Nick Cardona's drumset shows off a Through The Year logo added for the final Cup show this summer by the up and coming alternative rock group.

STATEN ISLAND, NY-Outside a house in an otherwise deserted area, loud music can be heard coming from the basement. As I wait outside, a woman answers the door and asks what I’m here for. Confusion at first until I realize we got the right location.

If there was a band practice going on for Through The Year below, you just couldn’t tell by her manner. It was matter of fact, like a normal household. Only with a few extra members livening up the place where guitarist Kenny Klugewicz hosts this basement rock extravaganza. As we make our way down a dark, narrow staircase without killing ourself, frontman Peter King is calmly sitting at a computer as Klugewicz, lead guitarist Vinny Holden and bassist Nick Dos Santos go over how they want to play a song. Meanwhile, drummer Nick Cardona plays some random beats to keep from going insane.

Most intriguing when you walk into the small workspace is Klugewicz’ rock/comic tribute consisting of plenty of posters including favorite original punkers The Ramones along with every Joker mask from The Dark Knight. Plus some Batman figurines mixed in with four classic skateboards. Picture all that surrounding a drumset, two large amps along with a few minis plus a microphone and computer all on one side of the basement. Welcome to a Through The Year practice session complete with the usual back and forth banter you’d expect from a tight knit family.

Originally formed by King and Holden in September ’09, it took a while for the band to find the right pieces. Before they settled on Dos Santos in March along with Klugewicz and Cardona this summer, they went through three different bass players. During an intense session for a recent gig at Shakers featuring Sanitarius and Deception Theory, the group ran through “Lost But Not Forgotten,” ”Death By Riot Shield,” “Sleepless Sands,” ”Keep Your Heads Down,” “Fist Up,” and Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” before finally sitting down to talk with us.

“It’s ridiculously hard to keep a band going. It’s constant work,” King observed about the dedication it takes to stay together. “Behind what everybody sees, it’s like playing with your brothers and sisters.”

“We were a cover band and Vinny [Holden] came up with something one day while we were packing up and I really liked the sound of it and we kinda just started working. … Our first song was Lost But Never Forgotten.”

Both have played since last year before lineup changes. The best aspect is that it didn’t take long for Dos Santos, Cardona and Klugewicz to get acclimated, making for a smoother transition than expected.

“They picked up the songs pretty quickly where as in other bands, it usually takes longer cause you got to start all over,” King pointed out.

“Vinny writes most of it. He’ll get an idea off the guitar. He’ll get an idea and he runs with it and then he shoots it out to us. And then if we like it, we start running with it and we see where it can go,“ the Through The Year frontman said of the low key lead guitarist who does most of his talking on stage.

“Kinda,” on if he sees the ideas in his head Holden replied. “I basically just go with the flow and everything.”

The camaraderie over a productive summer that saw the group progress at local shows like The Cup here on Staten Island has finally allowed them to take the next step. They are recording an EP featuring four songs in Massachusetts.

“I honestly can’t wait. … We were supposed to do it over four months ago. And we finally reached the amount of money we needed to get it done,” an excited King noted of their debut targeted for November.

In the meantime, the Great Kills punkers will continue to find shows following The Cup finale at the end of August in Stapleton. A final performance for them and many other bands they got to know.

“Playing The Cup  was better because you booked your own show. You could go, ‘Let’s play a show.’ You didn’t have to worry about promoters screwing you out of money,” Klugewicz noted of the alternative rock band being its closing act. “It felt like a big responsibility. We had to finish this place good.“

“All the chemistry, it’s all an act. We don’t like any of each other,“ King said tongue in cheek to laughs. “But at The Cup, that’s why I liked it the most. Cause everyone’s helping each other. I was helping them. They were helping me. Cause we get done quicker. We all look out for each other.”

But as Dos Santos mentioned, it could eventually return thanks to someone who bought it. However, the time period remains sketchy, including whether they’ll keep the name. For mainstays King and Holden who frequented the place since last Halloween, it gave them and other bands a place to put themselves out there in front of family and friends. One thing not lost is the success Process Of Fusion has had, getting signed and releasing their first album.

“I’m always happy to see anyone that I’m friends with do well. But it definitely shows us that. For a while, I thought it would be extremely hard to get noticed on Staten Island. … When Process started heading in the right direction, it definitely gave a little bit more hope,” King observed.

“It’s like now, we definitely can’t say ‘Let’s not play Staten Island.’ We can go everywhere now. I would say I’m definitely looking forward to being where they are.”

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” added Holden.

“There is no try. You either do or you don’t,” Dos Santos quoted from Yoda in Star Wars to more jokes from Holden.

