”Hey Little One” is an amazing opening track launching the collection with a vibey laid-back bossa nova groove, setting the scene for what’s to come. Peter’s voice is relaxed and confident, even when dropping in simple harmonies to embellish the lead vocal. The second song “Wonders of The World” slips into salsa mode for just shy of 5 minutes long. I can hear shades of Roxy Music and maybe even a touch of the mighty Talking Heads. Some very interesting flavours are offered up here. For the third track “Action Figure Hero”, Peter continues the salsa beat to which he sets a slightly more rhythmic vocal melody. Again the harmonies are beautifully subtle and sublime. His lyrics here question American politics of late, particularly foreign policy and military operations in the Middle East. In stark and superb contrast, the next track “A Decent Cup” refers to the quest for a quality brew! Peter utilizes some mid-African rhythms here, reminiscent of Paul Simon’s blockbusting “Graceland” album, but there are other appropriate and well-placed flavours particularly in the form of the understated accordian. The title track “Perfect World Today” is an poignant look at our 21^st Century landscape from materialism and consumerism all the way to politics, warfare and terrorism. By far and away, my favourite track has to be “Brand New Gadget”. A dark and mysterious piece, offering us something different again, yet still expertly in-keeping with the style of the rest of the set. The latinesque melodies and beautiful arrangement make this a real stand out track and an obvious lead single. The mini album reaches it’s conclusion with the gracefully sparse and emotive “You Know It’s Over” another bossa nova rhythm with a little more darkness and mystique.

The overall mix of this CD is not exactly legendary, however, what it lacks in sonic vibrancy it more than makes up for in musical prowess and entertainment value. It has been carefully mastered not to be over-cooked and I’m glad that there are still artists and engineers out there attempting to preserve the true dynamic of sound rather than squeezing the life out of it. Hats off to who-ever held back on the big compression lever! Perhaps the only real negative point I can make here is that the album is far too short. With material this good, it leaves you feeling just a little deflated when the disk stops just short of 30 minutes.

In conclusion, this album offers so much substance and genuine class that all Peter really needs is to stay true to himself and continue churning out great quality material like this. A follow up can only build on what is already a decent set. It’s a real honour and privilege to be able to review a CD of this calibre and this is definitely an artist that I will be keeping a close eye on in the future.

– Neil Thomas (UK)

To learn more about Peter Galperin and preview tracks from “Perfect World Today, check out petergalperin.com

Seven Against Thebes is a progressive metal band featuring Rusty on vocals, Cyrus Rhodes on guitar with Bruce Burgess and Mr. Black holding down the bottom end on drums and bass, respectively. Some have compared their sound to Seattle brethren Alice in Chains. Yes, early Alice in Chains influences are there. They have also drawn comparisons to Tool. Yes, there is some of that same abstractness to their sound.

Make no mistake. 7AT has a sound that is uniquely theirs. More complex and swirling than Alice in Chains in a way that gets in your head and draws you into their theater. Their story lines are more tangible (less weird?) than Tool while delivering a primordial drama. 7AT are a culmination of great hard and heavy prog bands, akin as much to Tool as Porcupine Tree and Yes and Rush and…

It would be a great travesty to have only heard the feature tracks on this recording. The singles are “Equilibrium”, “Nemisis” and “Swandiver”, but this CD is a cohesive unit that should be consumed in much the same way as many classic prog albums such as Rush’s Hemispheres or Dream Theater’s Train of Thought.  The single “Equilibrium” has tribal drums and dizzying guitars. “Nemisis” is foreboding and atmospheric – delivering an emotional impact rarely found in pop songs. “Swandiver” kicks you in the teeth and gets tight in the groove – a song that is prayed for by mainstream radio listeners. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end with “Serpens Caput” and “Serpens Cauda” bookending what could very well be Frank Miller’s next epic graphic novel. Believe me? Check out the lyrics. (Click the serpent and scroll down.)

We’ve all heard the rumors of the demise of the music industry. Simply put, if the major labels would release albums with the production quality of this album, the rumor would be buried with Napster. 7AT has chosen not to participate in the loudness wars. In the process they have delivered an album that has a relativity wide dynamic range that lends itself to the raw emotional impact of their music and song. Listening from beginning to end is not fatiguing at moderately high volume levels which is rare treat for albums released over the past few years.

