Saturday, July 31, 2010

An Interview with Duke from Modern Action Clothing



Looking good and being pretentious does not have to go hand in hand. Duke from Modern Action has been designing and producing his own line of clothing for some time now attracting Mods and Skinheads from around the globe. Although all of his goods are made in America, which is something to say nowadays, when other manufacturers such as Ben Sherman and the like, who have traditionally made their clothes in England, are now increasingly outsourcing their production labor to countries in the far east. These clothes aren't necessarily made for stick thin Italian fashionistas either, Big American Skins can find a good fit too as there's something for everyone.You can't really find stuff of this design, cut, and quality anywhere else at the moment, so you should definately check out Modern Action and improve on things when it comes to looking sharp.


How long have you been doing Modern Action for now? I understand you were selling clothes on ebay before MA came together.....did that pave the way for you to design clothes, as you saw a demand for some of the type of shirts you're now producing?

Duke: I've been doing this for nearly 2 years now. I began work on the first run of shirts in about January of 2005, and it took a few months before I finally had some product. Prior to that I did sell on ebay for quite some time. Starting in about 1999, I would go to London and bring back loads of Bens and Freds, and sell them on there, as well as some folks here in SF. That sort of tapered off as other people started doing the same thing, and both Fred Perry and Ben Sherman began distributing in the USA widely. What really made me take the step to produce my own range of shirts was the fact that although Ben Sherman was now readily available in the USA, the designs had gone to shit, and The Merc was no better, with them both producing generic made- in-Asia crap!

What is the creative process like in coming up with the shirts you sell on your website? Who or what are some of your inspirations as far as that is concerned?

Duke: It's pretty much based on things I see that I think look smart, and then try to introduce details that aren't commonly seen. Nearly everything has been done to death, it's just a matter of combining things that aren't seen as often. I've tried to give my sleeves a unique look with the turned up sleeve, and big and small horizontal 2 button configuration. The new long sleeves I'll have by the time this interview is published will have a fairly unique pointed cuff. Inspiration can come from a vintage shirt I see in a shop, someone at a gig, or on celebrities from the late 60s ranging from John Cleese to Lee Marvin!

On your website it says that Modern Action products are Made in the USA, is it hard to balance things like production costs with making sure your clothes are as high of quality as they are?

Duke: For now it's OK, as I do most of them retail direct to the buyers. When and if I start getting a lot of wholesale orders to stores it may wind up being a problem, as I may not be able to offer a competitive price. But hopefully that can be balanced out by a cut in price on my end by producing larger runs of products. Much of the prices are fixed on supplies though. Fabric costs alot until you are really buying thousands of yards.

What kind of person do you design your clothes for? Would it bother you if MA blew up and became trendy and desirable to wear by "mainstream" people. What would you say if you saw your shirts featured in GHQ or the like?

Duke: I'm doing this for the various street level cultures that have been around since the 60's that require smart and hard clothing. I do think it would be awesome if they wound up in GQ. I am not courting the mainstream though, and as a result I don't think they will become trendy any time soon. If say word got out and it went big, great. I'm not an Anarcho-Punk, and I have no moral opposition to success. If the shit takes off I'd just run with it, I can always start a clothing line called Immediate Action for the faithful!

What is your opinion on EBAY as a place to buy designer/vintage clothing (ie Fred Perry, Ben Sherman, Stone Island etc.) I understand that there's a lot of knockoffs around and that some of them are even fairly well put together. Do you think it matters whether it's the genuine article or not as long as it looks decent?

Duke: eBay is a great resource, there are often good deals, as well as some killer one-of-a- kind vintage things on there. There is TONS of counterfeit gear on there though, especially if you are looking for Stone Island/CP Company. There are more fake Freds than ever on there nowadays too. Do your homework and get the genuine item or risk looking like a total pratt. If you get stuck with something I suppose you should make the best of it, but only a third class ticket would intentionally seek out an item that is not genuine as it's "Good Enough". I'd say save yer $$ and go for quality not quantity.
Charlie: Tell me about the Modernist scene on the West Coast, is there a lot of stuff happening as far as Northern Soul all-nighters/Shows/Rallies are concerned? Who are some bands/dj's etc. people should look out for?

Tell me about the Modernist scene on the West Coast, is there a lot of stuff happening as far as Northern Soul all-nighters/Shows/Rallies are concerned? Who are some bands/dj's etc. people should look out for?

Duke: I participate pretty heavily in the Mod scene here in CA, although I am personally identified as a Skinhead. San Francsico at present is in a bit of a lull. There is a cool Mod nite called Kaleidoscope that is happening once a month, which features Major Sean, Carlos, and Dr Scott, they play a good bit of Northern Soul there. There are infrequent other events, and there are a couple folks folks in my scooter club, Black Sheep, like Rick Soulsiter, and Dion who have great records There are some other folks like Stormy Rogers who isn't very active anymore, but is occasionally around as well as Shawn and Kiki. Many of those folks do great Reggae sets as well.

LA really seems to be happening with pretty regular nights. Angel City/Hot Shot, Bullet, Club a Go Go, and stuff put on by Westside Scooter club all happen often, and have decent turnouts. Again, many of these nites are a mix of Skinheads and Mods. There are also several annual rallies every year all over CA that draw over 100 scooters. SF Classic the rally that my club has taken over draws over 300 scooters!

I heard that you promote shows occasionally, tell me about the last couple you've done and how they went. Have you had any bad experiences with booking/putting on shows?

