tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482518643143374502024-03-12T21:42:48.953-05:00Soft Rock RenegadeAn archive of West Virginia-related music and more.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358045692537461816noreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-57134428257760318182012-04-23T09:30:00.002-05:002019-01-29T08:53:12.265-06:00LOOK: Soft Rock Renegade on Bandcamp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WWDQXRasKs0/XFBoOVohreI/AAAAAAAAA_k/xs7JXWaX9LojzytMo0AaFqPkBGiT4P0IACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-29%2Bat%2B8.49.41%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="775" height="286" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WWDQXRasKs0/XFBoOVohreI/AAAAAAAAA_k/xs7JXWaX9LojzytMo0AaFqPkBGiT4P0IACLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-29%2Bat%2B8.49.41%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Many of the albums from this blog have been posted on <a href="http://softrockrenegade.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a>, where you can stream and/or download mp3s for free (or make a small donation, if you like). </div>
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<a href="http://softrockrenegade.bandcamp.com/"><b>Check out the Soft Rock Renegade Bandcamp page</b></a>.</div>
Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-29962165029505224702012-04-18T10:01:00.001-05:002019-01-28T16:49:30.692-06:00DOWNLOAD: Watership Down - Dellicatessin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XgQn7DjnvzA/T47Qu1qxNxI/AAAAAAAAADU/8nMEy3hkIw4/s1600/wd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XgQn7DjnvzA/T47Qu1qxNxI/AAAAAAAAADU/8nMEy3hkIw4/s320/wd1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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During this past South By Southwest, I got to reminisce about West Virginia bands with Robert McCutcheon (<a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2009/12/download-american-minor-demo.html">American Minor</a>). It was Watership Down that Rob mentioned as his favorite band from the state. I remember hearing about this Charleston band, but it wasn't until Rob tracked down this album that I ever heard them. Before playing this album, I had no idea what Watership Down even sounded like. Being from Charleston in the mid-'90s, I presumed they played blend of pop punk and metal like most other bands from the area at that time. Instead what I heard was ramshackle pop rock in the vein of Pavement, Built To Spill or early Flaming Lips. "They were the first true 'indie rock band' I saw in Charleston," said Aaron Crothers (<a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/search/label/the%20emergency">The Emergency</a>), a self-described source close to the band. "It's just sloppy wonderfulness." This album, recorded at Cave Records in the mid-'90s, is truly wonderful and makes me want to hear more from the trio lead by Jeremy Brightbill. I believe it is the last recording by the band, who added female vocals from Jeremy's sister Jaimie on the record which adds a sweet poppy element to the otherwise angsty but melodic style driven messy instrumentation and Jeremy's laconic vocals. This record is really great, so if you're a fan of the aforementioned bands or anything from the '90s lo-fi indie movement, then this comes highly recommended.</div>
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<b>Artist:</b> Watership Down<br />
<b>Album:</b> Dellicatessin<br />
<b>Year: </b>mid-'90s<br />
<b>For fans of:</b> Pavement, Built To Spill, Flaming Lips</div>
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<b>DOWNLOAD:</b> <a href="https://softrockrenegade.bandcamp.com/album/watership-down-dellicatessin">Watership Down - Dellicatessin</a></div>
Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-12242896007346790912012-04-17T11:01:00.001-05:002012-04-17T11:37:38.036-05:00WATCH: Diamond Teeth Mary McClain<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sq2tFW8wBT8" width="420"></iframe>
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Born in Huntington, Diamond Teeth Mary McClain ran away from home at age 13, began singing at 15, but didn't receive recognition until she was in her mid-30s. She sang until her death in 2000 and had performed at the Appollo and the Cotton Club and has been billed with the likes of her half-sister Bessie Smith as well as Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and other legendary musicians. Here are a couple videos of Diamond Teeth Mary including a short bio about her in the top video and footage of one of her later performances below.