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Volume 1, Number 32 - December 13, 2006 - San Jose, CA

Public Enemy, Strata, Redman, Divas, Rancid and Milk Plus

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editorialpick
E-40
Sat. Dec. 16, 8pm
Cow Palace
2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City
415.404.4111
$35 - $55

E-40

GHOSTRIDE THE BAY: The Ambassador of the Bay and the keystone to the hyphy movement, E-40 rolls his signature rapid-fire lyrical style into the Cow Palace tonight for the Christmas Jam concert. Almost single handedly responsible, along with the legendary Hieroglyphics Crew, for putting the Bay Area on the hip-hop map, E-40 is probably one of the most recognized rappers in the scene having thrown down comps with nearly every West Coast rapper in the biz and a slew of top notch DJs while still maintaining his underground and on the street rep in true Bay style. The Christmas Jam also hits with Lloyd, Bobby Valentino, Lil Scrappy and Trina joining Forty Boy on the stage.

 
metroactive
public enemy
Wed. Dec. 13, 9pm
Mezzanine
444 Jessie St., San Francisco
415.640.6484
$27.50

Public Enemy

BELIEVE THE HYPE: Public Enemy has to be one of the most politically charged and controversial rap groups of all time, almost being solely responsible for introducing Afro-centric solical issues and politics to the music world. Their seminal albums, Yo Bum rush the Show and Fear of A Black Planet--the latter of which was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress--virtually reshaped the hip-hop and rap worlds, which, heretofore, only topically concerned themselves with political and social ills. This Public Enemy tour, Tour 56, marks the first time Public Enemy has hit the road in nearly three years with the first leg of the tour concentrated on the West Coast. Although Terminator X left the band a while ago, the more than capable DJ Lord hits the decks with Chuck D, Flava Flav and professor Griff tonight at Mezzanine with support by X-Clan and PE's backing band, The Banned.

rockstars blank club
Wed. Dec. 13, 9pm
The Blank Club
44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose
408.292.5265
No Cover

Exordium, Secure Sounds & Forgetting to Live

SONIC SPECTRUM: If you can't find musical peace at this Rockstars and Bitches presented show at the Blank, then perhaps there's more turmoil in your aural soul than you originally thought. Seriously, on the triple band bill tonight are local San Jose indie hardcore punk tinged rockers Forgetting to Live who're cranking the amps with alt-prog rock younglings from Sacto, Secure Sounds who aren't exactly veterans, but they kick a tight, melodic blend of rock that has plenty of drive for fans of the harder stuff. Also hitting the stage tonight are screaming black metal thrashers Exordium hailing from various parts of the Bay Area and metaphysically from parts we don't tell mom about. The best aspect is that you can catch all three sonic variances on one night and you don't even have to pony up any cash.

metroactive new year's eve guide
metroactive
jonny manak and the depressives
Thu. Dec. 14, 10pm
The Caravan
98 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose
408.995.6220
No Cover

Jonny Manak & The Depressives

SIX-STRING SLINGER: One of the best guitar slingers in the local scene, Jonny Manak & The Depressives hit a more than natural venue for them in the form of the gritty corner of the Caravan tonight to down numerous beers and rip out their signature blazing garage style skate punk. Manak himself has played in more local San Jose bands than just about any one else that comes to mind, his multi-instrumental skills and affinity for the early days of rock that he blends with the speed of punk are the stuff of gutter legend. Even though guitarist/ vocalist Jonny, bassist Kid Kris and drummer Steve have only been playing shows together for a couple of months, this show at the 'Van will definitely be one to remember from these punk veterans of the local scene.

senses fail
Thu. Dec. 14, 7pm
The Fillmore
1805 Geary, San Francisco
408.998.TIXS
$18
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Senses Fail

NERVOUS INPUT: Kicking out a perfect amalgamation of hardcore punk blended with emo-tinged heartbreak, Senses Fail is all about relentless touring. Fresh off the UK installment of the Taste of Chaos run, that came on the heels of last summer's Warped Tour, Senses Fail ground out the studio work for Still Searching which sees the band maturing in sound, but losing none of their edge. This show at The Fillmore shores up Senses Fail's current tour with these boys from Jersey firmly seated as legit headliners.

