Illpressed

Do you like Reggae Music?

2009-03-22T01:28:00.000-07:00

I get real nervous whenever anyone asks me this question. And it's only because i'm going to say "yes I do" and then their gonna come back with something like..."me too I love Bob Marley, Shabba Ranks and Shaggy....I love that Oh Carolina Song.." and then I'll have to smack them for speaking Bobs name in the same breath as those other dance hall crashers...and don't even get me started on Reggaeton!

You see I do love reggae music and my definition of Reggae is Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff the original rude boys who created a new form of music when they took to Wailing in protest of the horrors and the oppression they were living in. It's an anger music a rebel music. It is not what is has been marketed to become lately. So you see i get real nervous when someone asks me "do you like reggae music"

But my nerves were calm as a fuck tonight as i cruised over to Vinny's on the South East side of town, where two proven local bands were getting ready to throw down. And even though the Flyer said "Reggae" the music of The Dub Seeds and The Silence Club is far to progressive to be stuck with just one label. It's Roots, it's punk, it's rock-steady, it's rock n Espanol. It's all that and a dime sack.

Another thing I love about these bands is how serious they take themselves. I love that The Silence Club is also down with Hectic Films lending music to their projects over and over. Class acts both of them. I had a great time watching some amazing local talent tonight.

These links might be usefull

The Silence Club
The Dub Seeds
Hectic Films

...and the rest of the pics....

I don't know, was I a Jerk?

2009-01-22T20:23:00.000-08:00

So I'm feeling really 'take America backish' or something this week what with Obama be sworn in and all. I'm feeling really proud of my country and I feel we all have to do our part to make America great again. Or something idk, but here's what I did today. You decide for yourself was I a jerk?

So I'm driving home from a fairly rough day at work and it's been a long ass week and I was feeling like I needed a drink. I stopped at the local mini mart down the street from my house you know those little mom and pop mini marts where they sell everything way above suggested retail value. You hate to shop there cause it's so expensive but it's just more convenient to go there. I grabbed a couple of Monsters to make my self a Jager Bomb on the rocks when I got home and took them up to the counter.

"How you doing?" the guy behind the counter says to me.

"I'm good" I reply back as he rings up my Monsters, I glance 1 foot away from me down the counter and see a rack of Porno Mags sitting right there 10 inches away from the Blow Pops. I know this is his store and he's here to make money but come on does he need to throw Porno Mags in the faces of everyone who is making any type of purchase? Sure the faces of the mags were covered by a sign that read "Adult XXX" but I still though this was just wrong.

So I ask the guy "you make a lot of money on those?"

He answers "no not really".

Then I say "why don't you just get rid of them then, since they're not making you any money anyways?"

Suddenly his English got really bad and he pretended to not understand what I was saying. "Come on little kids buy candy right here for crying out loud you have them right next to the blow pops!"

He remembered English again as he told me how much I owed for the Monsters. I gave him my cash and asked again "why don't you just get rid of the Porno Mags you said yourself they didn't make any money"

Suddenly his English was mumbled again and he pretended to not understand me. I took my change thanked him and told him to have a wonderful evening.

I just don't like the idea of these little stores selling Porno Mags and putting them right on the counter right next to the candy. Why do they even sell them if they aren't making any money this is just bad business.

NAMM 2009-The Fans View

2009-01-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

First off thanks to Chris Richards and California Keyboards for getting this music fanatic into NAMM!

Now I am neither a musician nor a vendor I'm just a huge fan of music so I just walked around star struck all day long not minding the long lines for the chance to snap a pic and get an autograph some one of the many musicians doing the NAMM thing. From what I hear the NAMM show lasts all week however I was only there on Saturday and he's how my day went. It might seem boring to some but it was a day I'll never forget!!

We get there and I feel like a kid in a candy store I was just walking around like I said in awe of the massive scene that is NAMM. There are vendor booths all around with list of names and times that their artists will be signing autographs. The first booth that caught my eye was Remo's booth that listed an 11:30 signing time for Stephen Perkins!!! Wholly shit Stephen Perkins drummer for Jane's Addiction and how perfect was this I had just watched the 3 Days DVD about the 1987 Relapse Tour so Jane's was still fresh on my mind.

We got in line early there were only two people ahead of us and they were a couple of super fans who had way cooler Jane stories then us so they deserved to be first in line. Stephen was way cool and signed a Remo Drum Head for me. After he signed it I mentioned to him how much I loved his bands musis and he said to me "it's all coming back too, this time with Eric Avery". Yes the Jane's Addiction reunion rumors are true, Stephen Perkins himself confirmed them for me!

After my Stephen encounter we walked and galked some more and I spotted my next autograph opportunity Sheila E and the entire Escovedo clan were signing at 2:00 on one corner and Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains was signing at 3:00 just 15 feet away. Awe this is perfect I said to U2 Chick "you go wander around, I'm staying right here" I said. Sheila E is as hot as ever and her dad and brothers are class acts. Here's something weird though Sheila E wrote my name backwards she wrote: 'To susej' how weird is that..wtf?

After the Sheila E line I walked over to the booth where Jerry Cantrel was going to sign just to verify with the dude that he was going to show, he is a rock star you know? After inquiring I was informed that he would show but he was running late. Oh well I thought I found me a quiet little corner with a chair and took a load off for a quick breather. I happened to have sat down in a little tiny Lee Oskar booth. It wasn't much of a booth just a picture of him on the wall a display case with a bunch of nice harmonica's and TV screen that was playing a short 3 minute Lee Oskar infomercial. I sat there for about 20 minutes just people watching having a chill time waiting for Jerry Cantrel. Then this little older dude shows up and starts setting up a amp and a mic. "I'm I in your way sir" I asked the dude. "No your okay" he replied back and then it hit me....wholly that that's Lee Oskar. I turned red "let me get out of your way Mr Oskar" I said to him. He just smiled and kept setting up.

Turns out he had an interview scheduled and I stood 3 feet away watched him perform for the journalist (some young British looking kid) and do the interview. Afterwards he was nice enough to pose with me for a pic.

So now it was Jerry Cantrell time! The line went by pretty quick and before I knew it there I stood in front of the man who was once one half of some of the most beautiful heavy metal harmonies I've ever heard alongside the now departed Layne Staley. "I saw you guys on Lollipolloza 93 at the Shoreline...Layne had a cast?" I asked. I have often tried to remember If Layne Staley had a cast on when I saw Alice In Chains or not but my memory isn't quite what it once was. "Yeah he had a cast on his foot, he broke some bones messing around on Ozzy's ATV" Jerry answered. Ah at long last I foggy memory was cleared up by none other then Jerry Cantrell himself.

"Los Lobos are performing at 5" U2 Chick informed after I posed for my pic with Cantrell. We split up for awhile but all made it back to the Fender area to get in line for Los Lobos around 4:30ish. The line wasn't too long when we got there but was way long by 5:00 and it's a good thing we go there when we did because they only let in 100 people!! Los Lobos were amazing! I've seen them several time before but never in such a lose intimate setting. They laughed and joked with the crowd they even gave a fan a hard time when they requested La Bamba. "Ah not La Bamba" Davis Hidalgo joked "I hear that song in my sleep" he joked. They did play That Train Don't Stop Here Anymore featuring J. R. Lozano of the 44s on drums the set finished with a blistering version of Don't Worry Baby.

We left the Fender stage walking on air. How could we not be we had just been treated to and amazing free show by one of L.A's all time great bands. There's more pics on my Myspace go check em out!!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T13:15:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas Eve I opted to take Christmas Eve off and work Christmas day. It just worked out better for everyone this way and I'm really enjoying just chillin here at home waiting for the insanity that will ensue as soon as all the kiddies get here.

I really need to get my ass to Target to buy some headphones for the Ipod we got my niece but I'm just chillin to hard righnt now.

Okay so let me tell you what else I've done. I transferred all the old blog posts from my very first blog onto this one. Everyone was always telling me how they used to just love to go online and read those old posts but I stopped paying for the domain name a couple of years ago so those old posts were lost in some kind of blog limbo but I found them and they are here. The text is all there but the pics didnt seem to come over as willingly so there's a bunch of boxes with red x's where the pics used to be sorry bout that. Okay well so that's it for now peace ese'

Vecar 3 Song Demo

2007-03-05T20:57:00.000-08:00

I don't know if it has an Official name but my boy Vecar is handing out 3 Song Demo's at his shows and asking for a small donation. If you see him, take a demo and give him a couple of bucks. Support the arts yo!!

One Small Step for Bakotopia

2007-03-05T17:46:00.000-08:00

one Giant Leap for the Bakersfield Music Scene!!!

The Bakotopia CD Release show (the first of 3!) was a huge success from what I saw over at the Bakestage last Saturday Night.