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Yoo3naO24-w" width="420"></iframe>Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-61076905732337155802012-04-12T11:20:00.001-05:002012-08-08T14:06:35.080-05:00LOOK: J Marinelli/Samuel tour photo, 1995<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqWvwM5lGN4/T4b_NIX4SOI/AAAAAAAAADE/Onmg6VTcUnQ/s1600/406565_10150554452071902_609456901_9281450_1273865006_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqWvwM5lGN4/T4b_NIX4SOI/AAAAAAAAADE/Onmg6VTcUnQ/s400/406565_10150554452071902_609456901_9281450_1273865006_n.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2011/07/download-j-marinelli-keep-it-fake.html">J Marinelli</a> posted this photo today. It was taken in Minneapolis in 1995 and is from the <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/search/label/samuel">Samuel</a> tour with Avail, Chamberlain, and Colossus of the Fall tour. Marinelli is the fourth from the left in the back row. On the far left is Avail singer Tim Barry who I recently saw play <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj0_qTWiE9A">this show</a> in Austin with my good friend Aaron (<a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2009/12/download-warriors-unreleased.html">The Warriors</a>), who gets a shout out from Tim in the video. Oh, punk rock.</div>Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-75426346227737962312012-04-09T13:48:00.003-05:002019-01-29T08:51:54.271-06:00DOWNLOAD - Cave Record (Various Artists) - Songs For The Fruitbat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-df9XUE7dUdw/T4MnpERShuI/AAAAAAAAAC8/z_Q-Z6oDThQ/s1600/Cave+Records+-+Songs+For+The+Fruitbat+-+Booklet+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-df9XUE7dUdw/T4MnpERShuI/AAAAAAAAAC8/z_Q-Z6oDThQ/s320/Cave+Records+-+Songs+For+The+Fruitbat+-+Booklet+front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Songs for the Fruitbat is a 17-track compilation CD produced in 1995 for Elview-based label run by Brian Pauley and Scott Robinson. I've had plenty of posts about <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/search/label/dirt%20bear">Dirt Bear</a>, but the the comp also features four songs each from Charleston area groups Trout, Flood and Sevin (along with one bonus track from Lame). The compilation represents the diversity of music being made around Charleston in the mid-1990s. Fruitbat features a alt-punk-metal (Dirt Bear), heavy alternative in the vein of Helmet and Quicksand (Flood), snotty pop punk (Sevin) and fIREHOSE/Meat Puppets-esque alt rock (Trout). The comp is pretty well produced and features songs not featured on other records by the bands. Members of these bands went on to be in <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2010/02/download-west-by-god-contradictionswest.html">Westbygod</a>, <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/search/label/shindig">Shindig</a>, <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2010/03/download-dead-ant-farm-ultimate.html">Dead Ant Farm</a> and others.</div>
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<b>DOWNLOAD:</b> <a href="https://softrockrenegade.bandcamp.com/album/trout-flood-sevin-dirt-hear-lame-cave-records-songs-for-the-fruitbat">Cave Record (Various Artists) - Songs For The Fruitbat</a></div>
Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-52538845123264852202012-04-06T11:47:00.001-05:002012-04-06T11:47:20.251-05:00WATCH: Down Goes Frazier live in Huntington, 2009<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tgQKsZkwAyk?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><br />
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I recently traveled home to West Virginia. While there I got the opportunity to hang out with my good friend Ryan. That inspired me to listen to his old band <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2010/12/download-down-goes-frazier-discography.html">Down Goes Frazier</a>. If you're a fan of Hot Water Music or Planes Mistaken For Stars, be sure to <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?m53snnph97mj617">download their discography</a>. Here's a video of DGF playing in Huntington in 2009. They were a good band.Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-84283594446105025902012-04-05T09:54:00.001-05:002019-01-28T16:50:57.835-06:00DOWNLOAD: Complete Strangers - Complete Strangers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tMaIT5WmkQQ/XE-HRj5ARhI/AAAAAAAAA_M/6HHle_fDnUgUozsYWsULzYC234pdcPDFQCLcBGAs/s1600/a1216727174_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tMaIT5WmkQQ/XE-HRj5ARhI/AAAAAAAAA_M/6HHle_fDnUgUozsYWsULzYC234pdcPDFQCLcBGAs/s320/a1216727174_10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I originally posted <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2010/03/download-complete-strangers-complete.html">this album</a> in March 2010, but because I've been listening to it a lot lately, I am posting it again. Every time I listen to <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2010/03/download-complete-strangers-complete.html">Complete Strangers</a>, I am reminded of how amazing they were. If you like rock music along the lines of Talking Heads, Rolling Stones, T. Rex, Elvis Costello or The Stooges, <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?rmyzkntmnyj">download this</a>. There is nothing I will ever post to this blog that I will recommend more highly.<br />
