jfk112263

Five tracks to hear - vol.4: RIP Lux Interior

Sat, 07 Feb 2009 23:31:35 GMT

The psychobilly king and vocalist for The Cramps, Lux Interior, died a few days ago. I'm aware that most of you are not familiar with their 'zombies and werewolves meet Jerry Lee Lewis' approach to rock 'n' roll, but I thought I'd make one of these lists commemorating them and hopefully open some of your ears to one of the most delightfully odd bands to ever exist.

It's hard to be too deep about these songs, so I'll keep the comments short. Their last.fm wiki explains their song themes very well, "The content of their songs and image is sleaze, trashy Americana (much in the style of filmmaker John Waters), sexual fetishism, clever bad jokes, and cheap, horror B-movie clichés."

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Song: Uranium Rock
Album: Bad Music for Bad People
Year: 1984

The Cramps often covered old country and rock and roll songs on their albums. 'Uranium Rock' was originally by Warren Smith in the 1950s and is insanely catchy and driving. A good 'not too weird' song for Cramps newbies, and probably my favorite cover song of theirs (narrowly beating their rendition of the Charlie Feathers tune 'I Can't Hardly Stand It').
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Song: Garbageman
Album: Songs the Lord Taught Us
Year: 1979
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Song: Goo Goo Muck
Album: Psychedelic Jungle
Year: 1981
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Song: I'm Customized
Album: Flamejob
Year: 1994

"Like a chance meeting of an umbrella and a sewing machine in a black Impala - mixing metal flake with a jet propeller...I'm customized, not your average Jim." Bad ass. Their newer stuff that I'm not too familiar with has a few solid gems. And by new I mean 15 years old now.
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Song: I Was A Teenage Werewolf
Album: Songs the Lord Taught Us
Year: 1979
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Honorable Mention:
Song: Way I Walk (Live at the Napa State Mental Institution)

Along with fellow punk rockers The Ramones - The Cramps are widely regarded as one of the best live acts ever. I recently rented a live DVD of theirs where they played a ground-level show at the Napa State Mental Institution in the 1980s. It is one of the funniest things I've ever seen. Insane people run on and off the stage singing along with the band and everyone is having a blast. Also, hearing Mr. Interior tell the crowd "We drove three thousand miles to play for you people! Hey, and somebody told me you guys were crazy. Well, I'm not so sure about that. You seem to be alright to me." This isn't one of my favorite songs of theirs, but what a great show.

Five tracks to hear - vol.3: Brutal Groove

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 23:09:39 GMT

I like metal. Big shocker. While I'm sure I have helped you overcome a few of your preconceptions about extreme metal, I'm sure the majority of you can still relate to the statement "It all just sounds like noise to me - where's the melody? Where's the groove? Where's the music?"

A quick response: it's not called extreme music for nothing. One's tastes have to build up to extreme music. One would be a fool to think that Joe Anybody could just pick up any death metal album and enjoy it. With that said, the best extreme metal is based upon really catchy guitar riffs along with a pummeling melody. I tried to grab my five most groove-worthy tracks on my playlist so you may be able to understand me when I say "Boy, I can't get this Dying Fetus song out of my head."

I'm sticking with death metal only on this list, so that way I can make all the little sub-genre lists at a later date. Don't worry, I promise to keep these diversified and away from metal most of the time if you actually like to read these blurbs.

Song: Overlord
Artist: Skinless
Album: Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead
Year: 2006

Along with the prestigious #1 spot on this list, this track has one of the best audio samples of any song ever recorded. It's from Conquest of the Planet of the Apes and goes like this, "...From this day forward, my people will crouch and conspire and plot and plan for the inevitable day of Man's downfall - the day when he finally and self-destructively turns his weapons against his own kind. The day of the writing in the sky, when your cities lie buried under radioactive rubble! When the sea is a dead sea, and the land is a wasteland out of which I will lead my people from their captivity! And we will build our own cities in which there will be no place for humans except to serve our ends! And we shall found our own armies, our own religion, our own dynasty! And that day is upon you NOW!" Commence the ass kickery.

