LET'S HAVE COLD SUMMER BORSCHT With Allen Ginsberg

June 3, 2013, 1:00 pm

≫ Next: SURF ROCK GOES TOO FAR WITH THE RETURN OF SUSAN SURFTONE

≪ Previous: DA VINCI'S DEMONS: “The Hierophant” SE7

Perhaps it's because the temperature where I live has soared to highs that one only sees in the middle of August that I have been seeking out cold soup recipes to keep my internal structure cool and well regulated, but stumbling upon a recipe for Allen Ginsberg's Cold Summer Borscht seems to be not only a good way to swallow down some good-for-ya nutrients, but a lovely way to feed some starving bibliophiles who are also a bit, well snobby.

Yes, I have friends who model themselves as the reincarnated members of the Algonquin Roundtable and it can get a bit heavy-handed seeing as my home is peppered with comic books and action figures (not to mention an entire bookcase ode to Star Wars) and not thick tomes of Russian literature.

But come next week, when they all sit at my table and begin their asinine discussions on whether or not Fan Fiction is "Outlaw" writing at it's finest (bleech), I'm pretty sure that they will finally accept me as one of their own when I serve them this cold Borscht...why I don't know, but I think it's quite possible seeing that it was created by Allen Ginsberg and they are easily swayed by such things.

Yay for me!

After the break is the recipe that will be your ticket to culinary literary excellence.

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SURF ROCK GOES TOO FAR WITH THE RETURN OF SUSAN SURFTONE

June 3, 2013, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: THE PHILLY TEE: Philly Citizens Represent Your Neighborhood AND Your Love of Cream Cheese All At the Same Time

≪ Previous: LET'S HAVE COLD SUMMER BORSCHT With Allen Ginsberg

Ah, it's almost Summertime again my friends.

Nothing goes better in these warm, delightful days of the Sun, than a few road trip adventures motoring off to a little seaside vista accompanied by some wild and woolly instrumental surf rock.

Simply put, well played surf rock never goes out of style.

Like many fans of the surf rock genre, I have never actually surfed, but since I was a child, the early Beach Boys records made an indelible impression. Like many other "Kooks," I too have been catching that mythical wave and mentally "getting barreled" for years.

More recently, I have been digging a superb practitioner of this music, Susan Surftone. She is easily one of the best boss gals to ever sling a guitar and create her own wonderful surf rock sounds.

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THE PHILLY TEE: Philly Citizens Represent Your Neighborhood AND Your Love of Cream Cheese All At the Same Time

June 3, 2013, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: THE VENTURE BROS.: "What Color is Your Cleansuit?" S5E1 (review)

≪ Previous: SURF ROCK GOES TOO FAR WITH THE RETURN OF SUSAN SURFTONE

If you haven't been to Philly, you should really make an effort to visit. Surrounded by history, amazing architecture, a thriving creative community and, more importantly, Cheese Steaks, the city really is a lot more interesting than The Fresh Prince made it out to be.

But if you happen to be from the City of Brotherly Love, there's no better way to get some neighborhood pride going (and to woo some tourists as well) than this Philly hood-centric tee that that looks one part cream cheese and one part nod to the North, South and West side of a city that rocks pretty damn hard.

If you like it, spread a thick glob of your Paypal account (the shirts are $25) on the bagel of commerce located at Joytees (they make the shirts) and then feel free to show off your cheese factor.

God, I'm really hungry after this post...

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THE VENTURE BROS.: "What Color is Your Cleansuit?" S5E1 (review)

June 3, 2013, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Contest! Win PERCEPTION: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON on DVD!

≪ Previous: THE PHILLY TEE: Philly Citizens Represent Your Neighborhood AND Your Love of Cream Cheese All At the Same Time

By Charles Knauf

My name is Charles Knauf, and I’m addicted to The Venture Brothers.

That’s right; The Venture Brothers.

Seriously; have you ever watched a show (let alone a cartoon) that has shoved more action, adventure, comedy, and obscure pop-culture references than The Venture Brothers?

