, Plastic
Idol Records is proud to announce that a CD discography by the late,
great Jetpack is in the works. The CD, which features
out-of-print, vinyl-only tracks and a chunk of superb unreleased
material (13 tracks altogether), is going to reaffirm that this
explosive garage punk band was among the best the late '90s had to
offer. Jetpack's legacy can be seen today in bands such as the
Hunches, the Minds, and the Flip Tops, all of whom feature Jetpack
members in their ranks. Look for this CD to hit the streets in
several months.
Finally, I'm excited to
announce that I now have my very own radio show on KDVS!
As a newcomer, I've been placed in an early morning time slot, from 3-6
a.m., on alternating Tuesday mornings. My first show is this
Tuesday, July 6, from 3-6 a.m. If you're in the Davis/Sacramento
area, set your radio dial to 90.3 FM to listen live, or listen live online
from anywhere in the world. If you're unable to catch the show
live, you can always take advantage of the online show archives, where
you can download and/or stream my show
for one week after the broadcast date. And please feel free to
call KDVS at (530) 752-2777 or send me a note to request songs.
The station has a tremendous record library and I'll do my best to
oblige your request. So, be sure to tune in to my bi-weekly radio
show, "Keeping Track," on Tuesday mornings, from 3-6 a.m., and we'll
have lots of fun.
BACK TO TOP
6/19/04 - NICE ONE!
The first review of the
Four Eyes' "Rock & Role Playing" CD is in courtesy of Now
Wave zine's Mark Hughson. The full text of Mark's review
appears on the Press
page.
Byron Coley reviewed Duchess
of Saigon's "Hootenanny" 7" EP
in the May 2004 issue of England's The Wire. I haven't yet
plunked down $8+ for a copy of this issue, but I've stared at it a
couple of times on newsstands and arrived at the conclusion that it is
much easier for me to buy imported vinyl than imported reading
material. So, sit tight and I'll have the review text for you
soon.
BACK TO TOP
6/13/04 - AT GILMAN STREET
924 Gilman Street in
Berkeley, California, has finally been Four Eyes-ified. The
world's smartest band has conquered the world's punkest venue. It
was no contest. Did you expect anything less? Of course not.
I don't have any pictures of this historical event to share with you
since I gave "camera boy" the night off and played "merch boy"
instead. Meanwhile, the Four Eyes were across the street doing
soda shots at a brewpub for the better part of the evening! At
least that's the story I got. I'm sure they weren't drinking or
anything like that. Or were they?
Download the Four Eyes' live radio broadcast of June 10 as soon as
possible. I think its shelf life is rather short. Click here and you're set.
Due to an unforeseen human factor, the pictures I took of the Four Eyes
live on KDVS will never see the light of day. In other words, I
accidentally deleted the pics! Doh!
Attention fellow record nerds: There will be a KDVS-sponsored
record swap next Sunday, June 20 (Father's Day), in Davis, California,
at the Veterans' Memorial Center at 203 E. 14th Street, from 10 a.m. to
3 p.m. I will be there selling Duchess of Saigon 7"s, Four Eyes
CDs, Shock/Silencers split CDs (highly recommended release on my pal
Willy's label, Wankin'
Stiphs Records), and other goodies. Please drop by and say
"hi." Click here
for more information.
BACK TO TOP
6/12/04 - I HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE (IN DAVIS)
The Four Eyes were
brilliant live on KDVS this past Thursday evening! Hits, hits,
and more hits. Laughs galore. A few phone calls even.
Priceless. I took pictures and will post them soon (probably with
some pics of tonight's Gilman Street show).
Don't be too hard on yourself if you missed the Four Eyes' live radio
broadcast. I'm sure you were having difficulty putting down their
spectacular CD, "Rock & Role Playing," or the hot-off-the-presses
July issue of punk zine Maximum Rock
'n' Roll, which features a terrific Four Eyes interview.
Regardless, you're in luck, because the nice people at KDVS have
archived the one-hour live set for your listening pleasure. Act
fast and click here
to download.
As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the Four Eyes are represented
with a three-page spread in the July issue (#254) of Maximum Rock 'n' Roll. What
inspires the Four Eyes to write such brilliant songs? Are they
really the world's smartest band? Why doesn't Dave Ninja
swear? Do the Four Eyes drink? Get the July issue of Maximum Rock 'n' Roll to find out
the answers to all of these questions and more. At the very least
you'll get ink all over your hands.
Duchess of Saigon is fixin' to play a couple of shows in the Pacific
Northwest in August. Richard tells me that Portland and Seattle
dates are in the works. I'll post details here as soon as I have
them.
Pics of the scAVENGERS show (see 5/31/04 update) are now up on the Pictures
page. If this page looks a little different than you remembered,
you're not crazy. It does look different.
Tonight, go see the Four Eyes live at 924 Gilman Street in Berkeley!
BACK TO TOP
5/31/04 - SEE HOW
THEY RUN
On Thursday, June 10, from 11
p.m. to midnight, you'll be able to hear a live set from the Four Eyes
on KDVS, 90.3 FM, as part of the station's
"Live in Studio A" series. If you're not in the area, tune in
live online to be a part of the fun. I'll be there in the flesh
rockin' out and snappin' pictures, some of which will eventually make
their way to this site.
Two days after their live
appearance on KDVS, the Four Eyes will play 924 Gilman Street in
Berkeley on Saturday, June 12, with Onion Flavored Rings
(ex-Crimpshrine, Go Sailor, Chickenhead, etc.) and others.
Showtime is 8 p.m. and the cover is $5.
In the coming weeks, keep
your eyes peeled for the July issue of Maximum Rock 'n'
Roll, which will feature
a Four Eyes interview.