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Song: Eaten
Artist: Bloodbath
Album: Nightmares Made Flesh
Year: 2004

Bloodbath is somewhat of a death metal super group. Think a very homicidal Traveling Wilburys. Anywho, this song is about wanting people to eat you, and they somehow keep the song appealing with that sick main riff. Also watch out for some very interesting acoustic interludes and sick-sounding solos.

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Song: Lie to My Face
Artist: Carnifex
Album: Dead in My Arms
Year: 2007

This is a newer style of death metal called 'deathcore', a blend of hardcore punk style breakdown and death metal riffing/tremello. It's kind of popular with scene kids - so metal and hardcore elitists alike [unjustly] hate it. Either way, it's awesome and heavy as hell. While the lyrics are a little whiny for me, the break downs are absolutely beyond brutal and catchy. You think it's done, and then a bigger one comes, and then an even bigger one comes. If you don't know what a deathcore breakdown is, I respectfully ask you listen to the whole thing. You'll know by the end of the song. I don't blame you if you don't, but you might get a chuckle out of how ridiculously heavy this song is.

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Song: Carrionshine
Artist: Cryptopsy
Album: Once Was Not...
Year: 2005

The drummer for this French Canadian band is named Flo, and sounds like a machine gun who has been taking jazz drumming lessons since assembly. This songs groove develops over time - especially from about 1:05 to 2:20. If you listen to any of the songs on this list, listen to this one in that time frame. It might be the most abrasive of them all, but the instrumentation alone is commendable.

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Song: The Fate of Norns
Artist: Amon Amarth
Album: Fate of Norns
Year: 2004

An incredibly melodic riff about a viking burying his son. Surprisingly touching and deep, but still heavy as Thor's hammer. Rock on.

*Note: The fact that most of these bands are in the first few letters of the alphabet is pure coincidence. I promise I looked all down my playlist - not that my laziness would bother you.

Five tracks to hear - vol.2: Country

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 01:45:09 GMT

The most criminally underrated styles of music today. Alright, honestly today's popular country music may be rated a bit TOO highly, but don't let it taint the earlier stuff. The power of these and other good country songs is their relatability. You may not have grown up in Kentucky (well one of you have), but you still may have had something that you have known for a long time destroyed in the name of 'progress'. You also may never have lost your career, but you probably have had a few lonely and uncertain nights. It may be simple, but it's far from thoughtless or base.

Song: Paradise
Artist: John Prine
Album: John Prine
Year: 1971

A roots style country song from a man who was a bit more 'alternative' in his prime.

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Song: Cafe on the Corner
Artist: Sawyer Brown
Album: Cafe on the Corner
Year: 1992

One of the ultimate diner-rat songs. "They say crime don't pay. Well, neither does farmin'
these days." Melancholy, but comforting.

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Song: If I Were A Carpenter (feat. June Carter Cash)
Artist: Johnny Cash
Album: The Best of Johnny Cash
Year: 1995

A really sweet version of this classic song with Ma and Pa Cash. Way to have two spots on two lists, Johnny.

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Song: He Stopped Loving Her Today
Artist: George Jones
Album: I Am What I Am
Year: 1980

This is the epitome of sad country songs, and is absolutely awesome. Totally worth the bullet I want to put between my eyes after I hear it (what an endorsement, KC!).

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Song: Jambalaya (on the Bayou)
Artist: Hank Williams
Album: 20 of Hank Williams' Greatest Hits
Year: 1990

"Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou." If you've never heard Hank Williams before, you're in for a treat. His specialty is the slower stuff, but I already had too many melancholy songs on this list.

