Hot Topic & Spencers Making Comebacks

Hello my beloved readers,

my screenshot of Hot Topic's online band categories

I know, I know. Where have I been? Well, I have been thinking a lot about whether to keep this blog or not since the beginning of this year. I realized that a lot has happened in my life that has limited my time in blogging. But I've decided I still love clothes and I will continue posting.

On that note, I recently found love again for stores like Spencers and Hot Topic. They have changed a lot throughout the past 10 years and have kept some of the original favorites.

Hot Topic now sells Too Fast clothing which is a store that used to be underground and now
through its popularity is being sold in stores like Hot Topic.

Hot Topic's Other Selections

Hot Topic continues not only in selling clothes that used to be underground but also selling band T-shirts. If you click on their website, you will find that they have categorized their band tees to meet the wants of customers who listen to different types of music. They also now have accessories of different shows that have grown in popularity such as Adventure Time, Doctor Who, and Regular Show. It is no longer just about the urban scene but also the nerdy hipster scene (if you can call it that).

Even Spencers now has cool and low-cost accessories as I once saw them selling back in 2005. They removed their customer points program and instead now have a piercing punch card program in which you receive a card that has about 12 circles. Every piercing purchase you get from Spencers, you get a hole punched on the card. Once all 12 circles are punched, you get 20% off your next purchase. Which in my opinion is not bad when the highest regular price on gauges that I have seen in a Spencers store is $19.99.

Honestly, such stores like Hot Topic (i.e Pac Sun, Journeys) continue to be expensive to me because of how frugal I am with my clothing and piercing accessories. Why spend 50 bucks on a shirt when I can spend half of that on material to make my own rockabilly dress.

However, it is good to know that such stores have brought back clothes and accessories that us, in the alternative dressing group, have cherished back in the 2000's. Hopefully it will remain that way.


Til Next blogpost,
Miss Bobo

Discoveries and Other Finds pt. 2

picture courtesy of rollingstones.com

Hey folks, hope the weeks going great with the new year hub bub and holiday cheer.
Came back because as previously stated, I am going to share with you 2 other bands I found just recently.

Last blogpost in 2012, I talked about Tiger! Tiger!, a band from Atlanta and another band that is NYC based called Peelander-Z.

Today I am going to share with you two bands; one from New York (woo! NYC represent) that has quite some political ammo along with a mix of trombone and guitar riffs; and another artist who was born in Paris and is now living in London known for her sound similar to that of Hole.

Let's start with the band from New York. The way I stumbled on this one was looking at concerts that were going on during the month of December for the Knitting Factory (venue) in Brooklyn. I always have this thing of checking out the music on youtube or the link provided by the website before venturing out towards the venue. Its a good thing to do if you don't like wasting your 10 bucks on music that is just not you. Once I found Outernational, I fell in love with their album "Todos Somos Ilegales". Combining elements of trombones, guitar & bass riffs, drums, powerful lyrics and the occasional accordion; Outernational stands out from most alternative bands. They are very pro-active with the messages in their songs. According to a Rolling Stones article, after releasing their album, they went on tour and played in places like Tijuana and California, meeting those who have crossed the border and war veterans.  If you loved Rage Against the Machine and the powerful lyrics of songs like "Killing in the Name of" & "Testify", you will definitely dig Outernational.

Madame So (picture courtesy of afropunk.com)

As for the London based artist; her musical name is Madame So. I found her looking at some of the articles/blogposts on afropunk.com: a website centered on the afropunk movement. Using mostly drums and guitar riffs, Madame So brings a throwback to Hole & Polaris along with her own tint of lyrics in "Sell-by Date" and "Dig Deeper." And there is also the fact that her voice is smooth like melting sugar in your mouth. For those of you who love "Violet" & "This World" by Hole, you will definitely love Madame So. Check her out on her bandcamp website here.

