Rebel Sound Records

If Live Music Isn't Dead, Then Where the Hell is Everybody?

2011-12-18T20:19:00.000-08:00

There are several factors to be considered here and there isn't a simple answer. There are aspects to the answer that could be considered simple, but there don't appear to be any easy solutions.

Throughout my life, I've been a part of 4 distinct "scenes" that were each different and unique, but all shared the commonality that there was strength in numbers. That strength is no longer felt here in the Berkshires and from what other touring bands have shared, it is lacking everywhere. Sure, there are pockets of true scenes still left in the underground community, there would have to be, but instead of growing over time, the scenes have slowly withered away.

All this talk of "the scene" locally is a joke, there is no scene. There is no support of friends, there is no support of other bands, there is no support of touring bands, there is no support of shows, there is no support of much of anything unless your band is playing, then the rest of the world must drop everything and come to "your" show, but what about the other shows? This isn't a competition. In order to build something, in this case a true scene, people need to be supportive and conscious of what's going on around them. What good is a scene if there are 20 bands in an area but when one of the bands has a show, the other bands stay away because they're not playing the show? Bitterness and jealousy are scene killers and this is truly a sad state of affairs because all of the control lies in your hands.

Successful show:

Typical Pittsfield show:

The Knux and Jordy Towers Pack the House and Are Joined by The Dance Cancer and Dreimz! (November 25, 2011)

2011-12-16T03:57:00.000-08:00

By Andy Poncherello

The Knux from Los Angeles (by way of New Orleans) and their tour-mate Jordy Towers added a Pittsfield stop on their current tour towards the end of September and what a great idea this turned out to be! The Knux had never heard of Pittsfield and I'd never heard of The Knux but when I found out they had just recently appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, I booked them in a heartbeat! This was by far the biggest show that had rolled into Chameleon's in club's short history and what a way to put it on the map. Local rockers The Dance Cancer were added to bill after approval of The Knux management company and I snuck local hip-hop artist Dreimz onto the bill just because I could.

The show was promoted everywhere and even the Berkshire Eagle ran a great interview with The Knux, who's show was on the same night as a jam-band show (ho-hum) that was directly sponsored by the paper.

Like The Knux, Dreimz has a punk rock background and it shows in his rhymes. His set was a throwback to the way it used to be done and he rapped over his self-composed tracks. He was a lot of fun to watch and put on another great show as expected.

The Dance Cancer have been getting better and better since each and every performance and this was no exception. Noah, Ethan and Tom were joined for the first time by drummer Tom Brown and they sounded like they'd been playing together for years. Great polished set!

After a set-change, Jordy Towers' band took to the stage and got the room read for one fun set from this dynamic performer. Jordy was formerly known as Optimus and his backing band for the tour was the remains of the band Revis. The combination of these four musicians was a perfect match. Jordy's songs jumped off the walls of Chameleon's and blow away anything you'll find online. People sang along and new much of his set, it was awesome.

The musicians playing with The Knux immediately started to change over the stage to accommodate the headliners. Everything was set in just a few minutes and the band flew into the intro that opens their new album "Eraser" right on cue. Joey and Krispy Lindsey tore the roof off of the club as their set included almost every crowd favorite in their repertoire. The sound was spot-on and the new lights installed specifically for this show added so much to their performance that they kept on playing and playing.

When their set was finally done, their DJ kept spinning vinyl, the soundguy got behind the drum kit and their guitarist kept playing beats as the crowd kept dancing well past 1am. This was a great time for sure and if you weren't there, don't miss them the time they're in town as they'll be back!

Reason 837 Finally Reunites and They're Joined by Nice Try Kid! (November 23, 2011)

2011-12-15T18:49:00.000-08:00

By Andy Poncherello

The members of Berkshire County's Reason 837 hadn't performed together in over a year since their drummer, Mike, headed off to Burbank to work for the Walt Disney Studios. The idea for this special reunion was relatively last minute and it was fun to work on the details for this show. Local upstarts, Nice Try Kid, were personally asked by Reason 837 to share the stage with them and it was a great selection.

Nice Try Kid has the energy to make some pop/punk noise in the local music scene and their set was a good introduction for all in attendance. Many current bands of this genre fail to check their Blink-182 influence at the door and rely too much of mimicking rather than creating something fun. Nice Try Kid manage to keep it fun and lively.

After a short break, Damian, Justin, Mike and Brian took to the stage as if they hadn't broken up just over a year ago. Over the course of their inactivity, the members of Reason 837 moved across county, had a baby, got reprimanded at Target and created an award-winning computer game. Not too shabby, but we weren't here to hear about their non-musical accomplishments, we wanted Reason 837 and after a few nervous delays, they were ready!

Reason 837 played all of the favorites and had a great time while doing so. It was nice to hear these songs again by the guys live and you could tell that they were enjoying themselves. This was Cody's (Damian's son) first time seeing his father perform with his friends and it was a nice touch to this solid reunion concert.

Tayisha Busay LIVE at QQ: Filth & Glitter (Saturday November 12, 2011)

2011-12-15T17:39:00.000-08:00

by Andy Poncherello

New York City's filthy and glamorous trio known as Tayisha Busay finally returned the Berkshires in part to help re-launch local LGBT-themed QQ's latest event "On Top: Filth & Glitter" as a featured event for the 2011 Out in the Berkshires weekend. Tayisha Busay was a perfect choice for the QQ organizers as they're fun, filthy, playful and do I dare say, sultry.

Tayisha Busay ran through many of the songs from their new album "Focus/Virus" as well as their "Shock Woo" EP and the crowd loved every second of it. This fun party band certainly brought a huge dose of fun to the top of the Crowne Plaza in Pittsfield, which was formerly known as the Emerald Room when the hotel was branded Hilton. You know an event is successful when random employees of said establishment keep telling other employees drop what you're doing and get to this party for whatever reason!

All of the party attendees danced or sang along to Tayisha Busay's set as they do what they do best and that is entertain like it's a life or death situation. The band is fun and down to earth. They stayed through the close of the event, signing autographs, posing for pictures and dancing the night away to well after 1am.

QQ's "On Top: Filth & Glitter" was a welcome addition back to Pittsfield's themed-party scene. Here's hoping they bring other exciting acts to the area for other events!

New Show! Think Snow? WTF????

2011-10-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

Clearly someone didn't get the memo. Why is there snow on Halloween weekend? More importantly, Small Town Hell-o-ween has been postponed, so mad. Here's the new show, hopefully the snow doesn't cancel the broadcast! Listen live on WTBR-FM locally at 89.7 on the dial.

HOUR 1
http://www.mediafire.com/file/ojddoahzba81h7f/REBEL1OCT29.mp3

HOUR 2

http://www.mediafire.com/file/ojddoahzba81h7f/REBEL1OCT29.mp3

HOUR 3

http://www.mediafire.com/file/d0xsodb8xgz17i0/REBEL3OCT29.mp3

HOUR 4

http://www.mediafire.com/file/eyo6tczxg2z86ot/REBEL4OCT29.mp3

Rebel Sound Records is Back! (well, sort of......., the shows are back anyway)

2011-10-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

Almost a year ago, on November 30 2010, I closed down Rebel Sound Records and The Room for good. The final event was finished, the last garish coat of paint had covered the black and red walls, it was over. Rebel Sound Records and The Room's bittersweet run of about a year and a half was sometimes fun and sometimes completely frustrating, but I look back on that time and am happy that I gave it a shot. I had shut off my cell phone in order to hopefully dissuade bands and booking agents from contacting me about shows. I really didn't have a place to use any longer and with the exception of the occasional rental of the VFW basement or Elf Parlor in North Adams, I was essentially done.....or so I thought.

Don from Chameleon's had sent me a message and we started talking shop about booking different kinds of bands into his club and whatnot. After a meeting in person and a few other conversations, my show booking persona has come out of semi-hibernation. After almost a full year of sleeping without worry about bands, shows, booking agents, attendance....well, it was a good year! Haha!

Now, on with the show(s)!!

Wednesday November 23, 2011 (early show 6:30pm-8:00pm) ALL AGES
REASON 837 (reunion) & NICE TRY KID
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=226459780749735

Friday November 25, 2011 (8:00pm) 18+
THE KNUX, JORDY TOWERS, THE DANCE CANCER
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=227225963999180

Saturday November 26, 2011 (early show 4:00pm-8:30pm) ALL AGES
BETWEEN NOW & FOREVER, STAIRWELL SEA, CARRIERS, JUST SAY SO, AMERIKKKAN CITIZENS
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=242188152483436

Saturday November 26, 2011 (late show 9:00pm) 18+
HOPE LIES WITHIN & KARDIA
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=101151569994960

Friday December 2, 2011 (8:00pm) 18+
Eagle Santa Toy Fund Show with REFUSE/RESIST, THE DAMAGED, DEAFENED BY LOVE
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169460869804462

Saturday December 3, 2011 (early show 5:30pm-8:30pm) ALL AGES
ROSEDALE (from Canada) & special guest
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169460869804462

Friday December 9, 2011 (8:00pm) 18+
WASTELAND: RESSURECTED with DJ DEIFY, DJ OKAMI, DJ JAGDPANZER and a live performance from ERA NOCTURNA
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=235276803192425

Other local shows that are not RSR shows, but we encourage you to support the scene and these shows!

Fourth Annual Small Town Hell-o-ween Saturday October 28th at the PNA in Adams MA (21+) featuring Cry Havoc, Dead Radio Rebels, Lenny Lashley and The Damaged all for FREE! Hosted by comedian Mark Jagiello with musical interludes provided by Rebel Beat Sound System!

All Ages Matinee at Chameleon's Saturday December 17th with Even the Odds, Stairwell Sea, Tomorrow's Fallen Kingdom and One Bright Day.

Rebel Sound Radio show October 22, 2011

2011-10-22T06:37:00.000-07:00

Here's this week's new show, hope you like it! Can you stand to listen to all 4 hours? Witty in-between song banter is kept to a minimum!

HOUR 1
http://www.mediafire.com/?44n0x28fqxhltrc

HOUR 2
http://www.mediafire.com/file/27qcrpoh8j004bb/REBEL2OCT22.mp3

HOUR 3
http://www.mediafire.com/file/27qcrpoh8j004bb/REBEL2OCT22.mp3

HOUR 4
http://www.mediafire.com/file/u9q0vd79dta0wcv/REBEL4OCT22.mp3

Rebel Sound Radio October 15, 2011 Show!

2011-10-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

If you don't want to wait until Saturday, get your punk rock fix with 4 hours of Rebel Sound Radio. Bands you know, bands you don't know and bands you might have forgotten about right here.

Enjoy!

This will also be broadcast on WTBR 89.7 FM in central Berkshire County MA and online of course.

Hour 1 http://www.mediafire.com/?wzu26jgpml2zbbw

Hour 2 http://www.mediafire.com/?vxiuib5bpggx9c8

Hour 3 http://www.mediafire.com/?o2f6sf7ozc96y95

Hour 4 http://www.mediafire.com/?2im7d7yveonuvm7

That little dog is much bigger now.

The Knux: From Letterman to Pittsfield (and They're Bringing Jordy Towers With Them)!!!!

2011-10-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

The Knux are one of more unique and original acts that fall under the broad hip-hop umbrella and it was exciting to learn that they're performing in Pittsfield the day after Thanksgiving at Chameleon's Nightclub! Rarely do musicians who appear on late night television one week show up in Pittsfield a few weeks later, on purpose. Originally from New Orleans, but currently based in Los Angeles, The Knux have been making a lot of noise since their first official release in 2008 and are currently on an extensive tour for their latest full-length, Eraser. Brothers Krispy and Joey have created a true hip-hop/rock hybrid that's making waves across the nation thus getting The Knux invites to play several major music festivals in 2009.

Fans of Entourage may remember hearing "Bang! Bang!" by The Knux in that show's 5th season promo spots and the track "Cappucino" in Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay. On September 28, 2011 they performed their latest single "Run" (without collaborator Kid Cudi) on the Late Show with David Letterman and now they're set to hit Pittsfield along with the equally exciting performer, Jordy Towers (formerly known as Optimus), on Friday September 25th.

The 18+ show is $8 and doors open 8pm, Chameleon's Nightclub is located at 1350 East St., Pittsfield MA 01201

Old Man Markley, Henry's Rifle and New Red Scare Put on a Killer Show in Albany NY

2011-10-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

For those of you who missed out, feel free to kick yourself now. This was a great show. Old Man Markley brought the party and it was a party indeed! Henry's Rifle kicked off the night in fine fashion playing some of the most aggressive Americana/roots-infused punk heard in quite some time. If you ever have a chance to catch this band around, don't miss them. Equally excited was New Red Scare who seem to play three times a week and certainly sound like they've been around for ages even though they're a relatively new band on the local scene. Combine bands like The Adicts, Mad Parade and the Lower Class Brats if you need some kind of reference. Great stuff! Old Man Markley seem to be following in the footsteps of the Ramones and their eternal tour. They have barely stopped to take a breath since bursting on the scene a couple of years back in Pasadena CA. It's impressive that they've managed to actually record anything or write anything for that matter since they're always on the road. They're currently on tour with Anti-Flag and NOFX, which ain't too shabby!

Old Man Markley Are Playing (and Drinking) at Valentine's Punk Rock Mondays (10/3)!!

2011-10-01T05:32:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles' Old Man Markley, who headlined the incredibly packed and somewhat skimpy pool party at Punk Rock Bowling this year, are making their regional debut on Monday October 3rd at Valentine's in Albany! Joining them will be Henry's Rifle and New Red Scare! This excellent show is 18+ and is only $7. Don't miss out on the fun!

Rebel Sound Radio NEW SHOW!

2011-09-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

Due to circumstances beyond my control, this show won't air until October 8, 2011 but you can have it early if you'd like! Great music from American Steel, Polar Bear Club, Old Man Markley, Magazine, Black Flag, The Queers, KUKL and much more!