I saw the scAVENGERS this
past Friday at 924 Gilman Street in Berkeley; they were
outstanding. This time around, Penelope Houston and Greg Ingraham
teamed up with Joel Reader (Plus Ones, ex-MTX) and Luis Illades (Plus
Ones, Pansy Division) to deliver the Avengers classics. The tunes
were there and so was Penelope's charismatic stage presence. I
guess "reunions" don't spook me as much as I let on. I'll have
some pictures for you soon.
If you missed me live on
KDVS last Thursday, you missed out. Literally.
Unfortunately, the station's archive writers were down and nothing was
recorded, so there's no way for you to listen to the show
after-the-fact. In summary, you missed a ton of great music and
some fascinating discussion regarding Henry Fiat's Open Sore, Know Crap! mail order, and fishnet stockings,
among other things. Click here to see what I played. Thanks
to KDVS and DJ Heather Klinger for having me.
Speaking of Know Crap!
mail order, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Know Crap!, Jesse
Edelman, last week while he was in northern California on
business. I've ordered records from Jesse for at least four
years, which makes me one of his earliest customers. Last week,
it was great to finally put a face with the name. Jesse's a great
guy and you shouldn't think twice about supporting Know Crap! mail
order.
BACK TO TOP
5/25/04 - LOOKING FOR DANGER
Do you enjoy thumbing through the racks at your local record
store(s)? I sure do. Immersing myself in music is a
way to escape the daily grind, and record shopping is often my
preferred escape route. I've never been fishing; I don't have a
garden in which to work; and I've never played a round
of golf that wasn't preceded by the word "miniature."
Nope, when I feel the need to "get away from it all," I retreat to
record stores. It works for me.
Speaking
of record shopping, ideally you should be able to purchase Plastic
Idol releases from the stores you frequent on a regular basis. If
you know of a store that wants to stock Four Eyes CDs, Duchess of
Saigon 7"s, and the like, please send them my way and we can
do away with the middleman mark-up. Everybody wins. It's
already happening, a fact to which Portland, Oregon's Q Is
For Choir Records can attest. Be sure to drop by the next time
you're in the Pacific Northwest and say "hi." And pick
up a Four Eyes CD or Duchess of Saigon 7" while you're at it.
If
you're a local yokel, you can purchase Plastic
Idol releases from three stores: Tonevendor (Sacramento), Time Tested
Books (Sacramento),
and Armadillo Music (Davis).
I shop at all of these stores regularly and you should too.
Last
night I had the pleasure of seeing the almighty Piranhas in Davis,
where they delivered a wild set to a packed venue. It was
reassuring to learn that the element of danger in their music
isn't limited to the grooves of their vinyl. Exciting, messy
stuff. They closed their set with "Piranhas Attack," the tune
that kicks off their outstanding 12" EP on Tom Perkins Records,
which left me with a big smile on my face. Following their
set, I eagerly snapped up the limited (50 copies) tour edition of
their forthcoming LP on In The Red Records. You're already too
late.
If
you own a vehicle, I encourage you to investigate a terrific
house show on Wednesday, May 26, at the Crunk House in Davis (1111
E. 8th Street), with the Bananas, Fleshies, Modern Machines, and a few
others. Those three bands alone constitute a "do not miss" show.
If
you don't have a car, but you've got a radio or
computer, and you like good music, tune in to KDVS, 90.3 FM, this Thursday, May
27, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. I'll be playing
music and chatting it up on the air with DJ Heather
Klinger on her show, " Live
in the Warzone." See you then.
BACK TO TOP
5/12/04 - HOT AIR
The Press page is now
up for your viewing pleasure. Read away and then ask yourself why
you don't own a copy of Duchess of Saigon's "Hootenanny" 7" EP.
Well? Crazy, I
know.
The A-Frames cancelled
their Davis show on Sunday with little to no explanation
whatsoever. I was bummed and so was everybody I talked to that
afternoon after I got the news. Evidently, the one-hour drive
from San Francisco proved to be a bit much. 'Twas a shame.
The weekend was hardly a
total loss, however. Kudos to the Losin' Streaks and Bright Ideas
for turning in great sets at Old Ironsides on Friday night! The
soon-to-be-released Losin' Streaks LP rips from start to finish!
No "ETA" from Slovenly on the release date, but be sure to plunk down
your hard-earned cash on this long-player when the time comes.
Also, the Bright Ideas have a brand new 7" in the works. These
guys and gal are great popsters the likes of which only Sacramento
could produce!
BACK TO TOP
5/6/04 - I AM THE NOBOT
The
new issue of Maximum Rock 'n' Roll,
#253, boasts
another impressive review of Duchess of Saigon's
"Hootenanny" 7" EP. Thus far, "Hootenanny"
has earned a lot of positive feedback, and deservedly so.
If a copy
of this record is chummy with your turntable, you're welcome
to send
me an e-mail and vent. Or better yet, tell a friend.
You'll
feel better and they will too.
Naturally,
press for Duchess of Saigon's 7" EP will soon be joined by press
for
the excellent Four Eyes CD, "Rock & Role Playing." In
my never-ending quest to do more with less (i.e., make this site
easy to navigate and fun to visit, with a bare minimum of web
building
skills), I've decided to create a "Press" page, where I will
include assorted press clippings for all Plastic Idol releases. I
will
continue to bring to your attention noteworthy reviews with my usual
updates, but
you'll be able to read the full story on the "Press" page from now
on. Look for that very soon.
Also
on the horizon, is a "Shows" page. For the most part, I will
cater to the live happenings of Plastic Idol bands,
but will
list other shows as I see fit. As always, please visit the Links page for
information about shows in the greater Sacramento and San Francisco Bay
areas.