Til Next Blogpost,
Miss Bobo

P.S. here are the links to the articles I looked at for Outernational & Madame So:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/tom-morello-chad-smith-help-indie-band-on-pro-immigration-video-20120709
http://www.afropunk.com/profiles/blogs/london-s-madame-so-makes-sincerely-bizarre-but-bizarrely-catchy

Happy New Years!! & Some Bytes

picture courtesy of Yoshimie's photobucket album

my handbag (picture courtesy of Justfab.com)

my new boots (picture courtesy of amazon.com)

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYBODY!!! *blows foghorn and dances in confetti*.

Should have done that yesterday but here it is! *continues to tapdance*

Lately on my own time I have been looking for some shoes and handbags to start the new year. Out with the old and in with the new and if you can't get with the new then twist the old to make it new.

I did get a few new stuff under 20 bucks just to save myself some money.

One of them was this awesome handbag straight from this website called Justfab.com.

You can sign up as a member for free with using your email address and you can look for handbags and shoes for only 40 bucks. As a starting member you get $20 off your first purchase. After that the next month that follows, if you can't find what you are looking for or can't buy anything you can click on the button "skip the month" and that's that. The keywords here to click on the buttons because if you don't you get charged 40 bucks on your account as a member. Sounds tricky but you can take the risk if the shoes and handbags are worth it to you.

However, you can always check out amazon.com for rockin' shoes and handbags. Just recently I found some cool ankle boots that are warm inside and all velcro outside. Sounds tacky but the way they look is not.  

No strings to tie, just side zippers to zip up and you're done. I got them in brown and so far they have gotten me warm for 3 hours before New Years ball dropped. Talk about awesome. I am planning to somehow put some studs on the straps to give it an edge. When I do, I'll post an update to see how it went, here and on Rockinglicious' tumblr. Otherwise, let me know what you think.


Til Next Blogpost,
Miss Bobo

Tally Ho! Discoveries and Other Finds pt.1

Tiger! Tiger! (photo courtesy of tigertigerrocks.com)

Hello Hello. Long time no talk. Hope those who are celebrating are having a happy Thanksgiving day and those who aren't celebrating: I still wish you a good day.

So now at the matter at hand:
Lately I have been music cruising. Listening to some new rockin' sounds and determining which ones to actually put my two cents about. So far I found four to recommend and I'll be breaking 2 of them down in this post.

The first one is a band from Atlanta named Tiger! Tiger! This year they have released a new album with a hot cover titled "Cut Them Where They Bleed" that blend retro 60-ish rock elements with garage sounds and punk riff/drums combo. They've been around since 2005 and have made a name for themselves in Atlanta, Georgia. They are currently signed with a record company called Chicken Ranch Records that have signed other good underground artists. I find this band unique in that not only do they have different play in vocals with different albums (male and female), but they also use instrumental elements that were used in the 1960's such as the organ and saxophone. For those of you who are into garage, punk, and retro melodies that remind you of music such done by artists like The Doors, I definitely recommend listening to this band. You can check their website (tigertigerrocks.com) or preview their stuff on bandcamp. If you dig their album I also recommend purchasing on their bandcamp page or on their Ranch Records page since searching them on iTunes can be a bit too hectic AND you save a $1.

picture of Peelander-Z from their official site

The second awesome band I found is called Peelander-Z. Peelander-Z started in NYC in 1998 and since their first U.S. National tour in 2002, have been continuously performing with their crazy antics and dressing in expression of inspiration of the Power Rangers & other Japanese and American pop Sci-Fi culture icons. Although, they started in NYC, their band members are straight from Japan and have never lost their spunk on stage. Listening to their music, I enjoyed the vivaciousness and strong spirit that have been put in songs such as "Star Bowling" from their most recent album. Their sound kinda reminds me of the Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi show that appeared in Cartoon Network for a short time (if you remember I quantumly high five you). Point: For those of you who loved Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi or love Japanese pop rock (no not J-pop) then I recommend checking this band out. You can look them up on iTunes with no mess (as long as you type it correctly) or you can check their Chicken Ranch Records page that provides links to their different pages.

