NOFX To Release "The Longest EP"

Hey Everyone!

So punk legends NOFX have announced that they will be releasing a collection of EP tracks. The tunes will date back to 1987 all the way to the present date. They have decided to title the work: "The Longest EP". Very fitting I'd say, including all those tracks would definitely make it a pretty long EP... most EPs are only a few songs long. However, with the average track length under 2mins, I suppose it could balance out. Guess we'll have to wait and see.



Have to say, I'm not much a fan of NOFX. I know, I know, backlash awaits that comment in the punk community. I am sure that in admitting this, I could stand to lose a few followers. The thing is, I respect their career... they have worked long and hard to get where they are. I like that they have really solidified their place in modern punk history, HOWEVER, after watching them "share their opinions" on more than one occassion at various Warped Tours, I lost A LOT of respect for them. For me, Punk isnt about being so outspoken that you insult everyone around you... its about being free to believe what you want. Its about being your own person. But that doesnt mean that you have to criticize people for what they believe in... its not the way I work. I dont mind some of the music- a lot of it is great punk, but I just cant watch these guys play live shows anymore... its frustrating for me I guess. Anyways, thats my thought on the subject. Feel free to disagree, music is something that everyone has their own opinion on, especially when it boils down to the politics of the whole thing.

So new NOFX EP... looking forward to it? I'll give it a listen, but dont look for me at live shows!
Rock On,
-Girl At The Rock Show

Jesse Labelle's Perfect Accident

Hey Everyone!

So here I am once again, sitting in the University Community Center trying my best to type up ten pages of brilliance... but its so not happening haha. I've been listening to some emo in an attempt to stumble upon brilliance, but thats also not happening. Instead I think I'm starting to feel morbidly depressed haha. Anyways, as a break, I put on shuffle and came across this gem that I picked up off some random music video flow not too long ago. Its called "Perfect Accident" by Toronto native, Jesse Labelle. Its so stunning, seriously I'm hooked. I know I said that I'm not big on guitar serenades but if a guy sang this to me, I'd probably get a little choked up. After all, I'm not heartless haha.

A fixture in the Toronto music scene from a young age, he's finally getting his chance at a big break (outside his early escapades in boy band ID- Identically Different haha). Jesse released his first EP on Wax Records in September and has been touring feverishly to gain some exposure. The young Canadian song writer has already been called the next John Mayer, and will be touring this spring in support of Faber Drive. Check out the tour dates HERE. I cant say I'm a big Faber fan, but I'm actually debating checking this show out just for Labelle.

What do you think?

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

New Music From Alexisonfire On The Way!

Hey Everyone!

Hot on the heels of their Old Crows/Young Cardinals release (June 2009), St.Catherine's boys Alexisonfire have announced their plans to release a four song EP called Dogs Blood soon. They plan to hit the studios this spring to record. Seems a little fast but I'm not complaining. They have been doing some really great and interesting reworking of their sound in order to preserve vocalist George Pettit's voice. I kind of like it, and I'm curious to see where it goes next!

So what do you think? Excited for more AOF? I am!

Rock On,

- Girl At The Rock Show

Jack's Mannequin Definitely Earn Their Supper

Hey Everyone!

So on friday I headed out to Toronto to check out the Jack's Mannequin "Sing For Your Supper Tour". One word to sum it all up? Astonishing. Never have I seen a band play with more passion and pure, untainted talent. If you missed out, well thats kind of depressing because this is something I feel everyone should see and hear for themselves!

The night started off with opening act, Fun. This american indie pop band warmed up the crowd with happy tunes and FUN instrumentation. Some of you may recognize front man Nate Ruess as a former member of the group- the Format. They played a great set of memorable songs and had the crowd in an audible frenzy when Andrew McMahon joined them on stage with booze to inspire a Happy Birthday chant for Nate. All around the group was flawless musically, and captivating to the audience. I heard many people trying to find out the groups name and discussing the purchase of CDs. Well done, Fun. The name could not be more fitting for that set!

Next up was the headlining act, Jacks Mannequin. The crowd chatting excitedly as the small brown grand style piano is carted out on the stage and amplifiers are decorated with colorful bottles of alcohol and comic book heroes. As the lights dimmed, Andrew and the boys took the stage, greeted with cheers and applause. He sat behind the piano and broke into "I'm Ready" and a heartfelt version of "The Resolution". Beautiful piano break downs were met with rousing approval as the set list carried on through old and new favorites. Also incorporated into the performance were a few rare B-sides and tracks off the latest EP to accompany Andrew's documentary "Dear Jack". A couple specific track that made the night memorable were "Hammers & Strings" and "Swim". Both songs sparked a make shift sing along with the audience almost drowning out the stage. You could just see the way Andrew's eyes lit up as he briefly turned toward to audience and encouraged the chants. Its just one of those moments that make a concert unforgettable. On a side note- I definitely appreciated the between song score updates on the Canada/Slovakia hockey game... he acknowledged how important the game is to our country and how grateful he was that we had chosen to miss it for his show. Thats right Andrew, we are a hockey nation, thank you for understanding! haha

The night was amazing. My hunger for piano rock has been insatiable since that show. I still find myself humming along to Hammers & Strings, my poor kittens having to listen to my 3am kitchen karaoke sessions... This song here is another favorite of mine, give it a listen, hope you love it as much as I do! (sorry its a live version- best audio I could find on youtube!)

Definitely recommend checking out Andrew's bands on upcoming J.M tours and POSSIBLE Something Corporate reunion (anyone else excited for this?!?!?!)

Did you catch one of the Sing for your Supper dates? Thoughts/Pictures/Reviews?

Let me know!

Rock On,

- Girl At The Rock Show