In
Four Eyes news, you can now purchase their CD from Tonevendor and S-S
Records. Know Crap!
distro is not far behind. I'd also like to
introduce a new-ish distro, No
Ambition, run by Zack Olson,
who you may remember from his bass playing duties in the late, great FM
Knives. You can now pick up a
copy
of the Four Eyes CD from No Ambition along with many other
great
records that Zack stocks. This is just the tip of the
distribution iceberg, folks.
If,
for whatever reason, you're having problems getting Plastic Idol titles
from
the distributors listed on the Ordering
page, let me
know! The goal is to get these records into your hands as
conveniently
and as reasonably-priced as possible.
The
fabulous Duchess of Saigon is playing with the fabulous A-Frames in
fabulous
Davis this Sunday, May 9. The action gets underway at 8
p.m.
sharp at the Charred Dog House. Send me a note if you need
directions
and/or more information.
Tomorrow
night, I will be rockin' out to the sounds of the Losin' Streaks,
Bright Ideas,
and dueling turntables spinning punk and pop at Old Ironsides.
That's
where you should be (if you're 21+) too. Yes, you!
Finally,
I will be paying a return visit to the studios of KDVS, 90.3 FM, UC
Davis radio, on Thursday, May 27, to be a guest once again on Heather
Klinger's "Live in the Warzone" show. We had a blast several
weeks ago (got some great feedback too), and I'm flattered to be asked
back. So, listen to her show every week for tons of great music,
and be sure to tune in on May 27 to see what we've got in store for you.
BACK
TO TOP
4/30/04 - SO, WHAT ARE YOU DOIN'
THIS
WEEKEND?
If you're jonesing for a
fun night out this weekend, go see the Four Eyes at Kimo's in San
Francisco on Saturday, May 1 (tomorrow). Since the Four Eyes are
firmly ensconced in Warcraft 3 mode these days, I encourage you to take
advantage of this rare opportunity to see them play in the big
city. There's no telling when the next cease-fire will occur.
The Four Eyes will have their brand spankin' new CD for sale at
tomorrow's show, so be sure to bring a few extra bucks to buy a copy if
you need it (and you do). Looks like an 8:30-ish showtime and a
$5 cover. Don't miss out!
I've now got Four Eyes CDs in quantity, so order away. Look for
the discs to hit distros in about a month or two.
BACK
TO TOP
4/24/04 - GOT FOUR EYES CDs?
Ladies and
gentlemen, I
have Four Eyes CDs. Everything looks and sounds great, so feel
free to dig in! All orders will ship out the day after I receive
payment! Please visit the Catalog and Ordering
pages for more information. Thank you for your support!
BACK TO TOP
4/22/04 - NOW, BACK TO YOUR REGULARLY
SCHEDULED PROGRAM
The pressing plant says
the Four Eyes CDs are done! Hooray! And the jewel cases are
said to be adorned with this weird thing called "artwork."
Imagine that! All joking aside, special thanks go out to the
pressing plant for taking care of business. They were only an
e-mail or phone call away throughout the mix-up, and they did a good
job of keeping me informed.
I'm expecting an overnight
shipment of 30 CDs tomorrow (Friday, April 23). So, pre-orders
will go out either tomorrow evening or Saturday morning. Those of
you that haven't yet ordered the Four Eyes' "Rock & Role Playing"
CD, are encouraged to do so immediately, if only to inspire a week-long
hair pulling marathon over having enough copies to go around until the
bulk of the pressing arrives. Send me into a CD shipping frenzy
for just $8 ppd. within the USA
and $10 ppd. world!
In other Four Eyes news,
the world's smartest band is gearing up for their first-ever appearance
at 924 Gilman in Berkeley on June 12! This show will mark the
first time in 10+ years that the Four Eyes will grace the legendary
stage at the long-running punk venue. So, mark off June 12 on
your calendars; you will be attending the Four Eyes show in Berkeley
that night. At this time, the bill includes the fabulous Bananas
and the equally fabulous Onion Flavored Rings, among others. I
can't wait!
KDVS, 90.3 FM, recently
released their "Top 90.3 Songs of the Winter," and I'm pleased to
report that Duchess of Saigon and their spectacular "Hootenanny" 7" EP
are represented at #31. Making this list is indicative of the
quality of this Sacramento duo and their Plastic Idol 7" EP, but it's
even more telling when you consider that KDVS didn't receive a copy
until mid-February--well over a month into the programming
quarter! Another month's worth of airplay might have seen Duchess
of Saigon's "Hootenanny" 7" EP crack the top ten! Thanks to the
DJs and listeners of KDVS for their support!
BACK TO TOP
4/19/04 - SHEEEEEIIIIIT!
I got disappointing news
from the pressing plant today, when I learned the entire Four Eyes CD
pressing was assembled without any artwork! It's such an obvious
mistake, that it's hard not to laugh about the whole thing. I'm
sure that machines do much of the assembly work, but you'd think that
somebody must have noticed a bunch of CDs sailing through without
artwork.
Unfortunately, this
development means that I'm back to where I started several days ago--no
Four Eyes CDs. The pressing plant is going to redo the order and
overnight some copies to me later this week. At least that's the
story I got today. I know that I speak for the band and everybody
reading this when I say that we're all excited to get our hands on this
great package.
Ryan, Billy, and
David: thank you very much for your patience. Your copies
will go out as soon as I get a product that is up to snuff.
To the plant's credit,
they've been responsive to this situation. Rest assured that an
established, reputable vendor in the CD manufacturing business is
handling the job, not Elrond's Mobile CD Manufacturing Emporium.
