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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Interview With Robb from Black Seal.

Today for the first interview on this blog I am honored to interview someone I have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with on a few occasions. He was the drummer for a great punk band called the Dirty Boxes and is currently in Black Seal. So without further ado here is the words of Robb Erwin drummer extraordinaire.

Robb, first thank you for taking the time to do this interview, let's start with how and when did you get involved with punk rock?

I grew up in a small town in Ohio, so I went through most of high school largely unaware that punk rock even existed. There wasn't a local scene or any direct way to be exposed to that type of music. I remember hearing Minor Threat, The Misfits and lots of eighties hardcore for the first  time when I was about 18. My reaction was, Wow... I always thought music like this should exist but I didn't know it actually did! I was hooked.

Previously you were in The Dirty Boxes, who were your influences and could you give a brief history of the band?

I was at Churchill's in Miami one night talking with Derek Hyde and Tom Seagraves. It was August 2006. The discussion was about how Tom's previous band had recently broken up. They knew I played drums years earlier and suggested we all get together and make some noise. I knew both of those guys were into old-school punk and garage rock so I figured yeah, why not? Tom already had a bunch of songs and Derek was also in The Creepy T's at the time. The only problem was that I hadn't actually played drums for over a decade and I hadn't been onstage for about 15 years. I didn't even own a drum set anymore, so I was very rusty! They demonstrated the patience of saints just waiting for me to get back up to speed musically. The Dirty Boxes played several shows as a three-piece with that lineup, but soon added Devon Nelson on guitar. Derek eventually left to focus on his current band The Instant Whips. Danny Morales took over on bass.      

You guys played a lot of shows throughout South Florida, what would you consider your best show?

The Sunshine State Smackdown roller derby tournament in Fort Lauderdale was fun. It was a big event with women's roller derby teams from around Florida competing. Very energetic atmosphere. While we were performing I could see some of The Gold Coast Derby Girls skating around the track pumping their fists. The crowd was really rowdy too, including people who probably wouldn't otherwise be at a punk show. I know you remember that, Eric, because your old band played there too. I think all the bands that performed that day would agree it was a great time.

And your worst show?

The first time we played at Dada in Delray Beach. The venue itself is extremely cool. It's an old house from the 1920s converted into a restaurant and bar. Bands set up and play in the living room as late night entertainment after the dinner crowd leaves. We were one of the first, if not the first, punk acts they booked and no one was ready for it. We did a lousy job mixing our own sound. Our usual amps-to-eleven approach wasn't appropriate for their living room acoustics and the sound was a horrible wall of mud. It was so bad we couldn't even hear ourselves and kept screwing up. I remember loading out our equipment after the show feeling like I'd just starred in a Benny Hill sketch. The venue's management had been really nice to us, and I kept thinking we'd really pissed them off. Thankfully, they invited us back 8 or 9 months later, and we did a better job with the sound during later shows.

What bands did you like playing with?

Angry Pudding, The Sleeparounds, The Ridicules, The Come-Ons, The Clockouts, Stay Hitt, Shroud Eater, Rock City Angels, The Freakin' Hott, The 1% (!)... There were so many, I'm sure I'm forgetting some.
Were there any you didn't enjoy playing with?

Not really. I always like booking shows with friends' bands and/or bands whose music I'm into personally. But even when that wasn't the case, most of the bands we played with were nice enough.
Any funny tales to tell from past shows with The Dirty Boxes?

Our first show with Danny Morales was at The Monterey Club in Fort Lauderdale. Danny was super nervous and apparently had no problem with letting everyone know that. Before we starting playing he got up onstage and announced to the crowd that he was a nervous wreck and that he'd had diarrhea for the past two days.

What eventually led to the break-up of The Dirty Boxes?

Danny's diarrhea. Just kidding! Logistic hassles, side projects, not having enough money to record, schedule conflicts, internal bullshit, etc. All the usual band breakup stuff. 
Are you still on good terms with the rest of the band?

Yes, I am now. I consider all of them friends and I've seen each of them within the past few months. In case you're wondering where are they now...? Danny Morales is in a band called New Coke. Devon Nelson plays in both Guy Harvey and The Nervous Attachments. Derek Hyde is in The Instant Whips. Tom Seagraves is collaborating with a female singer but I don't know if that project has a name yet.

Now you are in Black Seal, could you give us a brief history of the band, and are any former members of The Dirty Boxes in Black Seal?