Duke: I'll bring a band to town once in a while, or try to get a DJ nite together although I don't spin myself. Last couple of big events I did was a killer The Who tribute band which was well attended, but attendance was cut into by a Mod act called The Loved Ones who happened to be doing a one off reunion gig the same nite. I also did a couple of Templars gigs in the bay area. They played full sets at both gigs, no one was arrested, and all the bands got paid so it was a success! There was some small talk about a return invasion of the Templars to CA, with 1 gig in LA 1 in SF, but never got past a couple emails and phone calls. I may look into it again in the new year.

What is your response to people who say that being a Skinhead/Mod/Punk/HC Kid etc. means living in the past, and that it's stupid to be so into bands that were rocking before they were even born? Are subcultures like those still viable in today's society among today's youth?

Duke: The scene is certainly still current and vital. Is Rap dead? No one ever says Hip Hop is stale or dead, and it's soldiering on and utilizing much of it's original ideals and ideas. To some degree, some of the earlier underground bands like the DKs or the Misfits are now finally gaining commercial recognition, but that isn't a bad thing. We need more older bands like the Lewd or Menace to get the credit they deserve! There are plenty of new bands that are building on the legacy that began with the older bands. Hell, half of the revered older bands came along after "Punk" was erroneously deemed dead in 78/79!

Do you like to do a lot of traveling? What are some of your favorite destinations to visit?

Duke: I'm a big fan of London, and go there pretty often. I travel to gigs and events pretty regularly, and hope to do a fair bit of traveling in 07 and tie it in with some Modernaction promotion!

Where is your favorite place to get pizza in your city? In what city do you think the best pizza in the entire US can be found?

Duke: My favorite Pizza in San Francsico is Arinels. You just need to add a little salt to it. It's the best pizza this side of the Hudson river. Which brings me to the second part of the question. There is no doubt, the best Pizza in the USA is in my home town of NYC. Fuck deep dish pizza. If I want soup in a bread bowl, I'll go get clam chowder in Fishermans Warf! Pizza should be flat, crispy and delicious, not a soggy runny mess! Even the thicker Sicillian pies in NYC are crispy with a firm consistency to the cheese. That is the only way to go....

This was originally published by me at C-RAP.com

Check out the Modern Action site at: ModernAction.net

Friday, July 30, 2010

Gangster Fight



"I'm like a rock, son, I don't move!".

Thursday, July 29, 2010

8,000 views!

Another little milestone in the history of the Night Owl blog. Seems like things are picking up a bit and more people are checking back consistently for new material. It's funny, I've gotten people who think there's more than one person working on the site. Nope, just me......but I'm dedicated to it. This blog is my baby! I try to update everyday and always have extra material on the back burner to post. As always, keep checking back and stay classy Chicago.

Crazy Indian Music Videos



I'm gonna steal this guy's moves for the next time I go clubbing. Also, whoever produced this video had got to have been smoking some major hash, it's some crazy Mortal Kombat type shit. Oh yea, btw, this song will be stuck in your head for a long time whether you like it or not. I'm warning you.



This guy is obviously some kind of Indian sex symbol....judging from the video I think his name is Benny Lava and he looks like some kind of wolfman. Again, I'm stealing this dudes moves for next time I go to a club. Imagine the look on people's faces if I start busting this shit out of nowhere.



Two more Indian Superstars, who may or may not be partners in life. The best dance move in this is the snake-charmer. You'll know it when you see it.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Antidote Contest has Ended

No entries! I'm surprised. I promised a friend that I'd sell the Repos record to him if nobody won it by midnight last night. One dude emailed me and asked for an extension to give lots of people "The Antidote" in a fun, creative, and most importantly LOUD way. I told him about the Repos record situation but said that if he did it I'd send him a copy of the new Battle Ruins EP (ltd. to 300) and a cool shirt from my collection. I'm giving him a couple days to follow through....we'll see what happens.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Some Things That Annoy Me

-People who go to a bar with awesome microbrews/craft beers and order a fucking Bud Light. Way to show you have absolutely no class (or taste for that matter).

-Jean Shorts

-Pushy Panhandlers (especially the ones that want you to sign some bogus petition...fuck off already, I said no to you....don't keep asking me.

-People who think they're some kind of super-hustler because they sold a couple nickel bags of schwag.

-People who go to fast food restaurants and customize their order to a ridiculous extent. ("I want my fries fried, then refried again so they're extra crispy, my burger should have exactly 2 dollops apiece of ketchup and mustard, no pickle, extra onions......as a matter of fact why don't you fry those up too, and while your at it I'll have a Coke with exactly 3 ice cubes in it") I only see black people do this for some reason.

-People who are constantly listening to their walkmen while hanging out with you. Put that fuckin' thing away douchefuck, you can't wait until you get home?

-Those weird hipster/crusty hybrids with lots of facial hair, oversized Mickey Mouse cutoff tank top soiled with dirt and B.O., and some dirty shorts. I can smell you from fuckin' 20 feet away, what's your problem?

-Fat people on motorized scooters.

-Fair-Weather friends

-Stingy people in general

Lunch




Just fried up a homemade double cheeseburger for lunch. (with lots of onions, I love onions.) I'm going to eat the living fuck out of this thing, go smoke a joint, and watch a movie. Still have a another film review to finish up as well which you'll be seeing soon. I hope you enjoyed the pictures I've been posting lately. Seeing those makes me want to go out and buy a camera and learn the craft....I'd like to learn how to make my pictures look that cool instead of using my standard digital camera point and click method. Anyways, hope everyone has a nice day. I'm halfway through my cheeseburger now and it's already made mine exponentially better!