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<b>Artist:</b> Complete Strangers<br />
<b>Album:</b> Complete Strangers<br />
<b>Year:</b> 2002<br />
<b>For fans of:</b> The Stooges, T. Rex, Elvis Costello<br />
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<b>DOWNLOAD:</b> <a href="https://softrockrenegade.bandcamp.com/album/complete-strangers-complete-strangers">Complete Strangers - Complete Strangers</a>Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-7868793732429718802012-03-27T09:27:00.001-05:002012-03-27T09:27:45.110-05:00LISTEN: Spike Jones - I Wanna Go Back To West Virginia<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8N7FL0hOuaY" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Heading back home to West Virginia tomorrow, so no better time for this 1942 big band number from Spike Jones and His City Slickers.<br />
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"I wanna go back to West Virginia. I wanna go back to the one I love," - indeed.Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-23070845994454820082012-03-23T08:32:00.001-05:002012-03-23T08:32:25.043-05:00DOWNLOAD: Stand Accused - Demonstration CD 2004<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMsXOw4l_M8/T2x51K8T9sI/AAAAAAAAACs/x_GwayY9i3M/s1600/sa.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMsXOw4l_M8/T2x51K8T9sI/AAAAAAAAACs/x_GwayY9i3M/s320/sa.jpeg" width="315" /></a></div>
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This record has nothing do with West Virginia or the region, other than I am from West Virginia and I used to go see the singer's other band (Reach the Sky) in Pittsburgh. I am posting this simply because it is one of my favorite ever hardcore demos and it seems impossible to find on the Internet. Stand Accused was from Boston and this demo is the only thing they ever recorded. (I don't know if they ever played any shows.) It is Ian from Reach the Sky and members of Suicide File and Mental, but the band sounds nothing like any of those bands. It is intense, pissed off, political hardcore in the vein of Poison Idea, Agnostic Front or Terror. So good.<br />
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<b>Artist:</b> Stand Accused<br />
<b>Album:</b> Demonstration CD 2004<br />
<b>Year:</b> 2004<br />
<b>For fans of: </b>Agnostic Front, Poison Idea, Terror<br />
<b>DOWNLOAD:</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?998j51i2jvryt1w">Stand Accused - Demonstration CD 2004</a>Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-6516071813693248532012-03-22T09:19:00.000-05:002012-03-22T09:19:17.014-05:00WATCH: The Blanket Institute live in 2001<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/9526647?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
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Yesterday I posted the demo from Huntington noise-rock band <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2012/03/download-blanket-institute.html">The Blanket Institute</a>. I mentioned their live performances, which were always tense and abrasive. So here is a video of them playing in what seems to be a gymnasium - maybe at the old Ceredo-Kenova High School - in 2001.<br />
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<br />Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-90611589031245409122012-03-21T11:22:00.000-05:002012-03-21T11:28:06.219-05:00DOWNLOAD: The Blanket Institute - fearsomeasinmouthwithscapel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwhZNr9X-hQ/T2n7Fcr8mrI/AAAAAAAAACk/0Kq_JNNIb2M/s1600/blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwhZNr9X-hQ/T2n7Fcr8mrI/AAAAAAAAACk/0Kq_JNNIb2M/s320/blanket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Taking note from The Locust, The Blanket Institute played acerbic noise-rock with a heavy hint of irony and sarcasm. Hailing from Huntington, TBI was dual vocalists exchanging roars and screeches overtop of drumming and guitar playing that was equally frantic. Despite never quite being a serious band, TBI did record this low-quality demo in 2001 that quite well represent their bleak but provocative performance. Though this isn't the best or most approachable music I've posted on this blog, TBI was a fun and entertaining group of guys, and it's a rare piece of the Huntington music scene in the early '00s.</div>