In the end, Seven Against Thebes has managed to record and release a CD that would appeal to most every progressive rock enthusiast while remaining accessible enough for other rockers. The songs are solid, delivered convincingly with a clear vision of primary song writer and producer Cyrus Rhodes. Exotic and distinctly modern.

Seven Against Thebes can be found at www.7AT.net where you can sample tracks from this release and download a copy of their impressive EP Equilibrium for free. You are encouraged to add this recording to your library.

For me personally, all this is really a none issue considering I have the original UK vinyl pressings and the first US CD releases of these albums. I’m pretty sure, I have decent enough versions of these albums to satisfy my late night mind benders, but just out of curiosity, I wonder how the new remaster sounds. I’ve gathered up a copy of Ozzy Osbourne – Diary of a Madman fresh off the presses with the sparkling new remaster touted by Ozzy himself as sounding fantastic. I have gathered up the CD and the vinyl…and for giggles I’ve pulled out the original UK vinyl pressing, the original US CD release, and the 1995 CD remaster. I long buried that 2002 reissue without Daisley and Kerslake… let’s not speak of it again. You are asking yourself, “Is this guy a madman?” Well, I am a bit of a madman. What do you expect?

Diary of a Madman was the third Ozzy album I owned… my first was Speak of the Devil, then Bark at the Moon (I’m not that old, ok?). Having said that, Diary of a Madman is one of my favorite albums of all time and I’m a bit of an audiophile (not the kind with a Macbook Air and a pair of Bose PC speakers). Audiophile, meaning someone who spends a lot of time with music and tries to make the best of that experience with the best equipment I can afford. Having said that, I have B&W speakers in my main room and AudioEngine speakers hooked to my PC. If I had more money, I would invest more into that experience. If I had more time to listen to music, I wouldn’t have such nice speakers. Anyway, I wanted to find out which release of the album sounded best on my system to my ears.

At this time, I would like to insert a disclaimer for the reason that listening to music is mostly a subjective exercise, despite my “Bose” remark. The opinion I have is subjective and I cannot back it up with scientific data (well, I probably could if I thought you would appreciate it). The bottom line is that whatever version of Diary of a Madman you have, play it and enjoy it… That is unless you have the 2002 version. I have not reviewed Diary of a Madman in the traditional sense. There are plenty of those reviews floating around declaring Randy Rhoads a guitar god and it is well established that Ozzy and company made a landmark, classic, and well defined rock n roll record. So, I won’t bother pissing up your leg on that.

Now, which version of the album do I prefer? We won’t pretend that Diary of a Madman is a Miles Davis record or released by Chesky Records but we will understand that this record was produced by true rock n roll musicians with a mission to deliver an emotional impact. However, don’t take for granted what heavy metal can deliver when executed properly.

