Capital Gaines

The return of Fuck You Fridays.

2010-07-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

It's July now. I'm about to turn 24. The world sucks. What better band to usher in the return of This Experiment than Dangers? These guys, are one of my personal favorite hardcore bands doing it right now. They come from all the way across the country in California, and are crafting a brand of angry, intelligent, and unrelenting west coast hardcore the likes of which might change the game. Yes there are a ton of bands coming from the west coast right now, but Dangers is the only one that asks "Why didn't you kill yourself today?" and that's a very important question. It strikes at the essence of everything. What did you do today that's worth your continued existence? That's the kind of vitriol I expect out of hardcore, and get out of Dangers. Strangely enough, that's the name of their label. Vitriol Records.

Fuck you Fridays

2009-09-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

Well hello there, it's been a while, but I think this is worth a blog post. There are so many people/institutions I'm angry with right now, and some rad tunes that you should know about, so I thought I'd kill 2 birds with one stone.

First fuck you goes to the city of Tallahassee, for telling me to mow the lawn at my house. With no reasons at all, and I'd count reasons, as my neighbors complaining, our grass restricting access for some utilities worker to do their job, blocking the mailbox, etc. None of that, we get a notice about how our grass is out of control, and is affecting the morale and overall happiness of our neighborhood, and we had to mow it or we faced up to $500 in fines. Again all of this without anyone in the neighborhood complaining, etc. So I mowed the lawn, and our landlord called me to tell me that we "passed" the inspection, but the code enforcement lady would like us to do it more regularly, and not so "haphazardly." Well fuck you code enforcement lady. I liked the grass. I liked that I could stand in it and not see my legs, I liked that we had all kinds of cool bees buzzing around our yard because they have enough varieties of flowers for all of them to be happy. And now they're gone.

Fuck you number two goes to the USPS/whoever is stealing our mail. Stealing is so fucking low, I don't even know where to start. Oh really some 7" punk rock records? and a rat fink t shirt? That's what you want? You had to steal from us? Do we even look like we have anything worth stealing? No we're all so fucking broke. Don't think you just get off the hook USPS letter carriers who just left our shit sitting on the porch for people to steal apparently instead of leaving us a fucking package slip. I know you have them in your pocket, and if you would've used it we could have avoided all of this trouble to begin with.

The third fuck you goes to everyone with their flags at half mast today. Seriously, get over it. Also to the US Military recruiters who use days like today to talk poor kids with second class educations into joining military service. This song is for you.

Ok I think I feel a little bit better. I guess I'll post in here a little more regularly because I spent all summer hearing awesome bands, and needing to share them with people. Maybe if I keep this up people might actually start reading this thing. What's up Phil?

Cool bands I've seen recently

2009-06-03T01:12:00.000-07:00

Off With Their Heads

So I figure I'll start this off with a band that I saw for the first time in April. They were supporting Against Me! on a little tour around the US. I kind of had a bit of an idea what to expect; straight-up no frills pop-punk, and maybe a few sing alongs. They definitely brought all of that with them, but there were elements of street punk thrown in, with the driving bass and drums, and the open ringing guitar chords. Some of you might have already heard of this band, but I hadn't and it was definitely a good first time experience. Their latest record called "From the Bottom" is out on No Idea, and yo should check it out if you get the chance.

At first listen, it's sounds like any other snotty pop-punk band from the midwest, and one might expect to hear songs about girls and hanging out, which there is a certain amount of. With a closer look however, the songs reveal themselves to be a scathing critique of the existence we all live, and never bother to question every day. They do things like have a chorus that's as follows

Because I'll never let it go
I'll Just let it grow
Until the day I die I fucking swear
I'm gonna make your life as miserable as mine.
Then go into an extremely pleasing hook right after. It's madness the way depression gets juxtaposed against major chords and progressions all over this record. I definitely recommend checking it out if you get a chance. Once again, that's "From the Bottom" by Off With Their Heads.

