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Spring 2001
 ISSUE  11.1 Spring 2001 

Intro | The Lowdown | Releases | Reviews | Features


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Pat Dull / [email protected]

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Tuesday, February 26, 2002

HELLBOUND TRUCKERS RAISE A RUCKUS
Local three-generation (a young 'un, pa & grandpappy triumvirate) party band The Hellbound Truckers are hosting a CD release party for their new disc Ruckus at The Northberg on March 2, 2002. Also playing is Rocketboy-9 from Cleveland featuring Dave Loy ("one of the HOTTEST guitar players around!").

FORECAST: ABSOLUTELY NO RAIN

Zero Rain will be releasing their new CD called Atmosphere (Thin Ear Records) at a record release show on February 28 @ The Brickyard. The band consists of James Housteau on lead vocals, guitar, and piano; Dave Gallagher on lead guitar and vocals; Chris Winder on drums and percussion; and Steve Gross on bass and background vocals. The CD was recorded at John Schwab Studios by Joe Viers. Also on the bill is special guest Stonevelvet. Check out www.zerorain.com for more info!

THIS JUST IN ... NEW BAND IN TOWN!
An unbiased Cringe-creeper has written in to tell the world and Columbus that:

"there's this band called "Underhero" thats kinda just getting started. They are just starting to play out, and all, but they kick ass. no joke. I saw them at a party in Dublin, everybody loved 'em... everybody was kinda drunk, but alcohol or no, these guys are about to storm the city."

Forewarned is forearmed.

- Pat Dull

 

COMFEST APPS AND UPDATES
If you jumped on the online Comfest applications last week, make sure ya get both forms. You can also get them at Monkey's Retreat and music shops around town. The application deadline is April Fools Day. Really. No. REALLY! This year's Comfest is June 28, 29 & 30. Keep in mind, stages may be a bit limited this year since Goodale Ave. will be closed for construction. I gave my 2 cents a few weeks ago and suggested moving the Jazz Tent to Poplar and adding new stage on the lawn somewhere.

BIG FREE BATTLE FINALS MARCH 1
The Ohio State University Battle of the Bands finals are March 1 at Woody's Place in the Ohio Union at OSU. The winner gets the headlining spot at OSU's Big Free Concert. Yes, crowd response counts. And the finalists are ...

Fire
The Honey's
The Jeremy Richter Effort
The Shantee
Soul-Fu Villains
Spiker-Konesky Band
Stonevelvet
Woosley Band

For more info, email [email protected]

BUCK SHOT EAR SHOT
There are few shows worth of new pictures and videos in Ear Shot Raw including the Baxters, 1.3, King Combine, F** Bomb, Pity The Fool, Media Whores, Bob City, New Bomb Turks and Grafton.

FURTHER SERVER UPDATES
I performed a few Cringe.com server updates over the weekend. There were a few version conflicts, but things all worked out. With any luck, this time next week you'll be seeing some major changes to the site.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, February 19, 2002

CULT OF THE PSYCHIC FETUS
On Thursday, February 21, 2002, the world's leading "Goth-a-Billy" group Cult Of The Psychic Fetus will be performing at Outland (1034 Perry St. Columbus, Ohio 43201). The band was recently been nominated for the second year in a row for a Cleveland Free Times Music Award 2001, having already won a Cleveland Free Times Cleveland Music Award 2000 as well as a Scene Magazine Music Award 2000 for "The Best Gothic Act." Also appearing will be the return of Columbus's own G-Spot Tornados and Bastard Squad of America. For more info contact Outland: (614) 421-2789 or email at [email protected] or Cult Of The Psychic Fetus: [email protected] or http://www.ravenworldwide.com/cultof.htm.

FIRST ANNUAL SWIM MEET
The First Annual Swim Meet takes place at Ruby Tuesday this Wednesday, February 20. Hosted by Swim Team, these events will feature local bands covering entire records. The first meet schedule:

For info on how to participate in the next meet (they're not really annual), contact Sean at [email protected].

MIRANDA SOUND BABY REBORN
Local band Miranda Sound is releasing a full-length CD called Baby Inertia (on Standard Recording Company Records, from Kokomo, Indiana). It's basically a re-release of their debut, but with some extra songs and a remastering job by Neal Schmitt at Workbook Studio. There will be a CD release party on March 2, 2002, at Oldfield's on High, with Silo The Huskie. Check out these promotional opportunities:

7-TRACK MIND EP
7-Track Mind, an "original, guitar driven rock band from Columbus," has just "finished" their debut EP. They will be having a CD release party on Friday, February 22, 2002 at The High Beck Tavern, 564 S. High St. (224-0886). The 7-Track Mind website can be found at www.7-trackmind.com.

GRAFTON SINGLE AGAIN
Local rockers Grafton is releasing their new single ("Sumbitch" b/w "Fine, good, go") on Derailleur/Diaphragm Records. It was recorded at Workbook Studio by Jon Chinn. A release party will be held on February 22, 2002 w/ New Bomb Turks, Bob City, and Bleed. Check out cringe.com/grafton and [email protected] for more info.

- Pat Dull

 

SIT SILO, SIT! STAAAAYYYY
Pat already mentioned Silo the Huskie is playing Miranda Sound's CD release show March 2 above. Ends up that will be Silo's first show since Comfest 2001. That means we can expect some new tunes, including some from their next CD which they're still shopping around to see what happens.

COMFEST BAND APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
Speaking of Comfest, it's about that time of the year. Comfest band applications are available now at www.comfest.com, Monkey's Retreat, and some area record and music stores.

THE VINCENTS UPDATE UPDATE
The Vincents have stayed near home recently recording a few songs and updating their Web site. A couple new tunes will surface on an upcoming split 7" on Diaphragm Records with Dayton's The Igniters. Look for that in April. If ya need to see them soon, they're at Ruby Tuesday Saturday, February 23.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, February 12, 2002

2ND ANNUAL ROCK AND ROLL LOVE JIHAD
Once again, the fine folks at Let It Rip Productions have figured out a way to turn Valentine's Day into something dirty. Called "Columbus' kinkiest Valentine's Day Tradition" by someone, probably, somewhere, the 2nd Annual Rock And Roll Love Circus will be hitting Bernie's Distillery on Saturday, February 16, 2002. This year the featured bands are (in order of appearance): The Media Whores, The Baxters, and The Jive Turkeys. As if that weren't enough, Mike and Mark (from Twin Cam) will be hosting the first ever "Raffle Of Love." Mike and Mark are going to be raffling away tons of free t-shirts, magazines, CD's, ball caps and other stuff courtesy of Revolver, Derailleur Records, Cringe.com and Workbook Studio and two $50 gift certificates provided by Columbus' Finest Adult Emporium, The Garden. The show starts at 10pm and is $5 at the door.

Let It Rip Productions also has a new web site at www.letitripproductions.com. Check it out, or email: [email protected] for more info!

FAT JOHNNY VS. PLANET 12
Local band Planet-12 will be interviewed on 99.7 the Blitz with Fat Johnny on Sunday, February 17 @ 10pm. The band will be playing a few tracks from their EP Eclipsed.

DOORS ARE OPENING FOR THE BIG CREAK
Local legends The Big Creak are excited to announce that they have been selected to showcase at the Millennium Music Conference in Harrisburg, PA on Saturday, February 16. They are showcasing at one of the nations largest brew house bars, Appalachian Brewing Company from 12:00 to 1:00 am. Their tune "Sick" will be featured on the Millennium Music Conference Compilation CD. Congrats! Check out more details at www.thebigcreak.com and check them out at their next Columbus show, March 1 at the Newport Music Hall.

- Pat Dull

 

BLUES NEWS FOR YOU
The Columbus Blues Alliance dropped us a note with some news and updates:

Shaun Booker and the New Blues Revue have left for Memphis to represent your CBA and Central Ohio at the International Blues Festival. There's still time for you to get down there and show your support! We wish Shaun and the band all the best of luck ... break a leg!

Bring your valentine to the CBA Broken Hearts Blues Benefit Show on Friday, February 15 at the Thirsty Ear Tavern, 1200 W. Third Avenue in Grandview. We're featuring four of the area's top blues bands: The Terra City Blues Band featuring Sister Rose, Willie Pooch and the Upsetters, the Nerak Roth Patterson Band, and Mike Patrick and the Blues Drivers. The show starts at 8:30 PM and admission is only $8.

February 15 is the deadline for all submissions to the Mar/Apr edition of CBA Magazine.

- Columbus Blues Alliance

COLUMBUSMUSIC.COM NEWS FOR US
ColumbusMusic.com has started up a weekly update giving the Lowdown a run for its money ... and then some. They even mentioned something I keep forgetting to pass along ... The Cringe.com/pilation v1.0 CD gave a Spendid Zine reviewer fun, warm thoughts and maybe a few youthful "soft feelings" for Columbus. Awwww, ain't that nice.

WOULDN'T BE WORTH WRITING DOWN WHAT I SAY
Yeah, I stole that headline from Pretty Mighty Mighty's "Best of the Worst." Why? Cause I really like it -- if for no other reason than the irony of writing it down. Anyway, we're collecting favorite and memorable local lyrics. If you've got a favorite lyric from a local, send it to us. I can't promise it'll end up as headlines here, but ya might just see it somewhere on the site.

WITHIN EAR SHOT
Yeah buddy, we've added a bunch of new pictures and a few videos to Ear Shot Raw. I managed to capture a few moments from the beginning of the Queen-a-thon at Little Brother's before hiking down to Bernie's for the return of Heeva Hava and the premiere of Gypsy Witch. Yeah, I hate the name Gypsy Witch too, but it's kinda a local super group with members who have done admirable time in Bob City, Terrifying Experience, Spider Friendz, The Econothugs, Girly Machine, the Method, Pica Huss, My White Bread Mom ... Well, I think ya get the idea.

Other newer shots include Tiara, The Emerald Down, Blow Up, Bloody Matt Dillons, Silencio and a single rare appearance of Cowboy Don B with A Planet For Texas
.

SPEEDIER SERVICE
If it seems like Cringe.com pages have been coming up a bit faster over the last few days, it may not be yer imagination. There was a recent router change that basically means our pages jump through one less hoop to get to you.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, February 5, 2002

THIS BYRD HAS FLOWN
Local band The Mighty Quinn band played with Roger McGuin (of The Byrds) last week at the Columbus Athletic Club. Apparently McGuin was in town for a friend's wedding reception, and joined the band onstage for renditions of "Mr. Tambourine Man," "Turn, Turn, Turn," "I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better," and "So You Want To Be A Rock'n'Roll Star." Check out pictures of the event at www.TheMightyQuinnBand.com.

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT SATAN
Satanic music just got a whole lot funnier, now that Columbus' Chefs of Destruction Devilcake will be rocking live at Midgard Comics this Friday February 9, 2002. Midgard Comics is located in Columbus Square, at 161 and Cleveland Ave. Home of the Bowling Palace, among others. The former home of Chuck E Cheese!

OPEN MIKE WITH IKE AND J.D.
This Thursday, Feb. 7 at Andyman's Treehouse, Ike (from A Planet For Texas) and J.D. (from the Media Whores) will wow the crowds with "Tunes! Prizes! Snacks! Bad jokes! Wacky lightshow! Beer! Play a song! Tell a joke! We'll have guitars there! Or just enjoy the shenanegins! (sp?)" Check it out for a fun time. This may or may not be a recurring event!

THUMPFLUID INDUCTED INTO ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME
Thumpfluid was chosen out of more than 250 bands to be one of 18 to participate in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Battle of the Bands, and will also be featured on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame compilation CD.

The preliminary rounds will take place on the Museum's Main Stage the following Sundays in February:

February 3 (no word on the results yet)
February 17
February 24
March 3, 2002 (Finals)

All times from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. All competition performances are FREE and open to the public.

Thumpfluid is scheduled to appear Sunday Feb., 24 at 2:10pm

Six bands will compete for the Grand Prize on March 3. The Grand Prize includes the opportunity to be the opening act for a National recording artist at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and a host of other prizes.

For a complete list of entrants in the R&R Hall of Fame Battle of the Bands, visit http://www.rockhall.com/home/default.asp for more information.

- Pat Dull

 

THE LACK ON NEED TO KNOW BASIS WITH ALTERNATIVE PRESS
Alternative Press Magazine has deemed the Lack one of the "100 Bands You Need to Know in '02" in its March 2002 issue!

There is also a special clear vinyl limited edition (500 to be exact) of the Lack's recent self-titled release on Troubleman Unlimited Records planned. Meanwhile, the band will be touring both coasts beginning April 1, 2002.

For more info you can also email [email protected].

OSU GATEWAY FORCES CLOSINGS
There's no doubt about this one. No rumored suspicious fires. No utility problems. No suddenly boarded up doors. No mystery at all. A handful of OSU area businesses had closed their doors last week to make room for Campus Partners' OSU Gateway plan. The affected businesses are Singing Dog Records (relocating nearby), Panini's, Cornerstone, Greek Village Gyros (relocating to Clintonville) and Cluck-U-Chicken. It was obviously a bit more desolate and quiet on South campus this past weekend. For more information, see http://www.thelantern.com/main.cfm?include=detail&storyid=166102.

COMFEST COMETH, LOGO NEEDED
Well, it's time to start thinking about Comfest. If yer the artistic type, submission for this year's logo contest are now being accepted:

Download the submission flier (RTF)

Oh, this year's Comfest is June 28-30. The one change I've heard about is that the fest will not be able to use Goodale Avenue due to construction plans.

TALENT SCOUTS FOR BANDALOOP
So as to be thorough and accurate, I'm just gonna quote this one:

We are currently looking for several music lovers who are interested in becoming Talent Scouts for Bandaloop Records.� Candidates must be available to visit clubs weekly and research bands on a daily basis.� Finders fees will be paid for each Artist that is signed and releases a CD on the Bandaloop label.� Please reply to [email protected] if you feel you have what it takes.� Please include in your email, your name, a daytime phone number, and the reasons why you are the best choice for the position.

Bill Hutchison
Bandaloop Records
http://www.bandalooprecords.com

Bandaloop has worked with Go Robot Go! and Silo the Huskie locally and several other bands not-so-local bands.

CRINGE FOOTNOTES
Yeah, last week was a perty busy week for me. One coworker out and another 2 traveling make Joel an overworked Web programmer. On the bright side, we hit an all time high in our stats. Actually, they've been perty steadily increasing for the last year or more.

Daily Average January Total
Hits Files Pages Visits Sites KBytes Visits Pages Files Hits
23077 17853 11801 1262 14828 7525232 39127 365841 553459 715408

So the site's been perty busy too.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, January 29, 2002

TRASH BRATS INVADE COLUMBUS / MEDIA WHORES FILM VIDEO
Detroit punk-glam legends the Trash Brats are hitting the Columbus shores this Friday, February 1, 2002, at Bernie's, as a warm-up for their appearance at the Queen-a-thon the following night. Opening the show will be Hensley-Sturgis and the Media Whores. The Media Whores will be filming a video that night for an upcoming single called "Today Is Mine."

PEACHBONERS CHANGE NAME
What once was the Peachbones is now Sons of F.M. With a record due out in March, the band thought "now would be a good time to change." Along with the name being retired, so has their country itch; apparently the band is moving on to "something different, something else." Check out their upcoming CD for further details...

LIKE A ROLLING PIN
On Saturday, February 2, 2002, the High Five will be hosting the Rock-N-Rolling Pin. It's a combination rock show/bake-off, featuring the tasty Walnut Brothers, plus 60 Watt Jackass, Guinea Worms, Exfacto, and F**Bomb. In addition to rocking the house, all the bands will be in competition with each other by bringing food that they've made themselves. The audience will then be asked to taste and judge each band's delicacy, voting for the best dish. The winning band will receive a golden rolling pin. The proceeds will benefit the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

HELLBOUND TRUCKERS RAISE A RUCKUS
Local bad-asses the Hellbound Truckers are releasing a 13-track CD called Ruckus in the next few weeks, with a record release show on March 2, 2002, at The Northberg. Think "Hank Sr. meets the Cramps"! The CD was recorded by Jose Gonzales of The Lilybandits. Check out http://www.mp3.com/hellboundtruckers for more details!

- Pat Dull

 

IT'S BEEN A LONG DAY. I'M GOING TO BED.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, January 22, 2002

QUEEN-A-THON
Little Brother's is again hosting a benefit for a terrific cause! This time it's the "Queen-a-thon" - a tribute to the late, great Freddie Mercury and the music of Queen! 100% of the proceeds will benefit two local organizations: the Ohio AIDS Coalition, an organization that provides statewide programs and advocacy to people living with HIV, and the Columbus' Meals On Wheels program, who has set up an account specifically to benefit AIDS patients.

The date is Saturday, February 2, 2002, and over 10 local/regional acts including Fenster, Anna Paolucci & The Vague, Johnson Brothers, Dixie Wreckman (aka Jim Castoe accompanied by Dave Powers as "Jeeves"), Dan D. & the Freddies, Pat Dull, Mendelsons from Queens, Heffy (Rob Maccabee of New Basics Brass Band), Mello Death (Mark Gunderson of Evolution Control Committee), Elliot 12trees and the Funky Bunch, Lollipop Factory, fire performances by Jade, a special appearance by Freddie Mercury impersonator Billy (former member and co-founder of H.I.S. Kings), and headliners the Trashbrats will be performing their versions of various Queen songs. We also have word that the fabulous Miss Freeta Lay (recently seen performing at Axis) will be making an appearance!

The doors will open at 8:00 and the music will kick off by 9:00. Minimum $5.00 donation at the door with a dollar off discount to anyone dressing up "in drag" or as any character from Queen's videos or movies. Raffle and event tickets may be purchased in advance at Little Brothers, Monkeys Retreat, Torso, or by emailing [email protected]. For more info call organizers Joyce Rice 614.268.9104, or Anna Paolucci 614.443.4357 or see http://www.comfest.com/queenathon/home.html.

WHERE-AH TIARA?
Tiara is still alive and has been busy mixing their next record (their 3rd full length). It's almost complete and is due out on Grand Theft Autumn (manufactured and distro by Parasol) from Illinois this April. Expect a release show at little brothers in April. Tiara also has a booking agent now www.candygrambooking.com and will embark on a 2 week east coast tour after the release of our next record.

NEW BOMB TURKS GET GLAZED
Local label Glazed Records is pleased to offer a updated New Bomb Turks single - Spanish Fly By Night (Glynt Mix) b/w Chip Away The Stone. As Glazed sez: "The un-abashed kings of taunt return with a vengeance. This single features 2 blistering tracks from the Nightmare Scenario sessions. The A-side is the Jim Diamond (White Stripes, Dirtbombs and every other Detroit garage act) alternate mix of the album track and the B-side is a swagger-laced cover of the Supa ditty "Chip Away The Stone." This single has been out of print for over a year and these two tracks have been remastered, repackaged and repressed lovingly for you by the good folks at Glazed." Send a wad of cash to:

Glazed Records
PO Box 82006
Columbus, Ohio 43202
or paypal the $$ to: [email protected]

CHUCK'S JUNK CD RELEASE INFO
Local "shake-your-booty" funk band Chuck's Junk will be releasing a CD EP called Junk Food at a record release party this Saturday, January 26, 2002 at Oldfield's on High. They took the time to write a short history of the band, so who am I to fail to post it? Here it is:

"Throughout 1999 guitarist B-iLL and bassist JoePJunk cut their teeth playing funk in Columbus, Ohio with a band called Mescalito. When these brothers left Mescalito (or were they fired?) in early spring of 2000, they knew the possibility of a new funk music, without boundaries, to stimulate dancing. B-iLL and Joe P. first enlisted their classic rock and blues guitar father, Felonious Junk. Felonious played many years with another Columbus band, the Boogiemen. The family then asked Lenny Benson to ascend the drum throne. Lenny, fresh from two years in Los Angeles' music scene, was a high school classmate of B-iLL and Joe P. in the mid-90's. Together, the four of them chose by process of elimination the name Chuck's Junk, and the music began. Destination, first gig: August 24, 2000, Little Brother's, Columbus, OH.

Alto saxophonist MCjim, another high school friend, quickly joined Chuck's Junk when he returned home late May 2000 from school with a minor in jazz studies. His task of piecing together the horn section proved difficult. Chuck's Junk saw three horn players quickly come and go who could not commit. In a strange twist of fate MCjim connected with yet another high school classmate, Freako the trumpeter, in late December 2000. With a music performance degree and a penchant for quirky humor and jazz, Freako clicked. Soon after followed Gramps-the tenor saxophone player-who still attended high school. But Gramps was no stranger to jazz. Like Freako years ago, Gramps plays with the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra and studies jazz saxophone privately.