Five Tracks to Hear: vol.1

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:38:38 GMT

Song: Thirteen
Artist: Johnny Cash
Album: American Recordings
Year: 1994

One of the more popularly overlooked albums of all time.
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Song: I Need Some Brain Damage
Artist: The Lillingtons
Album: Death By Television
Year: 1999

Awesome pop punk song / album in the vain of the Ramones.

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Song: Case of the P.T.A.
Artist: Leaders of the New School
Album: A Future Without a Past
Year: 1991

Busta Rhymes first hip hop group. Featured in A Tribe Called Quest's song 'Scenario'.

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Song: United Alliance
Artist: Pagan's Mind
Album: God's Equation
Year: 2007

Progressive metal that is awesome, but far from 'heavy' in the modern sense. I put this on here for Krishna, as I think you might actually really dig this.

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Song: Paper Planes
Artist: M.I.A.
Album: Kala
Year: 2008

This song is WAY too catchy. Train song from Slumdog Millionaire. Awesome.

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 02:20:14 GMT

When I get mad it gets really embarrassing. Sorry in advance.

Bah Bah Survey Sheep

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:08:40 GMT

Current Top Last.FM Bands:

1. Agoraphobic Nosebleed
2. Boards of Canada
3. Into Eternity
4. Pig Destroyer
5. The Moon Lay Hidden Beneath a Cloud
6. Cannibal Corpse
7. Anal Cunt
8. Bal-Sagoth
9. Charlie Feathers
10. Rotting Christ

What was the first song you ever heard by 6?
Sentenced to Burn

What is your favorite album of 8?
The Power Cosmic

What are your favorite lyrics by 5?
Their lyrics are IMPOSSIBLE to find. They can also be hard to understand - as they're muddled and not necessarily in English.

How many times have you seen each of your ten bands live?
Agoraphobic Nosebleed - 0 (Do not tour)
Boards of Canada - 0 (No idea if they play live)
Into Eternity - 1
Pig Destroyer - 0 (Wish I had seen them)
The Moon Lay Hidden Beneath a Cloud - 0 (Long broken up)
Cannibal Corpse - 0
Anal Cunt - 1
Bal-Sagoth - 0
Charlie Feathers - 0 (Dead)
Rotting Christ - 0 (Seeing them in February)

What is your favorite song by 7?
I Lit Your Baby on Fire

Is there a song of 3 that makes you sad?
The entirety of their latest album makes me sad because I really don't like it. Give it another try, maybe? Everyone else seems to.

What is your favorite song by 2?
The Color of Fire

What is your favorite song by 9?
Don't You Know

What is your favorite album by 1?
The collection of previously unreleased material on disc two of their discography “Bestial Machinery”.

How did you get into 3?
Kevin Yee. Thank you so much man. An EXCELLENT recommendation.

What is your favorite song by 4?
Scarlet Hourglass

Which of the 10 has influenced you the most?
Pig Destroyer. I heard their song Mapplethorpe Grey on a Relapse Records sampler and from that point on I've been hooked on nearly every band on that label.

What is a good memory concerning 2?
Jeez, I feel good every time I listen to Boards of Canada. I don't have any particular memory attached to it.

What is a good memory concerning 3?
Meeting Tim Roth before the 2007 Seattle Metal Fest and saying "Hey man, I'm hear to see you guys - fuck these other bands." and him saying "Jeez, I just hope we don't suck". And me saying "Goddamnit that is not what I wanted to hear, man." What's really funny about this is that they really did suck that night. A good memory? I guess in it's own little way.

Is there a song by 8 that makes you sad?
Absolutely not. Songs about aliens, witches, and ancient gods never get me down - just make me feel bad ass.

What is your favorite song of 1?
Hammer Fight

How did you become a fan of 10?
Just randomly picked up on them.

It's About Time: TRL Axed

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:33:40 GMT

http://www.imdb.com/news/ni0567196/

I'm surprised that this lot of teens does not dig TRL as much as our lot did.

No tears on my end, however.

