2005 03 MARCH - RAG Magazine

PUBLISHER
Sean McCloskey - sean.mccloskey@ragmagazine.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Crystal Clark - crystal.clark@ragmagazine.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Monica Cady - monica.cady@ragmagazine.com
SENIOR EDITOR
Marc Suriol - marc.suriol@ragmagazine.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Monica Cady - monica.cady@ragmagazine.com
Crystal Clark - crystal.clark@ragmagazine.com
Bryan Covet - bryan.covet@ragmagazine.com
Tom Craig - tom.craig@ragmagazine.com
Paul Evans - paul.evans@ragmagazine.com
Todd McFliker - todd.mcfliker@ragmagazine.com
Kelly Morrissey - kelly.morrissey@ragmagazine.com
Jeff Noller - jeff.noller@ragmagazine.com
Jason Valhuerdi - jason.valhuerdi@ragmagazine.com
Tanya van Kampen - tanya.vankampen@ragmagazine.com
Joseph Vilane - joseph.vilane@ragmagazine.com
RAG Magazine, Inc.
8930 State Road 84 # 322
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33324
954-234-2888
954-727-1797 fax
general info - info@ragmagazine.com
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www.ragmagazine.com
RAG MAGAZINE, INC.is published monthly in Davie, Florida. All contents are copyright 2003 and
may not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed herein do not
necessarily reflect those of the editors, publishers, advertisers or distributers. RAG reserves the right
to edit or reject advertising which may result in legal action or is in poor taste. Liability for typographical
error is limited to reprinting that part which is in error.

CONTENTS
ARPIL 2005 #60
10.
EISLEY
16.
JANUARY
20.
BLOOM
28.
FALL OUT BOY
p.12
MONTHLY FEATURES
08..UPCOMING & DATES
10..PHOTO PASS
22..CD REVIEWS
42..CINEMA
45..DVD REVIEWS
46..CLASSIFIEDS
32.
MORISSON
POE
36.
IRON & WINE
39.
L ANGORADO
40.
MATCHBOOK
ROMANCE
C

1
PIS – Madelyn, Blue Sky Envy, A Day to
Remember, Upper Class Trash, Drifter, Broken
Sound Avenue, 3 rd Defenition
SKATEZONE – Strangles to Tears, Drowned Out,
Dark Horse, Candidate, Emithna
BENNY’S ICE HOUSE - Wrecktifier
BROADWAY BILLIARDS – Radio Salaz, Santos
Renuentes, Ferro, Los Immigrantes, Tereso
SURF CAFÉ – Lost My Love, The Creppy Ts,
Horror Business, The Bikes
2
CULTURE ROOM – Rise Against, Brazil, Black
Maria, Unwanted Superheroes
REVOLUTION – Skindred, Nonpoint, Simplekill
BENNY’S ICE HOUSE - Wrecktifier
MEYER AMPH – The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The
Neville Brothers
BROADWAY BILLIARDS – Kayak Man,
Moonshyne Brown, Breez Cabrera
PIS – A Fragile Line, Fundue Crew, The Donner
Party, Wated on Tomorrow, Contemptibles,
Crisism, Off the File, Undisputed, Thoughts of
Apathy, 9 Month Anniversary, Strangles to Tears
SURF CAFÉ – Sixty 10, The Adequits, Noise
Vox
3
ROUND-UP – The Bellamy Brothers
4
THE ALLEY – A Life Once Lost, Bury Your Dead,
If Hope Dies, The Red Chord
6
BITTERSWEET BLUES – The Helldorados
RESPECTABLE STREET – Champions of Rock
CHEERS - Wrecktifier
MIZNER PARK AMPH – Huey Lewis & the News
FAU – Muse, Razortight, Christian Castro
BROADWAY BILLIARDS – Plan A, Darkarma
PIS – Against All Authority, Anna Lies, Lithium,
FATE, Fondue Crew, Unit6
SURF CAFÉ – Wear-n-Tear, Stellar, Slate, 5 th
Gear
9
CULTURE ROOM – Eek-A-Mouse, Jerrods Door
REVOLUTION – Boxelder, Doorway 27
CHEERS - Wrecktifier
POMPANO BEACH AMPH – Ashlee Simpson, Pepper’s Ghost,
The Click Five
BROADWAY BILLIARDS – Ayuda Benefit: Tim Chirron, Sekret
Service, Breez, Phoenix Nebulin, Pulse
SURF CAFÉ – Unstitehed, Mindspin
12
CAREFREE THEATER – Keb’ Mo’
13
THE FACTORY – Unseen, Lost City Angels, FATE, The
Kurrupted
JACKIE GLEASON – Lenny Kravitz
14
CULTURE ROOM – King Diamond, Nile, The Black Dahlia Murder,
Behemoth
THE FACTORY – Tsunami Bomb, The F-Ups
15
CULTURE ROOM – Surarland, Rambler
THE FACTORY – Fall Out Boy, Silverstein, The Academy Is,
Gym Class Heros
ORIGINAL FAT CATS - Wrecktifier
SKATEZONE – Slapstick Remedy, Sense of Being, Absolute
Asylum, Head Drive, The Democracy, Life Without Shame
BROWARD CENTER – Dennis DeYoung
UM CONVOCATION CENTER – Green Day, My Chemical
Romance
BROADWAY BILLIARDS – Seven Served, DC3,
SURF CAFÉ – Helter Smelter, Bitchhead
16
CULTURE ROOM – The Kills, Scout Niblett, Nothing Rhymes
with Orange
DEAUVILLE BEACH RESORT – Madelyn, Carter Beats the
Devil, Jadobs Ladder, Unwanted Superheros, Spiro Agnew
BROADWAY BILLIARDS – South of Fifth, Gilded Lilly, Diverse
Society, Deepset
SURF CAFÉ – Moonfarm, Truckstop Coffee
17
JAMES L KNIGHT CENTER – Laura Pausini
20
CULTURE ROOM – George Clinton & P-Funk
21
THE FACTORY – Agnostic Front, Martyr AD, On Our Own, All
Shall Perish, Death Brfore Dishonor
22
CULTURE ROOM – The Samples
REVOLUTION – John Ralston
THE FACTORY – Mustard Plug,
MU330
THE UGLY MUG - Wrecktifier
BROADWAY BILLIARDS – TBA
SURF CAFÉ – 2SDW, Spork
23
CULTURE ROOM – Mindless Self
REVOLUTION – Dave Attell
THE UGLY MUG - Wrecktifier
CAREFREE THEATER – Richard T
POMPANO BEACH AMPHITHEATE
BROADWAY BILLIARDS – Vi Sho
in Town
SURF CAFÉ – Headcase, Sense
24
CULTURE ROOM – Bowling for So
Kids, MC Lars
SOUND ADVICE AMPHITHEATE
Paisley, Terri Clark
26
RAY’S DOWNTOWN BLUES – Pla
Roses Are Red
27
CULTURE ROOM – Drowning Poo
28
SUNFEST – Downtown West Pal
29
THE FACTORY – Curse Icon, Milk
REVOLUTION – Third World
SKATEZONE – Harly Kyner, A New
Blood & Batteries, Signal 7
SUNFEST – Downtown West Pal
BROADWAY BILLIARDS – L
Faded Sound
SURF CAFÉ – Deepset
30
UM CONCICATION CENTER
SUNFEST – Downtown West
BROADWAY BILLIARDS – Six
Driver
SURF CAFÉ – Battle of the B

Moonpies, Dan Potthast of
Indulgence
hompson
R – John Kay & Steppenwolf
tta, Breez, Mug, Last Gang
of Being, Injury Clinic
up, American Hi-Fi, Riddlin
R – Reba McEntire, Brad
in White T’s, The Matches,
l, Candiria
m Beach
a, Berman, Chumley’s Toy
Start, Under Black, Wings,
m Beach
os Immigrantes, Ferro,
– Leann Rimes
Palm Beach
ty, Lost My Love, Sunday
ands
SKINDRED
APRIL 2nd
REVOLUTION
MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE
APRIL 23rd
CULTURE ROOM
SUNFEST
APRIL 30th
WEST PALM BEACH
ALLIGATOR ALLEY
5501 NE 2nd Ave, Miami 305-757-1807
AMERICAN AIRLINES ARENA
601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami 786-777-1000
BAYFRONT PARK AMPH
301 N. Biscayne Blve, Miami
BROADWAY BILLIARDS
17813 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura 954-935-6600
CHEERS
941 East Cypress Road. Ft. Lauderdale 954-771-6337
CHURCHILLS
5501 NW 2 Ave, Miami 305-757-1807
CLUB M
2037 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood 954-925-8396
CULTURE ROOM
3045 N. Federal Highway, Hollywood 954-564-1074
DADA
52 N. Swinton Ave, Delray Beach 561-330-3232
HOUSE OF BLUES
1490 E. Buena Vista Dr.,Lake Buena Vista 407-934-BLUE
JACKIE GLEASON
1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach 305-673-7300
JAMES L. KNIGHT CTR
400 SE 2nd Ave, Miami 305.372.4634
MIZNER PARK AMPH.
433 Plaza Real Boca Raton
O’ SHEAS IRISH PUB
531 Clematis St. WPB
OVATION
3637 South Federal Highway, Boynton 561-740-7076
POMPANO BEACH AMPH.
1806 NE 6th Street Pompano 954-946-2402
POORHOUSE
110 SW 3 Ave, Ft. Lauderdale 954-522-5145
RESPECTABLE STREET
518 Clematis St., WPB 561-832-9999
REVOLUTION
100 SW 3rd Ave. Ft. Lauderdale 954-766-8477
SOLID GOLD
2355 NE 163rd Street, North Miami Beach 305-956-5726
SOUND ADVICE AMPH.
601-7 Sansbury’s Way, WPB 561-795-8883
SURF CAFE
395 NE Spanish River Blvd. 561-392-1965
THE MUSIC FACTORY
2674 Oakland Park Blvd Ft. Lauderdale 954-566-6631
THE PAWN SHOP LOUNGE
1222 NE 2nd Ave, Miami 305-373-3511
THE SOCIAL
54 N. Orange Ave, Orlando 407-246-1419
TWILIGHT
1507 East 7th Ave., Tampa 813-247-4225
UNDERGROUND SKATEZONE
8125 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth 561-963-5900
UM CONVOCATION CTR
1245 Walsh Ave Coral Gables 305-284-8686
WALLFLOWER GALLERY
10 NE 3rd St., Miami 305-579-0069
WILLS PUB
1815 N. Mills Ave Orlando 407-898-5070

REGGIE & THE FULL EFFECT
REVOLUTION
PHOTO: SEAN MCCLOSKEY
EISLEY
REVOLUTION
PHOTO: SEAN MCCLOSKEY

CHEVELLE
REVOLUTION
PHOTO: SEAN MCCLOSKEY

ELVIS COSTELLO
JACKIE
GLEASON THEATER
PHOTO: SEAN MCCLOSKEY

LOU GRAMM
SOLID GOLD
PHOTO: SEAN MCCLOSKEY

MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE
THE ARAGON - CHICAGO
PHOTO: TANYA VAN KAMPEN
MATCHBOOK ROMANCE
THE METRO - CHICAGO
PHOTO: TANYA VAN KAMPEN
THE USED
THE ARAGON - CHICAGO
PHOTO: TANYA VAN KAMPEN
JANUARY
BROADWAY BILLIARDS
PHOTO: SEAN MCCLOSKEY

INTERPOL
REVOLUTION
PHOTO: LOGAN FAZIO
HELMET
REVOLUTION
PHOTO: SEAN MCCLOSKEY
NEW FOUND GLORY
REVOLUTION
PHOTO: SEAN MCCLOSKEY