Elrond is better suited as the resident pee collector in the confines
of Rivendell anyway (there's a Four Eyes reference, for all of you
diehards).
More news as it happens.
BACK TO TOP
4/18/04 - YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE
The Four Eyes CDs showed
up this weekend-- one box of 'em, that is. And if that wasn't
strange enough, the contents of this one box--30 CDs--were missing an
important piece of the puzzle: artwork. So, I've got 30 CDs
in shrink-wrapped jewel cases, with no booklets or tray cards in
sight. Though I didn't flinch at the notion of multiple
shipments, I'm left scratching my head over the missing-in-action
artwork. I've got folks at the pressing plant looking into this
situation, and I will have answers by tomorrow. In the interim,
please be patient. I'm on it. Pre-orders will ship out the
moment the "real" CDs land. By the way, the CD face design looks
really cool.
Go Kings!
BACK TO TOP
4/15/04 - IT'S TIME TO EAT NUTS!
I had so much fun on KDVS,
90.3 FM, earlier this afternoon, as a guest on Heather Klinger's
awesome radio show, "Live in the Warzone." Great tunes.
Great chatter. Great time. You'll be able to relive all the
excitement online for one more week by listening to the archived
version of the show here. Thanks again to Heather for
having me, and to those who listened live.
Speaking of KDVS, the
station is having their annual fundraiser next week (April 19-26), and
I encourage you to pledge your support in the form of a cash donation
(like me). In return, you'll walk away with free stuff, like CDs,
t-shirts, and the like. And these aren't throwaway items
either. There are lots of goodies up for grabs, so be sure to get
your pledge in early! Learn more about KDVS and their fundraiser here.
BACK TO TOP
4/12/04 - HERE COME THE FOUR EYES!
The word around the
campfire is that we'll have Four Eyes CDs this week! Life is
good. According to the pressing plant handling the job, the order
shipped out last Friday. People who should know tell me that it
will take approximately five business days for the CDs to arrive.
The countdown begins.
You're welcome to send in your order for the Four Eyes CD now.
Any advance orders I receive will ship out the day after the CDs
arrive, which means that, if you order now, you should probably have
your CD by this time next week. Not too shabby.
The Four Eyes' CD, "Rock & Role Playing," is a first-rate
package. If you've heard these guys before, you know how good
they are. If not, I've got two words for you: Hat
Nerd. Look it up. Also of interest, is that Chris Woodhouse
recorded this puppy and, as you might expect, it sounds phenomenal.
For the bargain price of only $8
ppd. within the USA, and $10
ppd. world, you can be the envy of your block. Who knew
that "street cred" was so cheap? See the Catalog page for
more information.
Don't forget about my guest slot on KDVS
from 2:30-4:30 p.m. this Thursday, April 15! I've got a great
playlist lined up, and I'm honored to be on the air with my pal
Heather, who has great taste in music. You really should be
listening to her show every week anyway.
I neglected to mention that I caught the fabulous Lipstick Pickups in
town this past Friday. Their set was far from flawless, but it
was a lot of fun.
BACK
TO TOP
4/11/04 - BEG, STEAL, OR BORROW
Fabulous
show last night at the Distillery! Harold Ray Live In Concert's
set was terrific! After hearing nothing but great things about
this band from various people, I picked up a copy of their full-length
on Alternative Tentacles several months back. I was mildly
impressed. Still, I was left wondering what the big deal
was. Well, after seeing them live for the first time last night,
I think the answer might have something to do with their live
show. Highly recommended! If you enjoy R&B-flavored,
punked-up rock 'n' roll played with style, swagger, and gobs of energy,
look no further than Harold Ray Live In Concert. Let's just say
that my first time seeing them play won't be my last. And I'm
going to revisit their record. Pronto.
The
Four Eyes had the task of following Harold Ray Live's blistering set,
although these guys know what they're doing and they pulled it off like
the geniuses that they are. After all, they are the world's
smartest band! Damn straight. Their set may have elicited
the most enthusiastic response of the evening from the well-attended
Distillery crowd. Most of the "hits" were played and the smile on
my face stayed with me for hours following the final note of their
extended Ben Casey saga. I love the Four Eyes. I really
do. And I feel better now that it's out in the open. Now,
if we could only get our hands on their CD...
"Answer: Beg, steal, or borrow. Mario?" "What are the
things you need to do to make sure you see Sacramento's the Losin'
Streaks live?" "That's correct! You're our new champion on
Jeopardy!" Last night was another example of why the Losin'
Streaks are "hands down the best rock 'n' roll band in
Sacramento." Believe the hype. Watching drummer Matt K. and
guitarist Mike Farrell shred on their respective instruments puts it
all in perspective: they are Gods, and you are not. Of
course, all the musical ability in the world ain't gonna save a shitty
song, but the Losin' Streaks don't write duds. Hot, hot,
hot. Their grand finale last night involved a couple of songs
with local legend Chris Woodhouse on guitar that damn near tore the
roof off the joint. Plastic Idol Records is paying attention.
Several pictures of the Minds' Davis house show are now posted on the Pictures
page. I hope to post more pictures of shows in the future.
The first wave of links has been posted on the Links page. I
don't endorse link swapping, which means that there won't be any of
this "one for you, one for me" business here. The links on my
site exist because I believe they are worth exploring. It's that
simple. This list will surely grow by leaps and bounds over time,
so keep checking back for more recommendations.