Blog Update

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:08:01 GMT

Just in case you were wondering - and I know you were - I've added a few updates to my music blog "Side A Side B" the past few weeks.

http://side-a-side-b.blogspot.com/

Download something, and leave a comment.

Austrian Death Machine

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:25:19 GMT

There is a new death metal act called Austrian Death Machine that just released an album called "Total Brutal" - an album based around quotes in Arnold Governator movies. The first song is "Get to the Choppa!".

Hahaha.

Metal Rant: Volume II

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:58:32 GMT

I'm aware that you all probably won't read even half of this - and no offense is taken - this is more masturbation than anything.

Here for your reading pleasure is another issue of KC's 'bubbling over with metal awesomeness' music posts.

I have been keeping a Greek band called Rotting Christ on my computer for a few years - being fairly wishy washy on their sound. Nothing in particular kept me away from it, just an overwhelming interest in other bands. It may not have also helped that they are not big on 'initial hooks' with their music, so while scanning and jumping around their albums nothing really caught me. I almost made the mistake of deleting their albums just because they were dormant for so long on my hard drive.

While refilling my iPod the other day, I came upon their name again and jumped to their last.fm page. On their shoutbox were so many people arguing over their best album (over 10 I believe since 1989), and one shout caught me: "The fact that people have pages of arguing over which of their albums is the best - with no clear front runner - really shows how good this band is". That point sold me to attempt to listen to one of their albums (Khronos [2000]) straight through without interruption.

Well I certainly wasn't disappointed. They mix very dark symphonic and vocal melodies - in both English and (what I think is) Greek - and even some traditional folk instruments into their songs. They keep a very tight production, and an extremely warm and full sound (at least on the three albums since 2000 that I have). They are also very true to their 'sound', without becoming repetitive from album to album. My only complaint is that none of their songs are really all that memorable - but you don't feel that while listening to the album. Everything weaves in and out, and I find myself involuntarily rocking out through each and every track.

If you want to check them out, listen to Sanctus Diavolos [2004] first. That's the one that really really hooked me.

And this shirt is f*cking tits.

Ahem...

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:55:57 GMT

Now I originally posted some anti-homosexuality country music video by some old guy...but then Something Awful enlightened me to the most fucked up video I've ever seen...and I had to share it with you.

I. Am. Man.

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:21:10 GMT

Sara was awesome enough to get me a Merkur Model #180 Safety Razor for graduation - both a present and a man points booster.

I had to look up instructions and all for how to use it, as I don't want to cut the hell out of my face. First attempt was a little weak, as I was trying desperately not to hurt myself, and the *scrape* noise that it makes it both bad ass and troubling. I got about 3/4 of the way through before I hit all the tough spots along my side burns with a regular razor (thought I'd quit while I was ahead this first time through).

I can tell all of you men-folk however that on the spots that I did go over twice with the razor it is the most smooth, bad ass shave I've ever had. And I have no cuts/scratches/razor burn. Definitely recommended.

And the blades are platinum coated and only $5 for 10. Way cheaper than anything [decent] you can pick up at Safeway.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:42:16 GMT

Hooray for being able to see MC CHRIS (and Pinback!) tonight!

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 19:26:10 GMT

I think I'm going to make this a habit...links now available for the bands/albums.

California Girls
The Magnetic Fields
Distortion (2008)

Pretty freakin' cool lo-fi indie rock from the Magnetic Fields latest album 'Distortion'. The song 'California Girls' doesn't feature their signature baritone vocalist, but it is so damn catchy and fun. Thank you to Sara for getting me into this band.

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And in other news, how do you feel about the whole Barack-Around-the-Clock bit? A big deal? Not a big deal? Unfortunate?

I had a 'Oh God I hate Pearl Jam now' knee jerk reaction - but once I thought about it, I could give a shit. A band has to have a little fun now and then, right? Even if that fun is...horrendous.

The Church of Lazlo on 'The End' did a great spoof album-commercial of other Barack/Rock related songs. If anyone can find it on-line, I'd be most grateful.

