A big howdy goes out to all you new folks, I'm so glad you're here. I was planning to do an article on Christian ska, but the bands didn't have time to respond so hopefully I'll have it for you in next month's journal. If you are in a Christian ska band or know someone who is and you're interested in being in the column, please e-mail me at n9646633@cc.wwu.edu. Thanks goes out to all of those who have sent me demos and/or gave me info on new bands to check out. I wouldn't be able to do this if it weren't for you people, so THANK YOU. Sorry if you've tried visiting my page to check out sound clips or upcoming shows, but my server is down and I don't know when I'll be able to repair it. Enough of my rambling, let's get this show on the road.

March was a pretty good month for music up here in the good ol' Pacific Northwest. I saw some good shows, heard some good cds, and I had nice spring break. On March 7th I saw Soulfood 76 and Bumperfish, but we already talked about that in last month's column so I won't go into that again. March 21st I saw Spiro and Furlan with the Lincolns, it was fun. I think it was March 29th that I saw 3NP, Don't Know, and Soulfood. It's April 7th today, and I'm seeing Silage, the Lincolns, and My Roommate on the 11th. On April 13th, I'm going to see Sixpense None the Richer, Drive, Model Engine (Black Eyed Sceva), and Ireson's Ride (Grassroots). I'll save those reviews for next month's column.

March 21st--Spiro and Furlan w/ The Lincolns This was one of the shows that I helped organize, so I'm a bit biased. However, I did hang out with the bands for a few hours before and during the show, so I got to get to know them all a little better. These guys are very cool Christians. They are not at all embarrassed about their faith, and they have no problems telling you about it. But what about the music? The Lincolns started the show off and they did an awesome job. I think that was my third or fourth time seeing them, and it was probably one of my more favorite performances of theirs. The Lincolns in case you don't remember are a '50's distortion band, similar to Weezer's "Buddy Holly" song. They're working on an album and it should be out sometime this summer. Aaron Sprinkle of Poor Old Lu will be producing it. They still have some copies of their demo tape available, and if I were you I'd snatch one up. Give them some time and they totally have the potential to "make it". At the show, they played their normal songs, but they also performed a few new ones. I'm really liking the direction they're going. They did such a good job. Especially considering their was a really tough crowd. Sometimes crowds don't really feel like doing anything active, and that's the way it's going to go. But the Lincolns did not fail to perform. Catch them if you can. They'll be playing at TOM fest, so if you're planning on going be sure to see this cool band. If you'd like to order a tape, email the guitarist at jholst@paul.spu.edu and tell him I sent you.

Spiro and Furlan came on after The Lincolns. SF has got to be one of the best bands in the Christian scene. I go to about 50 shows a year, and Spiro and Furlan put on one of the best. Even better than The Blues Traveller show I saw a couple years ago. SF is a funk, jazz, blues, rock, roots, college rock, etc. kind of band. They've got some funk songs to dance to, and they've got others that cause you to stop and think about your life. The most unfortunate thing about this band is they're not signed. How unfortunate for the labels and the general buying public b/c they're totally missing out. Like I said, the crowd was tough. It was so tough that when Carlo Furlan, pronounced fur-lawn, went into the crowd to do a bass solo, the crowd barely moved an inch. But that did not stop these guys from rockin'. It wasn't till the end of the show that the crowd really started dancing, but once they did it was awesome. SF has one song called "HIV" and it talks about how we should love all people, no matter their backgrounds, conditions, whatever. They've got another song called "Sally" and it talks about the innocence of a childhood crush. They've got two music items available for purchase right now. A demo tape with four songs and a full length cd, both independently produced and distributed. They've got another album that is completely finished that is just going to funk your socks off, but they're waiting for a label to pick it up. If you would like to purchase a cd or tape by Spiro and Furlan, email me and I'll get you set up.

March 29th--3NP, Don't Know, and Soulfood 76 I was in North Carolina the whole week before this show, and so I didn't know anything about it. When I got home, I went to the Christian music store to say hi to a friend and that's where I found out about it. What a cool show. It's kind of weird b/c the first two Christian shows I ever went to was 3NP, then called NLC, and they played with Ekklesia (now since defunct) and another show with Poor Old Lu, Blenderhead, Don't Know, and I think MXPX. I saw 3NP's first show back when it was just MG and MO in NLC. They've since changed the name and the lineup. They're an all out hip hop band. I've always liked his stuff, even though it's pretty silly...and it's hip hop. 3NP did a really good job playing for the crowd. The crowd was not a hip hop kind of people. They mostly came to see Don't Know and Soulfood. But 3NP is used to playing these types of shows. If you'd like to pick up a good Christian hip hop cd that you'd like to play for your friends or you're actually one of the few people reading this that likes hip hop, you can find it at all Tower Records and Blockbuster chains from Seattle to Portland. I'm assuming that you can order it from these places if you're not in the area.

