Hallowe’en comes to Castle McFee one day early so I thought I’d post up a video of our singing Frankenstein’s monsters!
Oh, and if you’re stuck for something to watch this All Hallow’s Eve, here’s a horror film guide I did waaaayyyy back in the year 2008-http://edwinmcfee.wordpress.com/2008/10/28/
It’s nearly my favourite time of year so I thought I’d post up the video for ‘Scream’ by the Misfits (directed by zombie king George Romero) to get you all in the mood. I forgot just how SWEET Michael Graves’ ‘do was….
Anyway, this song was orginally written for Wes Craven’s comeback film film Scream fact fans.
I was a bit like this dude the first time I saw Maiden…
I’ve been listening to the new Lobotomies record ‘Big Bang Hangover’ almost non-stop since getting it in the post a few weeks ago and if you love fast and nasty punk rock, then you should definitely head down to their launch in Belfast tonight.
I reckon pound for pound the Misfits are my favourite punk band, so when I got this press release through I got a little bit excited. Plus, check out Arthur Suydam’s artwork!
ALL-NEW MATERIAL FROM THE MISFITS ARRIVES HALLOWEEN ‘09
PRE-ORDER AND GET IT A MONTH BEFORE IT ‘LANDS’ IN STORES.
The legendary Misfits return with 2 brand-new, soon-to-be-classic songs marking the first new original material from the certified-gold selling horror rock icons in a decade! The release also marks their first new studio recordings since 2003’s billboard chart topping “Misfits Project 1950” covers album. The Ltd. Ed. 12-inch LP maxi single showcases an incredible new cover painting rendered by Arthur Suydam (of Marvel Zombies fame) who has ferociously rendered the Misfits world famous “Fiend Skull” icon in homage to the zombie films of George A. Romero. The artwork is appropriately suited as both new songs (“Land of the Dead” and “Twilight of the Dead” written by Misfits founding member Jerry Only), were inspired by the acclaimed director’s living dead series.
The first pressing on clear red vinyl is a limited edition of 1,000 pcs guaranteed to feed the collectible frenzy with Misfits fiends while supplies last! Look for the ‘Fits (Jerry Only Bass/Vocals, Dez Cadena Guitars and Robo Drums) on tour throughout North America now – late December ’09 where you can expect to hear both new songs performed live in concert. Starting October 30th, (Devil’s Night at the Starland Ballroom in NJ), Fiends will have the chance to pick up a special clear orange vinyl tour edition of the 12-inch (also limited to 1,000 pcs worldwide), while supplies last. The clear orange vinyl pressing will be on sale exclusively at live Misfits shows and will not be available in stores. The clear red vinyl edition is available exclusively from our online Fiend Store and the Misfits Records online store. Pre-order now and have it in your fiendish hands over a month before it ‘lands’ in record shops!
All online orders will ship by or before, but no later than Halloween. Both songs (“Land of the Dead” and “Twilight of the Dead”) will be available individually for digital download (@ only $0.99 per track) on iTunes and other digital music providers starting October 27th… Happy Halloween Fiends! www.misfits.com
Here’s a reprint of my NI news column from Hot Press Vol 33 Issue 19. Enjoy.
News
Words: Edwin McFee
They may have taken their sweet time making it, but this fortnight we’re pleased to announce that one of NI’s best live bands Pocket Billiards will unleash their debut album onto the unsuspecting public. Formed in 2002, the Billiards have went through more line-up changes than Guns ‘N’ Roses, but they’ve still remained one of the most high octane unsigned bands the country has to offer and this writer is pleased to report that their self titled album is one of the best records of the year. The ska-loving nine-piece launch their master-piece by playing a gig in the Black Box in Belfast on Oct 10 with support from Team Fresh, Axis Of and Aggressors BC and admission is a mere £5, so make sure you check out what is sure to be a great night. For more information on how you can pick up a copy of their seminal slab of wax then click on www.myspace.com/pocketbilliards.