Hour 1 http://www.mediafire.com/?1nj1eq3w26gcif8

Hour 2 http://www.mediafire.com/?q7618f41kzh1xj5

Hour 3 http://www.mediafire.com/?k1hthib5iaaqksl

Hour 4 (classic punk hour) http://www.mediafire.com/?2ydia64tit8x9cq

It Wasn't J. Mascis Protesting Westboro Baptist Church It Was Dave Grohl Wearing a J. Mascis Costume

2011-09-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

Dave Grohl (looking like a svelt J. Mascis dressed as one of the guys from ZZ Top) and the Foo Fighters pulled a fast one on the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas City recently. I'm sure you've heard about it and while I'm not a huge fan of the Foo Fighters' music, there's no denying this is pretty damn punk rock.

Preview the New Ministry Documentary

2011-09-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

The new documentary about Ministry is set to premier this year at CMJ in NYC! "Fix-The Ministry Movie" promises to be as brutal as the band's illustrious career. While no one from Rebel Sound Records will be in town for CMJ (we attended once in 1990 or 1991), this looks like it will be an event that you should definitely attend if at all possible.

There are other screenings that have been announced, hopefully you're close to one:

Upcoming screening include:
09/23 - 29@ The Clinton St. Theater, Portland, OR
09/28 @ The Regent Theatre, Boston, MA
10/03 @ The Echo, Los Angeles, CA
10/19 @ CMJ - Chelsea Theater, New York, NY @ 9:30p

10 Songs That Mattered (and Still Matter) to Me

2011-09-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

I am exploring 10 punk rock songs that mattered to me and still do. These songs encompass much of what I liked about punk rock when I first discovered it back in 198(?). Enjoy!

(These are in no order, it's just 10 songs)

10. GENERATION X - Kiss Me Deadly

One of my earliest punk rock memories would have to be watching the documentary "D.O.A. - A Right of Passage" by director Lech Kowalski on videotape. This was very hard to track down in the 80s when I bought it and apparently has yet to be released legitimately on DVD. Amazon currently lists 2 copies of "D.O.A." for sale with the least expensive checking in at $168.00! I think I paid all of $20. Videotape becomes useless after many years and it would be nice to finally see this great movie again, even without DVD extras.

Somehow I discovered Generation X prior to seeing this movie and had very little idea as to what they actually looked like. It was cool to see them and the other incredible footage of X-Ray Spex, one of Sid & Nancy's final interviews, Dead Boys, Rich Kids etc., it was truly a life altering experience. Billy Idol has performed "Kiss Me Deadly" frequently on tour and it was always great to hear that live because it seemed that would be as close to seeing Generation X as I'd ever get. The rest of the band moved on to Empire (Derwood Andrews and Mark Laff) and Sigue Sigue Sputnik (Tony James). Who knows if there will ever be a proper Generation X reunion aside from the one-off they had a few years back on Idol's "Cyberpunk" tour in London, but it would be pretty cool if there was. On a side note, Idol's Christmas song is a great addition to the plethora of holiday tunes we must endure year after year.

9. X-RAY SPEX - Oh Bondage, Up Yours!

Early in 2011 the world lost one of the more unique personalities to emerge out of the early punk rock movement. With only one proper LP and a few singles, Poly Styrene and X-Ray Spex left an indelible mark on music for decades. X-Ray Spex influenced as many bands as Poly herself did. She was a groundbreaking artist who didn't realize the impact she had until many years later. At least she and guitarist Jak Airport were aware of the accolades long before they both passed away.

I can thank "D.O.A. - A Right of Passage" for showing me X-Ray Spex in all their glory and I can also thank Ken at Main Street Records (it was an actual store back then, not a website) in Northampton MA for taking my $75 and handing me this incredible single back in the 80s too! You couldn't get "Oh Bondage, Up Yours!" or the flip side "Iama Poseur", on the original "Germ Free Adolescents" album, which was out of print at the time anyway. Of course it has subsequently be re-issued a few times, but something about having the needle hit the original slab of wax is extremely cool.

8. THE WAITRESSES - Square Pegs/I Could Rule the World If I Could Only Get the Parts

Fortunately or unfortunately depending upon your train of thought, the 80s will never be replicated. There will be attempts, but it's really hard to capture what was really going on at that time. Even watching early John Hughes' movies kind of comes close, but then also misses too. The television program "Square Pegs" was such a great short-lived show that it always brings back fond memories of growing up. Similar to the also short-lived "Freaks & Geeks" and "Undeclared" shows of recent years, "Square Pegs" spoke to me and to many of my contemporaries and if Hollywood was writing about people like this, we certainly weren't alone. The characters were so clearly defined and I could relate to many of them in some way or another. The show also featured cameos from Father Guido Sarducci, Devo and The Waitresses.

I love The Waitresses, they had the right amount of Times Square sleaze combined with CBGB's attitude who's sound was truly unique. They got some radio airplay, not as much as Blondie, but enough to get them on the then-final Gang of Four tour, which included a stop at Williams College in Williamstown MA! This was my first punk show ever. The Waitresses and Gang of Four in a hockey rink and let me tell you, it was as my eyes had been opened like never before. Whenever I hear "Christmas Wrapping" (one of my favorite Christmas songs), I get nostalgic. Not only is it a great song, it's one of the better original Christmas songs of the past 50 years.

They didn't play "Square Pegs" in Williamstown, but they did play "I Could Rule the World If I Could Only Get the Parts", so enjoy this one, I like it just as much.

Sadly, lead singer Patty Donohue passed away due to complications from lung cancer in 1996, she was only 40 years old.

7. GANG OF FOUR - To Hell With Poverty

In the days before the Internet made everything easier and probably a bit less fun when searching for things, the only way you could hear about bands was by reading about them, catching them on TV or in a movie. I had read about Gang of Four prior to seeing them with The Waitresses in Williamstown and found out that their current tour was to be their last (fast forward years later and they've reunited twice). Jon King and Andy GillWilliamstown. College radio was very different back then and students listened to quite a diverse selection of music thus justifying this appearance. I don't know who convinced who to book it, but I'm forever glad they did. Back then they had Gang of Four and now they have the Gym Class Heroes. Sara Lee, who eventually went on to perform with Ani DeFranco, was playing in Gang of Four at that show.

I picked up the Another Day/Another Dollar EP on cassette at Strawberries on North Street, they had only one copy. No band photo, just money on the cover, no liner notes (as was common with cassettes)....no detail on who this band was. The EP remains one of my favorites. It's so good. Gang of Four were so clever and mysterious when I asked how many people are in Gang of Four, my then-friend said "well, how many words are in their name?" I always felt that to be pretty cool. It wasn't accurate, but I have always wanted it to be. Just like believing the Ramones were all brothers.

While I'm thrilled Gang of Four is making some money from that current X BOX 360 commerical, it still kind of bums me out that the choice of song isn't really promoting modern day consumerism.

6. BLACK FLAG - Rise Above

I'll never forget the day I purchased "Damaged" on cassette in New York City because when I unwrapped the tape, put it in my Walkman and pressed play, my life was changed. Black Flag sounded like nothing I'd heard before that moment, "Rise Above" is the first track and it's pissed off angry tone resonated with me then and has continued to do so whenever I hear it now. The entire album was just what I needed, but "Rise Above" remains the song that changed the scope of my punk rock spectrum.

My friend who had been supplying me with punk rock mix tapes had neglected to include Black Flag on anything he'd given me. He also neglected to bring me with him to the Black Flag shows in Berkshire County during their final years as a band. I've never forgiven him for that. Even though Black Flag had a few lead singers, I've always preferred Rollins because that's who I heard first.

Of course, the local connection to Black Flag is quite hilarious:

Henry Rollins: Mitch Bury was Black Flag's road manager and very close friend of the band and myself. His family still lives on Crandall Street and I've just had a long friendship with Mitch Bury and to this day still see him, keep in contact with him and keep up my tradition of thanking Mitch Bury from Adams, Mass., on everything I put out.

5. BAD BRAINS - Sailin' On

Bad Brains' infamous cassette-only album on ROIR remains one of the most essential punk rock releases of all time. Their career was frustratingly rocky for anyone following the band and not all of their releases were as solid as their self-titled 1982 release. This was my first introduction to anything so fierce, raw and intense. To this day I find that 90% of punk rock and hardcore holds up the test of time and this album is no exception.

"Sailin' On" is the first track and certainly one of my favorites from this pioneering band who, over the years, tried to distance themselves from the punk and hardcore movements. This was one of the issues that caused a rift within the band throughout their career and was one of many reasons why they broke up so many times often reforming with different singers and drummers. The one time I saw them live I was forever disappointed and I haven't been back since. I have the "Live at CBGB's" DVD and really, that's all you need to experience the band at the top of their live performance game.

This is just the beginning, there are more songs to be added to the list!

Thanks for reading!

Rebel Sound Comedy Returns on Sept. 23! Come Laff Your A** Off! There's Even A Magician Too!

2011-09-06T05:02:00.000-07:00

It's going to be an evening of firsts, returns, magic (yes magic!) and some actual funny people! Rebel Sound Comedy returns for a fun-filled evening of stand-up comedy featuring some of the funniest knuckleheads this side of the Housatonic! The drinks at the VFW flow very cheaply so this will enhance the humor, trust me, they'll need all the help they can get!

$7***all ages****DOORS at 9pm so we don't disturb the master thes...pians upstairs or the bums sleeping in the gutter!

****People start telling funny stuff at 9:30pm, so drink up at the bar, it will be funnier that way!

Limited seating is available, advance reservations to any of the performers is encouraged and hopefully effective!

**while this is an all-ages event, it's for mature audiences, it's hard to make R-rated material PG, trust me, not everyone is that clever!**

Scheduled to appear:

*Mark Jagiello (Hostess with the Mostess) - Mark has appeared all over the region grocery shopping, buying gas and even performing comedy in upstate NY, NYC, VT, MA and in the office for all of his co-workers! They told him he was funny AND NOW look at him!

* Lance "Picnic Table" Madewell - "PIcnic Table" is making his stand-up comedy debut, please no throwing of rotten food at him! (after a severe beatdown, you will be cleaning it up!) While you get to hear bits and pieces of his wit on WTBR's "The Bad Medicine Show", this forum will give Mr. Table the opportunity to shine uncensored by the FCC!

*Colby Durand - Colby is a pure "Eastern Masshole" through and through who also happens to be funny! He's back after killing us softly at the last RSR comedy night back in 2010. He was recently beat out 3 other guys to win the honor of "Hottest Stand-Up Comedian at MCLA Who Happens to Be From Malden MA Who Was Born on April 3, 1986"!

*Andy Poncherello - Unfortunately Andy remembers 1986 all too well. In 2010 he vowed to perform a stand-up set "one time and one time only!" Clearly, like The Who, he doesn't know when to quit, however he put his differences aside and decided to reunite for this very special comedy event.

*Sharkee Katz - This kat is once again leaving his digs in the Pioneer Valley to head over the hell....er...hill to bring the funny! You've seen him on the FBI's Most Wanted List and if you've gotten lucky with Sharkee, you've seen his infamous Hartford Whalers tattoo! While he has been accused of having a mid-Western accent, he's not from Minnesota!

*Johnny Mystic - He's magical! He's funny! (we hope) He's magical, that's for sure! Mr. Mystic is making his Rebel Sound Comedy debut and he's been wowing audiences throughout the region for over 2 decades. He's bringing his unique blend of entertainment to this rather odd gathering of lunatics! It's either perform tonight or he stays home and stares are the wall.

Dead Aces new CD Ain't That Bad Unless You Believe MRR

2011-07-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

Older zine readers, punk fans or what have you probably remember the day when a review or mention in Maximum Rock n' Roll (or even Flipside) was a badge of honor. Over the years there have been many changes including the homogenizing of the scene in general, the closing of Flipside and the death of MRR founder Tim Yohannan. While MRR soldiers on into yet another decade, it seems that the hipster mentality has crept into the hallowed pages of this once mighty and influential zine. Reviews are overly negative and unless you have some kind of weird basement show street cred, play The Fest or reside in Bay Area, you're almost certain of getting either quick afterthought one sentence review or an extremely bad review.

All 3 of Rebel Sound Records' most recent releases have been blasted by MRR and it's almost to the point that I expect to read that the bands RSR has chosen to work with plain old suck. I usually advise the bands I'm working with to not bother sending MRR anything because they'll most likely trash it.

Troy NY's Dead Aces spent quite a bit of time with Don Fury at his upstate NY recording facility and you know what? Their record is good, so good in fact it surprised me. Some of the songs from their previous demo appear here and they've been updated to the point that they kick the demo versions out of the pit. Fury managed to capture the band at their best as would be expected, but I still think recording with him can be a gamble. What good does "produced by Don Fury" mean if you've recorded really bad songs? You're only going to sound as good as the source material and if your songs aren't good he can only use so much polish on a turd before it becomes an expensive historical document.

13 tracks is a perfect amount for long time fans and new fans alike. You can sing along to most of these songs and they sound familiar while still sounding fresh, which isn't easy to do. For me personally, Oi! is a very British/European style and it's always been hard for American bands to get it right. On "Best of Luck in Your Future Endeavors" their Oi! influences show without sounding cliched and are elevated above bands who rely too much on following a particular formula when they write. Throw in some punk, hardcore and even rock n' roll to give you a good idea as to what Dead Aces sound like. It's a solid album and after 4 years of performing and writing, it's nice to hear someone actually get it right for once.

Michael Vick, I Hope You Rot

2011-07-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

Pictures are worth a thousand words and this one may be worth at least 10,000....maybe more.

Mighty Mighty Bosstones & Dropkick Murphys live in Fenway Park!