PS: Jesus Christ I need to trim my eyebrows, they're out of control. n/h

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Chicago Hardcore Shows of the Past: High Quality Pictures from Vitamin X @ The Galaxie












Here are some more pictures my old photographer friend Riley McBride took. This time I had dragged him along to a Vitamin X show, where he came up with some really high quality shots. Personally, I've never been super into Vitamin X, but I gotta give them their props, they have really good stage presence, especially the singer who's all over the fucking place jumping around like a rabid Chihuahua. The turnout for this show was really good too.Anyways, hope you enjoy the pics. Just like the ones Riley took at the last Expired Youth show, these photos are bursting with energy and capture the vibe at the show very well.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

GI Joe Toy Commercials from the Late 80's/Early 90's.....

Whoever designed these commercials deserves a freakin' medal. Hilariously catchy weapons jingles, backed by some wicked canned cock rock. I could almost see the whoever did the vocals/lyrics singing for an RAC band or something haha.




"SEA RAY IS A FIGHTIN' MACHINNNNNE, GONNA BLOW THAT JOE TO SMITHEREENS!"



"MACHINE GUN CANNON AND A ROCKET TOWER, ROLLING THUNDER's AN AWESOME POWERRRR"



"COBRA IMP'S A TOWER ROCKIN' POWERRRRRR" (Announcer: Rocket's seperate to lay down anti-vehicle mines) "THAT'S WHY THE IMP'S SO IMPORTANT TO COBRAAAA!"



"CO-BRA RATT-LER IT'S THE WICKEDEST WEAPON YET Y'KNOWWWWW"

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Sawchuk-The Miserable Now EP

This dude Brandon from Michigan let me know about his band through email. The EP he sent me has a fast drum driven punk sound, along with twist of modern hardcore heaviness with dark, grimy riffs. I gotta say the drums really stand out, dude's a beast. There is a variety of good riffs on this too which vary in style, the tone on everything sounds good. The break in "Tranquility" is awesome, complete with cool gang vocals. Another good one is the opening track which features another cool break and some dude stepping up and laying down some guest vocals. I'm a fan of guest vocals and gang vocals in general. Check this EP out, support this band. I'm picky when it comes to new bands but I'd go see these guys live if I had a chance. I'm still wondering what a Sawchuk is though. Maybe it's a Michigan Lumberjack kind of thing.

Download The Miserable Now EP
Sawchuk Myspace Page

Some Random Show Pics I've Taken....



Nick Baran, vocalist of Poison Planet #1



Nick Baran #2



Nick Baran #3



Vocalist of Sin Orden



Luke, vocalist of The Killer



Expired Youth @ The Waiting Room



One Foot in The Grave #1 @ Galaxie (first show?)



One Foot in the Grave #2

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

An Interview with The Catburglars






Who's in the bands and what do you play?

Luca: I'm Luca Ferrari, I play drums

Nigel: Nigel "Rowdy" Jackson, I play guitar

Mike- Michael Poppinski, Vocals

Ryan: I'm the major rager on the four string motherfucker, independent Ryan

Where'd the name come from?

Mike: I was talking about starting a joke band with our friend Meg and I said we should call ourselves "The Catburglars" so I had it in mind, and then we started this band.

Ryan: When I first heard about The Catburglars, I was thinking like a surf-punk band.

Mike: It sounded like a band from the 60's, like a bubblegum pop band, but of......jerks.

Best Pizza in Chicago?

Luca: Part of me wants to say Giordano’s cuz it's classic Chicago, the deep dish there is fucking unreal. My favorite lately has been Robeson's Pizza Company on Roscoe and Damen, I lived in that neighborhood for a long time and the pizza there is like brick oven, wood fire pizza...it's so good. The crust is chewy, and they have specialty pizzas like tomato pesto but the best thing is that it's really cheap, you can get a whole pizza for like 9 dollars and it's quality pizza too.

Have you ever heard of Pequad’s pizza?

Mike: Pequad’s is fuckin awesome.

Luca: Oh yea? I've never been there but I've heard of it.

Mike: Yea Pequad's is good.

Ryan: You approve of Pequad’s? Does anyone else have a comment on the pizza?

Mike: Soooo, pizza in Chicago....don't know. Giordano’s....that's tourist shit, lets not talk about Giordano’s everyone knows about Giordano’s. We'll talk about fuckin Pekwads, the logo is a whale. It's a Moby Dick reference.........

What's a Pequad?

Luca: The Pequad was the ship that Ahab was in in Moby Dick.

Mike:....but he's got panties on his head, what the fuck is that about? They got awesome pizza with caramelized crust, secondly dude....Renalli's double decker pizza. Robe's Pizza; The Portobello Pizza w/ mushrooms and garlic and pesto instead of sauce. Let me tell you something about that...I used to smoke weed everyday...and dude I would eat that

Pesto Pizza at Robey’s nonstop! It's so good. We could get into talking about Bacci's Village pizza, but that's a whole other interview. You'd have to interview John Bacci for that shit. Uhhh.....I like Paisano's because they have the villain on the pizza box, there’s two of em on the gold coast and there's one on Lincoln somewhere...but the guy looks like he'd tie you to a railroad track...he's fucked up.