A family Bar B Q kept me away from the show until about 8:30. When U2 Chick and I arrived the first sign it was a huge success was we had to park about a block away. Nice, I thought getting more and more excited with every step we took towards the venue. We walked in handed over our 5.00 bucks then stood in the packed venue holding in our hands the first ever Bakotopia Compilation CD. 16 tracks for just 5.00 bucks! Dang that's just 31.25 cents a song, what a bargain!!!!

Like I said the place was packed, everyon was there. The dancin' was great. The floor erupted when Mento took the stage. A circle of Bakotopians bouncin joyfully in unison with the music. Bouncin along in beat with the skank. It was beautiful, I thought about jumpin in myself, maybe next time.

Like NL and Matt mention in an interview posted on Bakotopia and on NL's site. The Bakersfield Music Scene is currently going through a resurgence the likes of which we haven't seen in the scene in a long long time.

Me personally I love it!!! I actually left the Bakotopia CD show a little early and headed down to the SilverFox to catch Vecar. I'm telling ya the scene is red hot right now you gotta plan your weekends carefully or you'll miss out. The Vecar show was ill, The drunk dancing was quit intertaining. All in all another great weekend on the scene. Hope you can keep up. JR

I Think I Died A Little...

2007-02-23T23:25:00.000-08:00

The day Rage Against The Machine tickets went on-sale and souled out before I could get some for the upcoming Coachella Arts and Music Festival. I felt so out of touch I wasn't able to obtain a ticket for one of the greatest come back shows of all time. Well I'm not even sure if it should be called a comeback' show I mean who's to say they're actually coming back? So far they have only confirmed this one show. So who knows?

The show sold out and I couldn't get a ticket I was not going to be at Coachella with the thousands of other people watching Rage. I felt like I wasn't cool anymore I wasn't 'down' I didn't score a ticket fot the show. All the other people were faster then me and they were going to go see Rage they will be coming to California from all over the USA, Canada even!!. Somehow they deserved it more then. They were bigger fans then me, they were going to make history I was just entitled to my old glory day stories..."oh I saw Rage way back when"...."oh really old man? well I'm gonna see Rage in April and your not" Yeah so i guess I'm still pissed about the whole Rage thing.

I've been in this funk and I can't seem to break out of it. I sit at the key bored try to type but nothing comes. I have stories I'm dying to tell but just not write now I guess? It'll be soon though I can feel it.

I went to a Dirty Spanglish show tonight. Just to get out and see my friends NL and Matildakay. It's always good talking to them when I haven't written in a while they're always good at encouraging me. But anyways Dirty Spanglish...what can I say about these guys that isn't going to be said about them in the future. They were a breath of fresh air on this chilly night in downtown Bako that's for sure. Young and full of enthusiasm they looked like they were just having so much fun up there. Rocking out to Filthies covers, Johnny Cash cover and and a few originals too. Landen played a few scorching solo's on the guitar and they're bass player, what a char actor!! The sound was balanced well between the 4 of them. They were great

They were a lot of fun is all I have to say. Musically I know they're still growing. I mean they're only 15!! I really hope they keep playing I'd love to hear what they're gonna have to offer in the future.

Okay, I'm gonna try and go write on my Diet Blog now. Later JR

JR-Pissed

2007-01-27T23:57:00.000-08:00

So on ticketmaster.com I cannot buy a single day ticket for Coachellla Sunday April 29th. I can however buy a three day pass. I don't want to go all three days I only want to go on Sunday. I was online at 10:00 am and at 10:01 am ticketmaster told me there were no more Sunday Tix available.

To further add to my pissed off state of mind. I just went on to Ebay and there is no shortage of supply for Single Day Sunday April 29th tix available at twice the cost of course.

I have no choice but to save my hard earned money and pay the scalpers so I can go see my favorite band in the world. Rage Against The Machine.

So after all these years and all these artists and all this time and efffort artists used to fight against Napster we see just where it's all gotten us. Ticketmaster and the promoters still have us all right where they want us. It's all about supply and demand. Supply the scalpers with all the tix they need. Then let them demand as much money as they wish from the fans who want to see the bands.

The Shitty thing is, I'm gonna do it. I will pay the scalpers. I must see this show. RATM are you kidding me. They were one of the greatest bands of all time. What they did to Rock N Roll will go down in history. Not that other bands havent set the world on fire before or since....(well has anyone really done what they've done since?) but it's just they were our band you know what I mean. We listened to this shit and it fired us up. Now I'm fired up and I will be there someway somehow. I just hope it doesnt end up costing me an arm and a leg to get there. JR-Pissed!

The Return of Swag 667

2007-01-17T01:07:00.000-08:00

Oh my it was soooo cold last Saturday Night as I cruised the streets of Downtown Bako!!! Earlier in the week I had been torn as to just what show I was gonna try and catch on this freezing night.

There were punk rockers at the Silver Fox. The In Denial and The 28's...at the Silver Fox, how could I miss this show. O.G punk rockers, do I even need to drop their names? Dobbler, Shock, Pigeons...should I go on? From one classic band two have sprung and they were playing together? Or Stitch, American Standard and the return of Swag 667 at the back stage. Well the choice was hard but I opted for the Swag show. Here's my reasoning...

Yes, the 28's and the In-Denial are a phat line up. However I found out the In-Denials would be playing with the Filthies at their CD release show this coming Friday at B Ryders on White Lane ( Friday Night January 19th). So I can see Swag one week then the In-Denial with the Filthies, also a great show the next In the mean time I'll just keep my fingers crossed The 28's will play somewhere along with the In-Denials soon. Dude who said punk was dead, the O.G's are bringing it back!!

Okay now on with my story.....it was a cold dark night.....

20th and M where the hell is this place...oh the old Bam Bams my god I hadnt been in this building in years. Seems like it was just yesturday i saw one of the greatest shows in the history of the scene there...Mentu Buru/Lets Go Bowling. I remember walking out of that show with my shirt soaked in sweat breathing heavily grinning from ear to ear. That exhausted sense of euphoria rushing all through my veins you know the feeling if a live band has ever made you feel alive.

So there I was back in this old building where I first heard the sounds of the Bako scene so many years before. I was back on this freezing ass night though for the return of Swag 667.

Billy Von and his crew had been on hiatus for the past year or so. It's easily been two years since I'd seen them at the Dome. They had the heaviest sound in the world and just brought it like it was no one's business back in the day. But then like all other great Bako bands they went away. New members old members through it all I always knew Billy Von would be back with this band he loves. He's a rock star and there's only one place big enough for this dude and it's on the stage. And let me tell he Billy Von and the rest of his band are back and they kicked some serious tail at the Backstage the other night.

Their set moved right along flowing smoothly song after song. The creative samples spinning in between songs really helped keep the show moving. Made you feel like you had to pay close attention or you might miss something. The samples stopped about half way through though and I missed them for the rest of the show. The music itself was so great though. The crowd responded eagerly they requested songs by name and sang along. For a band who had been away for so long they jumped right back in as if they'd never missed a beat and the crowd received them like old friends anxious to catch up.

Going into the night I always would have considered Swag a heavy metal band though, but I'm not sure about that after the show the other night . Or you know, I'm not even gonna mess the whole thing up and start throwing genres out there how bout that? Let's just say Swag brought it with a power and sound I hadn' been expecting from them.

The music was loud and hard it just wasnt soooooo loud and hard to a point where it weighed itself down under its own sound. I think some bands in the mainstream have this problem. They get so caught up in just bringing it as loud and as hard and powerfull as possible they forget about just making music. I't's like the music is on steroids or something. This wasn't the case with Swag 667 though. You can easily hear all the pieces working together as one.

These guys have been working it behind closed doors and it shows.

Tom Gets His Junk Pierced

2007-01-05T01:17:00.000-08:00

This is Tommy Two Pints just before he got his junk pierced

I really doubt this'll be the last time I write about my main man Tommy Two Pints. But here we go. Who is Tommy Two Pints you might ask? Well lemme tell ya. He's this cool ass dude I work with and he's always up to something. Sometimes it's good sometimes, it's just bad. But He's always up to something. The guy is a genius when it comes to spreadsheet and databases. Gets me outta more trouble at work than I'd care to say I almost get my self into.

So he turns to me the other day at work and says "....so I woke up this morning and decided I wanted to get my junk pierced"

"Dude, I thought you quit drinkin" I inquired.

"Oh I was sober, when I thought of this" He countered.

"Well, dude lemme take pictures!?" I blurted out, my journalistic instincts just took over, what can I say. Something crazy is gonna go down I wanna be a part of it, document it, scribe it for the masses. That's my job it's what I do. So there that's why I watched a man get his junk pierced tonight.

It was a lot less graphic than I thought it would be though. I thought there was gonna be blood gushing out and shrieks of pain. But my man Tommy Two Pints took his piercing like a G. He did grimace in pain just a little but then again there was a metal rod going through his little pink fleshy rod. Not that it was little, or big for that matter I wasn't trying to measure it. I'm just trying my best to give you guys details. Yeah first they put this big rod through and they let it sit there for a second. I guess maybe to wait and see if the dude's gonna pass out from the pain. Then they take it out and put the regular rod in. The one that's gonna stay there.