Joe P. completed a music performance minor while at Otterbein College and there met Cleveland native and vocal major Napoleonstevewil. Though his roots lie in the classic soul singers Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, Napoleon is equally comfortable in rap and hip-hop,. (Some of the band's other influences include: Van Halen, Miles Davis, Erykah Badu, King Crimson, Sly Stone, Outkast, Kenny Garrett, Chicago, Herbie Hancock, and Heat Wave). Napoleon's trepidation faded by late June 2000 when he committed his vocal and lyrical talents.

Chuck's Junk promises music that powerfully stimulates dancing, much like funk, only invigorated with interesting invention. The band shies from boasting of their music's interesting subtleties and sophistication. Too nerdy, they might reply. Let the critics debate the music, anyway."

Check out [email protected] and www.chucksjunk.com for more info.

- Pat Dull

 

MYOPIA REPRESENTS
I'm gonna be lazy and just quote the email:

Myopia has been selected as this year's music feature for the OAC Showcase located at Vets Memorial (Columbus), Lima Convention Center (Lima), Memorial Hall (Dayton), Memorial Auditorium (Athens) and James A. Rhodes Arena (Akron). These showcases will be hosted by Roger Bingham (Survivor II), Lisa Marie Miree (Ms. Black USA) and Dr. Mike Thomson (popular author and comedian). Check out www.myopia-rocks.com for more information on these events.

MORE 2001 LISTS
We've got a couple more 2001 favorites local releases from a couple more regular Cringe.com contributors. I've also added reviews of a couple releases from my 2001 favorites.

Pat Dull of Break-Up! Records and Media Whores:
Salt Horse - The Best Of Times?

Hensley-Sturgis - Cabin Fever

The Honey's - Shoot From the Hip

The NSA - Eyes to the Skies

Neal Schmitt of Workbook Studio & Pretty Mighty Mighty:

Grafton - Grafton
Kicks ass without spilling a drop.

The Emerald Down - Scream The Sound
Kicks dreamy ass.

Soul-Fu Villains - The Nappy Mans Guide To Living
Kicks the booty.

The Lack - The Lack
Kicks loud scary ass.

The Stepford Five - The Art of Self-Defense
Kicks your ass and kisses your girlfriend.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, January 15, 2002

JAPAN DRUMS UP BUSINESS FOR COLUMBUS PERCUSSION
Columbus Percussion and Yamaha will be presenting welcomes two of Japan's biggest names in drums on January 23, 2002, at 8pm: Akira Jimbo and Kozo Suganuma. Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased at the store or by calling (614) 885-7372.

Akira Jimbo combines acoustic and electronic drums, and his compositions range in style from Fusion to Drum & Bass. He has been featured in Modern Drummer and Stick It magazines, as well as a recent appearance at the Modern Drummer Festival. His instructional videos have been big sellers, and include Metamorphosis, Pulse, and Evolution.

Kozo Suganuma is a sought-after drummer in Japan's pop and jazz scenes, and has played with American acts such as Larry Graham and Louis Jordan. Dubbed The King of Many Strokes, Suganuma possesses an amazing technique and is active in music education, touring Japan with his clinics and teaching at Yamaha Big Drummers Camp.

For more information: www.columbuspercussion.com or contact: [email protected]

JIM VOLK CD RELEASE INFO
Columbus Modern Acoustic Guitarist Jim Volk has just released a CD called Blue Wheels ... and other Guitar Favorites on his own label Steel River Recordings. Volk is also the founder and coordinator of The Columbus Modern Acoustic Guitar Fest, showcasing the finest regional solo guitarists. Check out www.jimvolk.com for more info!

- Pat Dull

 

BESTS BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
We'll we've collected the 2001 favorites of a few regular Cringe.com contributors. Yeah, it's one of those new year list things. Look for some extended reviews of these in the reviews section any day now ...

Chad Painter - Cringe.com and the Other Paper (in alphabetical order):

Earwig - Bored in Chicago
Sure, the tape came out a long time ago, but this year saw the CD version - and it's still better than most of the crap that came out this year.

Guinea Worms - Duct Tape You
Great songs, great production and "Hello From Ohio" is the best song about Ohio since Leonard Bernstein's "Why Did I Ever Leave Ohio."

Howlin' Maggie - Hyde
Overall, the album is pretty mediocre, but "Love Is All Around" is the best song I heard this year.

Manda and the Marbles - Seduction
This is what pop-punk should sound like.

Silo the Huskie - Demopromo
Yeah, it's not an official release, but it's good really good. The first three songs are from Fight (Cargo dropped 'em for the reissue), the fourth is from Sold for Scrap and the last three are still unreleased.

Various Artists - Cringe.com/pilation volume 1
Finally, you don't have to wait until ComFest to hear all of the bands you hear about all year but never actually go out to see. Some good, some bad, like a good comp should be.

Things to look forward to in 2002:
The Bygones
Go Evol Shiki!
Silo the Huskie
F**bomb (a little shameless self-promotion)

Tom and Rudy - CD101's Independent Playground. (These are locals pulled from their top 50, in order):

12. Various Artists - Cringe.com/pilation volume 1
20. The Means - Vil/viol
26. The Lack- The Lack
30. Them Wranch - Medium Rare
36. The Jive Turkeys - Songs From The Idiodyssey
38. The Azoic - Forward
45. "New" Terror Class - Did You Hear That We Fucked...?
46. Moviola - Rumors Of The Faithful

Honorable Mentions:
Grafton - Grafton
Blow Up - Blow Up
Kopaz - Starboard Rail
Orchestraville - At Night, It Is Particularly Lovely
The Emerald Down - Scream the Sound
60 Watt Jackass - Ornery

Joel Treadway - Cringe.com Webmaster (in alphabetical order):

60 Watt Jackass - Ornery
Fun, stripped-down, witty, lo-fi, backwoods, smart-assed, bitter, broken-hearted, 50's rockabilly Dylan villains.

Grafton - Grafton
Monster Truck 5 meets Ugly Stick. Or, for the non-locally oriented, MC5 meets X.

Guinea Worms - Duct Tape You
Minimal, deconstructed post-pop encrusted with local bar stool snap shots like "Columbus is from the street ... High Street."

The Honey's - Shoot from the Hip
Sex, drugs and female lead metal-edged hard rock that puts a big, cheesy grin on my face.

The MoonDance Experiment - Your Movements
Loose, experimental art pop that's not afraid to take a chance and be a little over-pretentious and silly.

Moviola - Rumors of the Faithful
Americana folk pop that starts to bring back memories of the good ol' days of early 70's AM radio.

The Rancid Yak Butter Tea Party - The Rancid Yak Butter Tea Party
What happens when speed metal, new wave, hardcore, art rock and whatever comes to mind can't decide whether to play, compromise or fight. NotSoEasyListeningScreamzophenicore.

The Staggers - The Staggers are Dead ... Long Live the Staggers ...
If the Who wrote a rock opera for Black Sabbath but Sonic Youth lifted it.

Various Artists - Cringe.com/pilation volume 1.0
Yeah, of course it's listed. Whaddya expect? I picked a lot of the bands to begin with.

Various Artists - Diaphragm Promo Sampler 2001
Rare and rawkin' compilation of Diaphragm releases from Bob City, A Planet for Texas, The Creeps, Superstar Rookie, Black Love, Dogrocket, and Fat Ass.

Close, but not Columbusites:
The Fairmount Girls - Tender Trap (Cincinnati)
Geraldine - Pure Bastard Rock (Athens)
Ruby Vileos - The King is Dead (Cincinnati)

A few othr "2001 Bests" lists may be coming in next week too ... we'll see.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, January 8, 2002

6TH ANNUAL JELLY DOUGHNUT-A-THON
This Friday, January 11 at 9 PM is the 6 annual Elvis Presley Birthday Tribute (aka Elvis-a-thon) at Little Brother's (1100 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43201 614-421-2025). You know the deal - tons of bands, tons of Elvis. Hosted by WCBE's Scott Vezdos, and check out these acts (listed alphabetically and not in order of appearance):

  1. Billy Vegas And The Swankin' Devils (feat. members of Broken Circle Gospel Deluxe, Jack Neat, Lollipop Factory, Media Whores, Shtick)
  2. Blatant Finger
  3. Bob Sauls
  4. Cheatin' Dogs
  5. Dave And The Alley Cats
  6. Fallow Valley Sinners
  7. Freaks Of 52 Weeks
  8. Hellbound Truckers
  9. Johnny Rebel
  10. Lollipop Factory
  11. The Mendelsonics
  12. Ray Fuller
  13. Southern Diplomats
  14. The Sovines
  15. Ukulele Man
  16. The Wahoos
  17. X-Rated Cowboys

Proceeds of this event benefit the Open Shelter. If you need any additional information, please contact Jeff Eaton at [email protected]

VAGUE RECORD RELEASE SHOW
Local popsters The Vague will be celebrating their new CD (called Divorcing The Shame) with a record release show on Saturday, January 12, 2002, at Little Brother's. The 12-song CD was recorded at GBS Records by Tom Boyer. The release show with also feature Vague pals Manda and The Marbles & The May. Check out www.thevague.com for more info!

- Pat Dull

 

ANOTHER ROUND OF EAR SHOTS
We've added a bunch of new pics and vids to the Ear Shot Raw section over the last month or so:

IT'S A-COMIN ...
I've been doing a lot of work and testing behind the scenes of Cringe.com. I think the care parts have been solidified. We're still open to design ideas too. With any luck, we'll finally be introducing a new site and functionality by the end of the month. Hmm, let's say Valentine's Day to be safe. Oh, I may be asking some of you to put 'er to the test first.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, January 1, 2002

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

No Lowdown this week ... I gotta sleep and sober up.



Tuesday, December 25, 2001

THE EMERALD DOWN IN A MAGAZINE CD
Local band The Emerald Down will be featured on the next Losing Today Magazine compilation CD. The next issue is scheduled to be out in April 2002. Losing Today Magazine is an international quarterly, full glossy magazine dedicated to the indie, shoegaze, dreampop, and electronic genres. The magazine is available at Borders, Barnes & Noble, and most other periodical retailers in the US, UK, and the rest of Europe.

NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH SUGAR PILL
For the discount rate of a mere $8, local band Sugar Pill provide you with a New Year's Eve buffet at The High Beck, consisting of (as their press kit sez) "Free drinks, free food, free champagne toast and party favors at midnight, DJ Drastic on the turntables, and of course the slamming grooves of Sugar Pill." You will receive a drink ticket at the door which is good towards the purchase of any draft, bottle, or mid-shelf liquor during 9-10pm and 1-2am. Cover begins at 8pm, but the festivities begin at happy hour! Taxis will be stationed outside the bar throughout the night to help with your safe travels.

- Pat Dull

 

MIRANDA DOES IT AGAIN FOR SRC RECORDS
Miranda Sound is taking a little break from shows to work on a re-release. They've been added to SRC Records' roster with a "tweaked" version of their first CD, Baby Inertia, planned for February. Support shows across the East Coast and Midwest are also in the works.

THE LACK GET PIGFACED FOR A NIGHT
After shows with Pigface, gODHEAD and Gravity Kills in Cleveland (December 19) and Newport, KY (December 20), the Lack was invited to actually join Pigface on stage in Chicago on December 21 for their last 4 songs. The Lack also say we should "keep and eye on Alternative Press."

AKIRA JIMBO & KOZO SUGANUMA AT COLUMBUS PERCUSSION
Columbus Percussion and Yamaha welcome two of Japan's biggest names in drums, Akira Jimbo and Kozo Suganuma. The special appearance takes place at Columbus Percussion on January 23, 2002 at 8pm. Tickets are $5.00.

For information:
http://www.columbuspercussion.com/
[email protected]
(614) 885-7372

CRINGE.COM REDESIGN IDEAS
It's time for the annual well-intentioned attempt to redesign Cringe.com. Not much has happened the last couple years. I ain't no artist so I have to rely on you artistic interface designer types out there if ya wanna see anything other than basic text and grids. If you have some ideas in mind, let me know ... or just send me a gif.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, December 18, 2001

ALCOHOLIDAY
Check out the updates Web site for local rockers Blatant Finger at www.blatantfinger.com, and you can download their festive Christmas carol "Alcoholiday." The tune was recorded this past November with Jon "Animal" Chinn @ Workbook Studio, and while you're at it you can take a glimpse into the recording of the new CD Middle, and peruse gobs of new merchandise and photos!

CHRISTMAS @ BERNIE'S DISTILLERY
Stainless Mind will be giving out lots of joy and bunches of presents for all the drunk'n jolly's to open and spread Christmas wrapping paper across the floor! The show is December 21 at Bernie's, and will start at 10pm. Opening will be the Hellbound Truckers, followed by Amoeba, and then Stainless Mind will be closing out the show.

- Pat Dull

 

MOST EXCITING GENRES OF 2001
It looks like someone over at the Onion likes Grafton ...

Pop music was at its best in 2001 when its purveyors were having a low-rent good time. The two genres that provided the greatest number of meaningless kicks were the giddy, danceable "pastiche electronica" by the likes of The Avalanches, Solex, and Mint Royale, and the gritty garage-rock of The White Stripes, The Strokes, and Grafton (among others).
- Noel Murray, The Onion

How's that for flattering ... A local listed right along side The White Stripes and The Strokes. Yeah Buddy!

BACK TO WORKBOOK
Workbook Studio hosted a party at their new location this past Saturday. Proprietors Jon Chinn and Neal Schmitt plan to host other similar events. They also plan to exhibit local artists (as in painting, sculpture, photography, etc.) throughout the space. Call 258-1405 or visit http://www.workbookstudio.com/ for more info.

Oh, the first recording session was Sunday with The Stepford Five doing their cut for the Cringe.com/pilation volume 2. Yeah, we feel kinda special now.

CRINGE.COM REDESIGN IDEAS
It's time for the annual well-intentioned attempt to redesign Cringe.com. Not much has happened the last couple years. I ain't no artist so I have to rely on you artistic interface designer types out there if ya wanna see anything other than basic text and grids. If you have some ideas in mind, let me know ... or just send me a gif.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, December 11, 2001

MESSAGE FROM BROTHER BILLY
The following is a message from Brother Billy of the Broken Circle Gospel Deluxe:

Greetings Lowdowners,

Brother Billy from Broken Circle Gospel Deluxe (BCGD) here. Just wanted to let you know that ole Brother Billy is once again a free man and that my conviction for (15 year old) male fraud has been overturned. Thanks to our crack legal team and the generous contributions to the Brother Billy Legal Defense Fund. So ... I am proud to announce the return of the Broken Circle Gospel Deluxe Gospel Revue and Revival performing limited special engagements. Upcoming Columbus appearances are currently being confirmed and will be announced in the very near future. The next Ohio appearance is a very special one with The Broken Circle Gospel Deluxe opening for El Vez (the chicano bastard son of the King himself) at Cleveland, Ohio's Beachland Ballroom (http://www.beachlandballroom.com/) this Wednesday, December 12.

Broken Circle Gospel Deluxe features members from such bands as (Media Whores/Kingrods, Jack Neat/Jack Nasty, Wahoos, Salt Horse, Lords of the Highway, Bubba Ho-Tep, Siouxpergirl and is ...

  • Brother Billy (Ring leader and Rhythm Guitar)
  • Sister Sugar (Doghouse Bass, Choir)
  • Pastor Bob (Lead Guitar I)
  • Cool Brother Kyle (Percussion)
  • Cuzin Chris (Mandolin)
  • The Undertaker (Choir and Interment)
  • Brother Uncle Lester (Lead Guitar II)
  • Brother Believer or Brother Wild Bill (Cocktail Drum)
  • Sister Mary Catherine Mary Margaret Mary Cupcake (Choir and Discipline)

Can I get an "Amen"?,
Brother Billy

- Pat Dull

 

LOCAL OHIO MP3 STREAMS
Wait until 10:05pm. Jump on over to Shoutcast.com. Search for "local ohio." Click and listen. Yer listening to the newest streaming MP3 radio station featuring largely Ohio artists. The station has plans to go 24/7 next year.

Speaking of streaming, Cringe Radio was down for a few days last week. The provider, Live365.com, had some problems with their bandwidth provider.

STOLEN GEAR LOOKOUT
Well, with all the recent reports of stolen gear, I thought it would be appropriate to create a new message board area to communicate about lost, found and stolen items. I hope this helps us all look out for and protect each other. Here's the link:

http://www.cringe.com/forum/read.php?f=14

- Joel

 


Tuesday, December 4, 2001

THE MOST IMPORTANT BAND IN UNDERGROUND ROCK N' ROLL
As an early Christmas present, Electric Frankenstein (dubbed by Hit List magazine as "The Most Important Band In Underground Rock n' Roll") will be playing this Saturday, December 8, 2001 at Bernie's, along with A Planet For Texas, Fulbone, The Jackalopes, and Salvage.

BENEFIT FOR WCBE
A rock show for the benefit of 90.5 WCBE will also take place this Saturday, December 8 at Ruby Tuesday's. Dan Spurgeon, appearing with the Peachbones as his backing band, will kick off the evening, followed by The Woosley Band. Bravado closes out the event, making their debut with their new lead singer. Cover is $4 or $5.

SODA VS. POP VS. DRUMMER
Local rockers Soda Vs. Pop need a new drummer. They are in the midst of recording new material (one of which will be on the upcoming Cringe.com/pilation volume 2 CD). They want all prospective drummers to know that they are "the best band ever!"

RECORD RELEASE MADNESS
Local band Chuck's Junk is self-releasing a soul/hip-hop influenced 4-track EP for your pleasure and consumption. It was recorded by Chuck's Junk and Marc Lippman, and there will be a Record Release party/show on Saturday, December 8 @ Oldfield's on High. Check out chucksjunk.com for more info!

- Pat Dull

 

DERAILLEUR SINGLES AND HONEY'S
The Honey's put together and all girl fronted lineup for the release of their debut CD, Shoot From The Hip on Derailleur Records. The show is Friday, December 7 at Little Brother's with the Fairmount Girls and Di Di Mao.

Derailleur has also updated its "Singles Club" just in time for the Holidays. It now features the Guinea Worms "It's Christmas Again (Do You Know What I'm Saying)" b/w "The Parched March." You can download the new MP3 single, complete with artwork, from www.DerailleurRecords.com.

ELE_MENTAL ANNOUNCE_MENTS LIST SUBSCRIBERS
Our friends over at ELE_MENTAL have recently completed a server switch. But in the move some subscribers to their emailing list may have been lost. So if ya used to subscribe and haven't received a notice of the server switch in the last week or so, ya may wanna jump on over to www.ele-mental.org/announce_ments/ to see what's up and/or resubscribe.

And in case ya didn't know:

ELE_MENTAL has been a strong presence in the electronic music and design communities of Columbus, Ohio since 1992 - exploring the borders between technology, sound, space, and the moving body.

NEMO 2002 IS NOW ACCEPTING SHOWCASE APPLICATIONS
The next NEMO Music Showcase & Conference is April 11-13, 2002 in Swissotel, Boston. To submit your music for showcase consideration, call their office at 781-306-0441 or email [email protected] to request an application. For more information go to: www.nemoboston.com.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, November 27, 2001

MILES OF WOOSLEY BAND
Cool alt-country label (and mail-order distributor) Miles of Music is offering their Free Sounds sampler #1. It's available exclusively at milesofmusic.com, free with any purchase through their mail order/online music catalogue. Locals The Woosley Band appears alongside other MOM favorites such as Trailer Bride, A.C. Cotton, Pawtuckets and The Boxcars. A previously unreleased Woosley Band tune ("Painted") is track #3!

UNDERGROUND RAVE SCENE SHUT DOWN; PACIFIER STOCKS PLUMMET
In what amounts to a swan song for Columbus' fledgling underground rave scene, an event sponsored by techno-dance stalwarts MALFUNCTION was shut down at 1:30 AM on the evening of November 17th. Using three full floors of the same warehouse that was used for a smaller, one room event in July, the ravers and the music this time attracted too much attention from the authorities, who arrived at about 1 AM to apply the wet blanket. The police allegedly threatened the promoters with various citations if they did not shut down immediately.

[see http://www.ele-mental.org/announce_ments/ for the full story.]

RECORD RELEASE MADNESS

Jay Jerrolds
Jay Jerrolds is releasing Best of Vol.2 1991-2001 (Spitfire Records) on CD and Cassette on December 2, 2001. It was recorded at Slive Studios. Check out www.JayJerrolds.com for more info!

Illogic
Local hip-hop phenomenon Illogic will be releasing the new album Got Lyrics? (Weightless Recordings) on December 4, and it will be available on both CD and vinyl! The album is a follow-up to Illogic's 1999 release (Unforeseen Shadows), and is a combination of spoken word poetry and hip hop lyricism. There will be an Illogic in-store appearance on Saturday, December 1 at Roots Records (1202 N. High St.) in Columbus from 4pm-8pm. Check out www.weightless.net for more info!

