Thousand Watt Stare -

Thousand Watt Stare - Punk Rock at it's best!
Last Saturday night, we took our son Ryan to see Thousand Watt Stare in San Francisco. Thousand Watt Stare is a new Punk Rock Band out of Southern California and consists of Christian Martucci on Vocals, Guitar (formerly of "Black President","The Chelsea Smiles” and “The Dee Dee Ramone Band”) and with Mr. Pat Kim on Bass and Dylan Howard on drums, both of “Unwritten Law". These guys bring back true Punk Rock and deliver every time!!

I had the pleasure of watching Christian Martucci earlier this summer as he played with Corey Taylor and his Junk Beer Kidnap Band at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. That was quite a show. Christian had such charismatic energy that when Ryan heard he had his own band, he begged us to go.... Didn't have to beg too hard since weekly concerts are a regular thing at the Richardson house.

Well Thousand Watt Stare was playing at Thee Parkside which is a small Punk nightclub in San Francisco. Not very well known which is good since if you do know about it, you want to keep your little secret to yourself. It is a great place to see a band and the people there are very friendly and unpretentious.

As soon as Christian, Pat and Dylan took the stage, they brought it out. It was amazing to think that this was one of their first few shows. They commented how they are new and their performance would have had you question that! It was as if they had been playing for years and you could tell that they all had great experience.

Their music is reminiscent of The Clash and brings out the Ramones and Sex Pistols with only the best to be displayed. Christian's vocals can be described as Ramones with a touch of Johnny Rotten and a dash of Elvis Costello which is an incredible combination. When Christian does his solos, you have to pick up your jaw from the floor because his refined guitar playing leaves you speachless! Then you have Pat Kim which is a Bass God, (especially after hearing how he cut his finger prior to a previous show, went to the ER, and then went back to play the show!!!) His energy is endless and when you watch him, you know he is enjoying playing every note just as you are enjoying watching and listening. Dylan on the drums smashes the drums and hits them hard and has an intense style. All of them together, make you happy to see that Punk Rock is not dead and is very well alive and revived by Thousand Watt Stare.

With their songs like "Lights Out" and "Downsider", it will have the teens get their first taste of real original Punk Rock and their parents reminiscing about their younger days listening to The Clash or the Dead Kennedys.

We brought home the EP which was due out on Nov. 16th. Now I will tell you one thing, I get new CDs on a daily basis from people who want me to review them or from Capitol/Virgin so I will always listen, etc. Well Thousand Watt Stare has traveled from my office CD Player to the car for the past 5 days. I love listening to it and Ryan goes to school every morning after listening to "Lights Out". Then after I take Ryan, I go to drop off almost 4 year old Brandon who demands to know, "who is this band??" I tell him, Thousand Watt Stare and he says... "they are goooooodddd!" He then wants me to play the first song, "Downsider". After I drop them off, I drive home to my office and sit back and pop in the whole EP and my energy to start the day off is sky high! When you hear "Downsider" you will know what I mean... You just can't help but move and feel so alive and in control. So, I must tell you this is one EP that you can't miss! If you find that Thousand Watt Stare is playing near you... go see them... You will be so glad you DID!!

~ Marisol

Links:

Website: www.ThousandWattStare.com
Myspace: www.Myspace.com/thousandwattstare
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thousandwattstare

Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/thousandwattstare
Merchandise and Mailing list: http://hardlineent.com/bands/thousand-watt-stare/

I was recently sent a link to check out a new band from Las Vegas. I am familiar with the drummer Todd Turgeon who I had the pleasure of watching perform. He filled in for the drummer of 333 as they opened up for Corey Taylor's band; the Junk Beer Kidnap Band.

I checked out their two songs that they posted on their Reverbnation page; www.reverbnation.com/13years.

The band starts right off with some great strong vocals of Paul Gayou reminiscent of the Cult and could be the offspring of a menage a trois of Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and Danzig. The heavy bass brought on by James White that doesn't get drowned out like a lot of bands these days. I appreciate the attention to that detail. Todd Turgeon brings in his precision drumming that brings in some grunge influences and keeps you engaged. Of course, we can't forget the guitar of Joe Wiehl which brings in a powerful flawless play with several highlights in Enemy Within.

The vocals could be described as a familiar sound but only as a compliment since it is unique to stand on it's own and bring in a new audience.