2011-07-02T05:35:00.000-07:00

If you missed the Dropkick Murphys on their minor league ballpark tour in 2008 or at Punk Rock Bowling this past Memorial Day weekend, then definitely make your way to Fenway Park on September 8th and 9th for special concert event! Joining the Dropkick Murphys will be hometown favorites the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, who we really don't see enough of quite honestly.

Fenway Park, one of the last remaining parks that hasn't been renamed in some corporate sponsorship tomfoolery, will have a special stage in place over the right field bullpen for this event. Check out the details here and tickets will be on sale July 5 for fans (and July 7 for people who know DKM from The Departed and the Bosstones as that band from Clueless or frontman Dicky Barrett from the Jimmy Kimmel Show), use the code MIGHTY when purchasing. This will be the first time for the Bosstones at Fenway, but DKM has been here before most recently for the NHL Winter Classic.

Show Attendance: Answers to the Question "Why Isn't Anyone Here?"

2011-06-19T06:27:00.001-07:00

Many years have passed since promoting my first Rebel Sound event at the long gone Woody's Roadhouse in Washington MA, a venue owned by what many report to have been a borderline crook. Woody's still stands and it is in fact in the middle of pretty much nowhere on route 8 where it hasn't moved for decades. During the heydays of the (for better or for worse) 80's music scene in Berkshire County, Woody's was a destination of sorts somewhat centrally located (30 minutes from Pittsfield, about the same distance from Great Barrington and about an hour from parts of northern Berkshire County). The distance to get there never seemed to phase anyone because the parking lot always seemed to be full with professional partiers who basically showed up regardless of who was playing, drank heavily and would attempt to drive home. True, this was the golden age of cover bands, change the name of the band, the heads of the players and you have the same band playing night after night. All of this was fine and good, frustrating too, but at least people left their house. When I booked Woody's for an exhausting (but great) 13 band event I faced challenges right up to and during the show which are not related to the subject at hand. At that time, there really weren't other shows to hand out fliers at or establishments willing to post fliers for much of anything other than benefit events. A few places remain in the area that to this day are friendly to posting of fliers for random non-benefit gigs.

Times have changed and now in 2011 there are so many distractions, it's extremely difficult to not only promote shows, but to also get people to leave their house to attend them. Promotion almost isn't a key factor any longer as people either ignore invites or postings on the internet or the classic their-dog-ate-the-flier-you-handed-them-on-the-way-to-throw-up-on-their-homework-it's prom night-the-carnival-is-in-town-I-feel-sick-I-had-to-go-to-a-picnic-I -am-camping classic excuse is used as to why they didn't show up. Suddenly driving to other parts of the county is too far, but driving hours to Boston, NYC, (insert name of festival here) or elsewhere is not only okay but can become a mission of life or death for some unknown reason. Handing out fliers/posting fliers has almost become as pointless as opening a store in a day and age where people can effortlessly steal what you're trying to sell them in 10 seconds online.

Is this directly anyone's fault? Not really, but the bands playing shows are almost as guilty as the people who aren't coming to see them. In most cases, people follow by example. All individuality is thrown out the window if there is even the slightest chance that someone may go to a show alone, not know anyone and feel awkward. I get that and I've done that very same thing. I don't let it bother me and you shouldn't either.

"Why Isn't Anyone Here?"

This very difficult to answer with a simple one sentence response (sorry) but I'll try.

1) BAND RESPONSIBILITY It is no one's job other than your own to promote your show to your friends, family and co-workers. Bands with more than one musician really should be promoting the show to as many people as they can via internet or in person. Just because your drummer is promoting it to all of his friends doesn't mean you share the same friends and maybe, just maybe you should promote it to your friends too. Odds are you have different friends unless you're a psychopath and start to dress, act and speak like your drummer. Technically in a band of 4 people there should be on average 600 people getting an invite or reminder of your show. Out of that 600, figure maybe 1/3 of them are common friends among the band and the remaining 2/3 are unique to each band member. If the singer isn't notifying their friends but the drummer is notifying their friends, the friends of the singer will be left out and won't know about the show you're playing. If the entire band doesn't promote the show, it's the entire band's fault regardless of the amount of promotion involved.

2) TELEPATHY DOESN'T WORK/BANDS YOU'RE NOT THAT GOOD Wishing and hoping people will come to your show if you've hung or distributed fliers or told a limited amount of people is really unrealistic. Odds are an excuse will come into play, so you can't rely on them. You have to rely on people you don't really know all that much. If you're from out of town, you have to hope that the local band did their job. If the venue has other events close to your event, it's best to go to them, hand out fliers and talk to people. If they don't know you or haven't met you then why should they care you are playing? The fact that you're playing in Berkshire County should also be considered because people usually assume local means it's not good when it comes to music. Regardless how good you think you are and what your friends tell you, to most people who don't know you, you're not a good band. They don't care. They've never heard of you and unless you're playing something they're familiar with they're not going to waste their precious time to come see you. They're not going to drop everything and stop their lives to sit and watch you. Sucks, but it's true.

3) SUPPORT OTHER LOCAL BANDS This goes without saying and goes beyond saying "yeah, I like them, I've seen them once." If you are in a local band, you have to lead by example and go to as many shows locally as you can. The bands should notice this and in turn will come to your show if you ask them. I see this kind of behavior quite a bit where local bands (unfortunately) do not support other local bands. Even if you're not a fan of the band but are friends with the band, it's best you support them whenever they play out. It's more important than you'll ever know. Which leads me to point 4.

4) CLUBS ARE NOT PROMOTERS Just because a club booked your band and created an event page, doesn't mean you can lay around and not promote your show. Don't rely on the clubs to do it because again, they will know different people than you do and most of the times have such a diverse list of people they reach that it's almost like they are not helping you promote at all (and they shouldn't have to). They booked you and that's the end of their job until day of the show. The band has to hustle to get people there. If the best band in the world plays to an empty club, the club will think long and hard about having you back. It's nothing personal, it's just business and they have to make ends meet over and above the band getting gas money. Without the club, there will be one less place to play. Fair is fair. The club is providing for you a place to play, the potential to draw an audience and have a great time. Without the audience it becomes a glorified rehearsal and while the time can be utilized in that manner, it's not worth the time it took to get there for a simple rehearsal that could've been done at your practice pad.

5) PEOPLE FOLLOW BY EXAMPLE Set one and hopefully people will come see your band wherever you're playing.

eBay Hall of Shame

2011-06-04T05:17:00.001-07:00

If you made this list, congratulations, you suck as a human being.

EBAY USER ID: vynillvillain is a total and complete whiner cry-baby. Andrew Cooley is based in Australia, works at the Grand Central Hotel in Lithgow and generally only buys stuff from the Hard-Ons. Beware, if he doesn't deem whatever you sell him to be in the condition he believes it to be, he will threaten negative feedback. Even after refunding him in full (including shipping), he'll deny receiving it and then still leave negative feedback. At this time, he has less than 55 feedback points, meaning he's only been on eBay for a short time. While those of us who have 5500+ feedback points are left at the mercy of his whim. UPDATE: Here's more from the thunder down under and I've posted both his initial rant and my response. I am finding this rather amusing.

Dear vynillvillain,

This is over seriously, you got your money, a free record, the satisfaction of calling me a liar and thief, questioning my business practices. If I had purposely mislead 5000 + people, how could I even sell on eBay? Are you that new to this that you would really think that? What more could you possibly want? More money?

- vinyl-pops

Dear vinyl-pops,

Talk about having a whinge & a whine yourself WANKER! LIST YOUR SHIT RECORDS ACCURATELY IN FUTURE! 10 YEARS TELLS ME YOU ARE MORE THAN COMPLACENT, YOU DELIBERATELY TRY TO MISLEAD PEOPLE. YOU'RE THE ONLY FUCKWIT THAT GIVES EBAY A BAD, BAD NAME. GROW UP YOURSELF YOU FUCKING CHILD.

- vynillvillain

EBAY USER ID: streetwiseg is anything but streetwise, this eBay bidder is another glorious example of a clueless newbie. Less than 25 feedbacks and instead of bringing a minor issue to my attention, he leaves negative feedback. I almost hopped a plane and flew to Greece to punch him in the face myself. Georgios Papdopoulos is apparently a common or possibly a made up name, similar to that of "John Smith" according to my friend in Athens. Not only did he get 2 rare pressings of a terrible LP, but he managed to successfully leave negative feedback over a truly minor issue. He buys truly shitty American hardcore and won't file with eBay to remove the feedback.

EBAY USER ID: gorgstein702 aka R Brunty lives in Las Vegas and I was just there, I should've checked on the so-called family emergency that caused him/her to be unable to pay for a $10 record plus shipping, maybe it was only an $8 record....? In any event, I've heard these random mysterious excuses before "family emergency, dog died, I died, my dog ate my money....etc." I mean, whatever absurdity he/she thought I'd believe, they've since managed to buy (and pay for) a few things since. Again, another relatively new eBay member with under 45 feedback transactions.

Sellers cannot leave negative feedback on eBay, which is truly one-sided and rather ridiculous.

Rebel Sound Records Online Store is Open!

2011-01-08T16:14:00.000-08:00

The Rebel Sound Records online store is finally open, of course after the actual store closed, but hey, it's open. There are also some things that won't be in the store, but will be on eBay from time to time. If the eBay link doesn't work, just search under seller for vinyl-pops, written just like that.

Rebel Sound Records, the label, still has some of the Urban Waste "Recycled" LPs available on red vinyl with the official retail jacket and retail insert. Only 200 were pressed on red vinyl. We also have a very limited number of the band-only jackets, 100 of these were done by hand and all are different. These are on black vinyl with a slightly different insert (all of the information is the same on both inserts, the band-only inserts are just different looking). The remaining copies are on black vinyl with the regular retail jacket and retail insert. However, there may be a alternate jacket that pops up this year depending upon how sales go. 1,000 were pressed total.

Urban Waste is in the process of booking some dates for this year, definitely check out their Facebook page if you want to check them out live, I'd highly suggest you do it too. "Recycled" was recorded in 2010 by Paul Kostabi (White Zombie, Youth Gone Mad, Psychotica, Hammerbrain) at his studio in upstate New York. The songs are new and it's a not a re-recording of their classic 7" which has also been reissued recently by Mad at the World Records.

Even though some hipster doofus at Maximum RocknRoll trashed the Red Invasion album (along with the name of the label, Rebel Sound Records!) you can still pick one up at the webstore. If you're a fan of Johnny Thunders, the Dolls, Dead Boys, Ramones or The Crumbs then definitely check this band out. Yeah, they broke up and will most likely not be having a reunion (thanks guys), this album is still worth your attention.

While the store and live venue have closed for good, there are still some things happening here in far western Mass:

Rebel Sound Radio is a 4 hour punk show that can be heard worldwide on WTBR 89.7 FM every Saturday from 4pm-8pm eastern time.

Mike Pigott, a local punk veteran, has started a label that features all different kinds of music from South America. Check out MassTropicas for some sounds that are truly unique to this part of the world. There has been some buzz about his releases in the circles where buzzing happens.

The Damaged have been working on a new release (it's been years guys!) and based on their live performances, it going to be worth the wait!

It's quite possible that 2011 will see a reunion of the local ska-punk legends, The Detriments! The Damaged emerged from the ashes of The Detriments and if reunion rumors are to be believed, this year is going to be pretty great!

Dead Radio Rebels are a band we really need a proper recording from sometime soon, come on guys! Now's the time!

Getting ready for their first major out of town show in 2011, The Dance Cancer are playing Northern Lights in Latham NY (Albany NY) in a battle of the bands. Hopefully they will bring some clubs and karate moves to beat the crap out of all the other competitors! Definitely call the club for more info, because the show is not listed anywhere on their site. 518.371.0012

UPDATE: A post just appeared from The Dance Cancer regarding this gig as it's been rescheduled:

Unfortunate news to all our fans; Due to the weak-ass, pussy-like nature of the other bands that were to perform tomorrow, the Battle of the Bands @ Northern Lights has been post-poned until further notice. Apparently once word got out that the incomparable Dance Cancer was showing up, bands pulled out to avoid the embarrassment of public urination/defecation.

Former members of When I Came Back From Death and Uglies have assembled one of the more unique and interesting bands from the area. El Spectre have some shoegaze, Revolution Summer-era emo (just to clarify) and punk elements all thrown together and the result is pretty intense. They're now playing over in the Pioneer Valley from time to time and have recently released some music that can be found via their Facebook page.

South County's Teleboi (formerly Teleboy) are off to record some songs with Rob Sanzone in a matter of days, good luck guys. Definitely keep your eyes on this band.

Gloom and acoustic-doom trio Forever Autumn played a rather unique show on the side of Mt. Greylock towards the end of 2010 and it was one of the more memorable show locations ever! Supposedly the band is in the process of writing and recording some new material and let's hope so! Waiting for October is in need of a follow-up release soon!

They Themselves (formerly Goodbye For A Day) features only two musicians, Garrett Holmes and Nick Beer. Nick was formerly the drummer in Reason 837. They Themselves write fun party songs that have much more to do with new wave acts like the Human League or Soft Cell, but it's probably safe to say, they don't really know who those bands are. Definitely check this band out for something completely different and fun.

Hailing from Great Barrington, the Fallen Starlets are virtually unclassifiable, but their performance captures all that was great of the early NYC punk scene. Part Heartbreakers, the Dolls, Ramones, The Stimulators and Tuff Darts, the Fallen Starlets are a lot of fun live. You can most likely find these guys playing live in South County if they haven't been banned everywhere yet.

For better or worse, The Poncherellos are still around and will supposedly play live at some point this year. For those who didn't know, the band is loosely based around the punk rock episode of the classic 80s TV "CHiPs". In case you don't know what I'm talking about, do some learning, please.