With an opportunity to reach more fans, Through The Year will be playing a New Jersey show next month in Hoboken.

“This girl’s throwing a house party. There’s going to be three or four bands there. And it’s going to be our first out of state show as we as our first acoustic show,” King stated. He also discussed how the group will be taking a break from covers, shifting the focus on fresh material.

“When we were doing all those covers- trying to learn all those covers, it takes a lot of time,” King explained. “So, it takes away from time you have to write originals. It takes us a while to do originals. Vinny comes up with the beats for the intros. Nick kinda overfloods it.”

“Flood the gates,” Dos Santos shouts to chuckles.

On what his favorite cover is which we lean towards as well, King assessed:

“The one we play the best is “Hey Jealousy. It’s kinda like our original. We play like so much. And I know Vinny played even before me and Kenny we’re in it. It’s kinda like their original. They play it so good and then I feel it.”

“I don’t have a favorite cover. I just like how we all come from different musical backgrounds and we just find what we have in common and put it down. That’s what I love,” added Klugewicz.

All things considered, the Fab Five remain very grounded about their fans and supporters.

“We have supporters and we have fans. Cause we don’t even know them and we go, ‘Who the heck are you?,‘” kidded Klugewicz.

“Hey. I knew him first. Country Donuts,” Cardona joked of our chance meeting at a donut shop on Amboy last month prior to Vinny’s Birthday Bash.

Summed up King of his drummer’s contribution:

“Congratulations. You got one person to come to a show.“

What makes them tick? Oh. Just the love and passion for music. Best of all, they get the chance to perform as they live the dream.

“The only reason why I write music is cause I can and I love music. … I want it but I need to make it. I only picture myself doing this in life. … Music is a drug. Music really is a drug. Once it’s in your system like it’s something you truly love like the five of us do, it’s something you can’t be without. Like the day after a show, our drummer’s itching to play the next show and the next one won’t be booked for even a month,” said King.

The youngest member Cardona, who’s only been playing a year put it in perspective:

“It’s all about the fans cause they spread the word. I’m going to try my best to hangout with my fans. As rich as I can be, I’m going to try to donate money. Have a decent life.“

THROUGH THE YEAR

Peter King: Lead vocals

Vinny Holden: Lead guitar, backup vocals

Kenny Klugewicz: guitar, backup vocals

Nick Dos Santos: bass, backup vocals

Nick Cardona: drums, percussion

A look at Through The Year guitarist Kenny Klugewicz' Joker masks in the comic/punk rock practice basement.

BAND INSPIRATIONS

Nick Cardona: Blink 182. Foo Fighters. A Day To Remember. Any band on Staten Island, I give them props when I was playing with them. Definitely Rancid. Especially punk bands. Bullet For My Valentine. All that crap. Other than this, any music I listen to. Definitely Rancid.

Kenny Klugewicz: A lot of what he said, we have in common like Blink, Green Day or Rancid. My favorite band is The Ramones. It does consist of mostly punk but I do keep an open mind about music. I actually didn’t start listening to punk. When I started listening to rock ‘n roll, I was in the second grade. My first two bands were AC/DC and Metallica. That’s cause of watching Beavis and Butthead. That’s what introduced me to rock ‘n roll. … In middle school, I got into skateboarding which led me to punk rock music.

Vinny Holden: Definitely Protest The Hero, Blink 182, Megadeth. I like Maiden but not as one of my favorites. Bullet For My Valentine, Children Of Bodom, Angels and Airwaves.

Nick Dos Santos: My range is ginormous. Children of Bodom, Protest The Hero, The Faceless, The Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Bush, Nirvana, Megadeth, Metallica.

Peter King: Death Cab For Cutie is always a big one of mine. Blink 182, Green Day, A Day To Remember, Drive By Satelitte. Rise Against definitely.

FAVORITE CONCERTS

NC: I’ve been to one. Avenged Sevenfold concert. That was awesome. I had mad fun. The main concerts I want to be at is my own.

NDS: I would have to say Megadeth with Children Of Bodom. And Trivium at the Starland Ballroom. That was sweet.

VH: I’ve been to six. Dream Theater/Iron Maiden, Ratt, Angels and Airwaves, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Story Of The Year, Atreyu. My favorite was the Maiden and Dream Theater but I liked Dream Theater better when they played. I met David Mustaine from Megadeth (book signing). I was in the presence of a God.

PK: That’s an easy one. Senses Fail, Saves The Day and Hidden In Plain View in Brooklyn in 2004. It was freaking phenomenal.