The chorus falls into line and the buildup after does not disappoint! I suggest you take a listen and enjoy the sounds of 13 Years. I have not seen 13 YEARS live but when I hear Enemy Within, I have visions of devil horns in the air and head banging. I would love to see them in a lineup with Godsmack and Murderdolls and 13 YEARS.

If you would like more information or to check out 13 Years for yourself, below are their links:

www.myspace.com/13yearsband
www.reverbnation.com/13years
www.facebook.com/13years

Also if you are in the Las Vegas area 13 Years has a couple upcoming shows:

Nov. 23, 2010 Divebar
3035 E. Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV

Jan. 13 Feelgoods
6750 W. Sahara Las Vegas, NV


If you do get to go, let me know how the show went and Keep on Rockin!

~ Marisol

Bad City is a warm welcome to Rock and Roll !!!

So last night, I had to cover the Smashing Pumpkins concert at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, California. One of only Northern California shows for Smashing Pumpkins so I was sure not to miss it. I was determined to get early to the Phoenix and check out the opening band. I had several friends from Chicago tell me I was in for a real treat when they heard Bad City was the opening band......

So, after Ryan my 12 year old Rock and Roll Prodigy son research Bad City and determined within 1 hour that he LOVED them and couldn't wait to see them... I needed to see for myself. So we went to the show and Ryan brought a spare drum head in case he could get some autographs like he did with Against All Will in Santa Rosa (his all time favorite band - mine too~!) While we were waiting in the front after a 3+ hour wait to get in, we were gathered by the stage staking our position for the Smashing P's! Then Ryan pointed out, "there they are!! There is Bad City! Mom, get them to sign my drum head!!" So I went over to Josh Caddy (lead vocals for the band) and asked him if he would be so kind, etc. He was so nice and made sure the whole band signed it and Ryan was ecstatic!!

We then waited for the show. Well, we were in for a ride because when Bad City came out and played their first song, I was very impressed! I remember thinking when was the last time I went to a show and watched an opening band and think to myself, "Damn this band should be headlining somewhere!!!!" That is how I felt. Watching Josh Caddy's energy reminded me of watching Guns N Roses for the first time in a dive bar in Los Angeles in the mid '80s as they were an opening band and thought the same thing!!! Then I realized I was watching a band in the making and it was going to be made into something really nice and sweet.

The vocals of Josh were complimented by the intense lead guitars of Tom Schleiter and Max Perenchio both who shined on every note! Then you will hear Jake Serek who is all business on Bass, he keeps the beat going hard and steady! To wrap it all up, you got Kevin Kane on drums who displays his charismatic energy with every bang. These guys are ready to deliver. When you listen to them, depending on your age, but if you are like me in the early 40s you will reminisce about 80s bands and the good 'ole days. I think these kids will bring back Rock and Roll and the fun times will roll again.....

Now to open up for the Smashing Pumpkins, is quite a tall order to fill but when Bad City came out and gave a great show, it was no wonder that they were the talk of the night. I overhead a couple kids who were with their parents talk about how Bad City was their "New Band!!" and they had to go get a T-shirt and CD! My son was the same way. Within days after the show, he was having all his friends listen to his new CD from Bad City and you know what; they all liked it! Some of these kids are hard core Slipknot fans then to the pure Skater Limp Bizkit kids but all of them across the board; liked Bad City!! It was fun to watch a new band bring such excitement back to music. I think these guys have something and can't wait to see where it leads!

Rock on Bad City!

Now go and check them out for yourself! Below are some videos from the concert with Smashing Pumpkins:
Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQnuZq4dZxQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQrhDEfw3As
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66fe0KXTXzo
~Marisol

More Links for Bad City:
www.badcitymusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/badcity
MySpace: www.myspace.com/badcity

30 Seconds To Mars "Closer To The Edge"

30 Seconds To Mars "Closer To The Edge"

Runaway w/ @RunnerRunner !! Win an NYC trip & dinner w/the band #sweepstakes

Runaway w/ @RunnerRunner !! Win an NYC trip & dinner w/the band #sweepstakes

Bret Michaels Back in Hospital after suffering TIA and has hole in heart

Just learned that Bret Michaels has returned to the hospital today after suffering a TIA (Trans-Ischemic Attack) like a Mini-Stroke or a precursor warning sign of an impending stroke. I have suffered a dozen TIAs myself and survived 3 strokes. I am 42 years old but I never had to deal with a hole in my heart.