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:11:16 GMT

Second section of the quarter and I've already skipped.

This is beginning to look more and more like the high school version of senior year.

In other news: some of you who play RPGs might find this funny. I did.

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:24:02 GMT

Fuck Minesweeper, 'cause that's all I have to do.

Semi-drunk post. Listening to:

Suicide Silence - Unanswered
Impending Doom - My Nemesis
Fear Factory - 0-0 Where Evil Dwells

and...

Judas Priest - Metal God

Get me out of this fucking town! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhh - entertain me for the love of God.

Overly long, but what the hell.

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 05:03:37 GMT

Just thought I'd write an update for all of you who I haven't seen for a while. I am in Yakima w/Steve and about everyone else I went to high school with [except David :(], and so far it has been switching between great fun and deathly boring. Here is a list I feel like compiling about some stuff that has gone on.

- I got a library card at the Yakima Regional Library, to find out that the libraries here are pretty damn shitty. Luckily I found Vincent Price's House of Wax and the 1950's atomic-bomb scare film Them! to keep me entertained. I just finished Them!, and I don't know if I could really recommend it for anything more than a drinking game. A very drink-friendly drinking game at that.

- I went to a shop called Yesterday's Village where people sell their antiques and kitschy collectibles. They had a great conductor's pocket watch. $150 is a bit much for me though. Next time one finds themselves bored in Yakima, hit this place up. And they were selling a Twisted Sister shirt - but I didn't have $25 bucks for it.

- Went to Lil' Brown Smoke Shack, the best cigar/tobacco shop ever - or at least the one with the most helpful and friendly staff. Got Jon K. a pipe for the holidays. I didn't plan on getting anyone any presents really (no offense guys - not a lot of money on my end), but he got me this great Marine dress-down jacket, a copy of Thus Spoke Zarathustra from 1921, and a copy of Mao Tse Tung's essays published in Peking in 1971 (ed. 1). I guess he got them all at the same thrift shop in Portland. I could not help but get him something for getting me all this cool stuff.

- Was surprised to find out both Creighton and Jake were in town, so we all went out to Jackson's and shot pool. After that, Steve drove us to Sherry's where our awesome waiter - named Bob Smith - didn't kick us out because of Jake's (and the rest of our) drunken shenanigans. I'll have to tell you that story in person however.

- Finished The Portrait of Dorian Grey. Good book. 1/3 done with Persian Fire, also good.

- I actually bought Starcraft and Broodwar today, after playing them for free for the past 8 years.

- I've been playing Super Smash on the 64 at Creighton's w/Jake. More of that tonight I hope.

- I miss Sara. >cry cry cry<. But seriously, it's weird not talking to someone for a few days after you've practically lived with them for two years.

And that's it.

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 08:26:47 GMT

Odd that I hardly ever post, but am doing it twice in the same day...

I would like to go thrift store art hunting sometime. Specifically for paintings. I have been inspired by the two web sites posted below.

http://www.artnet.com/magazine/reviews/garcia-fenech/garcia-fenech2-18-99.asp

and

http://www.taiga.com/~paul/

It just seems like a fun thing to look through. Anyone else interested?

LAME

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 06:38:30 GMT

I am such a sucker for ultra twangy, classic country music. George Jones, Hank Williams, Loretta Lyn, and Patsy Cline just to name some. It is the one kind of music...the...hmm...ONE of the kinds of music that I am unabashedly in love with despite any sort of social scorn. I exemplify:

"Hello darlin', nice to see ya
It's been a long time
You're just as lovely as you used to be

How's your new love? Are you happy?
Hope you're doin' fine,
Just to know it means so much to me

What's that darlin'? How'm I doin'?
I'm doin' alright,
Except I can't sleep, I cry all night 'til dawn.
What I'm tryin' to say is I love you, and I miss you
and I'm so sorry that I did you wrong."