I've missed you, loyal readers.

2009-06-01T23:41:00.000-07:00

I'm sure all 6 of you that read this are wondering where I've been. I'll tell you. I've been practicing, and playing shows with my band, hearing tons of awesome music in the process, which I guess I'll have to share with you all. Instead of making a list of awesome bands I've seen play in the last two months, maybe we'll just do this on a day by day basis. Starting Later today when I wake up.

I'm going to make a conscious effort to keep this updated since I haven't really posted since that Slingshot Dakota show. Which I still think was awesome by the way. Maybe look out for a Jennfest recap type thing as well. Also There are some killer shows coming up this month, which brings me to my next point. Check out the right flank of this blog, and you can see a list of bands that will be coming through here in the next month. Also if you want your band featured or anything like that just shoot me an
email. Tallahassee, remember this blog is yours. It's only going to be as good as you all help me make it. I can't be everywhere at once, and I know there's a lot of awesome shit I don't know about, so help out. Okay I gotta sleep..

Saw a really awesome band play tonight

2009-04-13T23:29:00.000-07:00

They were called Slingshot Dakota. Lemme just say, the recordings don't do them Justice. They were great live, if you can; see this band! Hour Of The Wolf was amazing last night, and then tonight I get to see Slingshot Dakota, and Against Me! the day before. Go Florida!

We're going analog!

2009-04-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

Zine coming out Friday. Like a paper one. This blog shit is cool and all, but I'd much rter give something tangible. For those of you who don't live here any more, or are still interested in what's going on around here, I'll be posting more regularly, and only really cool things so you'll at least feel like it was worth the clicks. Definitely look out for the print zine though, it's gonna have poetry, and art, and local businesses, and music, and CD reviews. I'm really excited about it!

Shove your health insurance up your ass.

2009-03-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

So I'm going back to college. Cause for celebration right? I'm not so sure really. While I was trying to register for classes and whatnot, I get a message that I needed to either purchase or waive health insurance. Which seemed innocuous enough, so I ctrl-v the URL and get down to the business of navigating the worst designed websites (possibly ever) to figure out all this nonsense. So when I get down to it and finally find the waive button, I find that you can't simply waive the health insurance, you have to have proof of some other insurance besides the grossly underproviding school insurance.

Granted, I'm not one for health insurance period. Or the medical profession for that matter. Anyway, so I'm thinking what does health insurance have to do with me going to college. Sure I may be away from my parents, and say maybe I might hurt myself. I understand that, I really do. That you need health insurance to even attend classes. Or raher, to attend classes, and have them count for anything is ludicrous. So I'm really annoyed by al this, and I'm going to call the university health people and complain.

What does this have to do with shows you might ask? Absolutely nothing. It does however have to do with the marginalization of those poor/unemployed enough to not be ale to afford "health care" which is a profit driven business, not a health driven community, and that my friends is where I see a problem. When did we allow our health to be taken over by businesses? I know it was before I was born, but just because something's been going on my whole life doesn't make it right. Take back your body, because it seems that step by step we are being controlled.

We have insurance companies, people trying to overturn Roe v. Wade, laws deciding who you can love, and how you an love them. Are we really going to just sit back and watch this all happen quietly? I hope not. As a 22 year old, I'm realizing now that there's not really any more parent figure to hold your hand per se, and sometimes you gotta get dirty to have a garden. My friends, it's time to get some rakes and shovels.

Don't take your pants off if the temperature is under 60*

2009-03-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Howdy Folks. I've missed you y awesome loyal readers. You've been on my mind the last week. Every show I've been at, Every record I've bought. Every pedal stroke on my bicycle, I've been thinking about you. And so without further ado I'm all yours again. At least until I get tired again tomorrow from Going to shows every day. Ok nevermind. I gotta hurry up and make a record order before the UPS dudes get to No idea. Catch you later.