BACK
TO TOP
4/10/04 - HENRY YU AND MITCHY-POO
(CARDWELL)
Duchess of Saigon's
"Hootenanny"
7" EP was reviewed favorably in the May 2004 issue (#252) of Maximum Rock 'n'
Roll by two of the finer
columnists to grace the zine's pages: Henry Yu and Mitch
Cardwell. If you read these guys' columns every month, you know
that both Henry and Mitch know their music and have a knack for putting
together words in an intelligent and entertaining fashion. Most
importantly, when these guys rave about a record, you know it's worth
tracking down. Pay attention!
*****
From the May 2004 issue
(#252)
of Maximum Rock 'n' Roll:
What We Do Is Secret by Henry Yu
Gold Mining in No Cal
Sacramento's oddball indie rock
stylings harken back to the days of $27 SNAP ON FACE, one of the lone
monuments of early/mid-70s madness, followed by post-glam-proto-wave
THE TWINKEYZ in the later part of that decade...fast forward way too
many years of punk-cum-mass-media infiltration and I get a load o'
surprise, a new voice from the same town, free from the
usually-suspected influences, as fresh as anything I've heard in a
while. Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you, DUCHESS OF SAIGON.
A follow-up to a previous
platter, their Hootenanny EP
is also of the 7" vinyl only variety, thankfully, and despite the
former reaching #2 on the Village
Voice 2002 music poll, dares to evolve from any shtick or
formula for success. The results are joyous wonderment.
DUCHESS OF SAIGON just may be the best of the current rage of
boy/girl-guitar/drum bands.
Combining a staccato-ed
CHAIN
GANG drum style with spastic guitar chunks, four short songs use Mary's
ethereal backing vocals to counterpoint Richard's grounded
musings. "Hootenanny" uses BEACH BOYS harmonies a la "Ca Plan
Pour Moi" era PLASTIC BERTRAND, while the mysteriously named "B.D.
Wong" mines LILLIPUT/KLEENEX's quirky wave warblings. "Giddy Up"
channels Kate Pierson B-52's otherwordly thereminizing. Carefully
captured ineptitude adds indie charm with BEAT HAPPENING/K Records
undertones. This is Fi as in Lo-Fi minus the Lo. The
hybridization results in something yet new. This band is poised
for greatness or at least damned-goodness!
As the first release on
Mario's
Plastic Idol Records (yessir, named after the Texas punk-wave band of
yore), this is promise of more great things to come. Only 500
copies on gray marble vinyl, so check out www.plasticidolrecords.com to dig
it up.
Let's Get Hurt by Mitch Cardwell
DUCHESS OF SAIGON,
another one of the Babyhead
bands, has finally released another single (it only took two years to
follow up on S-S's Easter Queen 7"
EP)! They've decided to stick with Sacramento and help launch a
new label, Plastic Idol Records! The Hootenanny 7" EP quickly picks up
where Easter Queen left off,
featuring four great tunes that blend sweet pop with primitive
bashing. The unlikely pairing works so well, it will make you
wish that you thought of it first.
*****
Incredible reviews of
Duchess of
Saigon's new EP. At some point, I will post these reviews, and
all future reviews (don't forget about the great Smashin' Transistors review
of "Hootenanny"), on a "Press" page.
Four Eyes CDs next
week? I
know I said the same thing the last time we talked, but I've got
nothing to show for it. We're very close, so sit tight. If
you're a northern California type, go see the Four Eyes
tonight--Saturday, April 10--at the Distillery (2107 L Street) here in
Sacramento. Joining them will be the fabulous Losin' Streaks and
Harold Ray Live In Concert. Also, keep your eyes peeled for that Maximum Rock 'n' Roll interview I
mentioned before. The powers-that-be at the zine love it, and
we've been given a tentative press date of July 2004.
Next Thursday,
April 15, from
2:30-4:30 p.m., I will be a "special guest" on Heather Klinger's radio
show, "Live in the Warzone," on KDVS, 90.3 FM! You can listen
live online, so if you're around a computer next Thursday from
2:30-4:30 p.m., be sure to tune in by visiting the KDVS site. Spend your Thursday
afternoon in the company of great music and witty banter, as we spin
records (mostly '77 punk and garage punk) and talk shop.
Look for some Minds pics
and
some links tomorrow!
BACK TO TOP
3/31/04 - ANARCHY IN DAVIS!
Metal Urbain
exceeded my
expectations on Sunday night at the UC Davis Coffee House. Those
who know me know that I'm not the least bit shy about voicing my
skepticism when it comes to band reunions. I don't necessarily
take issue with the idea of "cashing in" (most, if not all, bands that
reunite are guilty of this to a certain degree), as much as the idea
that, nine times out of ten, it's a good idea to let sleeping dogs lie.
But there's hope after all, I guess. Metal Urbain's outstanding
set marks the second time in the past several months that I've walked
away from a "reunion" show impressed (the first was a ripping set from
the "don't call us reunited" Weirdos in Los Angeles). If you have
a chance to see Metal Urbain on the remainder of their U.S. tour, do
it. You won't be disappointed. If you already missed 'em,
shame on you. Make amends by purchasing the recently released CD
retrospective, "Anarchy in Paris!," on Acute Records, and checking out
live pics from their Davis show here
(once again courtesy of Heather Klinger).
Speaking of photos, my pics of the Minds were dropped off to be
processed today. I'm not cool enough to be digital yet, but I may
be in the near future. Instant gratification awaits.
Four Eyes CDs next week? I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
You can now purchase the Duchess of Saigon 7" from Carrot Top Distribution.
As the list of distributors continues to grow, you have less and less
of a reason not to buy this record!
I finally "installed" a counter the other day, so I can keep tabs on
all of your evil eyes. And I thought I was the only one reading
this thing!