This is Tommy Two Pints seconds after his junk was pierced

"How does it feel?" I couldn't help but ask on the way back to my car

"It doesn't really hurt that bad, ahhhh I can't wait to use!!" He nearly shouted

Tommy Two Pints admires his freshly pierced junk

Something keeps telling me that I should add some kind of waiver or parental warning to this post. But if you want to get your junk pierced and your an adult with the means of doing it. Then by all means pierce your junk. Just don't do it yourself of course. Let a professional do it in a clean sterile environment. The joint we went to was called Syck Skin Tattoo and is located at 221 Roberts Ln just off of Chester(661) 399-7546. The dude's name was John I think

Power Screamo Pop: From Ritual To Romance: Live 01/01/07 12:01 AM

2007-01-01T03:52:00.000-08:00

The scene keeps dragging me back in. No matter how much or often I think to myself I'm so through with reporting exclusivley on the scene the scene finds away do drag me back in.

So where else do I find myself on New Years Eve? Yep the From Ritual To Romance Mansion a comfy little house party with about 30 or so guests. A bunch of drunk happy people ready to ring in the new year with one another. Then, no sooner does the new year ring in and Ruben of FRTR starts rounding everyone up. "Everybody to the Band Room" he's yelling, rounding up people from all parts of the house. oh shit are these dudes getting ready to play?

Yes, they were. I ran and grabbed my camera by the time a made it back into the band room it was standing room only as the entire party had crammed into a tiny room and FRTR was ready rock. Instruments plugged and tuned.

Dude, there was no where to sit let alone stand. So I figured since I had to stand anyway I might as well get the best sound quality I could possibley get and I stood right in the middle of the band. Drums behind me, bass and guitar to my left, guitar keyboars and dual vox to my right. People crammed into every possible corner all around.

The sound was great. All in my face and blasted out loud. In tune, in time, insync with one another. These gus were great. Rubens keyboards add a flava to the sound which helps keep them unique during a time when Screamo is so shiek so to say. The dual vocals also helps keep the music moving, never a dull moment. And that kid Maco or whatever his name with his Gibson Les Paul. Fucking amazing, I think I may have drooled all over his guitar or worse during one of his solos. Awesome. Thanks guys for letting me stand right in the middle of the room sorry if I messed you guys up at all.

I have to give much credit to this band for sticking together for something like two years now. In a time where I've seen band after band break up and be no more these FRTR dudes have stuck together and have a massive core audience to show for their efforts. I recently asked a co worker of mine what he thought of FRTR Hallloween show. He told me he it was the best Halloweeen show he'd ever been to. Every time I ask someone what they think of FRTR they rave to me about how awesome they are live. I'm stoked I finally got to see and hear for myself what everyone has been talkin about.

Go see this band live I promise you will not be dissapointed I wasn't

2007-01-01T03:50:00.000-08:00

2007-01-01T03:47:00.000-08:00

2007-01-01T03:37:00.000-08:00

From Ritual To Romance

2007-01-01T03:33:00.000-08:00

Top 25

2007-01-01T02:56:00.000-08:00

What's in your top 25? Yeah, I've really been stuck on the Strokes Recently and just before that it was The Dave Matthews band after recently buying Before These Crowded streets. Man I f-ing love that album, as you can See from my top 25 DMB is well Represented. Another recent buy was Oingo Boingo Farewell: Live From the Universal Amphatheatre. I was at the next to last show. Matt, Joe, Cgar and a bunch of other Bako O.G's represented hardcore at the Finale. You can even see Big Joe Vasquez of Mento Buru for a split second in the DVD either right before or right after Dead Man's Party. Anyway. Just stopping by to write I'm posting more real soon.

Starbucks and Fries

2006-12-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

I had pretty much hit the wall today @ work when a friendly voice said to me "your getting Starbucks and Fries". 'Freakin score' I thought to myself. I was dog tired and in need of a pick me up...thanks Tom. The Starbucks and Fries came about a half hour later.

I sipped on the Starbucks and sampled a fry. Ah they were fries from one of those mom and pop places the kind with the ridges and just the right amount of seasoning salt. I ate one I ate two, I took a sip of Starbucks. A mint flavored frap with whipped cream and red sprinkles on top 'ah how Christmasy' I thought. I grabbed another fry and went back to work. Update this, change that, remove them, call her, ignore him, look ate this shit, did i do that?.....It's all just another day at work and I can't help but love it............

........So this weekend I went down to Sandrini's on Saturday Night. Joel, the old guitarist from Gramercy Riff was playin his first show with his new band-Get Back Warchild (...Seriously..) To tell you the truth at one point in the night I had decided not to go to the show. Why? I don't know I make dumb decisions like that all the time. I think my reasoing was 'oh I'll catch their next show' but then I was also thinking 'man what if this ends up being their only show?' At any rate M-Kay sent me a text "did you go home already?"

"Yes" I text back

Then she responded "Just got to Sandrini's with NL they haven't started yet, you wanna come back".

Hmm I thought I called her and she said they were still setting up so I put my shoes back on and hauled ass down there.

I got there and the place was packed almost every table was full and seating at the bar was pretty scarce. NL holla'd from a table near the front, I went over and took his seat next to M-Kay. NL went up to the stage so he could get some video footage for his blog. I chatted with M-Kay and anxiously awaited the start of the show.

"I feel like a little kid, I'm so excited" I told M-Kay. The rush of the fast drive, the crowd and the upcoming set were starting to take over my mood. Joel and his band-a three piece took their time tuning up and plugging in. I gotta feeling Joel had to have a few butterflies in his gut. I don't care how many times you take the stage the first time with a new crew behind you has got to be nerve wrecking.

I saw Joels last band go from screamo, pop gods to misunderstood post Cobain disciples in a span of two years when bands like them, Stereotactic, Altimara and Diary ran the scene out of the basement at Jerry's. It had been about a year since the last time a saw Joel play live rith the Riff trading guitar licks with Jeff the Riff's other guitarist. What was this band going to sound like I kept thinking to myself. The lights went out, Joel stepped to the mic and thanked to crowd. It was time to find out.

Machin gun like drums! Joel starts stangeling his guitar, the bassist started pulling on his bass then screamed an inaudible shriek into the mic. WTF is this I thought to myself. In 15 seconds Get Back Warchild had just taken this new wave of music back 5 years and a screamo band was struggling to find it's voice. I watched in silence not knowing what to say. Just then the music stopped and Joel laughed into the mic "we're just fucking around" I breathed a sigh of relief oh man the joke was on us, he got us good I'll admit.

I don't know what to say about the show that followed. All I know is I really enjoyed it. Joel traded lead vocal duties with the bassist who it turns out had a pretty decent voice himself it was a balanced counter point to Joels Gaelic cries and some solid bass liks too. Their drummer seemed on but tended to rush but then again what drummer doesn't? Joel is still a genius at turning distortion into sound he's up there with Colin of the Get Up Get Down as far as I'm concerned. I'm JR I'm out.

Oh hot damn

2006-11-16T15:29:00.000-08:00

A whole day off with not a thing to do????????????? What i'm a gonna do with myself?

Road trip baby, U2 Chick and I are hittin the road to visit some family to the South. Got my camera in my lap, Starbucks in the cup holder and my minds a little cloudy.

Also got a copy of the new Jay Z- Till Kingdom Come to bump along the way.....Rockafella y'all

So hopefully when we get back we'll have stories to tell, pictures to see, there will be blogs to write!!

"....it's a beautifull day...."

400 Blows Live: @ Narducci's

2006-11-10T15:40:00.000-08:00

2006-11-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

2006-11-10T15:26:00.000-08:00

2006-11-10T15:25:00.000-08:00

2006-11-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

Vecar-The Sit Down

2006-11-09T09:01:00.000-08:00

I aint even gonna lie to you folks cause you been too good to me over the years. About a year ago shorty after the last Karmahitlist show and just before the last Gramercy Riff show, I groaned to NL one night at Vinny's "...dude i'm done reporting on the Bako scene" I remember the look of disapointment on NL's face but I didn't care I was tired.

Tired of seeing all the good bands get pissed at each other and disappear. Temperd gone, Ridicule gone, Broken Record Gospel!!!!......gone!. Fuck it I'm done for a while. I needed to take a break. So I disappeared, got lost in a job, pretty much ignored the scene. Listened to the Filthies on my Ipod and chilled. Then I run into Cesareo one night cause that dude is everywhere and you cant help but run into him from time to time. "I asked him who do I need to see?" because back in the day it was C-Gar who turned me on to all the good local stuff. " Vecar, you need to check out Vecar Riley's Sunday Night Vecar, check him out" So I did........

....Here's what I thought about Vecar, you can find the whole story here on my Bakotopia page"... I grabbed a Pepsi and took a seat in front. Then this kid comes up to the mike talks a little about what he's about to do, and proceeds to throw down. No, bizarre sounding machine like rock n roll sound buzz and fuzz. But some cool ass drums and bass with some shreddin guitar. This kid looked young but he played like he grew up in the 80's just like me.