SLATE
POMPANO
BEACH AMPHITHEATER
PHOTO:LARRY MORANO

Social Distortion
Revolution - Ft. Lauderdale
Story: Jeff Noller - Photo: Logan Fazio
Soulfly
Culture Room, Ft. Lauderdale
Story & Photo: Jeff Noller
It was a clear, crystal night when Social Distortion took to the stage at Revolution
for the second time since October. Whereas that show was stopped short due to
the soundboard shorting out due to the rain, this show had no distractions as Mike Ness
and company unleashed a stunning set to the packed house. The hardcore stalwarts
came out swinging with the crowd hanging on every note that was let loose.
Composed of both old and new generation fans, the crowd responded wildly from
the very first chord by the opening act, Street Dogs. The Boston-based punk
revivalists entered with a wallop, playing a solid set that was characterized by
charismatic frontman, Mike McColgan. McColgan flew about the stage like a Wildman,
occasionally jumping onto the stage barrier that was holding the audience at bay
as the band tuned out tracks such as “Fighter,” “Treat Tonight,” and the drunken
sing-a-long, “Two Bottles.”
Swedish hard rockers, Backyard Babies, banged in the second set with songs
that rung loud, rambunctiously, and bombastically. Songs such as “Song for the
Outcasts” had a sound similar to fellow Swedish imports, Turbonegro, but responded
very well with the nearly packed crowd by this point.
However, in the words of Street Dogs’ McColgan, “Your parents had the Beatles and the
Rolling Stones. We got Social
Distortion!” When the
band took to the stage
around 9:30pm, it was clear
who the crowd had come to
see. Lead by legendary
founder Mike Ness, the band
came out swinging from the
word “Go.” The first three
songs such as “MLM” and
“Another State of Mind”
found the band exploding
with sonic speed. Unlike their
last performance back October
at Revolution, this one
went without a hitch.
Social Distortion’s set was
incredibly diverse the fistpumping
“HWY 101” to the
Stones cover of “Under My
Thumb” to songs dedicated
to the blues –a theme that
Ness kept enforcing the
whole evening.
Ness was also full of antidotes
and stories as the night
progressed. At one point, he
talked about hanging out in
Dania Beach and meeting “a
couple of old Jewish ladies…
trying to picture what I would do if I lived here.” When someone shouted “soccer
mom,” Ness quickly said “No, no, not a soccer mom… not that there’s anything wrong
with that,” getting some laughs back from the crowd.
Ness dedicated the seminal “Prison Bound” to the Broward County Jail, and “Nickels and
Dimes” he dedicated “not to the people that live in the estates on the hill, but to the
drugstore cowboy on the street corner.” The encores were a definitive crowd pleaser
that included a blazing cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” before closing with the
anthemic “Story of My Life.”
That evening at Revolution celebrated 25 years of Punk Rock under the name Social
Distortion. After all this time, Mike Ness and company show no signs of rust and fatigue.
In the immortal words of Bill Murray, “We came, we saw, we kicked some ass!”
Fanaticism is a word one could use to describe
Soulfly’s return to South Florida. Hardly one foot
of space could be found around the numerous bar
areas in Culture Room, let alone the actual stage
area that was filled to the brim with hardcore
Soulfly as well as loyal metal fans sporting In Flames
t-shirts.
The first two bands, Death By Stereo and God
Forbid, played solid sets to a good response. But
it was clear that everyone was there for the Brazilian
imports when Max Cavalera and company
entered from stage left to a roaring ovation from
the crowd.
The band erupted like a hammer from the gods
with a ferocious metallic assault that had the audience
moshing and stomping to where it felt like the
venue was experiencing an earthquake. Drawing
material from their four albums, Soulfly had the
audience rolling from start to finish with Cavalera
standing at the middle of a stage like a conquering
monarch ready to take over the world that had
already surrendered.
Lead guitarist Jackson Bandeira strummed and soloed
all over the place like there was no tomorrow
throughout Soulfy’s set. Raising his guitar in the
air as he played, helicopter kicking his way around
the stage, Bandeira brings a huge dynamic to the
band. During one song, he brought out a doublenecked
guitar and played high-tempo, Spanish guitar-like
solo that felt like ecstasy while the rest of
the band looked on.
The implosion-like intensity of the crowd was quite
evident by the intense moshing and the couple of
scuffles that broke out at times during the set as
the band not once lost momentum. Midway through
the set, the road crew brought out what looked
like three large toxic waste canisters as drummer
Roy “Rata” Moyorga broke into a solo. The rest of
the band then came back on the stage and brought
a fan onto the stage, and engaged in a blistering
drum montage.
The energy was electric that night at Culture Room
as Soulfly delivered a smashing set that had the
crowd continually on the edge.

The three-piece rock trio known
as bloom is not your typical garden
variety type, especially when you
have a drummer that has a day job
in the Department of Defense and
flies in and out for gigs. One can
wonder how the band can survive
when such members have serious
commitments besides the band.
bloom.
Story: Jeff Noler
grew up, soaking in a large diverse musical backdrop that ranged from
classical and jazz to rock and pop.
“A lot of people find it strange that we can develop a sound that’s our
own from the oddest of influences,” said Moore, who admits to listening
to bands from the seminal Pixies and the innovative David Bowie to
former pop tarts the late Ricky Nelson and Rick Springfield. “People
always turn the heads and go, ‘What?’” Moore laughs when the latter
Springfield is mentioned. “But we’re just a sponge … able to keep our
influences under our shirt.”
It’s this ability that enables bloom to develop well-crafted songs of
straight-up rock ’n’ roll without the sense of repeating what past artists
have done. With such burgeoning scenes such as indie rock and the
dying nu-metal covering most of the rock spectrum, bloom proudly
stays out of the mess.
“We’ve been doing it for so long that we just create what we feel,”
laments Moore. “We’re not choosing a sound … we hear a lot of music
in our heads constantly and take the dynamics and structures to work
as a basis from to make our own.”
Their diverse musical background stems as well from Moore’s studies
at the University of Florida where he studied double bass as well as
sat first chair in both classical and jazz, whereas his brother Brendan
studied jazz guitar in Boston at the Berklee School of Music. But Moore
will be the first to point out that their influences work in subtle ways.
“The thing with the jazz and classical is that we don’t put it in our music
… say on a topical basis. We don’t wear our influences on our sleeve.
Jazz and classical come in with the [writing] process, but not in the
actual progressions but mainly in the vibe with everything else we do.”
As they went forward, bloom released three albums on their own,
touring around northern Florida as weekend warriors before going out
on a regional level. They earned a dedicated following and some local
radio play, inevitably selling over 5,000 copies of their records on their
own. Regarding their grassroots approach, Moore says, “We figured
out what we needed to do in order to get by and move forward.”
Along the way, however, Moore admits that the band went through
growing pains as both of his bandmates went on their own paths for a
while. His brother Brendan began course work in Computer Science at
the University of Florida and started assisting on satellite programs at
NASA. Lataille, meanwhile as previously stated, was hired by the
Department of Defense, following extensive studying in mathematics.
Moore found the situation “a little nuts” as he locked himself in a practice
room, diving headfirst into playing double bass for 10-12 hours a day,
seven days a week.
“[Drummer Jeff Lataille] loves
being in a band and loves working
for the government,” says
bassist and main songwriter
Devin Moore. “He’s able to
balance both very well, he’s very
committed to the band, so why
not.”
The three musicians (Moore, his
younger brother Brendan (guitar,
back-up vocals), and Lataille)
formed the stripped-down rock ’n’
roll band nine years ago in
Gainesville, Florida. Both brothers
and Lataille developed as
accomplished musicians as they
“That was sick,” says Devon, “a couple of year’s hiatus. I did a couple
of other bands, did some touring.” One of those bands was an
Americana band called Hi-Tones, and had a recording contract until
things ended quite abruptly. “It ended with an obnoxious fight on the
side of the road,” Devon laughs.
After the sabbatical, the group reconvened and began writing new
material on a fourth album, which by this point, the band had relocated
to Orlando. According to Devon, they were kicked out of Gainesville,
since Devon by this point had completed his studies at the University of
Florida. “After 25, they suggest that you leave. I am not sure why, but
they send you a letter asking you to go. So we live in Orlando now,
where they don’t ask you to leave after 25. People just go to bars and
drink. No one bothers you. Plus Disney is there. It’s one giant watering
hole.”
Through the band’s grassroots mentality and the strength of their new
work, a small independent label, Fighting Records, signed them to a
20 • WWW.RAGMAGAZINE.COM • APRIL 2005

ecord deal. The band went to Richmond, Va., to record what would
be become the album Osinner, due out April 5.
The title Osinner comes from a term that Devon picked up in high school,
used by 19 th century fundamentalist preacher, John Edwards. “He was a
fire-and-brimstone type that created it, and it always stuck with me.”
The band recorded the album at Sound of Music studios with Brian
Paulson, whose credits include Wilco, Beck and Husker Du. Moore
describes it as a very mellow experience upon working with Paulson.
“I think he was high the whole time,” Moore laughs. “Nah, he was really
great to work with.”
Moore originally met him when Paulson saw him on tour with Hi-Tones.
Moore struck up a rapport with Paulson and felt that he would be a
great person to work with.
“He was very cool [in the studio], laid back with a lot of great ideas. He’s
a great engineer, open to suggestions, although I don’t think he showered,
which was weird. He also had the tendency to sleep under the consul.
We would be in the studio, work on songs, go to bed, and we would come
in the morning and he would be under the consul sleeping.”
The recording
process on Osinner
was an engaging
one that shows a
group that cannot be
lumped into a
particular trend or
genre, and Moore
admits, not being put
into a particular
group is a blessed
one that only leads
to longevity.
“Not being pigeonholed
is a blessing,”
say Moore. “We’re
very versatile based
on our background.
We can do anything.
That’s why David Bowie can do something like “Space Oddity” then
switch to something like “Jean Genie” and Sound + Vision. We’ve
passed the point as musicians that everything sounds the same. In
that sense, we’ve always been mature [musically] because we’re able
to write differently with every song.”
Following the completion of Osinner, bloom hit the road, touring with
such up-and-coming acts as Mooney Suzuki and Moving Units, as well
as more established acts as Guided by Voices and Urge Overkill. On
the road, they impressed audiences with their stripped-down, explosive
guitar-driven approach. “We’re like an arena rock band without an
arena,” says Moore.
It was particularly on the porn pin-up site Suicide Girls tour that Bloom
really started to gain attention beyond a regional level, albeit slightly
due to the main attraction.
“Opening up for sex, kind of hard to battle that,” says Devon. “The
crowds were awesomely large … as soon as our set was done,
there’s T & A. People got crazy, I mean there were night where we’d
cut our set short so we could see nipple tape.”
In short, the tour was a wild and unpredictable one, depending on the
crowd’s mood. “Some nights were electrifying and other times the
crowd wanted to murder us. But we played in a lot of great venues
and met a lot of cool bands, made connections. You know things that
you generally do when you’re in a rock band.”

