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 Features, articles, and more from
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IN THE RAG >>>
THE ORAL HISTORY OF THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES
They reconvened this past December for the 10th annual Boston-area Hometown Throwdown and fans have started circulating an online petition to get them to tour again. This month, we learn how the Mighty Mighty Bosstones went through a lot of ups and downs (and beer) to become the beloved ska-core icons they are today.
TASTE OF CHAOS
The Rockstar Taste Of Chaos Tour celebrates its fourth campaign across North America with ATREYU, BLESSTHEFALL, IDIOT PILOT, AVENGED SEVENFOLD and BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE in tow. In addition, this year’s “winter Warped” is detonating a J-Rock explosion of the East’s best new bands, featuring MUCC, D’ESPAIRSRAY and THE UNDERNEATH. Plus, we’ve uncovered more Chaotic plans for the future...
THE FAN ISSUE WITH AGAINST ME! & TEGAN AND SARA
As we go into 2008, we are guaranteed of three things: Music-industry schills will always claim things are bad; the internet will always provide a forum for people to anonymously vent their hatred; and there will always be bands who stir people’s hearts. The last reason is why we chose to profile both the strident Florida punk delegation (p. 114) and the charismatic Canadian twins (p. 124) in this month’s issue. If you’ve ever seen either band live or spent some time with their music, you’ll realize we couldn’t choose just one “fan favorite” for this issue. In addition, we also offer a look at fan clubs belonging to both bands and labels, to learn how many decibels you can get for your hard-earned, world-market-devalued dollars.
FEATURES >>>
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE
Bullet For My Valentine have worked hard to become a success story in the British metal scene. Despite this, they’re still learning how respect can be somewhat of a begrudging thing.
SECTIONS
INCOMING: LOVE LETTERS, HATE MAIL & SOUND ADVICE
OPINION
Music Saves Lives founder Russel Hornbeek calls for your blood (donation) in Op-Ed; and everyone from Circa Survive to Mayday Parade (and you, of course) tell us if they believe in soul mates in the AP Poll.
NEW RELEASES
We preview albums from Murder By Death, the Matches and more; and In The Studio checks up on Ace Enders And A Million Different People, the Bronx and Phantom Planet.
WIRETAPPING
There’s no official textbook on becoming a rock star, but our AP: DIY section is recognized in 49 states as a suitable cheat sheet (we’ll convince you yet, Iowa!). This month we’ve got tips, tricks and traps to avoid from Regina Spektor and members of Anti-Flag, the Devil Wears Prada and Peachcake, along with the techs and other experts (like Thrice tour manager Damon Atkinson) who keep ’em running smoothly. AP&R has eight more unsigned bands you need to know now; Chalkboard Confessional talks inspiration with Chris Walla of Death Cab For Cutie; the Militia Group gets the Label Profile treatment; and Fuse VJ Steven answers the questions burning in your loins in his AP-exclusive Untitled Rock Column.
AP RECOMMENDS
If you’re not already listening to A Cursive Memory, Secondhand Serenade and Air Traffic, we won’t tell. But, while no one’s looking, you better load ’em up on your iPod, stat!
AP STYLE
Allow us to introduce you to some of the hottest gear burning up our closets. This month, get to know Draven and a ton of Valentine’s Day gifts sure to warm your sweetie’s heart. Plus, we realize that looking good isn’t just about your duds; it’s also about your ’do... And your makeup... And your nails... You get the picture.
SCREENING
Please turn off all cell phones. Keep talking to a minimum, as not to disturb your fellow readers. Also, be sure to throw away all garbage in the receptacles provided. Now, sit back and enjoy our feature presentation, which includes some quality face time with Michael Pitt, Alexis Dziena and the rest of what’s new and hot in theaters and DVD players this month.
REVIEWS
The AP Record Store wants to ensure you have the best Valentine’s Day possible, so scope out our wide selection of (slow) jam-packed new albums from the Loved Ones, the Audition, Paint It Black, God Fires Man, Lightspeed Champion, Del The Funky Homosapien, Envy, the Mars Volta, Wire, Ida and more; keep the sexy time going with help from our In-Store Sessions with HorrorPops, This Is Hell, Nada Surf, City And Colour and Hot Chip; seduce that cougar you have your eye on by reciting out loud our classic-rock and classic-punk columns on Foreigner and Nihilistics; and if you need something to read the morning after, peep Collector’s Corner, Playlist, Readers Chart and Listening Station.
10 ESSENTIAL NO-SPEAK-ENGLISH PUNK ALBUMS
If music is the universal language, that means punk rock must be the universal way to rebel against whatever is keeping you down. Andrew Marcus takes us on a tour of punk’s Epcot Center, only without the gigantic purple dragon.