I dare you to find one.

What once started as a tongue-in-cheek farce of Jonny Quest quickly turned into the crux of all that is my childhood. For those of you that know what I’m talking about and love The Venture Brothers as I do, skip on down a paragraph. But for those of you that have no idea what I’m talking about and want to experience a triple rainbow: please, catch up and watch seasons 1-4.

You can also get a good feel for the show by watching this.

WARNING: THERE BE SPOILERS AHEAD!

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Contest! Win PERCEPTION: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON on DVD!

June 3, 2013, 5:00 pm

≫ Next: Contest! Win THE LAST RIDE Blu-ray!

≪ Previous: THE VENTURE BROS.: "What Color is Your Cleansuit?" S5E1 (review)

Enter the brilliant mind of Dr. Daniel Pierce, and relive every thrilling case of Perception: The Complete First Season. Experience an original twist on the classic crime drama as Emmy Award winner Eric McCormack (best lead actor in a comedy series, 2001, Will & Grace), stars as an eccentric neuroscience professor whose revealing visions help him uncover what lies beneath conscious emotion. Though recruited by the FBI for his masterful understanding of the human mind, Daniel's odd and offbeat view makes it difficult for him to get close to anyone. His former student, Agent Kate Moretti (Rachael Leigh Cook), is one of the few people willing to accept Daniel's peculiarities in exchange for his imaginative solutions. Two very different personalities join forces as they try to tackle the Bureau's most complex cases.

And we're giving away a copy!

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Contest! Win THE LAST RIDE Blu-ray!

June 4, 2013, 7:00 am

≫ Next: TUESDAY BLUs (& DVDs): This Week's New Releases 6/4/13

≪ Previous: Contest! Win PERCEPTION: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON on DVD!

Ride off into the sunset with the most legendary country artist of all-time when THE LAST RIDE arrives on Blu-ray and DVD June 4 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Featuring an all-star cast including Henry Thomas (E.T.), Jesse James (Jumper), Kaley Cuoco (“The Big Bang Theory”), Fred Dalton Thompson (“Law & Order”) and Stephen Tobolowsky (“Californication”), this powerful film retraces the final days of a true American icon.

Hank Williams stands tall as one of country music’s giants. The Alabama native was more than just a troubled Grand Ole Opry star; he turned out to be one of the great composers in country music history. This list of Hank Williams songs is quite impressive when you realize how many of them have been covered by artists from all genres.

Some of Hank’s most popular songs that have been covered include:
“I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry”– This song seems to have been officially covered the most of any Hank Williams song! It has been covered at least 19 times, by artists such as Elvis, Dean Martin, Johnny Cash, Al Green and Keb' Mo'
“Jambalaya”– Coming in second place, “Jambalaya” has been covered at least 16 times, but such greats as Jerry Lee Lewis, Emmylou Harris and The Carpenters and Lucinda Williams
“Your Cheatin' Heart”– This song has been covered at least 10 different times! Artists like Beck, Elvis, Ray Charles, LeAnn Rimes and Fats Domino have all covered this classic
“Hey Good Lookin'”– “Hey Good Lookin’” has also been covered at least 10 times by musicians like Jimmy Buffett, Ray Charles and Johnny Cash!
“Honky Tonk Blues”– This song has been covered a respectable nine times by artists including Joe Ely, The The and Gary Stewart.
Honorable mentions
“Lost Highway”– Covered 9 or more times!
“You Win Again”– At least 8 covers!
“Lovesick Blues” and “Cold, Cold Heart”– Both covered 7 or more times!
“Ramblin' Man” and “Alone & Forsaken”– Each covered at least 6 times!

And we're giving away a copy on Blu-ray!

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TUESDAY BLUs (& DVDs): This Week's New Releases 6/4/13

June 4, 2013, 8:00 am

≫ Next: HEY! You Can Now Play A Video Game Based on JOY DIVISION'S Song 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'...That Should Be Some Depressive Fun

≪ Previous: Contest! Win THE LAST RIDE Blu-ray!