Luca: I also endorse Chicago's pizza because of the late night delivery, also it's really good pizza. The gourmet pizza is really good but my thing for awhile was you go get really drunk at a party you get home around 4 AM and you order the Bacon pizza which is a drunk's delight...so salty...so bad for you, but it tastes so right.

Ryan: Since he asked what the best pizza in Chicago was....this isn't Iowa, this isn't St. Louis, this is Chicago, and we’re known for good pizza. Any place you go is gonna be good, except for like Pizza Ria…….. used to be called Pizza Rio, don't eat that shit that stuff sucks. I'm gonna have to give a shout out here, Johnny Bacci....Johnny Giglione has been a staple on Chicago and Western for years now, people have been trying to shut him down.......Luca's fallout boy ring tone is going off, you gotta print that.

Mike: I just gotta say, Pizza Metro, the dudes there are addicted to crystal meth, they need your money, eat there.....it's good.

Ryan: I could talk forever on Chicago Pizza but one time I got pizza from Pizza Metro, and there are all these Europeans who do acid there and we got this pizza, I don't know what kind of mushrooms or what they put in my pizza, but it fucked me up big time and was definitely far beyond just a delicious pizza, yea they put drugs in your pizza so I'm gonna have to go with Pizza Metro.

Mike: Pizza Metro is the shit!

Wait so it was a good or bad thing that they tampered with your pizza?

Ryan: A good thing!

Oh haha.....Favorite place to play in Chicago?

Luca: I see Ronnie's as the new Fireside Bowl, it's like a garage, and you know how at the Fireside it's like you’re playing in the hallway of a bowling alley...Ronnie's is like you're playing in a garage. The drink prices are outrageous as is the selection, but they treat the bands really well and they get good bands there so that's my personal favorite......Nigel?

Nigel: I agree

Mike: Nigel agrees! I like Ronnie’s; I like the guys who book there. Albion House....you know I could give a hardcore speech about doing shows, not gonna do it. That place is amazing! The Catburglars have not yet played there. Ronnie's is good as it's in our neighborhood. I don't give a fuck about playing shows.

Ryan: They treat the bands very well (at Ronnie's) , the guys who book the shows are stand up guys, but my favorite place to play is The Metro, cuz you get a refrigerator full of beer, like when I play there I don't gotta eat for days.....I get sandwiches.

Luca: They have flat screen TV's with X-Box 360 in the dressing rooms.

Ryan: Totally man.....infinite drinks.

You've played there before?

Mike: No we have not.

Ryan: Ok, next question :laughs::

Weirdest Theme Party you’ve ever been to?

Luca: Ummm...this is really hard.....we're going to a Jurassic Park party tonight, so that should be cool.

Mike: You know the only theme parties I've been to are the ones girls in high school throw, dude...I'm not into that shit cuz they listen to "Peaches" and that kind of shit. A couple years ago a friend had an early 90's party and it was like dude....I was already alive in the 90's...I don't want to go back to that shit. I'm pumped about the Jurassic Park party tonight though.

Luca: I have a friend named Ash and when I was younger he used to have these parties every Wednesday called "Ash Wednesday". At first it was like just a play on the name, but then things started getting weird. This one time he walked down his hallway with a bowl full of water that he said was holy water, and he was throwing it on people with a spoon "blessing" everybody.

Ryan: There's a couple I thought of a Goth party an Alkaline Trio party, the other was a prom 1997 party, I dressed up in a rude boy suit with a Skanking Pickle pins on it and I skanked a lot, it was fun.

What do you think of the "New Wave of American Thrash Metal"? Into it?

Everyone: I have no idea what you're talking about.

Mike: I like Cross Examination; we're playing with them tomorrow. Dude, fucking Municipal Waste, this dude played them for me in Virginia in '03, I fucking love that shit. Other than that I don't know much about thrash metal.

Ryan: I dunno, all the bands in this new thrash genre weren't old enough to go see the old bands like Cryptic Slaughter....

Mike: Old Mercyful Fate!

Ryan:....Anthrax, Nuclear Assault, if bands today would dress like Nuclear Assault and Leeway and play like them, I'd be all about that.

What's your opinion on the controversy surrounding that dude Matt Coppens and his band Belligerent Outburst and them being labeled sexist and misogynist?

Mike: These guys actually don't know about that, they know Matt Coppens though.

Nigel: What's Belligerent Outburst?

Mike: He's a controversial figurehead in the Chicago Punk Scene

Luca: He did a bunch of coke off your toilet seat one time, remember that?

Mike: Yea, actually my bathroom is better known for the amount of blowjobs given in it, but nobody has to agree with what he said. He wrote a song about a girl he was dating which was kind of misogynistic, I mean, I'm more PC than anyone into his band but he can say whatever he wants.

Nigel: The thing that I hate most about punk rock these days, when punk rock first started people were offensive and that's what it was about. Now, if you say anything offensive people blacklist you and ostracize you and I think that's stupid. You should be able to say what you want to say even if people don't agree with it. It's like you gotta be PC now and that's fucking gay ::everyone laughs:: It's not like I'm condoning or condemning anything, but the old bands....they would say what they wanted to say because nobody was around to say, "Oh, that's sexist.", or "Oh, that's racist, you can't say that". Punk Rock was about being hatred and rebellion and now it's like you have to conform to these rules, it's stupid.

Mike: I like Matt Coppens a lot; I like the girl who it was probably about. I don't care.