The Lack
Local band The Lack's debut release was officially out November 20. You can check out their two tracks on the Invisible Records compilation, as well.

- Pat Dull

 

THE STEPFORD FIVE INTERVIEW
Hooch over at WOBN's The Local Buzz passed on an interview he did with The Stepford Five. It's up at http://www.cringe.com/issues/11.1/ts5.shtml.

NEW MP3 STREAM
There's a new streaming MP3 station dedicated to local and regional acts just getting off the ground at http://140.254.114.161:8000. Alternately, ya can search for "local ohio" on www.shoutcast.com. They should be on air Tuesday, November 28 at 10pm. Yep, that's the same time as ...

OUR SUNDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHT CHATS
Just a reminder that our regular chats are Sundays and Tuesdays 10pm-12am. Independent Playground DJs Tom and Rudy G. will be present Sundays to take requests, comments, questions, complaints or just write silly stuff. Local Buzz DJ Hooch takes his turn on Tuesdays during his show. We're trying to get Fat Johnny from Local Stuff to join in on Sundays, but no luck so far.

And, yes, we're still looking for people to help organize chat topics, interviews and such during the above times and/or any other times. Interested? Contact us.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, November 20, 2001

IF YOU REALLY HATE MICHIGAN ...
Local scarlet'n'gray rockers Watershed are hosting their 55th annual Hate Michigan Rally this Friday, November 23, at Oldfield's on High. Support the hate by showing in your buckeye gear. Local patriotic rockers Pfifer will also be on the bill.

EARWIG CANDYWIG
Former Columbusite (but now west-coastian) Lizard McGee has announced that his band Earwig has been nominated for Best Song (for "Best Kept Secret") and Best Album (for Perfect Past Tense) in the college rock category by the Indie Promotional Organization J.P.Folks. Further, the Lizard Family Music label has just released the live Earwig album "Bored in Chicago" on CD. It's a sound board tape recorded at Chicago's Elbow Room. There is also a new Lizard Family Music message board (the old one is archived). It can be found here and www.lizardfamily.com

JACKASS CORRECTION
60 Watt Jackass want you to know that their web address is "case sensitive," like so: http://www.geocities.com/sixtywattjackass/60WattJackass.html

RECORD RELEASE MADNESS

Season's End
Modern Rockers SEASON'S END are celebrating the release of their third CD 3 Miles From Daylight (on Stonewater Records). It was recorded at bassist Dan Morris' home studio, Bennell House. They will be having a CD release party on Saturday, November 24, at Madlab. They're also premiering videos (written and directed by local director Brian Hauser) for 2 of the songs from the CD. Tickets are $5 in advance, $6 day of show. The Small Child Orchestra opens the show at 9:30pm. Check the band's Web site for more details at www.seasonsend.net or write [email protected].

- Pat Dull

 
CHANGING GEARS AT DERAILLEUR
Well, there have been a few changes over at Derailleur Records. First, the new man in charge is Post from Grafton. As part of his new reign, Derailleur now has a shiny new site at www.DerailleurRecords.com. The new site has this thing called the "Singles Club" that kinda intrigued me. Each month the site will feature an artist, not necessarily one on the label or from anywhere near Columbus. Each of these features will include a couple tunes with original artwork, info and news. So ya could download a nice little singles package without leaving yer computer.

Amid many witty non-sequiturs, Post added, "I think it's a good way for both the label and bands to get some attention and for the bands to have a free outlet for a single with an unlimited potential audience. No cost to us, to the band, to the customer. Just pure utopian capitalist marketing at its absolute finest."

CRINGE RADIO UPDATES
There were major modifications beyond my control made to the Cringe Radio stations a few weeks ago. I finally got things working again this past weekend. I also replaced about 3 hours of tunes with more recent tunes for a total of over 8 hours of music on the Recent Releases Station. The 1990's Station is still streaming with over 13 hours of local music from throughout the 1990's.

OUR SUNDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHT CHATS
Sunday nights not good for ya? Hooch over at WOBN's The Local Buzz will be in the chat room during his show (Tuesdays 10pm-12am) to talk and take local requests. Season's End and Thumpfluid are his in studio guests this week, so maybe they'll have a chance to chat, too.

Of course our Sunday 10pm-12am chats are still on. Tom and Rudy over at CD 101's Independent Playground have taken a shine to it, encouraging listeners to chime in, speak up, complain, comment, flatter, ask questions, make requests and just be silly. We're trying ta get both Fat Johnny of The Blitz's Local Stuff and Hooch to join in this Sunday.

P.S. We're still looking for people to help organize chat topics, interviews and such during the above times and/or any other times. Interested? Contact us.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, November 13, 2001

THE BIG VIDEO SHOOT
On Friday, November 16, local band The Big Creek will be filming some video at Little Brother's for their web-site www.thebigcreak.com. Also playing will be Sister Flow and Woodside Quinn.

KISS ME DEADLY
Andyman's Treehouse will host an 80's Power Ballad night on Saturday, November 17. Check out members of Pfifer, Uncle Owen, Pretty Mighty Mighty, and God knows who else as they pay homage to "Sister Christian"!

THE LAMBZ OF THE HARD MIRACLE "HAPPENING"
On Saturday, November 17, MadLab will be host to "The Lambz of the Hard Miracle 'Happening'", which features The Boaz Philharmonic, Marcy Mays, and The Smiling Villains (Michigan Goth-pop). The club actually nailed a temporary beer permit so everything's legit. The deal doubles as "The Melebration," and all that such an event entails.

SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE FOR SILO THE HUSKIE
Local rock heroes Silo the Huskie woke up last week surprised to find that their label (Headhunter/Cargo Records) has decided not to resign any of its bands. The label has cut staffing and will not exercise any options on any bands, which includes Silo. Unfortunately, Silo was counting on Cargo to cut a check for the majority of their recording bill for their next record, which is already in the can. Silo was offered a lesser deal by Headhunter/Cargo, but has declined. At the very least a DIY effort will be in the works by 2002.

RECORD RELEASE MADNESS!

Eve's Twist
Local band Eve's Twist will release their debut CD, Busload of Strangers, on Thursday, November 15. To celebrate the release, the band will perform live at Jillian's, in the Columbus Short North area (477 N. Park St., Columbus, OH). Opening act, Giles Ponticello, will take the stage at 8:00 p.m., followed by Eve's Twist at 9:00 p.m. The debut CD was recorded at Workbook Studio by Neal Schmitt, and features seven original songs, ranging from acoustic rock to blues to country. For more information, contact Don Catlett or 614-876-7797, [email protected], or www.evestwist.com

The Boaz Philharmonic
Local band The Boaz Philharmonic will be celebrating the release of their Lambz Of The Hard Miracle (Loughton Sound Technologies) CD at Madlab on November 17, 2001. Check out http://www.standuptragedians.com and http://www.mp3.com/boazphilharmonic for more info.

Quarkspace
Local band Quarkspace is having a release show for their CD Drop (Eternity's Jest Records) at Ruby Tuesday this Saturday, November 17. Although the music is available online, CD copies will be available for FREE at the release show! As the band says, "Any holders of the CD or mp3s are licensed and encouraged to freely distribute the music for non-commercial purposes; Eternity's Jest Records retains all copyright ownership." For more info, check out quarkspace.com/[email protected].

- Pat Dull

 

PROTECT OUR EARTH'S TREASURES BENEFIT
Back in my, ahem, college days I was a member of P.O.E.T. (Protect Our Earth's Treasures), so I feel a need to mention this show. P.O.E.T. commonly works with P.E.T.A. (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and various conservationist groups. Plus a couple of the bands are on the next Cringe.com/pilation. Hmm, maybe I'll bring a few copies of volume 1 to help raise money. The benefit is Thursday at Little Brother's with Di Di Mao, F**Bomb, 60 Watt Jackass and The Awakening.

ORCHESTRAVILLE EXPORTS
While Orchestraville is regrouping, drummer Keith Hanlon is keeping busy with other projects:

Under the Zapruder Red moniker, he has releases a trip-hop remix of O-ville's very own "The Midnight Ship (Future's Heap Mix)".

Keith is also playing drums with Parker Paul in support of Parker's recent CD, Wingfoot (Jagjaguwar Records). Parker's touring band also includes members of Songs:Ohia, Scout Niblet, and The Lofty Pillars. They've already hit Charlottesville, VA; Washington D.C.; and Richmond, VA with the likes of Nad Navillus and Spokane. On November 15 they'll be in Chicago, IL at The Hideout with Nad Navillus and Bevel.

JEFF YOST HEART ATTACK
I just got word of this a few days ago and wanted to pass it on. Jeff Yost, an old friend of Cringe.com's, is recovering from a recent heart attack. Calling Fremont, Ohio home, Yost is the man and musician behind several music services, including founding GigSwaP Services, Namuto Press (a music services contact directory), and Northwest Ohio Music Zone. He has also worked with Cheap Trick, Iggy Pop, Brownsville Station, The Guess Who, his own solo projects and much more. Jeff was one of the early supporters of, contributors to and inspirations for Cringe.

Messages may be sent to
Jeff Yost
1910 Riverbend Parkway
Fremont, Ohio 43420
[email protected]
http://www.mp3.com/jeffyost

SUNDAY NIGHT CHATS
Well, the few of us that participated in the Chat had fun. We even got several on-air mentions. How about if we make Sundays 10pm-12am a regular time to chat? Yeah, that should tie in nicely with both The Independent Playground on CD 101 and Local Stuff on the Blitz. Feel free to send me any topic suggestions. Better yet, if someone would like to become the "Chatmaster" and set-up topics, interviews, whatever ... I'm all ears!

- Joel

 


Tuesday, November 6, 2001

MEDIA WHORES MEET THE DICTATOR OF NYC
Columbus rockers (and Break-Up! Record artists) the Media Whores will be playing a show this Saturday, November 10, 2001, at Manitoba's in NYC. This show is a re-scheduling of their postponed September 15 gig. For those in the know, Manitoba's is run by the frontman for the legendary Dictators, Handsome Dick Manitoba. Also working the bar are former members of The Devil Dogs. The Whores will be playing with fellow Break-Up! artists The Heartdrops.

WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S CRINGE.COM/PILATION SHOWS
There are a few Cringe.com/pilation shows coming up, in anticipation of the second in the series of local music CD's:

Check out http://www.cringe.com/pilation for more info.

THE VINCENTS
Local band The Vincents have finished two songs with Jon Chinn of Workbook Studio for their upcoming Diaphragm Records release. This will be a split seven inch with The Igniters from Dayton. Meanwhile the band will be playing a lot of out of town shows:

THE LAST HOTEL
The Last Hotel (which formed in late 1999) has begun recording a full-length release with Neal Schmitt (also at Workbook Studio), which they expect to be ready sometime next year. You can catch some of their new tunes at these upcoming shows:

QUARKSPACE IS RETIRING
Local band Quarkspace is essentially retiring from live performances, the main reason being the necessity for some members to concentrate more on personal issues. However, their next CD (Drop) will be released on mp3 format for free at quarkspace.com within the next few weeks. The CD format will be released into the public domain through various "tape traders" sometime soon after that. They will have free CD copies of Drop available at our farewell show on Saturday November 17 at Ruby Tuesday (1978 Summit St. in Columbus). There is also a CD/comic book project with Matt Howarth in the works (any interested labels out there??), as well as other plans. Drop will be available for free in mp3 format at www.quarkspace.com.

RECORD RELEASE MADNESS!

  • The Stepford Five
    The Stepford Five have released The Art of Self-Defense, their new album, exclusively at the Virgin Megastore in the Easton Town Center. The CD features eleven tracks of guitar rock recorded at Workbook Studio by Neal Schmitt. You can preview the album in one of those listening booth thingies throughout the Virgin Megastore. In fact, The Stepford Five will be performing several in-store acoustic shows at the Virgin Megastore at 2pm, 5pm and 9pm on Saturday, November 10 . A fully plugged in record release show will be held on Friday, November 9 at Bernie's/The Distillery as a part of the Cringe.com/pilation benefit weekend (along with Di Di Mao and The Altered Statesman). Check out www.stepfordfive.com for more info.

  • Thumpfluid
    Thumpfluid is releasing their self-titled CD (i.e. Thumpfluid) on Saturday, November 10, at High Five (1227 N. High, Columbus). Look for a review of the CD in the current issue of the Other Paper. See Columbus Alive add for show information and dates.

- Pat Dull

 

WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S
Pat mentioned our little Weekend at Bernie's above. These are the last 2 shows in support of volume 2 of the Cringe.com/pilation until its Spring 2002 release show. The more we make at these support shows, the more CDs we can press. So come on out and support the cause and get a voucher for a free CD at the release show as an added bonus. Here's a bit about the bands ...

  • Friday, November 9, 2001 at Bernie's/The Distillery

    Di Di Mao (Columbus)
    http://didi-mao.tripod.com/
    These 3 ladies and 1 boy can rawk and make pretty noise, sometimes simultaneously. I'm sure there's some credit due to Jane's Addiction and grrl art rawk in general.

    The Altered Statesman (Dayton)
    http://www.AlteredStatesman.com/
    Some hear spacier Goaded by Vices, er, Guided by Voices. I think the Statesman is haunted by the film noir atmospherics of the likes of Maria McKee, Bill Frisell or later day Talk Talk with an Americana tinge.

    The Stepford Five (Columbus)
    http://www.stepfordfive.com/
    Their recent release reveals an edgier, moodier side with their Afghan Whigs roots showing. Wait! Shhh. Anyone else hear the Church's "Under the Milky Way" as sung by J. Mascis?

  • Saturday, November 10, 2001 at Bernie's/The Distillery

    Go Evol Shiki! (Columbus)
    http://www.goevolshiki.com/
    I don't know if they're more Portished, Jesus and the Mary Chain, 4AD or rock guys with a few keyboards, but they've evolved yet again into something energetic yet moody. Electronic, yet human. Thoughtful, yet danceable. Dark, yet fun.

    Ruby Vileos (Cincinnati)
    http://www.rubyvileos.com/
    Admittedly, I'm totally enamoured and intrigued by singer Ali Edwards' voice - easily my favorite Ohio vocalist. With members of the Ass Ponys and Snaggletooth, their open, spacious, if not slightly slanted, pop makes it easy to imagine Bjork or the Sugarcubes being from the sliver by the river rather than the great land of ice.

    Soda vs. Pop (Columbus)
    http://www.sodavspop.com/
    Think indie boy rock in the realm of Tiara, Modest Mouse, Built to Spill and maybe even a bit of the Smiths.

Yeah buddy!

CARE TO CHAT?
OK, we here at Cringe.com are about to try a little experiment. We're going to take our chances with a Chat Room area. Our first scheduled Chat will be Thursday, November 8 @ 11pm-1am.

Why then? Call it serendipity. That's when CD101 airs the Independent Playground and I'm commonly at the computer doing the Live Shows calendar anyway. Tom and Rudy from the Playground may be monitoring things, too. Did I mention that this month is the Independent Playground's 3 year anniversary?

The topic? Probably things like local music on the air and some self-serving bits about the "Weekend at Bernie's" Cringe.com/pilation shows November 9-10 ...

The worst that could happen? We overload the Cringe server bringing it to a screeching halt. Tom and Rudy stop taking my calls, emails and chat requests.

The best that could happen? We all have fun and get more air time.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, October 30, 2001

GRAFTON TOUR DATES
Local band Grafton will be touring most of the month of November ... check 'em out:

  • Nov 1 Toledo Oh @ Bottlerocket Bar
  • Nov 2 Ypsilanti, Mi @ Elbow Room
  • Nov 3 Athens, Oh @ The Union (Halloween Wknd w/ Geraldine & the Chargers)
  • Nov 4 Chicago ,Il @ Beat Kitchen
  • Nov 5 St Louis, Mo @ Creepy Crawl w/ Heroin Shieks
  • Nov 6 Oklahoma City, Ok @ Green Door
  • Nov 7 Austin, Tx @ Emo's
  • Nov 8 Ft Worth, Tx @ Wreck Room
  • Nov 9 Nashville, Tn @ The Springwater
  • Nov 10 Knoxville, Tn @ ???Still Working On This One!
  • Nov 11 Columbus, Oh @ Ruby Tuesday w/ The Natural History (NYC)

RECORD RELEASE MADNESS!

Parker Paul
Parker Paul has released his new album, Wingfoot, on Bloomington, Indiana's Jagajaguwar label. This is Paul's second release on the label, and the disc features Orchestraville's Keith Hanlon on drums, Songs:Ohia guitarist Danny Sullivan, and was produced by Michael Krassner of Lofty Pillars.

His CD Release show was last Saturday, but Paul will be joined by Hanlon this Thursday at Oldfield's, and Sunday at High-Five.

The Chandler Wright Story
The Chandler Wright Story's C.D. release party will be held October 31 at Cosmos (Frantz Rd.). Come dressed up in your best costumes. There will be give-aways, great music and a lot of drinking. Check 'em out!

- Pat Dull

 

ORCHESTRAVILLE GUITARIST DUCKS OUT
Guitarist Matt Duckworth has decided to leave Orchestraville. We're told they are "all still on good terms, but Matt just decided not to stay." The 3 remaining members plan to return as a trio after some retooling time. In the meantime, Matt and Orchestraville drummer Keith Hanlon, will be reviving the Original Onions for a New Year's Eve show at Little Brother's.

COMPILATION SUPPORT SHOW AT OLDFIELD'S NOV 2
Well, Cringe.com continues it series of shows in support of the Cringe.com/pilation v3.0 CD. This Friday, November features Moviola, Rosavelt and Brad Swiniasrski.

With Bigfoot and Bob City being largely inactive, we decided to get one of their driving forces from out of the shadows of his usual drum kit. Multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Brad Swiniarski will be taking center stage solo and with a band doing his own take on things like Tom Waits, delta blues, Ohio and whatever strikes him.

Cleveland's Rosavelt is best known in these here parts as Tim Easton's touring partner. Rosavelt and Tim would trade sets for a nearly continuous night of music with Rosavelt backing Tim in the transitions.

"I usually complain when bands try too hard to sound like other bands. This Cleveland trio, however, is an exception. Though they draw from a well of several acts including the Velvet Underground, the Vulgar Boatmen, and perhaps a slight touch of Joe Henry, this album somehow made me forget all the reference points." - No Depression

After years of indie Pavement then spacey Velvet Underground comparisons, Columbus music veterans Moviola have settled into a kind of Ohio Americana. These days they are more likely to be grouped with the likes of the Ass Ponys, Steve Earle, the Byrds, Neil Young and Beck (um, at least by me).

Plans are in place to have Brad Swiniarski as guest on CD 101's Independent Playground this Thursday night. See http://www.cringe.com/pilation for more info.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, October 23, 2001

BLOODY MATT DILLONS HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA!
Friday, October 26 will see a Halloween Blow-out at Ruby Tuesday (1978 Summit St.)! The first 100 attendees will receive free Halloween booty (provided that they say "Trick or Treat" with the appropriate amount of enthusiasm). The festivities begin at 6pm, and will feature: the Bloody Matt Dillons, the Rancid Yak Butter Tea Party, Grafton, Lylo Americans, the Husher, and One.Point.Three. The cover charge will benefit the Bloody Matt Dillons' recording budget.

SUGAR PILL HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA!
Wednesday, October 31, will see a Halloween Blow-out at Barley's Underground! Local band Sugar Pill has hired their own personal bartender to provide drinks for the evening and food will be available until 12am upstairs. The band will be playing a few tunes and possibly pulling out some Halloween theme songs, acoustic-style. Costumes are encouraged! For more info, check out www.sugarpill.net

AVANT GARAGE MUSIC & FILM FEST 8(?) EXTRAVAGANZA!
Local film buff Tim Lanza is hosting his 8th (or so) Avant Garage Music & Film Fest at the OSU Wexner Center Black Box Performance Space (cabaret style) on Saturday, October 27, starting at around 7pm. The general idea is local musicians playing music to old silent movies! This year, Bob Petric will play to a 1919 Barney Google/Snuffy Smith cartoon; Cobra Verde plays to Bunuel/Dali's Un Chien Andalou, Larry Marotta plays to the Buster Keaton & "Fatty" Arbuckle film Backstage; Tiffany Huitera plays to Keaton's Scarecrow; and a performance by The Listening Party. Should be a blast!

- Pat Dull

 

NEW RESIDENT AND A CHANGE OF SCENERY
Some of ya may have noticed that we made some changes to the home page of Cringe.com. Our ska scene link seems to have become static, so we removed it. On the positive side, we added a few new scene links and a new Resident.