I heard heavy influences of New Order and the Stray Cats. He was comfortable on the stage sang with passion and strangled his guitar whenever he felt it was absolutely necessary. The crowd quickly got into the groove and cheered him on, the set seemed to get stronger and stronger after every song. Each song revealing more and more about this mystery kids influences. Every thing from Elvis to the Cure seemed to be in his style, and he brought it all out...."

So it's been a couple of months since seeing the kid phenom once and I've seen him a couple of time since. Some nights he's on others he's luke warm but without a doubt there is a pulse and I wanted to know more. So I tracked him down one day outside his second job sat him down and had a little talk. This is what was said.

JR Do you want to keep it as a one man thing, have you been in a band before?

Vecar. No I'm looking to put a band together I've worked a little with Cesareo, and with Ben Gomez. Hopefully something will come together.

JR How do you like playing alone though?

Vecar I like the fact that I have control over all the music

JR Would you give up singing or give up playing lead?

Vecar Well if someone showed me they could play better than me or sing better than me yes I would let them take it. As far as someone singing my songs though I dont know if i could do that though, because they're my songs and I put so much into them.

JR Where was your first show?

Vecar My first show was at Rileys, not the night you saw me though I think that was like my third or fourth show.

JR How hard is it to play live when your band is not live, its pre recorded?

iVecar I'm kinda glad i started by myself, i bet if i had a whole band i would have stuck with the whole stand in one place thing. Being by myself made me be more aware people are here for more than just the music and it made me put on more of a show.

JR But being alone it seems like your limited because the music is programed, does it limit improvisation, do you feel limited?

Vecar I can play those parts anyway I chose to, I can record those parts and make them as long as I want them to be. But I know that if I mess up it all comes to a stop. I know if I was in a live band the music wouldn't always come to a stop.

JR What do you want to accomplish by spring?

Vecar I'd love to have my little 5 song CD out with my little bar code on it so people could buy it. I'd also love to start playing out of town.

JR So whats top priority, finishing your CD or putting a band together?

Vecar Well Ben who I've worked with is also trying to finish his CD before he gets started with anything else so wel see how it goes But he's encouraged me a lot, he's doing a lot of crazy sounding latin stuff, bringing out all his influences.

JR What about your influences?

Vecar Man I love all types of music, I love some rap but I need to listen to more of it. I love heavy metal I try to incorparate as much as I can into my music. I think you can hear it in my older stuff. I don't just want to write a bunch of pop songs people are gonna enjoy i want to write somethng that means a lot to me and means a lot to other people i listen to a lot of country and a lot of bluegrass too a lot of Buddy Holly Deon and the Bellmonts.

JR Where'd you find that stuff?

Vecar There was this oldies station when I was a kid I used to listen to but then one day it was just gone so I went out and bought as much as I could like the 4 Seasons, The Turtles The Zombies 60's Mod music. Then there was the 70's!! David Bowie all that great music Frank Sinatra was still around the Beatles were still around Pink Floyd, Creedence all this great music and oh man how can some people be like oh I dont listen to heavy metal' and you never hear that great music that you just have never heard then how are you gonna know you don't like it? Maybe that might be your song that might be the song that will change your life forever and your not gonna listen to it because you refuse to listen to heavy metal?

JR I dig that And we danced Song.

Vecar I wrote that for my first show, I was going to through all my stuff trying to put together a little 5 song set. I just went through the preset drum and bass lines and put my guitar over it, Its just one of those dancing songs about a friend.

JR Is it true you watched La Bamba and it made you want to play guitar?

Vecar Oh yeah I love La Bamba I was like 5 or 6 years old and I knew I wanted to do something like that. The first CD i bought for myself I was like 8 years old it was The Ritchie Valenz story and I was like hey wait a minute this isn't the same as on the video

JR How'd you feel about that?

Vecar At first i was disappointed but then i was like well who is this then and I realized it was Los Lobos and that made me want to check them out. I have La Pistola Y El Corazan.

JR What do you think abot the Bakersfield scene?

Vecar Its like a mini LA and everyone is tyring to compete against each other. But it's like I know you didn't just pick up a guitar and say I wanted to play. I know its your music and it took you a long time to play what you just played I know it took you a long time. If I like it I'll tel you I like it if I don't I'll just keep it to myself I'll encourage you if anything because its like this. Music is something that needs to be part of everyone's life even if you dont play it you need to listen to it you need to experience it.

Want some more? You can catch Vecar Live tonight at the SilverFox then November 19th at Narducci's. Check out his profile on Bakotopia and MySpace. I'm JR I'm out, Peace Ese'

The Killers Vs. My Chemical Romance

2006-11-05T00:41:00.000-08:00

Who rocks it harder?

Right now I have to give it to the Killers. They fuckin rock. Have you heard the new album? The guy writes like he thinks he's Bruce Springsteen and the band is playing like they just recorded Born To Run. This album is going to be a classis.

Then there's that new My Chemical Romance song I've been hearing. The one where they think their Queen and they sound about a year away from Bohemian Rhapsody. I do really dig that song. But sometimes the dude just comes off sounding too bratty and whiney for me. And come on if I want a bratty whiney sounding rock star then I'll just go back to listening to The Smashing Pumkins. Word-JR

Movie Review: Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

2006-11-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Okay first things first. To the people who add up the Box Office numbers for the weekend. Take three ticket sales from Saw III and add them to the Borat movie total.

When we arrived at Edwards Cinema tonight we were not too shocked to learn Borat had Sold Out the 8:00pm showing. Luckily we were quick thinkers and already had a back up plan. We purchased 3 tix for Saw III then quietly walked into the theatre showing Borat. We did have to sit in the 3rd row but it wasn't all that uncomfortable, and come on who were we to complain right? Okay now with that out of the way time for the review.

I laughed my ass off. I laughed so much I once thought I was gonna throw up. Another time I laughed so long I thought I was gonna pass out from lack of oxygen to the brain. Still another time I laughed so hard I farted...loudly. But, not to worry everyone else in the Sold Out audience was to busy laughing no one noticed.

Borat is this 'Happy Go Lucky' foreign dude from Kazakhstan Russia. He's a reporter who gets send to America for...well the title of the movie says it all. So the culturally challenged dude comes over here and just makes a mess of the place trying his darndest to fit in and learn American Culture along the way.

Man, I'm gonna do you a favor and not make this review long and boring.

Just go see this movie if your into comedic Andy Kaufmanisk laughs. This movie is definitely not for the up tight people of the world as it pokes fun at everyone, especially Jews. There was a couple times where I was like 'OMG I can't believe they're getting away with this shit' But I'm tellin you. It's the funniest movie I've seen in a long time. The laughs are hard, they are plentiful. You will not be disappointed. Do whatever have to do to see this movie ASAP. Sneak in if you have to!!

"Music is something that needs to be part of everyone's life..." Paul Mario

2006-11-04T01:07:00.000-08:00

Coming soon. The Ill Press interview with Paul Mario of Vecar. Soon I promise!!

The Legendary coach Chuck Chamberline

2006-11-03T23:09:00.000-08:00

I had a lot of fun tonight. But the most memorable moment of the whole night will be the 5 or so minutes, maybe it wasn't even 5 maybe it was just 2-3 minutes I spent talking with coach Chuck Chamberline.

We talked about a football game he coached on the very same field we were standing on some 18 or so years before. Arvin Vs BHS. In the rain.

"It didn't start raining until the second half" Coach corrected me as I did my best to remember that night so many years ago.

"All I remember about that game coach was watching Combs, Christy, and Jimenez scramble all over that field" I recalled.

"Those were some good boys" Coach told me "Remember that touchdown Jimenez threw to Christy" I didn't remember the exact one I just remember those guys running all over the field and it was raining. But I nodded yes to the coach as he told his story cause I didn't want him to stop.

"I had called a different play, but when Jimenez got to the line he checked off, called a different play and threw that touchdown to Christy. Everybody still to this day gives me credit for making the call that won us that game. But it wasn't me it was Jimenez who called that play" He told the story like it had just happened the week before.

Then coach reminded me of another little known fact I was proud have already known. "Did you know, after that lose BHS would not lose again for three years?"

"Yes sir I did. You guys were the last team to beat them before their streak" Coach smiled at me and nodded shook my hand and walked away.

Man I bet that dude could tell stories like that all night. Thanks coach for taking the time to tell me one story tonight.

"..now go out there and get your championship!!!"

2006-11-03T23:04:00.000-08:00

Bear Country Pride

2006-11-03T22:58:00.000-08:00

AHS

2006-11-03T22:52:00.000-08:00

Ah...I'm home.....

2006-11-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

Like this

2006-11-03T22:46:00.000-08:00

Pre-game warm ups

2006-11-03T22:43:00.000-08:00

Where have all the MC's gone?