KK: My first concert was Mest at The World and that was definitely one of my favorites cause it was the first one. September 20, 2002. And my first Warped Tour ’03 in Asbury Park. That is definitely one of my favorite concerts because I got to sing on stage with The Ataris. They were the first band that went on that I liked and for their last song, they played “San Dimas High School Football Rules.” The lead singer got on the mic and said, ‘We need people to come help us sing the song.’ So, you know. I tapped some random dude on the shoulder to help me crowd surf and I went over there, jumped up on the barricade and I got to sing. So, that was definitely it.

A Word To Describe Kenny’s Comic/Rock Shrine

NDS: Fantasmagorical.

VH: Random.

PK: Unique.

NC: Donna (sarcasm).

KK: It started when I was 14. I haven’t changed a thing since.

THEIR MESSAGE

PK: Each song, people can take away what they want. That’s one of the best things about music. Each song we have is completely different. There’s always different messages behind them. Personal messages but like everyone from listening to music takes away a different message. You and I could be listening to the same song and you could take it as something and I can take it a whole other way. … All four songs we have have different meanings and hit people in different ways.

VH: I got a message cause I love to do it. I don’t give a crap what people think cause I love to write and I like it. I mean, it’s great that other people do but it does it for me. … Everyone who plays an instrument, never ever stop because you’ll forget everything and you’re not gonna know what to do anymore. Do what you love. Never put it down.

NDS: Writing your own music with your bandmates is like taking Ecstasy.

KK: Our message is talk to us, interact. We don’t bite. And have fun. Don’t be our fan. Be our friend.

NC: I can’t agree more with Kenny.

Here goes:

Through The Year frontman Peter King takes the mic.

Lead guitarist Vinny Holden riffing between the blur.

Guitarist Kenny Klugewicz jamming.

Drummer Nick Cardona fully equipped in ninja attire rocks out.

Bassist Nick Dos Santos gets down.

STATEN ISLAND, NY-It was a successful night for Through The Year. An alternative band best known for their gigs at recently closed The Cup in St. George, they impressed at Rhythm N’ Brews Saturday night in Dongan Hills. It made for an entertaining evening where you could rock out with a brew to some excellent tunes.

Playing two different sets before main Brooklyn act Forgetting Midnight came on, the group from Great Kills impressed with some strong covers. Taking the stage at 11 for their first part, the band fronted by Peter King certainly took us through the years- covering 90′s acts Blink 182 and Bush while going back to the future with Twisted Sister, The Cure and original punkers The Ramones.

As usual, King was in rare form cracking jokes when he couldn’t remember what was next. Along with solid lead guitarist Vinny Holden, guitarist Kenny Klugewicz who donned his trademark mohawk, bassist Nick Dos Santos and always wild and crazy drummer Nick Cardona, they played with the same passion Cup fans loved. Even if Holden joked about there being a couple of moments where the Through The Year vocalist accidentally bumped into him making some of the riffs he played a project, the chemistry was superb. Between Cardona turning himself into a ninja while banging away in the background to Klugewicz jumping around next to a cooler Dos Santos, it wasn’t dull.

Highlights included The Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop,” Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” and ” Bush’s “Machinehead.”

After a well earned break, they came back on after 1 for a cool dozen. The biggest surprise came when only King and Cardona combined to play Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop.” For that, King went back to school, doubling on guitar. Before the rest of the band could continue the rest of the set, they had to wait for Dos Santos to get out of the restroom leading to fun banter from Holden and King. It only foreshadowed a Groundhog Day moment when they finally concluded the hour and a half gig.

The second part certainly didn’t disappoint with King even referencing a classic Joker line from the late Heath Ledger, remarking:

“And here we…GO!“

They played Blink’s “What’s My Age Again?” and “”First Date,” which got plenty of support from King’s buddies. One of the best aspects was when he dedicated American Hi-Fi’s “Flavor Of The Week (Weak)” to gal pal Danielle who twice bought the band pitchers of beer.

Through The Year also dialed up an edgier version of classic 80′s Norwegian band A-Ha’s “Take On Me,” which had fans singing along. King also pumped it up for Gin Blossoms’ “Hey Jealousy,” strongly supported by his bandmates. On a special day, King dedicated “Lost But Not Forgotten,” to all the men and women who were lost on 9/11. The band played all four of their tracks which are to be recorded at Stay Gold Studios in Massachusetts for an EP, to be released in November.

If last night was any indication, there should be plenty in store for Islanders from this up and coming group.

Every word takes on a special meaning in Radiohead's Creep.

If ever there’s a rock song where every word matters, Radiohead’s epic “Creep” is it. I’ve heard tons of good songs but every time I listen to Creep, my passion comes out. I always find myself singing along. The lyrics make the song.