Omnimix covers the local hip hop scene. Aural Innovations covers space rock and many of it's experimental derivatives. The Columbus Blues Alliance helps support local blues musicians and related happenings. Finally, Teeth of the Hydra has become our newest Resident. They're still moving in, so give 'em sometime.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, October 16, 2001

BREAK-UP! RECORDS ... HOSTS SHOWCASE!!
Local pop label Break-Up! Records is hosting a label showcase night at Bernie's Distillery this Saturday, October 20, 2001. Playing at the showcase will be Columbus' own Media Whores, plus three bands from New York City - Dirt Bike Annie, The Heartdrops, and The Benjamin Cartel. Check it out!

COLUMBUS UNDERGROUND HIP HOP ... ON THE WEB!!
Local web-site www.omnimix.com covers the Columbus underground hip hop scene. It has interviews with Bernie's Distillery resident DJ Prism (producer of Spitball), rjd2, as well as national acts like Company Flow and Atmosphere.

The web-site also has videos of performances, freestyles, and emcee battles of Columbus based acts like Illogic, and national acts such as jzone. It also features record reviews, show dates, an extensive gallery of Columbus graffiti, and forums. Check it out!

THE HIGH FIVE ... BATHROOMS CLEANED!!
Local watering hole The High Five has installed a new sound system (finally), and is working on a "tiki" themed lounge in the back. In addition, they have painted, cleaned, and touched up all bathrooms, and changing the storage area for band equipment so shows flow more smoothly for bands. All repairs and renovations will be complete by the time of the Harlow, Evil Beaver, and Cringe (the band) show on October 20.

GREENBONES AND PEACHHORN ... JOIN FORCES!!
The Peachbones have teamed up with Greenhorn frontman Dan Spurgeon for a new collaboration, which you can check out for yourself this Friday, October 19 at the Basso Bar (691 N. High.) The bill also includes The Blackwater Band!

- Pat Dull

 

THE COURT AND SPARK @ USED KIDS FRIDAY
It may not be a first, but it's certainly a rarity -- Used Kids is hosting an in-store performance. I suppose with the new larger space there may be more such in-store events. This one is also presented by The Underground - OSU Student Radio and Moviola. It's a free BYOB show and the store will be open.

Friday, October 26, 2001
at Used Kids Records
8pm DJ Tom Shannon of the Cheater Slicks spins C & W, soul,and garage 45s
9pm The Court and Spark (from San Francisco)

MIRANDA'S TRAVELS AND TRACKS
Miranda Sound is playing the Nashville New Music Conference, headlining the Thursday night showcase at the Springwater. We're told the club is Nashville's answer to Bernie's. Come March 2002 they'll be hitting the road with The Stepford Five. The 10 day tour includes Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, DC, New Haven, Buffalo and four or five others.

Miranda Sound has also recorded 3 new songs at Workbook Studio with a digital press kit available any day now.

MORE ABOUT THE CRINGE.COM CD
We finally got a few copies in stores -- Used Kid's and Magnolia Thunderpussy. There are also a couple copies available at the Main Columbus Metropolitan Library. We still have several hundred left, though more than half are out on the streets with bands, fans and press.

And yes, we're beginning to regret including the Cringe slogan "The Columbus Sound" on the CD. It's being interpreted as a title or goal. I know this was covered here a couple weeks ago, but here I go again ... At a time when "The Seattle Sound" was taking hold and being called grunge, we jokingly decided "The Columbus Sound" should be called cringe. It's all tongue-in-cheek sarcasm -- unless ya actually take cringe as a compliment.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, October 9, 2001

OKAY, OKAY, IT'S PLANET 12's CD RELEASE SHOW!!
Ever since June, local indie-pop band Planet 12 has written Cringe (about once every three weeks) reminding us of their CD release show. They are excited! Well, the show is scheduled for October 12 @ The Northberg Tavern. The 6-song EP on Moondog Records is titled Eclipsed, and it was recorded by Neal Schmitt @ Workbook Studio & Mike Hillard @ Stoney Ridge Studios. On the bill will be Fletch, and Stonevelvet. An Athens CD release party (with Fenster, Rubberband Racecar Go, & Ryan Horns Band) is scheduled for October 13 @ The Union in Athens, OH. Check out their cool web-site (with excellent head-turning graphics) for details www.planet-12.com

A PLANET FOR SCOOTERS?
Are you a Mod or are you a Rocker? Or are you just a Mocker? Well, you can find out for yourself this weekend, as you sate your unnatural craving for rock and mod-inspired scooters in one fell swoop. Sponsored by Supersonic Scooters and Diaphragm Records, on Saturday, October 13, 2001, there will be a "Scoot-a-que 4 Convention" at Circleville Raceway Park. Racers will be meeting at Supersonic Scooters (1386 Fields Ave., 299-8480) at 7 AM (oooof). For those in the know, Supersonic Scooters is owned by Scott Smallwood, formerly of The Pop Quiz and currently of The Cutters. Spectators wishing to convoy to the racetrack can meet at 10 AM at The Diner (575 S. Front Street) for the _-hour drive to Circleville. Afterwards, it's a BBQ at Little Brother's at 6 PM, followed by a night of rock (still at Little Brother's) later that evening with A Planet For Texas, Superstar Rookie, Fat Ass, and The Patsys.

CHERRY CHERRY BANG BANG
Chris Mills (former drummer for The Vague) has a new band called Cherry Bang, and has recently signed a record deal with Metal Mayhem Records.

WISDOM FROM TEETH OF THE HYDRA
Teeth of the Hydra will be recording a demo this November, which may ultimately see the light of day as a self-released EP. Check for updates at teethofthehydra.com on Cringe.com in the coming months (Dec./Jan).

CRINGE (THE BAND)
You can download the new release from Cringe at www.mp3.com/cringe. The song is called "Too Far Gone." The release party for their CD Animation is set for Nov. 2nd at the Alrosa Villa, with special guests Victim, Boba Flex, and Dismissed.

- Pat Dull

 

CRINGE.COM WEEKEND AT HIGH FIVE
Yeah, I know volume 1 just came out; but we ain't gonna gather no moss here. We've got 2 shows in support of volume 2 of the Cringe.com/pilation CD series October 12-13 at High Five. Copies of volume 1 will be on hand ... Heck, I'll give a few away. Also, I finally got some nice vinyl Cringe.com stickers. Those will be free.

Friday, October 12, 2001 at High Five
F**Bomb
Behemoth
The Vincents

Saturday, October 13, 2001 at High Five
Orchestraville
Flipping Hades
The Bloody Matt Dillons

And because I haven't drilled many pigeon holes recently ... F**Bomb (including Lowdown alumnus Chad Painter) beat an Earwig with an Ugly Stick. Behemoth is big and bad like AC/DC, Thin Lizzy, Molly Hatchet and Bob City. The Vincents saw Jesus Lizard shed its skin. Orchestraville shakes hands with Robyn Hitchcock, the Beatles and XTC. Flipping Hades shot Sex Pistols at the Cars. The Bloody Matt Dillons were stoned to death metal.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, October 2, 2001

LATE LATE SHOW WITH TIM EASTON
Word on the street is that local folk singer Tim Easton is slated to appear on the Late Late Show With Craig Kilborn this Tuesday night, October 2, 2001. Don't have much more info than that, so set the VCR's!

PLETHORA OBSCURA
Witness spontaneous acts of combustion and strange innuendo at the premier of Plethora Obscura, an interactive performance taking place Saturday, October 6 at Little Brother's. Multiple projections, live video, free food, and prizes will create a carnival atmosphere. Live performances by Happy Hour Astrology, Quad, Lylo Americans, Dr. Grimaldi, The Jive Turkeys, and more. Guests are urged to wear white, and expect the unexpected. Admission is $5, with a dollar break if you bring a canned food.

ON THE GRASSY KNOLL WITH ORCHESTRAVILLE
Zapruder Red has remixed a track ["The Midnight Ship (Future's Heap Remix)"] from the latest Orchestraville CD, and it can be downloaded or streamed for free at http://www.mp3.com/zapruderred/ Check it out!

ECLECTIC OPEN STAGE
Every Monday night at the Tavern at the Mill in Lancaster, Ohio (more specifically, 431 S. Columbus Street) there will be an "Eclectic Open Stage" for brave soldiers to "display their wares" to the general public.

RECORD RELEASE MADNESS

The Rancid Yak Butter Tea Party
The Rancid Yak Butter Tea Party is releasing their self-titled full-length CD (on The Untouchable Deadly Records label) on October 6, 2001, at a CD Release Show at Bernie's Distillery. The CD was recorded in "Tyler's Attic" by Jacoti Sommes and Derrick REhlen (with The Rancid Yak Butter Tea Party, of course!). Here's a quick track listing:

  1. All noise
  2. Sniffing death
  3. I O
  4. Beans & Rice
  5. Tarantula
  6. Six
  7. Rolls of fog and fire
  8. Outer space
  9. La Di Da
  10. Melody
  11. Do re Mi
  12. diz - irt
  13. Raising the mammoth
  14. Pavlov
  15. Thelonius Monk Surf Helmet
Check out www.rancidyak.com or write [email protected] for more info!

Basic Element
Local Hip-Hop artist Basic Element are set to release their debut album this month, but still haven't decided on a title yet. The group signed with Longevity Entertainment LLC last year and is currently in negotiations with Interscope Records. Keep posted for more details!

- Pat Dull

 

THE BIG ROCK SHOW 3 THIS SATURDAY
101.5 fm, "The Rock"/wobn.net, WOCC-TV3, and Otterbein PRSSA present their third Big Rock Show. The free show is 12pm-9pm Saturday, October 6, 2001 at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio. Here's the line-up:

12:45pm Gravy
01:45pm Planet 12
02:45pm ...As Is
03:45pm Jive Turkeys
04:45pm Fenster
05:45pm The Baxters
06:45pm Stepford 5
08:00pm The Johnson Brothers

See thebigrockshow.wobn.net for more information and a streaming broadcast of the show.

LIZARD VISITS COLUMBUS
I wish we had something more definitive, but Lizard McGee (Earwig leader and Lizard Family Music namesake) will be in town October 6. He may manage his way on to a bill somewhere, but for the time being he plans to just hangout at Bernie's to catch up with friends and see a few bands.

WEXNER CENTER LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE
This last week had two major milestones for me. First the compilation, which I'll blab about more later. Second, the new Wexner Center for the Arts site was unveiled. We've been planning this redesign for nearly a year and I've been programming it for about the last 5 months. I think it's all working perty smoothly, but if ya see any Web bugs, ya know who to blame and contact.

CRINGE COMP SATURATION
Well, I thought I'd give an overview of what's going on with volume one of the Cringe.com/pilation CD.

First, Cringe.com now has a store. Sure, it's just one item -- the first comp -- at this point. It will probably grow, but one step at a time fer now.

On-air exposure included Brad and I going into to WOBN Tuesday to talk about the CD and playing several tracks. Thursday I visited CD101's Independent Playground and played about 14 tracks from the comp. Plus Grafton was on hand to render a live version of their cut and a few other songs. Friday the CD and release show received some extensive mentions and airplay on WCBE. CD101 also featured the CD and Grafton again on Fronstage Friday evening. OSU's The Underground has the comp ranked at 29 on their weekly chart, so we're evidently getting some airplay there too. Hmm, I just realized we can probably count Tim Easton's upcoming appearance on the Late Late Show Tuesday night. National TV audience. Yeah buddy!

As far as print media goes, Thursday the comp got a perty good write up in the Other Paper. The release show got a brief mention in the Dispatch Weekender Thursday with a CD round-up mention evidently on the way. Monday The Lantern ran a write up of the release show. We think our Columbus Alive care packages got lost in the mail -- possibly due to their recent move.

Note, we still kinda balk at trying to define The Columbus Sound. It was a conversation with Terence Concannon, the creator of the Product comic strip in the Lantern and now Columbus Alive, that first jokingly described the Columbus Sound as "cringe." Ya see, Seattle had already taken "grunge." Our use of "The Columbus Sound" slogan certainly isn't meant be taken too seriously in any context ... unless ya actually like yer sound being described as "Cringe."

- Joel

 


Tuesday, September 25, 2001

HENSLEY-STURGIS CD RELEASE PARTY
Local "hook-driven roots-pop" band Hensley-Sturgis will be releasing their sophomore CD this Friday, September 28, 2001, at The High Five. The CD (also on Blue Rose Records, as was their debut Open Lanes) has hopefully been delivered safe and sound from the German record label in time for the Friday show! The Peachbones and The Media Whores are also on hand to help celebrate!

TIME TO CASH IN THOSE CRINGE.COM/PILATION VOUCHERS!
This Saturday, September 29, 2001, Cringe.com is celebrating the release of its first compilation CD at Little Brother's! If you recall, several fundraising shows were held in the past few months, and if you were one of the fortunate who attended, you received a voucher to snag a free copy of the Cringe.com/pilation at the show this Saturday! Take a gander at who's on the bill: Stonevelvet, Superstar Rookie, Geraldine, and Grafton! In addition, several on-air appearances to promote the release show will be radio-blasted your way in the near future, to wit:

Tuesday, September 25, 2001
10 pm - 12 midnight
"The Local Buzz" (WOBN 101.5 FM - Otterbein College/Westerville)
http://www.wobn.net/
Guests: Superstar Rookie, Hensley/Sturgis, and Brad Liebling & Joel Treadway from Cringe.com

Thursday, September 27, 2001
11 pm - 1 am
"The Independent Playground" (WWCD 101.1 & 106.7 FM - Columbus)
http://www.cd101.com/
Guests: Grafton and Joel Treadway from Cringe.com

The Cringe.com/pilation v1.0 CD includes new tracks from these 21 locals:
Bigfoot
The Bygones
Tim Easton
Estee Louder
Grafton
Guinea Worms
The Honey's
Jack Neat
The Jive Turkeys
Lizard McGee
Manda and the Marbles
Media Whores
A Planet for Texas
Pretty Mighty Mighty
The Rancid Yak Butter Tea Party
The Randys
Silo the Huskie
Superstar Rookie
Templeton
Tiara
The Velveteens

And to further our Red Cross Web banner campaign, Cringe.com will be donating all proceeds from its sales of this CD to the Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund.

RECORD RELEASE MADNESS
Local cow-punchin' rockers The Sovines are releasing a live CD called Slap Medicine (Oahu) on October 1, 2001. No record-release show schedule as of yet, but the disc was recorded at Little Brothers by Paul Abbott. Check out www.sovines.com for more info!

- Pat Dull

 

ECC DOWN UNDER AND OUT
The Evolution Control Committee is about to violate copyright laws again with the release the Plagiarhythm Nation CD. The Committee is stil working out distribution, but you can at least get the CD at their shows ... Of course, their next several shows all appear to be down under -- yep, Australia. That's a mighty far ways ta got for a CD or a vegemite sandwich.

MIRANDA SOUND SILENCE
Miranda Sound is taking some time off to travel to places like the Nashville New Music Conference in Mid-October. They'll also be recording their next CD. Look for their return to local stages in December.

HIGH 5 REHEARSAL SPACE
The High 5 now has practice space available 12-8pm, Monday-Friday. Contact the bar at http://www.highfivebar.com/ or 565-ROCK for more info.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, September 18, 2001

BASSO BAR WANTS BANDS
The Basso Bar (located at 691 N. High St) is looking to book local bands, DJ's, etc. So far they've hosted rock shows with 84 Nash, Go Evol Shiki!, Flotation Walls, Town Street Ramblers, and some local musicians/DJ's spinning some of their favorite toons. The booze is cheap, and apparently they have "video crack" and pool, as well as coffee. If you are interested in playing there, drop off a demo/press kit thingy at BASSO (Attn: John Weills).

LET THE BYGONES BE BYGONES
Local band The Bygones want you to know that they have a website available for public viewing at http://thebygones.com. It includes "the usual suspects: news, bio, shows, audio, etc." The Bygones also want you to know that "there is content provided courtesy of Cringe and that we have a track on the new [Cringe] complition."

BLATANT FINGER AND THEIR HOOLIGAN FRIENDS
Blatant Finger wants you to know that Jeff Sack has just updated their website. In other words, "there's lots of new stuff for your enjoyment" at www.blatantfinger.com. The band is also planning another big show with a big name, this time it's on September 29 and it's called Hooligan's Holiday (@ Bernie's). At this show, you can check out Tommy & The Terrors and The Lashes (from Boston), as well as The GC5 (Hellcat Records). On top of all that, add Minimum Wage and Blatant Finger, and you've got yourself a Hooligan's Holiday.

RECORD RELEASE MADNESS
Local band Brodie is releasing a CD called Don't Say Goodnight (on FoulMouth Records) in September. The CD is a collection of 13 tracks, all "emotionally driven melodic punk rock." It was recorded at Immortal Productions by Cal Moore, and there will be an as-yet-undetermined release party/show at Bernie's. Check out http://brodiehome.tripod.com for more info.

- Pat Dull

 

DISASTER RELIEF BENEFIT SATURDAY AT RUBY TUESDAY
Given the events of last week, Let It Rip Productions has turned its Saturday, September 22 show at Ruby Tuesday into a benefit for The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The bands are:

Many local entities are helping support this show and the cause. Contact John of Let It Rip Productions at [email protected] if you'd like to help in some way.

GO ROBOT, GO! GOES WITH BYRNE
After last Saturday's show at the Newport with David Byrne, Go Robot, Go! had the opportunity to open for Byrne the following night also. The Sunday show was in Indianapolis at the Egyptian Room.

THE SUSANS AT UNDERCURRENTS FRIDAY
This Friday night, September 21, the Susans will be playing at the Undercurrents 2001. The showcase begins at 9pm with the Susans going on at 10:00PM at the Phantasy Niteclub, 11802 Detroit Ave, Lakewood Ohio (216) 228-6300.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, September 11, 2001

AUTOREVERSE ARCHIVES
A few months ago AUTOreverse ceased publishing. Well, that hasn't changed, but all 12 issues are now archived on the Web at http://autoreverse.batcave.net/.

Combined, the issues represent over 1000 reviews plus interviews with C Reider, John Sosnowski of Broca's Area, Don Campau, Martyr Colony, Mark Gunderson of Evolution Control Committee etc., Mike Chlasciak, Big City Orchestra, Corpsevomit, Daniel Prendiville, Scott Brookman, John Neil, Cosmonauts Hail Satan, Kenyata Sullivan, Franco Turra, Pax Aeterna, FUXA, Joe Morris of Kylie Productions, Little Fyodor, Doug Harrison, Daniele Brusaschetto, Warser Gate, Tinty Music, Scarve, Ken Clinger, Ray Carmen, Cliff Brown Jr, Rautavaara, Dave Stafford, Eyelight, Sara Ayers, Mara's Torment, Martin Newell, Household Names, Mitch Friedman, Ben Gott, Pat Dull, Moonbabies, Greenland, Mark Ritchie, Best Kept Secret, Karda Estra, Paragon Null, PBK, Zapruder Red, Jacob Berendes, Wayne Butane, Secret Archives Of The Vatican, Bent With Light, whew! ... and more.

COLUMBUS REPRESENTS AT CMJ
Now, I've never kept track of this very closely, but this seems like a banner year for Columbus at the College Music Journal Music Marathon. This year the showcases includes at least 5 Columbusites:

  • adam
    September 16, 9pm @ C-Note

  • Go Robot, Go!
    September 16, 10pm @ Knit Active Sound Stage

  • Manda and the Marbles
    September 14, 2001 at 8pm Meow Mix

  • Moviola
    September 14, 12m @ Acme Underground

  • The Terrifying Experience
    September 15, 8:45pm @ Parkside Lounge

SPACE ROCK ATTENTION
Progression Magazine is looking for space rock releases to review. I'm told Progression probably has the largest readership of any prog rock publication in the world. For more information you can contact Progression publisher John Collinge at [email protected].

CRINGE COMPILATION STATUS
We've updated the Cringe.com/pilation info a bit. The release show for volume 1 is set for Saturday, September 29 at Little Brother's. Grafton, Geraldine, Superstar Rookie and Stonevelvet are on the bill. Geraldine and Stonevelvet will be on second compilations. Look for a listing of all the bands slated for volume 2 and day now.

Scrawl was initially part of the release show, but it looks like the band is now on an indefinite hold.

MORE EAR SHOT RAW UPDATES
Recent photos and/or video for Frostiva, Gil Mantera's Party Dream, Go Evol Shiki!, Guinea Worms, Hex On Wheels, Kingrods, Lylo Americans, The May, The Vague and The Vincents have been added to Ear Shot Raw. I'm particularly embarrassed (yes, that's a pun - you've been warned) and ashamed of the Gil Mantera shots.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, September 4, 2001

DAVID ... SMELL THE GLOVE IS HERE ...
Local country rockers The Peachbones want the world to know that their long-awaited Peachbones t-shirts have arrived! It's a simple design - white shirt, with the band's name in color ("the" in red, "peachbones" in blue). Simple. Beautiful. Classic. Call (419) 282-9980 to order, or email [email protected] [or even write to: 713 Center St. Apt.2, Ashland, Ohio 44805. If you order soon, you'll get the special bonus price of only $10.00 (reg. price = $12.00)!!! The 'Bones are hoping to have a record available in time for the annual celebration of the birth of Christ.