2006-10-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

I went over U2Chicks house the other night to watch the VH1 Hip Hop Honors she had Tevo'd for me the night before. The Beastie Boys were being Honored and that was enough for me to want to watch ( ....most ILLinest B-Boys!).

It was a two hour show I think and the Beasties were the first to get honored. I thought we were going to be done then but for some reason we kept watching I'm not sure why but I'm sure it was a good reason. Something like the remote control being more than an arms length away or worse yet it had fall on the floor and neither of us wanted to get up to change the channel. You know a legit reason. But anyway, point is we kept watching. They honored MC Lyte, Rakim, Afrika Bambata, Eazy Motherfuckin E and Ice Cube. I may have left someone out but those are the ones I remember.

So we're watching and I'm really getting into it yelling "OMG I used to love that song" over and over again after each performance. Talking to U2Chick about the glory days of rap the good ol days of rap. Then she asks me "who's out now that you like?" I had to stop and think for a second. Hmmm, "uhhhh...no one" I said

"Really?" she replied almost not believing what I had just said. "why not?" she inquired.

"Well raps different now" I said to her. Matter of fact. As for the stuff we had spent the last two hours listening to I'm gonna go out on a limb and call all that stuff Hip Hop. Except for of course Eazy and Cube we all know that is Gangsta Rap and we all know where that started. What we have now is nothing but a bunch of rappers braggin about how much Bling they got but you can't understand a damn word any of them are saying cause of all the gold and platinum in their teef!!

So it leaves me to question. Where have all the MC's gone? The Fugees once dared to argue there were "Too many MC's not enough mics" Well the mics are laying on the floor begging for an MC to pick them up these days. I'm sure there's lots of good underground stuff out there but I'm too lazy to take the time to look for it. I want my rap spoon fed to me like back in the days of Yo MTV Raps.

As a matter of fact since we're having this conversation well actually since I'm writing and your reading. Is there even really any real DJ's out there any more playing records? Or are all of today's beats done on a computer? I don't know but I sure did enjoy all that old school stuff the other night. JR

PS....ah dude since I'm talking about rap/hip hop getting all misty eyes and sentimental and shit. I just remembered I have heard something new I liked just recently. Matter of fact I even purchased a song of theirs off of ITunes. Their are called the Literates and their out of LA. Go check em out you might dig it. Okay now i'm out JR

Will I?

2006-10-20T00:18:00.000-07:00

Actually drag my ass out of bed at 6:30 am tomorrow morning and go to the gym?

TGIF

2006-10-20T00:08:00.000-07:00

Tonight The Red Rooster go say good bye to Hammer, dude is bailing on us someone needs to go get the story cause I dont think I can make it all the way out there. I'll fo sho be at Vinny's though to check out Vecar you should all go to.

Or just get out and do something the new Sophia Coppola movie opens today too so if your not into the live rock thing go watch a flick the night have been beautifull lately.

So this is the New Ill Press hope you dig it. Don't know what the next post will be about

Meet me!!! I'll be there around 10pmish

2006-10-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

2006-02-05T20:41:00.000-08:00

New California Rock

2006-02-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

I'm so there!

Huh?

2006-02-01T19:51:00.000-08:00

Wassup I'm alive and well, takin what their giving cause i'm working for a livin...ha!

I must blog i just must it's in my blood now and I know their is no turnng back. Thing is I'm too buzy working so I aint been going to shows. I have gone to Vinny's quite a few time and I'm loving that scene. Sooooo, I'm gonna leave the scene writing to Nick and the Bums, Rob Shock and Heath Dobbler are much entertaining themselves with their own spewing of the gospel be it frantic or sometime sporadic like mine. If you want more Bake Tunes then check Matt and the Bakotopians. He's also doing his best to help the cause. Then of course to get the womens perspective on the whole world around us we have Bake Town and Matildakay.

Oh i'ma keep writing I just don't know about what yet. Maybe I'll be like Seinfeld and this'll just be my big blog about nothing...i dunno?

With that being said....So I finally had a day off today. I seriously considered going in and doing some OT but I decided to chill instead. Eventually I headed into town and got a haircut. I usually go to the UpperCut on White Ln and that's where I went today. They're pretty cool there I guess. Afterwards I went to the Wherehouse on Ming with two CD's on my mind Depeche Modes Violater and REM's Automatic For The People. Both great CD's that I know i've owned at least once or twice before in my life but you know how that shit goes i'm not gonna spend hours blogging about all the cd's i've lost in a drunken/stoned haze or had stolen from me while in a drunken/stoned haze at some point in my lifetime. I had 20 bucks to blow and was hoping to get lucky and find a used copy of each.

I used to work here so I dig coming in and catching up with old friends. I must've been up in that store for at least 40 mins today talkin to my old buddy Sey (pronounced Say...yeah go figure). He helped me browse around and find what I was looking for. We talked about the good ol days and of course promised to keep in touch. I ended up buying a used copy of REM's New Adventures in HI FI. Not exactly what I had inteded to buy but still a great album altogether.

Drove out to Arvin listening to my new tunes afterwards and spent the rest of the afternoon chillin with U2 CHick. We chatted and watched Opera, then after a while decided to watch a movie. Deciding on what to watch is always a hard task at U2Chicks cause she has so many damn DVD's. But I know exactly what I wanted to watch. "do you have Hustle and Flow?" I asked. I knew she owned it but she had loaned it out last time I was there. "Yes" she replied while getting up to put it in.

If you haven't seen this film yet I strongly suggest you do so soon. I've seen it three times now and dig it even more every time I watch it. So check it out.

Okay I think that's it for the time being. I'll be back soon though cause I really neeed to bitch about the Coachella line up and how i've decided I'm not going!!

I'm JR and I'm outta here....

RIP:

2006-01-24T23:58:00.000-08:00

Chris Penn

Depeche Mode

2006-01-23T12:20:00.000-08:00

Depeche Mode so far is the ONLY act confirmed for Coachella 2006. Will there be a Smashing Pumpkins Reunion?

Conspiracy Theory

2006-01-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

Another amazing weekend @ Vinny's

2006-01-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

I swear I'm not trying to create a Vinny's fan page here at ye old Illpressed but this venue has just been the most convenient one for me to hang out at the last three weekends in a row....and i'm having a blast.

Fist up this weekend, I was really excited about finally getting to see and hear the new rock experience of NCR (New California Rock). I saw an early version of this band about a year or so ago at Gigantic vintage it was the two guitarists Felipe and Tim along with a drummer in the is funky ass 3 piece that rocked it hard in a post Cobain way.

Now here they stood in front of a full band and the sound could not have been any better. I liked them so much i'll go ahead and mention the fact that I did not like the first song at all. I shrieked and put my beer down as I thought I was about to here some band who wanted to sound like Doors. Yes, the first song of the set was a bit to Riders on the Stormish for me. I will admit though it seemed like a majority of the folks in the house Friday night were there for NCR and they loved every minute of the set. My fav song of the set was probably the one called Cops Outside, i'm downloading right now from their MySpace page.

Their set ended and the crowd demanded an encore. An encore they recieved. A perfect note for note rendition of some Nirvana song...sorry i'm not good with song titles but I know it was Nirvana and it rocked with a passion. These guys are great and they seemed to be having as much fun onstage rocking out as the fans. Catch their next show February 4th at Studio 99

2006-01-22T00:59:00.000-08:00

Stitch

2006-01-22T00:45:00.000-08:00

Stitch LIve @ Vinny's

2006-01-15T00:19:00.000-08:00

Mento Buru Live @ Vinny's

2006-01-15T00:17:00.000-08:00

Seed Live @ Vinny's

Friday the 13th @ Vinny's

2006-01-12T19:28:00.000-08:00

SO have you made it to Vinny's yet? On S Union? It's on and cracking tomorrow night. Mento Buru, Seed, and Zen Robbi, they're from outta town.

Come party with all of us it'll be a blast!!! JR

Last night at Vinny's

2006-01-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

Another amazing night of local rocking at Vinny's last night. A nice sized crowd showed up for a couple of out of town bands and three local acts.

Deadmen Walking (pictured above) started off the night. Scarey but good. They had a great stage presence and got the early crowd really into the show.

UP next, The 28's. Still a relatively new act on the scene this was the second time i've seen them and the growth was significant. They seemed a lot more lose on stage, not as stiff as they seemed the first time I saw them which was incidently their first show a few months back at Vinny's

As an added bonus last night at Vinny's. A local acoustic duo Keaton and Jake (aka The Rodeo Clowns) entertianed in between sets. Set up off to the side doing some covers, some originals, and a lot of drinking. These guys might have stolen the show had they been able to play a little more in between sets. I'm not sure who else is playing Vinny's tonight but I'd go just to listen to these guys again.

Next up were the Rumor. A punk band outta Porterville. I saw these guys over a year ago at Jerry's their line up was different then so was their sound. They are more hard core than punk, lots of screaming and great tempo changes.