In some cases, it’s just the music. But when the words mesh taking on a strong meaning by the way they’re delivered as frontman Thom Yorke does with purpose, it really allows fans to get into it- connecting. I could sing this one part over and over:

But I’m a creep

I’m a weirdo

What the hell am I doing here

I don’t belong here

I don’t care if it hurts

I wanna have control

I want a perfect body

I want a perfect soul

I want you to notice

When I’m not around

You’re so fucking special

I wish I was special

Everything from the cool bass to the drum beats to the riffs to Yorke’s beautiful words makes it special from start to finish. No wonder so many bands have covered the British rockers’ cult classic, including this solid Weezer cover.  When you have peers recognizing you in such a big business, it’s the ultimate tribute. You just hope they do it justice. I saw Weezer cover both Nirvana and Oasis two years ago and it didn’t disappoint. The late Heath Ledger’s Joker would be proud of that last part. God. How they need to do a movie based on the Joker from early childhood. It probably will never happen.

Anyway, here’s the awesome Radiohead “Creep” which will always rock. And a live version at that!

RADIOHEAD

Thom Yorke: Lead vocals, guitar, piano, beats

Jonny Greenwood: guitars, keyboards, etc

Ed O’Brien: guitars, backing vocals

Colin Greenwood: bass, synthesizers

Phil Selway: drums, percussion

“Creep”

When you were here before,
Couldn’t look you in the eye
You’re just like an angel,
Your skin makes me cry

I don’t belong here…

It all started back in 1994 for Weezer with the famed Blue Album.

Everyone knows how big a music fan I am. I am into so much stuff that it’s hard to keep track. My cool friend Amanda put me onto some kickass local metal bands that we’ll be featuring in this space pretty soon. Definitely super psyched to discover talent out in Shaolin and looking forward to those interviews.

Anyway, since we’re on the music theme, let’s get to our feature. I love Weezer and even caught them with Dad a couple of years ago at MSG. The California dudes finally came East and rocked the house, playing prominent hits off the Blue Album, Pinkerton, Maladroit, Make Believe as well as a few off their Red Album, including Pork and Beans plus Troublemaker. There also were a couple of covers including Nirvana’s Sliver and Oasis’ Morning Glory.

To put it mildly, the show kicked cerebral ass. Loved when Rivers Cuomo brought an entire student orchestra up on the stage during one of the encores for “Island In The Sun.” There must’ve been like 40 people on the stage. If you’re curious to find out more about the show, please refer to the link in the above paragraph for a full review.

Tonight, we bring you the first of many hits off the famed ’94 Weezer Blue Album debut. I still got the damn cassette with the awesome cover (seen above). It seriously rocks and will never go out. That’s what defines great albums. Anyway, they led off with “My Name Is Jonas” to thunderous cheers and plenty of crowd support. Oh. It was sick.

Here’s a live performance from 1994 in Bordertown, New Jersey which is about half an hour away from here. Make sure to watch the whole scene. Especially the end. It’s classssic!

WEEZER

Lead Vocals/Guitar: Rivers Cuomo

Drums/Backing Vocals: Patrick Wilson

Guitar/Keyboards/Backing Vocals: Brian Bell

Bass/Keyboards/Backing Vocals: Scott Shriner

“My Name Is Jonas”

My name is Jonas.
I’m carrying the whil.
Thanks for all you’ve shown us.
This is how we feel.

Come sit next to me.
Pour yourself some tea.
Just like Grandma made
When we couldn’t find sleep.
Things were better then.
Once but never again.
We’ve all left the den.
Let me tell you ’bout it.

Choo-choo train left right on time.
A ticket costs only your mind.
The driver said, “Hey, man, we go all the way.”
Of course we were willing to pay.

My name is Wake me up.
Gotta box full of your toys.
They’re crush out of batteries.
But they’re still makin’ noise, makin’ noise.
Tell me what to do.
Now the tank is dry.
Now this wheel is flat.
And you know what else?
Guess what I received,
In the mail today.
Words of deep concern
From my little brother.

The building’s not goin’ as he planned.
The foreman has injured his hand.
The dozer will not clear a path.
The driver swears he learned his math.

The workers are goin’ home. (x4)
Yeah!

The workers are goin’ home. (x3)
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!

My name is Jonas.

Even during one of the hottest summers, Red Hot Chili Peppers can help you get through the day with their unique style.

It’s a lazy, hazy, crazy Sunday in NYC. Was that actual rain we got before?!?!?!?!?! Too bad it didn’t come down in buckets cause this town could sure use one of those cool ass storms. And no. We don’t mean the ones that cause tornadoes. But hey. If it’s gonna thunder and lighten, give me a good ‘ole fashioned downpour!