(Note: all highlighted underlined words are links to pages of aforementioned artists, guarantee of no fake pages.And all aforementioned information has been taken from the Chicken Ranch Records pages along with iTunes bio. Information provided is not owned by Rockinglicious but by the respected aformentioned parties (i.e bands and their pages)

Random Music Finds

Dead Sara

Hello all. Long time no post. Honestly, gotta say I had blog writer's block on what to post here and my apologies for that. But today things are different. Found an interesting band from a random list on Reverbnation, a website for underground and major artists.

Titled as Dead Sara, this band uses elements of blues, soul, and rock to make their own imprint of alternative rock. The vocals done mostly by Emily Armstrong & Siouxsie Medley are reminiscent of the era of the 70's. You could say that Armstrong sounds a bit like Janis Joplin.

With the addition of the drums (Sean Friday) and bass (Chris Null), the music becomes a fusion of rock, some grunge, and a little bit of punk. Their sound is a bit familiar and if you think about it, its similar to Veruca Salt & a little close to L7. Difference is this band will vary with sounds and don't provide the same rhythm for all of their songs. If you like Veruca Salt you will most likely dig this band. So why not check em out.








Til Next Blogpost,
Miss Bobo

It's a Free Riot Party and I Scream if I want To

Summer is in full swing and I am just ready to parrrtaaay.

courtesy of Webster Hall event calendar

I recently found through a friend of a free PUNK party at Webster Hall that starts at 11 pm every Wednesday.

I went this Wednesday and found myself smack dab in some 80's/90's punk/goth throwback. There was your occasional emo hairdo's on guys, random hipster, and the frequent goth-punk rockers.

This party doesn't go in full swing until midnight when the occasional group of shameless girls come in to show off their bods for a strip tease contest. The prize winner gets 100 bucks while the guy who chooses to be the receiving end of it, gets a free lap dance on stage. I was astounded because I never seen a stripper let alone some random girl throw off her bra in person. But that was a first that night.

If you're in New York City and you want to have a crazy rock (mostly punk) party I recommend going here. It's not that crazy but there is the occasional BDSM moment where a guy gets handcuffed and gagged. I love the fact that there is oldies and fake smoke with a tattoo section in the back. YES! you get tatts at this place. I didn't get a chance to figure out the price range but I would def like the idea of getting inked while being at a party. The only few cons I found is that 1. there is no mosh pit: people are sensitive in getting hit especially the girls; 2. There is not much dancing involved (yes, you can dance to some of the music). 3. people go into cliques and aren't much to talk with other people that aren't seated with them unless there is a hook up to be had.

But this event is free so why not show off some lacey goth/punk duds. Doesn't hurt to try. 

Pandora's Muse: Band Found

Victory At Sea Before they disbanded

Hey there, back on the ropes now. Hope you guys had a great Easter break (if any of you celebrate that).  Been MIA for personal drama with friends and now family. But I am back and with new things to share.

While working as an intern, I have been on Pandora a lot lately and found some good bands similar to the ones I love to listen to.The good thing about Pandora is that they pick out the sounds of the songs/bands you put as the title of the radio station; and pick out bands that sound similar to them. One band that has been stuck on me lately is Victory At Sea. I found this one from the Mazzy Star radio station I created on Pandora.

Victory At Sea was indie since they started 1996 but they (sadly) disbanded around 2007 according to their myspace.
However, if you dig their sound as much or even more as I do, I think you can still buy it from ITunes, myspace, or straight from Pandora. Here is the song I have been stuck on, hope you like it :D

In the Music Box

dead Union Sq.

This fall so far proves to be one eventful season with tours, concerts, and Halloween to spread some music and fun stuff (with stars on the side). And to prove such theory: yesterday I had a fun day out at Union Square: with a new friend to hang with and awesome treasures bought in book form at the Strand. While doing some girrrl talk in a sudden happenstance of a surprise, I met a handsome young man by the musical name of Danny Madison who invited me and my friend to listen to his music.