March 17th

2009-03-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a couple of days, but I went to Gainesville on Sunday to see the Dillinger Four and Anchor Arms. It was super tight, and there ended up being an after show party with In The Red, and Gunmoll reunion. More on that later.

Since this is a Tallahassee centric blog, I think it would be appropriate to inform you that the Gaines Street Project looks like it's going to get started soon. I'm not going to flood you with my opinions, but I think I'll leave a bunch of links on the side so you can read and make up your own mind about how you feel or what you should/shouldn't do about it.

With all that out of the way I got a bunch of records this weekend, so look for reviews in the next couple of days. I got the New Anchor Arms/Why I hate split 12" and it's super hella tight so far. I've only had time to hear the Anchor Arms side, but I'm gonna go listen to the other side now. I also got the new In The Red record which come s out in like 2 weeks I think. Anyway I'll give you a heads up on that. Also look out for some vinyl copies of the Good Luck record. I'm going to Gainesville Friday, and I'll pick some up from No Idea if you want. Just Holler if you want one

Wallball

2009-03-14T13:38:00.001-07:00

Go play it. Real update later

Spring Things Day 1

2009-03-10T16:28:00.000-07:00

So I got home too late last night, but here's the first day's run down of awesome things to do in Tallahassee this week, and beyond.

First though, I want to tell you about an awesome show going down tomorrow night. Witchfinger is playing at All saints, with Greenland is Melting, and 2 other bands I've never heard of. This is going to rule so hard. If you're in Tallahassee, go to this, then you can go catch Deer Tick after across the street.

1. Ride your bike

I always forget how fun this is, and ten I do it, and wonder why I don't do it more. I'm sure something similar happens to you.

2. House shows

Why are these so awesome? Because of the amount of snacks/friends/bands/smiles that's why!

3. All Saints Cafe

Crazy shit is without fail going down. I'm on my way over there right now. There may be other shops with "better" coffee, but you can't really replicate Jabberjaw. 'Nuff said.

More tomorrow.

It looks like Spring is here.

2009-03-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

I walked outside today, and it seems safe to say that the days of 40 degree and less temperatures are behind us for the next 10 months. I for one am excited about the possibilities afforded to the Tallahassee resident with our newfound balmy spring warmth. I think over the next week I'll post about places one could go in town to Enjoy the weather, and the company of some of the lovely citizens this town has to offer.

Before we get to that however, I think it's time to address the Against Me!/Emilyn Brodsky/Spoonboy/At Will show in Gainesville this past Wednesday. I'm going to try and keep this one short, but I walked up to the house towards the end of At Will's set. The only thing I really remember is them playing their song "Goldman," And at least 30 kids indie the house all yelling along "If I can't dance I don't want to be a part of your revolution NO NO NO NO." It was an awesome way to start out the night. After they finished I made my way in the back door along with my friend Sharkie, and we watched the rest of the show from our amazing Kitchen vantage point. Next was spoonboy, who you might know from the Max Levine Ensemble. His songs were charming, and ful of wit, as was his ~~stage~~living room banter. He had things to say, and it was col to see someone playing a show, and handing out fliers for ~~a protest~~Direct action instead of hawking CD's. Emilyn Brodsky played next, and brought the house down. Literally, she asked everyone to it, and the entire living room went to their butts without batting an eye. It was a great tactic, considering how quiet her overall performance was, comprising of only her voice and a ukulele. That sums up the part of the shoe where I THOUGHT the house was packed. Now on to the part where it really was.

After Emilyn played Members of Against Me! started bringing in equipment. At this point the excitement was palpable. Everyones questions were being answered, they really were there, and they really planned on playing. After set up, they said hello and jumped right into their set. Which you can download at the bottom of this entry. As you'll see in the track names they played quite a few new songs, and quite a few old songs. It was kind of awesome to see them try out new material. It's always funny how kids at shows won't really dance if they don't know the songs, but the second they stated playing Pints of Guinness.. Shit got crazy, and stayed that way until the end of the set.