It's icons week with new releases focused on some of pop culture's most memorable characters including Mad Max, John McClane, Finn and Jake, Walter White, and the girl in the white nightgown from those ridiculously creepy Ring movies.

Plus, the latest seasons of Burn Notice, Vexed, Pretty Little Liars, Falling Skies, the original Australian version of Wilfred and some older gems like Electra Glide in Blue, At Long Last Love and Perfect Understanding.

Oh yeah, a zombie love story, too.

As always, fire up that queue and prep that shopping cart and check out this weeks' latest releases!

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HEY! You Can Now Play A Video Game Based on JOY DIVISION'S Song 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'...That Should Be Some Depressive Fun

June 4, 2013, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Hitting the Milestone — Why My 10,000th Comic Book Had to Start With “X”

≪ Previous: TUESDAY BLUs (& DVDs): This Week's New Releases 6/4/13

So the Joy Division's post-punk ode to love gone wrong, (which was singer Ian Curtis' ode to his broken marriage- which may or may not have contributed to his suicide in May 1980) Love Will Tear Us Apart, is the inspiration for a free-to-play browser game that is (according to the website) about relationships on the brink of ending.

Well, that's gotta be fun right?

And, better still, each verse of the Joy Division song is a level in the game!

Personally I can't wait to play the level based on the following lyrics:

Do you cry out in your sleep?
All my failings exposed...
Gets a taste in my mouth
As desperation takes hold.
Why is it something so good
Just can't function no more?

I'm guessing there's a whole lotta shame eating on that level.

Video of the game trailer after the break.

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Hitting the Milestone — Why My 10,000th Comic Book Had to Start With “X”

June 4, 2013, 10:00 am

≫ Next: SWEATER-VEST TODDLER Breaks Down V.I.C's 'Wobble Baby' In the Most Adorably Off-Putting Way

≪ Previous: HEY! You Can Now Play A Video Game Based on JOY DIVISION'S Song 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'...That Should Be Some Depressive Fun

Life is full of important milestones, whether it’s turning 21 and being able to legally drink—which means, for a lot of us, continuing to do what we were doing for years, only now without the threat of police activity and prison loving—or graduating college or marriage and the birth of a child.

As I head towards my 100th installment of Danger Rooms here on FOG! in August, a milestone of its own, I was reminded last week once again just how pivotal the X-Men have been in shaping my comic book collection over the years as I netted my 10,000th comic.

“Man, just think, one day we’ll be able to do this ALL the time
without having to sneak out to this sketchy park!”

For those who have been following my exploits here over the years, you know that I’m a huge X-Men geek, as if the fact I’ve been writing Danger Rooms this whole time wasn’t a dead giveaway.

For those of you visiting for the first time, welcome to the show, pull up a seat, I’m positively delightful.

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SWEATER-VEST TODDLER Breaks Down V.I.C's 'Wobble Baby' In the Most Adorably Off-Putting Way

June 4, 2013, 11:00 am

≫ Next: Hail, Zimmer!

≪ Previous: Hitting the Milestone — Why My 10,000th Comic Book Had to Start With “X”

I'm not "down" with the synchronized dancing. In fact, you will never see me performing The Electric Slide at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, the Chicken Dance at weddings or the Hokey Pokey at children's birthday parties. That's just not my thing.

But hey, if you are all up into shaking your booty to a song with a bunch of other folks, that fine by me.

And, if you need a little help in doing something called the Wobble Baby by V.I.C. then let me turn this post over to Brant Dallas, a little guy who enjoys donning a sweater vest and no pants (parents, is that really a wise costume choice?) who is all about Wobbling, or whatever verb form this particular dance calls for.

Video after the break.

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Hail, Zimmer!