So...I'm gonna buy a guitar

2006-01-04T10:19:00.001-08:00

Yes, I've always wanted to learn how to play guitar. So, I'm gonna buy one and hopefully learn how to shred. I have some money saved up, and a few friends who work at a couple of stores who say they can get me a deal. My big question though is should I get an acoustic or an electric guitar? I wish I could afford one of each but that is just out of the question. So I ask you Bako, plugged or unplugged, acoustic or electric. Thank JR

Friday Night, Friday Night, what should I do?

2006-01-03T19:38:00.000-08:00

So, no sooner do I decide to step back into the scene, I run into a dilema. What show should I attend on Friday Night?

First of all my fav local venue Vinny's is hosting a phat show!! The Rumor, The 28's, Deadman Walking and, DMF. Killer line up, I know.

Then at the Red Rooster Give Impulse is playing at it's Rocky Nash, and Hammers B Day bash as well.

I'm back Mother()&(&%%$%^$^&%*(&'s!!

2006-01-02T17:11:00.000-08:00

First of all what is NL Thinking. How can he do a year in review piece and not even mention Gramercy Riff, Stereotactic or Broken Record Gospel? Have the ghost's of Oleander finally gotten to him and made him forget some of the best live shows he, we witnessed together this past year?

I still haven't had the privilage of seeing Mark's new band live, but I'm sure they're good, and I'm sure Mark brings it. But there's no way I will be as brave as NL and stick my neck out and name one band as the live band of the year. The three bands mentioned above however, NEVER disappointed me anytimg I saw them. Also bringing it live in 05 was Rocky Nash, American Standard, Myndsick, Mento, the Filthies and way too many more to mention. Ya'll kicked ass, ya'll rocked the mic with a passion!!!!!

RIP

Temperd, Ridikule, Flabergasted and Karmahitlist. Yes all good thing much come to an end and this was no diffferent in the 05. Whether they rocked it for 4-5 years like Temperd or KHL or one famous show at Vinny's like Flabergasted. 05 saw some great bands come to an end and I was pretty bummed about it. Thank god Gramercy Riff's break up was short or I don't know what I would have done. To all you bands who broke up in 05 good luck with you future projects keep me posted.

Live Music

Sorry don't mean to jump around from topic to topic but its been awhile and i guess this is short of a best of 05 piece I've been promising everyone. My top two live music venues in 05 #1 without a doubt Vinny's on S Union. #2 Rileys on Sunday Nights over the past year has hosted some great shows combining the best local bands along with the best traveling bands from all over the place. Keep up the good work.

Tell your friends and please, please, please note the address change

2005-11-13T18:04:00.000-08:00

28's

The Reviews are In

2005-11-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

A new punk band made it's live debut on Saturday Night at Studio 99. The 28's fronted by ex 3 Cent Nickle guitarist Clay Pigeons took the stage @ 7:30 and ripped through an 11 song set. Read what former bandmates Heath Dobbler and Rob Shock have to say about the set. Don't miss the 28's next show, Friday night November 11th @ Vinny's

Dude

2005-11-07T20:47:00.000-08:00

I don't even know where to start this post? Saturday after work I went down to Legnthwise for NL's book signing. There were gonna be a gripe of bands playing and NL was gonna be slinging his new novel Lords: Part One.

The place was packed and NL sold quite a few books from what I could tell. The Filthies and Mento played incredible acoustic sets as did the Dollaways. But two other bands really caught my attention. Nunez and Fatt Kat and the Von Zippers had me feeling like I was stuck in a Quinton Tarrentino flick trying to order a $5 shake, and then there was Nunez, who played some beautiful Mexican Folk music with a contemporary Bakersfield style. Awesome stuff man, it was chill.

Okay, 5pm book signing is over next stop the Robobank Arena, Myndsick is playing a full set outside the Arena at 6pm. Shit somehow I manage to get there a little late and the boys are already playing. It's nice and chilly outside the arena so bouncing to the music is a good way to stay warm. Myndsick is performing outside to promote NL's hockey compilation cd which is coming out later this year.

Myndsick have been laying low of late but they sounded great tonight and their contribution to the hockey soundtrack flipping rocks. I saw Jarod outside and he gave me a 3 song Myndsick sampler that has been in my CD player ever since. Thanks dude. Okay shows over now its time for hockey.

Okay the hockey game was damn cold and it gave me a headache. The game was cool though a lot of action and hard hits, its like football but on ice, and none of the players are from California. Anyway I stuck around long enough to see Myndsick perform inside the arena and once again they rocked.

I think it was somewhere around this time that Matildakay turned to me and asked "so who's been your favorite band you've seen today?" at this point of the day I had to say it was Nunez.

Okay, it's 9:00is and the 3rd period is getting ready to start. I say my good byes and take my ass to Vinny's. I got to Vinny's and Jeff from Gramercy Riff greeted me at the door then walked me to his table. At this time he showed me his wrists which had been freshly tattooed "Gramercy Riff" seconds later Joel sat down and showed me his. He said proudly "we just did these today". At that point I knew tonight show would be something special.

I had to make a huge decision here. I had forgotten my camera at home and I really wanted to take pics of Gramercy Riffs first show at Vinny's. Only thing is if I left now I would miss the opening band Odem who was supposed to be pretty good. I decided to miss Odem and go home to get my camera.

I walked back into Vinny's just as Odem was taking the equipment off the stage. "did you see that shit, they were fucking awesome!" Scott former bassist for Temperd asked me. "nah dude I missed it I had to run home real quick" The look on Scott's face said it all as I thought he was gonna punch me. "man those guys were fucking awesome I can't believe you missed them!" oh well. My bad, up next Conspiracy Theory.

I've seen these guys two or three time before. But they were on some other shit tonight. Their sound was solid and the one-two punch of the dual MC's was relentless and left the crowd at Vinny's staggering backward like a surprized boxer who had just been chin checked by a hard left right combination. I really dig the DJ too. Too many times I see bands that have a DJ but you can't even hear what they are adding to the music. They just stand there with their hat flipped backwards moving records back and forth. Not the case with Conspiracy Theory. They flowed effortlessly from sounding like a rap act to rocking like a band, back and forth back and forth. Awesome stuff can't wait for them to come back.

I've seen Gramercy Riff play every all ages venue in town. I know the kids in this town worship them. I was dying to see what the older more mature Vinny's crowd was going to think of the Riff. The crowd stood in silent awe as the Riff ripped through their first two songs, before they erupted into applause. Unfortunately the set was plagued with broken guitar strings and was cut short. But the Vinny's crowd I could tell wanted more. I hope they play there again soon.

What a great night. Three venues 10 bands, who says there nothing to do in this town?

2005-11-06T20:06:00.000-08:00

Riff

2005-11-06T20:03:00.000-08:00

Gramercy Riff

2005-11-06T20:02:00.000-08:00

Conspiracy Theory

2005-11-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

Gramercy Riff

2005-11-04T15:42:00.000-08:00

Myndsick

Kinetic Distortion

2005-10-31T17:34:00.000-08:00

I got an email update from local Beat Masters Kinetic Distortion the other day, here's what they had to say:

Wussup man!

Just a heads up on my band Kinetic Distortion. (you can copy and paste
if you want)

Toronto based Pop/Goth artist Ayria has released her new double album “Flicker” with a K.D. Remix of “Be ME” on her Remix c.d. http://www.ayria.com/music.html

You can find us at www.KineticDistortion.com where you can hear 6 new Trance tracks, 2 remasterd tracks from our last album, “The Color Of The Number 8”, 2 remixes we did for artists on myspace.. Ayria at: myspace.com/ayria and Divider at: myspace.com/Dividerbm

Also available is a 1 hour live Trance P.A. we did in April ‘05. @ “Return” in Los Angeles. Plus 3 remixes of our tracks done by Odeed, W.E. Productions, and ex-Lango members.

One last Major thing! We need votes to perform at Coachella '06.

Right now we are on Coachellas *Top 8*! of performers this week since they are considering us to perform at Coachella '06.

Please go to Coachella's site, add them as a friend, and in their blog, add a comment saying you want to see Kinetic Distortion perform there
next year.

here is the link http://www.myspace.com/coachella

Please spread the word and VOTE US IN!

Thanks for supporting the local scene man... we really appreciate it. We
will update you when we start performing.

Peas & Carrots,
Jus Joe

Karmahitlist

2005-10-31T17:27:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone one of my favorite local bands needs your help, so help them out cause they rock. Here, I'll let them tell you all about it:
KarmaHitList Needs Your Help. Thanks to everyone who came out to the KRAB Halloween Show last night.

EVERYONE who came out to the show last night in Bakersfield, or has seen one of the countless shows weve played all over the West Coast,-- we need you to tell your KarmaHitList story/comment/opinion/whatever to the link below...

http://singfreemusic.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=9

or, just go to www.SingFreeMusic.com

Theese guys are from the East Coast and are thinking of working/signing/recording KarmaHitList.