Here's a picture that doesn't do the amount of humanity in that house justice...

After that we ate at Flaco's. It was super rad.

Against Me! Live at the 1231 house in Gainesville

Against Me! Gainesville tonight.

2009-03-04T13:54:00.000-08:00

story to follow tomorrow

Sloane Peterson "These Days"

2009-03-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

My friend Brian plays guitar in this band called Sloane Peterson. They're from Miami, and the play pop-punk. When I say pop punk, I mean chunky bass, and overdriven guitars and pounding drums. Not any of the weak stuff that bands with hang bangs (Thanks Spike) are putting out, and way catchier than anything this snotty has a right to be.

On to the point of this post. I want to share some music that my friends made. They have this song called these days which should be coming out on a 7" record soon, but in the meantime you can hear the "demo" version on your very own computer, or whatever digital media device you put it onto. I put demo in quotes because this shit sounds slick as fuck, not to mention full. Enough preamble, here's the music.

These Days.mp3
Password=Sloane

Also check the guitar break at 1:35. You might puke. It's that awesome.

Fresh Fest update coming soon.

2009-03-02T18:26:00.001-08:00

I'm tired beyond all conception of tiredness from this weekend. In addition to Fresh Fest, there'll be a last shed show recap as well. I'm about to head out to the mansion to catch that show. Review tomorrow.

I just woke up, and yes I know what itme it is. Also show review

2009-02-25T09:57:00.000-08:00

Eyes and Teeth Art & music showcase

So last week I get a call right before practice asking if my band wants to play a show, to which we said yes. We knew nothing about the show besides the fat that their would be art on the walls, and On the Strings of was playing as well. Let me tel you Upon my arrival I was in for a huge awesome surprise. We showed up with our equipment, to find 4 artists hanging some really col stuff on the wall. I don't know if they all have website, but I know JLP does and you can see the things he hung in a digital format. Also Nick Fisher, who does art under the Moniker Sick fisher hung some very interesting, and colorful pieces. I know nothing about reviewing art, but His pieces looked very cool especially against the paint on the walls. Then there was Meg Scherwitzky, who put up some really cool stuff. It's always cool to see art you like and then find out one of your friends did it after. Also Charles Saylor had a few pieces up with some a collage kind of feel, at least that's what I got out of it. There was no cover at the door, and lots of people cam through to check out the art.

Aside from the art there was also the music which may or may not have been the "teeth" in the name of the show. Maybe eyes for art, Music for teeth? Maybe I'm reading too much into all of this. Who knows?

First up was On The Strings Of, for whom I wish I had more than youtube links, but it seems that for now you'l have to live with video. There's a video 2 posts down. Check it out. Sebastian was on last night. He shunned his familiar acoustic presentation for a more (I thought) enlivened rendition of his songs. He played a few he hadn't played in a while, and also some awesome new ones. I highly recommend checking out OTSO if you get the chance any time soon.

Next up was a band called Sun State, which I was really excited about before they started because they had probably15 instruments on stage for 3 people to play. This was shaping up to be extremely promising. However, they seemed to not get the memo that it was 1
1. A free show
2. Tuesday night
3. not happening at an arena
So they played for upwards of an hour, I don't know if I was really into their songs so such as looking at their instruments which included; a pedal steel, a mandolin, a sweet translucent red Les Paul, a banjo, and more guitars than I care to shake a fist at. I don't really remember what they sounded like at all, but I have their demo, so I'll check it out later. When I'm less annoyed at looking at the same 3 people for 2 hours.

The third act was a girl names Shannon, and her friend, whose name I can't recall right now. She played cello, he played guitar and sang. It was quite a nice juxtaposition from Sun State I thought. I actually paid some attention to them. They were pretty cool, His voice was kind of Jason Shevchuck Gravely, but still more on the singy side. It was quite nice. One of the songs was something about a nice rack, that's all I really picked up though. After some arguing with the sound guy, and microphone movement, their set ended without a hitch. Look for them in the future.