Any new material being recorded/released soon?

Luca: We just recorded some new material that will be out on Cowabunga Records sometime this summer. it sounds real good, Joe did a great job recording it and I think it's our best material yet.

Mike: We also have comp tracks for upcoming albums on Criminal IQ, and Tooth Decay records. We want to do an LP so if you have a record label, put it out, unless you are........not good.

What did you think of the recent Out With a Band show at The Mutiny? This kid came up and started whining to me about how the singer of OWAB was getting in his face, grabbed his balls, and drank his beer and how "that's not punk rock maaaaan". I was like "If you got a problem, go up and fuckin' sock the guy, what are you talking about this to me for?"

Mike: I love OWAB, I was concerned about that show because Darius from Criminal IQ put on the show and didn't promote it, and it was free and the headliner was from Italy, but it turned out great. It was rowdy....some kid with a mohawk got mad that the dude was drinking his beer.....That was the same dude who came up to me while I was buying records…..

Mike: He's an idiot and I think he sucks, that show was fucking great though!

Ryan: That band is interesting. I heard the stories, they were in the States for a month and Chicago was the last stop on their tour, they did the same stuff every night....shoving people....saying "fuck you" to the audience...throwing shit at them....that kind of thing for 20 days in a row. It's funny; I thought they'd be burnt out by then but if you don't like it, stand in the back y'know.

Mike: They have balls! Coming from another country and starting shit with people on a different continent, that takes balls.

Ryan: Kudos to OWAB, if you do that shit people will remember you and if not, then you'll just be some band from Italy.

How do you feel about the Straight Edge HC scene in Chicago? Do you feel people are judgmental of those who aren't sober?

Luca: I'd like to put it on record that I'm the only member of The Catburglars who's never been straight edge.

Nigel: I thought Straight Edge was something that ended after High School.

Ryan: I was Straight Edge until I was about 23, I never really saw anyone being judgmental about it or anything.

Mike: Straight Edge is cool, but the judgmental side of it, man those kids are fucking dorks.

Comments on gangs in Hardcore?

Luca: We will start and end with the fact that hardcore gangs are fucking retarded. Next question.

Do you think there's a division between the South Side political bands and the more Straight Edge non-political scene focused around The Knights of Columbus hall in Arlington Heights?

Ryan: They're two different genres; each scene plays different music and writes their songs about completely different things. Each one will say "Hardcore kid, Skinhead, Punk Rocker, it doesn't matter what you are, we're all in this together" but that's not true because neither side wants to play with the other.

Mike: Yes, and I don't want to come off as PC here, any band on Southkore Records is better than that generic youth crew "chug" whatever the fuck that shit is. Condenada just released that 7 inch recently and it's amazing, and whatever kind of generic "chug" going on the North side sucks. Basically, as far as this question goes, fuck everyone on the North side. Fuck em all. Dude, hardcore is shit, hardcore sucks.

Nigel: Wait, there's like location differences between these bands?

Mike: Basically it's South Side vs. North Side, but interestingly enough...even though Chronic Seizure is from the North side, somehow they identify with the rest of the South Side guys.

So tell me about "Taint Shock"


Luca: Taint Shock is a simple concept. Earlier Mike and I were discussing the possibility of shocking our taints for money. The idea eventually passed, but we're going to start a band called "Taint Shock", because that's just about the most kick ass name for a band ever.

Ryan: Is it gonna be a crossover Thrash band?

Luca: Yea, crossover thrash with a hint of noise.

Mike: The money for the taint shock might be on the ground still.....but I was actually going to shock my taint with a taser, like a police issue taser for 140 bucks, but it only got up to 28.

Shout outs:

Luca: I'd like to give a shout out to my friend MJ's band Why Intercept, they're 4 of my friends and are what Nigel would call a "musician's band" because they work hard at playing their instruments and being good musicians, they've been around for years and they should get the attention they deserve. Also, Canadian Rifle.

Mike: Bill Smiles, I tried to get him to hang out tonight but he was on a date, I told him my bathroom is the blowjob capital of Humboldt Park....he didn't believe me but it's true. Other shout outs? I dunno, my mother....

Luca: I'd also like to give a shout out to these three guys, out of nowhere they asked me to join the band, and I’m like their 3rd drummer. Being in this band is so much fun and through it I've met 3 best friends.

Ryan: John from Village Pizza for keeping it real, and my Bronchitis.

Nigel: I don't like any bands that exist in Chicago.

No Thanks:

Luca: No thanks to vegans, no thanks to PC people who talk shit about us in Maximum Rock and Roll about how we're misogynistic....fuck those people no thanks to them. No thanks to Nick Donahue for ruining my drum set. I'd also like to give a quick shout out to Hot Doug for making the most delicious exotic animal sausages around, I never thought I'd eat a kangaroo on my life because they are endangered and shit. They're delicious and I don't give a fuck what any animal rights activist has to say about it.