I Digress
Justice
Indie Release
”So Tip The Earth and Fly,”
recites (female vocalist)
Sheyenne Rivers on the
song “Compass,” the opening
track from the debut album
“Justice” from the band
I Digress. With uplifting lyrics
and a solid sound base,
this band goes ones expectation! Their music has changed
the landscape and so has diversified the music scene in South
Florida. I Digress is hard to define yet equally profound because
of their many influences. This band originally from Ocala
Florida have created a mix of modern and vintage sound that’s
enjoyable at first listen.
”Justice exemplifies” strength from a band that has mainstream
appeal. It’s their sense of rhythm and the change of momentum
that sets I Digress apart from the rest, their professional rock
sound and live performance is enough to add fire to your soul
and help you feel excited about music once again. “Justice”
includes their first single “Drain,” this song shows their powerful
side, the driving guitar rhythms add scintillating texture for
the ride that has just begun. Another noticeable track would
have to be “Delicate,” a classic theme of a love/hate relationship,
the lyrics scream infidelity as Sheyenne swoons through
the chorus “Be Delicate it’ll hurt, no matter what you say.”
The music has a voice of its own and speaks loudly for this rock
establishment. They have a strong work ethic which proves they
are more than capable of making an impact in the industry alone on
talent and creativity. Sheyenne is a bonafide superstar, her voice is
capable of reaching various levels of many different musical styles.
Clearly her range is impeccable, especially on softer tunes such as
“It’s Too Late,” and “Waiting for You.” There’s a really good cover
song on the album, Bananarama’s “Cruel Summer,” and they play
this song as if it’s their own, rejuvenating the essence of this track.
With hard hitting drums, heavy bass, strong guitar technique, and
an unquestionably impressive voice, I Digress is more than an
interception, their music is passionate and enjoyable for all generations
of listeners. Their music has tipped the earth as they begin to
soar into super stardom. ~Joseph Vilane
Morisson Poe
Glitter Girl: Of The
Tale, The Passion And
The Rapture
Ethology Records
Sexually charge with
electronica rock flavor, that’s
not the only way to describe
this unique sound from
Morisson Poe on their debut
6 song EP “Glitter Girl: Of The Tale, The Passion And The
Rapture.” Jean Morisson’s voice is heard through a megaphone
of passion and intensity as she serenades her listeners
with a fresh blend of Alternative Rock, her display of
volatile emotion is reminiscent of Prince from the early days of
the revolution in 80’s retro rock.
The opening track “Glitter Girl “ offers you a slew of musical
styles ranging from Jazz, rock as well as R&B, and Morisson
Poe pull this song off with an amazing amount of energetic
formula. Although this Cd only contains 6 tracks, you’ll find
yourself listening to this record constantly, absorbing the sweet
22 • WWW.RAGMAGAZINE.COM • APRIL 2005
spots, trying to determine your favorite song on a daily basis.
One very noticeable song is a cover of Pat Benatar’s “Love Is A
Battlefield” which shows a bright future for this band. “Pearl
Necklace” shows a strong confident, sexual side of Jeans personality,
you’ll definitely hear a splash of Prince as well as a
unique fusion of rock and electronics.
Morisson Poe present their music wholeheartedly and full of
passion, maintaining just enough creative control to represent
their music for all its worth. It’s refreshing to know that these
guys are in control of the music, because they surely know
what they’re doing. In a genre where musicians are constantly
trying to sound like someone else, Morisson Poe have found a
sound that’s all their own. A very interesting record from a band
of very talented and impulsive musicians. - Joseph Vilane
Saq
Foul
Hook n Mouth Records
Old school Metallica is something
you’ll hear throughout this
record, their lambasted style
of hard and heavy music centers
around anger, but mostly
on strength and confidence.
With songs like “Fuq The trend,”
a class guitar solo follows and
fits within the realms of the music. The lyrics assert how you
should be your own leader in an ever changing society as
singer Mike Rivera’s scorching vocals set the stage.
The reaction is generated through the sound instead of a clever
wardrobe or an intimating display of face paint. They have their
beliefs and they’re more than willing to express them, in such
songs as “Generation Lost,” it’s a reminder to always put yourself
before others. The last song entitled “Saq” includes the
words “Never one to be swayed by general public opinion.”
Well if I may be so bold to say, Although the lyrics aren’t exactly
my forte, I’m very much impressed by their musical integrity.
They refuse to rely on a defensive mechanism and instead
embrace their techincal abilities as artists. If you’re looking for
something out of the ordinary and a bit shocking for your taste,
look no further than Saq! ~Joseph Vilane www.hooknmouth.com
The Raveonettes
Pretty in Black
Columbia
This Danish duo have built their
reputation on retro style, girlgroup
hey la’s and Buddy Holly
admiration. Pretty in Black
does not betray these ideas.
PiB dreamily breezes in using
the better parts of ‘50s love
hits and ‘60s psychedelica,
rolling the sounds into gentle doo-wop with breathy, lingering
gasps and tremolo shades of western pale. Innocent romance
and naughty seduction battle it out on every track. The entire
work is reupholstered in Technicolor vintage patterns – so
much in fact, that if you listen closely, you may hear the subtle
pops and crackles of a needle grooving along vinyl amid the
stylized humming. “Come on baby, you’re my best fix,” Sharin
Foo and Sune Rose Wagner sweetly croon between hand
claps and tambourine jingles on “Love in a Trashcan,” an ode
to girls who fall for trashy band boys. Frilly go-go beats hit a
fashionable high in the remake of the Angel’s “My Boyfriend’s
Back.” During the 2005 New York Fashion Week, the

Raveonettes performed live during designer Luella Bartley’s collection,
which was appropriately dubbed, “Pretty In Black,” a homage to Foo.
And even more iconic flair surrounds PiB; Maureen Tucker, celebrated
drummer of the Velvet Underground, performs with the band on four
tracks, including “Red Tan.” Many of the songs are reflections on love
or hopes for relationships of perfection. Foo always fantasized about
having a “Sixteen Candles” and “Breakfast Club” American teenage
experience. With PiB, the Nico-Blondie beauty and her partner have
made certain that we all get a little nostalgic for high school’s kitschy
sequined prom dresses and starry-eyed slow dances.
theraveonettes.com – Monica Cady
Bloom
OSinner
Fighting Records
These guys should have begun this
record the way they close it – with
deeper, darker levels of the abstract,
and a Pixies state of mind. What we
get toward the end of OSinner is a
queasy heartbroken stomach pain – the
kind that can only come from a bad
breakup – but bloom make it sweet agony. The album’s mid-to-end is a
sharp veer from the previous tracks that are drowning in waves of ‘90s
rock mediocrity. But, they do get some props for the ballsy drawn-out
reverb in there. “Black Eyeliner” has a fuck-you roamer quality that turns
into something (Uh, chorus of “Do, do, do, do, do,” anyone?) that doesn’t
seem anything like a goth kid anthem. When they’re chilled out and
complaining, bloom manage to satisfy the hunger that builds from their
revved-up tracks – giddy raging pieces that never seem to quite deliver
sincerity. Despite some of the too-catchy-for-you-oo-oo-oo tracks, there
is potential in these three Florida guys. If bloom can muster the courage to
let go their tight clutch on the safe pop tracks, they just may break into
something profound – they prove it on the more fuzzed out tracks like “All
Good Girls Dig Graves,” “Sleep with the Radio On” and “Only God Can
Stop the Drum Machine Now.” Other than these selections, OSinner is
mostly a perky surfer album that is momentarily rescued by shadows of
death and thoughts from the dark side. longlivebloom.com – Monica Cady
Bloc Party
Silent Alarm
Atlantic
Remember those cheesy sci-fi movies
where some nerdy high school science
guys take the best parts of several
women to concoct their perfect mate?
There appears to have been a similar
concept in mind with Bloc Party’s fulllength
debut, Silent Alarm – only this
time the ideal parts come from some of
music’s most essential artists. Inside
these Brit-popper tracks are the rebellious three-chord slides of Nirvana,
vulnerable yelps of Robert Smith, smooth waves of the Killers, shrill indie
guitar tingles of Nick Zinner and rowdy dance parties of the Rapture (but,
uh, we’ll do this without cowbells, if you please). That’s not to say Bloc
Party haven’t established their own sound. Most noteworthy are the
unstoppable drum beats of Matt Tong, who pounds and mashes the rhythms
as if his life depends on it. The guitars wail like sirens, and slur and sling
chords with boastful energy. Singer Kele Okereke has an icy-thick British
tongue that breathes ska-punk passion into the poetic, fiery lyrics. At
times, he gets commando tough and arrogant with an almost robotic delivery.
Okereke also knows how to get soft and sweet, even when he sings
about nose bleeds and a cold house. On “This Modern Love,” one of the
love-pained selections, Okereke turns teddy-bear warm, “Baby, you’ve
got to be more discerning/ I’ve known never known what’s good for me/ I
will be yours.” The most addictive track is “She’s Hearing Voices,” a song
about a mentally-crazed chick who lives on red and blue pills. It feels like
you yourself have just swallowed a handful of No-Doz, but who knew
such a great sensation of release could come from screaming “milk of
amnesia” at the top of your lungs? It’s not until the third track, “Positive
Tension,” that Okereke warns, “Something glorious is about to happen” –
but something “glorious” makes itself known by track one and decides to
stick around for Silent Alarm’s entire 14 selections. blocparty.com –
Monica Cady
PLAIN WHITE T’S
All That We Needed
Fearless Records
I remember watching these guys play
about two years back in their native
town of Chicago. They made an
impression on me back then and have
so, again, with their sophomore
release All That We Needed. Filled
with power-pop enthusiasm, the album
has a very classic feel to it – the kind
that takes you back to simpler times, before PC’s and cell phones,
when a solid rock n’ roll album was the only excuse you needed to
have a good time. Lead singer Tom Higgenson has an incredibly
endearing voice and the music that transpires from him and his band
has a sound that is all together pure and honest. The lack of pretty boy
pretensions and silly meaningless hype really does come across
resulting in an album that cries sincerity. Songs that stand out include
the awfully infectious “My Only One”, the powerful and intriguing “Sad
Song” and the heartfelt acoustic “Hey There Delilah”. If you’re into the
likes of Jimmy Eat World and Sugarcult this is indeed a definite pick for
you my friend. – Tanya van Kampen www.plainwhitets.com
Tom Waits
Real Gone
Epitaph
Making music with his mouth,
homemade instruments, turntables,
and a barely legal arsenal of
authentic lyrics, Tom Waits has
finished his latest album, “Real
Gone”, in stores now.
For the habitual Waits fan “Real
Gone” is but another mind massaging binge of musical molasses.
Muddy, rolling rhythms swallowed up by sandpaper screams and
middle aged moans, undoubtedly solidifying the album” as another
under the radar masterpiece. Some stand-out tracks on the album
would be the turntable driven “Top of the Hill”, “Hoist that Rag”, and
the first single, “How’s it Gonna End”, downloadable from the labels
website anti.com.
Beginning his career in 1972 with his own recipe for piano driven,
barfly ballads, Waits has gone on to release over twenty original
works. Though the originality and sarcasm were sprinkled all
throughout his early releases, it wasn’t until his 1983 release
“Swordfish Trombones” that marked the burning of all musical
guidelines and the creation of his own.
With such a large labyrinth of music to choose from, one would be
hard-pressed to put a finger on one single release that could
satisfy an interested new ear. “Real Gone”, being the newest
and most obvious choice, may weigh quite heavy on a new
listener, but then again every one of his albums from the early
80’s on will be a mind altering musical experience. A few good
suggestions would be “Rain Dogs”(1985), “Frank’s Wild
Years”(1986), “Bone Machine”(1992), and his Grammy nominated
album “Mule Variations”(1999). The culmination of these four
previous albums and the newest release would do just a slice of
justice to the music Waits has been conceiving across the past
three decades. – Bryan Covet

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FALL OUT BOY
Story: Monica Cady