Black Seal is just two people, Astaroth Crowley and I. He was previously in a punk band called Dangerbang which later evolved into Kill Now?! The Dirty Boxes played several shows with them, so I'd known Astaroth for a couple years before we started Black Seal. He's into a lot of gritty psychedelic bands and he was aware I am too. He wanted to do something heavy in that vein and suggested we get together and work on some songs. I said, hell yeah!

What influences does the band have?

Musically: Earth, Sleep, Slint, Love, The Black Angels, Butthole Surfers, lots of acid blues, 1960's psychedelia and garage rock. We also have lots of non-musical influences too: Eastern religion and philosophy, Collin de Plancy, giallo films and scatological humor to name just a few.

What's the best and worst show Black Seal has played so far?

Black Seal has only been playing live since June, so I'd say the jury's still out on that.

Are there any plans to record or tour in the future?

Yes, we recorded several demo tracks with our friend Evan Mui just before the holidays. We haven't done much mixing yet, but those songs will be out soon. We'd like to find a good record label. We have several South Florida shows coming up, but no tour plans yet.

Is there any advice you have for any bands just startig out, or that kid that wants to start a band?

If your goal is to get rich playing punk rock, be prepared for disappointment. But if your goal is to have fun, you have big chances for success! It's great if you make money playing your music, but for me music has always been about friends and fun first and foremost. So I'd definitely encourage that kid to pursue music, but also have a backup way to earn a living.

Now let's switch topics to what's near anddear to me. Do you collect vinyl and if so what is your most prized record and what is your guilty pleasure record?

I love vinyl! Who doesn't? I bought hundreds of punk records, many in the late '80s and early '90s, that were rare at the time and irreplaceable now. Lots of lounge, jazz, some old country, other stuff too. Almost nobody wanted vinyl back then so you could find all sorts of cheap treasures! Collecting vinyl wasn't the expensive habit it has become today. Unfortunately, I parted with most of my collection around the time of my divorce so I try not to think too much about it. As for guilty pleasures, I don't believe listening to any music you enjoy should make you feel guilty. So go ahead and fess up to everything in your collection!

Thank you for taking the time to let me interview you, any last words?

Thank you, Eric. Keep up the good work with this blog!

If you get the chance check out Black Seal live and support them, you won't be disappointed. Again many thanks to Robb for the interview and providing me with the tracks to put up for download.

The Dirty Boxes Download

Black Seal Download




Friday, January 13, 2012

More Friday the 13th "Nasty"



My favorite Damned Song on one of my favorite tv shows. Enjoy

The Damned Friday The 13th


In honor of Friday the 13th here is The Damned's Friday the 13th EP.
Tracks:
1 Disco Man
2 Limit Club
3 Billy Bad Breaks
4 Citadel (Rolling Stones cover)
This single which was released on November 13, 1981 on NEMS Records features the song Disco Man which is still a live favorite and has appeared on numerous greatest hits and compilation albums. The Line-up for the Damned at this time was:
Dave Vanian - Vocals
Captain Sensible - Guitar
Rat Scabies - Drums
Paul Gray - Bass

All in all a great record so enough with the chatter and enjoy the Horror.

COBRA Music Video "HARDCORE KICKS"

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Abrasive Wheels Banner Of Hope


Here is the sixth single from Abrasive Wheels entitled Banner of Hope.
Tracks:
1 Banner Of Hope
2 Law of the Jungle
This single was also released on Clay Records in 1983.
Cheers and Enjoy.

Abrasive Wheels Jailhouse Rock


Next up is the pride of Leeds, Abrasive Wheels with their fifth single, a cover of Jailhouse Rock.
Tracks:
1 Jailhouse Rock
2 Sonic Omen
Released in 83 this was their first single for Clay Records.
Cheers and Enjoy.

Sham 69 Tell The Children


Next up is the 9th single from Sham 69 for Tell The Children.
Tracks:
1 Tell the Children
2 Jack
These tracks are from the album The Game and the single was released in March 1980 on Polydor Records.
Cheers and Enjoy.

Sham 69 You're A Better Man Than I


Sorry about not keeping it in order of release but here is the 8th single from Sham 69, You're a better man than I.

Tracks:
1 You're a better man than I
2 Give a dog a bone
The songs on this single are from The adventures of the Hersham Boys. The single was released in October of 78 on Polydor.
cheers and Enjoy.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Sham 69 If The Kids Are United


Next up is the fourth single from Sham 69 and probably there best known and most covered song.
Tracks:
1 If The Kids Are United
2 Sunday Morning Nightmare
This single was released in July 78 and would not be on an LP until 1980's The First The Best and The Last.
Cheers and Enjoy.