Speaking of new albums, by the time you read this you’ll be able to get your mitts on the debut offering (Sticks And Stones) from the Vals too. Released on Oct 5, the opus can be bought via mail order giants such as Play.com, Amazon and all the rest and while we have yet to hear a copy, we’re expecting good things. The band have also made a rather swish looking video for their track ‘Too Many People’ and you can watch it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPNEeprzxBU.
Up and comers the Vires are the latest local act to sign with the Audio-Ill label. After beating off stiff competition (make your own jokes there folks, that one’s too easy) in a Battle of the Bands, they scooped a two year contract and three year publishing deal. Hot Press will of course keep you up to date on the band’s activities when we get them but for now have a listen to their songs by visiting this website-www.myspace.com/thevires.
Finally the none more mighty Yakuza have made an ace clip for their track ‘West Of The Best’ courtesy of Red Cap Productions. Taken from their forthcoming album, the video features our heroes playing inside cardboard boxes that are adorned in fairy lights, signing along the dotted line for some be-suited business moguls (the horror!) and generally indulging in some of the best acting we’ve seen since Leprechaun In The Hood went straight to DVD. It’s definitely worth a look, so check it out here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhqEeQn7j0c&feature=player_embedded.
This week I’ve finally got my ears around the new KISS record ‘Sonic Boom’ and it’s great fun. Fuck Iggy Pop/Mick Jagger/Insert-random-name-here. Paul Stanley is the greatest rock star in the world. Need proof? Take a look at this
Off to Dublin for the weekend for Hard Working Class Heroes. Anyone needs me-I’ll get back to y’all on Monday.
Byes!
I saw this this morning and felt the need to post it up. I don’t normally like Alex Ross’ depictions of ol’ Jade Jaws but I love this one! More info here http://marvelousnews.com/index.php?catid=23&itemid=12460
Here’s a reprint of my NI news column from Hot Press Vol 33 Issue 18. Enjoy.
News
Words: Edwin McFee
The Ulster Hall bound General Fiasco (the date’s Oct 31 in case you haven’t heard) continue to get bigger and better as the months roll by and on Oct 12 they release the hook-laden single ‘We Are The Foolish’ into the wild via Infectious Records. The accompanying video is pretty special too, but don’t take our word for it, have a look for yourself by clicking here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcQBB6ntDgM. The GF lads have also asked us to implore you to vote for them on Steve Lamaq’s BBC 6 Music Rebel playlist by visiting www.bbc.co.uk/6music/shows/steve_lamacq/rebel_playlist.shtml so if you haven’t done so already, you know what to do.
As if they didn’t have enough members to contend with, the Innishowen Gospel Choir are looking to add even more bodies to their ranks before the year is out. The critically acclaimed singers are keen to get some fresh faces for their upcoming performance at the Belfast Festival at Queen’s and if you think you’ve got what it takes then pay close attention to these instructions the guys emailed us-“If you are over 17, consider yourself a singer and would like the opportunity to be a part of the Inishowen Gospel Choir come along to the auditions which will take place on Friday 18th September at 6:30 pm at the Carnival Offices, Bridgetown Business Park, Moville Rd. (behind Jaybee’s).” For more details you can email on inishowengospelchoir@gmail.com. Good luck!
If you ever needed proof that NI has a plethora of great new bands sprouting up on a monthly basis then check out the gorgeous sounds of Gironans. The electronica loving three-piece have been gestating in secret for a couple of years but now they’re ready to take things up a notch by playing some gigs. Have a listen to the haunting ‘Corduroy’ on their MySpace page (www.myspace.com/gironans) and then befriend them. Go on, you know you wanna.
Finally, the Varionis release their latest EP ‘Whatever It Takes’ by playing a gig in Auntie Annie’s in Belfast on Nov 10. Formed in ’07, the five-piece have been busy beavering away on the live circuit, refining their sound and kicking ass and this latest slab of wax is their best recorded material to date. Support on the night comes from the Good Fight and you can listen to some of their songs on their MySpace page (www.myspace.com/thevarionis). Make sure you sample ‘Blood, Sweat and Tears’ in particular as it’s ace.