archer
Thu. Dec. 14, 8pm
The Catalyst
1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz
831.423.1336
$5
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Archer

THE FUTURE OF METAL: Three-strong power metal outfit from Santa Cruz, Archer, hit their hometown digs tonight at the Catalyst. Archer kicks with an amalgamation of pure raw intensity and expert musicianship to achieve a technical, but frenzied sound that belies the trio's barely old enough to booze ages. Archer has set themselves up as scions of modern heavy metal, powerful thundering rhythms that meld with blistering guitar work and balladeer lyrical style convey the hard rock anthems for legions of young rock fans.

metroactive
featuredpick
the f-ing buckaroos
Fri. Dec. 15, 9pm
Johnny V's
31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose
408.947.8470
$5

The F*cking Buckaroos, The Flames, Law Abiding Citizens & others

5 BY 5 AND 1 LIVER TRANSPLANT: It's not like you really need an excuse to drink at Johnny V's, but in case there was any wavering in your head about where your ass should be parked for a nice start to a weekend bender and your ears should be for some loud ass noise pollution tonight, here's the what's on tap at Johnny's tonight besides the copious amounts of booze. For a mere dollar a band, you can catch loud and fast hardcore from local gutter punks Law Abiding Citizens, the punk and metal clash of I Dekay and Squatters in Paradise from South Lake, San Jose's El Fuego (aka The Flames) and the crashing punk, speed-folk, bluegrass twang of The F*cking Buckaroos from San Francisco. So, that's five bands for five bucks and feel free to blow the rest of your paycheck on destroying your liver.

 
la guns
Fri. Dec. 15, 9pm
VooDoo Lounge
14 S. Second St., San Jose
408.286.8636
$20

LA Guns

IF THE PANTS FIT: The ongoing duality saga of LA Guns continues with this show at VooDoo being played by the "original" LA Guns led by Tracii Guns even though the other LA Guns led by Phil Lewis still plays under the moniker. Sometimes they play together--the latest being a concert in early October at the Cathouse in Hollywood--sometimes they play apart; it's a strange twisted saga that only an '80s sleaze/ glam hard rock band could possibly produce. Regardless of which lineup hits the stage--for this one it's vocalist Paul Black, guitarist Tracii Guns, bassist Jeremy Guns and drummer Nickey "Beat" Alexander--you can bet the LA Guns will play loud, fast and dangerous. The Bullet Boys, Antidote, Diamond Lane and American Heartbreak open.

redman
Fri. Dec. 15, 8pm
Avalon
777 Lawrence Expwy.,
Santa Clara
408.241.0777
$30

Rock the Bells w/ Redman & others

THAT'S SHOWBIZ: Apparently having platinum and gold albums under your belt doesn't mean what it used to; judging by the number of extracurricular projects Redman's pursued. From appearances in video games and MTV's Cribs to his comedic acting stints with Method Man in How High, How High 2 and the Fox sitcom Method and Red, you'd think his music career was over. But all it really signifies is that he's still on the make--witness his curious collaboration with Christina Aguilera on her popular dance club track "Dirrty", or his forthcoming album Red Gone Wild on the Def Jam label. During this Rock the Bells tour, Redman is joined by a laundry list of hip-hop notables, including Raekwon (Wu Tang Clan), Pharoahe Monch (Organized Konfusion), Smif N Wessun (of Boot Camp Click), Zion I & The Grouch (Living Legends), and freestyle wunderkind Supernatural with DJ Kool.

devotchka
Fri. Dec. 15, 8pm
The Fillmore
1805 Geary, San Francisco
408.998.TIXS
$18.50
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Devotchka