SODA VS. POP VS. PROFITS
Local popsters Soda Vs Pop is in the midst of recording new material, some of which are near completion and will be posted (for FREE!) on their web-site. You can download "The Planet is Caving In" and "Transformer Broken Heart" at www.sodavspop.com.

LOCAL RECORD RELEASE MADNESS
Local band Imp have self-released a CD called Spectrum vol.1. It was recorded at their practice area, by the band (and their computer), and it only costs $5.00! You can order it at http://imp.iuma.com, or e-mail the band at [email protected].

- Pat Dull

 

WOOSLEY BAND SINGLE ON SAMPLER
The Woosley Band is going to be on a sampler from Miles of Music. The song is "Painted" from their upcoming release, Too Old for the Pool. Neither we nor the band have all the details, but it looks like it may be included free with any order of 2 or more CD from Miles of Music.

MUTANT RENEGADE DEGRADES
Long standing Dayton zine, Mutant Renegade, is putting out its last issue then putting itself out to pasture anytime now. Mutants Mite, Gail and Grog will be moving on to The Grand Delusion. Grog will also be contributing to Rockmagazine.com (Los Angeles, CA) and possibly Torpedo Magazine (Syracuse, NY).

MORE RAW FOOTAGE
Well, now all the Ear Shot Raw galleries include their videos with the exception of most Little Brother's shows. We got permission to post a couple Cringe.com shows at Little Bros. already. Nearly every show has video. Note, it may take around 15 minutes to download some of the videos on a 56k modem dial up connection.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, August 28, 2001

LOCAL RECORD RELEASE MADNESS

The Emerald Down
The Emerald Down is releasing their Scream The Sound CD (POPsound Records) on September 1, 2001. It was recorded at Engine Studios in Chicago, IL, by Andy Bosnak. Check out more info at www.mp3.com/theemeralddown

- Pat Dull

 

BASIC ELEMENT NEGOTIATES TITLE & LABEL
Longevity Entertainment artist Basic Element tells us they are currently in label negotiations with Interscope Records. The local hip-hop group expects to release its yet to be titled debut album this October.

CAMPUS PARTNERS IN BED WITH STARBUCKS, NOT INSOMNIA?
I'm still confused and a bit scared by the "grand wizard in the burning bush" comment in the message that passed along this news. Anyway, Insomnia is closing and scheduled for demolition on September 15 - just in time to welcome the kids back to OSU. As part of what just might become an informal "fuck Campus Partners!" rally, the coffee joint is hosting a final closing show this Friday, August 31. Go Evol Shiki, Kopaz and Frostiva play with some DJs turning it into an allnighter. I do think maybe Barsucks, er, Starbucks, which is in bed with Micro$oft, should be included in the protest.

THE CRINGE.COM RAW MEAT MARATHON CONTINUES
The second installment of the The Raw Meat Marathon is this Friday, August 31 at The High Five. Organized by the rock stalkers over at Let It Rip Productions, it features some fresher bands from around town. Some I ain't even seen yet, so who knows what to expect:

Sponsored by: Revolver, Storm Front Entertainment, 101.5 "the rock"/wobn.net, 1Ear Media, Twisted Tomorrow, Inc.

The shows starts at 8pm and cover is $4.

EAR SHOT VIDEOS ADDED
Well, it took me some time but I've started adding the raw videos that accompany the numerous show pictures over in the Ear Shot Raw section of the site. For now, all the videos from June though August, 2001 have been added. Note, this excludes Little Brother's shows since Digital Club Network has exclusive distribution rights to video shot there. We've perty much worked out an agreement with DCN, but I've gotta get my act together to avoid any problems. Yes, this is the main reason we've held off on adding any further videos until now.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, August 21, 2001

MOVIOLA'S PROUDEST MOMENT
Moviola's fifth CD is out today (June 21, 2001), and they are having a record release show (of sorts) Saturday, August 25, 10pm, at Madlab (105 N. Grant Ave). The show will feature solo sets by Chuck Cleaver (Ass Ponys), Marcy Mays (Scrawl), and Ben Arnold (Medicine Wheel). The new CD is called Rumors of the Faithful (on Boston's Spirit of Orr). In addition, the band will be doing four (!) split singles this fall on Spirit of Orr with four different groups:

  1. Moviola/Tobin Sprout (of GBV)
  2. Moviola/the Handsome Family
  3. Moviola/Bugskull
  4. Moviola/Home

On September 9, the band will be doing an in-studio live broadcast at 10 pm on CD101 radio, and then it's off to NYC for a Spin Magazine taping, followed quickly (September 14) by a CMJ Festival slot in NYC, and then a Dot-Dash in-store appearance Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia ... whew!

Despite all the above, what's the thing Moviola is most proud about? They're in the Onion this week!

THE CRINGE.COM RAW MEAT MARATHON
On August 24 and August 31 at The High Five, the sight and sound spectacular that is The Raw Meat Marathon invades Columbus. Check out this line-up:

Sponsored by: Revolver, Storm Front Entertainment, 101.5 "the rock"/wobn.net, 1Ear Media, Twisted Tomorrow, Inc.

Both shows start at 8pm and are $4 at the door.

LOCAL BUZZ GOES CABLE ACCESS
The producers of "The Local Buzz" (101.5 fm) at Otterbein College are currently developing a television version of the popular Columbus music radio show for air on WOCC-TV3 in Westerville, Ohio. The half hour yet-to-be-titled program will feature music videos and live performances by bands from Columbus in an "old-skool MTV" style format. Artists wishing to submit videos or "good" quality tapes of their live performances may send them to:

WOBN
"the local buzz"
Attn: Videos
Otterbein College
Westerville, Oh 43081
[email protected]
LOCAL RECORD RELEASE MADNESS
60 Watt Jackass (update)
The web-site address provided to y'all last week was incorrect. The real one is:
http://www.geocities.com/fsu_records/fsurecords.html

- Pat Dull

 

SILO THE HUSKIE SQUATTERS
Let this be a lesson to ya. It looks like SIlo the Huskie's previous site was taken over buy a domain squatter. That can happen if you let your domain registration lapse. Someone else can then buy it and ask you to pay who knows how much to get it back. Anyway, Silo's site has instead been moved to silothehuskie.net. The band tells us "the page might be dusty, but look for updates on all you favorite Silo guys and what's new at Camp Silo."

GREEN PARTY CALL FOR BANDS
The OSU Campus Green Party is having a Green Party benefit Sunday, September 23 at Little Brother's. They are looking for some bands to round out the bill, so if yer interested, contact Hillary Tinapple ([email protected]) or visit www.osugreens.org for more information.

THE FROGS VERSUS LADY MONSTER
I don't think Stephanie (aka Lady Monster) really wanted this listed here, but since she's responsible for passing on much info and comments to Cringe -- including the Green Party one above, I figure it deserves mention. She's leaving town with a famous punk rock icon named Jello serving as her host. The Frogs show at Bernie's August 25 doubles as a sort of "homeleaving" party for her. So as not to cause confusion, there was no mention of Jello being present at the show.

CRINGE.COM COMP CD READY FOR PRESSES
Yeah, there's a reason the Lowdown is a bit late this week. We've spent the last couple days (and nights) finalizing the first Cringe.com compilation CD layout and such. It should be in the hands of the printers and pressing plant any day now. The official release show is Saturday, September 29, 2001. Do you remember where you put your Cringe.com/pilation card?

Oh, I also did some work on the server today. Things may be a bit goofy until 1am or so ... hopefully no longer. Sorry.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, August 14, 2001

THE BAXTERS ARE THROUGH WITH PLAYIN' DIVES
Saturday 18, 2001, local rockers The Baxters will storm the stage at The Newport Music Hall with their friends Blatant Finger, Kopaz, and Twin Cam! Tickets are available at Stained Skin or from any band member (the show costs $5 at the door, but the bands will be selling them for a mere $3!). This show is sponsored by Guitar World (thanks to Let It Rip Productions) Check it out!

"NIGHT OF THE LIVING PROMOTIONS" MUSIC SERIES
Somehow local punkers Blatant Finger have hooked up an unholy alliance with Jagermeister and Pacific Sunwear of California to bring you the Freshly Squeezed Music Series. As their press kits states: "It is no secret that music groups tend to get lumped on the same "bill" over and over again with acts quite similar in comparison. The Freshly Squeezed series liberates these groups from their niche and places them on a diverse ticket, exposing the artists and their loyal fanbase alike to the incredible music in our community that has been under their very nose all along." Sounds like a good idea!

Show number one kicks off August 16 @ The Northberg Tavern (2084 N. High Street, 294-5371) with Go Evol Shiki! ("spacie indie-rock"), the aforementioned Blatant Finger ("rough'n'tumble, acidic pop/punk"), and Salt Horse ("unmistakable, adrenalized tirades"). The show begins promptly at 10pm, and earlybirds through the door will be eligible for prizes from the bands and sponsors.

Show number two in the series is on August 30 at The Northberg Tavern (with Blatant Finger, Frostiva, and The Secret Sound of the NSA. For more info on The Freshly Squeezed Music Series contact Jimbo Stiers at [email protected] or 447-2373. At both shows there will be FREE STUFF galore from the sponsors. Stained Skin and Black Sheep will have booths "in the house" for the evenings.

LOCAL RECORD RELEASE MADNESS

The Vincents
The Vincents will be putting a split seven inch record out this fall on Diaphragm Records. The record will feature two new songs by The Vincents and two new songs from Dayton rockers The Igniters. Release date and record release party tba.

60 Watt Jackass
60 Watt Jackass put out a CD called Ornery on FSU Record around the first of August. The band features Aaron Webb (guitar, vocals), Trey Livingston (guitar), Sean Nelson (bass), and Peter English (drums), and the CD was recorded at Rubber Room Studios. The CD can be purchased at CD Exchange on North High Street. Check out http://www.geocities.com/sixtywattjackass/60wattjackass for more info!

- Pat Dull

 

EAR SHOT AND RADIO UPDATES
We haven't mentioned Ear Shot or Cringe Radio updates recently. There've been a few in the last month or 2. Here's the most recent additions:

I've added 3 tracks from each of these recent releases to the Recent Releases station:

I've also uploaded pictures from recent shows by the following to Ear Shot Raw:

Speaking of Ear Shot, if ya check the story on the Emerald Down in the current Columbus Alive you'll see a live shot of the band. Guess where that came from ... Can I put "published photographer" on my resume now?

- Joel

 


Tuesday, August 7, 2001

TIARA-BLE NEWS
Sorry, couldn't resist that headline! Actually, it IS bad news for all Tiara fans - the band is leaving the country! In September, the band will be playing two shows in Japan! Here's the schedule:

  • 09/10 Mon - Tokyo, JAPAN @ Shibuya Quattro w/ Naht
  • 09/12 Wed - Tokyo, JAPAN @ Shelter w/ Ieha, Chicago Bass
In addition, the band is in the process of pressing up a new 7-inch single (Waiting on Blue Skies) to take along on their fantastic voyage! The single will be "super limited" and will contain the newest Tiara songs to date. They will have a preorder up for it soon on their web-page! Further, Tiara is getting close to finishing their new album that will be out this fall!

LOCAL RECORD RELEASE MADNESS

Voodoo 101
According to their e-mail, Voodoo 101 put out a CD back in March 2001. It's called Voodoo 101 (on Tricycle Records), and was recorded at Motion Digital Studios. They describe it as "twelve tracks of groovin hooks and Power Pop. Female vocals and kick ass guitars and drums in the vein of Garbage, K's Choice, No Doubt and Veruca Salt." Check out http://www.voodoo101.com for more details!

- Pat Dull

 

USED KIDS TO REOPEN WEDNESDAY
Well, you probably already know this, but Used Kids is scheduled to reopen Wednesday in the ol' World Record space (1980 N. High St.).

RAW MEAT MARATHON AUGUST 24 & 31
A few months ago Let It Rip Productions asked if Cringe.com would be interested in helping with some shows featuring a bunch of new and somewhat unknown bands. Well, after I finally got my act together, the Raw Meat Marathon became the Cringe.com Raw Meat Marathon ... err, something like that. Both shows are at High Five and feature 6 bands each night. Many of the bands are indeed quite fresh, if not raw. See http://www.cringe.com/promo/rawmeat/ for more info. And, yes, you can expect ta see and hear more about this as the show dates approach.

CRINGE HACKED
Yes, last Monday - quite nearly exactly a week ago this hour - Cringe.com was hacked into. No major damage appears to have been done. It looks like the hacker was just using us as a relay to hack into yet another site. It's kinda thrown my schedule and sanity off, but we upgraded the server and plugged up a bunch of holes last Tuesday and Wednesday. Everything appears to be running quite smoothly. Special thanks to Kevin and Mike of Internet Concourse for helping fix this so quickly. See http://www.freebsd.com/ for more information on the recently discovered security hole we believe was exploited.

The Cringe server problem wasn't related to these, but while I'm on the subject, there are a couple viruses and such making the rounds right now. Be particularly cautious if you use Outlook on a Windows machine or run an IIS server. Emails with attachments and a message that says something vague & poorly written like "I send you this file in order to have your advice" are probably bad news. Trash them or at least virus scan them first.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, July 31, 2001

"THE JUICE RUNS DOWN YOUR LEG" MUSIC SERIES
Somehow local punkers Blatant Finger have hooked up an unholy alliance with Jagermeister and Pacific Sunwear of California to bring you the Freshly Squeezed Music Series. As their press kits states: "It is no secret that music groups tend to get lumped on the same "bill" over and over again with acts quite similar in comparison. The Freshly Squeezed series liberates these groups from their niche and places them on a diverse ticket, exposing the artists and their loyal fanbase alike to the incredible music in our community that has been under their very nose all along." Sounds like a good idea!

Show number one kicks off August 16th @ The Northberg Tavern (2084 N. High Street, (614-294-5371) with Go Evol Shiki! ("spacie indie-rock"), Blatant Finger ("rough'n'tumble, acidic pop/punk"), and Salt Horse ("unmistakable, adrenalized tirades"). The show begins promptly at 10:00 p.m., and earlybirds through the door will be eligible for prizes from the bands and sponsors. The next show in the series is on August 30 at The Northberg Tavern (with Blatant Finger, Frostiva, and The Secret Sound of the NSA. For more info on The Freshly Squeezed Music Series contact Jimbo Stiers at [email protected] or (614)447-2373.

BACK SEAT OF THE VAN WITH THE PROMS!
Local popsters The Proms have been invited to play The Vans Warped Tour in Cleveland, Ohio, on Tuesday, August 7. They will be on the Ernie Ball stage at around 4:00pm. Apparently, the band can win some really cool equipment if they get enough support! Check 'em out!

TWO BOXSTEPS FROM THE MOVE
Boxstep from Pittsburgh are playing at the High Five on Wednesday, August 1. They've been described as "kinda mellow with some violin and spacey slide work." They have a record coming out on Overcoat Recordings (Richard Buckner, Kingsbury Manx, International Airport, and New Bomb Turks) later this year. Incidentally, it's also Matt Reber's (from NBT) birthday, and he will be there to celebrate! Buy Matt a birthday beer, and check out Boxstep!

LOCAL RECORD RELEASE MADNESS

Moviola
On August 25, 2001, Moviola will be hosting a record release show at Madlab! It's for a new CD called Rumors of the Faithful (Spirit of Orr Records). Also playing will be Chuck Cleaver (of the Ass Ponys). See http://www.moviolamusic.com or http://www.spiritoforr.com for more information.

Frostiva
Frostiva will be releasing a CD-EP in late August, which has been recorded at Workbook Studio. Some songs include "On Your Knees," "Robot Love," "Broken Ankles," "Bound," "Dear Mr. W," and others ... Check out www.frostiva.com for more info!

Reinfield
Local punk rockers Reinfield will be releasing a CD on Mousetrap Records sometime in August. Reinfield consists of Josh Feeney, Mandy Hartley, Will Lehnert, and David Slocum. The new CD features 12 songs, was recorded at Moo-Pigface by Dan Boyd, and will cost around $8. See www.reinfield.8m.com for more information.

We March
We March is releasing Sonic Assault (Non-Prophet Recordings) on July 10. The CD-EP features four songs, plus a bonus track, and will cost about $3.00. It was recorded at Ballsnare Studios in Athens, OH, by Ryan Stotts. E-mail [email protected] or [email protected] for more info. The band will be playing at Bernie's on August 27, 2001, with Disengage.

The Chandler Wright Story

The Chandler Wright Story's releasing a CD entitled Chapter 1 in late August. If that's not enough information for you, then check out www.cwstory.com

- Pat Dull

 

SCREEN OPPORTUNITIES
Bill Hutchinson of Bandaloop Records has been sending Cringe.com some big screen, little screen and game screen opportunities the last few months. I've got the OK to pass them on, so here are the ones from the last month or so ...

  • Songs in all genres that are Money Songs (i.e. referencing money, getting money, making money, etc.)
  • A TV show needs A LOT of songs with the word "Ride"
  • A TV show needs songs that mention "New York" or "New York City" or "Big Apple" in a POSITIVE way
  • A few TV shows want Rap, Hip Hop and R&B music with NO samples and NO obscenities
  • Major ad agency seeks original New Year's songs.
  • Birthday songs wanted! We are looking for new original songs celebrating birthdays
  • A top TV show needs songs with the word "Horse" or "pony".
  • A major video game needs song about boxing, with any reference to boxing, punch, "get in the ring", etc.
  • A top TV show needs songs with the word "invisible". Any ideas? (other than the RSTA song, which I already sent)
If any of you have written a song that meets the above criteria (or know someone who has) and are interested in licensing your music, please reply to Bill at [email protected] with further info.

NEW BOMB TURKS INTERVIEW
We've just added an interview with Eric and Matt of the New Bomb Turks courtesy ol' Lowdowner Chad Painter. Oh, and Happy Birthday, Matt!

I'M A BANNER WAVING ID-10-T (IDIOT)
It was pointed out to me this weekend that the little banner questionnaire I've been running here wasn't working. It looks like a typo cropped up sometime after the first week I posted it. It hasn't work since. So let's give this one more try:

Banner Ad Comments:


- Joel

 


Tuesday, July 24, 2001

Better late addition than no addition ...

HEY HEY IT'S THE HEARTDROPS
Columbus' only band from NYC (The Heartdrops) play their second show in two weeks at the High Five this Friday, July 27. The band is on a three-week tour, and wanted to play Columbus on the way from and on the way back to NYC. Check 'em out.

ROCK AGAINST RAPE!
Thursday, July 26 at Little Brother's is a benefit for the Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (Columbus' rape crisis center) with The Emerald Down, The Flotation Walls, Tiara, and Ohio Anna. Also, The Emerald Down will be performing a live set on Otterbein College Radio Show "The Local Buzz" (101.5 fm) on Tuesday, July 24.

MOSH IN THE PARK
On Saturday, July 28th at Fran Bar Park (where they hold the Haunted Hoochie) is Mosh in the Park. Bands playing are Metal Blade artist Jacob's Dream and Olympic artist Internal Bleeding. Also performing will be Crush Efekt, Psycho Scenario, 13 South, Bodyfarm, Laid to Rest, Shattered Soul, Vile, Bent, Bonedust, Pets or Meat, and Caje. This is an 18 and up event, $10.00 per person. Bring your own coolers and food! No pets, no glass.

DEVILCAKE IS BACK IN THE MIX
Columbus' only evil food-rock band Devilcake will rock the rectum offa the High Five stage next Thursday, July 26, with the suspiciously foodless Stainless Mind. Devilcake is currently recording the follow-up to their multi-platinum Shout At The Devilcake. It currently has no title but some of the songs on it are "Wienermobile," "Pizza Party," "Baby Back Bitch," "Sacrificial Leg Of Lamb," "Cereal And Beer," and "Breakfast Is The Most Important Kill Of The Day (My Alphabits Told Me To Kill You)." The Devilcake site is at http://go.to/devilcake

AND DON'T FORGET STUPIDFEST 2001
Those of you who remember the mighty pirate radio station Radio Free Columbus (91.5 FM) will be pleased to know that Estefan the Pirate is putting on StupidFest 2001, on Saturday, July 28. StupidFest features tons of hot rock and cold beer, plus cookouts, camping, and chiggers. Also featured is Burning Corn, a crazy horny art-thing to behold, indeed. It's all held at Estefan's "wooded field" about 30 minutes north of Columbus, and all ya gotta do to snag a personal invite is to ask one of the bands that are playing for your own, well, personal invite. Said bands are: Media Whores, Manda and the Marbles, Jive Turkeys, A Planet for Texas, Salt Horse, Kingrods, Broken Circle Gospel Deluxe, and the G-Spot Tornadoes.