Another band that caught me completely by surprise is Shattered Vision and in keeping up with technology, they don't have a Facebook page or even a My Space page. Oh well, they're pretty good and don't even realize they write punk songs, which is kind of funny to me.

Some bands with ties to Berkshire County but are based elsewhere (and they're all currently playing live and/or recording):

Big D & the Kids Table (long-running Boston-based ska band with Derek Davis of Three Fifteen and Skip George on drums) have a new album coming out soon to be followed by a tour.

Smoke or Fire (believe it or not this band who is currently based in Richmond VA got their start right here in Richmond MA, Lenox and Pittsfield) and they're currently touring for their new Fat Wreck Chords release, The Speakeasy.

Limbs Bin are (usually) a one-man power assault of insanity, but sometimes random family members who happen to be in town will also perform. Limbs Bin has put out a CD and a tape (and possibly more) at this point.

Colossus, with Bryan Larkin on vocals, were once based in Pittsfield but have now gotten hipper by moving to the Pioneer Valley. The current line-up features members of the Outdates. They have a new tape out.

Former members of Three Fifteen, Scattered and Minimal Effort got together a while back forming Just Say So, an excellent pop-punk (or power emo haha) band who just wrapped up recording. Check out the new band photos on their Facebook page.

Outdates feature Marc formerly of the downtown Pittsfield CVS photo department. The Outdates have put out possibly two tapes by now.

Jessie Lynn formerly of Millions Dead debuted with her new band Suffer Die and there is no word if line-up changes have put them out of commission for a while.

Another couple of Millions Dead members are still playing in other bands, Jon Plaid joined Mugy Weather, Hubby and Andy in The Poncherellos and Punk Rock Jon is currently in Dead Aces who are based in Troy NY. Dead Aces have been recording with Don Fury (producer of many bands, far too many to list) for quite some time now and a new release is due out soon so they tell me!

JBJ toured Europe and now those Masshole jokers are back, no word yet on any live performances scheduled but supposedly they have a release in the works!

Hip-hop is alive and well in Berkshire County courtesy of two MCs, Dreimz (ex-Officer Pig) and Snazz. Both acts shared the carpeted stage at the Room with members of Slang Corp this past year and it will be interesting to hear what either of these guys come up with next! Catch Snazz bowling in his Friday night league at Ken's Bowl in Pittsfield, no word on whether or not he's rhyming in-between shots.

Only a few hard rock/metal/metal-core bands are still around, definitely check out Warsynium as the band (and their songwriting) have been maturing as of late. Gone is the teenage rage and it's been replaced with the 20-something rage! Listen for elements of jazz, thrash and even classical to get the shredding treatment! This Names Taken has gone through several line-up changes and even name changes over the past two years and their current line-up is their best. Zarvis, Sinop, Brown x 2 and Tony have been bringing the power-mosh to the Springfield MA area as of late. Don't know when they'll play locally in Berkshire County, but be on the lookout for them. Dominic Rufo's new band, the Final Kill, are also a band to watch if you can catch them live locally. These kids seem like pros even though they've only played a handful of shows. One Bright Day are in the process of trying to get some demos recorded, no word yet on their progress. Unofficially known as The Grocery-Men of Doom, OBD promise to have something ready for your consumption by summer 2011.

2010 saw some bands come to the end of the road or at least reunite and then go on indefinite hiatus including Roses For the Departed, Blessings of Ruin, Uglies, Werewolves of Pittsfield, Wicked Fag, Over the Mountain, Three Fifteen, The Inheritance, Prick Bastard, Throwing Aces, Even the Odds, When I Came Back From Death, Bare Bones, The Mallards, Scrumtrillescent, Reason 837, Mudlark and Millions Dead.

I'm sure I've forgotten some, just let me know. I am only mentioning bands based in Berkshire County, there are a couple of exceptions, but for the most part that's it.

URBAN WASTE is shipping now, sorry for delay, this is punk rock by the way!

2010-11-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

BE ON THE LOOKOUT, the Urban Waste LP is now shipping, so if you ordered a copy, it should arrive shortly.

At this time orders are only being accepted via Paypal (it's free to use this service and the only way RSR can and will accept credit card payments because we believe in inefficiency) or money order. The band will have a limited number of an exclusive UW band version at shows and I do mean a very limited number for sale.

Paypal payments must be sent to rebelsoundrecordsthestore@gmail.com and have URBAN WASTE pre-sale LP in the subject line and please use the correct pricing below. If you're in the USA, pay the USA price and so on.

LIMIT 1 LP per order, shipped in LP mailer with cardboard reinforcement

Payments in USD (US funds only PLEASE, you can convert on Paypal)

Those local to RSR, can opt not to have record shipped, just let us know if this is your option when you pay.

USA includes shipping ($10.98 plus $5.00 shipping/handling) $15.98

CANADA/MEXICO includes shipping ($10.98 plus $6.00 shipping/handling) $16.98

EUROPE includes shipping ($10.98 plus $13.00 shipping/handling) $23.98

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND includes shipping ($10.98 plus $16.00 shipping/handling) $26.98

JAPAN includes shipping ($10.98 plus $16.00 shipping/handling) $26.98

MONEY ORDERS payable to REBEL SOUND RECORDS

REBEL SOUND RECORDS
PO BOX 281
DALTON, MA 01227-0281

Thanks for your interest!

Urban Waste debut full-length LP/PRE-SALE BEGINS NOW!!!

2010-09-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

Rebel Sound Records is extremely proud to announce the pre-order sale for the first-ever official full-length release from New York's legendary Urban Waste!

We cannot stress time and time again that this is not a repackaging/reissue/new version of their 1982 7" nor is it a live concert recording from the early 1980s. This yet-as-of-untitled LP will take you back to the early days of NYHC before it crossed over and never really came back.

Produced and recorded by punk rock vet Paul "Ena" Kostabi (Youth Gone Mad, Hammerbrain, Psychotica) at Piermont Studios and performed by original Urban Waste members Kenny Ahrens (vocals), John Dancy (drums), Johnny Waste (guitar) and new recruit Sonny Baron (bass)!

Urban Waste will be performing at the American Hardcore-Second Edition release party/hardcore matinee on October 17 in NYC at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn. Details to follow soon.

Pre-orders have begun as of Sunday September 12th when this blog is posted. The pre-order version of this LP will be on color vinyl and limited to only 250 orders. The remainder of the color versions will go to the band, possibly a couple to distributors. Subsequent copies will be on black vinyl. There will be no CD version released at this time.

At this time orders are only being accepted via Paypal (it's free to use this service and the only way RSR can and will accept credit card payments because we believe in inefficiency), money order or in person at Rebel Sound Records. The band will have a limited number of the mailorder version at their NYC show and I do mean a very limited number for sale.

Paypal payments must be sent to rebelsoundrecordsthestore@gmail.com and have URBAN WASTE pre-sale LP in the subject line and please use the correct pricing below. If you're in the USA, pay the USA price and so on.

LIMIT 1 LP per order, shipped in LP mailer with cardboard reinforcement

Payments in USD (US funds only PLEASE, you can convert on Paypal)

Those local to RSR, can opt not to have record shipped, just let us know if this is your option when you pay.

USA includes shipping ($10.98 plus $5.00 shipping/handling) $15.98

CANADA/MEXICO includes shipping ($10.98 plus $8.00 shipping/handling) $18.98

EUROPE includes shipping ($10.98 plus $13.00 shipping/handling) $23.98

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND includes shipping ($10.98 plus $16.00 shipping/handling) $26.98

JAPAN includes shipping ($10.98 plus $16.00 shipping/handling) $26.98

MONEY ORDERS payable to REBEL SOUND RECORDS

REBEL SOUND RECORDS
PO BOX 281
DALTON, MA 01227-0281

LP will be shipped BEFORE Halloween, after the performance at the Knitting Factory. All pre-orders will get a confirmation email stating you will in fact be getting the record.

Thanks for your interest!

Colin & Lindsay's Pre-Wedding Punk Rock Show RECAP

2010-08-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

So, you see the video on the previous post and you can see beer was flowing, beer was being sacrificed for the good of the upcoming ceremony and there was some alcohol abuse (who spilled that beer?)! All in all, it was a blast. The Damaged, Sadplant (from CT, playing their 2nd show the day!) and Dead Radio Rebels blasted the PNA in Adams with a fresh breath of beer drenched punk air! The locals at the bar were once again seemingly confused by the invasion of punk ready fans but I don't think they cared too much as they were still able to enjoy Keno and whatever baseball game they were watching at the bar.

Dead Radio Rebels kicked off the festivities and ripped through a solid punk rock set where the band was in top form. The band has gotten a few shows under their belts since they added Eric as lead vocalist and Colin concentrating on guitar/backing vocals. While this change may have concerned some, the line-up clearly has the chemistry needed to make this work and the more I see them, the more it's obvious this is what the band needed to set themselves apart from The Damaged, Colin's other band. As you can see, Eric and Colin appear to be separated at birth, so it was probably destiny anyway.

Connecticut's Sadplant performed earlier in the day in Rhode Island or somewhere far from Adams and immediately after they finished, hopped in their vehicles and headed to the PNA. You'd never know Wappels, Benny and new drummer Gabe had such a hectic day because after loading onto the stage, they killed it. Pure and simple. It was the best set I'd ever seen them do. Their new drummer, Gabe, is amazing. He's so good in fact that Benny had mentioned to me after the show, he and Wappels had rehearsed with him twice in person earlier in the year and that was it. Aside from playing, Gabe can learn songs on the fly basically after hearing them one time! Benny sends him the songs on CD from CT and he figures them out in MA and then they play. Tonight Sadplant played 4 songs live they'd never played before all thanks to Gabe's ability at being a solid drummer through and through.

Following Sadplant and several beers, Al, Mark, Kevin and Colin took to the stage and The Damaged were ready to close out the night. I made it through most of the set before I had to leave but I'll tell you, it was a great way to celebrate the Colin and Lindsay's upcoming wedding. As they've been doing lately, The Damaged peppered their set with some of their new songs and they stand right up there with the classics. Great stuff guys, can't wait to hear the new album.

It was a good time and be on the lookout for a review of the wedding as soon as I go through the literally hundreds of pictures!

Colin & Lindsay's Pre-Wedding Punk Rock Show

2010-08-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

It was a great show, I promise a recap, but it's time for this old geezer to go to sleep. Dead Radio Rebels, Sadplant and The Damaged tore up the PNA in Adams! Drinks were spilled, fun was had, floors were mopped, it was great! Pics up soon!

2010-08-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

Michael Hitchcock singing the song that caught John Williams' attention at Tanglewood. According to Joe Wilk's mother, "the gang" had tried to stop Williams for an autograph, but he kept on walking until Michael belted out this tune. Williams stopped in his tracks, turned around and signed the autographs for "the gang"! Good job Michael! My personal favorite part of this clip is Michael asking Shaun Behrent for six cents only to have Joe's father give him what was left in his pockets.

Ethnic Fair 2010

2010-08-08T18:09:00.001-07:00

The 2010 Ethnic Fair was a tremendous improvement over the 2009 event. The crowd was substantially larger, due in part to the wonderful weather in the Berkshires and the ease of finding (and getting to) parking. Also noticeable was a greater selection of vendors and food options throughout the Fair. However, it was odd to see some of the stores in the immediate Fair real estate to actually be closed for the afternoon. Rebel Sound Records saw more new faces and it was nice to meet them. Had we been closed it would've been a different story. We were visited by Mayor Ruberto, Bill from the Garden, Joe Wilk's parents, Cruz "Man About Town" Swinson, Jon Plaid, Jess Derby, PRJ, NY Kelley, Shaun of the City, Mr. Hitchcock, the future Mr. & Mrs. Colin Damaged, Jay of Bare Bones/Mudlark/Low Character, Zach McCarthy, Jon "Stop & Shop" Hanson, some dogs drinking out of the complimentary dog water in front of the store, MAC, Allie of the Furiousity, the WTBR on-air maniacs and more people whom I probably forgot.

Please Help Joe Wilk's Parents FIND HIM

2010-08-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

Mr. & Mrs. Wilk came by Rebel Sound Records looking for their son Joe. "Please help, we haven't heard from him in months," said Mrs. Wilk. Mr. Wilk agreed, "Maybe if we were in Williamsburg, he'd take our calls. He probably picks up one out of ten times when we call." Wherever Joe is, please help these seemingly nice people.

Why I Do What I Do.....

2010-07-31T16:48:00.000-07:00

I really don't know and it's at times like these that I wonder why myself. Okay, enough commiserating, it's not worth it. There is no rhyme or reason to one's behavior. Bury me once, you think you're clever, bury me again and this will be the final time, try it a third time and well if you think I'm that dumb, think again.