Sham 69 Borstal Breakout




Next up is the second single from Sham 69, There's Gonna Be A Borstal Breakout.
Tracks:
1 Borstal Breakout
2 Hey Little Rich Boy

This single was released in January of 78 on Polydor records. This was also the bands first on a major label. Both tracks would end up on the Tell Us The Truth LP in different versions.
Cheers and Enjoy.

Sham 69 I Don't Wanna


So here it is the first release from the legendary Sham 69. With one track on the A side and 2 on the B side. it set the stage for what was to come with the Oi! movement.
tracks:
1 I don't wanna
2 Red London
3 Ulster
The single was originally released in October of 77 on Step Forward Records.
Cheers and enjoy.
http://www.mediafire.com/?d3uxz54mmoe3q

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Dropkick Murphy's Return to South Florida

Was at my record store today, Radio-Active Records, and was given a tour poster for this show. Saturday March 3, at the Pompano Beach Ampitheatre. More Posts coming later tonight, getting the rips ready now. Cheers

Monday, January 9, 2012

40 Fat & Finished

They say it's a young man's game. Well here's to the adults who never learned any better.
Cheers

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Captain Sensible This Is Your Captain Speaking 7"

Here is the first release by the captain on Crass Records. Released on November 2,1981 the songs on the record are:
1 The Russians Are Coming
2 (What D'ya Give) The Man Who's Gotten Everything?
3 Our Souls To You


Note: this is still a vinyl rip of this recording. It's just not mine, my copy is still sealed and brand new, so thanks to the internet i was able to download them. But at any rate have a drink and cheers from the MacBastard.
http://www.mediafire.com/?47fccbg6qd75x

Bonecrusher No Escape

The third release from one of my favorite newer American bands. This is No Escape from Bonecrusher, a solid release, my only complant is that there is only four songs. Standout tracks are No Escape and A Better Life.
track listing:
01 No Escape
02 Murder
03 Don't Wanna Be Like U
04 A Better Life
This Record was released in 1998 on hostage records, and this rip is of a purple vinyl version.
Cheers from the MacBastard
http://www.mediafire.com/?97lmzg482e5wz

Sledge Hammer Blood Awake! Fight For Land!

This here Is some brutal fuckin Japanese Oi!. Don't get me wrong I love American Oi! But Right Now The Japanese have it all over the American scene but are so overlooked in my part of the country. OK so whats on tap, 5 brutal Oi! tracks taken from the 1990 - 1991 Hang'em High Demo's.
01 Blood Awake
02 Keep Your Mind Strong
03 New Dawn Warriors
04Anthem (Original Version)
05We Assault You
This Record was released on Vulture Rock Records My Favorite label of the 90's
Cheers from the MacBastard
http://www.mediafire.com/?d9dq6dti2hl8v

Chelsea High Rise Living

Released on December 16 1977 this is the second release by Chelsea. Both tracks on this record were exclusive to this release untill the CD reissue of Alternative Hits.
Drunk Facts: Except for Gene October every member of Chelsea left to form Generation X. Those members were William Broad or as you know him Billy Idol, Tony James and John Towe.
Cheers and drink a beer and download.
http://www.mediafire.com/?aevmgtaubd9wl

The Damned New Rose 7"

New Rose by The Damned, widely considered by many to be the first punk 45. At the very least it is the first U.K. punk 45. Recorded in one day on September 20, 1976, the record went on to be released on October 22, 1976. If in further posts you would like additional info about producers and info on liner notes let me know and i will start including them. I loved this record for so long but as I found myself digging further into their releases, I noticed the genius that developed. Don't get me wrong this is my favorite line up, so sit back crack a beer,light a smoke or whatever you gotta do and enjoy this record.
Cheers,
 MacBastard
http://www.mediafire.com/?huomyn2ma39u3

Hail The New Blog

So welcome to my first blog post. I am mostly focusing on covering my record collection. there will be thousands of posts from this point forward. Everything posted here is in my collection unless otherwise noted. A brief history I have been a punk since the late 80's to 91, and havent changed. still play in punk bands(more about that later), still true to the cause and still believes. So as I finish this beer I will start the formal introductions. Cheers from the Macbastard