- Pat Dull

 

WORKBOOK PROUD LIKE PARENTS 2 COMP
In order to spoil and tout the kids, Workbook Studio is releasing their second Proud Like Parents MP3.com compilation. The CD gathers material from many of the bands Workbook has recorded over the last year or so. The celebratory show is Saturday, July 28 at Little Brother's with Stonevelvet, The Vincents and more.

VINCENTS BORROW HUSKIE BASSIST
With Silo the Huskie relaxing and finishing up their next release (due out in January), bassist Pete Cline has some free time on his hands. Enter The Vincents, long short a steady bassist. So now Pete is a Vincent. The new line up is playing that Workbook's Proud Like Parents show mentioned above.

THE ROBOT BALL AT MADLAB
Well, this all started as celebration of robots, raving, costumes, film making and indie music in our nations capitol. This year, with the influence of Go Robot, Go! and their Robophilic masses, the Robot Ball moves to our state's capitol. Yes, costumes are encouraged with prize payoffs for costumes and dancing. (Ya think someone will do "the Robot" or break dance?)

09:00pm Breakdown (live band)
09:45pm Original Robot Videos
10:00pm The Simpletons (Cincinnati's award-winning popsters)
10:45pm Robot Costume Contest
11:00pm Go Robot, Go!
12:00am Robot Rave! with DJ

The all-ages show is Saturday, July 28 at Madlab (105 North Grant Ave) with a $5 admission. All proceeds to go to Oxfam and local charity "Friends of the Homeless." More information, pictures, and video from previous years' balls can be found at http://www.robotball.com/.

AT NIGHT, ORCHESTRAVILLE IS PARTICULARLY LOVELY
On July 27 at Little Brother's Orchestraville is celebrating the release of its second CD, At night, it is particularly lovely. Also on the bill are the Bygones, Parker Paul, The Velveteens, and more!

To promote the show and release the band was on The Local Buzz (WOBN FM, 101.5 FM, Otterbein College) July 24. They'll also be on the Independent Playground (WWCD 101 FM) at 10pm Thursday, July 26.


Tuesday, July 17, 2001

STUPIDFEST 2001
Those of you who remember the mighty pirate radio station Radio Free Columbus (91.5 FM) will be pleased to know that Estefan the Pirate is putting on StupidFest 2001, on Saturday, July 28. StupidFest features tons of hot rock and cold beer, plus cookouts, camping, and chiggers. Also featured is Burning Corn, a crazy horny art-thing to behold, indeed. It's all held at Estefan's "wooded field" about 30 minutes north of Columbus, and all ya gotta do to snag a personal invite is to ask one of the bands that are playing for your own, well, personal invite. Said bands are: Media Whores, Manda and the Marbles, Jive Turkeys, A Planet for Texas, Salt Horse, Kingrods, Broken Circle Gospel Deluxe, and the G-Spot Tornadoes.

BAND FOREPLAY
It's a school night, and four band are book on the bill. Nothing unusual about that, you say? Why should I go out and waste my time, you scoff? Well, the kicker is that, according to their e-mail, each of the four bands will be playing songs from the other bands' repertoire. I'm talking 'bout The Baxters, Manda and the Marbles, Twin Cam, and The Kingrods. See if they pull this crazy idea off Thursday, July 19 at Bernie's Distillery.

SUBJECT: OPERATION: GETDOWN
The Operation is GO! Crazy new band (Operation: Getdown) makes debut splash this weekend. Why should you care? Do the names Johnny Rebel, Craig Dunson, TJ Superstar, and Mark Farley mean anything to you? If the answer is no, then you don't know much about Columbus music, Einstein. Get yer butt down to Little Brother's on Friday, July 20. Opening will be The Sovines and The Cowslingers (from Cleveland). Check out http://home.columbus.rr.com/ogdhq/ or e-mail [email protected] for more info.

KOPAZ RECORD RELEASE NYMB'S LAST SHOW
Thursday July 19th is the official Starboard Rail CD release party for local band Kopaz. Also on the bill will be Pretty Mighty Mighty from Columbus, NYMB from Chicago and Protokulture Shaman from Cleveland. This will be the last Columbus show for NYMB (an indie rock female vocal band), as they are breaking up. Check it out!

- Pat Dull

 

GLAZED RECORDS BIRTHDAY SALE
Glazed Records (New Bomb Turks, Tiara, Rocket From The Crypt, etc.), err actually Bill, the president of Glazed, is turning 30 this month. To help celebrate, everything in Glazed's mailorder page is 30% off in July.

COLUMBUSMUSIC.COM REDESIGN
Well, I was popping over to ColumbusMusic.com to check out a few things Monday night. First I got a server busy message, so I waited a few minutes. When I reloaded, a whole new look presented itself. I'm sure they're still making tweaks here and there ... so give it time. Hope they don't mind one comment from the peanut gallery: that xx-small font size isn't legible on Mac Netscape. Yeah, I'm a freak. I use Mac and Netscape. But who among you wouldn't consider side-stepping Microsoft products given the opportunity.

USE IT OR USED IT
Ok, I'm gonna try out a special promotion here to potentially help out Used Kids and to motivate myself and other Cringe.com writers to write more reviews:

  • Send Cringe.com yer recently released local music.
  • We'll post a review of it within a month.
  • For CD formats we'll also put at least one tune on one of the Cringe.com streaming MP3 stations.
If we fail to do this within a month of receiving it, we'll donate the release to Used Kids. This promotion is valid for all local music received today (July 17, 2001) through the day Used Kids reopens. Make sense? Like the idea?

Um, anyone wanna help us write some reviews ... ? I think I'm gonna need a little help.

I'M A BANNER WAVING ID-10-T (IDIOT)
It was pointed out to me this weekend that the little banner questionnaire I've been running here wasn't working. It looks like a typo cropped up sometime after the first week I posted it. It hasn't work since. So let's give this one more try:

Banner Ad Comments:


- Joel

 


Tuesday, July 10, 2001

FLICKERSTICK WINS!
Thank God!

RECORD RELEASE BONANZA!

Gravy
Gravy will be releasing their eponymous CD (er, that's Gravy) on Absinthe Mind Records on July 21, 2001. It was recorded at OATH Studios, produced by Gravy and Matt Cooke, and mastered by Tom Boyer. A release show will be at Little Brother's. Check out www.gravyband.com for more info.

Big Ass Yard Sale
Big Ass Yard Sale is having a CD release show on Thursday, July 12, 2001 at Bernie's Distillery. No other info is available!

Sugar Pill
Sugar Pill will be releasing a new CD at a record release show set for July 12 at The Brickyard (in the Arena District at 155 W Vine St.; phone is 221-4600). They will be playing from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. (Happy Hour drink specials will run from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm) Also, the band will be appearing on the "Local Buzz" on Tuesday, July 10 from 10:00 - 10:30 pm to perform live in studio.  The "Local Buzz" can be heard on WOBN 101.5FM

The over 50-minute CD is called Dose (SugarPill Music), and features 9 groove-filled songs that has equal parts rock, soul, jazz, and r&b. The CD was recorded by Tom Boyer at Oath Studios. Look up www.sugarpill.net for all the dirt!

- Pat Dull

 

DIVIDE AND CONQUER
We'll it started as a just a quick email about the Cringe Band Contact Directory. It ended in a near complete face lift. And that was just tonight. Now ya don't have to wait for all 700+ bands to load to get to where ya want. You can view by beginning letter/number. Don't worry, the option to view all on one page is still there too.

A new backend and further functionailty is still in the works for the entire Contact Directory section in the next few, um, let's say weeks. For geeks like me out there, it will be largely LDAP/PHP based.

WAVE YOUR BANNERS HERE
We're really close to some established banner advertising options on Cringe.com for local bands, venues, shows, events, stores, services, etc. But before we do, I thought I better get a bit more input from the general readership here:

Banner Ad Comments:


- Joel

 


Tuesday, July 3, 2001

USED KIDS TRIBUTE, PART I
Bernie's Distillery will be hosting the first in what appears to be a series of benefits for the recently-destroyed (yet recently resurrected) Used Kids Records, which burned down a few weeks back. The sh-bang at Bernie's is scheduled for Saturday, July 7, 2001, and will feature such fine local bands as the Jive Turkeys, Grafton, The Media Whores, plus more TBA!

USED KIDS TRIBUTE, PART II
Little Brother's is getting into the Used Kids benefit act on Sunday, July 15, 2001. At press time, the acts haven't been confirmed, but the cover will be "$5.00, 2 CD's or 5 records!" Sounds like a good way to unload those 101 Strings LP's clogging up your (uh, I mean your parents') record collection.

RECORD RELEASE BONANZA!

Soul-Fu Villains
The Soul-Fu Villains have a new CD out called The Nappy Man's Guide to Living. Expect a full horn section, turntables, guest vocalists and more. The disc was recorded by Jon Chinn at Workbook Studio, and will be unleashed upon the world at a CD release show on July 7, 2001, at Little Brother's. Check out www.soul-fu.com for more action.

Sugar Pill
Sugar Pill will be releasing a new CD at a record release show set for July 12 at The Brickyard. The over 50-minute CD is called Dose (SugarPill Music), and features 9 groove-filled songs that has equal parts rock, soul, jazz, and r&b. The CD was recorded by Tom Boyer at Oath Studios. Sugar Pill is Stubbs (bass), Schaeff (drums), Waz (guitar), Derrick (percussion), and Rick (vocals). Look up www.sugarpill.net for all the dirt!

- Pat Dull

 

LOCAL BUZZ ADDS MP3S
Ya may be used to seeing the playlist for Otterbein's The Local Buzz over at http://www.geocities.com/thelocalbuzz/. Well, now ya can listen to MP3s of all the tracks they play each week. There are also plans to include MP3s of the live instudio performances.

EAR SHOT RAW COMFEST AND MORE
Yep, there's been another update to the Ear Shot Raw section. This one includes pics from Comfest 2001, Alasdair, The Bloody Matt Dillons, The Bravado, The Cusacks, Hex On Wheels, The Marbles, Rancid Yak Butter Tea Party and Twincam.

WAVE YOUR BANNERS HERE
We're really close to some established banner advertising options on Cringe.com for local bands, venues, shows, events, stores, services, etc. But before we do, I thought I better get a bit more input from the general readership here:

Banner Ad Comments:


- Joel

 


Tuesday, June 26, 2001

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHEN COMFEST IS THIS YEAR?
Okay, okay. Everyone knows COMfest is "this weekend" and all, but I betcha didn't know that the Comfest organizers, in addition to putting on a bitchin' party each year, are also a bunch of Johnny Come Do-Rights and bunnyhuggers, out to change the world! Check it out for yourself at their "Declaration of Principles."

There's so much to do at COMfest, it really boggles the mind. Although we here at The Lowdown don't usually pinpoint any single shows to write about, The Broken Circle Gospel Deluxe wrote the best e-mail to us, so they get the honors! The BCGD will be playing the Poplar Street Stage on Saturday, June 23. The BCGD has been on an indefinite hiatus due to Brother Billy's confinement at the John Erlichman Wing of the Gerald R Ford Federal Penitentiary for Male Fraud. Brother Billy has received a special work-release specifically for this revival, so this may be your last chance to see The BCGD in action. Check it out!

AFTER-COMFEST PARTY AT MY PLACE!!
Well, actually, no. I just wanted to see that in the Cringe flashing headlines at the top of the page. But there is an after-COMfest party at Little Brother's on Saturday, June 23, 2001, featuring The New Bomb Turks, Templeton (CD Release Show!), and The BaXters (pssst - you can't see any of these bands at Comfest). Show starts at 10pm and is $5 at the door. Well worth it.

GODZILLA VS. MEGA-TIARA
Just a short note to tell y'all that local band Tiara has a new CD and single in the works, and will apparently be playing some shows in Japan (!?!) in the near future. Check out their web-site for more details! http://www.cringe.com/tiara/

RECORD RELEASE INFO

adam
adam is releasing a music video called OK To Dream (on One Hoarse Town Productions). It was filmed at the old Funnybone in The Continent, and was directed by filmmaker Josef Salyer. The song originally appeared on adam's full-length record (shin jin rui). There will be a release show on June 21, 2001 @ the High Five. For more info, check out http://www.adam.org

- Pat Dull

 

EAR SHOT: RANCID YAK PREVIEW
OK, yet another Comfest tie in. When I recommended Rancid Yak Butter Tea Party to a Comfest entertainment committee member, they ran with it. Rancid Yak ended up with the much coveted Friday 9pm spot just before Friday closer, Howlin' Maggie. That's perty good for a band many hadn't heard previously. I know a lot of ya aren't familiar with them either, so here are a few pics and vids.

WAVE YOUR BANNERS HERE
We're really close to some established banner advertising options on Cringe.com for local bands, venues, shows, events, stores, services, etc. But before we do, I thought I better get a bit more input from the general readership here:

Banner Ad Comments:


- Joel

 


Tuesday, June 19, 2001

EMO-CORE HITS COLUMBUS!
Don't wet yourselves, all you shoe-gazing crybabies ... I'm talking about the greatest comedian in the world!! Yes, Emo Philips will be appearing at the Columbus Funny Bone (located in the Easton Town Center) from Tuesday, June 26 to Sunday, June 30. Tickets are only $8.00. Opening act will not be Neutral Milk Hotel or Jets To Brazil.

GRAFTON, OHIO
Grafton recently finished recording for both its cringe.com/pilation contribution and the B-side to their first single, with local beer magnate (read: magnet) Dwayne. You may know Dwayne, as he plays with Mitch Mitchell's Terrifying Experience and once played with The Method and Pica Huss. The equipment (recently salvaged from the Magnetic Planet recording/practice space) shuddered, squealed, and nearly crapped out during the session, but ace knob-tweaker Joe Kelley saved their asses and muted out the noise like a pro. Both the single and com/pilation should be released this fall. Diamond Ike Midnight of Diaphragm Records has expressed some interest in the single, the A- side of which should feature a tune from Grafton's self-titled CD, which is on Derailleur Records.

SUMMER SHINDIG AT THE NEWPORT
Five local bands (Sister Flow, Uncle Sam's Dream Machine, The Big Creak, Station, and Gravy) will take the stage at the Newport Music Hall on Friday June 29. Tickets are only $5 and are available through any of the bands to avoid ticket bastard surcharge.

Also, the next day you can catch Sister Flow and The Big Creak again at the Summer Shindig, located at Fran Bar Park, just five miles east of 270 on East Broad Street in Pataskala. The show also features the music of The Johnson Brothers, Poop House Reilly, Max Power Trio, Fenster and Chuck's Junk. Advance tickets can be purchased at Singing Dog Records for $8 or you can get yours at the gate for $10. Part of the shows proceeds go to benefit the Short North Youth Choir.

SEASON'S END
Season's End are currently filming 2 videos ("yes, real videos!") for 2 songs from the forthcoming CD with director/script writer (and OSU faculty member) Brian Hauser. Lots of OSU campus-area footage has already been shot (Little Brother's, Frambes Ave, Blue Danube, etc). Plans are to have a cd/video release party in November. In the meantime, the band will be working on their next CD, the follow-up to 2000's Trenches, as a guitar-bass-drums trio.

RECORD RELEASE INFO

The Azoic
Local band The Azoic will be having a release show for their new CD on June 30, 2001, at Outland. The CD is called forward ... (Nilaihah Records), and will feature 11 songs of electronic dance and industrial music (with female vocals), as well as remixes by Assemblage 23, Flesh Field, Fiction 8, and Oneiroid Psychosis. The CD was recorded at Nilaihah Studios by the band. Check out http://www.nilaihah.com/azoic.htm for more info!

- Pat Dull

 

EAR SHOT RAW UPDATES
I've added pictures to Ear Shot Raw from May 26-June 16, 2001. It includes Bigfoot's reunion show, some locals from the Underground's Springfest, the West Memphis 3 benefit and even one of Silo the Huskie on CD 101's Independent Playground. I'll probably have the Comfest 2001 shots by this time next week.

WAVE YOUR BANNERS HERE
We're really close to some established banner advertising options on Cringe.com for local bands, venues, shows, events, stores, services, etc. But before we do, I thought I better get a bit more input from the general readership here:

Banner Ad Comments:


- Joel

 


Tuesday, June 12, 2001

USED KIDS RECORDS UPDATE
Well, the dust has settled a bit around the fire at Used Kids Records last week. Word from the Dispatch is that around 70,000 titles were lost to the fire. Scuttlebutt is that co-owner Dan Dow is looking to relocate (temporarily) in as little as a month or two.

Idea for benefit show: admission = $10, with the Used Kids staff working the door. You can "buy" your way in with used records, tapes, and CD's, with the Used Kids staff hurtling their subtle insults regarding your taste in music (insults free with admission). One Little Richard record gets you VIP treatment, but 20 Blink 182 CD's won't even get you through the door (might help re-build the dollar bin stock, though ...)

INSECT SIREN WEEKEND ROCK FEST!
Dave Gibson (from The Cusacks) is putting together a two-night weekend bash of rock especially for YOU! The shows will help promote a compilation CD coming soon on his Insect Siren label. Check out the action at Bernie's Distillery this Friday, June 15 (w/ 84 Nash, The Igniters, and Luimang), as well as Saturday, June 16 (w/ The Cusacks, The Bravado and Alasdair).

MEDIA WHORES GIVE IT AWAY!
This Friday, June 15, 2001, check out the Media Whores at the High Five for their second record release show this month! The Whores are set to unleash their latest 7-inch single upon the world, featuring the 1-2 punch of "Feel It!" b/w "Can You Keep A Secret?" The first 25 cools and honeys to purchase a single will also get a free CD-Rom QuickTime movie of the Whores live on TV-19! Their pals The Bravado and Mohio will also be playing!

UPCOMING RECORD RELEASES

Templeton
Templeton is gearing up to release their latest CD (actually a 3-song e.p.) called Useful on Derailleur Records. It was recorded at OATH Studios by Tom Boyer and Doug Beale, and will cost a mere $3. Pick it up at their after-Comfest release show on June 23, 2001, at Little Brother's. More on this show next week. For more info, visit www.cringe.com/templeton.

Janine
Local artist Janine will be releasing a CD in the near future entitled Many Sides on the Orange Apple label. It was recorded at the Orange Apple Studios by Janine and eRic ZieLinski, and will retail at about $7.00. For more info, e-mail Janine at [email protected].

- Pat Dull

 

EAR SHOT RAW SEEING DOUBLE
We'll late last week the new Ear Shot Raw section roughly doubled in size. We've added a whole slew of pics taken from March 23-May 25, 2001. This almost catches us up with the backlog of pictures. What next? Maybe the videos. Maybe pictures from yer collection. Maybe more old school Ear Shot video and picture pages. Let us know what you'd like to see.

OTHER CRINGE UPDATES & ACTIVITIES
The current reviews section has been perty active the last week or two. I even managed to take time to write on myself.

Anyone listen to The Independent Playground Thursday? Silo the Huskie and I were the guests. It was also an all Ohio, in fact I believe all Columbus show. We previewed a 3 new never aired before Silo songs. I also whipped out a few rarities such as an unreleased Hairy Patt Band cut ("No Balls At All") and a cut from Tim(othy) Easton's first tape, ("Duct Tape Shoes" from Goody Boy). I also passed on Lizard's mp3 only "Used Kids" song which they played Sunday night in tribute to, well, you guess.

We've updated the features on the Cringe.com AvantGo Channel. The Comfest schedule and the recent Interview with Tom and Rudy of the Independent Playground have been added.

Speaking of Comfest, the calendar itself has been updated. Only a few shows have changed:

Friday
5:00Poplar StageFallow Valley Sinners
Saturday
noonJazz StageTim Cummisky
3:15PoplarBroken Circle Gospel Deluxe
Sunday
1:30Live ArtsThoissane West African Dance
2:30Live Artsolo Tango

WAVE YOUR BANNERS HERE
We're really close to some established banner advertising options on Cringe.com for local bands, venues, shows, events, stores, services, etc. But before we do, I thought I better get a bit more input from the general readership here:

Banner Ad Comments:


- Joel

 


Tuesday, June 5, 2001

USEDKIDS DISASTER
Local record haven/heaven UsedKids Records apparently fell victim to an electrical fire at 3 AM on Monday, June 4, 2001. To those not familiar, UsedKids Records is probably the best "used recording" meccas of the Midwest, and word on the street is that it will take upwards of six months to repair the damage (if it gets repaired at all). Looks like the entire building will be gutted. UsedKids would buy about anything that any local artist put out for its "Local Music" section. It is indeed a sad day for Columbus music.