Help us show SingFreeMusic.com the true potential of KarmaHitList.

Thanks

KarmaHitist

Mento Buru

2005-10-31T14:26:00.000-08:00

Greetings Fans!
Important Announcement!!

Mento Buru will be performing an acoustic set this
Saturday, November 5th @ Lengthwise Brewery from
4:30-5pm!

This special set is part of the book release party for
local author Nick Belardes' Lords: Part 1!!

This book is a fictional story about the creepy Lords
of Bakersfield...Mwhhahahahahaaaa!!!

Also Appearing:
-The Filthies
-The Dalloways
-Nunez
-Fatt Katt & The Vonzippers
-Norfolk
& Readings from the author himself!

The whole shindig starts at 2pm-5pm, so get there
early!

IT'S FREE!! ALL AGES ADMITTED!!

http://www.nlbelardes.com

Lengthwise Brewery
6720 Schirra Court
Bakersfield, CA 93313
661-836-ALES

2005-10-31T14:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween

2005-10-31T14:11:00.000-08:00

www.karmahitlistrocks.com

2005-10-31T14:07:00.000-08:00

Bobblehead..bobblehead..bobblehead..bobblehead.....

2005-10-30T21:08:00.000-08:00

Yeah, kinda like that

Update Addiction Theory

2005-10-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

Hey there Boys and Girls...If you missed our first show back on 10/1 at The Dome, you have a chance to check us out this Friday the 14th at The Red Rooster (formerly The Hush Puppy on White Lane here in Bako). We will be playing with Myndsick. Admission is only $5. We have brand new merchandise for your asses as well thanks to our new associate Flipside Industries. The show starts at 9pm but if you want a good seat get there early. This place can fill up fast.

Mark your calenders for a couple more upcoming AT shows. We will be playing at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood on 11/3. Anyone interested in coming to that show should get back to us so that we can send out details as they come in. We have limited room for people who want a ride. Also, on 11/4 we return to good 'ole Vinny's Bar. Also playing that night will be Empath, My October, and Rocky Nash.

More details on these and other shows will be coming soon, but we encourage you all to come out this Friday to the Red Rooster to get a dose of the new music. Support your local scene, listen to KRAB radio and STAY ADDICTED...............!!!!!!!!!!!

Eric
~AT

2005-10-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

Gramercy Riff

2005-10-09T21:32:00.000-07:00

Give Impulse

Thursday Night The Silver Fox: The Return of KD the Reconstruction of Gramercy Riff

2005-10-09T17:29:00.000-07:00

Thursday Night was a special night for a lot of really cool musicians in this town O Bako. Gramercy Riff was playing only their second show with new drummer Jaimie on board and Give impulse was playing their first show with new drummer KD formerly of Temperd...yeah that dude.

Walking into the bar I stumbled into KD and Jeff of Gramercy Riff, Jeff asked us if either one of us had a knife and KD cracked a joke about all Mexicans having knives. We laughed and they introduced themselves to one another. "Are you guys bullshitting me, you really don't know each other?" I asked, no they had never met, I thought that was some crazy shit. I saw Chris from My Dysfunctional and walked away as the two new friends talked about how they had always wanted to see one another's band, of course Jeff was talking about seeing Temperd not knowing that KD was know rocking Give Impulse. I walked up to Chris, this being the first time I'd ever seen him inside the Silver Fox I said "what the fuck you doing here" "I'm hear to support KD!, you want a beer he answered.

The place was packed man I couldn't wait for this show to start. Once it did it was well worth the wait. Give Impulse a band that had already been known to bring a massive guitar heavy sound blew the crowd away. The lead singers vocals were clear and KD's drums were monstrous. The crowd bounced and sang along it was a beautiful site.

Up next was the Riff. Yes you all know these guys are one of my fav bands I can never get enough of the Riff. I sat 6 inches in front of Jeff, turned my hat to the back and prepared for take off. They played a great set with Jeff and Joel mostly trading off on the vocals. Jeff growled while Joel wailed. Their sound was tight as ever. The crowd loved them so much they commanded an encore and they got it. This was the first time I'd seen a local band forced to do an encore it was sweet man.

Now I'm gonna share with you two points of view of this same show from Give Impulse drummer KD, first the pre show jitters: I am so excited and nervous at the same time bro! This will be my first show since Temperd back in April! So many people are coming tonight and I'm gonna be like....YIKES!!! I better not suck lol. I joined GIVE IMPULSE last week and have practiced with them only 3 times! Talk about cramming for the exam
homie!!lol......KD

...and now the post show euphoria:
What a fuckin rush last night was man! I mean jees, all the people wanting and waiting to be entertained. The vibe was set in stone and adrenaline was flowin in a big way Jess. I could not wait to perform again and what a way to return to the stage for me. The opening song sent me into a trance and it was on. I admit, I did not play my best because of the long break I took away from my drums, but man did I enjoy that ride. It actually felt like I was just watching someone else play because I almost forgot what it felt like to wale! and grammercy fuckin riff!! They kick started my heart into a whole other level!

Keep on rocking in the free world boys...and girls JR

Tonight @ Riley's Tavern

2005-10-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

Sunday Oct. 9th.
@ Riley's Tavern 1523 19th St. Bakersfield, CA. 93301.

The Gentleman Callers (Los Angeles)
Active Ingredients
Fail Safe
Keaton

FREE...FREE>>>FREE???FREE!!!!!!!!!!

21+. 9ish.

Wednesday Night Soul Shake Down Party @ Sandrini's

2005-10-07T21:46:00.000-07:00

Have you been to Sandrini's? It's located down where Lucky's Tavern used to be around the corner from the infamous Downtown Joe's. Well I went for the first time this past Thursday Night and ended up staying there all night long catching 3 really good acts.

First up was a solo acoustic set by this dude who went by the name Keaton. Very good sing a long type stuff leaning heavily towards beer drinking county. He interacted great with the crowd which was sparse but happy to be there. His best song of the night was a tongue in cheeked story about some drunken fornication. You've gotta hear this song for yourself to truly appreciate it.

Next up The Travis Byler Project. Travis Byler on Guitar and Vocals, Kaleb Moore on Bass and My man Cesareo Garasa on Drums. What can you say about guys who are this good and just decide to jam for your pleasure. It was a treat for the ears from start to finish. Speaking of starting they started off the night with a funky jam that had me grooving from the get go. My advice to these guys next time they play. No covers please just jam, believe me the crowds loving every second of it.

Roots rockers Seed finished off the night with they're kinky reggae Social Distortionish sound they've been branding as their own for the last couple of months. Yes these guys do some Marley covers but there is a dirtiness to their sound that threatens to kick ass as much as it invites you to groove along. Does that make sense? I totally dig these guys from the first time I saw them at the Dome a few months ago. A solid three piece and the guitarist is not afraid solo. He sounded great the other night, I wanted to stay later but I was just too tired and needed some rest.

So I'm not sure if this line up is the same every Wednesday Night at Sandrini's but even if you go down there and only get to catch on of these acts, I doubt you'll walk away disappointed.

show tomorrow

2005-10-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

Sat. Oct 8th 2005 9:00pm
Vinnys Bar & Grill
S Union Ave
Bakersfield Ca 93309
Relapse Trigger, Exithead and Of Evil Creation
$5.00 at door
Come Drink and Mosh!!!!!

2005-10-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

Seed

2005-10-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

The Travis Byler Project

2005-10-06T00:42:00.000-07:00

Keaton, Live at Sandrini's

2005-10-06T00:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight

Mento Buru

2005-10-04T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hello B-Town...The fair is over and it's time to get back to the FunkyySkaReggaeMambo!!!-Mento Buru LIVE FRIDAY, October 7th, 2005-Fishlips "Grand Re-Opening", 1517 18th St. Downtown Bako.-9pm -661-324-2557

Mento Buruhttp://www.myspace.com/mentoburu

Check out our Bakotopia Profile!:http://www.bakotopia.com/home/userprofile.php?user_id=70 Peace....... ;-)

BuzzBlogs

2005-10-03T19:00:00.000-07:00

Catch up on all your fav blogs from one page. See who's updated recently (NL!!) and see who's lagging (me!!) Check out the Buzz Blogs all your bloging wants, needs, and then some! JR

2005-09-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

@ Studio 99

Peter Will Benefit Show

2005-09-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

Kosmos will host a memorial show for the late, great Pete Williams, also known as Peter Will!

For those of you who don't remember Pete, he was a beloved friend to many, a fantastic musician singer/songwriter and a crazy mofo who would make everyone laugh!!

We all miss him, so come out and help us remember our bro!