Here's Some New & not-so-new Offerings at Rebel Sound Records

2010-07-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

USED CASSETTES
(only 1 of each unless noted)

KANSAS Leftoverture $1.99
MOTLEY CRUE $1.99
THE OUTFIELD Diamond Days $1.99
HELLOWEEN Walls of Jericho $1.99
ACE FREHLEY Frehley's Comet $1.99
DOKKEN Back For the Attack $1.99

USED CD's
(only 1 of each unless noted)

REDNEX Sex & Violins CD $4.99
GRATEFUL DEAD Built to Last CD $4.99
GRATEFUL DEAD American Beauty CD $4.99
GRATEFUL DEAD What A Strange Trip It's Been CD (double) $9.99
GRATEFUL DEAD aoxomoxoa CD $4.99
GRATEFUL DEAD Shakedown Street CD $4.99
GRATEFUL DEAD Skeletons From the Closet $4.99
GRATEFUL DEAD In the Dark CD $4.99
DAVID CROSBY If I Could Only Remember My Name CD $4.99
WILLIE NELSON Nite Life-Greatest Hits & Rare Tracks (1959-1971) $4.99
THE TRAGICALLY HIP Trouble at the Hen House CD $4.99
MY MORNING JACKET Evil Urges CD $4.99
THE WARRIORS Beyond the Noise CD $2.99
THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA s/t $2.99
M. WARD (of She and Him) Hold Time CD $4.99
REVEREND HORTON HEAT It's Martini Time CD $4.99
ALAN JACKSON Who I Am CD $2.99
SPACEHOG Resident Alien CD $4.99
BRAD PAISLEY Playlist CD $2.99
IRIS DEMENT My Life CD $4.99
THE LOST PATROL Songs About Running Away CD (ex-Refused) $4.99
STRAY FROM THE PATH Villains CD
THE NOW WTO COMBO Live-From the Battle in Seattle CD $4.99 (Jello Biafra, Krist Novoselic from Nirvana/Sweet 75, Kim Thayil from Soundgarden, Gina Mainwal from Sweet 75)
AMY WINEHOUSE Back to Black CD $4.99
JAMIE O'NEAL Shiver CD $2.99
JIMMY EAT WORLD Futures (double) $6.99
TOBY KEITH Boomtown CD $4.99
10,000 MANIACS Unplugged CD $4.99
PAM TILLIS Homeward Looking Angel $2.99
A GLOBAL THREAT Where the Sun Never Sets CD $4.99
BOBBY SWEET Love on the Border CD $4.99
AMERICAN DISTRESS s/t CD $4.99 (on Tent City/Skwert's label)
HEAD AUTOMATICA Decadence CD $4.99
INTRO5PECT Real Politik! CD $4.99
JOAN OF ARC The Gap CD $3.99
MINDI ABAIR Stars CD $3.99
NORAH JONES Not Too Late CD $4.99
INCENDIO Seduction CD $3.99
JAZZMASTERS (Paul Hardcastle) V CD $4.99
ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY This Way CD $3.99
DAVID BOSWEL I Like That CD $3.99
KYLE WOLVERTON Soul Groove CD $3.99
STEVE WINDWOOD Nine Lives CD $4.99
KENNY G. Rhythm & Romance CD $4.99
TONY BENNETT Sings the Ultimate Songbook CD $4.99 (2 copies)
THE APPLES IN STEREO Look Away +4 CD $2.99
THE APPLES IN STEREO The Discovery of A World Inside the Moone $4.99
THE DISPOSABLE HEROES OF HIPOCRACY Hypocrisy is the Greatest Luxury CD $4.99
POSTER CHILDREN Flower Power CD $4.99
SPENCER DAVIS Golden Hits CD $4.99
BUSTA RHYMES Extinction Level Event-The Final World Front CD $2.99
THE FORGOTTEN Out of Print CD $4.99
ROB LAURENS The Honey on the Mountain CD $4.99
JUNGLE BROTHERS Straight Out of the Jungle CD $2.99
THE PETER MALIC GROUP feat. NORAH JONES New York City CD $4.99
WAYLON JENNINGS Super Hits CD $4.99
SOUTHERN ROCK Hits CD$4.99 (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker, Foghat & more) $4.99
ALKALINE TRIO Crimson CD $4.99

NEW CD's
(only 1 of each unless noted)

jazz

GARAGE A TROIS Power Patriot CD $10.98
HUNGRY MARCH BAND Portable Soundtracks for Temporary Utopias CD $14.98 (NYC brass/avant jazz)
JACOB FRED JAZZ ODYSSEY (JFJO) Stay Gold CD $9.98 (played MassMOCA)
JACOB FRED JAZZ ODYSSEY (JFJO) One Day in Brooklyn CD $9.98 (played MassMOCA)
MOODSWING ORCHESTRA s/t CD $9.98 (featuring Ben Perowsky, Glenn Patscha, Markus Miller, Oren Bloedow, Marcus Rojas, Doug Wieselman, Steven Bernstein, Pamelia Kurstin, Jennifer Charles, Miho Hatori, Elyas Khan, Joan Wasser, Bebel Gilberto)
MARCO BENEVENTO Between the Needles and Nightfall CD $10.98 (playing MassMOCA)
MARCO BENEVENTO Me Not Me CD $10.98 (playing MassMOCA)
SURPRISE ME MR. DAVIS That Man Eats Morning For Breakfast CD $9.98

rock

BEWARE! THE OTHER HEAD OF SCIENCE Big American Godzilla Party CD $8.98 (sci-fi party punk from Albany) (2 copies)
GRIZZLY J BERRY The Day of the War on the Moose CD $7.98 (mid-west post-punk)
NO NO ZERO Rough Stuff CD $14.98 (ex-The Exploders from Toronto, grimy garage-punk)
REASON 837 Your Favorite Disaster CD $4.98 (most recent release from local favorites) (3 copies)

7" vinyl
(only 1 of each unless noted)

CARRIE NATIONS s/t 7" (previously unreleased material from this Georgia punk band, also released music on Plan-It-X Records) $5.48 (2 copies)
CUTE LEPERS No Escape b/w Black Market Lepers 00 7" (import, already out of print) $7.98
GO! Your Power Means Nothing 7" EP (10 tracks produced by Don Fury, classic NYHC from 1990 featuring Mike Bullshit, import) $8.48 (2 copies)
PAT TODD & THE RANKOUTSIDERS Don't Worry 'bout Me Baby b/w Idle Time 7" (new release from former lead singer of The Lazy Cowgirls) $5.48 (great psychotic garage/punk) (2 copies)
TAXI Dead Girl b/w Qui est in qui est out, Blue Lights $7.98 (garage/punk from Europe) (import, 3 tracks)
TAXI Who's to Blame b/w Down By Love 7" $5.48 (garage/punk from Europe)

LP's
(only 1 of each unless noted)

ALUMINUM KNOT EYE Trunk Lunker LP $11.98 (Roky Erikson meets the Reatards from Wisconsin, high energy madness includes a cover of Alice Cooper's "Is It My Body?") (2 copies)
BAD MACHINE Rip Your Heart LP $11.98 (punk w/monster guitars and riffage, similar to the Didjits, The Hellacopters and The Stooges)
BILL BONDSMEN Swallowed By the World LP $11.98 (raging punk) 2 copies
BLACK FLAG White Minority LP $15.98 (limited import, blistering live set from 1981 in Milwaukee WI, 21 tracks)
THE BLACK JETTS Bleed Me, Love LP $11.98
B-MOVIE RATS/THE HELLBENDERS Distilled split LP $11.98 (punk rock n' roll 6 tracks each) (2 copies)
BRIAN ENO The BBC Sessions LP $16.98 (limited import, silkscreened jacket 8 tracks)
CAT PARTY s/t LP $11.98 (fans of The Wipers, Rik L Rik, Joy Division and Christian Death take note!)
CORY CHASE Waiting On A Remedy LP $11.98 (ex-The Licks, solo guitar and harmonica) (2 copies)
THE CRAWLERS Level the Forest LP $11.98 (limited to 500, first pressing, similar to Poison Idea, Christ On A Crutch, from Portland OR) (2 copies)
THE CRYPTONES Teen Trash Vol. 1 LP $9.98 (import, 15 tracks of primitive rock n' roll from Marseille France)
THE DOUBLE NAUGHT SPYS Teen Trash Vol. 5 LP (import, 16 tracks of primitive rock n' roll from CT)
ESTROGEN HIGHS Tell It to Them LP $11.98 (rock n roll garage from New Haven CT) (2 copies)
F Mess You Up & You Are An E.P. LP $12.98 (limited to 333 copies, color vinyl, reissue of both F releases w/bonus tracks, original sleeve inserts and a ton of attitude, classic Reagan-era hardcore release)
FORBIDDEN TIGERS Magnetic Problems LP $11.98 (garage punk like Gun Club, The Saints, '68 Comeback and Jon Spencer) (2 copies)
GEISHA GIRLS s/t EP $11.98 (out of print color from 2003, ex-Street Trash/current Gestapo Khazi, dark no wave w/elements of The Cure, Joy Division, Mission of Burma and Wire)
GEISHA GIRLS Disappearing Act LP $11.98 (limited clear vinyl, ex-Street Trash/current Gestapo Khazi, dark no wave w/elements of The Cure, Joy Division, Mission of Burma and Wire) (2 copies)
HEARTBEEPS My Bones Are Tattooed LP $11.98 (ex-T.V. Killers similar to The Kids and The Pagans) (2 copies)
THE HELLBENDERS Pop Rock Suicide LP $11.98 (high energy garage/punk from LA)
HIGH BEAMS Hallucination LP $11.98 (punk!) (2 copies)
HUSKER DU Ultracore LP $15.98 (limited import, live set from 1982 in Tuscon AZ, 22 tracks)
JET BOYS Jet Party LP $15.98 (limited import, Japanese punk)
JET BOYS Teenage Thunder Revisited LP $15.98 (limited import, Japanese punk)
KITES/PRURIENT Load Split Series #4 LP $9.98 (high voltage noise and feedback)
THE KNOCKOUT PILLS s/t LP $11.98 (2 copies)
THE LUCKY PUNCH Kick Up A Hullabaloo LP $11.98
THE PLAGUE X Tapes 1976-1981 LP $12.98 (import, early UK punk)
THE PSYCHOVIOLETS Teen Trash Vol. 2 LP $9.98 (import, 10 tracks of primitive rock n' roll from Lawrence KS)
ROCKET REDUCERS s/t 12" $15.98 (import, Canadian punk similar to The Pagans, New Bomb Turks, Teengenerate) (2 copies)
ROCKET REDUCERS s/t LP $11.98 (Canadian punk similar to The Pagans, New Bomb Turks, Teengenerate)
THE SAFETY PINS/HELLBENDER split LP $11.98 (punk! 9 songs total) (2 copies)
THE SAFETY PINS Invite Us to Your Funeral LP $11.98 (snotty punk includes "Kill the Hippies", "Plastic Punks", title cut, "I'm Not Pretty" 13 tracks)
SANITY ASSASSINS Speed of Death LP $12.98 (import, classic New England punk)
TAXI Yu Tolk Tu Mach LP $11.98 (wild garage/punk from Europe) (2 copies)
THE TERMINALS Forget About Never LP $11.98 (wild punk rock n' roll/garage similar to the Oblivions and Demolition Doll Rods)
THROBBIN' URGES s/t LP $11.98 (high energy lo-fi punk similar to the Pagans, Teengenerate, Reatards) (2 copies)
THE UNSEEN The Anger and the Truth LP $8.98 (first release on BYO)
THE UNSEEN Explode LP $8.98 (final release on BYO before moving to Hellcat)
THE UNSEEN Lower Class Crucifixion LP $9.98 (13 tracks on Anti-Flag's label)
U.X.A. Illusions of Grandeur LP $10.98 (hard to find import, reissue of their Posh Boy debut, 10 tracks of classic punk from SF by way of LA)
WATERDOWN Never Kill the Boy on the First Date LP $11.98 (yellow vinyl, import, 2001 release no domestic US vinyl release from this German band combines hardcore, dark-metal and punk, comes with Victory Records poster)
THE WEAKLINGS Rock n' Roll Owes Me LP $11.98 (garage from Portland OR)
WELT Broke Down LP $10.98 (out of print on Dr. Dream Records produced by Stephen Egerton, Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore)
THE W.I.N.K.S Too Hot to Be This Cool LP $12.98 (import from Women in Night Kissing Satan, sleaze garage/punk, 13 tracks)
WKZ Echte Punx LP $12.98 (import reissue from this wild German punk band, originally released on the infamous Rock-o-Rama label)
YOUTH GONE MAD/BUTT TRUMPET split LP $5.98 (new recordings from each band including a rare 4-track recording of Tom Bone and Bianca!)
V/A-400 DAY HEADACHE LP $5.98 (out of print punk comp., Youth Gone Mad, Political Asylum, Blownapart Bastards, All You Can Eat, Pollution Circus, Rights Reserved, Inspector 12, Naked Angels, Animal Farm, 8 Bark, Tonka, Unherd, J Church, Gloo girls, Assfactor 4)
V/A-BRIDGE 9 SUMMER COMPILATION 2009 LP $9.98 (gray vinyl, limited, Strike Anywhere, Death Before Dishonour, Polar Bear Club, Ruiner, Dead Swans, Soul Control, Crime in Stereo, Paint it Black, Have Heart)
V/A-HARDCORE FROM THE EARLY DAYS LP $11.98 (color vinyl, gatefold sleeve, import limited to 500, early New England hardcore punk, Target Cells, White Pigs, Chronic Disorder)
V/A-LET'S GET RID OF LA LP $9.98 (out of print w/zine, punk/garage bands, The Starvations, Radio Vago, The Flash Express, Squab, The Pinkz, Neon King Kong, The Rolling Blackouts, The Checkers, The Orphans, The Alleged Gunmen, The Make-Out Party, The Fuse!, Miracle Chosuki, The Lipstick Pickups, Fast Forward)
V/A-PAERE PUNK LP $18.98 (import, limited edition, Danish punk studio compilation recorded in the late 1970's. Previously unavailable tracks from Lost Kids, Sods, Elektrochok, Slim, Kiche', Brats, Dream Police, No Knox)
V/A-VIVA LA VINYL#4 LP $11.98 (punk/garage bands w/zine Puffball, T.V. Killers, The Hellbenders, Bonecrusher, Snake Charmers, The Geriatrix, Hellride, Streetwalkin' Cheetahs, Valentine Killers, The Vultures, Gee Strings, Nikki Sudden of the Swell Maps, Flash Express, The Dialtones, Cock Spaniels)

COLLECTIBLE
(only 1 of each unless noted)

UNEARTH The Stings of Conscience LP $25.00 (out of print, rare, white vinyl on Knife or Death Records)

Almost mid-July 2010

2010-07-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

There are many shows this month with a great cross-section of bands. I waiting to get word on a few big shows for the remainder of this year and for something really fun and awesome for 2011. I'll post pictures from the most recent slew of shows and I think I have to finish my Punk Rock Bowling report before I forget it all. There will be some 5th of July Parade pictures too with some commentary as well (of course).