BACK TO TOP
3/28/04 - BYE-BYE, MINDS
At present, there are
three
things at the top of "Mario's List of Things That Rule":
(1) The Minds; (2) house shows; and (3) the Davis music
scene. The Minds were incredible in Davis on Friday night!
A good time was had by all, and I know there are now a few more Minds
fans who call Davis home. An enthusiastic turnout, including some
of my great friends that I don't see as often as I should (David and
Adam, you rule), helped make the evening a complete success. It
was great fun dancing, singing, and working up a good lather to the
Minds. It was even better to be in the company of others doing
the exact same thing, and that is precisely why the Davis music scene
rules. Thanks to everybody who came out and had fun that
night. Most importantly, special thanks to the Minds, who turned
in an inspired set on the last night of their West Coast
mini-tour. Those who are unfamiliar with this wonderful band are
ordered to visit their web site and check out their music
immediately. You can do that here.
C'mon, hurry up!
While you're surfing the Internet, you would do well to check out some
pictures that were taken during the Minds show in Davis by my pal
Heather Klinger, whose KDVS radio
show, "Live in the Warzone," rules completely. If you're a band
or label, visit the KDVS site for her contact information and send her
some stuff! Those pictures can be found here, by the way.
The Minds stayed with me after their show on Friday, and the good times
continued well into the morning (if you read this, thank you again
Jason). I don't have any pictures of those good times, but I did
take some pictures during their Davis set that I hope to post
soon. In the event you find yourself with a house full of Minds
in the future, be forewarned: they're really good at Mario Kart
64.
I'm going to see Metal Urbain tonight! Uh-huh. Metal
Urbain! Woo-hoo!
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3/22/04 - WE GOT THE POP
I spent the
better part of
the
past weekend in the company of Minds, and it was everything I hoped it
would be and so much more. The Minds were fabulous in San
Francisco, with incredible sets at the Hemlock Tavern on Saturday, and
again at the Parkside on Sunday. If you missed it, you blew
it. But you'll have a chance to redeem yourself this week, when
the Minds come to Davis for a house show. Come see the Minds go
off in a living room! I can't wait! In my last update, I
neglected to include the all-too-important show details, for which I am
sorry. Without further ado...
Friday,
March 26, @ Pirate Ship House
748 Mulberry Lane, Davis
The Minds (Portland)
Sex With Girls Is Rad
(Portland)
Playboy Millionaires
6:30 p.m., ALL AGES, FREE
(DONATE $$$ FOR TOURING BANDS)
I'm told the music will start around 7 p.m. The
Minds
will play
either second or third, so you should try to be there at a reasonable
hour in order to catch all of the action. Come ready to sing and
dance. Don't worry if you don't know the words or prefer to dance
solo in front of your bathroom mirror. Once the Minds take off,
you'll find yourself singing words you thought you didn't know and
getting down with everybody else. Don't miss out! And bring
with you a couple of bucks to throw the way of the out-of-towners when
the evening's over.
My double-shot weekend of the Minds also brought with it the missing
puzzle piece to their Plastic Idol 7" EP. Sort of. I had an
opportunity to hear, for the first time, the A-side of the
record. It's a little ditty called "We Got The Pop," a classic
title if there ever was one, and it's going to be a summer smash, make
no mistake about it. This baby is going to be a monster record,
and I'm unbelievably excited to see it slowly but surely coming
together. Look for the 7" in the summer, before the Minds head to
Europe.
Sandwiched between the Minds' evening festivities over the weekend were
lots of good times. Plastic Idol Records is only as good as the
bands and music that are associated with the label, and few bands are
as talented and classy as the Minds. I feel so very fortunate to
release records that I would buy, made by people that I genuinely like
and think of as friends. I'm going to see Joel, Mike, Rob,
Rachel, and Jesse later this week, and it can't come soon enough.
Support great bands, but more importantly, support great people.
The Minds fit the bill perfectly.
It may be Minds' Week in the Plastic Idol household, but don't forget
about the Four Eyes! Their CD is nearing completion at the
plant. We are only about two weeks from having CDs in hand!
Prepare to be impressed!
In other label news, you will be able to purchase Duchess of Saigon's
"Hootenanny" 7" EP from Revolver USA,
one of the country's top distributors of independent music, and X-Mist, an excellent label/mail order
based in Germany, very soon. I encourage you to support often the
efforts of Revolver USA, X-Mist, and the other fine distributors who
stock Plastic Idol releases. They, along with bands like Duchess
of Saigon, the Four Eyes, and the Minds, deserve your attention.
Thank you for your support of Plastic Idol Records!
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3/16/04 - DUCHESS OF SAIGON EARNS
TOP SPOT AT KDVS!
That's right!
Duchess of
Saigon's "Hootenanny" 7" EP debuted at #1 on KDVS' "Top 30 Albums"
chart for the week ending March 8, 2004! Thank you very much to
KDVS for their support! "Hootenanny" remains in heavy rotation at
KDVS and, as of March 15, it's going strong at #7.
Congratulations to Richard and Mary of Duchess of Saigon on this
accomplishment! If you haven't heard this great band yet, get the
record and find out what the locals are raving about!
I interviewed the Four Eyes last week, and it turned out
wonderful. Now, the real fun begins: transcription.
It's a tedious process that would be going much faster if I wasn't
laughing so much at what we got on tape. You'd be hard pressed to
find three nicer people than Jay, Dave, and Joel, a.k.a. the Four
Eyes. Hopefully, you're counting the days until "Rock & Role
Playing" hits the streets. I know I am. In the interim, get
your Four Eyes fix with a copy of their self-released, out-of-print
debut 7" EP, "Come Prepared." I rescued a handful of copies of
this mid-90s gem from Dave Ninja's video game vault, and they're now up
for grabs for only $3 postage paid within the U.S.A., and $5 postage
paid world. See the Catalog page for
more details. Act fast!