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<b>Artist:</b> The Blanket Institute<br />
<b>Album:</b> fearsomeasinmouthwithscapel<br />
<b>Year:</b> 2001<br />
<b>For fans of:</b> The Locust, Swing Kids, Melt Banana</div>
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<b>DOWNLOAD:</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?scb7yfwbn1o93ak">The Blanket Institute - fearsomeasinmouthwithscapel</a>*<br />
(Sorry for the lack of track titles.)</div>Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-38706067992108501612012-03-19T10:47:00.003-05:002012-03-19T10:51:51.327-05:00WATCH: Sam Black Church live in Boston, 1994<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Xlx1WDlISDc" width="420"></iframe><br />
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This past weekend, I saw <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si9jKJ-pbcE">All Pigs Must Die</a> (ex-The Hope Conspiracy, Converge). At the show I mentioned <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/search/label/sam%20black%20church">Sam Black Church</a>, and APMD's singer Kevin overheard me. He excitedly spoke of the days of SBC being the biggest band in Boston, and how good they were live. See what he's talking about in this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xlx1WDlISDc&feature=youtu.be&t=2m15s">video</a> of SBC playing a hemp festival in Boston. (Skip to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xlx1WDlISDc&feature=youtu.be&t=2m15s">2:15</a> for the SBC footage.)Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-91265200191483115122012-03-14T13:43:00.000-05:002012-03-14T13:46:53.191-05:00WATCH: 'I Have a Lot of Faith' from Hollow<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/36077026?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/36077026">I Have Alot of Faith</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/elainemc">Elaine McMillion</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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The above video is a clip from Elaine McMillion's film project <a href="http://www.hollowthefilm.com/">Hollow</a>. It is a project you should 1) pay attention to 2) help support.<br />
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Hollow is a hybrid community participatory project and interactive documentary where content is created "for the community, by the community." The project combines personal documentary video portraits, user-generated content, photography, soundscapes, interactive data and grassroots mapping on an HTML5 website designed to discuss the many stereotypes associated with the area, population loss and potential for the future. Members of the community will take part in the filmmaking process by creating 20 of the 50 short documentaries in efforts to build engagement and social trust and empower the community to work together for a better future.</blockquote>
Elaine McMillion is a West Virginia native and WVU grad based in Boston when not working on this film. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/emcmillion">Follow her on Twitter</a>.Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-28687603896694035612012-03-09T09:06:00.002-06:002012-03-09T09:07:21.656-06:00LISTEN: Lemont - Summer Salt<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="http://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F38796006&show_artwork=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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Check out this demo track from Lemont, a fairly new indie rock band out of Pittsburgh featuring Charleston native Joshua Gragg of <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/search/label/american%20minor">American Minor</a> and <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2009/12/download-apart-from-projector-lovers.html">Apart From the Projector</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-35606575169900183802012-03-08T16:23:00.001-06:002012-03-08T16:23:45.024-06:00WATCH: Pilgrim Song [Trailer]<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MFVfSFZ2xB8?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