July is going to prove an interesting month, aside from the store not doing so well and show attendance all but non-existent, there are other issue unrelated that are making my brain hang upside down. Hopefully it will be okay because I swear, it's been causing quite a bit of mental duress and I'm bad enough as it is, I don't need any help with that!

New STUFF in Stock!!!!

2010-07-03T19:39:00.000-07:00

Rebel Sound Records just got a TON of new stuff! Here's some descriptions and photos!!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pittsfield-MA/Rebel-Sound-Records/57180429460?ref=ts#!/album.php?aid=185373&id=57180429460&ref=mf

I (Heart) Pittsfield! So Fun, Yet, So Strange

2010-07-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

Oh Pittsfield, you've gone and done it again! Wait, before I start to criticize you, which is really unnecessary, I will take the more intelligent route and actually think before I type. While compared to the big city of Los Angeles or even the not-so-big cities of Raleigh or Chapel Hill NC or even Northampton, you're lacking in a billion areas. But, believe it or not, the one area you actually excel in is giving the people something to do. This change hasn't happened overnight mind you and while 2010 is very different from 1980, I would say that since you can't go back in time (as much as I'd like to), 2010 is probably the most culturally active Pittsfield has been in decades.

Usually, the major complaint is that "there is nothing to do" and while this was partially true in the dark days of Pittsfield when General Electric was in the business of polluting and employing the general populace. Back then, there was really nothing that interesting to do. There was the Cinema Center, which when you think about it was like the Wal-Mart of movie theaters. It was the last stop before you reached hell. There was Thee Arcade, which was always fun if you wanted to potentially have a run in with some sketchy characters and of course, there was the old standby of cruising down North Street. Don't get me wrong, this was actually a ton of fun. When I sit out here on a night light this, a beautiful summer night, I can't help but to think back to days when hanging out down here was fun! This was the place we had to go on the weekends and I'm from Dalton, which makes it all the funnier. People would start at the car wash and once their rides were all clean, they'd head onto "up street". For the record, the entire strip was called "up street". Sure it was stupid, but it was fun and I'm sure it drove the cops nuts but at least they knew where everyone was. That's not to say it was full of bunch of troublemakers, it wasn't. I'm sure there were relationships started and finished "up street". The only thing on my mind during school on Friday night in the summer was going down to North Street. I couldn't wait to come home and get the hell out of my house. Whether it was to see a movie, go to a game (which was an excuse to get out of the house) or simply do nothing but drive around listening to music at ridiculously high volumes and screaming at passing cars like a moron, the major goal was to leave!

For years from what I am to understand, North Street went down the toilet and in all reality, most of Pittsfield went with it. Jobs moved and people followed. It was sad because after living many places in my life, I have come to really love this place. Sure, going away is good too and everyone should at least once but I felt that for some reason, this is where I belong.

What is truly strange about the progress of time and the mass exodus from Pittsfield is that in 2010 there are more entertainment options for everyone and not just the tourists or second homeowners. Those options are still here too, but for the locals, there literally are tons of things to do right in town regardless of what you are interested in. The key challenge is to price it within the locals' hourly waged budget. That ain't easy my friend.

There's at least four distinct scenes within happening on North Street and all are growing rapidly. We now have an active gallery scene, a growing food scene (except we're lacking a real Thai food restaurant and have at least 4 pizza shops within walking distance from each other), a growing music scene and a growing theater scene. This is not including the Beacon Cinema or the retailers (there are many new ones too)!

Yet, with all of these new options on North Street, every one of these thriving ventures is struggling somewhat with the reality of there being a lot less people in Pittsfield willing to come downtown to do anything or to spend money because it's much harder to come by expendable income when you're working your second job at 11pm. This is a problem. Also, North Street still can't shake the reputation it had during the late 1990's when people thought of it as a place to get mugged or buy crack. It looked ugly and there needed to be a change. There was and still is a change happening currently and it's awesome to see.

I've heard it from parents who, were probably cruising this same street when they were teenagers with not a care in the world, drop their kids off to a show here only to hear them mutter "Stay here, don't go outside at all!" Now, okay, sure, if this were say 2am and three doe-eyed teenagers were walking down any street in any city, something might happen criminal in nature, but I hardly think that would happen around 30 other kids here to see some bands. I found that statement to be somewhat funny, but pretty insulting at the same time. People who smoke go outside or they just go out to get some air or hang out for a little bit while still being at the show. I've never known any walk-by mugging to take place or a drive-by shooting either, but I think these people are under the impression Rebel Sound Records is a dark dismal joint similar to Thee Arcade from their youth. Well, it's not but this isn't about that how we're not Thee Arcade or how we're an alcohol-free venue. Yet, the protective power parent monitored things from the car and when more people did show up, he came in and grabbed the kids, forever embarrassing them and making himself look like Mr. Ass quite frankly.

If there was a point, it would be that while downtown Pittsfield faded away from our minds as a safe destination throughout the 1990's, it's actually becoming safe place once again and there's life back down here! People actually choose to live here, which is mind-boggling, yet they do it and still do it at this moment. I'm not going to mention everything by name, because I'll forgot some I'm sure, but on the entire street in summer its pretty cool to be able to walk around and see live music (cover bands, underground bands on tour and jazz groups to name a few), catch a theatrical production Off-Broadway caliber or even experimental productions, live comedy or even take a casual drumming class outside! I mean, really, this downtown corridor has completely done a 180 and quite impressive.

Now, the bad part, there always has to be one right? The bad part is the competition any of these ventures has with the internet (hello Facebook), video games, partying or television. The competition existed to some extent back in the pre-internet dark ages, but not to level of 2010. I couldn't think of anything I rather do than not sit at home and be around my family. I wanted to get the hell out of Dodge! Why anyone sits at home and thinks that's cool and something to do is completely illogical! Okay, sure hanging out on Facebook or My Space (so '07) or playing video games or watching television is completely awesome, but when you're not in school for almost 3 months, how is that awesome for 10-12 hours a day? I hate to say it, but that sucks. For years, the excuse was there's nothing to do. There are many things to do now, in your lifetime and yet what's chosen over doing something truly social is very strange.

Okay, so the Berkshire Mall somehow became the safe babysitter for the modern day power parents, but come on, are you that brainwashed against rebelling? Wandering aimlessly in the mall (not shopping) but going to Spencer's and Hot Topic has replaced imagination and that's pathetic. I remember the day of growing up (yes, I still remember) and had I opted to stay at home rather than do something fun, I would've probably jumped in front of a bus. At best, there is no rain in the mall and you can get some coffee, but for the most part, the mall is a complete joke. When it first opened (or attempted to, there was a time when Pittsfield fought the mall opening like we were fighting a way) there were literally tons of cool stores all over the place. It was pretty incredible. There were stores that sold actually records, two bookstores, eventually a solid comic book store, a flavored popcorn store, gourmet ice cream, Sbarro's....take my word for it, it was pretty cool in that respect. How many people were using the mall as a hangout? Zero. The mall was uncool and it still is. Instead of hanging out with a bunch of friends who all looked weird to the commoners, if any one of my friends showed up at the mall with even so much as a Ramones shirt or Chuck Taylor's, we'd get hassled by any number of idiots that hung out there. Okay, so we get it, you conquered the mall, big deal. Everyone looks like the poster child for Hot Topic. Cool.

So, where are all the kids downtown? Where are all the people downtown? I would've killed for a place and town this cool when I grew up!

2010-06-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe 1.6 Band were only around from 1989-1993 and only played regionally for the most part, yet the band has continued to be huge influence on many bands for over 15 years without even realizing it at the time. Their unique style is virtually unclassifiable yet not so intimidating that they alienated their audience and were only accessible to the few in their immediate circle. They've been compared to the mighty Minutemen for obvious reasons and were contemporaries of so many important east coast bands that you could almost say their influence is better known than the band itself. Underground punk and hardcore had just survived a very ugly period in the mid-1980's with many key and influential bands trying to break on college radio or just alienating their audiences with extremely terrible albums with equally lousy production. While it was down for the count, it certainly wasn't out. Instead of forging on into the abyss, 1.6 Band, Rorschach, Born Against, Nausea, Citizens Arrest, Go! and SFA (who technically started in 1984, but who's really checking!) to name a few, started to challenge listeners in new and exciting ways without deviating too far from familiarity. This was good stuff on record and even more powerful live if you were lucky enough to catch any of these acts in their heyday.

I saw a few of these bands more than once, so fast forward to 2009:

When attempting to book this show, I had no idea the band wasn't full-time gig or even a weekend gig, basically, it's a once a year gig! I started speaking with Mike Yanicelli late in 2009 and while he never said the band was still somewhat scattered throughout the country, he didn't make it seem like it would be an impossibility to book them either. We finally set the date of the show for June 26, 2010 and for me, this seemed like ages away. Rebel Sound has so much rent past due that I now understand how Hilly Kristal felt except that he had 30 years to run into so many landlord/past-due rent issue and I've managed to get there in less than 12 months. This, however, is another story.

Mike kept in touch and even sent a long some of their 1991-1993 Broke Up CD, the Pimpin' Ain't Easy 7" and their new The Checkered Past of Kings Present 7" to sell in the shop. I'd still confirm with him just in case because after booking over 300 bands in a year's time, there have been bands who have either not shown up or claimed to have not known about the show. It happens. I didn't have a bad feeling about 1.6 Band not showing, basically I still was in a state of disbelief. Oh and by the way, the reunion or new (whatever it's being called) 7" is good! This band is back even for limited amounts of shows per year and they're having fun too! A grand total of two shows were scheduled for 2010 and Pittsfield was one of them! Their first show ever was in Schenectady NY so it's kind of fitting that their first show back outside of NYC was in western Massachusetts as it's relatively the same region.

I booked solid support act months in advance and by the time the show rolled around none of the support bands originally booked were even on the bill any longer! Makes booking shows so unfun, it's not even funny. The only band still on board by the show was Substratus, who there was very little information about floating around on the internet. When I did find their page, I wasn't even sure they were a real band either. Mike swore they were and it turns out all of the guys in both 1.6 Band and Substratus were old friends from way back in the day so I figured they'd be here. At the very last minute for a show promoted since January or February of this year, Outdates and Whirl stepped in and said they'd definitely play. The show that had been cursed was suddenly not cursed!

After all the bands arrived, I breathed a deserved sigh of relief. Attendance was surprisingly (but typical for this town) light considering the amount of talent assembled for this momentous occasion. This was one of the only two 1.6 Band live shows scheduled for 2010 and it was here, in this small western Massachusetts city! I've seen many bands filled with teenagers in my lifetime, the most memorable being Old Skull, but what they lacked in musical ability was completely shamed by the likes of Whirl! This western Massachusetts band based in Amherst completely shocked everyone (including the headliners) with their set. I was in the room for some of their set and when I walked away to check on the front of the store, it sounded as if this music was being played by guys who put out their first records on SST back in the last 1980s. This was excellent stuff and it was so great that they agreed to play this show 5 days earlier! I have yet to listen to their CD, but can't wait.

The Outdates were also another obvious choice that had eluded me and I'm glad they were suggested and agreed. This three-piece is a lot of fun and their songs are filled with a desperate sheer energy that reminds me of the few bright spots that did appear in the dark days of punk rock. They played many songs, the songs were short but they weren't bursts of energy in a power violence or thrash way, it's hard to explain but there was a lot of instrumentation going in what was heard. In a throwback to a bygone era, their cassette is available from the band here.

Both Substratus and 1.6 Band were all really nice people and there was nothing about either band that was disappointing musically or personality-wise. Substratus brought a cool hardcore punk element to the show which was more punk than anything else. It was part street punk, part hardcore and together it was a perfect match. These NYC punk vets played their debut live show here, in Pittsfield and sounded so tight it was pretty impressive. The bass player had only been in the band 3 months but you'd never know it. The natural chemistry was there because they'd all known each other for years. It's okay about the mic stand, really, don't worry about it.

There was a tremendous amount of excitement for this show and the anticipation was literally felt across the northeast as people drove upwards of 2 hours and change from Boston for this event and it's one of those things where you kind of weren't really sure if it was going to happen. Well, it did and 1.6 Band were better than I had hoped they'd be! I think everyone who was here will tell the same story, the band sounded incredibly tight and it was almost as if you dropped a needle on a record because you'd ever know they were only playing 2 shows on the Checkered Past Tour 2010, Pittsfield MA and NYC! I will be the first to admit, I never saw 1.6 Band when they were truly an active band when I was living in the city. I'm not really sure, but I can safely say that I'm kind of glad I didn't. Seeing them here on this date was definitely worth the unintentional wait. Sure, the guys are older, have kids, have other lives, hell, Kevin lives in Austin TX, but so am I and you know what? Being able to reminisce about the fire trap that once was ABC-No-Rio (specifically the Jawbreaker show I caught and the Offspring show I missed) with Mike and about some our old friends from back then and saying to each other "hey, you look kind of familiar, didn't you go to ABC and CB's alot?" was pretty cool I must admit.

1.6 Band setlist June 26, 2010

Awful Jerk
Pets
Sticks to the Skin
Burning Coal
These Giants
Pushing Shit into My Ass
Your Restaurant
Truth Serum
Cancer in My Backyard
Lollipop
Skin Flap
Mary Had A Little Leg
Bullet
Back in Church

Thanks guys, it was awesome!

Oh and a side note, fans of the Howard Stern Show will be interested to know that some of the 1.6 Band guys played on Sal Governale's infamous rap song that has been the bone of contention for Sal for quite some time. What a funny fact. Almost all of the 1.6 Band and Substratus guys will give any Seinfeld trivia geek a run for their money...yada yada yada.