Anyway, enough of that endless summer rant. Onto bigger and better things which is what this is really about. When your down, you can always depend upon a kickass song to brighten the mood. Today well errrr tonight, I felt like some Red Hot Chili Peppers. You just can’t go wrong with RCHP, who’ve been around forever and somehow got passed up for this year’s Rock N’ Roll Hall. Are you freaking kidding?!?!?!?!?! Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and John Frusciante totally rock. Such a shame that the underrated front guitar man with the solid backup vocals left the band. Even if replacement Josh Klinghoffer is good, it won’t be the same.

Still, they’re one of the best bands entering its fourth decade. I can still recall discovering them at the Fairleigh Dickinson, Madison NJ campus radio station, playing renown hit Under The Bridge along with overlooked tracks off What Hits such as Fight Like The Brave, Get Up And Stay, Taste The Pain and one of my faves in good  Stevie Wonder cover Higher Ground. They also ran through Jimi Hendrix’ “Fire” with less fanfare unless you consider the debacle of Woodstock ’99 positive.

Producing big albums Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Californication, By The Way and Stadium Arcadium that featured plenty more hits including Breaking The Girl, Give It Away, Right On Time, Californication, Scar Tissue, Other Side, Around The World, By The Way, Zephyr Song, Can’t Stop, Tell Me Baby, Snow (Hey Oh), Dani California and Stadium Arcadium.

What makes RCHP so special is they’re unique style. Kiedis can sing almost any way and the rest of the band doesn’t miss a beat. You can’t account for chemistry. That’s why it’s a crime they weren’t inducted into Cleveland this year. ABBA?!?!?!?!?! You gotta be joking. They better get in next year.

Anyway, here’s another song we’ve always been a fan of called, “I Could Die For You.” Listen to the words closely and I think you’ll agree that they can be about anyone you love. It’s got H-E-A-R-T. Here’s a live version from Madrid. Love the start and funky transition.

RCHP: “I Could Die For You”

Something inside the cards
I know is right
Don’t want to live
Somebody elses life
This is what I want to be
And this is what I give to you
Because I get it free
She smiles while I do my time

I could die for you
Whatchu want to do
Oh this life I choose

Wu Tang always has stayed true to its Shaolin roots. Something missing from today's game.

In today’s game filled with redundant, cookie cutter types like Drake overhyped like a WWE has been, sometimes one needs to only look back at what rap/hip hop once was.

It peaked in the 90′s due to mc’s like LL Cool J, 2Pac, Biggie, Nas, Jay Z, Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Redman, DMX, Eminem, Jadakiss, Big Pun plus overlooked AZ and groups such as A Tribe Called Quest, NWA, Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Beastie Boys, Mobb Deep, House Of Pain and Onyx. No bs. Just telling stories that mesmerized the audience with lyrical genius. Something we rarely get today. Thanks mainstream!

There also was this kickass group from Staten Island. Everyone knows them. Wu Tang are as legit as it comes, combining a unique blend of talent featuring Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, GZA, RZA, U-God, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck and deceased legend Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Wu is more than just talented rappers who lay it all on the line, collaborating on memorable hits like C.R.E.A.M., Protect Ya Neck, Ice Cream, M.E.T.H.O.D. Man, Gravel Pit, Bring The Pain, 7th Chamber II and Bring Da Ruckus. They represent their Shaolin roots, shooting hard from the street. The way rap should sound, in a style all their own. When you hear one of their songs, you know instantly who it is and that’s for the right reasons instead of the wrong.

While it’d be easy to criticize who’s being pushed in our faces, I have to put the real blame where it belongs. On the media and radio stations. This is what they want kids to listen to. Who cares about other alternatives like Meth archrival Joe Budden, Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Young Jeezy, Juelz Santana (minus Lil Wayne), Taleb Kweli and Common. Today, everything all about bling bling. That’s not what we grew up on.

Let’s kick it back oldschool and listen/check out Wu’s “Triumph.” Just listen to the passion they bring. Oh. And the video is off the charts, shot perfectly. Gangsta! As real as it gets.