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It's South By Southwest time here in Austin. Lots of music, film and panels going on in town. Just found out (I don't pay much attention) that <i><a href="http://schedule.sxsw.com/2012/events/event_FS12433">Pilgrim Song</a></i>, the new feature from Charleston resident Martha Stephens is screening.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">Raised in Appalachian Kentucky, Martha Stephens longed to create films celebrating and investigating her land and people. A graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts, School of Filmmaking, Martha's first feature film, "Passenger Pigeons" premiered at the 2010 SXSW Film Festival and won the "We Believe In You" Award.</blockquote>I really want to see this film, which features music from <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2011/05/download-andrew-iafrate-ravages.html">Andrew Iafrate</a> and <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2010/01/download-jonathan-glen-wood-things-you.html">Jonathan Wood</a>.Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-72423874396577799072012-03-06T09:41:00.000-06:002012-03-06T09:41:42.049-06:00DOWNLOAD: Mind Garage - Mind Garage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B67gEuDdJMM/T1Ype7ZjwZI/AAAAAAAAACI/BBCWKyZz-BE/s1600/o43905%5B1%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B67gEuDdJMM/T1Ype7ZjwZI/AAAAAAAAACI/BBCWKyZz-BE/s320/o43905%5B1%5D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mind Garage may be best known as the first recognized Christian rock band. Probably best know for their "Electric Liturgy," a Christian rock worship service, this Morgantown band put out some great psychedelic tunes in the '60s and '70s. Mind Garage, dubbed "theo-rock" by Village Voice, released two LPs on RCA including this debut self-titled album. Slight comparisons to the Grateful Dead, 13th Floor Elevators, the Byrds or the Stones can be made, but Mind Garage is a true original, and had an influence on music for decades to come.</div>
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<b>Artist:</b> Mind Garage<br /><b>Album:</b> Mind Garage<br /><b>Year:</b> 1969<br /><b>For fans of: </b>The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, Grateful Dead</div>
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<b>DOWNLOAD: </b><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?x1gkvu4pfsm3355">Mind Garage - Mind Garage</a></div>Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-78461321125124526872012-02-28T08:40:00.001-06:002012-02-28T08:40:49.138-06:00WATCH: Rollins Band live in Huntington, 1999<iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tWj0cVaor3o?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Rollins Band covering Thin Lizzy's "Are You Ready" at the Gyrationz (Drop Shop) in Huntington in 1999. What else do you need to know?</div>Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-21490420950663717542012-02-23T09:09:00.001-06:002012-02-23T10:29:01.837-06:00DOWNLOAD: The Monkey Knife Fights - The Sound Of a Certain Urgency<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn91kk6pJbE/T0ZPPHug40I/AAAAAAAAACA/bhQIsrvI5B4/s1600/mkf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn91kk6pJbE/T0ZPPHug40I/AAAAAAAAACA/bhQIsrvI5B4/s320/mkf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I asked Monkey Knife Fights singer/guitarist Travis, what were his bands influences, he responded, "Not sure, something like melodic thrash." That could give you the wrong idea, but it's somewhat accurate. While frequent moments of fast guitar picking could hint at D.R.I. or Motörhead, it is the poppy but still in-your-face melodies ring of bands like Descendants, Minutemen or Sugar. The music from this Morgantown band is intense but playful and the lyrics are provocative. A highlight for me is the album's second track - "This is Where Words Get Serious." It is straight forward and fast; double bass driving forward its ferocity, but with an underlying melody from the guitars and dual vocals making its sound layered and similar to that of Hot Water Music. Best of all on this album, which was released in 2006, is the overt West Virginia pride with songs like "Almost Heaven, Drunk as Fuck" and "Appalachian Rage." Despite an old band of mine playing with MKF in 2004 at one of the first HYAMP shows, I hadn't heard the band much over the last eight years. (I blame that on living outside the state.) This is one of those album I'm glad this blog has put on my lap.</div>
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<b>Artist:</b> The Monkey Knife Fights<br />
<b>Album:</b> The Sound Of a Certain Urgency<br />
<b>Year:</b> 2006<br />
<b>For fans of:</b> Minutemen, Descendants, D.R.I.</div>