June 4, 2013, 12:20 pm

≫ Next: SWEAR WORDS By Kids And Explosions Gets Naughtily Animated (NSFW)

≪ Previous: SWEATER-VEST TODDLER Breaks Down V.I.C's 'Wobble Baby' In the Most Adorably Off-Putting Way

In my admittedly giddy anticipation of Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot Man of Steel, among the most exciting elements of suspense has been waiting to hear what composer Hans Zimmer has concocted for the movie’s orchestral score.

It can’t be an easy task to follow in the footsteps of maestro John Williams, whose main title march for the first Superman movie became an instant classic in 1978 and is still considered the gold standard of superhero themes.

Zimmer’s work will inevitably be compared to Williams’ soaring and indelible symphony, but judging only by the trailers for Man of Steel and a few short preview snippets of Zimmer’s score available to listen online, he may have indeed succeeded in stepping out of Williams’ daunting shadow.

The few samples of Zimmer’s score I’ve heard so far match enticingly well with the images I’ve seen in the previews, but I’ll reserve judgment for a future Geek Spasm, after I’ve see the movie and hear how the score plays in it.

The Man of Steel original soundtrack will be released on June 11, three days before the film launches.

Until then, here is a sampling of some of my favorite Zimmer movie music:

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SWEAR WORDS By Kids And Explosions Gets Naughtily Animated (NSFW)

June 4, 2013, 1:00 pm

≫ Next: MAD MEN: "A Tale of Two Cities" S6E10 (recap)

≪ Previous: Hail, Zimmer!

Toronto-based Kids and Explosions' song Swear Words (from the album Shit Computer), while interesting all by it's lonesome, gets the animation treatment (by French studio Cumulus) which seems to push the song into kind of a more arty territory.

And while I enjoyed it immensely, my neighbor, whose small kids just so happened to be listening to it and then subsequently began saying various swear words in response to the song's catchy beat while I was out on my deck watching the video, did not.

She also verbalized her displeasure with me by spelling out Christian-approved swear words (mostly involving me going to H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks) loudly in my direction and letting me know that I, alone, have driven down housing prices in the neighborhood because I refuse to participate in the various "Holiday-themed" decorating events that make the area unique.

So yeah, I think this Swear Words video certainly achieved the response they were looking for.

Video after the break.

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MAD MEN: "A Tale of Two Cities" S6E10 (recap)

June 4, 2013, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: TREKKERS BE GETTIN' LOADED: Star Trek Gets Its Own Wine

≪ Previous: SWEAR WORDS By Kids And Explosions Gets Naughtily Animated (NSFW)

By Clay N Ferno

The firm is still quibbling over naming rights as some partners go for business trips and Joan (Christina Hendricks) expands her horizons at the office with Peggy (Elisabeth Moss) as a companion and accomplice.

Will Bob Benson’s (James Wolk) enthusiasm and inserting himself into every situation finally give him the leg up he’s been waiting for?

We open to a partner’s meeting that Don arrives at the end of. The merged firm’s name “Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce Cutler Gleason & Chaough” or “SCDPCG&C” is agreed to be a mouthful, but the subject is tabled as Ted (Kevin Rahm) leaves for Detroit to handle Chevy and Don and Roger head to L.A.

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TREKKERS BE GETTIN' LOADED: Star Trek Gets Its Own Wine

June 4, 2013, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: TRIPLE SHOT DIGITAL: Comixology Submit Presents THE ACCELERATORS #1, SECUNDUS #1, HELL’S BREW

≪ Previous: MAD MEN: "A Tale of Two Cities" S6E10 (recap)

Vinasa Winery has created a batch of limited-edition wine which takes its inspiration from the classic Star Trek series. Blended from Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Dolcetto, Tinta Cao, and Tempranillo, this medium-bodied red wine will go down well with steak, chicken or your morning Froot Loops.

The wine is available with different labels based on three different episodes, Mirror Mirror:

Read more »

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TRIPLE SHOT DIGITAL: Comixology Submit Presents THE ACCELERATORS #1, SECUNDUS #1, HELL’S BREW

June 4, 2013, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: THE COMIC LIST: Releases For 6/5/13

≪ Previous: TREKKERS BE GETTIN' LOADED: Star Trek Gets Its Own Wine

This week at our ongoing coverage of creator-owned digital comics reviews at Comixology Submit we time travel for gladiator battles and hot rod desert races.