Wu Tang: “Triumph”

[Ol Dirty Bastard]
What y’all thought y’all wasn’t gon’ see me?
I’m the Osirus of this shit
Wu-Tang is here forever, motherfucker
It’s like this ninety-seven
Aight my niggaz and my niggarettes
Let’s do it like this
I’ma rub your ass in the moonshine
Let’s take it back to seventy-nine

[Inspectah Deck]
I bomb atomically, Socrates’ philosophies
and hypothesis can’t define how I be droppin these
mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery
Flee with the lottery, possibly they spotted me
Battle-scarred shogun, explosion when my pen hits
tremendous, ultra-violet shine blind forensics
I inspect you, through the future see millenium
Killa B’s sold fifty gold sixty platinum
Shacklin the masses with drastic rap tactics
Graphic displays melt the steel like blacksmiths
Black Wu jackets queen B’s ease the guns in
Rumble with patrolmen, tear gas laced the function
Heads by the score take flight incite a war
Chicks hit the floor, diehard fans demand more
Behold the bold soldier, control the globe slowly
Proceeds to blow swingin swords like Shinobi
Stomp grounds and pound footprints in solid rock
Wu got it locked, performin live on your hottest block

[Method Man]
As the world turns, I spread like germs
Bless the globe with the pestilence, the hard-headed never learn
It’s my testament to those burned
Play my position in the game of life, standin firm
on foreign land, jump the gun out the fryin pan, into the fire
Transform into the Ghostrider, a six-pack
and (A Streetcar Named Desire), who got my back?
In the line of fire holdin back, what?
My peoples if you with me where the fuck you at?
Niggaz is strapped, and they tryin to twist my beer cap
It’s court adjourned, for the bad seed from bad sperm
Herb got my wig fried like a bad perm, what the blood
clot, we smoke pot, and blow spots
You wanna think twice, I think not
The Iron Lung ain’t got ta tell you where it’s coming from
Guns of Navarone, tearing up your battle zone
Rip through your slums

[Cappadonna]
I twist darts from the heart, tried and true
Loop my voice on the LP, martini on the slang rocks
Certified chatterbox, vocabulary ‘Donna talkin
Tell your story walkin
Take cover kid, what? Run for your brother, kid
Run for your team, and your six camp rhyme groupies
So I can squeeze with the advantage, and get wasted
My deadly notes reigns supreme
Your fort is basic compared to mine
Domino effect, arts and crafts
Paragraphs contain cyanide
Take a free ride on my dart, I got the fashion
catalogues for all y’all to all praise to the Gods

[Ol Dirty Bastard]
The saga continues
Wu-Tang, Wu-Tang

[U-God]
Olympic torch flaming, we burn so sweet
The thrill of victory, the agony, defeat
We crush slow, flamin deluxe slow
For, judgment day cometh, conquer, it’s war
Allow us to escape, hell glow spinning bomb
Pocket full of shells out the sky, Golden Arms
Tune spit the shitty Mortal Kombat sound
The fateful step make, the blood stain the ground
A jungle junkie, vigilante tantrum
A death kiss, catwalk, squeeze another anthem
Hold it for ransom, tranquilized with anesthetics
My orchestra, graceful, music ballerinas
My music Sicily, rich California smell
An axekiller adventure, paint a picture well
I sing a song from Sing-Sing, sippin on ginseng
Righteous wax chaperone, rotating ring king

[RZA]
Watch for the wooden soldiers, C-Cypher-Punks couldn’t hold us
A thousand men rushing in, not one nigga was sober
Perpendicular to the square, we stand bold like Flare
Escape from your Dragon’s Lair, in particular
My beats travel like a vortex, through your spine
to the top of your cerebrum cortex
Make you feel like you bust a nut from raw sex
Enter through your right ventricle clog up your bloodstream
now terminal, like Grand Central Station
Program fat baselines, on Novation
Getting drunk like a fuck, I’m duckin five-year probation

[GZA]
War of the masses, the outcome, disastrous
Many of the victim family save they ashes
A million names on walls engraved in plaques
Those who went back, received penalties for the axe
Another heart is torn as close ones mourn
Those who stray, niggaz get slayed on the song

[Masta Killa]
The track renders helpless and suffers from multiple stab wounds
and leaks sounds that’s heard
ninety-three million miles away from came one
to represent the Nation, this is a gathering
of the masses that come to pay respects to the Wu-Tang Clan
As we engage in battle, the crowd now screams in rage
The high chief Jamel-I-Reef take the stage
Light is provided through sparks of energy
from the mind that travels in rhyme form
Givin sight to the blind
The dumb are mostly intrigued by the drum
Death only one can save self from
This relentless attack of the track spares none