Ryan: No thanks to bad pizza and scenesters.

http://www.myspace.com/catburglars
http://www.myspace.com/toothdecayrecords

This was originally published on C-RAP.com, a site which I used to contribute to. Over time, I've been re-releasing the articles on my blog so people who didn't see them the first time around can check them out.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Film Review: The Hitman with Chuck Norris



::Slight Spoilers::




The Hitman
Directed by Aaron Norris
Starring: Chuck Norris

This movie opens with an excellent action cliche....shots of foggy, rain soaked city streets juxtaposed with garish neon lighting. A colorful beginning. Then, Chuck Norris as a cop named Cliff Garrett and his partner appear on screen on the docks of the city. They have a short exchange of words in which Norris keeps his cool and doesn't swear while his partner is saying fuck every other word and hurling one liner after one liner at him. Norris's character Cliff sees a flicker of light in a dockside warehouse. Apparently he has a built in illegal activity sonar and goes in for the kill. He ends up straight up blasting a bunch of people.....then his relationship witb his partner takes a turn for the unexpected worse. He ends up in the hospital and pulls through by "sheer luck". Then there's more shots of slick city streets and neon lighting as the plot unfolds. Chuck goes deep undercover to take down some of the cities most ruthless criminals. He starts killing people to gain a reputation in order to take the gang down from within.

Along the way amongst other things, there are massacres and muslims being tortured by being violently force fed raw pork. Oh yea, good ol' Chuck takes time out between racking up his bodycount, to teach a little kid karate in order to defend himself from local bullies. What a guy. In another scene Chuck Norris goes down on this one gangster bitch...that's right, Chuck eats pussy! I always thought he had a squeaky clean image in spite of the fact that he's a mass murderer. The Iranian mafia comes to town attempting to carve out a niche, but runs afoul of "LaCombe" the crime boss that Chuck Norris works for. Chuck pays them a visit and tells the Iranians," If you fuck with LaCombe, he's going to take your balls and shove them up your ass". Eventually things come full circle and Chuck has another encounter with the ex-partner who betrayed him. This movie is a cut above most 80's action movies. Good characters, entertaining dialogue (another favorite line of mine,"It's your job to carve him a brand new asshole right between the fuckin' eyes.") and lots of gunplay are the standard here. I'd recommend this for any fan of 80's action movies, or fans of Chuck Norris. This is actually the first movie with Chuck that I really like. Makes me want to see what else is out there.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Airing Out My Musical Closet

These are all songs I like but am sort of embarrassed of.



I know this is total choad-metal but I can't help myself. I guess I'm a bit of a sentimentalist.



The people in this video kind of nauseate me, but come on...it's a good song dude!



This dude is like the British MC Hammer or something. I found it searching for one of the other songs. The track is really catchy, fuck you.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Chicago Hardcore Shows of the Past: Pictures from the Last Expired Youth Show














This is one of the most memorable Chicago Hardcore Shows I've ever been to. Every band played a great set, and there were TONS of kids there, a total woodwork show. Enjoy these high quality pictures. I forced my old friend Riley McBride to shoot the show, I think he did some really talented work. These are some great shots that capture the energy of the show perfectly.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Pussy of the Month July Edition

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Cruisin' Oldies

Here are some classic songs to roll around to on a hot summer night. They don't make music like this anymore:











I just found this one, it fucking rules for obvious reasons. This is the Night Owl Blog theme song!

Win a Repos Record!



Here's how you can win a copy of the much sought after out of print record "Hearts and Heads Explode" by Chicago's very own, The Repos, it's very simple.

Make a short video of you rudely waking up a roommate, sibling, gf/bf, parents etc. by blasting "Real Deal" by Antidote as loud as you possibly can.

"WAKE UP TO THE REAL DEAL, PLEASE WAKE UP, TO THE REAL DEALLLLLLL!"

I call it giving someone "The Antidote".

The funniest, loudest, most obnoxious entry wins.

All entries must be real and completely candid, no fakes, if I think your video's a fugazi I'll disqualify you.

Contest ends 2 weeks from today at Midnight (Central Time).

You must upload the video to me in MPEG format, or another format that is compatible with basic Mac Desktop programs. I must be able to easily upload it to the blog.

Send submissions to: KingCobra8291@yahoo.com

Offer open to U.S. only (unless you want to pay international shipping)

Go!

These Videos Give Me the Chills.....



Leeway Live at CBGB's 2/24/06

2 minutes of suspense...then they explode into "Enforcer" and kids start flying everywhere!



Inside Out "Burning Fight" Live June 1st, 1991

"BREAK!"

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Joint Cruise



Just drove around in the rain blasting Mott the Hoople and smoking a joint of some good dro. I love this weather.

This picture is funny.

More Spirit of Truth!



Dude shows off his dancing skills to an old Mystikal song after reading from some crazy looking scrolls. This guy rules.

"WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT GOD? WHO PUT YOU ON THE PLANET!?!? AHHHHHHHH!!!"



He's at it again!

5000 Views!

Thanks to everyone who's checked out the blog, especially those who've given positive feedback. Keep checking back for more new material.

-Charlie Numbers

Friday, July 9, 2010

Eddie "Leeway" Sutton Interview




1.How did you first get involved in Hardcore? Before Leeway would you have considered yourself a typical hardcore kid that liked to go out to shows, dance hard, and follow the scene in general?

I moved back to Queens, NYC in Dec,1980 after spending several yrs in Suffolk County, Long Island. I spent my first night back in NYC the same night John Lennon was shot/killed. During the winter, '81 I met members of KRAUT, and I was turned onto HC (BAD BRAINS changed my world)...mainly american bands(Cali bands, NYHC, and DC/Boston bands), some UK punk, and went to my first show that summer of 1981. I was a typical HC kid. I got to see AF (Roger Miret's first show), Murphy's Law (first show as well), Bad Brains early on, and bit by bit I was spending my nights and mornings in downtown Manhattan, LES, and on road trips with KRAUT. Dancing was key to the lifestyle. I fractured my ankle I guess in '82 at a MEATMEN show. They were playing 'One down-3 to go' when it happened. Brian Baker, and Lyle Pressler of MINOR THREAT were playing with TESCO VEE at the time.