The leader in the digital comics space opened up the platform to indie creators back in March of this year.

Writers and artists now have the chance to publish comics or graphic novels on the browser, tablet or phone using the Guided View technology. Comixology curates the submissions and soon the comic is put into panel by panel production for the viewer. The comics appear right on the digital store alongside all of the major publisher’s books.

The Accelerators #1
Writer: R.F.I. Porto
Artist: Gavin P. Smith
Cover: Walt Flanagan
Price: $2.99
Page Count: 29 Pages
Imprint: Blue Juice Comics
Digital Release Date: 5/22/13
Age Rating: 15+ Only
BUY IT HERE

Time crimes! The story starts out in the future in a gladiator arena, good and bad guys throughout history are pitted against each other for dominance. Stormtrooper vs. Caveman, The Mayan vs. The Professor.

We then cut to a doctor being chased by a soldier through time and pick up a smart teenager along the way.

The time travelers are using a device shaped like a donut to travel through time.

By the end, the chase has led our heroes back to the arena, surely to face combat in the Games.

Fun story here, I’m a sucker for time travel stories and superhero battles like Deathmatch and Avengers Arena. Looking forward to issue #2.

Secundus #1
Written and drawn by: Mike Tomas
Price: $2.99
Page Count: 32 Pages
Digital Release Date: 5/22/13
Age Rating: 15+ Only
BUY IT HERE

Secundus is the story of a brave warrior in Roman times, also set in a battle arena.

He always wins his battles, and he got his name by always fighting two at a time.

After winning his last battle and gaining freedom, he’s challenged by a magician who conjures up a creature to aid him in his battle against the mighty Secundus “Secundus fights two”!

I loved this mostly black and white story, at once a parable and classic story set in ancient time.

A very quick read but a story that makes you think!

Hell’s Brew #1
Story & Art: Michael Liggett
More info: TBA
Imprint: Forgotten Dialect Publishing
BUY IT HERE

This book is drawn like underground comics of the 60s, and is also set in an alternate history 1968. In this land, muscle cars, or ‘firebugs’ are king, and this is the story of infamous racers The Brothers Garcia.

There’s a fun car chase, an element of a murder mystery and some romance in the first issue. I’m really attracted to the art in this book, with a minimal color palette and sometimes awkward but not bad storytelling.

Overall, it works and I enjoyed this hot rod tale.

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THE COMIC LIST: Releases For 6/5/13

June 4, 2013, 5:00 pm

≫ Next: HOW TO REUSE A Penis Cake Pan (And Yes, It Can Be Done)

≪ Previous: TRIPLE SHOT DIGITAL: Comixology Submit Presents THE ACCELERATORS #1, SECUNDUS #1, HELL’S BREW

After the jump check out a list of which which comics, graphic novels, toys and other pop-culture merchandise will arrive at your local comic shop via Diamond Comics Distributors. Please check with your retailer for availability.

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HOW TO REUSE A Penis Cake Pan (And Yes, It Can Be Done)

June 5, 2013, 9:00 am

≫ Next: The Lost Art of Curating

≪ Previous: THE COMIC LIST: Releases For 6/5/13

Having gone to a few bachelorette parties in my day I can usually recognize the staples that hold the party together. A sash and crown that gets thrown on the Bride-to-Be, a ton of alcohol and yes, various penis-themed snacks.

But if you happen to be the one throwing the party and you had to spend some valuable cash buying said penis-centric stuff, you can get a bit cranky knowing that once again you got screwed by dick.

But don't worry, at the very least there's a chance you can reuse that penis cake pan again for a multitude of parties that require a baked item (and I'm referring to children's parties here as well).

Think I'm kidding?

