Keith Morris is one of the grandfathers of American punk. He traces his roots back to the early LA punk scene, as former frontman for legendary Black Flag. As the 80s dawned, he went in a new direction with his band the Circle Jerks. I loved the Jerks because of their weird sense of humor and hard riffs.
So, not long ago, I hear he has created a new supergroup called OFF! Seems natural, first Black Flag and now OFF! He will be creating great punk until America runs out of pest control products. Can't wait to see what comes of it. A cd? A tour? Who knows, but even RAID can't kill these old roaches, who keep putting out great punk into their fourth decade. Geez are we getting old?
Showing posts with label Circle Jerks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Circle Jerks. Show all posts
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Monday, March 9, 2009
Ten Essential Uplifting Punk Songs for these Hard Times!
Times are tough. Here is a batch of punk songs that will make it easier. In no apparent order, here are some of my favorites:
Rise Above - Black Flag
The be all end all of great punk tunes! "Try to stop us, it's no use!!!" Henry Rollins screaming into the mic, and he means business...
I'm Not Down - The Clash
A very personal and thoughtful account of personal trials and mustering up the strength and courage to overcome them.
"I've been beat up, I've been thrown Out
But I'm not down, Oh I'm not down
I've been shown up, but I've grown up
And I'm not down, Oh I'm not down"
Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
If this classic song done up SoCal punk style doesn't bring a smile to your face, then, as Louis Jordan would say, "Jack, you dead!"
I'm OK You're OK - MXPX
In a comforting way, MXPX is like your old pal, reminding you of better times, and that things are gonna be alright...
Do or Die - Dropkick Murphys
Leave it to the Murphs to give you the wakeup call against complacency. Don't let the bastards get you down!
"Your dreams are in danger, and We Must Rise
Our time has come we are under the gun It's Do or Die"
Living - The Circle Jerks
"Everyday is such a test, When this world's such a mess
But I'll try hard- I'll do my best, Won't get bogged down- like all the rest
Got no hamsters in my head- No monkeys on my back
No chains and shackles- to hold me down I wanna fly- I wanna fly"
That was my theme song back in the early 90's. I better find that cd and give it a spin!
New Day Rising - Husker Du
The whole lyric is like, Bob Mould shouting and screaming over and over "New Day Rising", but for some reason I get comfort from this...
Somewhere - Husker Du
Once again, in bittersweet verse, Bob Mould promises us that:
"Somewhere the dirt is washed down with the rain
Somewhere there's happiness instead of pain
Somewhere satisfaction has no name Somewhere I can
be the same". Hopeful lyrics.
I Believe in Miracles - The Ramones
I used to be on an endless run. Believe in miracles cause Im one.
A have been blessed with the power to survive. After all these years Im still alive.
I believe in miracles.
I believe in a better world for me and you.
I have been blessed with the power to survive.
After all these years Im still alive.
The futures here today. Its not too late.
Its not too late, yeah! I believe in miracles.
I believe in a better world for me and you.
Oh, I believe in miracles. I believe in a better world for me and you
Very deep stuff in a Ramones sort of way.
Rise Up - Pennywise
"Well it's up to you what you really want to do - take time - to find a way
Focus on your vision you're on a secret mission
Ignore what the masses say
Well it's up to me what I really want to be
And I'm still searching for the day
We got to fight we got to feel we got to know that this is real
If we're going to win this race
We gotta rise up open our eyes up."
Put these tracks on a playlist and you might find yourself feeling better about the world, the economy, the situation we are currently in. I know you folks out there have some favorite tunes, so PLEASE comment below!
Rise Above!!!
Rise Above - Black Flag
The be all end all of great punk tunes! "Try to stop us, it's no use!!!" Henry Rollins screaming into the mic, and he means business...
I'm Not Down - The Clash
A very personal and thoughtful account of personal trials and mustering up the strength and courage to overcome them.
"I've been beat up, I've been thrown Out
But I'm not down, Oh I'm not down
I've been shown up, but I've grown up
And I'm not down, Oh I'm not down"
Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
If this classic song done up SoCal punk style doesn't bring a smile to your face, then, as Louis Jordan would say, "Jack, you dead!"
I'm OK You're OK - MXPX
In a comforting way, MXPX is like your old pal, reminding you of better times, and that things are gonna be alright...
Do or Die - Dropkick Murphys
Leave it to the Murphs to give you the wakeup call against complacency. Don't let the bastards get you down!
"Your dreams are in danger, and We Must Rise
Our time has come we are under the gun It's Do or Die"
Living - The Circle Jerks
"Everyday is such a test, When this world's such a mess
But I'll try hard- I'll do my best, Won't get bogged down- like all the rest
Got no hamsters in my head- No monkeys on my back
No chains and shackles- to hold me down I wanna fly- I wanna fly"
That was my theme song back in the early 90's. I better find that cd and give it a spin!
New Day Rising - Husker Du
The whole lyric is like, Bob Mould shouting and screaming over and over "New Day Rising", but for some reason I get comfort from this...