The Minds are coming! The Minds are coming! Plastic Idol
Records #003 is reserved for Portland's finest, the Minds. These
guys and gal will grace northern California with their presence three
times over the next week and a half, culminating with what promises to
be an absolutely spectacular show at a house in Davis. You do not
want to miss this show, or any Minds show for that matter! Ditto
for their upcoming 7" EP on Plastic Idol!
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3/9/04 - SEASONS
CHANGE
The weather during the
past week
or so in Sacramento has been absolutely gorgeous: blue sky, nary
a cloud in sight, and temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's time to retire the jacket
until next year and roll out the summer wardrobe. I'm tired of
the rain, the wind, and the cold. I'm ready for the seasons to
change. Ask me again in three months, however, when the temps are
pushing 100, and I might have a different story for you.
I'm pleased to report that Duchess of Saigon's record release show this
past Saturday was a success! Special thanks go out to Duchess of
Saigon, the Four Eyes, and Radio Reelers for giving us great sets; KDVS for their help in promoting the
show (especially Sakura, Heather, and the volunteers that worked the
show); Lee and his staff at the Delta of Venus; Robert for the use of
his P.A.; everybody that came out to the show and offered their
support; and, last but not least, my family for making sure I had all
the bases covered.
Besides serving as a fitting heading for today's update, "Seasons
Change" also happens to be the name of a Duchess of Saigon tune
that
kicks off the outstanding "Babyhead" LP released by our friends at S-S Records.
Duchess of Saigon's track is a highlight on a comp that includes the
likes of the A-Frames, Country Teasers, Piranhas, and more. I
highly
encourage you to investigate this LP.
More positive feedback for Duchess of Saigon's "Hootenanny" 7" EP comes
via the DJs and listeners of KDVS. Yesterday, I received an
e-mail informing me that "Hootenanny" placed #2 on KDVS' "Top 5 Adds"
list released on March 1, 2004! How exciting!
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3/5/04
- DAVE NINJA RULES!
The Four Eyes' "Rock &
Role
Playing" CD package was sent to the pressing plant this past
week. Our "goal" is to have CDs in time for a Four Eyes show here
in Sacramento on April 10 at the Distillery with Harold Ray Live In
Concert and the Losin' Streaks, so there's your timeline. I
really couldn't be happier with the way this CD sounds and looks, and
I'm honored to release it on Plastic Idol.
In other Four Eyes news, I
will
be interviewing the band for an upcoming issue of Maximum Rock 'n' Roll, which
promises to be a lot of fun for all parties involved. If we're
lucky, we might end up with a cover. I'll keep you posted.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to start studying for the interview
'cause these guys are the smartest band in town and I don't want to
look like an idiot during our question and answer session.
Click here for a
sneak peek at the Four Eyes CD booklet, plus a great photo of the
band. For more information about these guys, visit their web site
here.
Duchess of Saigon record
release
show goes down tomorrow! Come enjoy the music and say "hi."
BACK TO TOP
3/1/04
- FULL COURT PRESS
The first review of
Duchess of
Saigon's "Hootenanny" 7" EP is in courtesy of Smashin'
Transistors, a garage punk web zine run by Bancroft Records honcho
Dale Merrill, and it's a good one. It's an entertaining read too,
with references to Fall singer Mark E. Smith, the Plastics, Bantam
Rooster, Yoko Ono, Asian hookers, and Pokemon. Click here
to read the review.
More press for Duchess of
Saigon's 7" EP is on the horizon. The formal promo mailing for
the record hasn't happened yet, which explains why you haven't seen it
reviewed by the usual suspects. Promo copies should go out
shortly, so keep your eyes peeled if you're on the fence and need some
reassurance before you take the plunge. An mp3 would probably
help too, and I'm in the process of ironing out some software wrinkles
in order to make that happen.
Duchess of Saigon's
"Hootenanny"
7" EP is a great record, I'm tellin' ya!
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2/29/04
- I'M GOING DANDY
I love Coachwhips. I really do. Their set last night at the
Kilowatt in San Francisco as part of Noise Pop 2004 was terrific.
I danced, then I danced, and then I danced some more. It was
beautiful. I
wasn't floored by 400 Blows. They weren't bad, but I didn't get
enough
of a read on 'em during their set to walk away with an opinion of the
band. Further live evidence is needed. Rock 'n' Roll Adventure Kids
were in fine form, although it seemed like most of the crowd didn't
know what to make of their garage punk hoedowns. The Holy Kiss
opened the show while I tried to find a place to park.
Can you believe that tomorrow is March 1? Me neither.
Celebrate the start of a new month by visiting the S-S Records web site and
purchasing a copy of the amazing "Babyhead" comp LP, which is
officially available on March 1. Plastic Idol was fortunate
enough to obtain a test pressing of this LP several weeks ago, and it
is an incredible document of today's exciting and innovative punk
sounds. Prepare to have your mind blown!
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2/25/04 - IT'S A SMALL WORLD
AFTER
ALL
Some of you may know that
I
contribute written material to a fabulous online punk music resource,
the Punk Information
Directory, which is run by my good friend, Willy Aadnoy. One
of the discs that I recently received for review was from a KBD-era
band from Massachusetts, the Destroyed (you can read my review by
clicking here).