Read more »

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The Lost Art of Curating

June 5, 2013, 10:00 am

≫ Next: The HAN SOLO In Carbonite Light Switch Plate

≪ Previous: HOW TO REUSE A Penis Cake Pan (And Yes, It Can Be Done)

In a recent Fresh Air interview with Steven Soderbergh, Terry Gross made an insightful observation that was easy to miss: Ironically, more people will end up seeing Behind The Candelabra because it was produced by HBO rather than a Hollywood studio and released theatrically.

Gross’ point, which she did not elaborate on, is that HBO has become a trusted curator of entertainment.

HBO has a well-earned reputation of producing high quality content. If the film was released by a studio it would have been perceived as a “gay film,” having little appeal beyond the so called “gay audience.” By released by HBO, perceptions about Behind The Candelabra immediately change — people were more willing to watch it.

This speaks to the problem with the Hollywood studios — they don’t stand for anything. The studios are indistinguishable — they all make the exact same product.

Read more »

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The HAN SOLO In Carbonite Light Switch Plate

June 5, 2013, 11:00 am

≫ Next: Ace of Records: Punk Rock Changed Our Lives

≪ Previous: The Lost Art of Curating

Well folks, I do believe we have reached the end-point of Han in Carbonite products, what with being able to turn on and off lighting equipment in various rooms now.

It has certainly been a good run: Iphone cases, ice cube trays, sleeping bags (were there sleeping bags? Or was that the eviscerated Tauntaun?), wall hangings, etc.

But now it's time to say good-bye to this iconic moment in The Empire Strikes Back/The Return of the Jedi and move on to something else (I'm thinking blow-up Fraggles sex dolls).

But before we do you can grab yourself an H in C light switch HERE.

And yes, that is Han's junk you'll be flicking.

Source: Hi Consumption

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Ace of Records: Punk Rock Changed Our Lives

June 5, 2013, 12:00 pm

≫ Next: Anybody In Need of A TURD TWISTER?

≪ Previous: The HAN SOLO In Carbonite Light Switch Plate

By Jessie Lynn

What’s cool, Jessie Lynn here, I used to write “Mix Tapes from the Midwest” and I haven’t abandoned Forces of Geek! but there have been some changes.

For one thing, the title of my column has changed - it’s now “Ace of Records,” for three reasons.

The column is no longer formatted like a mix tape.
I am now focusing on entire albums/EPS/7”s rather than single songs.
“Ace of Records” is a more energetic name and it comes from the Punk Rock Tarot images I designed earlier this year, which are awesome. (My favorite is the Ace of 40 Ozs., but that wouldn’t be quite as appropriate a title for a music column.)

And I’m not going to be writing so many themed columns, anymore. I may still do those every once in a while but for the most part each column is whatever I feel like listening to at the time, some new releases, some classic albums, some that I’m just discovering, some that I’ve known and loved for years.

The main change - the music I write about in my column will now be almost exclusively punk/hardcore and their offshoots. A large number of my old columns were about punk and punk-related stuff, but then I had some weird idea that I had to try to write about other types of music so that my readers wouldn’t get bored and so everyone would know I’m a well-rounded individual or something.

Why did I even care? I mean, if people are bored with my column, they don’t have to read it, and also yes, I do like all different types of music but punk is what I know best, what I love best, and what I’m most interested in writing about. (Punk Rock Tangent: Hey, I define punk for myself, so leave your ‘this isn’t true punk’ vitriol out of the comments section, and instead write your own column or blog or whatever; also please spare me your jaded ‘punk is dead’ bullshit, maybe punk is dead, maybe I don’t fucking care, maybe I just believe in DIY rock’n’roll, maybe I just believe in something burning so furious and bright it could destroy us all so we don’t have to destroy ourselves.)

Two more things: you’ll see me around Forces of Geek! in other capacities; I’ll be writing reviews of books and zines - and even some albums that don’t quite fit into this column.

And, yes, I am still doing a companion podcast, containing one song from each release - click over to Ace of Records: The Podcast to listen to this month’s installment.

Read more »

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