When I think of what “radio rock” should be, versus the current state of mostly tepid fare that jocks it forward, THE SPECIAL GOODNESS seem like the exact antidote needed to expunge the masses from embarrassments like TRAPT, PUDDLE OF MUDD, STAID, and so forth. “Land Air Sea,” is an sweet tooth of glorious pop [...]

Three particular things in the liner notes/poster that comes with the upcoming, GIVE ‘EM THE BOOT Vol. 4 caught my attention today:

1. Apparently Eric Ozenne (REDEMPTION 87, NERGE AGENTS) has joined the roster of THE TRANSPLANTS. He does not appear however on the compilation, which features a remix of “”Romper Stomper.”"

2. ALKALINE TRIO vocalist Matt Skiba appears as a backing vocalist for a song called “”Trauma”" by a group known as MERCY KILLERS.

3. One of the strongest tunes is from a band called BRAIN FAILURE who appear to be of Chinese origin. The band’s tune, “”That’s What I Know”" features guest vocals by Ken Casey, Matt Kelly, and Mark Unseen.

Overall, Volume Four is nothing short of amazing, by far, the best GIVE ‘EM THE BOOT release since Volume One. It’s out in stores on November 9th, for the highly rockin’ price of $5.99.

MATCHBOOK ROMANCE, MIDTOWN, NAME TAKEN, and HIDDEN IN PLAIN VIEW are on tour together, and Epitaph has set up a pretty sweet ecard/contest promoting the shebang. “One winner will receive an iPod and a poster signed by Midtown and MBR. Five runner-ups will receive a signed poster.” To enter the contest, check it out here. The carries on through November 23rd, and the dates are available on the Epitaph website, among others.

Bornbackwards.com, (the zine that once hailed Pastepunk as having “possibly the WORST color scheme ever”) has posted a brand new feature dedicated to its favorite modern protest songs. Mp3s of all 18 songs are available, and the feature is very well put together, not to mention, bitingly sardonic and funny at times. Check it out here.

Every so often something truly weird/awful/unexplicable shows up at Pastepunk HQ, requesting a review. The latest, and most notable of said items comes from a DVD titled Uncle Goddamn.

These are the amazing camcorder antics of a real-life, white trash family direct from a trailer park in North Carolina. You will not believe some of the cruel, sadistic practical jokes played on poor ole Uncle Goddamn by his loving “”friends”" and family.

Sounds like an instant classic…

One of my favorite blogs, freedom-to-tinker.com has a humorous bit today on American’s infatuation with people with “big heads.” According to this principle, Kerry has the advantage. For a good laugh, read the brief post here.

As hinted at in the band’s official break-up statement, new projects are already on the horizons for Chris Fogal. The following was snagged from his blog:

“”I have a couple of things on the table right now. First I am going to be working with this guy Vinnie from Less Than Jake on a side project. Then I plan to work on a solo thing. Virgil and I met yesterday and talked about the plan. I am going to try and get an EP out within the next 6 months or so.”"

Woo! Personally, I think a GAMITS ‘Retrospective’ would be a really great thing for Suburban Home to put out, as the band had multiple non-US releases, compilation tracks, etc.

In 1996 while in high school, I remember a friend asking me if I wanted to go with him to New York City to see BLOODLET at a club in downtown. Being both a) a surburbanite who was still bound to the wishes of his parents, and b) downright scared of the crowd that would [...]