The disc in question, "Outta Control," is the second of two
self-released Destroyed retrospectives, and it is incredibly
good. Well, I came home from work today to find the "first" CD,
"Bert Switzer: 1977-2002," waiting for me in my mailbox courtesy
of Destroyed guitarist J.D. Jackson, who had seen my review of "Outta
Control." I'm not sure which excited me more: receiving a
killer CD or reading J.D.'s note telling me that he lives only 45
minutes away. What a small world.
Duchess of Saigon 7"s are
now
available from Tonevendor, a
great Sacramento-based mail order/retail store/label that specializes
in a lot of interesting records from the indie pop food group (they
also stock a lot of great punk records). Since they opened their
retail store in mid-2003, I've been a regular customer, and you should
definitely investigate their online catalog. I think you'll like
what you find. And pick up a Duchess of Saigon 7" while you're at
it!
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2/24/04 -
NOBODY IS AN ISLAND
I
heard the above cliché quite a bit from various sources
while I was growing up. I've always
been an independent person. As a young
child, I was convinced I didn't need anybody for anything and, for the
most
part, I didn't. Through the years, my
desire for independence hasn't waned, but my perspective on a lot of
things has
matured. Unlike my early years, I now
embrace the help of others in order to accomplish a goal, and I realize
the
value in surrounding one's self with good people.
Plastic
Idol Records wouldn't exist if it weren't for the
help of a lot of people. Many of these
people know who they are, but there are probably just as many who have
no clue
that they made a difference along the way. Some
people have offered assistance that is easily
quantifiable;
others
have provided the sort of effort that is seldom reflected on the stat
sheet.
In
the coming weeks, I hope to put together a “Links”
section, which will include some links to the sites of people for whom
I have a great
deal of respect, and to whom I am grateful for their help.
I hope you'll investigate all of the links and
support the people behind the sites in their endeavors.
DUCHESS
OF SAIGON record release show is in less than two
weeks! Don't miss out on this great
show, which also features THE FOUR EYES and RADIO REELERS! C'mon
out on "Saturday Nite," have a "Drink With Me," and let's get everybody
"Shakin' at the Party!"
The
Hospitals,
with Coachwhips front man John Dwyer in tow, were incredible in Davis
over the weekend. House shows rule. This weekend, it's
Coachwhips
and Rock 'n' Roll Adventure Kids in San Francisco! The rock don't
stop!
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2/21/04 - I
WANNA
ROCK 'N' ROLL ALL NIGHT
Caught
some great live sets
here in
town the past couple of days. The Briefs were fabulous, as usual,
on Thursday night at the Boardwalk in support of Youth Brigade.
Every time I see them play, it seems like they make a ton of new fans,
which is how it should work. The club blows completely, but now
that the Capitol Garage is 18+, the pickins are even slimmer for the
all ages crowd in Sacramento. Thanks to my pals Adam, Alejandra,
and Haylie for making the night so much fun.
Last night, it was a terrific three band bill with the Losin' Streaks,
Four Eyes, and Bright Ideas (ex-Nar and first show in three years!!!)
at Moods in Old Sacramento. Each band delivered great sets,
especially the Losin' Streaks. These guys are good. Really
good. Following their set, one showgoer called 'em "the best rock
'n' roll band in Sacramento." Hyperbole aside, their live showing
certainly affirmed that observation. This band features two guys
from the Trouble Makers (Tim and Stan) and a couple of amazing,
well-traveled locals in Mike Farrell and Matt K. Great songs in a
Sonics meets Billy Childish mode, tons of energy, and stage presence
galore. You will be hearing more from these guys for sure.
Keep your eyes peeled.
Tonight,
I'm off to a house show in
Davis to catch the Hospitals, a great garage band from Portland/San
Francisco. Their LP on In The Red is great, as is their 7" on
Future Primitive. Track 'em down.
The Four Eyes CD is
nearing
completion. The band is tweaking the
mixes and finalizing artwork. We should be ready to ship this
thing off to the pressing plant in a month or two. It rules, of
course, and you're going to love it. Stay tuned.
BACK TO TOP
2/17/04 - ROCKIN' AND
REELIN'
I'm very excited to
announce
that there will be a "record release" show
for Duchess of Saigon's "Hootenanny" 7" EP on Saturday, March 6, at the
Delta of Venus Cafe in Davis, California, located at 122 "B" Street in
downtown Davis. For only $4, you will be treated to sets by Duchess of Saigon, the Four Eyes (future release on
Plastic Idol), and
San Francisco's very own Radio Reelers (great
Devil Dogs-inspired punk
'n' roll; ex-Fells, Trust Fund Babies, Spites). All ages are
welcome, and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. This
show is
co-sponsored by the folks at KDVS, 90.3 FM, UC Davis' amazing radio
station (http://www.kdvs.org). Bring
a friend or two
and let's have some fun!
I hope to have a Duchess of Saigon .wav or mp3 file on the site for
your listening pleasure in the near future (I just have to figure out
how to make it happen).
Mark your calendar for the Radio Reelers/Four Eyes/Duchess of Saigon
show on March 6!
BACK TO TOP
2/16/04
- WEB
SITE LAUNCH, TAKE ONE.
PLACES EVERYONE!
Hello
and welcome to the cyberspace
home
of Plastic Idol Records! Who? What? Where?
When? Why? How? I'm glad you asked.
Plastic Idol Records is a bedroom record label that calls Sacramento,
California, home. In the coming
days/weeks/months, I hope we'll get to know each other better and
become good 'ol pals. I'm workin' on the site, so please bear
with me while I spruce up the place. In the interim, grab
your beverage of choice, make yourself at home, and check
out Plastic Idol Records' debut release by DUCHESS OF
SAIGON, a terrific garage pop band from Sacramento. Click here
for
the lowdown.
Thank you for your interest!
--Mario
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