BLATANT FINGER FACELIFT
Local rockers Blatant Finger have completely redone their entire website, and urge the good people of Columbus to come and "share the love." Check it out at http://www.blatantfinger.com/

RECORD RELEASE MADNESS

Greenhouse Effect and Illogic
Greenhouse Effect (group) and Illogic (solo artist) make up Weightless Recordings, and they will soon be releasing Weightless Presents The B-Sides: Blatant Battle Raps (Weightless Recordings) on CD in the near future. It is a 72-minute collection of exclusive songs, remixes, and freestyles from the Columbus label responsible for the critically acclaimed releases by Greenhouse Effect (Up To Speed ep) and Illogic (Unforeseen Shadows LP). It was recorded at 1BR Studios, and we are assured that the retail price will be quite reasonable (subject to stores' retail price). A record release show will be held on Saturday, June 23 @ 10pm. Where, you ask? At Dragonfly (located at 247 King Ave. in Columbus, OH). The show will feature an open mic and live performances by Greenhouse Effect, Illogic, Drown, EDOTKOM, MHz (megahertz), the Vinyl B-Boys, Spitball, and the Superpowers. The admission will be a mere $7! Check out www.weightless.net for more info!

Sugar Pill
Sugar Pill will soon be releasing their latest CD, called Dose (SugarPill Music), featuring 9 songs comprising over 50 minutes of music. Sugar Pill is Stubbs (bass), Schaeff (drums), Waz (guitar), Derrick (percussion), and Rick (vocals). Together, Sugar Pill creates a groove-filled style of music that has equal parts rock, soul, jazz, and r&b. The CD was recorded by Tom Boyer at Oath Studios, and will be released in Summer 2001, with a record release show set for July 12 at The Brickyard. Advance copies of the CD have been distributed to local radio stations and sold to members of the Sugar Pill fan club. The single "Standing Next To God" has received airplay on 90.5 WCBE, and John Carroll University's radio station (in Cleveland) featured an half hour show dedicated to showcasing the new CD. Look up www.sugarpill.net for all the dirt!

- Pat Dull

 

EAR SHOT RAW
Some of you may have already discovered the new Ear Shot Raw addition through the message board. What we've done is set up a way to view nearly all the big, raw, untouched pics taken from roughly December 2000-March 2001. I'll be adding more recent ones as time, energy and priorities allow. Some galleries have quite a few images and may not be generated yet, so when ya visit, give it a few seconds to react and display. Also keep in mind, I ain't no photographer. In fact, some of the pictures downright suck. You have been warned.

COMFEST 2001 SCHEDULE
The Comfest 2001 schedule has been announced. Here's Cringe's version, correct as of about 11:00am June 1, 2001: http://www.cringe.com/contacts/comfest2001.htm.

INDEPENDENT PLAYGROUND INTERVIEW
Our old friend Chad Painter has an interview with Tom and Rudy of CD 101's Independent Playground. And if ya tune in this Thursday, 11pm-1am, you may just catch Silo the Huskie and me on the air with Tom and Rudy to talk about the Cringe.com/pilation.

CRINGE COMP SHOW JUNE 8 @ LITTLE BROS.
Yep, it's time for another Cringe.com/pilation show. This one is June 8 at Little Brother's with Guinea Worms, Silo the Huskie and the Jive Turkeys. This is Silo's first show in several months and the Turkeys and Worms both just released CDs.

This is the last Cringe.com/pilation support show until the release show (tentatively September 29, 2001). The more we raise at these shows, the more CDs we can press and distribute. So come on out if ya wanna make sure we get enough for everyone. See http://www.cringe.com/pilation/ for press releases and more info.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, May 29, 2001

RECORD RELEASE INFO

Dirt Bike Annie
Dirt Bike Annie will be playing a Record Release show this Saturday, June 2, 2001, at the High Five. DBA hail from New York City, and are celebrating the release of a 7-inch single called Superscope (on Columbus' own Break-Up! Records). The 4-song e.p. will be on colored vinyl and come with a free button for the first few purchasers, so check it out!

eRic ZieLinski
eRic ZieLinski will be releasing a CD called Java Incident (on Orange Apple Records) in mid-July. It was recorded at Orange Apple Studios and Cowtown Sound, and will only cost about $7.00. The album will be a mix of studio and live recordings, some of which was recorded in Columbus at Oldfield's(on 4th) and the Thirsty Ear Tavern. A few special musicians appear on the new album. Check out http://www.ericz.org for more info.

- Pat Dull

 

OSU SPRINGFEST FRIDAY, JUNE 1
Well, we were expecting a guest columnist from The Underground for the Lowdown this week. But with the holiday weekend I think things got lost in the shuffle. If they get something to us before Wednesday, I may update things here, so check back Wednesday. In the meantime, jump over to http://www.underground.fm/springfest/ to read more about the Underground's Springfest this Friday, June 1, 3pm-1am.

LITTLE BROTHER'S ANNIVERSARY
According to my records and memory this week marks the anniversary of the first real show at Little Brother's. Yeah, there may have been a few shows scheduled before that but things like moving complications and permits delayed a full opening until May 28, 1997. What was that first show? Yo La Tengo and Magnetic Fields.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, May 22, 2001

BATMAN 'TIL THE COWS COME HOME
Don Bovee (or Don "B" when he's drinking his juice) will be celebrating his 874th birthday this Thursday, May 24, 2001 at Bernie's Distillery. Helping the man celebrate will be Howlin' Maggie, Greenhorn, Grafton, and Jack Diesel.

OBJECTIVE NEWS REPORTING or SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION?
The good folks here at Cringe.com are putting together what is rapidly turning into a series of compilation CDs to promote local music. To help curb costs (and not to feed sundry drug addictions, as has been rumored), Cringe.com has sponsored several fund-raising shows to get the fucker in gear. The first compilation CD (tentatively entitled Cringe.com/pilation vol. 1.0) has a scheduled release date of September 29, 2001, if all goes well. Needless to say, it's a time-honored Columbus tradition to set a release date and not having the product in time!

Cringe has gathered together the following local artists and bands for the first CD: Bigfoot, The Bygones, Earwig, Tim Easton, Grafton, Guinea Worms, The Honeys, Jack Neat, The Jive Turkeys, The Marbles, Media Whores, A Planet For Texas, Pretty Mighty Mighty, Rancid Yak Butter Tea Party, The Randys, Silo The Huskie, Superstar Rookie, Templeton, Tiara and The Velveteens. Other bands are currently being courted for future compilations.

Two shows will be held this weekend to support the effort. Here's the dilly-o:

  • Saturday, May 26, 2001 @ Little Brother's
    Bigfoot
    The Media Whores
    Estee Louder

Coupons for the compilation CD are available with a paid admission at each show. If you don't lose your coupon in the intervening months, you can redeem it for a free copy of the CD at the Fall 2001 release show. Look for further information and online press kits at http://www.cringe.com/pilation/ as future shows approach and details are ironed out.

MORE MIND-NUMBING RECORD RELEASE INFO

Planet 12
Planet 12 are planning on releasing a seven-song CD entitled FrequenC (on AMN Records) in the coming months ahead. It was recorded by Neal Schmitt at Workbook Studio. A CD Release party will be held on October 12, 2001, at Northberg Tavern, with special guest Fletch. Check out www.Planet-12.com for more details.

The Chevy Chasers
The Chevy Chasers just put out a CD last week called Hughs And Kisses (on Look Hot! Records). It features nine original songs, and was recorded at their drummer's basement (and dorm room) by their keyboardist! The band describes themselves as "The all male collegiate version of The Shaggs having a good time and making noise." (Wait a minute, wasn't that exactly what The Shaggs were?) Anyway, if you want to go to their CD release party, you're out of luck because it was also last week, chump! E-mail your regrets to [email protected]. Fun Fact about the band: "Every show consists of a mandatory 5 - 20 minute version of 'Wild Thing' that will undoubtedly turn into 'Louie Louie' and 'Vicious' several times." Sounds like The Chevy Chasers should be playing at Don "B is for Batman" Bovee's birthday party.

Soul-Fu Villains
The Soul-Fu Villains have a new CD out called The Nappy Man's Guide to Living. Expect a full horn section, turntables, guest vocalists and more. The disc was recorded by Jon Chinn at Workbook Studio, and will be unleashed upon the world at a CD Release Show on July 7th 2001, at Little Brother's. Check out www.soul-fu.com for more action.

- Pat Dull

 

THE BIG FREE CONCERT
The Big Free Concert, a student run concert festival held at OSU, is this Friday, May 25 from 4pm to midnight. It features OAR, Red Wanting Blue, Ordinary Peoples, Gravity 44, Empathy, Virginia Coalition, The Argument, Oval Opus, Gabe Dixon Band, Five O'clock Shadow and Homunculous. Contact [email protected] for more info.

NEW SITES FOR SORE EYES
The Oldfield's on High, High Five and Little Brother's Web sites have all undergone substantial changes in recent weeks or months -- all for the better from what I can see. I don't plan to make a habit of announcing new or redesigned sites, but I thought these and the synchronicity were noteworthy. Plus, I wanted to give a nod to the people doing the sites -- It's made my work a bit easier.

BIGFOOT REUNITES AT CRINGE COMPILATION WEEKEND
I know Pat already mentioned the Cringe.com/pilation shows this weekend. I wanted to add that this also marks Bigfoot's first show in something like a year ... maybe two. Some of Columbus music's most respected and celebrated songwriters and musicians, members of Bigfoot have also been integral members of Bob City, Ugly Stick, Heifer, the Townsmen and more. See http://www.cringe.com/issues/8.1/misc.shtml and http://www.cringe.com/bigfoot/ for more Bigfoot information.

EAR SHOT: THE MEDIA WHORES HEAD AND HAIR BANGING
Pat Dull's own Media Whores are the newest addition to Ear Shot. Also, many of you have requested copies of the pictures and movies I've taken. I'm working on a simple way to get them all up in their raw (i.e. large, and not optimized for the Web) form. Something will likely be in place by next week.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, May 15, 2001

CYNICAL ... MOI?
This Friday, May 18 at the High Five check out one of the greatest frontmen around, in Pittsburgh's favorite sons The Cynics. Opening up will be local booze hounds, Grafton. Show starts around 10pm.

FLICKER, ER, SWIZZLE-STICK
Swizzle-Stick.com has posted new interviews that might be of interest to Ohio lo-fi rock fans. The interviews are with GBV's Bob Pollard and Great Plains' Ron House and Mark Wyatt. The GBV interview centers around the release of the new CD while the Great Plains interview gives a good history of the band from two different perspectives. Check it out at http://www.swizzle-stick.com

BACK-SEAT ACTION
The Proms' sophomore release (Second Base) is finally out, and you can purchase it right now online at: www.promsonline.com. It's $10 ppd. The CD release party is at Bernie's on Friday, May 18th, 2001. The rock should start at around 9pm. The line up for this show will be: Neverwhere, The Chevy Chaser's, and The Prom's (w/ special guests). If you need directions email The Proms at: [email protected].

UPCOMING RECORD RELEASE SHOWS

Johnson Brothers
Their upcoming CD release (Quintessential Honey) was recorded at Oath Studios by Tom Boyer and Doug Beale. The release date is set for Friday June 22 (Comfest weekend!) at Little Brother's. The CD will include "Music + Mind", "Out Of Tune", "Highest", and "Quintessential Honey" and 9 other tracks. Guest musicians include Quinn Fallon (X-rated Cowboys) and Mike Pingway (Gravy). The band tells us, "It promises to be more eclectic than previous release, and includes fun interludes between some songs, plus a hilarious Richard Pryor sample." Check out www.thejbros.com for more info.

Myopia
Myopia plans on releasing a CD called Superhero on Greazy Spoon Records featuring the singles "Lie To You", "Superhero", and "Nasty Groove". It was recorded at Joemon Studios by Joe Morris. The scheduled release date is May 19, 2001, at Gameworks (Easton Town Center). Check out http://www.myopia-rocks.com for more info.

The Emerald Down
The Emerald Down will be releasing their CD (Scream The Sound) in June/July 2001. It's an eleven song CD recorded and mastered in Chicago, IL. The first single from the album is called "Caught A Wave," which can be downloaded on MP3.com. Keep yourself updated by emailing [email protected]

One.Point.Three
One.Point.Three are releasing a CD called Self-Destructica in the late fall. It was recorded at Deadly Toothpaste Studios, and features 7-8 guitar/bass/drum/vocal songs and 3-4 noise/confusion tracks. It's an album "4 years in the making ... for better or worse ..." Contact them at [email protected]

HEY HO! LET'S GO!!!
Ramones-a-thon is Wednesday, May 23 at Little Brother's. If you remember the last one 2 yrs. ago, it was a blast! This time around we got 20 bands doing 60 different Ramones tunes. Doors open at 7pm with a special showing of Rock n' Roll High School. Bands start at 9pm sharp with all night videos, trivia, guest MC's, a Joey look-alike contest, and general drunken rock & roll mayhem. $5 at the door benefits Lymphoma/cancer research. Mark your calendars!

BENEFIT FOR THE WEST MEMPHIS THREE
A benefit for the West Memphis Three will take place on Sunday, June 3, 2001 at High Five (http://www.highfivebar.com/). June 3 has been declared National West Memphis Three Awareness Day by a worldwide network of West Memphis Three supporters. It is the anniversary of the arrests of the West Memphis Three. There will be simultaneous events going on around the country.

Who are the The West Memphis Three? They are Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley, Jr. To find out more information about this case, including how the police and people of West Memphis, Arkansas conducted a witch hunt for the brutal murders of three 8 year old boys, check out http://www.wm3.org/.

The following bands will be showing their support on Sunday, June 3rd at the High Five:

  • New Bomb Turks (Columbus, Ohio)
  • Swampass (Chicago, IL)
  • Behemoth (Columbus, OH)
  • Grafton (Columbus, OH)
  • Hellbound Truckers (Hebron, OH)
  • Thoracic Disruptor (Wheeling, WV)
  • Once Again (Wheeling, WV)
Merchandise, including CDs, T-shirts, and stickers will be available. Monies will go to the Free the West Memphis Three Support Fund and the Damien Echols Trust Account for his litigation expenses.

Pick up the Spring Issue of the Columbus Free Press for an article about the West Memphis Three, the films, the benefit CD and the Support Fund. This article is also available on-line through MK Ultra Magazine.

SILO SONG ON THE MTV SHOW
MTV's Road Rules played a song from Silo The Huskie<'s Cargo/Headhunter debut last week. Apparently they played "Low Star," and if you want to hear it, it's on the latest episode of Road Rules v/s Real World. Silo will start recording their next record at 9 am this Saturday at Workbook Studio. Look for the record to be in stores, and on College radio in early September!

- Pat Dull

 

MORE GOOD NEWS FROM THE INDEPENDENT PLAYGROUND
Last week we mentioned CD 101's Independent Playground will be expanding with a Thursday 11pm-1am run. Well, this week we found out the original Sunday spot is going to be on 2 hours earlier - 10pm-12m. These changes should kick in this week. So now we can all hear twice as much indie and local music while getting to bed at a decent hour!

This last Sunday's show included the following locals:

EAR SHOT: ESTEE LOUDER FOR MOM
In honor of Mother's Day, their new 7" and their expecting drummer, Estee Louder is featured in this week's Ear Shot.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, May 8, 2001

OVER THE HILL BIRTHDAY BASH
Jimbo Stiers is hosting his very own birthday bash at Bernie's Distillery this Friday, May 11, 2001. The bill is Stagger Lee and the Heathens, There's Hope Yet (from Akron), Blatant Finger and C.D. Truth (apparently Akron's longest running punk band; "over a decade worth of ass-kickin'!!!"). The ass-kickin' will begin promptly at 10pm

TEMPLETON UPDATE
Templeton are headed to NYC late this month, with supporting shows in DC, NJ, WV, and PA. They're also about halfway through their next full-length, to be released in September on an as-of-yet unannounced label.

Meanwhile, their 3-song CD EP is completely finished except for the artwork (provided by internationally famous, yet local, erotic photographer, Chas Krider). The CD-EP (entitled Useful, on Derailleur Records), will be released on Saturday, June 23 (Comfest Weekend) at Little Brother's, at an after-show sponsored by Revolver Magazine. On Tuesday, May 15, they will be appearing live on WOBN (Otterbein College) to premiere the Useful CD. Check out www.cringe.com/templeton or email [email protected] for more info.

MORE RAMONES MANIA

Homage to Joey
June 9 at High Five will feature Ron House, Mike Rep, Screaming Urge, BL & The Drug Mothers and a special guest TBA in a night inspired by Joey Ramone. With an open Mic from 9-10 and a Joey Ramone sing-a-long conclusion, no-passive-observers is the evening's motto.

Ramones-a-thon
Wednesday, May 23 at Little Brother's Ike (from A Planet For Texas and Diaphragm Records) is putting this one on. Hoo-boy, be prepared for a real fast-moving, plug in & play kind of night. All proceeds after sound & expenses will go to a lymphoma/cancer charity:

Screaming Urge
The Baxters
A Planet For Texas
Last Hotel
Johnny Rebel & Paul Bearer
Old Jewish Men
Starvos
The Vincents
The Vague
The Sovines
The Bad Pudding
Jackalopes
Kingrods
Media Whores (2 bands)
Stainless Mind
Bedrockers
Slunk
Bastard Squad of America
Greg from Toll/Andyman
The Spurning

THE MOFO FREAKIN' ROCK SHOW #4
Saturday, May 19, 2001 at High Five, featuring Templeton, The BaXters, Salthorse, and The Kingrods. Sponsored by: Revolver, ColumbusMusic.com, Kinko's, WOBN, 1EarMedia. Show starts at 8:19am and costs $1,052.32 at the door.

- Pat Dull

 

INDEPENDENT PLAYGROUND PLAYTIME DOUBLED
The folks over at CD 101's Independent Playground and local indie fans in general have reason to celebrate. On top of the original award-winning Sunday night, er, Monday morning 12am-2am show, there is now an additional Thursday 11pm-1am slot.

The most recent show included the following locals:

  • The Vincents - "Crossing The Line" (Unsigned)
  • The Jive Turkeys - "Charleston, WV" (Derailleur)
  • Blow Up - "Forbidden Planet" (Blood Of The Young)
  • A Planet For Texas - "Cowtippin'" (Diaphragm)

MORE THAN MUSIC FEST 2001
I believe this is the first time in several years that the More than Music Fest is not the same weekend as Comfest. Here's more info from the source:

Columbus, Ohio: June 14-16, 2001 Four days in Columbus, Ohio filled with music, film, workshops and more. There are limited tickets available! We expect this to sell out in advance, and the festival has already told us that no ticket will be available at the door.

"For the past nine years, The More Than Music Fest has been a rare example in the underground music scene: A progressive collective bringing an incredibly diverse group of artists and audiences together to share music, ideas, and ideals. The More Than Music Fest has lived up to its name, creating a forum where music itself can be the medium that brings people together, and where a discussion of politics can move beyond the rhetoric of government or activism and into the realms of philosophy, aesthetics, ethics, ethnicity, environment, and the choices we make every day. For 2001, The More Than Music Fest pushes this idea even farther."

Bands include: Suicide, Moss Icon (first show in over 10 years!), The Locust, Milemarker, Alec Empire, The Rapture, The Mercury Program, Q and Not U, Convocation Of, Song of Zarathustra, I Am Spoonbender, Bride of No No, Archer Prewitt, Thrones, Teeth of the Hydra, Dead and Gone, New Terror Class, Nic Endo, The Need, DJ? Acucrack, High On Fire, The Lack, RJD2/Soul, Position OH MY GOD!!! There are more bands to be announced.

EAR SHOT: NSA RELEASE SHOW
We just put up some vids and pics from the NSA's March 10, 2001 release show. NSA will also be at High Five Thursday, May 10 with The Sites and The Fantastic.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, May 1, 2001

BANDS WITH THE RUNS
This Sunday, May 6, 2001, at 10:00 PM, the program Bands On The Run (on VH-1) will premiere the Columbus, OH episode. For those unfamiliar with the show, the concept is to unleash four bands on a town, and see which band can drum up the most support in three days, as tallied by the end-of-the-night receipts. See your favorite local barflies and gad-abouts as they attempt in vain to sleep with the fabulous ladies of Harlow. Word on the street is that several Columbus bands are in the running for the next Bands On The Run series.

WHAT IS THE FREQUENCY, PLANET 12?
Local band Planet 12 will be releasing a CD called Frequency (Little Dogs Productions). A release show will be held in early October at Oldfield's on High. Write [email protected] or visit www.planet-12.com for more details.

- Pat Dull

 

ORCHESTRAVILLE AND FRIENDS
Keith Hanlon, Orchestraville's drummer, dropped Cringe a note with a few items ...