Pete Wentz is really jealous of me. It’s a ball-busting-cold day in
Manhattan, from where he is calling me – and I’m enjoying a balmy
afternoon in Miami Beach. “It’s really cold here, and it snows. I like to
complain, that’s kind of my thing,” he says in a jovial, smartass tone.
Wentz is the founder, primary writer and bass player for Fall Out Boy,
a band voted “Most likely to succeed” by major media, and already
considered hot and fabulous by some 200,000-plus fans who bought
their last record. Today, Wentz has spent most of his time doing
interviews with the press and hanging at the Island Records office. It’s
the kind of work he has to do, considering that FOB are currently on a
headlining tour to promote their May 3 major label debut, From Under
the Cork Tree. This summer they will also join the 2005 Vans Warped
Tour. With so many high hopes swirling around FOB, Wentz admits that
he has been under a lot of pressure, but feels secure in what lies
ahead.
Having grown up in the suburbs of Chicago, Wentz and the other
members of FOB – Patrick Stump (vocals, guitar), Joseph Trohman
(guitar), Andrew Hurley (drums) – defined success as getting the hell
out of their small town. In 2001, the guys killed a lot of time fooling
around with music in their basements. For the next couple of years
released, what they now call some not-so-great, songs. In 2003, FOB
delivered Take This to Your Grave on Fueled By Ramen Records. It is
an emo-punk rock album that earned them gigs with such noteables as
Taking Back Sunday, Less Than Jake, Yellowcard and Blink 182. The
band’s album and tours were so successful that Island cut a deal with
them that same year.
The band’s diehard fans have been known to tattoo FOB lyrics on their
bods and show various forms of homemade-cookie-kind-of-love at
shows. Audiences are drawn to FOB’s heart-on-their-sleeve songs,
which display a combination of wit, cynicism and heavy thoughts. The
music’s tone is mirrored by Wentz’s persona. He is a sarcastic, fast
talker, as well as a flirt. During our half-hour discussion he tells me that
I have a “sweet” accent and says he’ll marry me and move to Florida –
though I never even popped the question. His good-natured spirit and
easy demeanor allow Wentz to get away with such unexpected
comments. (I’m pretty sure he does this on a regular basis.) But
underneath his silly-guy surface, I can tell he is undoubtedly a deepthinker.
In addition to the music he creates with FOB, Wentz has
written a self-published book, The Boy with the Thorn in His Side, and
has established a clothing company called Clandestine Industries.
With bright enthusiasm, Wentz provides an honest, often comical,
dialogue about his life now, and what the world needs to know about
FOB.
With so many things happening and your album release coming
up, what is your life like at the moment?
[Things] have been crazy. They have been crazy for different reasons.
Last year we were on tour 200 days. We were in a van. We were
never home.
We recorded this [new] record in L.A. That was crazy, too, because
people were like, ‘I love Fall Out Boy, don’t ruin it,’ and, ‘You’re going to
be the next big thing.’ It’s a lot of pressure. We scrapped so many
songs. We definitely want to write a record that is exciting for the
people who already like Fall Out Boy. And we want all the new people
to give us a chance to be introduced to them. So, yeah, it’s definitely
about to take off with this new tour.
Ya know, life’s just really hard being in a band [laughs]. Underline that
part with sarcasm.
Tell me some more about the new album.
It’s important to me. It’s probably the most important thing that I’ve done
– definitely the most important thing Fall Out Boy has done. Where Take
This to Your Grave ends, this picks up. But it doesn’t rewrite Take This
to Your Grave. It’s like if you come into the sequel of a movie, you get
a little bit of the back story. But at the same time, we’ve been on tour for
200 days, and when you don’t have a bed, your life becomes a little
different, and you view the world a little bit differently.
We’ve gotten to see inside the music industry. We saw some really
good sides and met some great, inspirational people. And we saw
some really bad sides, and met some people who were big liars and
doing it for the wrong reasons. This record is definitely a commentary
on both.
And more than that, when I was writing the lyrics for this record, I
found myself between two spots. I found myself feeling really lonely.
This was in L.A. And I found that I didn’t care about anything sometimes.
I was just like, ‘You know I don’t care if I’m dead. I don’t care if this
record comes out. I just feel miserable.’ And then I would flip over to
feeling very anxious about the world – you know, feeling like scared of
everything. I didn’t want to leave my house. It was during the time the
tsunami happened. I went from being functionally depressed to not
being functional. I think this record gave me a little bit of a chance to talk
about it.
I think anybody who’s not a little bit depressed about what goes on in
the world isn’t paying that much attention. There’s a lot out there –
where people treat each other so miserably and do horrible stuff. But
when you can find those bright shining moments and those friends that
you can hold onto forever and the music that means that much to you
– then it just means that much more. I think this record is a commentary
on that, and finding that spot.
People are like, ‘Fall Out Boy is going to be this big thing and this big bull,’
and they kind of put us in this arena – and we kind of just sat down and
decided to do our own thing. If people like it, then that’s awesome. And
if people don’t like it, then that’s cool, too. It’s just something that we
wanted to reflect.
So, you are really proud of the final product?
I’m a proud dad. I have a proud dad sticker on my car. It says, ‘Fall Out
Boy could beat up your fucking honor student.’
Some of your songs definitely have a sarcastic tone (“Nobody
Puts Baby in the Corner”), then there’s also a romantic side
(“Grand Theft Autumn”). How does you music reflect your
personalities?
Sarcastic, yet romantic, hmmm … [laughs]
That’s just what I get out of it.
Nah, yeah, that’s awesome. I would say that I am like hopelessly
romantic, and that is important to me and stuff. At the same time, Fall
Out Boy is probably the best girlfriend that I’ll ever have. Like on Take
This to Your Grave, I was hanging up the phone I was on with this girl.
I was 1,000 miles away from her, and it was just like, whoa, the only
thing I could do was write about it. That was really important. The
funny thing was that before we did the EP, the same person was
bragging that Take This to Your Grave was about her. It was really
important to her — it was just like a spotlight on her. I think that caused
me to write brutal, but brutally honest words. They were probably the
meanest things that I’ve ever written about somebody on our EP. … I
just felt the need to tear that person apart.
Since then, when I’ve been out in L.A., I don’t think I really got closure
on it. But I think, like 10 years from now, who’s really going to care? It’s
not really going to matter. I think that if you keep finding yourself in the
same situation, it’s important to be introspective and go, ‘Oh yeah,
maybe I have something to do with the reason that I keep ending up in
this situation.’ That’s kind of what I think the poetry is. If you are going
to tear somebody else apart – then be absolutely willing to tear yourself
apart – especially in a crowd because people are going to do it to you
anyway.
APRIL 2005 • WWW.RAGMAGAZINE.COM • 29

When you perform a song like the one you just spoke about,
which has such strong emotion behind it, do you go through
the same feelings every time you perform it?
The opening song (“Tell That Mick He Just Made My List of Things to Do
Today”) on Take This to Your Grave, [gives me] goose bumps every
single time that guitar line opens. I just feel how the situation felt. I don’t
know, I think it’s important that you can react to your own music and
your own art, and that it means something to you before if means
something to anybody else. There are certain songs that are very,
very important to me. I hold them very close to myself. So, I guess,
yes, most of the time I do react.
How are things different with a major label? Some musicians
have told me that indie and major labels are all really the same.
I don’t think it is all the same. I think that there are some indie labels that
are major labels in disguise – but they have major label ties or behave
like major labels. I think the problem is that a lot of indie labels want to
be major labels. Major labels don’t really know what they’re doing so
they try to take all their cues from indie labels. In the end, no one really
has any idea what’s going on. Major labels are different. It’s a big
collassal machine. It starts rolling and you can’t really do anything
about it.
Hopefully you’ve got really good people who are working on your side.
We have good people working for us. I could call up the president of
Fueled by Ramen at three in the morning. I guess maybe I could call the
president of Island at three in the morning – I don’t know how his wife
would take to it. But you develop these personal relationships with
people at the label and you learn. The coolest thing about Island is that
they have this way of saying, ‘If it’s not broke, why fix it?’ And they’ve
kind of been like, ‘Do your thing and we’ll give you a push if we need to.’
How much influence do you have on the videos and other
aspects?
We are pretty much the pickiest people you will ever meet. There is not
a thing that goes by Fall Out Boy that we do not make a comment about
and freak out about – and probably make a million
changes. There has never been a Fall Out
Boy shirt that I have not either come up
with the idea or approved – down to
everything. A lot of times things turn
out not the way we expected them.
But it’s definitely never something
that we didn’t have a hand in, or if
it’s something that we didn’t really
have a hand in, we are pretty
pissed off about it.
Being that you are so involved
in your own band right now,
how important is it for you to
keep track of what other
current bands are doing? Do
you frequent the record store
to see what else is out there?
I’m interested in what else is out
there, but like, it’s not important to
me that Yellowcard wins a VMA. I
think it’s cool because they’re my
friends. We don’t necessarily listen
to the music we play. Like, I listen
to a ton of hip hop, which is mostly
what I’m into, and ‘80s dance music. But,
definitely, the scope of music should be
important to you.
What is the one band or artist that
has been a staple in your life?
Probably the Cure, man, the Cure is just
always there.
What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t doingthis?
I would probably be dead or working in a bookstore.
Do you have much contact with your fans? Do you read fan mail?
What is the best way for fans to contact you these days?
The best way is at a signing or a show. I get to read all the fan mail. I
don’t get to read all the e-mails that come in. Being on the road sometimes
it’s really hard to reply. Someone wrote to us and said their brother
died. They lived really close to us so we called them up and stuff.
There are certain situations when it definitely is really important. It
means a lot when someone just tells you that they’re there. We get
letters from Iraq and the middle of nowhere. I think it’s just important
when people [let you know] that they care. And that is going to be a
snapshot in our lives and their lives. I just wish we could reply more.
We’ll figure something out at some point.
I wanted to know,
Yeah, we can get married. I’ll probably have to move to Florida.
Ha! Okay, well, actually, I was going to ask, what is a typical day for
you? What is your biggest problem in general during a day?
What pants to wear [laughs].Today I got up at 11 [a.m.]. I stayed at my
manager’s apartment and went with him to the office. It was like bringyour-daughter-to-work
day. We met with people who do our
merchandise, and focused on what next year is going to be like.
Then I came over to Island and got a little free lunch because I’m
poor. And I’m doing press. Then I’m gonna go out to dinner, buy a
movie and fly home tomorrow. It’s really exciting – this whirlwind
life [laughs].
Do you enjoy doing interviews, photo shoots and all the
stuff like that?
Photo shoots are dumb because it’s like, ‘Hey, okay, wait, we’re
going to put you in a really unnatural position in a really unnatural
outfit, now look really natural – but don’t smile – not that natural.’
That’s kind of weird. Like I don’t know,
everything is kind of weird. It’s just
bizarre. Like, we’re just these nerdy
dudes from the suburbs of Chicago.
Nobody believes that.
Maybe it’s because you look so cool
in the pictures.
Let me tell you, dude, everybody
looks cool in the pictures. We
look bad in like 99 percent of
the pictures. They’re like,
‘Alright! Here’s one where
you look alright.’ There’s
never been a picture where
all four of us are cool –
never. So we just go with
the ones where two of us
look alright.
What do you consider
the biggest reasons
that you have been so
successful?
It’s just sheer charm. I’m just
so fucking charming. Nah, it
is probably my parents. I
have a brother and a sister,
and I’ve got two dogs. The
biggest motivation was to get out
of a small town.
What are you looking forward
to most in the next few
months?
The Warped Tour

Story: Joseph Vilane
The music of Morisson Poe takes you on melodramatic roller coaster ride. Their
refreshing unique blend of alternative electronica rock sets the foundation for
this well developed musical establishment. Their on stage theatrics are reminiscent
of Prince and The Revolution, their magnetic sexual vibes can instantaneously
reel you in. After a long night in Ft Lauderdale, I had a the chance to
interview Morisson Poe (Jean Morisson vocals, Mopo Mikey Guitars, DSPoe
Bass/Synths, nYk Acoustic and Electronic Drums) last month after their show.
An interview that almost didn’t take place, but eventually came full circle.
Singer/songwriter Jean Morisson had a vision beforehand as to how she
wanted to represent her music. “I never ever wanted to do anything in life that
didn’t have something behind it,” Jean says. “My music is my life, when I get up
there and sing or when we get up and play, we don’t just play chords and we
don’t just play songs, we play with everything that we have and everything
that we are because it just means the world to us.” Their electronic blend of
rock, jazz and R&B collectively ensures you that this band performs as a unity
playing their hearts out. Being that they think so highly of each other and their
audience, they feel they owe it to themselves to perform at a consummate level
every night.
Before their performance, Jean Morisson wasn’t feeling quite like herself,
suffering from laryngitis she still mustered up enough strength to put on one hell
of a show. As she broke into the first song, a well done cover of Michael
Jackson’s Beat it, her voice miraculously returned as she thanked the crowd
for their support and patience. Morisson Poe originated in South Florida three
years ago, and they have a great level of appreciation for their fans. They
decided to make a return to South Florida based on their fans loyalty and the
enthusiasm that’s shared throughout their display of power and generosity on
stage. “The whole point of Morisson Poe musically is that we have a lot of
different kinds of influences,” says DSPoe, “but in no way do we want to
sound like somebody else. “
Choosing to write from a personal standpoint rather than a characters perspective
comes natural for Jean. She puts herself in a transient state, allowing
her muse to guide her through the creative process of songwriting. “I never
really think about what I’m gonna write,” says Jean, “I feel like most people write
from the outside in, I write from the inside out.” Whatever strikes me or whatever
I feel is what I write at that moment. Whenever it’s as if I’m not here
anymore I go somewhere else.” In eliminating these distractions, it’s not a
conscious decision; it’s something Jean can do without trying. “ I just naturally
can’t hear anybody else but what’s going on in my head at that moment,” Jean
asserts soft spokenly.
”When we first put together our ideas for this band it was eclectic in
the fact that we come from completely different background’s musically,”
says DSPoe. “We have completely different visions musically,
but we have the ability to respect and understand each other and
every bodies influence is felt in the music itself.” Their equal appreciation
for their abilities is a strong part of this project, as Mopo Mikey
further explains the importance of being original: “You have to create
for yourself in what you feel, as opposed to trying to emulate someone
else because that totally defeats the entire purpose.” It’s impossible to
live life through someones final description of what they expect from
you. “I would rather have somebody love me or hate me for who I really
am than for what I’m pretending to be,” asserts Jean. “I’m putting myself
out there so people at least know who I am.”