It's funny how I first got into Don't Know. When I saw NLC for the first time, I bought a cd called Songs From the Rain Factory and it had Don't Know on it. They were the only band that was from the same city as me. It turned out that Paul and Dan, the brothers that make the vocals and bass for the band, were brothers with one of my friends from junior high. So it was pretty cool seeing them again that night. I hadn't seen them since the first TOM, so that's awhile for me. I forgot what a fun band they are. Ed, the guitarist, now plays with Damien Jurado. The drummer, Matt, is now playing with Roadside Monument as far as I know. Dan is just chillin' in Seattle, and Paul has moved to Oregon. He was also the bassist for Blenderhead, one of Bill Power's bands (Tooth and Nail guy). Don't Know is a punk band with a ton of funk influence. One of the best performances I've seen in a long time. I've noticed that I get bored at shows lately, like I've seen it all before. Don't Know is far from one of those experiences. It is highly unlikely that you'll get to see this band perform unless you live in the Seattle area. They don't do shows very often.

After Don't Know, Soulfood 76 closed the night. I've seen these guys about 10 times, and I just get bored now. I love their music, it's just I get bored at their shows these days. When I first saw them, they were awesome. When their new cd came out, they were awesome. But I can only see them too many times. They've got this groove, and they don't really do anything different. Now if you've never seen them before, I totally reccomend them b/c you'll have a blast. And I recommend their cds to everyone out there. Maybe I'm just being a dork, but I just don't like seeing Soulfood play anymore. I am looking forward to their new cd though. It's not really a new cd, but a re-release of their first one (not the demo tape they made).

There's been a lot of new things that have come out, so let's see how this is going to go. If you would like more info on any of the bands that I mention, email me and let me know.

Champion Birdwatchers--I know these guys aren't knew to some of you, but I just got their tape. Man is it amazing! I've been to the city they're from, and I'm suprised anything can come out of that place. The sound these guys have is one of the best around. The style of music they're doing is emo. For those of you who don't know what that is, I have no idea how to explain it. But, bands that are also emo are: Jeremy Enigk, Roadside Monument, Sunny Day Real Estate, Mineral, Jimmy Eat World, Texas is the Reason, etc. Does that help? The album is called Perihelion and it's on Bionic Family Records. If you'd like to order it, email their manager at greerfam@soar.com and tell him I sent you. These guys are not your average emo band either. They've got your normal guitar, bass, and drums; but they've also got a piccolo bass, cello, and a gong. What a wonderful band I've finally gotten to hear. They'll be at TOM this year if you'd like to see them play.

Noonday Sun--Another emo band that kicks butt. Their sound is very similar to Sunny Day Real Estate and Jeremy Enigk. I like them. The demo is a bit rough, but it's got potential. All I have to say about them is they're a good emo band. Give them some time, and they'll be really really good. I haven't seen them in concert yet, and that makes a big difference with a lot of bands. They're from the Seattle area, so if you ever hear about them, see a show or something. Support them now so they can continue with their music. You won't be disappointed. E-mail the singer at enewbill@paul.spu.edu or visit their webpage at http://paul.spu.edu/~enewbill. Tell him I sent you so he knows he didn't give me a tape for nothing.:-)

Don't Know--Now I know these guys are far from being a new band. In fact, they're one of Tooth and Nail's first bands. But I want to encourage you to get their cds. If you like funk, you'll love Don't Know. If you like punk, then you'll love Don't Know. The reason I mention them is b/c I've been talking to some friends and none of them even remember one of Tooth and Nail's best bands.

The Edisons--I got their demo sometime ago, I just never got around to writing anything. Musically, these guys are really talented. I liked the tape. The only problem is that they've got a ton of stolen riffs. For example, the first song on the tape you could almost swear you're about to listen to "Sweet Home Alabama". However, if you're just a big music collecter and you've got to have everything that's out there, then here's how to order their tape. E-mail them at edisons777@aol.com. They're from Nashville.

Jacob's Well--I know I listen to a lot of emo and ska, but my favorite kind of music is the mellower stuff. I really like the Jars of Clay sound, the accoustic rock thing. Jacob's Well, formerly known as Common Thread, is one of these bands. I've been hearing about them for awhile now, but I just never got to see them play. I still haven't seen them play, but one of the guys from the band sent me a little tape with three songs on it. They're working on an album right now, so be on the lookout. They're really strong in the bass, but they need a little more with the big picture. Sorry that I'm teasing you with this band, but when they have their album made I'll let you know. All I'll say is that they're really good.