1. UK First Pressing on Vinyl – This version sounds the sweetest. I can hear the delicate Rhoads’ plucking on the opening of of the last track, “Diary of a Madman”, and the over the top pounding of Kerslake on “Little Dolls” without reaching for the volume knob. I can really feel the emotional impact of the music drawing me in. The music continually asks me to turn the volume up to hear every detail of Ozzy’s vocal, every Rhoads’ guitar part, every infectious bass line. The dynamic range is exceptional. I become completely seduced by the tone of the guitar waiting for each note and screech. I believe this version represents the closest interpretation of how Diary of a Madman was intended to sound.
2. 1995 Digital Remaster — While this version doesn’t sound as sweet as the UK vinyl it is more detailed. The symbol crashes on “Over the Mountain” are sharp and add texture. The bass and drums are sharp and tight allowing the unique voice that is Ozzy’s swirl and soar revealing heavy metal poetry. This CD was released before the full onslaught of the loudness wars, therefor most of the dynamic range of the original master is left intact. If I had never heard the UK vinyl, this would be my go to version of Diary of a Madman.
3. 30th Anniversary Vinyl — This version is easy to listen to and has plenty of dynamic range, but there is just something about it that leaves it a little lifeless and inferior to the UK vinyl. Honestly, it could be my equipment. The sound is detailed and overall a satisfactory experience, but the emotional impact is less than the UK vinyl and 1995 CD.
4. Original US CD release — We really can’t blame the CD on this one. I suspect that the master for the vinyl was used for this CD release. When this was originally released, which was after the vinyl, CDs were a bit of an after thought. While the sound is similar to the UK vinyl, the CD doesn’t capture the same sweetness and leaves me wanting more from the little silver disk. If you are the owner of this version only, be happy, there’s is no need to upgrade unless you find a copy of the 1995 remaster.
5. 30th Anniversary CD — In recent years I have become extremely weary of remasters and new CDs in general. I offer up a few examples: Metallica’s Death Magnetic, Ozzy’s Scream, and the remastered releases from The Cure’s catalog. All of these CDs sound squashed and more akin to listening to a static infested radio broadcast at full volume. Not something, I enjoy. To the credit of whom ever was in charge of this reissue, they did not stoop to those levels. The sound on this version of Diary of a Madman is similar to the 1995 CD, but it’s louder and more compressed. Listening to the album in one sitting is a bit fatiguing, but at least I didn’t celebrate when it was over. I suspect that the mix used in this release was a compromise. Not the best mix for audiophile Ozzy and Randy Rhoads fans, but it could have been a lot worse too.

After finishing my six pack of beer and listening to all five versions of this classic album, I have concluded that Diary of a Madman is still one of my favorite albums and is a true classic that should be in the collection of every rock n rolla. If you are one of those guys who only has a 128k mp3 version of this album left over from the Napster days, head straight out and buy this incredible album. (Diary Of A Madman (Legacy Edition) at Amazon) Please bypass the 2002 remaster at all cost. Cheers.

Skittish are a Folk Rock band from Minnesota who have released their latest album “Perfect Shade of Green” in 2010. Curiously, and quite boldly, this is a double album clocking in at 1 hour 37 minutes with a total of 24 tracks, the obvious presumption is that it will either drag or have too many “filler” tracks. Not so. Every song is a winner on this phenomenal album. The core members are Jeff Noller and Vonnie Kyle, both exceptional musicians with outstanding vocal abilities.

Skittish is certainly a very apt name for an outfit of this calibre. Their opening numbers “Living Atop” and “Love Songs and Lullabyes” (watch the HD music video) really let you know what this band is about from the start. Lively and catchy melodic rock with a huge folk injection to get your foot tapping straight away as you glide into this beautifully atmospheric journey. By the third track “Wrecking Ball” we are detoured into a commercially viable rock epic with hooky overdriven riffs, reminiscent of the seventies stadium bands (Who, Zeppelin etc). The band offer up some post-punk chugging riffs for the verses and just in case there was any danger of you thinking you were listening to the wrong band, Skittish bring in an acoustic guitar to throw some folky flavours back into the mix. This is so colourful – a real pleasure to soak up the melodies and harmonies. With so much variety in the instrumentation (mandolin, banjo, cello, trumpet, clarinet etc) it’s difficult to pinpoint who is playing what, but what does it matter? Everything is expertly presented and the production is flawless. Noller and Kyles voices are both mutually complimentary with neither dominating the album. Having two accomplished singers at the helm of the sound is an excellent starting point but with their exquisite and effortless harmonies it just becomes so much sweeter. The last song on the first disc has a picked arpeggio acoustic, which put me in mind of the Damian Rice song “Rootless Tree”. The song takes so many twists and turns – it has a scope and grandeur about it that gives it a real epic quality. It’s the perfect tune to ensure you pull the disc out and reach for disc two.

Part 2 begins with a stomping folk song that gradually picks up pace. The vocal melody dances lightly over the backing and as the layers build up we are back to the lush harmonies as Noller and Kyle divide and conquer. This song is followed by “Bump in the Night” which stands out oh so gently as my own personal favourite. Vonnie Kyle takes the lead in this beautifully simple arrangement. The percussion, mandolin and strings are exquisite and provide for some delicate satin textures – the perfect backdrop to her superb vocal, sometimes double-tracked and sometimes intimate, naked and simple – very sensual. The third track opens with a tightly harmonized vocal intro from the pair and instantly reminded me of Jethro Tull – it was quite uncanny. The rest of the album continues throwing up catchy radio-friendly numbers time and time again. There really isn’t a weak song to be found.