Rebel Sound Records WINS Best Record Store 2010! (the good, the bad and the not so good)

2010-06-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

Winning the Best Record Store 2010 in the Berkshire Eagle and Berkshires Week reader's poll is pretty awesome actually. To be recognized by people, whom I probably don't know (and certainly didn't campaign to win this) is pretty humbling to be quite honest. While there is no longer a record store in Great Barrington per say (Tune Street is still there) to take this honor, there is a new record store in Adams, FYE and Wood Brothers in Pittsfield, the classical and jazz mecca of the Berkshire Record Outlet down there in Lee somewhere and of course a retailer instrumental in my collecting habits, Toonerville Trolley in Williamstown. For whatever reason, Rebel Sound Records was voted number 1 and I thank you.

How's it bad? Well, I don't have the money to advertise, so please Berkshire Eagle, don't ask because I don't have it.

Speaking of not having it, I don't have the rent either, so I'll have to sweat through that meeting on Monday June 21st, that's going to be awesome, I can't wait!

Completely unrelated, if I were a kid in high school, I'd have to be forced to leave this place and would be here every week to see all these bands! I don't get it.

That's enough for now.

Show Attendance Where'd You Go?

2010-06-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I can't say that I'm surprised more than I am disappointed. After getting some immediate support towards the end of May/beginning of June, I'm sad to report any support has gone away unlike the massive oil spill in the Gulf. Rebel Sound Records and the Room has been accused and apparently thought of as a refuge for mediocre music. So, it's quite tough to soldier on while even the closest support, people who said this would be a good idea (the store and show space) rarely show their face here if only to walk in and leave. It's really unfortunate that this group of people are quick to judge and are more interested in bragging rights than anything else. Getting back to the people who accuse Rebel Sound of being a refuge for mediocre music, I feel sorry for you that you have that opinion. At the same time, I feel so happy for you that you're so awesome at what you do that you're quick to judge and criticize this place. I can't wait to see you take a major financial risk at something and wish you the best and get all the support you should.

Above are some bands who have played this weekend or this past couple of weeks you've all opted out attending.

Bands Too Big For Their Britches.....Gotta Luv 'Em (yeah right)

2010-06-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

So, last night. the world's greatest band played and they were sooooo great that they not only caused me massive amounts of unnecessary stress, but blew one of my speakers with their greatness! Of course, they were so great that they even wrote notes and used a flat iron to straighten their hair in the bathroom! They were gooooood lookin'!

So, here are their notes from their set list, which I will scan and upload after I cover up some of their information:

SONG TITLE 1 (talk NAME OF STAR, then NAME/CITY) make you mention your name and name of city!

SONG TITLE 2 (talk random, no STAR mentioned, it could be anyone with a mic)

SONG TITLE 3 (talk random, ***other STAR watch yet another STAR**)

SONG TITLE 4 (talk STAR, mention tour, other touring band, merch) (other STAR talk and then FIST PUMP!) swear to the punk rock gods

SONG TITLE 5 (talk STAR and gift of a free downLOAD and I stress load)

SONG TITLE 6 (talk STAR mention song and sing along)

If I were making this up, I'd be lying.

This Week's News

2010-06-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

Quickly-

Thursday/3rd Thursday-Brad Byrd, Ben Karis-Nix, Rosedale, Scrumtrillescent (featuring Pey Pey), Werewolves of Pittsfield & more! 6pm

Friday-Jesse Minute, Dead Aces (ex-Millions Dead), Suffer Die (ex-Millions Dead) & more! 7pm

Saturday-Beware! the Other Head of Science, Pruf, The Headies, The Prozacs & a TON more! 5pm

Sunday-Off With Their Heads, Dear Landlord, The Casting Out (ex-Boy Sets Fire), The Stereo State, After the Fall, The Wessels, JBJ (final show?)! 4pm

More details later------------

Wednesday Night Show for Corey's Birthday! (new stuff too)

2010-06-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight! COREY'S Birthday: Blessings of Ruin, THIS NAMES TAKEN, Warsynium, Perfect Future and Reaching Away! 7pm all ages....IT'S ONLY rain people $7 (students w/ID $6)! NEW STUFF Misfits fan club import 7"s, J Church early out of print 7"s, Cute Lepers RARE import 7", ex-Street Trash 7"s, Radio Reelers 7"s & LP, Circle One reissue LP (out of print), Gestapo Khazi LP (ex-Street Trash), Misfits Live at Al's Bar aka Brain Eaters LP, La Face LP & some more stuff.

Tonight!

This Names Taken

Warsynium

Blessings of Ruin

Perfect Future

Reaching Away

7pm

$7 (students w/ID $6)

New Stuff & Wednesday Night Show!

2010-06-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

There will be a few new vinyl LPs and 7"s in the bins tonight in addition to there being a mid-week show featuring Warsynium, Blessings of Ruin, This Names Taken, Reaching Away and Perfect Future! Starts at 7pm and as always, is all ages. This is part of Corey of This Names Taken's birthday week!

Also, new stuff in the bins from Gestapo Khazi (ex-Street Trash), Radio Reelers LPs, OLD J. Church (Cringer) 7"s, Misfits Cough/Cool "fan club" 7"s, Glenn Danzig Who Killed Marilyn "fan club" 7"s and more!

This stuff is VERY LIMITED........

Punk Rock Bowling Tournament 2010 Pt. 1

2010-05-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

Punk Rock Bowling Tournament Pt. 1

Better late than never I say! It's been just under a month since the 2010 Punk Rock Bowling Tournament in Las Vegas and it is safe to say, it was by far one of the biggest punk rock parties of the year! Technically the Fest, Chaos in Tejas, Insubordination Fest etc. have officially have more bands per day, but I find the PRB to be more my speed because you're not missing one band to see another and finally, I have been given credit for coming up with the initial idea that planted the seed for this insane weekend in Sin City. Thanks for that Shawn!

The flight itself was pleasant and Shonna and I were seated in the bulkhead area, which we were able to secure even with Southwest's general free-for-all for seating. It's hard to believe that in 2010 an airline operates with such seating anarchy, but hey, I guess that's punk rock, right?

We arrived no worse for the wear at the airport and picked up the rental car. Had we arrived 10 minutes later, they would've upgraded us so we were stuck in the Hyundai for the weekend, oh well. It had Sirius and even though Friday was "Best of the Week" for Howard Stern, it was still somewhat comforting to hear him ramble on however, it had been well over 2 years since I canceled my subscription and I swear, he was complaining about the same stupid stuff, just without out Artie's rotund laughter. Bummer.

Thursday was the poker tournament, which neither of us has participated in and instead we checked in, paid for an extra night for Monday and checked out the hotel. Sunset Station, as a casino property, is far-superior in my opinion than the venerable Sam's Town but after a few years too many, we all needed a change and it was a welcome change at that. Sunset had pretty much everything for everybody including restaurants that were actually good, along with a killer buffet and several familiar fast food options that are quite foreign to the Berkshires. Even In n' Out Burger (with their grilled cheese and grilled onions-not on the menu by the way) was right across the parking lot! At Sam's Town, there's a Walgreen's and a Chevron across the street---oh joy!

Sunset was winning hands down and the scale was tipping very high in the punk rock direction, this was it, over 1,000 punkers from all over North America were here to drink, rock and maybe bowl in that order.

So many of my favorite bands were performing as well as a bunch I either hadn't seen yet or had a new appreciation for that I wasn't sure who I was looking forward to see more at this point. There were a few changes this year, such as there wasn't a show just for the bowlers or even a registration packet for all of us, but due to the magnitude of the weekend, I don't think it mattered much. We all got used to the changes pretty fast.

It was kind of odd to see shows in an amphitheater setting, but due to the fact that so many well-known bands were playing this year, the one show was expanded to 6 and 3 of the shows were moved out of a club setting and into the outdoors. On top of the 6 official shows, as in other years, there were many shows that kicked off so late, you could've grabbed the tail-end of the insomniac special at any number of eateries throughout the Vegas region.

Getting into the show on Friday was somewhat of a mess and we ended up missing Guilty By Association and Tony Sly of No Use For A Name. Actually, I was waiting for Shawn Stern to come by the guest list table with our passes when after being there for 10 minutes and realizing he had to be in 3 other places at the same time, he says to me "Here you go, I'll be right back" and he left me with the guest list check-in duties. In less than a day, I was somewhat important, which was funny. I have new appreciation for door people who have to deal with bands giving them their guest lists on napkins, matchbooks, toilet paper and whatnot because there was massive confusion, which is all I'll say about that. I got through it and after having enough of the slots, Shonna came by asked me what I was doing behind the table and I said "I don't know really, Shawn just kind of said I'll be right back, watch this for me and left." Shawn returned and we were off to see Teenage Bottlerocket, who were as awesome as I had hoped they'd be.

Here's part of "Modest Proposal" from Youth Brigade (more PRB weekend review coming soon!):

Live Review of The Dollyrots

2010-05-20T16:11:00.000-07:00

The Dollyrots with Just Say So, Goodbye For A Day, Dead Aces, White Boy Can't Jump and Epic Purple live Sunday May 16, 2010 at the ITAM in Pittsfield MA

The weather cooperated and it was actually a decent day for the return of The Dollyrots to these fine parts in the middle of nowhere! It had been almost two years since the band appeared in Pittsfield and I'm glad they made it back even with such short notice because a week wouldn't go by that I would here "Andy, when are the Dollyrots coming back?". The band, who are on tour with the Buzzcocks, originally had the day off, but luckily for me, I was able to keep them working while their tour! So, for a while now I don't have to hear that question!

Pittsfield's Epic Purple featuring students from Herberg Middle School kicked things off right around 2pm with strong showing of their musical abilities running through a selection of crowd favorites by Green Day and Evanescence. Epic Purple got a very positive response from the early attendees and their song selection was a crowd pleaser, their one original shows a lot of promise for this young band.

White Boy Can't Jump from the Pioneer Valley quickly took the stage next and their was both fun and bittersweet as it was their final appearance as a band. They ran through all of their best material which musically recall the very early pop-punk days of Green Day and Blink-182. It was a fun ride while it last and White Boy Can't Jump went out on a high note.

The show was progressing right on time and soon the curtains were closed and the attendees were ready or not for locals Goodbye For A Day. The duo of Nick and Garrett have transformed an idea into a literal pop music machine. Part synth, part pop, part party and part light show, Goodbye For A Day put on a fun show utilizing each and every bit of equipment facing the audience. Definitely a fun time judging by all of the dancers on the dance floor.

Dead Aces hail from nearby Troy NY and are now a four-piece with the addition of local youngster Punk Rock Jon formerly of Millions Dead. Their two-guitar assault was the complete opposite of Goodbye For A Day as they brought the pogo to the party. Since first performing in the area in 2009, Dead Aces have come into their own as one of the generally solid working class punk bands in the region, can't wait to hear their new recordings.

It's safe to say that Just Say So are one of my new favorite bands live around and they keep improving with each performance. This performance, their second for me, was one of my favorites. Just Say So play pop-punk as someone as old as I am knows it and appreciates it. It's pop-punk with an edge, two guitars, bass, drums and nothing more. Fans of any of the bands these guys were in before (Minimal Effort, Scattered and Three Fifteen) will really enjoy Just Say So, so don't miss them!

Almost two years had passed since The Dollyrots had played in Pittsfield and to be honest, I'd be asked about them almost on a weekly basis. Finally, I was able to schedule a relatively last minute show with them and it was truly one of the band's favorite on their current tour (which is with the Buzzcocks by the way). Kelly, Chris and Luis ran through quite a selection of songs on this day including their current single "California Beach Boy", "Because I'm Awesome", my personal favorite "New College" from their first album as well as kicking off their set with "Leaving LA", the first song they ever played here in the area back in 2006 at the American Legion in Dalton. For those who are unfamiliar with their music, The Dollyrots play a hybrid of early Ramones' melody along with a 60's pop sensibility and you can throw in some Undertones for good measure. The Dollyrots truly enjoy being here and it showed in their excellent performance, sure they hadn't had a day off as of late, but it didn't matter, they showed up and played like it was their most important show and judging by the fact they probably took a photo with everyone who was there. Hopefully, we won't have to wait so long before they come back again!

www.myspace.com/thedollyrots

www.myspace.com/justsaysorock

www.myspace.com/deadacestroy

www.myspace.com/goodbyeforaday

www.myspace.com/whiteboycannotjump

www.myspace.com/epicpurpleband

2010-05-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

You've seen them in Dalton and in Pittsfield twice! You've seen them on the Warped Tour and The Price is Right! Well, now The Dollyrots are returning to the Berkshires for pretty much as a last minute addition (on their day off) to their current US tour (they're opening for the Buzzcocks!)!

THIS IS The Dollyrots' ONLY area appearance!

This show is going to be so much fun, how can you not go? It will start early and end early as it's a school night and if you've REALLY got to watch that baseball game, the ITAM has a TV! No excuses!

Also appearing are the bands who were originally playing at The Room, but the show has been moved to accommodate a larger crowd:

*White Boy Can't Jump (MA) their FINAL show EVER!
(singer once went to Hawaii)

*Goodbye For A Day (MA)
(ex-Reason 837)

*Dead Aces (NY)
(ex-Millions Dead, band works for FedEx!)

*Just Say So (MA) JUST ADDED!
(ex-Minimal Effort, Three Fifteen, Scattered)

*Epic Purple (MA) JUST ADDED!
(helping to kick off Youth Week!)

$8 in advance AVAILABLE on Friday April 30th
(available at Rebel Sound Records and more locations TBA)

$10 at the door

A portion of the proceeds benefit WTBR!

ALL AGES!

This show is presented in part by Rebel Sound Records and WTBR 89.7-Berkshire County's Only Rock Station!

The New Look Inside RSR! & Punk Rock Bowling Update!