- Conway Twitty in ' Hello Darlin' '

Now just put those lyrics in front of the lamest slide guitar ever and you get one of my favorite country songs.

That's all. Does anyone else have any sort of musical guilty pleasure like this? For the love of God, help me.

Work

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:07:33 GMT

So today during a mini lunch rush there were only two people on the floor - my manager on bar and myself on register/everything else. I had to run off and heat up a sandwich for a regular customer we had, and 30 seconds later ran back to the register to help the next customer - some random old lady.

"Sorry for the wait ma'am! Could I -"
"Yeah, you guys are being really slow today." *Insert annoyed eye roll*

Of course I wanted to say 'Well, fuck you too.', but it came out "Well, we're a little under staffed today, sorry again. What can I get you?"

"A frap."
"Okay, wh-"
"Light. Coffee frap."
"Alright. A Coffee Frappuccino light?"
"Yeah. Tall."
"Okay! One Tall Coffee Frappuccino Light Blended Coffee! That'll be $3.50"

By this time, she had gained a little line behind her. And THEN she pulled out $3.50 in DIMES to pay with, and counted them out one by one. Wow. And she thought I was being slow.

THEN she went over and kept interrupting the bar talking about how slow we were and why her drink wasn't done yet. YEEEESH. What a bitch. Did she think her consistent interruptions were making anything better?

I'm actually in a good mood. I just thought some of you might like to read about a dense old lady. Carry on and hope all is going well.

PS: Starbucks' sugar-free hazelnut syrup tastes like urine.

Netflix

Thu, 17 May 2007 17:45:17 GMT

So Sara informed me that Netflix lets one stream certain movies from their library right off of their site. I was a little skeptical of their selection, but I figured it would be good for a few documentaries or one of those must-see classics that I seemed to miss.

Anywho, this morning I was browsing the selection and found it to be way larger and better than I thought. This lead me to watching The Deadly Spawn with my coffee and breakfast. Let me tell you: not scary, but AWESOME. It's amazing what a director can do with a minimal budget, poor actors, and a script involving giant ring-toothed worms. The effects were great, and it was downright hilarious is some places.

So if you have similar taste in films, check it out - you won't be disappointed. If not, rejoice that I can take it off of the queue and not pressure others to watch it with me! Haha. Netflix is so awesome.

Work!

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 21:22:07 GMT

So, I'm looking for a part time job. If any of you know of anything that is open, let me know. I'd apply at the 1000 pizza places hiring, but I'm not 21 for serving drinks, nor do I have a car here.

Thanks. Really anything would be good.

I - Concerts

Fri, 08 Sep 2006 01:10:05 GMT

Facebook is getting a little too personal, so I broke down (along with the rest of the world) and made a Livejournal just in case I delete my Facebook account.

So here's a list of concerts I'd like to go to within the next few months, and if anyone wants to go, they should let me know and we can get tickets:

9/13 - Dragonforce/HORSE the Band @ The Showbox
9/23 - Converge/Mastadon @ The Showbox
9/26 - Decapitated/Cattle Decapitation/Six Feet Under @ Studio 7
9/30 - Pelican @ Neumo's (Might be 21 and up)
10/01 - 1349/Celtic Frost @ El Corazon
10/02 or 10/03 - Scissor Sisters @ The Showbox
10/03 - Zombi @ Crocodile Cafe (Again, 21+ Maybe)
10/04 - TV On the Radio @ The Showbox
10/06 - Kamelot @ Studio 7
10/20 - The Thermals @ Neumo's
10/28 or 10/29 - The Bouncing Souls @ El Corazon
10/31 - KMFDM @ Neumo's
11/08 - GWAR @ Fenix
11/24 - Cannibal Corpse/Dying Fetus @ El Corazon
*****12/05 - Decapitated/Fear Factory/Hypocrisy/Suffocation @ Studio 7

And I wouldn't mind seeing comedian Todd Barry on Halloween.