The only (very minor) negative I could find with this album is the dark cover artwork. From what I can tell it’s quite an eye-catching cover, apart from the dark print – or maybe I’ve just got a duff copy. The absence of sleeve notes is a shame, although I understand some artists like to limit the amount of notes to try and emphasize the importance of the music, I always feel that the notes help promote the product more. Maybe I’m old fashioned but it’s nice to have some visual imagery and information whilst listening to the music. Overall this is an incredible album, with enormous breadth and depth of substance, flawless in both its musical delivery and slick production. It is definitely a “grower” as you hear more colours and flavours coming through each time you hear it. I can only imagine great things ahead for Skittish if they can maintain this standard of material and keep going. I will eagerly look forward to hearing their follow up. This is definitely a band to keep an eye out for in the next few years.

Get a little skittish at the band’s website for a listen and more information,  http://www.iamskittish.com. See the high definition video for “Love Songs and Lullabyes” at HD Music Videos Online

This article was written by Neil Thomas for Rock n Roll View.

Super groups aren’t a new phenomenon. Recently, I can think of a couple, Chickenfoot and Them Crooked Vultures. In the past, I can think of The Firm, Phenomenon, Power Station, just to name a few. A muscular Against All Will gives us their version of a super group with the release of  A Rhyme & Reason on the Subsonic Industries label.

Against All Will is powered by Jimmy Allen on guitars (Puddle of Mudd), Jeff Current on vocals (7 Story Drop), Steve Wilson on drums (Dead Kennedys), and Cello Dias on bass (Soulfly). I’m a strong proponent of super groups, especially when the chemistry comes together like it has for Against All Will. The sum of their parts is greater than the individual player.

These four rock and rollers deliver on the promise of rock and roll with A Rhyme & Reason.  Sex, drugs and rock n’ roll tied up in seemingly simple songs and classic hooks delivering a philosophical exposition for those interested. Rock music should be honest (we don’t see much of that these days), powerful, empathetic, with a little poetry thrown in for good measure. Against All Will give us that with plenty more to boot.

Check out Against All Will at www.againstallwill.com. You can see the HD music video for “All About You” here. You can pick up the album at all the usually places (iTunes, Amazon, etc.)

[View with PicLens]

Feed the Furnace from EquilibriumDownload audio file (feed-the-furnace.mp3)

7AT

That brings us to a new band and a new perspective that ups the ante again for Seattle bands, the four piece alternative metal band Seven Against Thebes (aka 7AT). 7AT is clearly a force to be reckoned with on the scene in 2011. I expected the typical Seattle post grunge spin off presentation to make my ears bleed… Okay, I’ll be honest with you – I WANTED to HATE 7AT and their little EP, Equilibrium. My thought before spinning the disc, “I’ve heard it all before and you ain’t got nothing for me, boys.” Reluctantly hitting the play button, my snarl begins to turn to smile not even a minute in on the first track. I know the words “chosen one” sounds so cliché, but the more I listened to 7AT the more I realized these guys personify all that is missing from modern rock music. 7AT is a resurgence, if you will, of mid-90’s rock when the bands from Seattle had good chops and delivered some amazing songs. There’s no power pop force here like Nickelback, Daughtry or Lifehouse.  Seven Against Thebes give up an EP that is hard, heavy, engaging and not to over the top dark or morbid.

The EP kicks off with the title track. Indeed there is a method to their madness.  After the title track runs its course, 7AT takes you even deeper with tack 2 “Mask”– an amazingly intricate and dark piece that will remind you of classic Tool before Maynard bought his winery. Track 3, “Swandiver” is even more amazing as singer Rusty Hoyle showcases his amazing baritone reminiscent of classic Scott Weiland and Chris Cornell. The song “Feed the Furnace” burns with a nice groove and a killer guitar solo that will surely be a crowd favorite at live shows. The last track, “Nemesis” is one song that has a truly dark meaning – check out the lyrics and decide for yourself. I get the impression guitarist Cyrus Rhodes is the creative force propped up by a band that can deliver the goods, as he wrote most of the songs, plays guitar and produces the EP.