MEET ME AT THE KOROVA: Being a backing band for burlesque shows, touring with fetish model Dita von Teese and scoring the majority of the soundtrack to a Sundance Film Festival winner has to gain a band some measure of notoriety and Devotchka has done that and then some. Indie rockers out of Denver playing traditional and rock instruments, Devotchka kicks out multi-ethnic music while wholly utilizing punked up Americana roots and folk to create a unique blend of indie rock that you're just not likely to hear everyday. A group that's no stranger to the tour bus, Devotchka hits The Fillmore tonight--with Eric Bachmann opening--in support of their latest release, Curse Your Little Heart.

guns n roses
Fri. Dec. 15, 8pm
Oracle Arena
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland
408.998.TIXS
$39.50 - $77.50
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Guns N' Roses

APPETITE FOR A NEW ALBUM: Born from the sludge heap of disenchanted, angst ridden youth at a time when pop and glam metal were dominating the charts, Guns N' Roses reclaimed hard driving rock and roll for the masses. But, as often the case with rock, over inflated egos, rampant drug and alcohol abuse, personality clashes and the general excesses of being rock superstars finally got the better of GN'R and sadly the grittiest band in America called it quits. Axl Rose is the sole survivor from the days of "Paradise City," "Mr. Brownstone" and "Nighttrain" and this is the new lineup's first tour in years--the last was a disastrous performance at the 2002 VMA's, full of Rose's now signature on-stage tantrums--but, hell, GN'R live is GN'R live and the new album, Chinese Democracy, may actually hit the shelves soon.

the lovemakers
Fri. Dec. 15, 9pm
The Blank Club
44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose
408.292.5265
$12

The Lovemakers

THEY AIN'T MAKING WAR: The Lovemakers--recent winners of an award for best Bay Area indie outfit--make ambient electro-infused rock with an underlying fury that brings the dance crazed entertainment factor back to the indie alt-rock scene. Straight out of Oakland, The Lovemakers, Scott Blonde on vocals and guitar, Lisa Light on vocals and bass, Brandon Arnovick on guitars and keyboards and Ken Hard keeping it all together on the kit put out a richly dramatic and honest sound that was honed in the vast underground warehouse scene filling their music with a razor edged tone while also keeping it melodically hopeful. Catch The Lovemakers at The Blank tonight with fellow indie stalwarts in the Bay Area scene, Thriving Ivory and Luxxury.

metroactive new year's eve guide
metroactive
strata
Sat. Dec. 16, 8pm
San Jose Skate
397 Blossom Hill Rd., San Jose
408.226.1155
$10

Strata & Day One Symphony

LOCAL ROCK HEAVIES: All right, so this show is at a skating rink, but, really, who cares what the venue is when local rock heavies Strata and Day One Symphony plug in. Strong and visceral, haunting, but melodic Strata hits your heart, mind and soul with resonating power and a razor sharp edge. The vivid imagery of Eric Victorino's lyrics are as poetic as ever and the stunningly elegant, yet somehow apocalyptic operatic sounds delivered by guitarist Ryan Hernandez, bassist Hrag Chanchanian and drummer Adrian Robison are brutally honest. This show also sees a rejuvenated Day One Symphony--tight, melodic and ambient alt-rock experimentalists--reinserting themselves back into the local music scene and building on their already legendary rock rep.

diva at the vault
Sat. Dec. 16, 9pm
The Vault Ultra Lounge
81 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose
408.298.1112
Usual Cover

Diva @ Vault

I'M DREAMING OF A SWANKY X-MAS: The holiday edition of the Diva party is back tonight at the Vault Ultra Lounge with the All White Christmas Gala edition that's sure to raise the swanky stakes at San Jo's poshest venue. DJ Rush from LA will be the headliner in the Main Room backed up by Vault resident spinner Francisco Murguia and local fave David Q with beats in the Back Room provided by DJ Nasty Nick and Reckid laying down the hip-hop, old school and club hits.

borderwars
Sat. Dec. 16, 9pm
C & J's Sports Bar
1550 Lafayette St., Santa Clara
408.247.4027
No Cover