I just watched Bret Michaels on Oprah yesterday and was glad to see that he was recuperating and appeared to be in good spirits. About an hour ago I had heard the news about how he has returned to the hospital. I am devestated. I did read that his hole in his heart is operable and treatable. This is the good news! Now I hope he takes some time to recover and rest up. I want him to take it EASY and please get better.

The first stroke I suffered was at age 35 and when I was watching Bret yesterday one thing he said reminded me so much of my first stroke. I remember sitting in the hospital unsure of what was going on I remember the nurse asking if I had kids and she called my husband and I heard her say, "Yes, bring your son, now so he can say goodbye" Bret mentioned how they asked him if he had kids and to bring them down. I remember that exact feeling of thinking, "CRAP, this really is happening! This is really it!"

Well, please everyone say your prayers and please send good vibes to Bret Michaels and his family!!!!

Here is the link to the website where you can read the latest news.
Marisol Richardson
Email: marisolrichardson@gmail.com
twitter: maririchardson


http://www.bretmichaels.com/2010/news_files/news.shtml

Against all Will.....

Okay so here I am listening to an AWESOME new band... You always ask how do I find the "new" bands. Most of all my new finds comes from my son Ryan. Even though he is 12, he really has his ear to the music. He started playing guitar at about 7 or 8 and started drums and bass at around 9 or 10. His garage is packed with more gear than a concert hall and always clues me in on the "next big thing"!. This band he brought to my attention only a couple weeks ago. I have heard him consistently playing this one CD in between his Slipknot and AM TAXI and I wanted to find out more about them. So he let me take a listen and I got to hear "Against all Will" for the first time. I liked them right from the start, just like AM TAXI. I was sucked into their music and hinged on every word!!

The best part is when I asked Ryan about the band and he then went on to tell me their history. Jimmy Allen is the guitarist and the former co-founder of Puddle of Mudd (another favorite of mine), Jeff Current (front man for Seven Story Drop), Cello Dias ( bass for Soulfly) and Steve Wilson (Dead Kennedy's)!. I was intrigued how he could name their big songs, when they were formed, etc. One thing I taught Ryan long ago about music is sometimes it is better to look at the whole picture than to just listen to the song. And that is what he does. If he finds a song he likes, he researches everything about them. It is funny since he once found a great song and read a TRUE story about the singer and how he treated a fan poorly. He never liked that song again as well as his friends. It is cool to see that this next generation, does care about what is underneath and not just what you perform. Well he loved this band, "Against all Will" especially since he heard the would be performing for "Rock for the Troops" the fundraiser for our troops and their families put on by KXFX 101.7 (the best Rock Station in California!!)

So after listening to his downloaded songs, I was hooked. The voice of Jeff Current is incredible and when you take that and put it right there with the guitar strength of Jimmy Allen, the expertise of Cello Dias and round it off with the intensity of Steve Wilson you have witnessed the birth of a WINNER, an all out incredible band which can bring it and bring it to the front! These guys have songs that will remind you of ex girlfriends, booty calls, the ones that got away, good times and how it just will always be good. Good Times is what they represent and you shouldn't look to the past for good times. So cozy up to that special person and put on "Against all Will" and the good times will roll. Peace out everyone and check this band out. here is their player. You can also visit their myspace page. www.myspace.com/againstallwill

Win A Trip to Michigan to see Saving Abel live at NASCAR!

Win A Trip to Michigan to see Saving Abel live at NASCAR!



Two of my favorites: Saving Abel and Nascar! Get ready for Saving Abel's new CD titled, "Miss America"

Be sure to check out the above link to see how you can win!!!!


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AM TAXI - Slim's April 29, 2010

AM Taxi show was held at one of my SF favorite venues; Slim's. AM TAXI was one of the opening bands for the Spill Canvas. Additional opening bands were New Politics and Tyler Hilton.