[Ghostface Killah]
Yo! Yo! Yo, fuck that, look at all these crab niggaz laid back
Lampin like them gray and black Puma’s on my man’s rack
Codeine was forced in your drink
You had a Navy Green salamander fiend, bitches never heard you scream
You two-faces, scum of the slum, I got your whole body numb
Blowin like Shalamar in eighty-one
Sound convincin, thousand dollar court by convention
Hands, like Sonny Liston, get fly permission
Hold the fuck up, I’ll unfasten your wig, bad luck
I humiliate, separate the English from the Dutch
it’s me, black nobled you Ali
Came in threes we like the Genovese, is that so?
Caesar needs the greens, it’s Earth
Ninety-three million miles from the first
Rough turbulence, the waveburst, split the megahertz

[Raekwon]
Aiyyo that’s amazing, gun in your mouth talk, verbal foul hawk
Connect thoughts to make my manchild walk
Swift notarizer, Wu-Tang, all up in the high-riser
New York Yank’ visor world tranquilizer
Just a dosage, delegate my Clan with explosives
While, my pen blow lines ferocious
Mediterranean, see y’all, the number one draft pick
Tear down the beat God, then delegate the God to see God
The swift chancellor, flex, the white-gold tarantula
Track truck diesel, play the weed God, substantiala
Max mostly, undivided, then slide in, sickenin
Guaranteed, made em jump like Rod Strickland

After finally releasing Chinese Democracy, New GNR has proven they can play. Now I know you Better.

On another piping hot July summer night in NYC, the one thing we know is that no matter what, the new GNR can play. While they’ll never be what the Original Guns was because who can really follow that high wire act, Axl’s new band has solid chemistry and even every now and then can give off some of that ‘ole familiar sound that made Guns N’ Roses one of the best bands of the 80′s and 90′s.

As an avid fan dating back to those glory days (paging The Boss), I can vouch for how good the new band is. Having seen them perform three times out of a four show warmup at Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan a few years back, they were superb. Of course, playing classic hits such as Welcome To The Jungle, Paradise City, Mr. Brownstone, Patience, Sweet Child O’ Mine, November Rain, Live and Let Die, Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door and You Could Be Mine is far from easy to pull off. Even if everyone’s singing along.

Trivia: What popular heavy metal band played the warmup? (Answer below)

Just a glance at what’s doing on the web where popular sites like MYGNR and HereTodayGoneToHell are off the hook, reemphasizing just how many fans the band has. Pro or con against the new Gunners who still include keyboard man Dizzy Reed, there’s always plenty being said. Of course, much of it centers around Axl and Slash, who had about as bad a breakup as Cleveland and LeBron. We’ve heard the stories before from both sides. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. Believe me, it’s a waste of energy.

If by some miracle Axl and Slash made up and there was a reunion with Izzy, Duff and Steven Adler, everyone would buy it in about five seconds. It would be soldout in record fashion. That’s one dream show I hope I’ll see before I’m floating above in another dimension.

Instead of day dreaming the impossible, let’s take a look at one of our faves off Chinese Democracy. Better originated from former lead guitarist Robin Finck, who returned to another kick ass band you may have heard of called Nine Inch Nails. It sounds like a GNR track that even the biggest Axl haters could sit back and appreciate. There’s edge and plenty of energy.

Regarding the much anticipated album that finally came out 14 years later (GNR irony), it’s pretty good. Self-titled Democracy, Street of Dreams, Madagascar, Sorry, I.R.S., There Was  A Time, If The World and our video feature Better are quality songs. It’s easy to conclude that the sound is different. Well, in case you were living in a cave, the Illusions weren’t the same as Appetite For Destruction. Perhaps we should’ve seen it coming. Most great bands don’t last. That’s why it’s easy to appreciate U2, REM, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Green Day.  

Let’s just be happy we got a new group who’s touring and <gulp> just might release another album before 2024. Kudos to Axl, Finck, Reed, Tommy Stinson, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Chris Pittman, Bryan “Brain” Mantia, Frank Ferrer, Paul Tobias and Josh Freese on finally collaborating on this monstrosity (Axl’s words on Eddie Trunk a few years ago). And hey. How can we leave out Buckethead?!?!?!?!?! Love that dude. Even if he needs a good therapist.

I’ll never forget the 2002 show at MSG a couple of days before my birthday. At one point while Axl was giving a classic rant on Conan O’ Brien featuring Krispy Kremes he handed out, there came Buckethead who gave away presents to lucky fans. How I wish I knew what the heck they were. At least we had good seats. And hey. Dude next to us offered me pot. Haha. Little did we know that that was the last show with chaos in Philadelphia ensuing as Axl and Clear Channel got into a huge dispute. It only further damaged the band’s reputation- making fans wonder if Chinese Democracy would ever see the light of day. Thank God for November ’08!

Along with my brother Justin and even our cool Dad, who knows good music when he sees it, that’s how much that album meant to the gunners. Here’s a live version of Better. And if I do say, it really kicks cerebral ass.

