Sunday Edition: March 19th, 2006
It's Sunday March 19th, 2006. SXSW sucks. Not the event itself, which I can't really pass judgement on from the couch in my living room, but the effect it has on music news. While this week had a few neat stories (The Hold Steady signed to Vagrant? New Lillingtons record?) it seemed for the most part the world stopped spinning. The ratio of user submitted news to stuff we dig up ourselves fluctuates week by week, but in the past few days I think we were scrounging for table scraps more often than not. Things should pick up soon though, because Texas was most certainly the reason for this drought...
Stories you were talking about this week
So it wasn't exactly for the most dangerous of crimes, but Less Than Jake's guitarist Chris was arrested while shooting their new video in a mall and you all seemed to have a comment. Similarly quite a few of you jumped into the debate on MSNBC and the New York Times' efforts to define the "emo" movement. The Lawrence Arms remained atop the news pile this week with their new video hitting the interweb (that and a certain interview you'll read more about below). While their new television show is geared towards pre-schoolers, the Aquabats seem to have amassed quite a buzz among the Punknews commenters as well. Not sure what that says about us, mind you. Fearless continues their collection of "Punk Goes" covers compilations with the 90's edition, proving the nostalgia cycle is moving way too quick these days. From First To Last's media blitz was in full force this week, as they released both album streams and a new video from Heroine. The perpetually troubled Lollapalooza refuses to die, returning once again this year with a number of acts including Sparta, Cursive, Sleater-Kinney, the Hold Steady and many more. Finally a tour featuring Paint It Black, the Loved Ones and Shook Ones seemed to turn some heads.
This week we posted the second part of a video interview with Brendan Kelly of the Lawrence Arms. Check it out.
Current contests
Anti-Flag For Blood and Empire contest
Anti-Flag will be releasing their hugely anticipated For Blood and Empire soon and to celebrate we're giving away a ton of swag including the band's complete discography!
Win an iPod Nano from Bullets and Octane
Orange County, California's Bullets and Octane are gearing up for the April 11th, 2006 release of In the Mouth of the Young and to celebrate they're giving away an iPod Nano.
Win a ton of swag from No Trigger
No Trigger is preparing to release their debut full-length Canyoneer on Nitro Records this March. We're giving away a nice prize pack from the band including records and downloads from DownloadPunk.
Punkcore Records recently released the two DVD Pure Punk Rock compilation. The disc features bands like Action, Blood Or Whiskey, the Casualties, Cheap Sex, Defiance, the Havoc, the Lower Class Brats, the Messengers and the Scarred.
Sponsored tours
Matchbook Romance, Silverstein, Chiodos, Amber Pacific, Paramore, The Early November, I Am Ghost and Hit The Lights are among the bands playing this year's Take Action Tour. The Sub City organized event provides support and resources for young people to turn to when in need through the National Hopeline Network and 1-800-SUICIDE(784-2433).