Somewhere - Husker Du
Once again, in bittersweet verse, Bob Mould promises us that:
"Somewhere the dirt is washed down with the rain
Somewhere there's happiness instead of pain
Somewhere satisfaction has no name Somewhere I can
be the same". Hopeful lyrics.
I Believe in Miracles - The Ramones
I used to be on an endless run. Believe in miracles cause Im one.
A have been blessed with the power to survive. After all these years Im still alive.
I believe in miracles.
I believe in a better world for me and you.
I have been blessed with the power to survive.
After all these years Im still alive.
The futures here today. Its not too late.
Its not too late, yeah! I believe in miracles.
I believe in a better world for me and you.
Oh, I believe in miracles. I believe in a better world for me and you
Very deep stuff in a Ramones sort of way.
Rise Up - Pennywise
"Well it's up to you what you really want to do - take time - to find a way
Focus on your vision you're on a secret mission
Ignore what the masses say
Well it's up to me what I really want to be
And I'm still searching for the day
We got to fight we got to feel we got to know that this is real
If we're going to win this race
We gotta rise up open our eyes up."
Put these tracks on a playlist and you might find yourself feeling better about the world, the economy, the situation we are currently in. I know you folks out there have some favorite tunes, so PLEASE comment below!
Rise Above!!!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Circle Jerks News
I have long been a fan of these guys. Keith Morris, lead singer for both the Jerks and my other favorites, Black Flag, and Greg Hetson of Bad Religion fame are two guys who have been around for the long term. While there will be no new album in the near future, Circle Jerks have released two new vinyl editions of their album, Group Sex. The first version is a 12-inch picture disc, a selection of which have been autographed by the surviving original band members Keith Morris, Greg Hetson and Lucky Lehrer. The signed copies are available exclusively through Aural Exploits.
The band has also released a set of limited edition colored vinyl of the album. The run includes various colors including pink, clear and clear blue. The skinny on the blue vinyl is that it will be exclusively available through retailer Hot Topic while pink and clear will be in mom and pop stores. Red and yellow clear vinyl will be available in the new year via Porterhouse Records.
Finally, much of the band's back catalogue is now available as mp3 downloads at various outlets. Also, the Jerks have unveiled plans for a tour of South America in March of 2009. The band's last studio album, Oddities, Abnormalities, and Curiosities, was released more than a decade ago. Though the band released a new song last year, guitarist Greg Hetson mentioned this past June that a new album from the long-running band may not happen in the near future. That is a shame. These guys were pioneers, and make great music together.
The band has also released a set of limited edition colored vinyl of the album. The run includes various colors including pink, clear and clear blue. The skinny on the blue vinyl is that it will be exclusively available through retailer Hot Topic while pink and clear will be in mom and pop stores. Red and yellow clear vinyl will be available in the new year via Porterhouse Records.
Finally, much of the band's back catalogue is now available as mp3 downloads at various outlets. Also, the Jerks have unveiled plans for a tour of South America in March of 2009. The band's last studio album, Oddities, Abnormalities, and Curiosities, was released more than a decade ago. Though the band released a new song last year, guitarist Greg Hetson mentioned this past June that a new album from the long-running band may not happen in the near future. That is a shame. These guys were pioneers, and make great music together.
Monday, July 21, 2008
NOFX to tour East Coast this Fall
Looks like NOFX will be hitting the road this fall for an all-East Coast tour. Hope they are coming to a venue near you. Catch Fat Mike, El Hefe and Company as they take SoCal to the East Coast!
08/22/08 Denver, CO Red Rocks w/ The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Bouncing Souls, The Circle Jerks
10/13/08 Providence, RI Lupo's w/ Dillinger Four
10/15/08 New York, NY Irving Plaza SOLD OUT w/ Dillinger Four
10/16/08 New York, NY Irving Plaza SOLD OUT w/ Dillinger Four
10/17/08 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom w/ Dillinger Four
10/18/08 Long Island, NY Crazy Donkey w/ Dillinger Four
10/20/08 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero Theater w/ Dillinger Four
10/21/08 Pittsburgh, PA Club Zoo w/ Dillinger Four
10/23/08 Buffalo, NY Town Ballroom w/ Dillinger Four
10/24/08 Baltimore, MD Ram's Head Tavern w/ Dillinger Four
10/25/08 Richmond, VA Toad's Place w/ Dillinger Four
08/22/08 Denver, CO Red Rocks w/ The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Bouncing Souls, The Circle Jerks
10/13/08 Providence, RI Lupo's w/ Dillinger Four
10/15/08 New York, NY Irving Plaza SOLD OUT w/ Dillinger Four
10/16/08 New York, NY Irving Plaza SOLD OUT w/ Dillinger Four
10/17/08 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom w/ Dillinger Four
10/18/08 Long Island, NY Crazy Donkey w/ Dillinger Four
10/20/08 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero Theater w/ Dillinger Four
10/21/08 Pittsburgh, PA Club Zoo w/ Dillinger Four
10/23/08 Buffalo, NY Town Ballroom w/ Dillinger Four
10/24/08 Baltimore, MD Ram's Head Tavern w/ Dillinger Four
10/25/08 Richmond, VA Toad's Place w/ Dillinger Four
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