Morisson Poe have paved their own road to super stardom, in the early stages they were offered deals from
major labels if they were willing to conform to their creative demands, but they weren’t interested. In Signing
to Ethology, more and more people have been able to see the outcome and the amount of fan base their building
on their own. Structure is solely based on emotions for this band, as they strive for their songs to grow
naturally without excessive outside creative disturbance. Their first single “Glitter Girl,” a hard edge alternative
rock song with R&B flavor is starting to create a buzz worldwide on the radio circuit. “Glitter Girl is a song that
on the album is over five minutes long,” says DSPoe. “When you hear it on the radio, the chorus, that middle
breakdown part is very short, it’s only eight bars long, and when you hear it on the CD it’s actually 24 bars long.”
”Pearl Necklace,” the overall nature of this track is based on sex, but there’s much more to it than that, Jean
elaborates: “Girls in rock or girls in any kind of music are usually so afraid of being weak, they always want
to seem like they’re a guy or so strong. I think if you’re a true person you can be weak or you can be strong.
And that’s what that song is about, if you really are in love with someone it’s okay to be their bitch sometimes
and it’s okay for them to be yours, because that’s what love is all about.” During their live performance of this
track, I was very much impressed by their level of excitement and Jean’s mesmerizing state of mind.
So where were
you the last 2
months?
Morisson Poe are a family, so to speak. Of course with a family comes around the clock responsibilities, but
they’re making music together because it’s a matter of life and for them a part of living. Mopo Mikey’s guitar style
adds a hard hitting edge to the sound, coming from a heavy metal background. He talked about when he first
met Jean and DSPoe. “I had been doing the whole underground music thing for a while at the time, and I met two
incredibly passionate people that were already working together. I could always tell right off the bat that’s
where I needed to be.” Morisson Poe want their audience to appreciate all kinds of music, and they work
extremely hard to win over the crowd every night.
Having been very adamant in not wanting to sound like anyone else, for Morisson Poe, when people find it
difficult to compare their music to anyone else, well that would have to be the best compliment they could
receive. “This particular option or project just kind of fell in my lap,” says nYk,” and I pursued it and through
playing, it all builds up to playing a live show. You can record all the songs you want but when it comes down
to it, there’s nothing more disappointing when you hear a great record and see a band that’s not even close.”
The music of Morisson Poe is at it’s best live, if anything that’s their forte. “You have to see the show,” says nYk,
“because you feed off of the emotions from everyone that’s in the crowd.”
”If you really know what you’re doing, everybody else will know what you’re doing to,” says Jean.” I don’t
second guess it.” Jean is a free spirited person, her impulsive on stage antics add vigor to their shows. “We’re
very lucky to have such a great response,” says DSPoe, “and because of that we’re in a place where we can
help other bands as well. For me personally, it’s very important that if I see something I like I talk about it.” Their
attempt is to take music out of corporate hands and put it back where it belongs, where the people are free to
decide what they want to hear. “The whole live thing is a huge aspect,” asserts Mopo Mikey. “We try to meet
as many fans as possible for that personal interaction. We’re giving you the physical representation that you
only heard, it’s only one of the senses, when you come to the show we’re giving you everything.”
MARCH 2005
THE BRAVERY
BLUE MERLE • EL
MOTLEY CRUE • MAXEEN
CHEVELE • SNOOP DOGG
Their sheer dedication truly left an impact on me this night in Ft Lauderdale, proving that nothing will stop them
from reaching their goals and entertaining a crowd at all costs. “I think that the impact that I want to leave is for
them to see the power within themselves,” says Jean. “When I look at them and I see them looking back at me,
I don’t just see them looking at me and seeing what I am, I see them seeing what they can be for themselves.
That moment of just being so happy or so mindless to all their other problems, and they’re just rocking out or
smiling or singing the words, which always freaks me out.”
As our conversation came to a close, Jean expressed the importance of being a role model, and how one
member of her audience expressed how just one Morisson Poe song inspired her to get off drugs and start
taking control of her life. “Never in a million years would I ever expect anyone to come up there and say that to
me.” says Jean. “That’s what you hope for because I don’t play music or do music for nothing, but just to hear
someone say that to you, to let you know that even in your own little tedious problems of your day, you have
no idea how one minute I’m sitting here so tired or so going crazy from being on the road, yet somebody is in
their house not killing themselves because they’re listening to my song.”
Our responsibility as artists is easily overlooked at times, where musicians tend to forget how much one song
can change a person’s life forever. Music is a strong form of communication, it speaks to us on various levels
and can help steer our lives closer to reaching our true destination. Morisson Poe have a bright future
ahead of them, they surely take pride in entertaining their audience and most importantly their music
is an art form, it’s their life. Jean’s dedication surely has payed off, as her voice returned this night,
she spoke for a generation of eager listeners who hung on her every word, and I most certainly
enjoyed her physical display on stage.
In Jean’s final thoughts, she expressed what type of impact she wants to leave throughout her career. “I think
that people need to start to take some kind of thought process and know that if you’re in any kind of a limelight,
you do have a responsibility to the people that are looking at you to just do the best job that you can do and bring
out the best in them, and that’s what I want to leave. I want that when people come to my show or when people
say I met her or I listened to her CD, she brought out the best in me, that’s all.”
FEBRUARY 2005
UNWRITTEN LAW
WHERE IS MONDAY?
HALL & OATS • THE
BRAND • TRAVIS TRITT
For more information, check out www.MorissonPoe.org

IRON & WINE
Story: Bryan Covet
Spinning off the strength of his two prior full length releases (and the EP’s in between),
Samuel Beam, sole member of Iron & Wine, has released yet another muscular
effort that will grab you by the love nest and serenade you into submission.
If I were to say the new EP opens with tic-toc percussion, a slide guitar, and the
gentle distortion of an electric guitar, you may say I am full of sort of bodily waste.
For many people, I will guarantee the first 16 bars of the album possibly made you
want to slam on the brakes in your car with furious anger, turn around, head straight
back down to the Best Buy you bought it from and
demand they give you the new Iron & Wine CD and
take back this Ben Harper one that happened to slip
into the case.
ever for you to go out on your next tour?
Well, yeah, it definitely won’t make it any easier. It’s always
been hard leaving.
Q. As your family is expanding it seems apparent on
your newest release that creatively you have once
again expanded your music that much more. Do you
see it as kind of a natural progression?
Yeah, it’s just kind of an evolution. I’m just trying to do something
different with every record. The second record we
did, we kind of made it sound a bit different from the first.
Q. The first time I heard the opening track on this
album Woman King, instantly I thought of Paul Simon
and the song “Cecilia.” The songs really don’t sound
exactly alike, but the percussion seems to move you
Release your suppressed foot from the brake and
drive on my friend, everything is going to be quite
alright, I promise you, Sam’s silky, oil-based voice will
be by in no time.
As a musician who would like to stay around for
quite some time, Sam understands how important it
is to slip by the audio inertia that settles in the skull of
so many musicians of our day and age. If you look at
the span of his recordings, you will notice a soft
progression of thickness to his albums. His first album,
The Creek Drank the Cradle, was a very
stripped down Drakien(Nick Drake) collection of
songs. His second, Our Endless Numbered Days,
showed us signs of bigger, more elaborate things
to come.
Sam is completely understanding of the natural progression
of things and how important it is to keep the
creative process in a perpetual fit of burning rage.
He has found a way to combine fresh new ideas
while still keeping the music as authentic and honest
as humanly possible.
To the open minded listener, always in search of ripe
new ideas and just downright good music, look no
further than Woman King. The only shortcoming I
can see with this EP is that it just doesn’t have enough
songs to offer, peaking out at six almost seems that
Sam was teasing us. That’s alright though I’ll take his
teasing over many other bands greatest hits collections
any day.
The day after the release of Woman King, I had the
pleasure of interviewing Sam over the phone from
his home in Miami. Speaking in a gentle voice, as
everybody would imagine, Sam touched on his new
born baby girl, the new record, and the merciless
Miami traffic he has to put up with on a daily basis.
Q. First of all, I would like to congratulate you
and your wife, you just had your third child,
correct?
Yeah, yeah we just had a little baby girl … our third girl.
Q. Do you think it’s going to be harder than

the same way. Did you happen to notice that?
I wasn’t really thinking of that song, but I find it very flattering, I love his
stuff.
Q. Do you ever find that when you go and record something and
you listen to it later and you obviously, yet unconsciously, melded
a few of your influences into our own songs?
Sure man, I mean there’s only so many chords in the world.
Q. What do you think of Woman King being labeled “the ultimate
make-out music”?
(laughing) I guess it’s pretty cool. You can do all types of stuff with
music.
Q. I know people always compare you to the likes of Paul Simon,
Nick Drake, etc., but where do you find the you pull your inspiration
from: music, movies, books, everyday life?
I kind of pull it from everywhere. I read a lot. I wish I could name an author,
but no one really comes to mind right now.
Q. What kind of environment do you like to write your music in?
It really kind of depends. It kind of depends on the song, some come
easier than others, some take quite a bit longer.
Q. You’re going on tour soon correct? Who will be accompanying
you this time?
Yeah I’m going to be leaving in about a month, sort of a Midwest thing.
There’s another band who’s going to be on tour with us called Horses,
from Seattle. They’re really cool.
Q. Are they on Sub Pop?
Just as of about week ago
Q. What can we look forward to next from Iron & Wine?
I recorded some stuff with a band Calexico. We recorded an EP that
should be coming out in the fall months.
Q. Do you play any one specific guitar, or do you mix it up a bit?
I have a few Taylor acoustics and a Gibson arch top.

