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Semi-Famous to Release Debut Album, Destroy Ourselves, out July 26th
Semi-Famous began as a fictional band from the 2001 book Weasels in a Box, which was authored by Screeching Weasel co-founder and guitarist John “Jughead” Pierson. With the book being rereleased on paperback, as well as made available on audiobook for the first time, it was decided to turn Semi-Famous into an actual band. Pierson explained, “Originally, Chris Barrows, the singer from the Pink Lincolns, put out a photo book of all the pictures that he’s taken of bands over the years. That was put out by Rare Bird Lit. Chris referred me to Tyson Cornell, who runs Rare Bird Lit. Tyson and I decided to rerelease Weasels in a Box, which hadn’t had another pressing in something like 20 years. Then he came to me and said, ‘Hey, why don’t we put out a seven-inch of that band Semi-Famous who’s like Screeching Weasel in the book?’ I said, ‘That’s a pretty cool idea. We could put it out on Duck Records, which was Lookout! Records in the book. And we could have Christopher Appelgren do the cover, just like he did for all the Lookout! stuff.’”
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Textbook
Photo by Katie Hovland
In March of this year, Chicago’s Textbook collaborated with Paper + Plastick for the release of their album called On the B-Side. Containing 16 tracks in total, the record features songs from Textbook’s entire catalog and serves as a celebration of the band’s 15th anniversary. We recently spoke with singer/guitarist Dave Lysien and bassist Rick Uncapher to discuss the album in detail. We talked about how they teamed with Paper + Plastick, as well as the distinctive format that the record’s available on. We also conversed about the band’s experiences touring the UK, some of their favorite memories from the last 15 years, future plans and more. Be sure to check out a video for the song “Just One of Those Things” after the interview. Continue Reading…
Textbook – All Messed Up
Torture Chamber Records – Release Date: 10/28/14
Last fall, Chicago’s Textbook released their fifth full-length, entitled All Messed Up. The album finds the band continuing to push the boundaries of the melodic Midwestern rock that they’re known for. Produced by Matt Allison at Atlas Studios, the recording packs a punch but also underscores Textbook’s meticulous songwriting. All Messed Up opens with “Everything I’m Not,” a catchy and concise song that’s loaded with impressive guitar riffs and a surplus of soaring backup vocals. “Looking After Me” is a mid-tempo tune that builds to an anthem-like chorus, which is anchored by a guest vocal appearance from Naked Raygun’s Jeff Pezzati. “Change My Mind” is one of the record’s more punk-leaning tracks and pleasantly reminiscent of ‘90s emo/punk act Walker. Further highpoints include “Just One of Those Things” and “We’ll Get Old,” both of which feature Dan Schafer, (Screeching Weasel, The Riverdales, The Methadones, etc.). All Messed Up is recommended for fans of The Replacements and Husker Du, as well as those that enjoy pop/rock bands like Gameface. Its lyrics often talk of heartbreak, but there’s also an underlying sense of optimism, thanks in part to a plethora of sunny-sounding melodies. Having been together since 1998, Textbook has spent many years honing their craft and this record is decidedly their strongest release yet. Take a listen to the album’s first song below, called “Everything I’m Not.”
[audio:http://www.jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/01-Everything-Im-Not.mp3|titles= “Everything I’m Not”]
Dan Vapid & The Cheats
Photo by Katie Hovland
Dan Vapid is back with his latest musical endeavor, Dan Vapid & The Cheats. After Screeching Weasel’s abrupt breakup, Vapid reunited with two former Methadones members, guitarist Mike Byrne and drummer Mike Soucy. He also recruited bassist Simon Lamb to complete the band’s lineup. They plan on recording their debut album this fall and releasing it next year. We spoke with Dan about the band’s origins, their influences, songwriting, touring and what he hopes to achieve with The Cheats. Continue Reading…
The Black Sheep
Eric Spicer, Gina Knapik, Herb Rosen, James Toland, Jeff Dean, Jake Burns, Dan Schafer. Photo by Katie Hovland.
The Black Sheep Band
Photo of Dan Schafer by Katie Hovland
The Black Sheep Sessions @ Million Yen
Photos taken by Katie Hovland at Million Yen Studios.
Ben Weasel Interview, 2005
Screeching Weasel was hands-down one of the best punk bands of the ‘90s. Their music vividly captured the spirit of teenage angst and boredom. They had songs that were humorous as well as ones that were thought-provoking. They practically invented punk’s one-string guitar lead, thereby incorporating pop sensibilities at a time when that was far from customary. The band played by its own rules, but above all were great songwriters. As a result, they spawned a legion of devoted listeners. Fans weren’t content with one record; they wanted to hear them all. The infamous Screeching Weasel logo became a fixture on t-shirts in high school hallways, as singer Ben Weasel’s lyrics turned into anthems for the disenchanted youth of suburbia. Adding to the band’s mythical status was the fact that their popularity didn’t skyrocket until after they stopped playing shows. Tales of someone’s older brother allegedly seeing Screeching Weasel play a house party only helped to glorify their allure. The band’s cult-like following is yet another example of their importance to American punk rock. For many, Screeching Weasel provided not only a gateway to the realm of punk music, but also a soundtrack for surviving adolescence. Continue Reading…
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