New GNR: “Better”

No one ever told me when
I was alone
They just thought I’d know better, better

No one ever told me when
I was alone
They just thought I’d know better, better

The hardest part
This troubled heart
Has ever yet been through now

Was heal the scars
That got their start
Inside someone like you now

For had I known
Or I’d been shown
Back when how long it’d take me

To break the charms
That brought me harm
And all but would erase me

I never won
Or thought I could
No matter what you’d pay me

Replay the part
You stole my heart
I should have known you’re crazy

If all I knew
Was that with you
I’d want someone to save me

It’d be enough
But just my luck
I fell in love and maybe

All that I wanted was

Now I know you better
You know I know better
Now I know you better

So bittersweet
This tragedy
Won’t ask for absolution

This melody
Inside of me
Still searches for solution

A twist of faith
A change of heart
Cures my infatuation

A broken heart
Provides the spark
For my determination

No one ever told me when
I was alone
They just thought I’d know better, better

No one ever told me when
I was alone
They just thought I’d know better, better

All that I wanted was

Now I know you better
You know I know better
Now I know you better

I never wanted you to be so full of anger (anger)
I never wanted you to be somebody else
I never wanted you to be someone afraid to know themselves
I only wanted you to see things for yourself

All that I wanted was

Now I know you better
Now we all know better
All that I wanted was

Na na na na
Na na na na
Na na na na
Na na na na
(cont. thru verse)

If I were you
I’d manage to
Avoid the invitation

Of promised love
That can’t keep up
With your adoration

Just use your head
And in the end
You’ll find your inspiration

To choose your steps
And won’t regret
This kind of aggravation

No one ever told me when
I was alone
They just thought I’d know better, better

No one ever told me when
I was alone
They just thought I’d know better, better

Trivia Answer: Bullet For My Valentine

Grandmaster Flash is one of the true innovators of the rap/hip hop culture.

Just chilling here in the abyss known as the Shaolin NYC representing, I was feeling all oldschool cause it’s so cool and all that stuff. Well, I did blast some classic Rob Base late last night as too. But who don’t love that shit?

This time, it’s another blast from the past in the legendary Grandmaster Flash, who was inducted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame along with the Furious Five 2-3 years ago as the first ever hip hop/rap act. We’re talking one of the original innovators who paved the way for so many. The man is like the greatest DJ ever with his own unique style that still blows the roof off clubs. Here, we’ll see the huge hit “White Lines,” spreading a powerful message about cocaine and the dangerous risks if you get hooked. Just listen to each line and you’ll get it LOUD and CLEAR. We’re also linking up him talking about his own personal battle before he decided to give it up:

The original studio cut is pretty freaking good. Still sounds fresh.

Live version. Listen to the spinning and the freaking energy! What a vibe!!!!!

“One good thing about music, when it hits- you feel no pain.”

“Herb is the healing of a nation, alcohol is the destruction.”

“Don’t gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold…”

“When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself.”

“In this bright future you can’t forget your past.”

“Don’t worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright.”

“The good times of today, are the sad thoughts of tomorrow.”

“Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality . Wake Up and Live!”

ONE LOVE. Rasta! Anyone who knows me well will tell you what a huge Bob Marley fan I am. When I think of the legendary Jamaican singer, I’m reminded of his powerful message of Peace and Love. He would’ve turned 65 today and been raising the roof to a whole new level because let’s face it, the man knew how to parrrrtty!

The lead singer of his own band Bob Marley & The Wailers created the kind of soulful music people enjoy listening and getting down to. Reggae. With renown hits such as “I Shot The Sheriff,” “Is This Love,” “One Love,” “Get Up Stand Up,” “Stir It Up,” “Buffalo Soldier,” “Jammin,” “No Woman No Cry” and the spiritual “Redemption Song,” he was the definition of cool. Listen to any song and it’ll get you going. Feel the vibe and let it all hang out!

Legend is the biggest selling reggae album in history (13.5 million) going platinum. That it came three years following Marley’s death speaks to the true legend he really was and still is today. His music can still be heard at parties and on the radio a la Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Jim Morrison, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, 2Pac and Biggie. They’re all dead but as I’ve said before many times and shall echo again:

LEGENDS NEVER DIE

Sadly, the traditional concert that remembers Marley in his home Jamaica has been canceled for the lamest reason known to mankind. ‘Noise complaints.’ Are they freaking KIDDING?!?!?!?!?! How ridiculous can you get? Today, we honor the Man, Myth and Legend that shall live forever.

HAPPY 65TH BIRTHDAY BOB MARLEY