Story: Monica Cady • Photos: Trey Cady
Can someone please pass the, uh, patchouli? It’s officially spring – and
that translates to outdoor music festival time. With this year’s third annual
Langerado (held March 12 and 13), South
Florida has established itself as an
Americana-jam-dance destination. Though
only one-tenth the size of Bonnaroo’s super
hemp bag of bands, Langerado 2005
offered some of the same artists that either
will perform, or have previously graced
the big-B’s stages.
So, maybe you’ve had some trouble getting
to Langerado? This is understandable,
considering the event has had a different
location every year. Having grown
significantly since its first year as a small
field-day style event, Langerado seems
now to have finally found an appropriate
home at Sunrise’s Markham Park – a grassy
lakeside spot that echoes the laidback vibe of the festival’s artists and
clientele.
This year, the event entertained around 10,000 attendees, some coming
from as far as Canada, for two days of live music on three stages. If you
imagine the Langerado gigs to be teeming with bland jam-band hippie
tunes - you’re wrong. The festival proved that electronic Radiohead-style
beats can effectively share bills with reggae, bass-driven funk and soul,
as well as barefoot-stomping bluegrass bands. Some of the 25 performers
included: Particle, De La Soul, Medeski Martin & Wood, Mofro, the New
Deal, Toots and the Maytals, the Spam Allstars, Hackensaw Boys, Kaki
King and The String Cheese Incident, who headlined both nights.
The bands had at least one thing in common – they all propelled their
audiences into liberating motions. The crowd, wearing an eclectic mix of
day-glo paint, glittery Mardi Gras get-ups, bikini tops and flowing skirts,
settled in the park early on both days. Regardless of their appearance,
everyone watching seemed to move to the music
like invertebrates teetering on a single leg (think
strings of spaghetti with arms). Unlike the
massive nonstop activity of some major jam
events, Langerado’s nearby stages and
alternating schedules allowed attendees to
comfortably view almost every performance.
And everyone could chill out a little more, since
the show started just before Noon and ended
by 10 p.m. on both days. For those not wanting
the party to end, select artists offered late-night
shows at Ft. Lauderdale’s Culture Room.
When chatting with some of the artists and
organizers, it was apparent that Langerado has
made its official arrival, and is likely to improve every year. Member of
Hackensaw Boys “Shiner,” thinks the success of the festival is partly due
to its location. “South Florida is an attractive destination for many people
in mid-March,” he told RAG
Magazine, inside the press tent.
High-spirited bluegrass tunes
made Hackensaw Boys one of
the more standout groups in the
event’s line-up. Though some
onlookers seemed a bit
apprehensive of the sextet’s
hillbilly-flavored twangs, by the
third song it seemed like
everyone was tapping their feet
to the fiddling rhythms and
spoons-on-a-washboard
percussion. The Hackensaw
Boys are Bonnaroo alumni, but
this year they’re forfeiting the
festival to spend time promoting their upcoming release.
Perhaps at the other end of the spectrum, but equally enthused to be
there, were Canada’s threesome, the New Deal. Blending beat-box
electronics, bass guitar and drums, the New Deal created a high-energy
free-style dance party – not unlike a Winter Music Conference scene – for
onlookers. The group’s roots are based in jazz, which explains their
improvisational approach to performing. “You will never see the same
show from us twice,” explained drummer
Darren Shearer.
Though most of the performers radiated an
exceedingly positive attitude, a pouty Kaki
King was briefly spotted inside the autograph
tent, before she went into hiding. “She’s
having a bad day,” one of the merchattendees
explained. Earlier, King, an upand-coming
solo guitarist, who never utters
a word during her songs (She admits that
she can’t sing and play, or even talk and play,
simultaneously.), told her audience that “You
don’t need words to know what’s going on
[in my head].” Fans seemed in awe of her
remarkable doodling on the acoustic. But
offstage, King offered cranky indifference to praise from young admirers,
who wanted her autograph.
While grilled tofu burgers and Nag Champa incense permeated the
breeze all day, folks could meet their favorite performers in the
merchandise booth, enjoy the rainforest mist tent, shop for crystals
and handmade goodies, or just relax around life-size sculptures created
by local artist, Lebo.
For those who’d give up their last dose to be in a massive jam festival
crowd, taking in a week-long marathon of music, camping, and using 100-
degree port-o-pods – Langerado may simply serve as a warm up for the
big-time summer tours. But for others, Langerado is a welcomed bitesized
version of the massive outdoor music fest. For South Florida locals,
and even tourists, Langerado has already proven to be a more accessible,
affordable, and an artistically impressive alternative. www.langerado.com
WWW.RAGMAGAZINE.COM • APRIL 2005 • 39

While legions of dedicated Chicagoan drinkers are preparing for a rowdy
drunken night of green beer in celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day, I’m
making preparations of other sorts. The Epitaph tour was making its stop
in Chicago with a stellar lineup including Scatter the Ashes, From First to
Last, Motion City Soundtrack, and headliners Matchbook Romance.
As I approach the latter’s tour bus, my eyes follow the line of kids that
have been camping out in the snowy cold, for God knows how long, all in
the hopes of getting the best seats in the house. Once on the bus, I point
out my observation to drummer Aaron Stern, who admits how incredibly
loyal their fans are and that the band couldn’t be more appreciative.
Then, specifically mentioning a fan by name, Aaron proudly goes into
details about how she gathered letters and pictures from Matchbook
Story: Tanya van Kampen
fans all over and then presented her collection to the band in the form of
a scrapbook.
It’s this kind of intimacy with their fans that Matchbook Romance boasts
about, as well as, the fact that they themselves are their biggest fans –
Andrew (Jordan), Judas (DePaolo), Ryan (Kienle) and Aaron. It’ not
vanity… it’s the years of relentless love and labor they’ve invested in
their music.
RAG: How is the Epitaph tour going?
Aaron Stern: The tour has been amazing. We’re just about done; we’ll be
home like in three days. It couldn’t have gone better. There were so many
sold out shows and it’s such a great line up. We made such good friends
with the bands on this tour. It really is such a privilege to be headlining a
tour with such a prestigious label.
How much of a stroke to the ego is it to be on a label like
Epitaph?
Oh, there’s so much credibility. It’s like the most credibility you could
get – I think of all the labels out there it’s the best one. Never did I
think that when I was buying my Offspring CD in the fourth grade
that I would be here now.
Does Brett Gurewitz ever come out to the shows and hang
out with you all?
Yeah, whenever we’re out in California or if he’s anywhere near
where we are then he’ll come and hang out and take us out to dinner
usually.
Do you guys ever get out and see any live shows while
you’re on the road?
Well we’d like to, I mean if there’s a band crossing our path that we
wanna see then we’ll try. Muse actually crossed paths with us
about a month or so ago. We didn’t get to see their show but we
wanted to.
What can people expect at a Matchbook Romance show?
A lot of bands have this thing when they go on stage where their
fans get the feeling that the band they’re watching aren’t people but
super-humans, like there
are bands that are put on
pedestals and they’re up
here and they’re better than
you and then there are
bands that are down here.
When you come to a
Matchbook show, I’d like to
think that we make
everyone feel like we’re all
on the same level – there
are no rock stars; we’re not
better than you. It’s just
sincere. You know, we
love to play, and we write
all our music, and the fact
that we get to share that
with the rest of the crowd
is just amazing. We feel it’s
better to come across as
four guys that love the
music that they’re playing
and love to share it with
people who love to hear it.
So, no rock star
personas?
No, people are always
finding that out about us.
We’re always out after the
show, we’re just normal
people. We worked our asses off to get where we are. It wasn’t
given to us. Everything we wrote we wrote ourselves, we had no
help. We played it all ourselves in the studio. We toured by ourselves
in a van with one merch guy, drove ourselves through the night -
relentlessly for two years.
Does it annoy you to see bands get the whole cocky rock
star attitude?
Fuck yeah. Especially when they don’t deserve it. There are so
many bands that don’t deserve what they have because they didn’t
write their music and because they’re following the trend and raping
the kids with their fakeness and the kids buy into it so easily cause
I guess they think it’s the cool thing to do. There is this wave of music
that is coming through and everyone decided to jump on it all at once and
there are bands that are getting huge off of it when they didn’t play their
40 • WWW.RAGMAGAZINE.COM • APRIL 2005

own tracks in the studio, when they didn’t write their own songs, when
they didn’t work their asses off to get there, and they were signed to a
major- given tons of money- thrown onto a bus- single is put on MTV2- and
everyone loves them. It’s just so cliché and that’s the crap that I really don’t
like. I think where we come from it’s just a sincere love for music and a real
place of not fooling people into believing you are something that you aren’t.
We come from a place where we are who we are, if you like us - you like
us, if you don’t – you don’t.
Is there any preference to play a certain city – or do you notice any
difference between playing different cities? I heard that New York is a
tough crowd because a lot of the kids are too cool to rock out to the shows
– a lot of music snobs. Is that
true?
Yeah, that’s true, that’s very true.
New York City is always a tough
town for us. They still love the
music the same they just don’t
show it the same way. But in
our hometown of Poughkeepsie
(NY) that is like the best place
that you can play. Anytime we
go through there, the bands that
we’re with usually comment on
how amazing the scene is there.
But it’s all over the place,
California-people rock out, Salt
Lake City-people rock out, Philly-people rock out, it’s all the same, everyone
is there for one reason and it’s a good feeling.
Stories and Alibis was released in 2003 – are you guys at all burnt
out with this album yet?
Well, we still love the songs. I think every artist gets fed up of playing the
same songs over and over again, like I don’t think I could go on for another
year playing these songs, which is why we’ve actually been writing for
the past 7 or 8 months new stuff, you know, to keep our minds going so
that we’re not stagnant. So we’ve really been focusing on new stuff and
we’re really excited to get in the studio and finish that up, which we’re
gonna do in April or May out in California.
Are there any songs on the album that you’re particularly proud
of?
My favorite song is Shadows like Statues, Playing for Keeps. Shadows
like Statues was the last song we wrote and recorded in the studio and
so because it was the last we recorded, it’s the one we feel we’ve
progressed the most as musicians. And Playing for Keeps is just like the
most energetic.
Do you have any other interests besides music?
Yeah, videos and my drum company that I’m going to start which will be
incorporating videos but I can’t really talk about it just yet. But for the most
part I’m just so concentrated on music and playing drums.
What bands did you look up to or admire as role models in the
industry?
The one performance that changed my life, and I’m a youngin so- but, it
was New Found Glory in the 10 th grade and I was just blown away by
their performance and like who they were on stage and it totally took me.
And since then I’d been addicted to going to shows and watching
bands play. And I just specifically remember Chad (Gilbert) saying at
the show that he’d dropped out of school to follow his dream and he
made it happen. He was always saying to follow your dreams, they do
come true - just do it.
Are there any bands that should be kept a look out for in 2005?
Scatter the Ashes, The Matches, Fall Out Boy is gonna blow up…
They’re (Fall Out Boy) already huge here in Chicago.
Yeah, so we don’t need to talk about them anymore. The Academy Is…
are awesome. And one band that I don’t even know but I’ve heard their
songs and they’re awesome is He is Legend- I like them a lot. But I have
complete confidence in Scatter the Ashes and The Matches and even if
they don’t blow up it’s cause people are dumb and don’t understand what
sincere, real music is.
Do you have any sort of guilty pleasures – music wise?
Ohhh… Eisley.
That’s not a guilty pleasure.
Well, I like to listen to hip-hop – like, I just bought the new 50 Cent CD. Yeah,
I listen to a lot of lame hip-hop. I don’t buy into it but I just think it’s funny -
the whole shake your ass, look at how much money I have, girls in the
background shaking their booties - I think it’s funny. And I just laugh at how
ridiculous a lot of it is - like where
are these guys getting their
money from, this is the first
video they’ve put out and they’re
“We worked our asses
off to get where we are.
It wasn’t given to us.”
all wearing these big platinum
chains and girls are shakin’ their
asses.
The band has had a steadily
growing fan base and up until
just recently it’s been without
the help of a lot of airplay from
MTV and FUSE. How much
do you attribute to things like
your street team and
myspace and how much to constant touring and your live shows?
I think the whole basis of our fan base was through word of mouth and
playing shows – doing great tours with great bands. That’s how we got
our start. We didn’t put our first single out until a year after the album was
out. And it has everything to do with street teams, myspace, online
internet stuff – we’ve always been huge on internet stuff cause that’s a
great way to get yourself out there. It was all word of mouth and just now
we’re getting on MTV2. And it’s the only way to go about it - you start out
small. And now people are saying, “You’re on MTV, you’re sellouts”, well
wouldn’t you rather have your favorite band on MTV than who knows
what rapper with five butts dancing behind them.
You toured last year’s Warped Tour, are you going to take a break from that
this summer or partake again?
Yeah, we’re doing the Warped Tour this summer, five weeks on the main
stage. So three years in a row of Warped Tour, thank you Kevin Lyman.
Last time, you and Ryan (bass) were complaining about the bathroom
situation on Warped – I’m guessing that sort of thing is more tolerable on
smaller tours?
Yeah, they definitely are. But it’s still gonna be hell again this summer on
Warped Tour.
Good luck finding a good Porta-John – it’s the worst.
If you had to pick a date, would you choose Jessica or Ashlee Simpson OR
would you pass on the two to go to a Marilyn Manson show with your
choice of a Suicide Girl?
I would definitely have to take Ashlee.
Oh, really. You dig Ashlee?
That’s another guilty pleasure. I don’t have her CD but I do watch her
show.
She’s cute.
Yeah, she’s really cute.
What does Matchbook Romance have in store for 2005?
Fresh new music.
What can fans look forward to on the next album?
Matchbook vibes - it’s gonna be catchy, it’s gonna be heavy. One thing
for sure is it’s gonna be more dynamic.
For more info visit www.matchbookromance.com