Then my band played. I don't know how we were, but I had an ass ton of fun. I looked up and saw smiling faces, I almost fell over 15 times, A girl was dancing. I couldn't have asked for more.

It was a successful night I think, and I hope to see more in the future. It was a great idea the marriage of the visual and the aural. Hopefully more artists and musicians get involved in this, and Tallahassee supports it.

Shows cont'd

2009-02-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

To finish out this week at the Engine Room we have

Wednesday - Pontiak
The Random notes of Decay
Kingsbury (Supertigt band from Orlando)
$7

Thursday - It just says hip hop on their myspace.

Friday - The Mason Jars
Young Goodman Brown
Kid Hart
$7

The Shed

Sturday - Last show t the shed it seems
Safety
Spanish Gamble
Homemade Handgrenade
Assassinate the Scientist
Koala-t
7:00 on the dot. Be on time if you want to catch this.
$7

Castlemania, Burnett Park, Shit Shack, OAF house

Friday - Freshfest
Saturday - Freshfest
Sunday - Freshfest

Floyd's

Friday - Goldylocks *(Anybody got any info on this band?)

Satuday - Core
Dharmata
Sinister Nasty
Almost Kings
Ghost of Gloria
8:00
$6 21^ $10 under

That seems to be everything this week. If you've got anything else going on please let me know, so I can get it up here.

Shows this week

2009-02-22T13:21:00.000-08:00

Club downunder

Monday - Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears
Tuesday - Fujiya & Miyagi
Project Jenny, Project Jan
Thursday - Ben Sollee
Daniel Martin Moore
Friday - Jeffrey Tambor (Union Ballrooms)

Engine Room

Monday - Go Radio
Thieves and Villans
Red Car Wire
The Crash Moderns
$7 21+ $10 under
Tuesday - Eyes and Teeth Art Show

On The Strings of
Homemade Handgrenade
Sun State
Art By: JLP $ Sick Fisher
FREE

There was gonna be ore but I got distacted watching Latterman, and Shai Hulud videos. Maybe I'l finish this tomorrow.

So I was looking at UrbanTallahassee.com..

2009-02-17T01:41:00.000-08:00

Because really, what else is there to do at 4:30 in the morning. So I was checking out the capital region stimulus plan, and while a lot of things I had no comment on the necessity of it seems like cameras on Gaines street to the tune of $750,000 is extremely excessive. Especially when the amount of jobs it's supposed to create is unknown. I have copied the table directly from their website (I borrowed some code,) so you're getting verbatim what's up on the site.

Project	Cost	Jobs
2 Branch Libraries: Lake Jackson & Eastside	$11,000,000.00	unknown
Lake Henrietta Trail Connection	$200,000.00	unknown
Playground Equipment & Surfacing	$1,000,000.00	unknown
Trail Systems Improvements: Upgrade dirt trail system to gravel with a stone dust surface trail system.	$400,000.00	unknown
City of Tallahassee - Gaines Street Surveillance Camera System: Per TPD reccomendations for crime reduction.	$750,000.00	unknown

I haven't read quite enough to give you a rundown on all this, but as someone who sends quite a bit of time on, or around Gaines St. It seems like those cameras are unnecessary.

Some Shows that are coming up.

2009-02-16T12:52:00.001-08:00

The Third Rail Hip-hop monthly party is going down tonight. It's at the Engine Room.
I hear tell of a show tonight at Cory Driscoll/Drew E's House. Anyone got any info on this? Holler.

Loks like Go Radio is coming home for a day on the 23rd. I hear they found someone to fill in Tony's spot. Who is it? Find out at the Engine Room Next Monday.

Also the Random notes of Decay are playing at the Engine Room on the 25th with Pontiak, and an awesome band called Kingsbury.