I was very excited to see AM TAXI since for the past few weeks I have been listening to a couple of their songs through their myspace page and really liked what I heard so far.
AM TAXI hails from Chicago and is made of 5 very energetic and talented guys. Adam Krier-vocals and guitar, Jason Schultejann-bass, Chris Smith-drums and backups, John Schmitt-guitar and backups, Luke Schmitt-keyboard and backups. Their set list is as follows:

Dead Street
Paper Covers Rock
Fed UP
Charissa
Woodpecker
Shake, Rattle and Stall
Paint It Black
Mistake

Prior to starting it seemed that not many people were familiar with their music and were just waiting for the Spill Canvas to go onstage. Most of the audience was just mulling around the long L-shaped bar and mingling. As soon as AM TAXI peformed the first song; it was apparent that they were well received. People began to go to the stage and it was soon deep with people and all their attention was on AM TAXI. It was as if they knew they were watching a band that was soon going to be very well known and they didn't want to miss any of it. Their energy was infectious and the crowd was soon moving around to their eclectic songs. By the time they played "Fed Up" it seemed everyone was glued to them. Adam's intense with a rough edge alongside with his fellow bandmates backups was a gift in itself. It was so nice to see a new band come along and just kick it and not sound like every other band these days. At times reminiscent of "The Outfield" with a touch of "The Clash" and even some "Material Issue"; an incredible winning combination!

Their second to last song was their cover of "Paint it Black" by Rolling Stones and they did the song justice. Chris Smith on drums and John Schmitt's guitar presence was awesome to watch. Adam delivered on this song and the energy from Luke and Jason was the icing on the cake! Great Job Guys!

They finished the set with "Mistake" which I am sure will be the chart rising single from their upcoming New CD "We Don't Stand a Chance" from Virgin. The vocals are incredible on this song and the timing of John Schmitt and Adam Krier's was impeccable and a gift to watch LIVE!

Several of these guys were hanging out prior and after performing at their merchandise booth to watch the other bands. After talking to a few of them and getting our drum head signed it was apparent that they really love performing and just want to have fun.

This is definitely a band you are going to be hearing about. They currently have a release date of June 8, 2010 for their CD and I truly can't wait! So mark your calendars and make sure you get one or two or three!!! For now, you can always head over to Itunes and purchase their singles or if you are lucky to go to one of their shows be sure to pick up one of their CDs of their original name, AMerican TAXI. Enjoy!

I will post later some videos and photos from this incredible show!

~ Marisol
Music Junkie Press

AM Taxi-Uncovered on Playboy.com! Watch the punk rockers burn up \

AM Taxi-Uncovered on Playboy.com! Watch the punk rockers burn up

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Did you know before Adelitas Way, Rick played baseball for ASU? See him in action!

Did you know before Adelitas Way, Rick played baseball for ASU? See him in action!

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Check out The Constellations video for Felicia!

Check out The Constellations video for Felicia!

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Puddle of Mudd, Burn Halo and the Veer Union - April 5, 2010

We went to see Puddle of Mudd in San Francisco and found out they were playing at one of my old stomping grounds; Slims. If you haven't read it yet, my previous post covers Slim's and what a great place it is! The tickets for the show were only $25 and was a great deal since we found out that there would be two opening acts! $25 for three bands. The kids (my son Ryan and his friend, Javier) were really excited about that since they are soon building their history of bands they have seen in concert.

When we got there, of course the boys went straight to the merchandise tables and Ryan rushed to buy the autographed drum head to add to his growing collection! They were even more amazed when they found the band members of the opening band selling the merchandise. They took no time to ask them to autograph the CDs and the posters!

First up was The Veer Union. This band comes from Vancouver, Canada and consists of five very energetic and charismatic guys who seem to be very close and have a lot of fun together. This can be seen later in the night as they recited something in unity prior to inbibing a beverage. (Black Label and smooth is all I will say!)

When they came out on stage, the first thing you notice is Crispin Earl's (the lead singer)incredible and super long mohawk. It made you wonder if it was real it looked so perfect. Then they rocked it! They had a sound which mixes alternative rock and garage band grunge. The song that really got everyone to take a good look at this band and remember the moment was "Seasons". "Seasons" displays incredible guitar work as well as powerful vocals. The crowd went wild to that song as well as "Darker Side of Me" which reminds me of Hinder. This is a band to watch out for and I am sure they will be taking over the charts soon.

Next up was Burn Halo, a five member band from California and Oklahoma. The frontman for Burn Halo turns out to be James Hart who was the awesome lead singer for the Southern California Punk Band, Eighteen Visions. When I saw him, I knew it was going to be a great show and they did not disappoint! The incredibe charisma of these guys shows throughout all their songs. Joey Roxx the guitar player would have you just watching him and wondering how in the heck did he get so good and he looked so young! I could only imagine what the next years bring them! Dillon Ray banged on those drums hard and with the vocals of Brandon and Aaron it all came together. I was surprised to find out that they are just on their first album, self titled Debut Album. They seemed to make it look like they had been playing together for years and having a great time doing it. The song favorites would be 'Dirty Little Girl" which has some great vocals and shredding guitar. "Save Me" is another great song that eerily reminded me of Guns n Roses and had me wanting more. You will have to check this band out.