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<b>DOWNLOAD:</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?02l7kybyx3qbk2k">The Monkey Knife Fights - The Sound Of a Certain Urgency</a></div>Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-51976650308470205952012-02-22T13:23:00.002-06:002012-02-22T13:27:53.387-06:00WATCH: Esteema: Your Walk of Shame Will Never Be the Same!<iframe src="http://www.funnyordie.com/embed/1d8d08ec03" width="384" height="256" frameborder="0"></iframe><div style="text-align:left;font-size:x-small;margin-top:0;width:384px;"><a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/1d8d08ec03/esteema-your-walk-of-shame-will-never-be-the-same" title="'from freeneurotica">Esteema: Your Walk of Shame Will Never Be the Same!</a> - watch more <a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/" title="on Funny or Die">funny videos</a> <iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?app_id=138711277798&href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.funnyordie.com%2Fvideos%2F1d8d08ec03%2Festeema-your-walk-of-shame-will-never-be-the-same&send=false&layout=button_count&width=150&show_faces=false&action=like&height=21" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:90px; height:21px; vertical-align:middle;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>
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My friend, former roommate and fellow West Virginia expat living in Austin, Erica Lies, is part of some pretty funny stuff nowadays. In August, I posted about her web series <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2011/08/watch-freelancers-web-series.html">Freelancers</a>. Most recently, Erica's comedy troupe There's Waldo has produced a commercial for <a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/1d8d08ec03/esteema-your-walk-of-shame-will-never-be-the-same">Esteema</a>, a drug that helps women get their self esteem back after a one-night stand. It is quite laugh-worth, which is why it is currently trending on <a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/1d8d08ec03/esteema-your-walk-of-shame-will-never-be-the-same">Funny Or Die</a>. In the video, keep an eye out for the curly-haired Maggie Gyllenhaal-looking Italian girl from Morgantown. That's Erica.Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-26456982577565931732012-02-20T15:22:00.002-06:002012-02-20T15:23:00.629-06:00LOOK: Misfits of West Virginia T-shirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVWIpv-N_Do/T0K4ypJm3rI/AAAAAAAAABs/zQTiMvvSzsU/s1600/photo-full.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVWIpv-N_Do/T0K4ypJm3rI/AAAAAAAAABs/zQTiMvvSzsU/s400/photo-full.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dana White (formerly of <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/search/label/holden%20caulfield">Holden Caulfield</a>) is taking pre-orders for this T-shirt via <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1805596737/misfits-of-west-virginia">Kickstarter</a>. A measly $15 gets you the shirt, while greater donations get you even more including a poster, Holden Caulfield albums and more. <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1805596737/misfits-of-west-virginia">Check it out</a>.</div>Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-59917123068946453472012-02-13T10:43:00.000-06:002012-02-13T10:43:46.800-06:00WATCH: D. Ray White - Cindy<iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YqCOx0vYwe8?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>I have my opinions on Jesco White and the cultural attention he has received over the years, but I'll save that for a dissertation one day. What I can't argue with is the talent of his father D. Ray White. Here is clip of D. Ray tapping and singing from the documentary <a href="http://www.folkstreams.net/film,121">Talking Feet</a>.</div>Mike Andrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242375216377302735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-75150441537928451142012-02-07T09:15:00.000-06:002012-02-07T09:15:10.364-06:00DOWNLOAD: Librarians - Alright Easy Candy Stranger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JgONYLjyoGk/TzE8d0HCcEI/AAAAAAAAA6E/MmJDuHCmYq0/s1600/The_Librarians_Alright_Easy_Candy_Stranger_Postfact.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JgONYLjyoGk/TzE8d0HCcEI/AAAAAAAAA6E/MmJDuHCmYq0/s320/The_Librarians_Alright_Easy_Candy_Stranger_Postfact.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I asked the guys from Librarians a while back if I could post this album, they were a little embarrassed. They've seemingly put this 2006 album them, but I don't see what the problem is. Though a bit dated and certainly not as mature as 2010's <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2011/03/download-librarians-present-passed.html" target="_blank"><i>Present Passed</i></a>, this album has some good moments. <i>Alright Easy Candy Stranger</i> is electronic indie dance rock that brings to mind Les Savy Fav, Joy Division or Franz Ferdinand. Recently, Librarians' Ryan Hizer has been doing <a href="http://goodsport.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Good Sport</a>, a "lazy, lo-fi, electronic" (according to their Bandcamp tags) project that is quite good. But if you want to know what Hizer was up to six years ago, whether he wants you to or not, here it is.<br />
