Rock Star Journalist

Being as how their split with Look Mexico for the Under the Influence series just showed up last week, I am in full-on love mode with Fake Problems. I’d be happier about this news if it wasn’t for the fact that it meant that the vinyl release of It’s Great to be Alive will now cost $25 instead of a probably $12.

A side note to Joe Sibb at SideOne Dummy: I love your fucking label. I love the bands you sign. I love the cheap-ass comps you put out. Your vinyl releases are too fucking expensive, though, dude. Seriously - I can handle something that’s not a double gatefold, 180-gram, colored vinyl. But on to the press release…

FAKE PROBLEMS SIGN TO SIDE ONE DUMMY.
SET TO RELEASE “IT’S GREAT TO BE ALIVE” ON FEB.17, 2009

Fake Problems are a four piece eclectic, operatic, independent band of nomads that originate from Naples, FL. They will periodically return home to write new songs, sleep, fix their van and say hello to their friends. The rest of their time is spent on the road bringing their fiercely unique sound to young and old. Since the inception of the band in 2005 these guys have logged an impressive 200+ shows a year, released an EP and a Full Length album on Sabot Records. They are now set to release their next Full Length album, It’s Great To Be Alive on Feb.17, 2009 (SideOneDummy Records).

Chris Farren (Guitar/Vocals) stands on stage left and delivers a vocal that has a maturity that is unexpected from such a young musician. The guitar playing of Casey Lee is equally as unique and brings a color and mood to the music that is very rare and exciting. Bass player Derek Perry and drummer Sean Stevenson provide a solid, creative rhythm section that seals the signature of the Fake Problems sound. The band also features a wonderful collection of horn parts throughout their records and occasionally tour with horn players.

The lead off track, “1234″ sets the tone for the album and leads perfectly into the stand out track, “The Dream Team.” Other highlights include, “The Heaven & Hell Cotillion” which chants the straight forward chorus of “I’m going to Heaven and you’re going to Hell.” The somber “Too Cold Too Hold” & “Tabernacle Song” keep the album interesting around every turn.

SideOneDummy is proud to be releasing Fake Problems’ It’s Great To Be Alive in stores on Feb.17, 2009.

“Real Problems In SRQ” (from Oh Maria single)
“Life’s A Drink, Get Thirsty (from How Far Our Bodies Go)
“Cannonball” (from Spurs & Spokes / Bull>Matador)

Want to show that punk rocker in your life how much you care for them this holiday season? Two labels are having sales right now, and they’re both pretty insane as far as deals go. Hell, I’m tempted to just tell the wife what I’m buying, and have her sign her name to a card. Really, it’d probably be for the best, all around.

* Bridge 9 is having a monster of a sale in their store that ends TODAY:

*All CDs are $3, 6, or $9!
* Tons of T-Shirts $3, 6 and $9!
*Limited Vinyl is on sale!
*$15 and $20 hoodies

In these tough economic times, we know people need all the help they can get. And for us, we wanted to give you the chance to save as much as you can.

Going with the theme of the election, we need change in our webstore. For one week only, we have a massive sale going. We found some gems lurking in the warehouse, such as Panic “Dying For It” hoodies that we’re trying to say goodbye to-and we have shirts from DBD, H2O, Crime In Stereo, Have Heart, and just about every band-we love them-but want to see them replaced with new, better designs. We’ve also got some classics in all sizes and if you’re a YL, XL, or XXL.

LITERALLY EVERY CD WE HAVE IN STOCK IS ON SALE-AMERICAN NIGHTMARE for $3, Champion for $6, all 2008 releases for $9.

I feel like a car salesman.

We also have FREE SHIPPING for individuals who spend more than $50 in the USA and more than $75 worldwide.

Use the coupon code SHIPUS for Americans
Use the coupon code SHIPWORLD for Worldwide shipping.

* All Sailor’s Grave Records and Thorp Records releases are on sale through the end of the year. Two labels, one store - save on shipping. Full-lengths are $5.99, EPs are $4.99. They did this sale last year, too. Always a good way to pick up quality tunes cheap. Check out a tune by skatepunks My Revenge below for a taste of the goodness of which you can partake.

My Revenge - “Sing Now While You Have a Song” (from Strength Through Nonviolence)

I’m going to post the following press release with minor editing, because it is far more clever than anything I could write. However, I would like to state for the record that I saw Look Mexico at the Knitting Factory when I was in New York, and they managed to get the entire Old Office room to sit down while they played a song. It was amazing and cool, and they’re one of my new favorite bands. They have a wonderful indie / alt.country sound that just lilts along beautifully. They are also remarkably personable, and covered a truly awful song and made it sound good for Vinyl Collective’s Under the Influences series.

“GASP ASP, the newest 7-inch from Tallahassee, Florida’s LOOK MEXICO, is available now for pre-order from fledgling, destined-to-fail label, Tiny Engines.

Go here to grab a copy of this tasty slab of plastic. Orders will ship on November 25th and will include an mp3 download code for the songs.

Undoubtedly Look Mexico’s best work to date, Gasp Asp builds on the foundation of their brief-but-impressive catalog - the dynamic instrumental interplay, undeniably catchy melodies and a knack for keeping things unpredictable. Still, these three tracks inject a welcomed sense of maturity and craftsmanship, and Look Mexico sound more assured of their songwriting abilities than ever before. The band has truly discovered its own unique voice in indie rock.

On the other hand, Tiny Engines hasn’t done a single noteworthy thing, save for this 7-inch… which isn’t even out yet. Having said that, we’re fairly confident that we put together a really sweet first release. There are 1000 copies of the vinyl being pressed in three colors: light blue (200), white (200) and green (600). We also printed jackets (art by the band’s Josh Mikel / layout by JLP) featuring matte-finish and two foil-stamping variations. Of course, it’s easy to put together an awesome package when you’re working around three amazing songs.”

Look Mexico - “You’re Not Afraod of the Dark, Are You?” (from Gasp Asp)

Last Thursday, I got a message on Facebook from the radio station’s music director, asking if I’d like to interview Brian Wilson the next day.

“Seriously? Like THE Brian Wilson? Um… YES.”

So, after a little back and forth via e-mail, I was able to set up a time to interview the man who was responsible for Pet Sounds, Smile, et al. Then i realized that I couldn’t think of a goddamn thing to ask the man. Thanks to some help from Steve at Kief’s Downtown, I puzzled out a set of questions, and ran up to the station, awaiting the call.

I did the interview, and what happened is below. Minus a few “um”s, “er”s, and dead spaces, it’s the interview in its entirety. I had five minutes, and used pretty much all of it up. It was… interesting. Just take a listen and see what I mean.

Brian Wilson interview