2. Favorite Leeway album and why?

Favorite LEEWAY album is OPEN MOUTH KISS. To me it proved how much I progressed oer the previous 3 LEEWAY records. Solid song writing and my skills showed I was composing melodies, harmonizing skills that proved myself a bonified songwriter/vocalist.... a solid professional lp all-round.
I am grateful that the first 2 Leeway records hae become classics. It was my HC heart all out with a crossover sound(I'm humbled to know there's a fanbase of kids younger than my songs). ADULT CRASH was only half good compared to BORN TO EXPIRE, DESPERATE MEASURES,and OPEN MOUTH KISS. OPEN MOUTH KISS made the complete LEEWAY progression for me at that place in time. Recording, in my opinion is about capturing a moment in time, and we captured time for an eternity. It's been proved timeless, thanks to fans, and the people inolved in this thing of ours, HC


3.Most hardcore vocalists scream and growl as opposed to actually sing. How did you figure out that you had actual singing talent and what are some of your influences as far as that goes?

I knew I wanted to play/sing as early as 5 years old. My first record was from the JACKSON 5 (ABC album). . I knew I could carry a tune early even though I'e been partially deaf in my right ear since infancy. Just like anyone else, I sang along to my favorite music. I'm an old-timer so it was ZEPPELIN, THIN LIZZY, SABBATH, VAN HALEN (stuff like that for example), and others as years went by. I noticed early on in hardcore that the California bands were making songs with melody, so I used that approach within my style. Instead of always growling or screaming I tried to carry a tune. It's more of a challenge to actually sing and come off as a man. Bob Marley sang with a tender approach, but he never lost his masculinity. That there is the challenge. Sing, and be a man instead of sounding like that Perry dude from JOURNEY. I made sure I was an individual musically. I NEVER wanted to emulate someone else. I'm a true believer in BEING YOURSELF instead of being one of "Il malandrini" (italian expression for "wannabes")


4. I know you're into Hiphop/Breakdancing, how did this interest come about especially the breaking? Do you feel like Hardcore and Hiphop have things that tie them together, or are they completely seperate scenes and should be treated as such?


Hip Hop and breakdancing(was'nt good at it) are part of the street culture as Hardcore is, so they'll always go hand in hand.

Before Leeway I was doing RAP(what it was called) in '82 doing GRANDMASTER FLASH & the FURIOUS FIVE music at a local bar in Astoria for free drinks with the weekend DJ. I have'nt liked hiphop since '91 (it's all toy to me)because I believe it's irresponsible lyrically. They talk too much shit and youngbloods get influenced into becoming mutts. I will always talk about the streets as stories to learn by, but THEY seem to come off as informants and RATS in my opinion.


5. Tell me about your new project TruthandRights...who's in it, what kind of sound are you trying to go for etc. Also, how did you come up with the name? Are you planning to release material with the band or is it sort of a part time side project that you're doing for fun?

TRUTHandRIGHTS is for real. DIMI (Crown of Thorns, Skarhead, etc.) is on drums, ZACK and REY are the guitarists of AGENTS of MAN as well as other bands, and JOHN who played on AGENTS first EP is n bass. A true solid group of musicians behind me. At the end of April we will release 5 songs we are currently recording, but they will not be downloadable, you'll have to go to our myspace page to listen;
www.myspace.com/TRUTHnRIGHTS . We want to gauge the response as we finish 5/more songs to release a full length at the end of the summer. It will be released on my label, BOUY ENTERTAINMENT.
We went through a bunch of names when we recorded, then scrapped 5 songs last year. When I played the music to an older friend who followed Leeway(and all indie music) said to me I was always known for singing truth and rights (an expression/style in the reggae community). That was it, we now had a name. We will not try to sound like our previous bands,but some of that will naturally come out, but what happens, happens. We have an old-school approach as well as working on more expansive sounds since we're all known for it in our previous bands. We have a good thing going on now since we've been jamming for over 3 years now. It takes time to have that certain groove and instinctiveness on any level you strive for. You can put 5 great musicians together, but it does'nt always come off, but I can gaurantee that this band will be something for the history books. I'm feeling this inspiration that sends chills up my spine like I did when I first started doing Leeway. When my music sends a chill up my spine I know it's a beautiful thing since I believe in what I do, giving it everything I got, and my taste/skills are in tune with this thing of ours.

6. Any chance of either Leeway or TruthandRights touring?

TRUTHandRIGHTS will start off doing shows this summer, and then short tours, etc. ,but LEEWAY is in the past as far as a group (for me). I've lost respect with the boys I played with, but it's also about moving on for me, I play with real men, and they don't live with their mommies or rely on parents (Mike Gibbons is a court officer who was the only one who paid for his own condo). I lived this band 24/7 and I struggled to maintain a roof over my head when I was at rock bottom.
I fully intend to tour SOLO with solid musicians behind me and I will do a LEEWAY set as well as other music. I want to ad more to the songs so it's not a lame reunion act. It will be a solid performance.

7.What are some of your observations on today's Hardcore scene? Is it just a watered down version of what was happening 20 years ago, do you think it's still relevant? In what ways do you think Hardcore has progressed/regressed?