Caedmon's Call--I've been telling you guys about this band for a while now, and their album finally came out to the general market. What a reaction they've had. They're getting attention from all different kinds of music stores, billboard magazine, etc. If you haven't gotten this cd yet, go! Go now!

Grover Levy--I feel like a dork mentioning this guy in an independent music column, but I'll get over it. I don't know about his first album, but this new one (Wrestling With Angels) is really good. It's really well produced, it's got great lyrics, and the music is really good. He's a rock and roll man. Give the new cd a shot. When you're at the Christian music store buying the Caedmon's Call cd, grab a demo of Grover Levy and see what you think. You may be surprised.

Skypark--These guys are out of Southern California. They used to be called Sinai, so if you're familiar with them, you'll be familiar with Skypark. Skypark is an interesting band. They're one of those bands that could be just as comfortable singing in a coffee shop as they would be at a big concert. They've got some really good funk lines, and the lyrics and vocals are really good. I was going to do a show with these guys, but I wasn't able to b/c the day they needed couldn't fit in. But if you have the chance to see them, go for it. From what I understand, they've got a really good show to offer. I really like their music. This cd is much more mature and of a higher caliber than their first release, Live in Room 104. Look out for these guys as I'm sure that they'll be coming out accross the nation. To order a cd, e-mail Skypark at tyrone@deltanet.com and tell him I sent you.

Tastes Like Chicken--Once upon a time, before Grey Dot was around, there was a record label called Moo Town Records. They had some pretty good releases, Sundays Child among the many. In 1994 they released a cd called Tastes Like Chicken and I just found a copy last month up in Canada. At first glance, only a couple of bands look familiar; Jawbone Hill, Farewell to Juliet, Third Day. In case you don't know, Farewell to Juliet is with Jeff Elbel, also of Sunny Day Roses, frequent rmc poster, and a sometimes writer for 7 Ball magazine. Curious, I looked at some of the names on the cd and a few sounded familiar. There's a band called Cain's Pain on there with Trey, Kip, etc. If these names sound familiar, they should b/c they're the same people that are in the band now called Rocketboy. Rocketboy is releasing their new cd, now that we have your attention, on the 16th of April. Go out and have a listen, it's supposed to be really good. Marty Bush and David Vanderpoel of Gray Dot are also on the album. Dan Michaels has a song on it as well that features Andy Prickett and Steve Hindalong. Boy, the names just go on and on. It's pretty cool to see some of these bands that are now really popular on this cd. It gives you a feel of how hard these bands have to work to get to where they are. There's really no reason for mentioning this cd since it's going to be really hard to find, but I just thought it was cool.

Special Guest/Invaderz split--This album is a punk cd out on Boot to Head records. Special Guest is now called Slow Poke, they got a new singer it seems. If you're a punk fan and you're disappointed with MXPX and the like, check this cd out. For a full catalog of Boot to Head merchandise, write them at: PO Box 9005 Portland, OR 97207. They've got some pretty good merchandies including stuff by Blenderhead, Don't Know, etc.

Twin Sister--I finally got this cd after much anticipation. Mikee sent it to me b/c he's a nice guy. If you don't remember who these guys are, they're a funk band and all their songs are written about the Star Wars trilogy. "I Have A Right To See My Twin Sister", "You Must Unlearn", etc. The cd is not some type of spiritual experience. It's not even about Christ. But it is a fun cd with fun songs all done with a Christ-like attitude. The album is on Bionic Family Records and it's a ton of fun. If you are interested in this cd, you can order it through Joe Mocha's.

No Apologies--This is the live album from TOM fest '96. I had been looking for this album for sometime and I finally found myself a copy. It features live performances by P.O.D., Sometime Sunday's last performance ever, Silage, Soulfood, Motormouth, Twin Sister, etc. All procedes go to benefit the Crisis Pregnany Center and Rock For Life. Not only are you getting a really good cd with tons of great songs, but you're also helping organizations that are trying to end abortion. Order this by writing Bionic Family Record Company at: 14608 SE Stephens, Portland, OR 97223. Again, let them know where you heard about the album so they know what's going on.

I know I wrote a lot this month, but there's been a lot of good material that has come accross my hands lately. Thank you so much for taking the time to read all this, I know it's a lot. Remember, I am not a professional writer in the least bit. I'm just some guy up in Seattle that loves music and wants to let you know about it. If you have any complaints, compliments, or a cure for the HIV virus, please email me and tell me what you think. I would love to hear from you. If there's a band that you would like to hear or read about, just ask. I used to have sound clips of most of these bands, but my page went down. I could still email you the clip if it's something you really want to hear. Take care and God bless.

Vaya con Dios,

Carter Hasegawa
Western Washington University
816 Mathes Hall
Bellingham, WA 98225-5968
n9646633@cc.wwu.edu