I love everything about 7AT. A full-length album is definitely in order. Never once did 7AT go over the top to make their point – a rarity these days. 7AT is something special and I hope this EP is a snapshot of sorts revealing alot about the rock and roll integrity of this band. 7AT is one of those bands not to be underestimated or pre-judged. If you do this you run the risk of getting exactly what you deserve – your ass kicked.

Check out Seven Against Thebes and listen to the entire Equilibrium EP at their site, www.7at.net. Check out more reviews of independent bands at  Indie Music Digest.

The digital comic book (available free online as a PageFlip and a CBR archive) is described as “Soul gathering with a little rock n’ roll“.  Essentially, the comic book is an anthology of four dark stories that consider the moments before death. The story of Freddie Mercury titled “Prince of the Universe (A Requiem)” reflects on his life as a pop star and his miss-steps that ultimately lead to his death. The comic story like Freddie Mercury is complex and multi-layered. We think that you will gain a different perspective on the rock god and you will once again mourn the loss of this immense talent.

Black Opus Vol. 1 is available from Dog Star Comics as a free digital comic book. While Dog Star Comics isn’t charging any money for this exceptional comic book, we recommend that you support Dog Star Comics by making a small donation to encourage their continued work of producing excellent comics.

Important Links:

Dog Star Comics Home Page
Black Opus Vol. 1 Information
Interview with the writer Donnie Lee

“You know me and Norma broke up?” Jeff was tellin’ me while we were ridin’ in the back of his sister’s car. The reason we were ridin’ in the backseat was because Norma was ridin’ shotgun.

“Really?” I said as I looked towards Norma who was oblivious to our conversation.
“And does she know about this?” I asked.
“Of course she does silly. She’s cool with it… We decided to remain friends,” Jeff answered back confidently.

“Well, that’s good that ya’ll can be civil about it,” I said as I checked to make sure the door wasn’t locked just in case.
“So where are we goin’?” I asked.
“Where we always go… Party Zone.”

Party Zone was a bar in Chattanooga, Tennessee that had shitty music, shitty bartenders, and shitty clientele; but it did have one thing goin’ for it… “The Beer Bash”.

The Beer Bash was basically all the draft beer you can drink for five dollars; with our limited funds, and our unquenchable thirst it was quite a deal (back then our taste buds were still underdeveloped and we were basically power drinkers; goin’ for quantity instead of quality.)

As we entered the establishment the sounds of Enuff-Z-Nuff’s “High on a Real Thing” was blarin’ thru the speakers. “Oh… I love this song.” Jeff shrieked as he started singing along with the tune (As I’ve stated many times before Jeff ain’t the most manliest of men.) I went over to the bar and laid my Lincoln on the table. “Beer Bash,” I said to the bartender. “And hurry before he starts beltin’ out a George Michaels’ song.”

When the barkeep laid the mug down I started guzzling; you pretty much had to get the first one outta the way so you couldn’t taste the second one… or the third … or the …. Well you get the idea.

Jeff and I were sitting at one side of the bar while Norma and Jeff’s sister were setting on the other side. By the third beer Jeff was startin’ to get serious’ (Which for my stories, ain’t a good thing.)

“You know Scott?… I’m glad me and Norma ain’t together no more… All we did was fight and people don’t need to do that.” He said with a committed tone in his pansy voice.

Forth beer: “You know I don’t need her… I can get any woman I want… all I hafta do is this [attempts to snap his fingers]. (He honestly tried to snap his fingers but all he did was flip his cigarette across the bar.)
Fifth beer: “Awmagawd!! Well, I guess it could be nice, if I could touch you’re body. I know not everybody has got a body like you.” He was in his lil’ disco queen zone as I was bangin’ my head on the bartop wondering two things:

1. Is there such a thing as enough beer to block this shit out?
2. Can I use my belt as a hangman’s noose?

Sixth beer: (moment of clarity) “You know I’m glad me and her can still be friends… We where like buddies anyway and I can go on and do something more constructive with my life,” Jeff said. “Well, it sounds like you’re doin’ the right thing,” I said to my friend as I stopped hitting my head and thinking that this was the first time I can recall Jeff ever usein’ common sense.