By: Crystal Clark
BE COOL
John Travolta, Uma Thurman
Director: F. Gary Gray
GUESS WHO
Bernie Mac, Ashton Kutcher, Zoe Saldana
Director: Kevin Rodney Sullivan
Guess who made a really good movie? Let me be the first to tell
you, 2005’s “Guess Who” is so much more than a simple
“remake” of the 1967 “social commentary” that was “Guess
Who’s Coming to Dinner,” headlined by Spencer Tracy and
Katharine Hepburn and featuring Sidney Poitier and Katharine
Houghton. The modern-day version has us taking in an effective
twist -this time around, a black woman (a marvelous Zoe
Saldana) takes home a white guy (a perfectly cast Ashton Kutcher
showing his range) to meet her parents: the unbelievably
supportive mother (a glorious Judith Scott) and the overly-proud,
overly-protective, and over-bearing father (as usual, a hilarious
and touching Bernie Mac). I’ll admit it, when I first heard
rumblings of this project and its off-beat casting, I wasn’t
expecting anything special; then I saw the magic unfold and the
sparks ignite and was truly blown away by everyone’s –the
writers, the actors, the director and producers- commitment and
sincerity. Believe me, when I laughed, I genuinely laughed (a
lot) and when I felt sad, I genuinely felt sad. This is one rare
comedy-drama that somehow comes together at all the right
times, for all the right reasons, and with all the right people.
Guess who wants to stay for dessert?
John Travolta, Mr. “I don’t like to do sequels,” returns
for the sequel to “Get Shorty,” entitled “Be Cool.” We
wax poetic as Travolta’s ultra-cool / badass persona,
Chili Palmer, finds himself bored with movie
producing, and haphazardly stumbles onto a new
career: music producer. And no sooner than you can
say, “Grease is the word,” Chili inadvertently
discovers the “next, big, musical phenomenon”:
singer, Linda Moon (played by R&B/Pop artist
Christina Milian, in an apparently desperate attempt
to showcase her talent). Of course, everyone on the
planet who owns a TV must know that Uma Thurman
stops by long enough to rejoin Travolta on the dance
floor, vis-à-vis “Pulp Fiction.“ Yet it isn’t long before
the laundry list of costars all manage to embarrass
themselves, each more than the next, with The Rock,
Vince Vaughn, Harvey Keitel, and of all people-
Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler- generating the most
disconcerting cringes. Damn, that was the most
humbling sentence I have ever had to write;
Aerosmith is my favorite band of-all-time and Steven
Tyler’s coolness factor was simply annihilated.
Seriously, how could a room full of executives approved
his scenes? More importantly, how could Steven Tyler’s
people of not known that he came off so un-Tyler-like?
Oh, my rock-n’-roll heart bleeds. Yeah, this script; this
production; this sequel: So Not Cool.
42 • WWW.RAGMAGAZINE.COM • APRIL 2005

THE UPSIDE OF ANGER
Joan Allen, Kevin Costner
Director: Mike Binder
The always-astonishing Joan Allen gives a tour-de-force
performance as Terry Wolfmeyer -a spurned housewife with
a litany of life experiences, character flaws, and
idiosyncrasies- with which Allen wastes no time going-totown
with. Terry was an uber suburban mom who’s now
seriously pissed-off after her husband abandons her for some
“new and improved” arm-candy. Terry deals with this change
of events (or doesn’t, depending on how you look at it) with
anger and alcohol. She also must come to terms with the
fact that each of her four intelligent and driven daughters
(played with realistic intensity by Alicia Witt, Keri Russell,
Erika Christensen, and Evan Rachel Wood) are grown and
have minds of their own and would like to use them.
Kevin Costner enters the picture (and the front door) as
Terry’s neighbor, Denny Davies, a retired baseball star
(shocking!) turned radio DJ trying to get in touch with his
fading celebrity and out of touch with the bottle. For the first
time in years (maybe even a decade), Costner is not only
affable in this role, he’s actually tailor-made for it, and wait for it…damn-near perfect. My friends are
going to be flabbergasted that I actually wrote that down, meant it, and had it published (as Costner is
near the top of my all-time ‘worst actors’ list). More importantly, I applaud whoever was responsible for
casting the lead male role of Costner, who recently turned the big 5-0, against an age-appropriate actress
(Allen is a glorious 48-years-old). In doing so, The Upside of Anger becomes one of the most believable
situation comedy-dramas to date, quite simply, because it addresses this all-too-frequently-ignored notion
head-on. Of course, that’s in addition to the film’s infectious moods, realistic lighting, refreshing camera
work, killer performances, honest writing, and straightforward direction.
Writer / Director Mike Binder, (known to most audiences as the writer, director, and star of HBO’s “The Mind
of the Married Man.”), has harvested an exceptional ensemble of actors, and he has nothing short of a
cinematic grand slam on his hands, with a myriad of awards and accolades surely to come his and the
casts’ way. In fact, I’d like to introduce you to the first of the best movies of 2005 that will be all-butforgotten
come Oscar nomination time. Now while I’m not sure what the upside to that anger would be -
my guess is- if anybody could tell you, it would most certainly be Joan Allen. Then again, she would
probably be the first one to say that the upside would be the nomination itself. Now if you were to ask me;
I would tell you that I’ve been angry that she hasn’t won…yet.
MISS CONGENIALITY 2:
ARMED AND FABULOUS
Sandra Bullock, Regina King
Director: John Pasquin
It’s official: Sandra Bullock can (and apparently always will) survive the wrath of
any script, of any genre, in any movie she chooses to star. Why? Well, despite our
(and no doubt her) desire for a career retooling, Bullock is still experiencing Julia
Roberts-esque America’s sweetheart appreciation. Seriously, this woman can do
no wrong; or shall I say, no one notices when she does. Bullock’s latest film
incarnation is more of a reincarnation: her FBI-agent-turned-beauty-pageantcontestant
Gracie Hart is back for more –though nobody has any earthly idea
why? (Even Bullock seemed baffled by the concept during her promotional
appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.) This is in addition to the fact that
Benjamin Bratt! turned down the sequel’s script. Then again, this is the same guy
who walked-away from the perennially successful Law & Order franchise. In true
investigator mode, I’ll give you just the facts: since going undercover and subsequently winning runner-up at a
beauty pageant [in Miss Congeniality], Hart is now too famous to work in the field; this is made evident when
surveillance for a bank-robbery-in-progress goes awry when she’s recognized. Therefore, Hart must decide between
a desk job “pushing papers” or glamming it up again, this time, as “the new face of the FBI,” its official press
representative.
Hart soon acquires tough-as-nails agent Sam Fuller (a tragically wasted Regina King) as her assigned bodyguard,
with whom she doesn’t get along with (read: cliché). The film’s plot is put into play after Hart’s one true friend, Miss
United States (a sweet Heather Burns), is kidnapped in Las Vegas–along with pageant manager Stan (a scenestealing
William Shatner). That being said, I’ll save you some time: if you’ve seen any movie involving a who-dunit,
then you know that there are the people that are “supposed” to solve the crime, and then, there are those that take
it upon themselves to solve the crime. Yet, you also have to figure in that this who-dun-it is also a comedy,
so…laughter is supposed to ensue; just keep in mind I said, “supposed.” Here’s a hint from me to you, if you focus on
Hart’s over-the-top stylist, Joel (an uproarious Diedrich Bader), you too, can survive this script -a la Sandy Bullock.
APRIL 1ST
APRIL 8TH
APRIL 15TH

Finding Neverland reveals the life and times
of playwright, J.M. Barrie, and the true inspiration
behind what would become his
greatest literary creation, Peter Pan. Johnny
Depp embodies Barrie with such gentle humanity
and grace; you’ll understand exactly
why he was nominated for a 2004 Lead
Actor Academy Award.
The stellar cast includes the jaw-dropping
newcomer, 12-year-old Freddie
Highmore (as Peter, Highmore showcases
a staggering portrayal of childhood
grief); the brilliant Kate Winslet
steals our hearts as Peter’s mother,
Sylvia, and screen legends Julie Christie
and Dustin Hoffman round out the cast.
The DVD’s extras include: commentary
by director, Marc Forster, producer, Richard
Gladstein, and writer David Magee;
out-takes, deleted scenes, “The Magic
of Finding Neverland,” “Creating
Neverland,” and the Red Carpet premiere.
also new to dvd...
Hu$tle is the true-story behind the
downward spiral of Pete Rose in the
late 1980s; a time when the baseball
legend’s gambling addiction
resulted in his lifetime banishment
from all-things baseball. Method
actor Tom Sizemore’s personality
seemed to fit like a glove when it
came to Rose and his demons.
Here, Sizemore is able to capture
Rose’s public persona, and then
continues to hit it out of the park.
Hu$tle is directed by the extremely
talented Peter Bogdanovich, and also
thrives on the excellent performances
of cast mates Dash Mihok and
Melissa DiMarco. The DVD contains
many extras, including 80s
Commissioner Giamatti’s press
conference banning Rose from
baseball for life.
This movie is incredible!
It’s the latest blockbuster from Pixar, the studio behind such
hits as “Toy Story,” “A Bug’s Life,” “Finding Nemo,” and
“Monster’s, Inc.”
In fact, “The Incredibles” was the winner of the 2004 Academy
Award for Best Animated Feature!
Now, the 2-Disc DVD is out and it’s even more incredible!!
The DVD extras include: commentary with writer/director, Brad
Bird, and producer, John Walker, as well as the impressive
animators; “Jack-Jack Attack” exclusive all-new short film;
”Incredi-Blunders,” bloopers and out-takes; deleted scenes,
including an alternate opening; Making of “The Incredibles”
featurette; seven additional behind-the-scenes featurettes,
Pixar short film “Boundin,” with optional commentary by director
Bud Luckey, “Who is Bud Luckey?”; top secret NSA files on
all the Supers; “Mr. Incredible & Pals” cartoon with optional
commentary by Frozone and Mr. Incredible.
...MORE REVIEWS AT WWW.RAGMAGAZINE.COM

+$2 FOR BOLD
4/05

MUSICIANS
WANTED
KC & The Sunshine Band This multi-
Grammy award winning Artist is
auditioning musicians to fill the position
of: Keyboards and/or Keyboards/Musical
Director Ideal candidate must be an
accomplished musician familiar with the
music and style of the Artist. Artist is a
continually touring act performing +/-100
shows per year. Candidates must be
willing and able to travel approximately
150 days per year both domestically and
internationally and possess (or able to
obtain) a valid passport. Interested
candidates must fax a resume detailing
playing experience, education, etc. to
954/443-0098. Auditions will be held April
5, 2005. Include phone number on
resume in order to contacted for
audition time and place.
The Treasure Coast Southern /Classic
Rock band “CROSSBONE” is currently
seeking an experienced, versatile and
dedicated Lead Vocalist who is capable
of performing 2-4 shows a week plus
rehearsals. For more info about the band
go to www.Crossbone.us e-mail to
“Crossboneaxe@aol.com” or phone
Keith at 772-260-7345
Soon to be working Palm Beach county
classic/ modern rock cover band seeks lead
singer. We play classic and modern rock
with a heavy nod towards the brits such as
The Beatles, Rolling Stones, U2, Coldplay.
Any age welcome, we’re mid thirties with
good stage presence, pro equipment and
experience. Keith 561-346-2710
Rubik’s Groove is in need of a guitarist
and keyboardist to form an all 80s new
wave cover band. i.e. Blondie, Bangles,
Clash, Depeche Mode, Buggles… etc. We
have vocals, drums and bass. Must have
own equipment. We want to make this a
part time working band, but mostly
looking to have fun! We have family
commitments and daytime jobs so no
pros please. We are all in our early 30s
and would like to find the same, but not
a requirement. Male/ Female whatever.
Call Hector at 561-236-8484 or email
80sband@customprintinc.com
Experienced Band with manager/
booking agent needs bassist and
drummer immediately. Originals/
covers. Weekly paid gigs when ready.
Call Frank 954-924-3035
Working Classic Rock/Country cover
band, CrossFire, ages 40-55 looking for
lead vocalist in same age range to
replace same who is quitting the band
thing. Prefer Dade County resident with
some keyboard experience. Rehearse
Tuesday evening (6:30-9:00) and
sometimes Sunday afternoon (2:00-
6:00). Music ranges from 60’s (Rick
Nelson,Johnny Cash, Stones, Beatles,
CCR, etc)to 90’s (3 Doors Down,
Smashmouth, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith
Los Lonely Boys). No druggies or alcohol
abusers please. Contact Gary 305 552-
1780 or Alan 305 345-1229 or
alan@awsimasonry.com. We are
booked at Pirates Den at Black Point
Marina on April 15, 7:00PM - 11:00 PM if
you care to check us out. email or call
for directions.
Rookie drummer 30s looking for other
rookie musicians 25+ to jam with. Prefer
rock but will play pretty much anything.
Mature, drug0free. Call Dean 954-612-
8961 or djoliver@bellsouth.net
SINGER NEEDED FOR ORIGINAL METAL BAND
IN SUNRISE. PLEASE VISIT
FIVESINSAGO.COM FOR MORE DETAILS OR
CALL ANDREW 754-422-2842 OR ARIEL 305-
409-0222.
Seeking female vocalist for a rock and rave
show. Ability to play an instrument a plus.
Covers to work; originals to live. This is a
working situation. 561-441-7182
Multi-illioniare
- Kickass Music
- Cool Swag
- “Fuck the System”