Borderwars, Arsinic & The Dopplegang

LIVE--HELL'S BALLADEERS: Start practicing your devil horn finger salute because, with this triple threat lineup at C & J's of all local heavy thrash metal, I wouldn't be surprised if Satan himself was leading the mosh pit. Arsinic rips out fast and tight metal riffs that blend together like melodic speed thrash. Also adding their force to the bill is one of the hardest metal outfits this side of hell, Borderwars kicking straight with the driving speed of a runaway semi. Local hard rockers, The Dopplegang plug in first to make sure all the little devil's minions are in attendance and ready for the sonic assault.

taste ultra lounge
Sat. Dec. 16, 9pm
Taste Ultra Lounge
87 N. San Pedro St., San Jose
408.885.1016
Usual Cover

Saturday School @ Taste

PLAID SKIRTS AND COCKTAILS: Some of the local scene's top DJs are taking you to school this Saturday at Taste Ultra Lounge's Saturday School party Room 101: Sex Ed Class edition. DJs Kris P and Leslie Perez command the decks, spinning hip-hop, dance, old school and mash up tracks while the Taste girls (and hopefully the rest of ya'll) will be sporting their school girl best. Good little boys and girls that show up before the bell rings at 11pm avoid demerits by skirting the cover charge.

me first and the gimme gimmes
Sat. Dec. 16, 8pm
The Catalyst
1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz
831.423.1336
$15
BUY TICKETS

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes

PLAYED MY BRIS: Punk Rock supergroup and cover band extraordinaire, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes bring their chops and schlock to The Catalyst and--as anyone who's seen Me First in concert, but probably not the Pittsburgh Pirate fans or Jonny the Bar Mitzvah boy, can attest--it's gonna be a boozy night full of loud and fast punk rock hilarity. The Gimme Gimmes latest release of amped up covers, Love Their Country (a compilation of country and western tunes) was just released and covers tracks by the Dixie Chicks, Garth Brooks and the Man in Black.

throwing muses
Sat. Dec. 16, 9pm
Great American Music Hall
859 O'Farrell St., San Francisco
415.885.0750
$20

Throwing Muses

ALTERNATIVE SURREALISM: Alt rockers Throwing Muses have been on the scene since the early '80s extensively kicking out quirky, but melodic songs with wholly surreal lyrics and just all around strange and good musicianship. Co-fronted by girl rocker guitarists Kristin Hersh and Tonya Donelly--who later would become one of the alternative rock movements signature female voices--and with David Narcizo on drums and later Bernard Georges on bass, Throwing Muses still blend the surreal witticism of pop culture into their highly stylized and tight song structure that still amazes indie audiences a quarter century later.

detention at club raw
Sat. Dec. 16, 9pm
Club Raw
418 S. Market St., San Jose
408.971.6646
18+ $15/ 21+ $5

Detention @ Club Raw

AGING PROCESS: The 18 and over party at Club Raw has made renewed history in San Jose by giving the able to vote but unable to drink set a place to actually hang out in Downtown and thanks to the efforts of everyone involved across the board, Raw has become a regular gig on Saturdays for the younger set. This week, Club Raw is taken over by the girls of Lambda Sigma Gamma Sorority for the 18+ Detention college party. An impressive slate of Bay Area spinners drop the tracks at Club Raw (behind Scores Sports Bar), and, for Detention, their bringing in Don Lynch and DJ Fabian, so if you yearn for the club life, but are stuck downing soda; check your new hang out.

metroactive
rancid
Sun. Dec. 17, 8pm
The Warfield
982 Market St., San Francisco
408.998.TIXS
$23
BUY TICKETS

Rancid

OUT COME THE PUNKS: The progenitors of the East Bay punk sound--from their days in Operation Ivy-- blending ska beats with blazing punk riffs, Rancid hits the Warfield tonight closing up their most recent worldwide tour. The Rancid punks, in one incarnation or another as each one of 'em puts out music with a number of outfits, has had an album out every year since their formations and have hit the tour circuit every--sometimes all year long--with the exception of a brief hiatus in '05; hell, it's no wonder why their called the hardest working punks in the biz. Tim, Lars, Matt and recent, but veteran, addition Brandon still play it loud, fast and tight every time they hit the stage and this run of shows in The City is really just a small stopover close to home before Rancid heads out to rock, skate and booze Japan.