Orchestraville has finally wrapped up recording and re-recording for their next CD. Though the final release and a summer tour may be a few months off, the tune "Weatherblown" is already getting airplay on WCBE.

Keith, along with Jon Chinn and Neal Schmidt of Pretty Mighty Mighty and Workbook Studio, will be backing Ron Hester. Last fall Hester recorded his debut album at Workbook with Jon and Neal. The Columus show is at High Five Thursday, May 3.

ELE-MENTAL FLIGHTS GROUNDED
The Ele-mental collective has been hosting regular electronic/experimental music events at the DFLY Annex for the last several months. However the group is dissappointed to announce that "due to lack of audience, and lack of time to promote the event properly, future Flights have been grounded."

The collective, which celebrates its 9th Anniversary this month, will still be hosting and promoting less regular events such as UP at the DFLY Annex on Saturday, May 19. Ideas for future events or input can be sent to [email protected].

Ele-mental also notes that this is the 10th anniversary of the formation of Body Release. Body Release's members -- Todd Sines, Titonton Duvante, Charles Noel and Mike Szewzyck -- are now some of Columbus' most familar and active electronic music creators and supporters. It made me feel a bit proud when I found out years later that I was the first one to book BR for a live show some 9 years ago or so.

THE BIG ROCK SHOW II, MAY 5
I'm gonna be lazy and just quote this message. I couldn't really present in a better or more useful way any way ...

The Otterbein High Risk Drinking Prevention Coalition presents
"The Big Rock Show II"
Saturday, May 5, 2001
11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Behind the Campus Center at Otterbein College in Westerville, Oh
Donations will be taken to benefit "Directions for Youth"

Featuring Performances by:
  • The Stepford Five-9:50 p.m.
  • Stonevelvet-9:00 p.m.
  • 79 Grove-8:15 p.m.
  • The Big Creak-7:25 p.m.
  • Scott Gorsuch-6:40 p.m.
  • Kopaz-5:50 p.m.
  • Myopia-5:05 p.m.
  • The Velveteens-4:25 p.m.
  • Those Darn Amigos-3:40 p.m.
  • No Tagbacks-2:50 p.m.
  • Poop House Reilly-2:05 p.m.
  • The Moon Dance Experiment-1:15 pm.
  • Uncle Owen-12:30 p.m.

Plus food, games, inflatables and much more!

Co-sponsared by the Otterbein Campus Programming Board and 101.5 fm, "The Rock"/wobn.net

Admission is free!

More info and mp3's by the bands at http://www.geocities.com/thelocalbuzz/concert.html

Schedule and times of performers are subject to change without notice.

No alcohol permitted on site.

EDEN'S CRUSH POPSTARS
I meant to bring this up a week or three ago. Anyone watch that Popstars show on UPN/WB/53? It's one of those "Making the Band" type reality shows where they audition a bunch of women until they narrow it down to 5 to form the next big girl band -- Eden's Crush in this case.

Well, I found out a few weeks ago that there's a perty strong Columbus and personal connection to the band. Rosanna Tavarez was studying Dance at OSU before she got the call from Popstars. (I wondered where she went.) Rosanna also ushered over at Wexner Center where I got to boss her around and trade hair grooming tips. (Um, we both had shaved heads at the time.)

Eden's Crush is now a national top 10 pop group, holding the number two single spot just a couple weeks ago. The full album, entitled Popstars, hits the racks today - May 1, 2001. So there. Maybe ya can make it big outta Columbus.

CRINGE COMPILATION SHOW III, MAY 5
OK, I promise not to bug ya all with this for a couple weeks. But the more money we raise, the more CDs we can press and the cheaper we can get 'em.

The next Cringe.com/pilation show is this Saturday, May 5 at High 5. Yeah, Cinco de Mayo or 5/5 at High 5. The bands are Tiara, Rancid Yak Butter Tea Party (whew!) and The Honeys.

The quick scoop: Tiara has been compared to Pavement, Built to Spill and Moviola. Rancid Yak has obvious Mr. Bungle leanings -- schizophrenic cartoon hardcore theremin music. The Honeys feature members of Rancid Yak, Templeton and Electric Porn with the Donnas as a suspected influence.

Tiara is also the featured band over in Earshot this week.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, April 24, 2001

SUPERGROUP, COLUMBUS-STYLE
This Saturday, April 28, at Oldfield's on High (2590 N. High St.), The Healers will be making their full-band debut opening the night for Watershed. Who exactly are The Healers, you ask? Well, it's none other than Bob Bellas (Soul Fu Villains), Rick Kinsinger (Pfifer), Jeff Tayama (Cleopatra Grip, Born Digital), John Bellas (Stonebyrd, Fletch), and Bobby Cloyd (Aerosmith). They hit the boards at approximately 10:30. Check 'em out!

IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME
Joey Ramone, dead. Ramones-A-Thon. Wednesday, May 23. Little Brother's. 'Nuff said.

STANDS FOR ULTRA VIOLET
Goth fans rejoice! An ex-Lestat member from Cleveland, Ohio has a new band called UV with a CD due out in July 2001. UV is also planning a show at Outland real soon.

PUNK ROCKERS GET ALL THE CHICKS
Local punk-popsters Blatant Finger have been sponsored by Jagermeister, complete with photo ops with the Jager-ette girls. Also, the band got a ripping review of their CD (Sit and Spin) in a recent issue of Maximum Rock'n'Roll. Check 'em out live, as apparently a Blatant Finger show is, and I quote, "nothin' but TITTY FLASHIN' and BEER DRINKIN'!!!"

- Pat Dull

 

COMFEST APPLICATIONS DUE THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 27
If you wanna have any hope of playing Comfest this year, ya better get yer act together. Comfest applications are due this Friday, April 27. You can get apps at Monkey's Retreat, Used Kids Records or http://www.comfest.com/appspdf.html. If you don't apply, you won't play. If it helps convince any of you to toss yer name into the hat, this may be the year I finally take time to participate in the selection process.

RELEASES GALORE
I just felt the need to say that local musicians are dishing out new releases faster than, um, my camera can shoot these days. I think there were 5 new arrivals in the last week alone. If you've bothered to read any of this, you should go out and buy at least one of them.

CRINGE COMP, GRAFTON RELEASE APRIL 28 @ BERNIE'S
The next Cringe.com/pilation show is this Saturday, April 28 at Bernie's. The show also celebrates the release of Grafton's self-titled debut CD. (Um, I helped a bit with the CD layout.) A Planet for Texas and the Bygones round ot out the bill nicely, thank you. Once again, we'll be handing out coupons good for a free copy of the Cringe.com/pilation CD at the fall release show.

Oh, Grafton is also this week's Ear Shot addition.

LOOK ALIVE, COLUMBUS
I meant to mention this last week - Columbus Alive's Web site has had a major face lift. Also the upcoming issue should contain both the Alive's Local Music Guide and a story on the Cringe.com/pilation with a bit about Cringe and, yeah, me.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, April 17, 2001

SHOOTOUT WITH THEM WRANCH AND GERALDINE
This Thursday, April 19, 2001, Bernie's Distillery hosts a dual record release show for Them Wranch and Geraldine. I haven't heard the Geraldine LP yet, but the new Them Wranch platter (called Medium Rare) is amazingly good! The Shams open the show.

MARBLE MAGNETS
Local popsters The Marbles have a rave review of their latest CD (Seduction) in this month's issue of Magnet Magazine. The reviewer name-checks The Go-Go's and Josie Cotton before finally settling on Holly and the Italians.

DON'T HECKLE WITH DR. JECKLE
Local metal band Mr. Hyde will soon be releasing an independent CD entitled Mr. Hyde in the near future. A release show is scheduled at the High Five for June 22, 2001, at a blowout entitled The High Five Metal Showcase. For more metal mayhem, check out http://home.columbus.rr.com/mrhyde/

- Pat Dull

 

THE SOVINES COME ALIVE
The Sovines are recording their show at Little Brother's this Wednesday, April 18 for posterity -- or at least a live CD. Magarac and Gunshy Ministers (which has a love-hate relationship with Cringe) are also on the bill.

EAR SHOT: THE JIVE TURKEYS SEEN, HEARD AND RELEASED
Yeah, this is an update I meant to play up more the first time around ... The newest Ear Shot is up. It features the Jive Turkeys, who are celebrating the release of their first official studio CD this Friday, April 20 at Little Brother's. The show also includes the Randys, Bloody Matt Dillons, and the Bygones.

DIA-FRICKUM-PHREEKUM-PHRAGM RECORDS
We've put up that interview with Diamond Ike Midnight of Diaphragm Records, A Planet for Texas and Little Brother's. Former Lowdown lead, Chad Painter, did the interview. He has some other features in the works.

CRINGE UPDATES, ARCHIVED AND PURGED
I archived much of the long unarchived current issue. So check yer bookmarks to make sure yer getting the current issue (11.1).

I also officially removed the Local Play section from the new current issue. I simply didn't have the time and energy to carry on with it. If there is a strong interest in keeping it going and someone willing to help do just that, I have no problem with resurrecting it.

MY FAVORITE MESSAGE OF THE WEEK
Maybe this will be a new regular feature ... And it's one we don't have to write.

THE BAXTERS


Hi, we're The Baxters. Sometimes known as "The Stalkers." The reason we are sometimes called "The Stalkers" is that, occasionally, we stand outside local rock fans' apartments late at night wearing nothing but trenchcoats, pantyhose and garter belts. Does that seem strange? We think its just plain, flat out, cool. The Baxters, as you know, are all about cool.

Anyway, if you want to see us at our coolest, here's some shows we are doing:


Thursday, May 3rd @ Oldfields
We're opening for Twin Cam and NSA

We ain't/aren't sure if anyone has told Oldfield's yet because they (Oldfield's) were a little pissed at us last time we played there (December 1999). They felt, that perhaps we were a little loud, if you can believe that crap. We have changed since then. We are so much more polite. Just see what our mom's had to say:

Kent's Mom: "...and they are such nice young men, and handsome too"
Drew's Mom: "...WOW! I have a son??"
John's Mom: "...cough, cough, cough, hey Jerry, pass the crack pipe"

SEE THERE - they didn't say we were loud.


The MoFo Freakin' Rock Show 4

Thats right, The MoFo is back. We were running out of clever names so we said "shoot (actually we said shit, but like I said we are more polite nowadays), lets do a MoFo." See what I mean about us being cool (and smart too).

May 19th @ HighFive

We asked several hundred bands to join in the fun and two actually said yes. They are:

Templeton
The Kingrods
and oh yea, The Baxters

The cover charge is $34.99 in advance or $4 at the door. Advanced tickets can be purchased directly from me. If you buy advanced tickets I'll mail you one of those stamper things. Please stamp yourself and return the stamper.


June 23rd @ Little Brothers with:

The New Bomb Turks
Templeton
and The BaXters

A little more scoop to come on this show.


Want taken off this mailing list? Then simply come to one of our shows and beat me up. I'll gladly take you off the mailing list if you kick my ass. If not, just deal with it.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, April 10, 2001

ON THE ROAD AGAIN ...
Pat's out on vacation this week and I've got some other things in the works. Fortunately it looks like a slow week for the Lowdown anyway ...

That reminds me, in the past when Pat went on vacation, we ran a guest column from the ColumbusMusic.com guys. We always meant to so something like that more regularly. So if yer interested in being a guest Lowdown columnist, let us know. It gives us another perspective and gives you a chance to promote yer thing. We especially encourage other local music media, labels, stores, studios and venues to take advantage of this opportunity.

COLUMBUS ALIVE LOCAL MUSIC GUIDE DUE APRIL 14
Speaking of contact listings, the deadline for Columbus Alive's Local Music Guide is April 14. The forms are available in recent issues. Call 221-2449 for more info.

COMFEST APPS DUE APRIL 27
And speaking of deadlines, Music Performance Applications for Comfest 2001 are due April 27. Check http://www.Comfest.com/ for the applications and other info. This year's Comfest will be June 22-24, 2001.

YET TO COME TO CRINGE
Look for an interview with Diamond Ike Midnight of Diaphragm Records, A Planet for Texas and Little Brother's any day now.

Also, we got an LDAP server running on Cringe over the last week. There's not really anything there yet, but this is a major part of the changes coming to the contact listing pages. One advantage of this type of server is that most common email readers and address books will be able to access and use the listings directly.

- Joel

 


Tuesday, April 3, 2001

YEE-HAW!!!
The Hellbound Truckers (featuring three generations within the band) now have CDs for sale at http://www.mp3.com/hellboundtruckers.

EARWIG'S BUZZ
Some national attention has been garnered for Columbus indie rock band Earwig, to wit:

  • Earwig's single "Drag" made the cut out of more than 600 bands into the finals in the ModMusic/BMI-sponsored "Indie Band Search 2001." Celebrity judges for the contest include Claire Danes and Jamie-Lynn Sigler (of HBO's The Sopranos).
  • McGee's solo project was also awarded best song in the "Alternative" category in a songwriting contest held by industry insider magazine, Get Fancy.
  • Another Earwig song, "Where's Yr. Ghost," has been selected to the top 200 in the "Final Countdown" at Garageband.com, a site that relies on public reviews to rate bands' songs. Chosen from more than 10,000 songs, the selection puts Earwig in the running for the site's top prize - a $250,000 recording contract.

Check out the Earwig Web site at: www.lizardfamily.com.

WHAT EXACTLY IS "SECOND BASE"?
The Prom's sophomore release Second Base is apparently out -- more information will be posted here soon on how to purchase it!

CRINGE.COM COMPILATION CD
By all accounts, the first show to support the Cringe.com/pilation CD was a resounding success! Things look good for upcoming shows, too, with the next one being held on Saturday, April 28, 2001 @ Bernie's, tentatively featuring A Planet For Texas, Grafton, and the Bygones.

CORRECTION TO 2001: A MUSIC ODYSSEY!
The 2001: A Music Odyssey! is a compilation CD with 12 songs from 4 different bands, including Stainless Mind, Twin Cam, Lylo Americans, and Schmeernie (not just Lylo Americans, as reported last week). The CD release show is Friday April 6th 2001 at Bernie's Distillery. You can visit the Web site to hear the disc or buy it online at http://www.mp3.com/2001amusicodyssey

GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH
This Thursday, April 5, 2001, at Bernie's Distillery, the most amazing Figgs (from New York) will be taking the stage. The Figgs have several albums available, including their latest Sucking In Stereo. Opening will be the Media Whores and The NSA.

THE ROCK AND ROLL SPRING BASH!!
Here's the promo, I couldn't write in any better:

That's right Cowtowners, peel off those over coats because spring is here! What better way to shed those icicles than spending an evening with some of Columbus' hottest rock acts. Ruby's and Let It Rip bring together the most spectacular, awesome, riveting ... Alright, I got carried away. How about this:

SIMPLY THE FUNNEST NIGHT OF ROCK AND ROLL THIS SPRING!!!!! with:

Sponsored by: Revolver, Kinko's (Campus), Rag-O-Rama, WOBN 101.5/"The Rock," 1Ear Media, and Ragged Records

SHOW STARTS AT 10PM AND IS $4 AT THE DOOR

Get there early to get your mits on free stuff from Revolver (The Worlds Most Wanted Music Magazine). (Don't forget to check out The Kingrods live on-air in the WOBN studios on Tuesday, April 3rd from 10pm - 12am)

- Pat Dull

 

NEWEST OHIO MUSICIAN MAGAZINE
The newest issue of Ohio Musician Magazine is up. It features Sirens, Twincam, Daniel Cage, Mandah and more.

CRINGE BEHIND THE SCENES AND AFTER HOURS
This week's Ear Shot features Lylo Americans CD release party.

As Pat mentioned, the first Cringe.com/pilation CD support show went quite well. In fact it was such a good show I got a little over-zealous with my celebratory drinking. I ended up worshipping the porcelain goddess and stumbling into the after-hours host's bed (uh, alone as far as I recall). Jager with scotch and Coke chasers -- one should stop after 4. Or is it 5?

We're really close to offering several new services and functions on Cringe. A few of you may already be benefiting from some of them. Many of these new developments are intertwined, so it may be best for me to hold off until we've get them all talking to each other all nice-and-friendly-like.

I just took a look at the site stats for March. We've broken perty much every record we previously had:

  • 30382 unique visits
  • 223805 pages viewed (that's nearly a 1/4-million)
  • 294630 files accessed
  • 449473 total hits (that's nearly a 1/2-million)
  • 5038655 Kb served
Thanks fer visiting!

- Joel

 


Tuesday, March 27, 2001

SAFETY PIN CORSAGE NOT INCLUDED
Are you a punk in love? Or just in love with punk? Either way, come on out to see Ohio's finest Punk-Oi-Hardcore-Ska bands play at the all-day Ohio Punk Prom 2001 extravaganza on Saturday, March 31, 2001, at the High Five in Columbus! It starts at around 5pm, and will basically never end! The show will feature about 14 bands, including 12oz. Rebels, Time Has Come, Legbone, The Creeps, Frontside, Jerkwater Jive, Innocence Lost, 2% Talent, The Hitchcocks, Blatant Finger, Lazy American Workers, Scallywagon, Skablue, and a few more. Word on the street is that this show will "kick you ass." Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, but this price will include free food, drinks, videos and all kinds of activities. Come out and rock.

RECORD RELEASE UPDATES AND SHOWS (in order of appearance)

Here Boy!
Local band Fetch will release something (they didn't specify what, exactly) on the Stickfarm Six label this Saturday, March 31 at the High Beck Tavern. For more info, contact ezzo.net/fetch.

Downloading the Philharmonic
The Boaz Philharmonic is making their new single ("I Enjoy Hearing You Talk About Me") available for computer download on or around April Fools Day, 2001. For more info, check out http://www.standuptragedians.com.

Didn't they just release a 7-inch?
Prolific patriots the Lylo Americans are celebrating a CD Release Party at Bernie's on Friday, April 6, 2001, with fellow travelers Twin Cam, Stainless Mind, and Schmeernie.

A band with foresight
Myopia will be releasing its sophomore CD (Superhero) on May 19, 2001, at Gameworks (in the Easton Town Center). The show (from 8-10pm) is for all ages and is free! The 12-song CD was recorded at Joemon Studios in Bellefontaine, OH. For more info, contact www.myopia-rocks.com.

Down the road apiece
Local pop stars The Cusacks are looking at a June 2001 release date for their next CD platter, to be called More Songs from Vagabondia (on Insect Siren Records). It was recorded at S.I.R.S. on 16-track tape, and is replete with horns, strings, plenty of keyboards and layered vocal harmonies! Sound like your cup of tea? Then scoot on over to www.thecusacks.com for more info!

- Pat Dull

 

HIGH SPEED RADIO
Aural Innovations Radio is living up to its name this week. It has 2 new shows in streaming RealAudio ... or you can download them for later playback. But the real change is that the shows are now available in higher quality streams/downloads That's ideal for those of you with fast cable modem/DSL/T1 type connections. Yeah, I really wanted to make a Sammy Hagar "I can't drive 55" pun here somewhere ... but it doesn't quite apply. Anyway, Aural Innovations is looking for some input and suggestions on this new option.

BIG DJ CHANGES AT WCBE
Last week I mentioned CD101 had dropped Donna Mogavero's Acoustic Coffeehouse show. Well, changes are coming to WCBE too. Long time WCBE DJ, Maxx Faulkner, evidently did his last shift last Wednesday. Also last week Ante Meridiem host, Patrick Testa, notified his email list subscribers that he will no longer be hosting Ante Meridiem. I'm not sure what this implies as far as the future of shows or DJs at the staion. I have the impression that the shows will be staying around but with different hosts. Patrick's last show is this Wednesday, March 28.

CRINGE.COM SHOW FRIDAY AT OLDFIELD'S ON HIGH
Yeah, I kinda mentioned this last week and ya may have seen a slapped together banner on the site already. The first support show for the first Cringe.com/pilation CD is this Friday:

Yeah buddy, those are three of my favorites and I'm not just saying that for the cause ... remember ComFest? A few Pretty Mighty Mighty pics and lo-fi vids are featured over on the current Ear Shot

Oh, and we'll be passing out vouchers redeemable for a free copy of the CD at the Fall 2001 release show. We thought it'd be a nice way to thank you for coming to a support show and the release show. Hey, it might get ya to the shows too.

For those of you who have asked about being on this comp - sorry, it's quite full already. The good news is that we do plan on doing others. This first one really started as a project by a few labels on Cringe. Then I had ta open my big mouth with my own big ideas. So we ended up with a collection that focuses on the bands and labels that have been a big part of Cringe. We definatley intend to explore more scenes, styles and sources on future comps.

- Joel

 


Check the previous issue for more Lowdowns.

 

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