With a voice that can cross the surface of soft indie, rough punk, and a dash of rap; Madison does a great job in dipping in the indie realm with a professional but fun sound that makes you think why isn't this sold in CD stores instead? You read correct, Madison's CD titled "Danny Madison" isn't sold yet in music stores but you can find him selling it on the NYC tri-state area for less than $10. So far, Madison has sold over 10 THOUSAND [and hopefully will be reaching more than a million].

If you are really diggin' his sound like I do, you are invited to click on his name above or search his music on iTunes. You might just buy some tracks or the whole album.

Til Next Blogpost,
Miss Bobo

Random Concert Moment! OH NO!

I don't even know how to start this, but..I am sorry for NOT BEING HERE ALL THE TIME GIVING YOU THOSE ROCKIN' BLOGPOSTS! (LOL). So anyways...I have been busy for the past few days since I went to see Nova and some other bands two nights ago at Yippie Museum Cafe and literally spent the whole night and day afterward awake and wandering the streets with a group of friends. It's crazy to see how Manhattan looks like in transformation from night to dawn and dawn to plain daylight. Nevertheless, I must continue to tell you how the concert went.
     With bands like Nova, this concert wasn't the one to have a metal band or popular screamo stuff that if you stand close enough it would really damage your hearing for the next 5 days. I stood nearby the sound equipment and I still lost a bit of my hearing the next day. Nevertheless, the music these bands had were more like a reminder to psychadelics and artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd who were more focused on instrumental melodies than just patterns and catchy poppy tunes. So please,if you are around Manhattan check out the Yippie Museum because there is a possibility you will find something.

P.S. check Nova's facebook

Til next blog post folks,
Miss Bobo

The Source for the Alternative Rock News!

So you wanna get the deal-i-o on whats going on in the alternative rock world? There is no channel for it and the show that does is well coming back on some other time.. Don't worry ol' friend, you can have your alternative rock news on the go with RockNRollTV podcast. The link is the official website to it but you can check that fun stuff out on ITunes and subscribe with your ITunes account for FREE! yes for  FREE! Hosted by this awesome once-musician, Share Ross, Ross shares the Rock N Roll news with her awesome humor and spunky attitude. You will be surprised as to what you will find out. And what is even more awesome about this podcast is that they give you coupon codes for online websites such as Angie's list, Eastbay, Zazzle, and other such websites. CHECK THAT PODCAST OUT! W00T!

what a looker right! taken from her website

Note: if you want to check Share Ross out and her impressive work, you can on her website: http://www.shareross.com/
or find her on facebook. 

Til Next Blogpost,
Miss Bobo

Something to Definitely Spin To (Band discovery)

Dramatic guitar chords, hypnotic drum beats, and a voice that will remind you of bands like Modest Mouse and maybe even Queens of the Stone Age; this band has something to offer. However, don't be fooled, The Growlers have their own spazzy spicy sound to add to the cauldron.

The Growlers

I came upon this band listening to the Indie Feed Alternative Podcast, in which songs from "new" bands are posted. The minute I heard their almost Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) sound in their song "Graveyard's Full" I was hypnotized and lured by their haunting but still yet groovy beat (yes, I used GROOVY!).  I had to check them out on youtube and yes, definitely stalk their page. 

They did not disappoint me at all. The members are hot! Especially the lead singer. Composed of Brooks Nielson (vocals), Matt Taylor (lead guitar, vocals), Brian Stewart (drums and vocals), and Scott Montoya (bass guitar, vocals); The Growlers started in 2006 in a somewhat funny story. According to the Indie Feed Alternative Podcast, they started out hanging out, drunk, and with a few instruments about them. There they all decided to team up and make this awesome hypnotic dancing beat of a band. Of course, since they aren't really big, some of their videos are a bit of the homemade status. Nevertheless, the sound is priceless. Check. Them. Out!

Warning you Are Entering the BAND Zone!