2010-05-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

The New Look Inside RSR! & Punk Rock Bowling Update!

BYO's annual weekend of punk rock insanity otherwise known as Punk Rock Bowling was quite intense/insane/ridiculous as there were literally over 30 performances squeezed into 3 days. Do the math, that is a bit over-the-top, but hey, it's Vegas and over-the-top is not only expected, but encouraged! Fat Mike of NOFX and the Fat Wreck Chords team finally took the top spot after more than a decade of "almost". Congrats! Our friends at Northeast Records took second and I actually expected them to take first, what with Batman bowling on their team!

So, I'm in Vegas bowling like complete crap and completely bummed for a couple of reasons. Because of this, I shoot 169 in the first game out of the TQR (Tournament Qualifying Round) on Sunday and BYO goes down like a cheap hooker. Shonna's team didn't do too well either and was knocked out of contention without surviving the TQR on Saturday. Timing is everything and the next thing I know, because she's not bowling and we hadn't started yet, she tells me she won some major dough at the slots! Nice! Whole trip pretty much paid for, room comped for the final night, I was happy even though I bowled terribly.

The flight home was good and I come into the store that night to check up on things something smells. It wasn't me. I turn on the lights and I notice things are completely different! The walls are all the same color in the store (no more blue here, white there, some barf green over there) because of the hard work put in by Jess Derby and Jon Plaid! Thanks so much guys, it looks awesome.

The first show in the new RSR featured Low Character, Colossus, Kyklooppien Sukuputto and Someone Just Like You! It was a great way to kick off year 2. Holy crap, we've been here a year!

Thanks, more to come!

WE AIN'T CLOSIN'-The Latest News Regarding the End of RSR-the Store

2010-04-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

After a long discussion with a good friend I have known for many, many years......basically, we're scheduling into August & beyond....so now, please support the damn thing. Buy something(s), come to shows, tell your friends.......whatever it takes, if you like RSR, then please do this, that's all I ask.

Promo Clip for New URBAN WASTE LP

2010-04-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

This is pretty damn exciting, let me tell you! Here's the first official peek at one of the tracks from the currently untitled first-ever full-length LP from NY's URBAN WASTE! Urban Waste are one of those legendary NYHC bands who remained highly influential due to the strength of their incredible sole release, a 7" from the early 1980's. Rebel Sound Records is pleased to announced that not only are three of the four original members of Urban Waste appearing on this release, but it totally kicks ass too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljeNNvGxlec

Follow the link for the video on You Tube

New RED INVASION CD Release on Rebel Sound Records

2010-04-25T12:05:00.001-07:00

While it's been quite some time since there has been a post, Rebel Sound Records is proud to announce a brand new release from Boston's Red Invasion!!! "....Ugly to Know So." is available on CD only and just arrived from the pressing plant on Thursday April 22, 2010. This excellent album has been in limbo for far too long to build any additional hype and we here at RSR are as stoked as the band is that this album is finally out! If you liked their first album on Pelado OR if you're a fan of classic NY punk such as the Dead Boys, Heartbreakers, Ramones and newer bands like The Crumbs, then it's safe to say you'll really like this album quite a bit!

Ordering information will be up soon and coming up, the next few releases for 2010 will be the LONG-awaited split LP featuring The Ignorant and Johnny Madcap & the Distraction, legendary NYHC band Urban Waste's first-EVER full-length LP and more!

LIVE Review! 8 Inch Betsy, The Soundtrack, The Furiosity, The Dance Cancer

2009-12-10T18:29:00.000-08:00

Rebel Sound Records Live! 8 Inch Betsy (Chicago), The Soundtrack (Atlanta), The Furiosity (Boston), The Dance Cancer (Pittsfield) Saturday Nov. 7, 2009

It's always nice to go to a show where you are vaguely familiar (or not even familiar) with the bands but walk away with a new sense of inspiration from seeing a great live show. This was definitely the case on this fine Saturday night. Never knowing what to expect the show kicked off with The Furiosity who's energetic set was beyond expectations of what you can hear on their My Space page. Sure, the songs are good online, but live they were great! I can't wait until they make it out this way again.

Atlanta's The Soundtrack were on a pretty extensive east coast tour in support of their recent self-titled EP, which is a fine power-pop effort. While they're riding the current wave of what's appealing to the high school crowd, The Soundtrack actually can pull it off live, which some out there can't do. One of the best things about hosting over 300 bands since opening is that you come across diamonds in the rough like The Soundtrack. Familiar enough to get into them without staring blankly at them.

8 Inch Betsy are a great 3-piece punk band out of the Windy City and fans traveled from as far as Northampton to check them out. So far so good and this show was 3 for 3 with one talented band after the other. 8 Inch Betsy played many songs off of This Time Last Time Everytime and they got a great response from the very enthusiastic crowd. Had they brought me a pizza from Giordano's as requested, I would say they could play here anytime. Okay, kidding, they can, whenever they want.

Pittsfield's The Dance Cancer made their local debut tonight and they had a great time closing a solid night of music. They've definitely got a Revolution Summer/90's college radio sound along with a punk back-beat creating something rather original for the somewhat stagnant local music scene. This band is good and they're definitely worth checking out if you get the chance. While they're young, they are very smart with their influences and don't fall into the trap of what everyone else is doing and that a very good thing.

Until next time, see you at the show!!!!

1999-2009

2009-12-10T18:21:00.000-08:00

Ten Years in A Heartbeat

I find it rather unimaginable that it's been ten years this month until my life completely changed for the worse. Yes, we take many things for granted and while I wasn't completely guilty of it, I'll never forget the feeling I had back in October and December of 1999. For those of you who know the story, you already know. For those of you who don't know, I'll just say this: 1999 was the year I really stopped caring about anything anymore. It's tough to have any kinds of successes or failures when you can't share them with those who have been the closest to you for your entire life.

Miss you Mom and Dad.

With the state of the world today, it's probably best you're not experiencing the turmoil first hand. Keep on watching, you never know, I may actually do something right someday.

Thanksgiving Update

2009-11-26T20:21:00.000-08:00

It's now official!

Rebel Sound Records is only 2 months (technically 1 month) late with the rent! September's rent was completely paid just before Thanksgiving and while it's a bittersweet statement to make, it's also completely annoying.

Black Friday Weekend Sale-O-Thon

Yes, we're partaking in the silly Black Friday ritual, but we're doing it backwards. Instead of opening at 5 or 5:30am, we're opening at 5:30pm on Black Friday HOWEVER, we're offering possibly the most insane deal ever: BUY ANY 3 NEW ITEMS and get the 4th of EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE absolutely FREE!!! Now, that's a pretty good deal whether you're buying CDs, shirts, vinyl, posters, books or mags! Seriously, think about it, this is a solid deal!

Doomsday Virus LIVE on Black Friday!

Wasteland: Pittsfield is bringing a little gloom and doom to Black Friday with this excellent night of gothic, industrial and EBM sounds! Doomsday Virus make their first appearance along with 3 DJs at the Room and it's going to be awesome! $5, 8pm, all ages.

Brooklyn's The Shondes Play Pittsfield on Saturday November 28th along with TMD, The Disaster March and Gimlet Slip!

It's going to be an awesome night of riot grrl power along with TMD and The Disaster March. The Shondes just release their new album and from what I've heard, it's awesome! This is going to be a great night of music that you would normally have to travel to the City for right here in far western MA! $7 ($6 w/student ID), 7pm, all ages,

Mayor James Ruberto Wins, Credits Rock For Ruberto With the Assist!

2009-11-05T20:06:00.000-08:00

Mayor James Ruberto was re-elected as the Mayor of the City of Pittsfield on Tuesday November 3rd and let me tell you, I couldn't be happier. While involvement in local politics may seem rather nerdish or uncool (for years, that was my opinion actually), I came to realize that the reason I dragged Shonna along with Jazmine the dog and Roger the rabbit across the country from Los Angeles was because of the work Mayor Ruberto had been doing in Pittsfield. I would read the Eagle's website almost daily and was excited to learn of the accomplishments as Mayor.

I'm sure the common opinion is that Pittsfield is bunk and places like LA or NYC or Boston are cool. It's like comparing apples to oranges, there is no comparison. Most people don't hold where they grew up in high regard, but after being away for so long, I came to appreciate Pittsfield for a whole set of other reasons. I'm getting too far off the topic (it happens, I'm long-winded) so let me reign myself back in.

I faced a few obstacles as I tried to open up the first variation of what Rebel Sound Records and The Room is today and I was getting fed up with everything. I had too much invested in having it not happen, so I got desperate. I called the Mayor's office to bitch. No one else would listen or they were sick of hearing it.

After a couple of days, the Mayor returned my call and he kind of got and earful from me. I wasn't yelling at him, I was actually frustrated with the situation. The conversation was positive for the most part but nothing was resolved in what I saw as a battle fought and lost. Shonna and I actually marched in the 4th of July Parade that year along with WTBR where Rebel Sound Radio had hit the air earlier in the year and when I noticed the Mayor was in the parade, I made it a point to introduce myself towards the end of the route at Wahconah Park. Mayor Ruberto remembered me and we spoke briefly and then that was that.

Fast forward a couple of years later to 2008. I could see that Pittsfield was still on a progressive course to being a pretty unique place to live that captured some of the glory days that I remember, but also looked toward the future. For years there was this silly slogan that was something like Pittsfield: It's Happening! It took 20 years, but now I really felt that things were happening! I was determined to open this place come hell or high water and after convincing a landlord that while I am insane, I make a lot of sense. After some hemming and hawing, we came to an agreement and in March 2009 I turned the key on Rebel Sound Records my way without any help from anyone. In hindsight, that was probably pretty stupid and reckless, but what the hell, this is punk rock right?

I was told by my friend at work that this upcoming election could spell trouble for the creative direction of Pittsfield and I was not happy about this. After realizing what was at stake and after a summer of relatively successful live events, I had to get involved. I credit Cultural Pittsfield for reaching out to a new tenant who has a basic idea of what he's doing as business owner (well, organizational skills are questionable) as one of the key reasons I got involved in helping the Mayor retain his position in city government. The race started to get heated very early on and I felt things were calling for drastic measures.

The youth demographic has been ignored more times that naught in local politics and I said to Tim at work "You know what, I'm going to hold a rally for Ruberto with all of the Pittsfield-based bands who vote and appeal to new and younger voters. I need to do this, there is no way I'm going to sit back and watch this election happen without doing something! I drove back from LA twice to be here, no one is taking this from me without a fight!" From that day forward, I was involved, holding signs at stand-outs, displaying lawn signs, making phone calls to undecided voters and organizing Rock For Ruberto; an event featuring 10 unique acts from across Pittsfield who donated their performances in order add some flair and underground credibility to an election that almost surely would've been ignored otherwise. I'd met the Mayor a couple of times prior to this event, but not after I had started to plan this with Tim so I was pretty surprised when I called and his secretary made time in his schedule to appear and speak at Rock For Ruberto, an extremely non-traditional election season event.

When he arrived he couldn't believe it! Everyone was really excited he was there and when he gave his speech, it was almost as if he was a rock star! It was really cool and you know what? I'm glad he's in office for another two years. I'm glad I can actually go to see a movie in my own city that will hopefully not show movies with Happy Meal tie-ins or numbers after the title. You never know, there may be a couple of those, but I hope not too many.

On Election Night, Shonna and I decided to stop by the ITAM to see if anyone was still there. No one was answering their phone and I had to call Jon Hubbard on the way to Pittsfield and he confirmed the Mayor won by a slim lead. Yes, it was a slim lead but I was really excited and relieved. We pulled in and there will still quite a few people there. Tim yelled to me "Ruberto won!" We went in and found an ecstatic and celebratory packed house. We waited patiently to speak with the Mayor and after more hugs from several people he came right over and thanked me profusely. I couldn't believe! Here I was, some punk rock guy who just bowled 3 rather average games (646 maybe?) being thanked by the Mayor of Pittsfield for all my help with his campaign! I still can't get over it. I know for sure that Rock For Ruberto helped him in the end and he said so himself! He wants to do it again, to thank everyone one of the bands and young voters who supported him! Megan Whilden and Tricia Farley-Bouvier said the Mayor is getting his own leather jacket. Now that's pretty damn cool if you ask me!

I'm excited about the future of Pittsfield not only because I have an investment here, but because I like what I do, no matter how much I complain about things.

See you at the shows (I hope!)

Andy

There will be some reviews here soon along with a recap of all the bands who played in Pittsfield this year at the Room!

Rebel Sound Records Makes the News Once Again!

2009-10-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.advocateweekly.com/ci_13660752
From the Advocate Weekly

Special thanks to Joe Durwin for this solid piece on Rebel Sound Records in downtown Pittsfield. You may have noticed if you've tried to stop by that the store is only open for live events or on the weekends. While this is immediately true, don't fear, we're not going anywhere!

This is something I've worked too hard for and put Shonna through headache after headache that I'm not giving up.....I'll reimagine it before I stop this Rebel Sound train for good.

I've got some reviews on the way, so if you haven't been to the shows lately, you'll see what you're missing!

Andy

Welcome to the test of the Rebel Sound blog!

2009-10-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

Remember the original Rebel Sound Zine? Well, if you didn't use it to line your cat box or threw it into the fireplace to keep warm in the '90s, you might remember the interviews, reviews, columns and other ridiculous fun all in the name of punk rock. Well, after morphing into Rebel Sound Television (MA & NC) and then years later returning as Rebel Sound Records (a record label) (CA & MA), Rebel Sound Radio Show (MA) and Rebel Sound Records (the store) (MA), I'm proud to say the original Rebel Sound is back! Well, sort of. Online is almost the same thing. At least I don't have to sell ads in order to pay for printing!

Here you will find record reviews, show reviews, columns, photos and maybe even some interviews if I get around to it.

This marks yet another site I am forced to update on a regular basis!

Andy