Lead Vocalist needed. Rock and blues, Stevie
Ray Vaughan, Robin Trower, Allman Bros, ZZ
Top. Must have Equipment. Practice in South
Dade. We are dedicated. Contact Dan 305-
984-7974 dan2676@yahoo.com
Singer/ rhythm guitarist, 53, starting full tome
modern country band. Need musicians who sing
backgrounds and some leads. No baggage or
band hoppers! Commitment, dedication, maturity
required. Marc 954-749-1516
Well-established working WPB band seeks
dynamic, talented and dedicated lead vocalist/
front man must possess the desire to have
fun while putting on a show that aims to please
the crowd. We play a wide variety of rock ‘n
roll and alternative music. JR 561-635-6470 /
561-689-2625
Musicians / Songwriters wanted! Experienced
female country singer seeks to start country band
with background vocal capability for local
performances and recording. Serious musicians
only please, prefer no rookies unless you’re that
good. Call Vickie 954-559-9775
Guitar player, also play bass w/ backing
vocals, looking to start or join other musicians
or band. Rock, blues, jazz, originals. Also
looking for singer. Frank 561-305-3385
Percussionist wanted. I am an instrumental
guitarist looking a rhythmic element. Call Dave
954-964-6668
Guitar player (age 35) seeking other musicians
to jam with, have fun, and possibly form band.
20+ years playing and composing (all styles)
with a preference for playing hard, heavy rock.
Have lots musical ideas, instruments, and
recording equipment on standby. Call Yvan at
954-292-2680
Wanted: Bass player for classic rock group.
Palm Beach co. area. Equipment not necessary;
must like hard rock. Mostly 70s. 561-966-3097
Guitarist and drummer seeking creative,
diverse, dynamic, flexible stylish musicians
with positive, energetic sensitive character.
Looking for chemistry to improvise and write
original melodic groves. Studio in Ft.
Lauderdale. 954-489-9426 – leave message.
Singer wanted for classic/ hard rock band to
play in Miami/ Ft. Lauderdale. Covers and develop
originals. Have large practice space in So. Dade
with PA. Rhythm, guitar/ keyboards a plus. We
crank – you must be able to hold your own! 305-
804-0989 / 305-588-3556 / 305-903-8521
Dynamic drummer needed for a Mazzy Star,
Cat Power, Rilo Kiley type of band. If you can
play and enjoy acoustic rock music. Give us a
call at 786-218-3500
Lead guitar needed for pro established band with
steady gigs. Covers and originals. Material ranges
from light to heavy modern rock from the last decade
to now. E-mail metronomic72@yahoo.com for set
list and call 561-309-9635
MUSICIANS
AVAIL
AILABLE
ABLE
26 y/o Singer/Songwriter new to the area
looking for other musicians to gig with, record
with, and collaborate on new original material.
Very serious and extremely driven. Hoping to
record in the spring and gig through the year.
Melodic Rock influences. Call Joey 305-742-8458
Bassist: Blues R&B – working or near working
band. Broward area. Dave 954-962-6757
Very Hot, very experienced Blues R&B Guitar
Player available. I want a professional, focused
and working situation only. I have it all, vocals,
equipment and the chops. I also arrange and
write. I also can supply you with the hottest
rhythm section in all of So.Fla. We’ve been
together for almost ten years. Top notch, battle
scarred players. Can cut anything. So if you
are a singer, musician whose got something
going but not that players we’re your group.
Already to go. Contact Mike Zinna 954 733
6916 or Cell 478 451 7310.
Bass player avail or looking for drummer 30s
40s 50s NO BOOZE & DRUGS in coral springs
area zep halen aero ozzy To simplify

auditioning I have a recent cd I can send that
has my bass playing dubbed over call frank
954 575 6137 or email me
kbsfirstwestern@bellsouth.net
Blues harp/ vocals – lots of club experience.
Currently tied down with wife, small kids.
Looking for any opportunity to get out and play
I can fit into my schedule. Rob 561-702-3647
Professional NY DRUMMER looking for solid
band with gigs (Weddings, Corporate and so
on) play any style. Possess degree in music.
Have videos. Well equipped. Call Vlad
(561)319-8694 vmagerov@bellsouth.net
Drummer looking for full or part time work. Pros
only. I do this for a living! Can travel. Big
name experience. Live in Palm Beach county.
No problems. Call Robert 561-723-8677
Pro Drummer looking for original pro players
ONLY: No rookies or druggies. Have excellent
equipment material & lead or backing vocals.
Call Brian 561-391-9594 leave message.
Keyboardist who sings available for solo or group
(with the right situation) or duo (w/ female).
Prefer retro, covers, standards. Mature, pro,
versatile. US passport. No “start-ups” please.
Ft. Lauderdale 954-720-8249
Drummer looking to jam for fun. Boca area.
Play popular music from 60s to today with
emphasis on rock & roll. Gary 561-750-8132.
drge@aol.com
Guitarist looking for band. Plays 60s, 70s, rock
and some new rock. Plenty of experience. Can
do back up vocals. Phone 954-384-9861 Barry
Professional keyboardist / vocalist available for
working band. 561-969-2044 please leave
message.
Bass player with good vocal range looking for
classic rock band in Broward/Palm Beach County
area. Please send email to
litrivban@yahoo.com.
EQUIPMENT
FOR SALE
Huge garage sale, everything must go. Lost
garage in storm. Professional audio pa
systems Indoor/Outdoor concert, compact,
JBL, Gauss, EV, EAW, Peavy, Qsc, Ashly, Eq’s
Racks, Used gear at great prices. No
reasonable offer will be refused. Call for list.
561-635-1867
Guild crossroads double neck guitar. This
guitar was designed by Slash of Guns and
Roses. Only 12 were made to his design. This
is one of them. It is black with white trim. New
in hard case. Never played. Cost $5000 asking
$4500 OBO. Will trade a martin or Gibson or
Lionel trains toward cost. Phone Jim at 561-
272-0944
MR Hank PA cabinets – Set of two, 15 inch
speaker separate horn, all electronics new –
unused, built in handles, black felt covering,
just line new $499 Call Randy 954-565-3239
Galien Kruger 400 RB Bass head $150. Genz
Benz 410 Bass Cab $200. SKB 8 space rack
$40.00Sony CDP CX-100 CD player holds 100
cds. 954-554-7452
Double 15” cabinets – set of two, front loaded
bass bins, great shape, work fine, stop renting
$300 Call Randy 954-656-3239
Acoustic guitars – Fender Acoustic / Electric with
on/board EQ and preamp. Excellent action/
tone $300. Also, Robelli 12-string acoustic. $125
Both for $350 firm. Both perfect condition. Joe
954-415-9733
Mesa Boogie nomad 55 4x10 hardly used, with
cover $1150. Epiphone cherry-sunburst Les Paul
standard mint cond. With gig bag $275
MUSIC / VOC
OCAL
LESSONS
Tired of no progress ! Improve your guitar
Playing! Beginners to Advance welcomed .
Limited amount of students being accepted .
Call today 786-344-1089
Guitar Lessons: Learn from a dedicated player.
Specializing in beginners. Metal, Rock, Blues,
Reggae, Jazz, Beginner Spanish, etc. Will come
to you. I also do session work. Call Jeff at 561-
762-5678 or e-mail me at
WPBGuitarLessons@Yahoo.com
RECORDING
STUDIOS
www.ragmagazine.com
www.ragmagazine.com
www.ragmagazine.com
Dade/Broward/PBC Singers/Songwriters!!!!!
Record your guitar/vocal demo. Grammy winning
Producer/Engineer. Reasonable rates. Full
production and contacts to shop artist/song also
available. Call Eddie for appt. 305 215 8665
REHEARSAL
AL
STUDIOS
Miracle Man’s studio now officially open.
Soon to be Pompano’s coolest place to
practice! Grand opening pricing and time
availability. Call Anoy at 954-675-9108 or Doug
954-479-8611
GUITAR REPAIR
Acclaimed Luthier, Larry Lashbrook is back
in town! Mr. Lashbrook is renowned in all
phases of Luthiery; he is particularly adept in
setting up your guitar to play the way you never
dreamed possible. If you are unfamiliar with
Mr. Lashbrook’s work, you may ask to see
some of the guitars he has made over the last
40+ years & to read what numerous other
noted musicians have written about him. Call
Larry in Ft. Lauderdale at 954-551-1946 – SEE
OUR AD ON THE BACK COVER!
Custom String Instrument repairs. Offering the
finest in repairs, restorations and custom
crafted instruments, acoustic and electric,
since 1988. No job too big or small. Fretwork,
refinish, etc. Pickup and delivery. “D” Guitars
Miami - 305-682-3689
BAND MERCH.
Nuclear Fuck’in Skull-n-Bones Florida’s disen
franchise underground Misfits introduce “multiillionare”
featuring “Smash, Crash, Burn.” Angry
vocals, searing guitars. Get the new “Fuck the
system” T-Shirt ($13) before the Bush Gestapo
shuts them down!! Nuclearskull.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Attn Bands and solo artists. Want more gigs?
Be more professional! Get a full band photo!
Hand out with your demo to bar owners and
clients without paying a lot! 754-423-5795
MISC.
Band doing a variety of music, classic rock, classic
soul, blues and dance music looking for booking
agency or individual to book the band for clubs,
parties or events. Travel no problem. We are a
group of professional musicians with years of
experience. Call 561-734-7827 leave message
anytime.
Alberto E. White and Assoc. (marketing and
consulting firm). Albertoewhiteandassoc
@hotmail.com 305-217-0899 www.cclerk
hctx.net – search Alberto E. White and assoc.
SOUND SYSTEM
AVAIL
AILABLE
ABLE
Sound System available. Fox Productions
everything you need for your sound. Festival,
concert, DJs & band. We have any size of PA.
For more info call 561-789-3647 or fax 561-
495-8430 or foxmusicproductions.com
SHOWCASE
SE
WWW.RAGMAGAZINE.COM
Your’re THE BEST BAND in South Florida?
PROVE IT! 6 Finalist will complete before
Record Label and Music Industry Pro Judges in
the winner take all Shootout! GRAND PRIZE:
$1000, Studio Time and more. 2 ways to enter:
A 6 Round Elimination Shootout to fill 2 spots
in the finals. Remaining 4 spots determined by
YOUR Presskit and Demo. Mail your Presskit
and Demo AND $10.00 entry fee (checks/money
orders only! Made out to Double D Productions)
to: Double D Productions P.O. Box 5423 Fort
Lauderdale, FL 33310 Call Dave 954-261-0072
for details DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES 4/22/05
INVESTMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
One of my clients has invented the ultimate
electric guitar! If interested in this investment
opportunity, contact me, Ann Page at Golden
Mean Productions. 954-923-3645