Sixth and one half beer: Jeff was on the other side of the bar standin’ in front of Norma; unbuttonin’ his shirt as he did a Hootchie-Cootchie dance in front of her. I could tell by the way Norma’s jaw was clenched that she was about to rip his balls off (if he had any) and stuff them down his throat.

All of a sudden a devil was in my ear. “Don’t do anything… the rat bastard deserves to get his ass kicked… every time ya’ll go out and sumthin’ gets fucked up it’s Jeff fault.” And then an angel was in my other ear saying “Yeah fuck Jeff… all the cocksucker ever done was cause you grief.” So I decided not to listen to either one of them and I grabbed my friend by his arm and dragged him to the bathroom.

As I was about to read him the riot act, he goes berserk. He starts screamin’ and hittin’ the side of the bathroom stall; hittin’ the wall; hittin’ the soap dispenser; hittin’ the automatic hand dryer; and then he grabbed me by the arms and yelled “Scott…I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO!”

I’m not an angry person or quick tempered but there are a coupla things one could do that would get me fightin’ mad:

1. Say that Glenn Frey was more talented than Don Henley.
2. Grab me.

“Jeff,” I said slowly and as calm as I could but inside I was about to get evil, “Get your hands off of me.” With tears in his eyes he said, “Scott you’re my friend… I would never hurt you.” With a slight chuckle I told him. “Your damn right you ain’t gonna hurt me… you gonna remove your fuckin’ hand’s right now or I will.”

Realizing what was about to happen he let go and sat on the floor sobbing. “Listen to me Jeff… You and Norma are never gonna be able to get along. Not as friends, not as lovers. Cut your loses and get over it. We’ll go to the other side of the bar and we won’t see her for the rest of the night. We’ll drink some beers and talk about strip clubs.” “You right Scott… you’re a true friend… I’m sorry.” And the bitch hugs me… in the bathroom just as a patron was walkin’ in and done a perfect u-turn back out when he saw us.

Being totally mortified, I grabbed Jeff by his arm and led him back out to the bar. As soon as his foot left the linoleum of the bathroom floor and touched carpet-firma he wrestled his arm out of my grasp and made a b-line straight to Norma and preceded to do the hootchie-cootchie part 2 the electric boogaloo.

“Fuck it!” I said and I got another beer and sat by myself already loosin’ whatever buzz I had because I could taste the beer again.

Thirty minutes or so Jeff’s sister came up to me. “Scott, I need you to do me a favor.” “Whatcha need?” I answered. “I need you to pretend to be my boyfriend … this guy I’ve been dancing with is startin’ to get too grabby.” And so with a weariness in my voice that belies my twenty-two years of life I said, “Sure … why not?” So she introduces me to her dance partner and he was a lil’ suspicious of her story.
“Why hasn’t he been dancing with ya?” He asked.
“Can’t dance… had half my foot cut off in a freak Saw Blade Frisbee accident … Oh and thank you for bringin’ up that painful memory, asshole.”

As I went on that rant I was thinking, “There is no way in hell this guy is gonna believe this four course line of shit I just put in front of him.” Romeo looked like he accidentally punched one of Jerry’s kids in the face and said “Sorry man, no harm o.k.?”

“Shit.” I thought, “Now, I’m gonna have to fake a limp for the rest of the night.”
“Thanks Scott… I owe ya one.” She said with a gleam in her eye.
“Now what in the hell was that suppose to mean.” I thought as I was tryin’ to kill that question with more alcohol.

Closing time and I got up and started gatherin’ up the lost lil’ sheep and as we had a nice four person single file line goin’, thinking every thing was goin’ to be o.k. As soon as we got out side Jeff starts pushin’ Norma and Norma bein’ the type of person that don’t take kindly to being pushed, pushed him back. We were at the car when the boilin’ point occurred. As Norma reared back to clock Jeff upside the head I was in process of grabin’ her from behind and her elbow caught me right square in the mouth, bustin my lip.