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<b>Artist:</b> Librarians<br /><b>Album:</b> Alright Easy Candy Stranger<br /><b>Year:</b> 2006<br /><b>For fans of:</b> Les Savy Fav, Franz Ferdinand, Killers<br />
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<b>DOWNLOAD:</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?xnwzwjjtvim" target="_blank">Librarians - Alright Easy Candy Stranger</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358045692537461816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-33758449113006957902012-02-06T10:49:00.000-06:002012-02-06T10:49:30.031-06:00WATCH: Brother's Keeper live in Charleston, 2001<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LagaHcd_MiI" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Here is a pair of videos of Erie hardcore band Brother's Keeper playing at the VFW in Charleston in 2001. I sure I was at this show, but I don't remember it very well. I do, though, see a lot of friends including <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2010/01/q-dana-white.html" target="_blank">Dana White</a>, who put on the show and deservedly receives words of appreciation from BK singer Mike Ski. I wasn't the biggest fan of the music of Brother's Keeper, but the guys in the band were always incredibly friendly and appreciative. Any band that enjoyed coming to play in West Virginia had my respect, and the members of Brother's Keeper always returned with their future projects. That is what I think about when I watch these videos.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q0uHApNaA_k" width="420"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358045692537461816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-78750451881098226022012-02-03T10:01:00.004-06:002012-02-03T11:17:36.840-06:00LISTEN: Living Saints - Living Saints<br />
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I've known Living Saints' main man Cody Lynch for many years since his days in the skate punk trio Feet First. He then played in <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2010/12/download-down-goes-frazier-discography.html" target="_blank">Down Goes Frazier</a> before doing his solo project Wine & Water. I have a lot of talented friends, but I've always admired Lynch's work ethic and ambition. In 2011, he formed Living Saints, what I believe is the first full-time full band he has fronted. With Living Saints, Lynch's hard work seems to be paying off with what is his most creative and professional musical outing yet. Living Saints blends many of Lynch's influences including Leatherface, <a href="http://softrockrenegade.blogspot.com/2011/01/listen-austin-lucas-hollywood.html" target="_blank">Austin Lucas</a> or Dinosaur Jr., making for some enjoyably catchy folk punk rock and roll. The production of this record isn't top quality (a demo recording in a living room), but I've certainly given it a number of listens. I hope the band can get into the studio soon, as I'm excited to see what is to come from this pretty promising group from Huntington.<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="410" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/v=2/album=3482637869/size=grande3/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB/" style="display: block; height: 410px; position: relative; width: 300px;" width="300">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://livingsaints.bandcamp.com/album/living-saints"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Living Saints by Living Saints&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe><br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358045692537461816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348251864314337450.post-25874695212809992012012-02-02T14:09:00.000-06:002012-02-02T14:43:49.404-06:00WATCH: WWF introduces Earthquake as "John" from West Virginia<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-jwRu3XwTM0?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><br />
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In 1989 at a WWF even in Wheeling, the Ultimate Warrior and Dino Bravo participated in a push-up contest. To show off Bravo's strength, Jimmy Hart picked a random audience member to sit on Bravo's back. The 460-pound man introduced himself as "John," and said he was from West Virginia. John Tenta, who was actually from Canada, eventually became known as Earthquake, and wrestled in the WWF for 5 years. In fact, I saw Bravo and Earthquake take on Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior in a tag-team in Wheeling the next year. Yeah, I loved wrestling, and never forgot seeing this clip when I was a 8 years old, and how excited I was to hear "John" say he was from state.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07358045692537461816noreply@blogger.com1