Headliner, Puddle of Mudd was next up and the crowd was really ready. Puddle of Mudd was formed in 1992 but broke up in 1999 and left Wes Scrantin as the original member who would put a new band together the following year. These four guys came out with intense energy and Wes shows his care free personality and definitely makes you feel like you are in a garage and you are just all hanging out together jamming. It is amazing to watch how he engages the crowd and you can tell is just having fun performing! Paul Phillips on guitar is like a caged tiger on stage, he just moves around and is pure energy!! You feel like he is just going to jump out off the stage and just play right in the crowd. The chemistry with the band is well displayed and Doug Ardito on bass and Ryan Yerdon on drums just makes it all fit.

The crowd went crazy for "Psycho" which is their smash hit from 2007 Famous album. The vocals of Wes had everyone screaming, "Maybe I'm the one...." Old, young, women, men; everyone was on their feet screaming and jumping! Another great song is their latest single, "Stoned" which had extraordinary guitar work and I can see it fast climbing the charts. Every song they played was great and it was hard to leave when they finished. Everyone wanted more including myself. Of course, I am now searching when any of these three bands are coming back to town because I will check them all out and so should you!!!

Slim's San Francisco - an old friend

Yesterday I was going to cover another concert in San Francisco. When I learned the venue was going to be Slim's - it was like finding an old friend on Facebook. My history with Slim's is a long one. Slim's which was opened in 1988 by legendary R & B Artist; Boz Scaggs and was right around the time that I was going to concerts on a 3 x week basis. Slim's was my favorite place to see concerts since it would book big name acts but you would be able to see them in an intimate setting. I could remember that it was always a clean nightlcub with very good service at the bar as well as a balcony where you could order some "good eats" and kick back and watch a great show.

It has been at least 10 years since my last visit to Slim's and when I turned down 11th Street and saw the familiar neon Slim's sign I was growing more excited to visit my old friend and wondered how it may have changed. For this concert, it was a lineup of Puddle of Mudd and two opening bands; The Veer Union and Burn Halo. My son Ryan is a big Puddle of Mudd fan and he when he stood in line next to me, he commented how he couldn't believe that it was a smaller venue. The thought of watching a concert from the front stage and not having a 10' spacer betweent the crowd and the stage was increasing his excitement by the minute.

They had the security patdown at the door and we had to check the camera that we brought. I never remember having either of those experiences there but I was ready to check it out. As soon as I walked up the stairs to the open floor, my mind flooded with memories of awesome concerts long forgotten. It was nice to see that it really didn't change much. Slim's was like Dick Clark, the years went by but it was hard to tell the wear and tear of it. I looked around and saw the balcony filling up with concert-goers who were ordering dinners, there were the die hard PoM fans right up at the stage ready for action. The setup of the venue is really ideal for all types of fans. You have a long L-shaped bar that runs the length of the open floor. You then have a small area with high chairs and tables near the bar area. Towards the back of the nightclub are stairs that lead you to a balcony with tables for dinner or just to sit back and enjoy the show from above.

We found some seats at a table near the bar and ordered some appetizers. The service was exceptional and to my surprise; good food. I have been to concert halls where the last thing on their mind is offering good food. It seems they are more interested in running up the bar tab than providing good service or good food. That is not the case at Slim's. They had great drinks and great food and our server was pleasant.

I have to tell you it is every bit as great as it was in the late 1980's! If you have not been to Slim's before, you will have to check it out. They have acts throughout the week as well as the weekend so I am sure you will find something to fit your schedule. Later I will tell you about the concert but I felt that Slim's deserved their own post!

Great Job Slim's! Just like those old friends you find on Facebook, I will make more of an effort to revive our friendship by visiting often.

If you would like more information on Slim's you can check out their website at http://www.slims-sf.com/ They are located at 333 11th Street San Francisco, CA

Check out Hockey, The Constellations and The Postelles on tour this Spring!

Check out Hockey, The Constellations and The Postelles on tour this Spring!

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Music Junkie Press

Here we are years later and after high demand: I finally have my blog dedicated to music. I know many of you personally have been waiting for this moment. Tired of all the emails I send out of new and upcoming bands or my review of an old album, etc. Well here it is, all in one place. Enjoy!