Screeching Weasel
First World Manifesto
Fat Wreck Chords, Released March 15, 2010
What a weird couple weeks in which I have attempted to post a review of this record. I picked up the album on Tuesday the 15th, and gave it a couple of spins with an open mind, as I am certainly not as passionate about Screeching Weasel as many of the other bands that we review. (They are much more Mrs. Squeamish's territory.) But I felt like this was an important album to consider--it's been more than a decade since any new music was released under the Screeching Weasel moniker. This was Ben Weasel's big comeback after releasing some moderately well received solo albums. I wasn't really in a rush to post my thoughts; I knew that any number of outlets received advanced copies and had reviews up prior to the album's release. So I simply started jotting down notes as I listened to the record a couple of times, content with publishing my two cents within a week of the album's release.
But then it happened. Three days later, at the Fat Wreck showcase at South by Southwest, Ben took several swings at a female audience member, who supposedly was throwing ice at him, or spitting at him, or both, depending on who you ask. Then, in a blind rage, Ben tried to connect with one of the female club owners who was on stage trying to intervene. I have no interest in being another blog that puts up the embarrassing video--you can google it your lazy self if you want to see it (again, probably). Nor do I want to put up a public scolding of a grown man who knows that he stepped way, way over the line and was consequently left by his band and had to cancel the tour that accompanied the release of
First World Manifesto.
It became hard to separate the man from the music, even though the album is pretty ok. Sure, some of Vapid's back up vocals sound suspiciously cleaned up and Riverdales-y or Methadones-y. SW has never really had that super produced sound, but he lays down an awesome solo on
"Totem Pole." And Ben Weasel is no lazy lyricist--in fact, the album is more enjoyable having read the lyrics in the liner notes. Ben stuffs a lot of words into his lines, and drops some excellent five dollar words and phrases, beginning with his diatribe about the current state of punk, "Follow Your Leaders," through the obligatory quasi-political song "Come and See the Violence Inherent in the System." Joe Queer contributes some nice Ba-Ba-Ba backing vocals on
"Creepy Crawl." In general, lots of shit talking, lots of pessimism, but what else is new? Throughout his career, Ben has purposely played up his curmudgeon status to his own benefit--who wouldn't expect a SW album chock full of insults? But it's hard to listen to him sneer about punks who are "frat boys with sillier haircuts," when he himself acts like one.
So Ben's out of control and unacceptable treatment of the fairer sex has now lead to the (millionth) disbanding of Screeching Weasel, not to mention the cancellation of his three day anniversary fest in Chicago. Philly also loses out because tonight's now terminated date at the Troc would have been the first major club gig for everyone's favorite Jersey/NYC punk/surf quartet, Night Birds. Tinging their always-on-the-brink-of-disaster punk with a heavy dose of surf guitar, the Birds are getting ready to release their first full length, and have just put out a comp of their earlier, vinyl only material on Grave Mistake. With both of these dropping this year, as well as their first gigs in Europe, 2011 is going to be a big year for Night Birds. Right now, the Troc would have been a huge space for this band, but don't be fooled--these guys take being in a band seriously, and if they can continue that commitment through the year, they are going to be moving out of the basement/art space shows quickly. It's just a shame that Philadelphia lost an early opportunity to catch this up and coming act.
Night BirdsGrave Mistake RecordsWe'll just take one quick opportunity to post some links for female victims of violence. If you need help, please realize that there is assistance available. If you know a lady who needs relief, please help her find the resources she needs. These places can assist in helping you find somewhere to stay, have to handle your relationship with your abuser, get therapy or almost anything else that you may need.
National Coalition Against Domestic ViolenceWomen in Transitionthe Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia
OK Philadelphia. Whatever the fuck you had planned for Friday night has now been officially canceled, freeing all of you to take advantage of a limited time experience. For one night only, surf punkers Dry Feet are teaming up with Philly's finest sleazy popsters the Tough Shits. This magnificent double bill is happening at a pretty new venue, so you are going to have to do a little (just a little) research to find your way there. You may remember that Dry Feet self released last summer's breezy dream Philadelphia Beach (see our review here) and the Tough Shits have been keeping us knee deep in gritty, throwback rock for several years now. Dry Feet have a new 7" out on Evil Weevil Records (though it contains no new songs, Boo!) and the Shits are starting to become more active after a little rest (maybe their new album will come out soon?) making this the hottest ticket in town. So get ready to leave real life behind this Friday night. Bust out your oversized magnifying glass, deerstalker hat and calabash pipe to find your way to this reelin' and rockin' show. Have fun, be safe and responsibly enjoy this new performance space. Don't be a dunce and miss out--we promise that there will be no better way to start your spring weekend.