Join:
-The Peter Will Tribute Band
-Mento Buru
-Empath
-The Filthies
-Sick Trigger
-Vanity Avenue
-Rule ..1
-Deep Treble
-Jake T
-Sioux City Sarsparilla
-Sadated Records 24KG

-Friday, September 30th, 2005
-8pm
-Kosmos 1623 19th st., Downtown Bakersfield.

http://www.myspace.com/mentoburu

Okay here's something different

2005-09-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

Going Orthodox Style: Concert at San Clemente Mission
When: September 30th, Friday @ 7:00PM
Where: San Clemente Mission, 1305 Water Street, Bakersfield
Who: BACH (Bay Area Classical Harmonies) a group that helped to establish the Bakersfield Opera
What: BACH Presents The Josquin Singer, performing sacred choral music from the Eastern Orthodox Traditions. Tickets can be purchased at the door starting at 6:15PM or on the website: www.bayareabach.org On Friday, the 30th of September, Bay Area Classical Harmonies (B.A.C.H.), under the direction of Bakersfield native Andrew J. Chung, will present a concert of sacred choral music from the Eastern Orthodox Traditions. Sung in both Greek and Church Slavonic (with a little English thrown in), this program will represent a cross-section of traditional Eastern Orthodox repertoire from around the globe and through history. From medieval Byzantine Chant to 19th century Russian polyphony, the concert will be an elevating and uniquely beautiful performance.

If you want to get information about our group you can also visit website: www.bayareabach.org if you have any questions please email: director@bayareabach.org

Andrew J. Chung, Director
Bay Area Classical Harmonies (BACH)
510.868.0695
director@bayareabach.org
www.bayareabach.org

2005-09-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

@ the Dome!

AudioSlave: Live @ the Robobank Arena

2005-09-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure of exactly what I was expecting to see Saturday night at the Robobank. Audioslave was in town kicking off their latest tour.

There was a time when I wouldn't listen to Audioslave, I just couldn't I was too heartbroken over the end of Rage Against the Machine to admit they had gone on to make more music without Zack. But then there was Tom Morello. The best damn guitarist I had ever seen live in my whole life. He was still playing and expanding his repertoire and I felt like I was cheating myself by not continuing to be a fan. So I started listening to Audioslave.

I always paid close attention to their setlists whenever they toured I was always curios as to whether or not they would play Rage or Soundgarden material and what the crowds reaction would be. My curiosity peaked a couple of months ago at some shows on the East Coast Audioslave had played to preview their new album. Reports were that they had played Rage and Soundgarden material and the fans had apparently went into a frenzy. Cool enough I thought.

So there we were sitting listening they started off with all Audioslave material. Then just when I was about to get bored I turned to my friend U2 Chick and said "now, they need to play some Soundgarden stuff now" and sure enough. Spoonman rattled the Roboband arena. And I must admit it sounded great. The crowd loved it. Audioslave continued rocking.

Then a pleasant surprise Chris Cornell started talking about a group he and Eddie Vedder had once been in together. Yes, Temple of the Dog. And yes they did a great version of Hungry Srtike with Audioslave drummer Brad Wilk taking Eddie Vedders vocals. To me this ended up being the biggest treat of the night.

They finally got around to doing some Rage material but it just didn't cut the mustard for me. Cornell jumped around and did his best but at best they sounded like 311 trying to sound like Rage. In the future I say they just leave the Rage material alone and just conquer with their own material, after all it's good enough. And Tom Morello sure as shit did not disappoint.

WEDNESDAY 9/28 4 BANDS & DJ MOUSTACHE ROCK @ AZUL! FREE

2005-09-24T09:57:00.001-07:00

ENGAGED
EMPATH
POLAROID SKY
AHIMSA THEORY
+DJ MOUSTACHE ROCK

21+
FREE
DRINK SPECIALS ALL NIGHT LONG
9PM

AZUL
1514 WALL ST.
ALLEY NEXT TO JERRY'S
BETWEEN EYE & CHESTER Get there early this place gets real packed real quick. The beer selection is amazing, ptobably the best in the city. JR

WEDNESDAY 9/28 4 BANDS & DJ MOUSTACHE ROCK @ AZUL! FREE

2005-09-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

CALLING MUSIC LOVERS OF ALL AGES!!!

2005-09-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

WE ARE SHOOTING A MAJOR MTV MUSIC VIDEO FOR THE BAND AQUEDUCT (Barsuk Records: Death Cab For Cutie, Rilo Kiley) IN BAKERSFIELD. AND WE WANT YOU TO BE IN THE VIDEO THIS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2005. THE SONG IS "GROWING UP WITH GNR". WE NEED A HUGE HIGH ENERGY CROWD. PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD.
Prizes and giveaways at the shoot!

WHERE:
STOCKDALE MUSIC
4903 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93309
1-661-836-1236

WHEN:
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2005 130PM - 5PM

WHAT:
We are shooting a major music video for Barsuk Records recording artist AQUEDUCT and we need you to be a part of the performance scene. We are looking for all ages, all styles of music fans. Come dressed for a rock concert and be ready to get into the performance. We are looking for
the people of Bakersfield to come out and show us how
much they appreciate good music.

INFO:
For more info on the shoot and the band please go to
myspace.aqueductvideo.com If you have any questions
please email:

aqueductvideo@aol.com

NOTE:
***We are looking for reliable and enthusiastic
participants only. The more energetic the better.
This video will air next month on MTV so we would love to have a great turn out. Prizes and giveaways at the shoot!

Hello out there

2005-09-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hey man how's it going. Sorry I haven't posted in so long, I've been really busy with a new job i'll tell you guys about in a later post.

First off thanks to eveyone who came and rocked out yesturday at the Hurricane Katrina Relief Show!!! I had the best time. Hanging with my pals and listening to some great bands. Some of which I was hearing for the first time others i've heard several times and just never seem to get tired of them.

N E ways here's some pics of the show I'll have some more up later. Peace, make it a great day!!!!! JR

2005-09-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

Keep on Rocking in the Free World, The Nash's

2005-09-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

10 bucks please.

2005-09-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

Stereotactic signs autographs for their fans.

2005-09-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

My Dysfunctional Me

2005-09-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

The backstage area ran smooth as silk thanks to these two dudes!!

2005-09-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

Destination Unkown started off the day. A fistrull of energy with a hand full of fans was all they needed.

2005-09-18T23:28:00.000-07:00

Brother Bill started the Day with a prayer.

Brews in the Village After Party

2005-09-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

THE OFFICIAL BREWS IN THE VILLAGE 2005 AFTERPARTY WILL TAKING PLACE IMMEDIATELY AFTER BREWS IN THE VILLAGE AT FISHLIPS IN DOWNTOWN BAKO, SO GET YOUR PARKING PLACES PLANNED, SO YOU CAN GET YOUR AZZZZZZES DOWNTOWN AFTERWARDS! DON'T GET STUCK IN A MESS! DJ MIC-E WILL ALSO BE ON HAND SPINNING YOUR BOOTY SHAKIN' JAMS ALL NIGHT WAITING FOR YOU, AS YOU STUMBLE DOWN THE STREET INTO DA CLUB!

2005-09-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight

Illpressed

Do you like Reggae Music?

I don't know, was I a Jerk?

NAMM 2009-The Fans View

Merry Christmas!

Vecar 3 Song Demo

One Small Step for Bakotopia

I Think I Died A Little...

JR-Pissed

The Return of Swag 667

Tom Gets His Junk Pierced

Power Screamo Pop: From Ritual To Romance: Live 01/01/07 12:01 AM

From Ritual To Romance

Top 25

Starbucks and Fries

Oh hot damn

400 Blows Live: @ Narducci's

Vecar-The Sit Down

The Killers Vs. My Chemical Romance

Movie Review: Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

"Music is something that needs to be part of everyone's life..." Paul Mario

The Legendary coach Chuck Chamberline

"..now go out there and get your championship!!!"

Bear Country Pride

AHS

Ah...I'm home.....

Like this

Pre-game warm ups

Where have all the MC's gone?

Will I?

TGIF

Meet me!!! I'll be there around 10pmish

Huh?

RIP:

Depeche Mode

Conspiracy Theory

Another amazing weekend @ Vinny's

Friday the 13th @ Vinny's

Last night at Vinny's

So...I'm gonna buy a guitar

Friday Night, Friday Night, what should I do?

I'm back Mother*()&*(&*%%$%^$*^&%*(&'s!!

The Reviews are In

Dude

Kinetic Distortion

Karmahitlist

Mento Buru

Update Addiction Theory

Thursday Night The Silver Fox: The Return of KD the Reconstruction of Gramercy Riff

Tonight @ Riley's Tavern

Wednesday Night Soul Shake Down Party @ Sandrini's

show tomorrow

Mento Buru

BuzzBlogs

Peter Will Benefit Show

Okay here's something different

AudioSlave: Live @ the Robobank Arena

WEDNESDAY 9/28 4 BANDS & DJ MOUSTACHE ROCK @ AZUL! FREE

WEDNESDAY 9/28 4 BANDS & DJ MOUSTACHE ROCK @ AZUL! FREE

CALLING MUSIC LOVERS OF ALL AGES!!!

Hello out there

Brews in the Village After Party

I'm back Mother()&(&%%$%^$^&%*(&'s!!