Record Review: Bad Religion - True North LP

 BAD RELIGION - True North LP (Epitaph)
When founding member/guitarist Brett Gurewitz rejoined Bad Religion in 2001 after a six year hiatus, it was generally acknowledged that the band's creative output ameliorated greatly and generally, one knows what to expect from each new Bad Religion album: catchy, fast California punk with insightful lyrics and background harmonies. I'm not here to to state anything different, but there is most definitely a renewed sense of vigour on this record. The intensity level is up, the songs are perhaps a little shorter and one is reminded of 1990's classic Against The Grain album. Age hasn't mellowed these guys yet as they are still pissed off. As a last note, we are glad to report that the importance of tracking hasn't gone unnoticed as this is a well-thought out album and a delightful listening experience throughout.
(RA)      

Zine Review:Ugly Things #34

              For the uninitiated, Ugly Things is a thick, semi-annual indispensable rock n' roll resource.  Its 184 pages are crammed with rare photos, interviews, adverts, columns and an amazingly huge review section. The tag-line Wild Sounds From Another Dimension rings true because this zine champions the largely forgotten as well as the underexposed. Editor Mike Stax started this as a 60's garage zine many years ago, but it has since broadened its scope to include psychedelic, glam, original punk, acid-folk, beat groups, rockabilly, R&B, blues and soul.

 This issue is one of the best so far with an excellent column by Cyril Jordan (Flamin' Groovies) detailing his personal experience during the earliest days of Beatlemania. A highly entertaining read.

 Author/record collector Mike Markesich is interviewed about his mind-blowing work Teenbeat Mayhem! This book is likely to be the bible for referencing American Sixties garage and beat groups for many generations.

 There is also a surprising amount of Canadian content as well which is always dear to my heart. First is an amazing article on Montreal garage punk kings The Haunted. Alex Taylor does a great job tracking down members and getting the facts and demystifying their crazy history. Nine pages and counting as this is but the first of two parts. Can't wait for the next issue. Secondly, there is a great interview with Freddie Pompeii of the Viletones about his pre-punk musical history and his take on being a member of the most volatile of Toronto's earliest punk bands.

There is also lots more to read so pick up a copy today. 
http://ugly-things.com/       

PADDY PUNK GIG At PLAN B March 16th

Tomorrow night (Saturday March 16)) is the night before St. Patricks' Day. We've got two Irish/Punk bands visiting who have never performed before in our city. Save up your pennies because this should be good.

The BAD LADS (Halifax) and DRUNKEN DOGS (Montreal).
10PM  PLAN B Lounge  $6 at the door

Second Punk Show of The Week (Friday March 8 2013)

Thalidomy Kids (Moncton)
Rabid Reaction (Moncton)
Feral Trash (Moncton)
Dirty Kills (Halifax)
$5  19+  at  Le Caveau (700 Main Street)
10PM  - 2AM
https://www.facebook.com/events/338760436229252/

Punk Show Wednesday March 6th (tomorrow)

Check it out now...

COLD WARPS (halifax) CHAINSAW BOOGIE (sussex) IMPULSE ITEMS (moncton)
10PM  $7  19+  at the OC Club 700 Main Street Moncton

https://www.facebook.com/events/210903449051212/