Tall Ships, a British band composed of three handsome guys, Jamie, Ric, and Matt; are out and about with their single, Plate Tectonics. Last month they played with We are Scientists and are going to record a new album to be released in 2012. Not much is really heard of them here since their popularity is still growing in the UK. But their catchy chords and powerpop beats are sure to catch your attention especially when the music video has an indie feel of a moving photograph. You can check their music on the above link, search their videos on youtube, or check out their funny conversational blog.
Here is another other song from them

Band Alert! Band Alert!

The Beatles, Nirvana, NOFX, and Green Day are all male bands that have started and bloomed in the subgenres of the rock world.  Whether for the purpose of fame, notoriety, or just for the music, they all have made hits and gained popularity with album after album making them celebrities. Although they are well-known names now, there was a point in time where they, like many others today, were struggling to get their names out there. Some have described the journey in music stardom not being an easy feat but still worthwhile.

Nova

And now with the music business booming with artists, one can even say that being an artist one has to have a talent, a name, and a dedication. In the case of Nova, a name that is now seen in venues like the Moonlight Bar and Webster Hall, that is not the problem. In an interview with Rockinglicious, both Ralgy Cepeda (vocals & bass guitar) and Alex (electric guitar) described their experiences being in Nova.

According to Salazar, the lead guitar of Nova, the band started in the fall of junior year of high school. The name back then was Running on Empty and they had 6 members already willing to put down music time. As time passed by, the band started “shedding layers and layers of people” and soon enough the band ended but on a good note.         

Ralgy Cepeda and Alex Salazar

After Running on Empty ended, Nova was born with band members Alex Salazar, Ernesto Baez III, and Ralgy Cepeda. And since then Nova has gained quite a fan base. 

When asked how the band members came up with a name like Nova, Alex answered, “I saw a supernova in my dream. It destroyed the galaxy. The next day I came up to Ralgy and asked him ‘what do you think of Nova?’ 

Of course some things have changed and other things have stayed the same with Nova’s members. At 14, both Cepeda and Salazar thought about different things than music: “I didn’t think about the world as a whole or about universal politics. I guess you can say I was more centered on myself and my friends,” Cepeda shared.

However for Nova, being young and in a band is not easy. “It wasn’t until we were 18 that we had access to venues. Now, venues don’t want to pay anymore. We don’t have money. So now I have to work for Starbucks eight hours a day,” says Salazar. Then there is band rehearsal to take care of as Ralgy notes in the difficulty of meeting up: “We don’t get to see each other every day. A lot of times Alex is in school and on the days that he is not in school I still work [on music].”

But for these two band mates, music is life. When asked what they do when they aren’t playing music, Cepeda answers “Our music reflects our life so metaphorically speaking when we are not playing music, we are playing music. When we talk to each other or look out the window, it serves as an inspiration. We don’t live outside the [band] lifestyle.” For Salazar, music changed his life a little more than expected: “My complete lifestyle was changing. I noticed my complete social life crumbled because I played music.”

Ernesto Baez III on drums

Despite it all, music has brought them many friendships and conversations with their fans. Of course, Rockinglicious was curious to ask what new goals Nova had in mind whether hitting the list of featured artists in the famous Warped Tour or taking part in the Loolapalooza music festival. Surprisingly, for Salazar and Cepeda that goal is not really the main deal. Salazar says, “At the end of the day it’s not about making the dollars but the music. The biggest goal I could say for Nova would be progression. Self- development is very important for us. Right now we are working on writing a five part song with a prelude, a symphonic poem (no lyrical parts), and a lyrical part. It would be mostly influenced by classical music.”

Through hearing the voices of both Alex Salazar and Ralgy Cepeda on what it’s like to be in a band such as Nova, it can be ascertained that starting your own band is like growing a tree: there has to be dedication, care, and a love for music along with the equipment to keep it going. If you want to check out this band and even attend one of their shows, check their gigmaven profile: http://www.gigmaven.com/nynova?f=c