The Big Bang

So, this is where it all begins. I'd like to go into intricate details on numerous topics...but not now. Some other time. I'm tired.

Since this will primarily be a music-related outlet, I'll start off with my top 10 albums of 2007. Here it is:

BARONESS - The Red Album
PIG DESTROYER - Phantom Limb
DOWN - III: Over The Under
A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS - s/t
WITCHCRAFT - The Alchemist
MAYLENE & THE SONS OF DISASTER - II
THE RED CHORD - Prey For Eyes
KING DIAMOND - Give Me Your Soul...Please
NUNSLAUGHTER - Hex

There are plenty of honorable mentions as well:

Zozobra - Harmonic Tremors
A Life Once Lost - Iron Gag
The Black Dahlia Murder - Nocturnal
Municipal Waste - The Art Of Partying

Now I know I'm probably missing a lot of hipster indie shit that indicates supposedly "good" musical taste. You know what? Fuck you. Yeah, I have A Place To Bury Strangers on my top 10. I work for them, so go ahead and call me biased. But if they sucked, I wouldn't. And they don't, hence the top 10 position. They're the most aggressive, abrasive, exciting band in this whole mess and I wouldn't have anything to with them otherwise. So there. Don't believe me? Check this out.

I'm coming from a metal background, so I've had the fortune to come into this other New York/Pitchfork/wherever scene with fresh ears. Four months ago, you could have played me a Battles song right after a Holy Fuck song and I would've thought it was the same band. Hell, I probably still would now. (And admit it, you argyle-sweater-wearing indie Nazi, you can't tell the difference either.)

So go ahead, make fun of the mongoloid metal guy who doesn't know what he's talking about. I've got a Master's in Say It To My Face And I'll Prove You Wrong Before Melting Your Face.

So, we've gotten that out of the way. On to other things.

The End Records has announced their SXSW showcase lineup, which is:

March 15th, 2008
The Ale House

ALEX SKOLNICK TRIO
JARBOE
TUB RING
MADE OUT OF BABIES
NADJA
GIANT

This is a great bill, showcasing some serious talent and energetic live acts. Giant is The End's newest band, I've heard nothing but good things about them and can't wait to see them in the flesh.

There will be album reviews, show reviews and all kinds of fun shit in future entries, but like I said, I'm tired and that'll be all for now. I will, however, end each entry with an awesome obscure live video. So here's some vintage Corrosion Of Conformity, from my beloved state of Connecticut.

The Man has left the building.