So Hopefully everyone knows about Fresh Fest 2, and how it's going down February 27-March 1, Right? If not check out their website at Tallyfreshfest.com. In addition to shows they will be hosting a lot of workshops, that many of you may find of interest. Check the list. They also have an up to date list of bands that are playing on their site as well. All ticket information is available on their site. Don't be lazy, check it out.

February 28th, in addition to the Fresh Fest Offering, there's a super gnarly goodbye show to the shed, as well as tour kickoff for Safety from Tampa/Tallahassee. Joining them will be Spanish Gamble(Formerly Dirty Money,) From Gainesville, Homemade Handgrenade, Assasinate the Scientist(GNV), and Koala-T.

Message board action

2009-02-15T15:37:00.001-08:00

So Fresh Fest has a message board up. It can be found Here. Enjoy.

Show review Look Mexico + SMATBKOTDA + Curious Animals

2009-02-15T03:47:00.000-08:00

So Club Downunder threw a local favorites show for Valentines Day, and it was a complete blast. It was pretty much everything I think Tallahassee's been missing for a little while, a well attended show, full of local bands. Anyway, on with the review.

I got there late 1 or 2 songs into the Blackest Knights' set, and while disappointed at not getting to see Curious Animals, I was also extremely pumped to walk in on so much awesome. I went to Gainesville last week to see them play, and couldn't get in because I left my wallet in Tallahassee (which is another story), so I was extra happy to catch them tonight. They sounded awesome although I couldn't really discern the bass from the mix, but Josh was still playing like a madman, and I knew some sweet shit was goin down. I don't know what I can say about this band and how tight they are, how fun they are, and how much rock they bring that hasn't already been said, so I'll just give you this link to Their Myspace.

Next up was Look Mexico, Tallahassee's current "IT" band I would say. Boy do they deserve it. These guys have been locked up under a pizza joint working on their newest record, and the hard work is definitely paying off. They are some of the hardest working dudes I've seen in a while, and the constant touring shows. Their set was seamless, not once was there even an opportunity for someone to yell "less talk, more rock." There was however, tons of smiling, and dancing going on. In case you missed it, they covered "Pretty Woman," and everyone loved it. The new songs are sounding awesome, and Look out for the new record, and check out Gasp Asp if you haven't gotten a chance yet. It's super tight, and they have a music video (See below).

This video may or may not feature Spike Mott, of Blackest Knights fame as a pie chef.

If anyone was there for the Curious Animals set, and wants to type something up about it holler at me.

That's about it for now, it's almost 7:00 AM, and I should probably sleep. Stay tuned for more show updates, and please comment or email me with any shows to post, flers, or feedback. Look out for interviews, and a print edition coming soon.

-Capital Gaines

Tonight

2009-02-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

This is showing at FSU

In addition to the dudes form the skatalites playing. You can actually probably go to both if you're savvy.

Showing at 8:00 & 10:15

RIP Tallahassee shows

2009-02-11T14:42:00.000-08:00

It seems that my favorite source for information on local shows has gone the way of Freddy Mercury and bit the dust. As such, it seems that there needs to be a place for Tallahasseans, Tallahessians, hunx, punx, and other live music lovers to gather information, like showtimes, and locations. Any help anyone wants to give, like show info, or flier scans would be greatly appreciated. That said, heres what I know id going on for sure this Week. Thursday-Saturday.

Thursday
Kevin Batchelor & Cedric IM Brooks of the Skatalites
Trial By Stone
Dope

The Engine Room 9:00

Friday
Farewell Flight
Jettison Never
Allie Wetzel
The Favored Sons
Matt James

The Engine Room
9:00

Saturday
Look Mexico
The Blackest Knights of the Darkest Apocalypse
Curious Animals

Club Downunder
9:00

Valentines Ball
me and the devil
skeletor
dj acrojam
this town right now
readers die; jest

Engine Room
8:00 doors
9:00 show
$3 if you come dressed formally, $5 if you don't

Well, more shows to come.