In many ways, and as before, this thing of ours has always had good or bad. Watered down? Maybe, but it's still relevant. I would like to see more old-timers embracing newjacks and show them the way. We were all newjacks, misfits,outcasts, and wet behind the ears once. I see a lack of integrity in the sense that we orginally came into this a misfits and outcasts who wanted no part of trend or conformity, yet this is all over the HC communities worldwide. On many levels it is trendy, and full of conformity with some who act as if their elite. It's very Orwellian if you get my point, and that has to change for the better. We also have new listeners coming in all the time, and I don't want this to become an oldies themed music like Doo-Wop or some shit, and simply all about reunions. Make some fuckin new music. IN THAT SPIRIT I CALL EVERYONE OUT. Bands would'nt be shit without the people who come to see them, yet they act as if they are better than you (the audience). Most don't even respect their audience.
You notice that I no longer call it a scene? It's because unity has been watered down in many locations. A "scene" is a local happening, so in relevance make it HAPPEN again. To me, it's this thing of ours.

8.What kind of a role did zines play in the "Classic" NYHC scene?

Zines are a big part of this, but today we also have the internet to spread the word. It's an outlet for others to participate who don't have a band or work at a record store, etc.. I believe it's a showing of passion which is key for anyone who is a part of our music world.

9.In one of your posts on the Bridge 9 board, you stated that a lot of old bands don't have respect for their fanbase, can you give me an example of this?

I made the point earlier. Some obviously show that they ain't got the heart no more, and have no respect for the people who come out to see them. Most of the reunion acts, please. These kids are better off staying at home, putting their ipod on, and watch your Dad mow the fucking lawn (it's that lame to me). I understand some never got to see a band before, and it's great nostalgia. Though nostalgia to me sounds like Old Timer's Day at Yankee stadium or some shit. Granted, I'm old, but fans/audiences deserve fresh, new music. I would not have come back if I could'ne do it right. I would hang it up. I always gave this thing of ours EVERYTHING I GOT and if I could'nt do it as well as younger frontmen/musicians I would call it a day.

10. Do you listen to newer/modern hardcore bands? If so who are some of your favorites?

I listen to various bands and styles.... to much to really pinpoint anyone. I am really into the bands that my band has played in. AGENTS OF MAN are a big influence over the last 4+ years. HOMICIDAL is a big part of
our crew and will be with us often performing when TRUTHandRIGHTS plays shows. Part of a collective package you could say.

11.What's your opinion on Gangs/Crews in Hardcore?

Look, gangs and crews are a part of society, and this thing, HC. I see a lot of knuckleheads from gangs/crews who take their anger/issues out on others, but then there are stand up men who are also in the life. I just don't want to see innocent victims hurt like a new kid at his first show, dances and hits a guy who gets bent outta shape and hurts him. We lose another fan who ends up afraid to go to a show. Why are you dancing if your ego can't take a fucking smack? What do you expect being in the pit? A square dance? This is'nt DANCING WITH THE STARS. We all need to check our egos at the door. Then maybe there will be less problems.



12.. Merauder Demo....did you like the way it came out or is it something you'd rather forget? (Personally I think it's awesome)

I'm glad everyone got it for free even though it's of poor quality. I never "auditioned" and I quit due to Century Media. I busted SOB's ass telling him I'll join the band if you spell it MARAUDER, properly. We had the right passion. The problem was Century Media did not want to compensate me for time/money.I spent good money transcribing their contract, and they also expected me to sign away half my publishing. Century Media's owners can get under my balls and catch my ejaculate on their faces. They still owe me money from 4 years ago when SHADOW'S FALL did MARK of the SQUEALER. You should all contact them and tell them how fucked up it is to not respect recording artists that get exploited. There's another person who owns a record label, and I intend to out him, and fuck his ass up. I have a blog that will be out soon called "The EDDIE LEEWAY SHOW" which will cover a variety of things (Organized Crime news/stories, calling out HC people who are deserved to be outted for what they're doing as well as recollections of my life stories). My intention is to work on my writing skills and be published in a literrary(sic) level since I am an accomplished lyricist/songwriter.
I'm really thrilled the MERAUDER demo of 1998 can be accessed for free, and it's been recognized for what it was....thanks everyone, even if you hate it I'm humbled at the positive response. The more popular you get and people like you, also you're just as disliked/hated. I've grown my thick skin decades ago.

In closing I want future bands to know how important it is to show your INDIVIDUALITY instead of trying to be your favorite HC band. It's your time up there. Be who you are, and you'll get more respect.
Audiences and fans of HC, DON'T SETTLE FOR LESS. I'm here because of you, and I would never give you LESS THAN ALL BECAUSE YOU DESERVE IT and you are the ones who make this thing of our so great and strong. It's truly an honor to be a part of this for close to 30 years. I am humbled
....and to all the haters and jealous fools. I eat you for any meal of the day. Your bitter, jealous minds and green eyes fortify me like sustenance.


This was originally going to be published in The Night Owl #9, but I've been taking a break from print stuff to focus on the blog. Thanks to Eddie for a good interview, you can check out TruthandRights at: http://www.myspace.com/truthnrights

Monday, July 5, 2010

"Keep Fucking That Chicken"



Ahahaha. Check out the the two other anchor's reactions.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July from The Night Owl Blog!



Eat some char-grilled meat and blow shit up....it's the American way!

Saturday, July 3, 2010