“Fuck!” I said as my head jerked back from the recoil. Then I notice something that I should’ve spotted as we were leaving but I was too focused into fakin’ a limp on my way out. Cop car about thirty feet away with two silhouettes inside. Man… I could feel them starin’ a hole in us getting ready to take all of us to the “Lock-M-Up” Hotel. When I whispered in to Norma’s ear, “Enough… there’s a Cop car over there… you need to calm down and get into the car.”

Well, that seemed to work. Norma got into the backseat on her own and some how durin’ all this ruckus Jeff is sprawled out on the pavement passed out. “Well… this solves one problem at least,” I was thinking to myself. So, Jeff’s sister and I picked Jeff’s bony ass up and put him into the passenger’s seat and pretty much figured that the night was done. All we had to do was go to our respected homes. (Sheeya… right.)

I sat in the back with Norma who was going through a very quite moment and I thought this would be a good time to try and talk to her because despite her taste in men, Norma was a friend of mine and I wanted to make sure she was in the right frame of mind.

“You’re sure your o.k.?” I asked her.
“ I’m fine.” She replied nonchalantly as she bent down into the floorboard to pick up a cigarette she dropped (or so I thought).
“Well good because when we all sober up we’ll laugh our asses off.”

No sooner than I got that sentence out of my mouth before I realized what she did. As she was feelin’ around in the floorboard for her cigs; she was actually searchin’ for the seat release to the front passenger side seat. A click rang out in the car like a gun shot. Before I knew what was goin’ on Norma brings her knee to her chin and started kickin’ the shit out of the back of the seat that Jeff was in screaming, “Tell me mother fucker, tell me!” Bang, Bang, Plok went Jeff’s head (the bang bang was from the dashboard, the plok was from the windshield.). “Tell me you fuckin’ asshole!” she screamed again as Jeff’s head bounced different parts of the car.

“Norma… calm the fuck down!” I yelled tryin’ to wrap my legs and arms around her so she wouldn’t kick Jeff any more but it looked more like a Karma Sutra position. I looked to the front to see if Jeff was all right. He wasn’t bleedin’ but the moonlight was glistening off the drool that was dripping from his mouth oblivious to what was happening to his noggin. “Great,.” I thought “With that many blows to the head he’s gonna be brain damaged … er more so.

We get to Norma’s house first and Norma gets out and opens the front passenger side door and grabs Jeff like those cavemen did in those old cartoons just after they hit the pretty young cave woman up side the head with a club and throws him over one shoulder a starts carryin’ him into her house.

“Norma,” I said with a lil’ quiver in my voice. “I don’t think this is a good idea.” She paused and turned around and with a look that would scare the shit out of Satan himself, she said, “Don’t worry… he’ll be all right.”

To quote Pontius Pilate “Fuck it… I wash my hands of this shit.“ (Well maybe not a quote more like a paraphrase I suppose, but anyway…) I went back to the car and told Jeff’s sister that she might have to get use to the idea that her lil’ brother was no more. (She seemed pretty cool about it, come to think of it.)

All was quite as we headed down hiway 41 on our way to my house and Jeff’s sister said “You tried your best.” “Thanks… I appreciate that, no offense but I hope she ties his ass to the bed and tortures him for a couple of days at least.” I said as I could feel the horns poppin’ out of my head.

“You seem more mature than Jeff’s other friends; he’s lucky to have a friend like you,” She said with that same gleam in her eye that she had earlier. “Huh… thanks.” I answered back with my hand on the door knob just in case I had to jump and roll out if this got any deeper. But fortunately we made it back to my apartment and we said goodnight and I went up and crashed on the bed.

The next day:
(Telephone ring.)
Me: Hello.
Jeff: Hey man… what’s goin’ on?
Me: Jeff?… You’re alive?
Jeff: Yeah, I’m alive. I just wanted to call and see if you wanted to go back to the Party Zone tonight with us?
Me: Us?… Who’s us?
Jeff : Well, me, Norma, and my sister.