metroactive
san jose bar and grill
Mon. Dec. 18, 5pm
San Jose Bar & Grill
85 S. Second St., San Jose
408.286.2397
No Cover

Monday Night Football @ SJBG

FIRST AND TWO TO GO: So, a full season is almost over of having to listen to the banal prattle of Tony Kornheiser, the faux-intellectual and trumped up expert snootiness of Joe Theismann and the extremely shallow musings of Mike Tirico on Monday Night Football, but there still are a few games left and we're here to let you know that we've discovered a near perfect formula for getting through what is hopefully the first and only season of the worst announcing triumvirate ever to share a booth: get drunk. San Jose Bar & Grill kicks down drink and food specials during the game, so, if you're tired of riding the couch and being subjected to the little three of sports broadcasting, hit SJBG where the crowds will hopefully drown them out.

metroactive
mission ale house
Tue. Dec. 19, 9pm
Mission Ale House
97 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose
408.292.4058
No Cover

Ladies' Night @ Mission Ale House

SECOND TO NONE: For over 10 years now, the best Tuesday night party spot has been ladies' night at Mission Ale House that, as anyone that's tried to squeeze in there during the drinking peak hours can attest, gets unbelievably packed. And why shouldn't it be; especially now that SJSU is done for the semester? Think about it; you've got all the ingredients for a great bar night: cheap booze, DJs, hot chicks, hot bartenders, good vibes and...well, you.

cucccini nightclub
Tue. Dec. 19, 9pm
Cuccini
72 N. Almaden Ave., San Jose
408.287.1737
Usual Cover

$2 Buck Tuesdays @ Cuccini

DRINKS FOR A DUECE: Every Tuesday night, Cuccini has been throwing down one hell of a Downtown party with rotating DJs from all over the Bay, free admission with a student ID or if you're of the fairer sex and $2 drink specials to get your buzz up there and right. So, now that schools out and you can legitimately down booze in the middle of the week (you see, us working stiffs have been doing it for a while, so we're already conditioned to the rigors of the weekday party), head on down to the backside of San Pedro Square and check Cuccini's.

metroactive new year's eve guide

metroactivecoming up
the rivals
Sat. Dec. 23, 9pm
Johnny V's
31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose
408.947.8470
$5

The Rivals

BACK TO FINISH WHAT THEY STARTED: Hardcore punkers from the great garlic fields of Gilroy, the Rivals scream into the Johnny V's tonight to unleash their awesome sonic assault on Downtown. The Rivals are really what modern punk should be--we still have an affinity for the heydays before corporate America found out they could make money off of punk's inherent anarchist attitude and wholly subversive nature--loud, fast and hard with a working-class everyman vision of us against the system. It's hard to find bands today, in a musical scene awash in emo and pop, that embody the foundations of true punk, but the Rivals with their rousing F-you to the powers that be more than fit the hardcore punk bill.

the vandals
Fri. Dec. 22, 9pm
Slim's
333 11th St., San Francisco
415.522.0333
$16
BUY TICKETS

The Vandals

THOSE DARN PUNKS: OC punk veterans The Vandals are coming and, since they only tour about once every three years or so, get off the couch and score some tickets because The Vandals are absolute legends in the punk scene, their live shows f*cking rock and they're, personally, one of our favorite bands. Instead of hitting political bends in their witty, fast and loud songs, The Vandals rock straight comical nerd punk with cuts about lying that your girlfriends dead, mullets, hot chicks at Hotdog on a Stick, fourteen year old girls, anarchy in a deli, soccer moms, the plight of tuna and are responsible for the best Christmas album ever made, Oi to the World. Damn, they're good.

--This week's newsletter by: RO & MC


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