CLICK

A master of melody, hooks and conceptualization, Robert brings a diversity of his songs online which he plays, sings, records, and engineers himself. His songs are a product of spending his formative years playing in dive bars, pool halls, and every other joint that would hire him and his various bands to strap on a guitar. Raised on Rush, Iron Maiden, Elton John and the Beatles, his songs reflect his influences and the road rash that touring and life sometimes provide.

Robert said in an interview with Rock n Roll View, “My intention with the site is to be an outlet for my songs. I’ve written so many songs over the years and I’ve built my recording studio over time… I think it’s high time that I give other people the chance to hear some of this stuff that’s been keeping me up late. If I’m lucky, a few other people will find these songs interesting.”

The site has been online for a couple of weeks, and already archives almost enough music for two album. True to Robert’s influences, you’ll find songs that span many genres. Dawn you headphone or earbuds for Beatles-esque adventures, piano ballads, guitar driven angst, multilayered progressive, from pop to rock. The thread that binds all the songs together is the sophistication and maturity of the song writing.

You can listen to the songs of Robert B Mullins, read his lyrics and keep up with his life in the studio at www.rbmullins.com. Follow Robert using Twitter or RSS to keep up with the onslaught of rock n roll.

1. Beer, Beer, Beer (The Clancy Brothers)

“Beer, Beer, Beer Tidily Beer, Beer, Beer”
While Charlie Mopps may be a myth of dubious proportions this fun song’s easy to remember chorus is always crowd pleaser.

2. Bugger off (The Dubliners)

“Like a Herd of Bloody Swine That Refuse to Leave the Trough, You’ll Get No More This Evening So You Bastards Bugger Off.”
The mock hostility between the band and the audience is what makes this great. The band: “Bugger off you bastards, bugger off” The audience: “Fuck you”.  Priceless.

3. Whiskey in the Jar (The Dubliners, Thin Lizzy, Metallica, and others)

“Whack For the Daddy ‘Ol , There’s Whiskey in the Jar”
Probably the most famous of all Irish folk songs and done in so many styles. You should be able to find a version that will fit any mood. Don’t worry, it’s all good.

4. Finnegan’s Wake (Dropkick Murphys)

“Woman to Woman and Man to Man. Shillelagh Law Was All the Rage”
While it’s an Irish folk song I love the Murphs version of it with the blending of traditional with the energy of punk.

5. Fairytale of New York (The Pogues with Kristy MacColl)

“You’re a Bum, You’re a Punk. You’re an Old Slut on Junk.”
I know, I know this is usually considered a Christmas song but this beautifully bitter sweet song about 2 lovers in the clutches of alcoholism and drug addiction. This song is so full of humor, joy, and heart break.

6. Seven Deadly Sins (Flogging Molly)

“We’re Seven Drunken Pirates; we’re The Seven Deadly Sins”
A modern sea shanty that was dedicated to Joe Strummer and a damn fun song to boot.

7. Irish Drinking Song (Buck O Nine)

“And Mary McGregor, Well She Was a Pretty Whore”
It’s been called “Drink and Fight”.  It’s been credited by Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, and The Bouncing Souls, but this ska band from San Diego is the guilty party.

8. Down to the Old Pub Instead (Steven Lynch)

“She’ll Retain Her Water, Her Breast Will Be Tender, and Every Third Word That You Say Will Offend Her”
A great alternative for that time of the month.

9. Kiss Me I’m Shitfaced (Dropkick Murphys)

“I Play One Mean Guitar and Then Score at the Bar”
A song about a sad drunken braggart. I think if I had a theme song, this would probably it.

10. Worst Day since Yesterday (Flogging Molly)

“Hell Says Hello, Well it’s Time I Should Go”
Mixing Irish folk with Country and Blues makes this a great sing a long when you got a couple under your belt

Well, that’s it. I hope everyone has a great St Patrick’s Day and stay away from green Fucking beer.

In closing I want to leave you with an Irish toast.
“Here’s to a long life and a merry one.
A quick death and a easy one.
A pretty girl and a honest one.
A cold pint… and another one.”

Until the next round,

D.B.

PS For some year around drinking songs, check out blackdog’s list of tunes he regularly pisses with at Beer Drinking Songs for Hell Raisers. If you happen to be drinking and have a naked chick with you, try Megannibus’ list of stripper songs.