Tag: Skacore

  • Songs to Listen to While Fighting Capitalism

    Songs to Listen to While Fighting Capitalism

    playlist

    Maybe you realize that the history of Capitalism has been a long and storied tale of making everything worse for the common folk so that a few people can get unimaginably wealthy. Maybe you feel some kind of way about that. Maybe you even want to do something to make it stop. If so, you’re going to need some tunes to listen to and keep you motivated for every step of the fight.

    Step 1-

    The first step to solving any problem is to first acknowledge that there is a problem and then begin to understand it. These recommendations really lay out the case that the reason we are here is because of deeply entrenched systems that manufacture consent and respond to any threat to the status quo, even a peaceful one, with violence. Last, complacency of people who would rather look the other way than deal with the reality of the situation.

    Illusion of Choice” by The Best of the Worst

    Wake up” by Rage Against the Machine

    The Way you Tune it Out” by JER

    Step 2-

    Now that we laid out and understand the problem, it’s time that for individuals to decide that they can and should do something to help change things. Unfortunately, Capitalism tries really hard to keep people alienated and feeling helpless. You do have the power to enact change. The following recommendations will help work out that inner turmoil and motivate you to act.

    Warning Dystopia” by Common Sense Kid

    Damocles” by Sleep Token

    New Gilded Age” By Atlas and Oracle

    Step 3-

    While it is important for individuals to realize their capacity to act and make change, they don’t have to do it alone. In fact, success can only be achieved when individuals come to together, cooperate and fight for change. These recommendations will motive you while you find and build your communities and support each other.

    Earth (We’re in This Together)” by How I Became Invisible

    They can’t Kill Us All” by Apes of the State

    “Salvage” by Space Monkey Mafia

    Step 4-

    Now you’ve got your community by your side. You understand the problem and your ability to make change. It’s time to act. Get out, get organized, find out what your community needs and start making things happen. It’s not going to be easy and it wont be quick. Your gonna need to stay motivated. These recommendations will keep you going when things get tough.

    A Glorious Shipwreck” by Pat the Bunny

    Boss Fight” by Doom Scroll

    Barrier For Entry” by Half Past two

    End Step-

    So through the power of solidarity and music, you’ve managed to defeat Capitalism. What now? Unfortunately, I can’t tell you what to do next. Anyone that tells you they know exactly what you should do now is selling you a grift. Lucky for you, however, everything you and your friends learned and practiced during your struggle against Capitalism are exactly the skills you need to build what comes next. So instead, I am going to offer up one more song recommendation to get the juices flowing. So, at the risk of seeming a little cliche here is –

    Imagine” by John Lennon

  • In Case You Missed It

    In Case You Missed It

    Volume 1

    DIY music is interesting in that it produces a situation where you both seemingly wait forever for your favorite band to release their next new thing, while a countless number of great musicians release new stuff at a breakneck pace that it seems almost impossible to keep up. This, of course, creates an interesting juxtaposition between hurry up and wait. It is with that in mind, that I will share a selection of great music that I wanted to cover when it was released but for whatever reason was unable to.

    Harper killA Taste of Harper kill– May 6 2024

    This 6 song EP by Michigan band Harper Kill is the prefect example of early to mid 2000s pop-punk being alive and well in 2024. Its upbeat and somewhat grim at times but still manages to be inspirational while shining a light on the realities of our times. The stand out song for me on this album is “Death and Taxes”. It’s an upbeat look at a world where you finally are free to do the things you like and no longer have uninspired and pointless responsibilities thrust upon you. The only catch is, in order to get to this world of freedom, you kind of have to die first. I think it is a scathing examination of our current society that operates without a concern for the hopes and desires of most individuals and how that’s not likely to change without something drastic happening.

    How I Became InvisibleSadness is Rebellion– June 5 2024

    This particular 7 song album from Philly artist How I Became Invisible, didn’t get a full article because it is a collection of covers. I am very much a sucker for covers so I have to show a little restraint to ensure this blog doesn’t become a pure cover song publication. That being said, I will allow myself an indulgence every now and then especially for an album such as this. Each song stands on its own and is extremely well done. I particularly enjoyed, “I’ll follow the Sun” and the rendition of “1979” caps the album off in a way that makes a complete listen through more than worth it.

    The Galaxy Has EyesSneaky Link– July 2 2024

    The Galaxy Has Eyes, is a high octane female fronted punk band from central Pennsylvania. If you don’t know about them, their newest single, “Sneaky Link” is a great intro. It’s packed full of more energy than any one song has the right to. Angry lyrics, fast guitar, and a baritone sax accompaniment gives you the feeling that you could punch a mountain.

    Apes of the StateWhat Am I doing with My Life– August 21 2024

    Folk has a very strong tradition of taking old melodies and setting it to new and relevant lyrics for the current day. “What am I doing with my life” by Folk Punk legends Apes of the State does just that by re-imagining a classic to ask the question I think everyone has asked more than once throughout the course of their life. April Hartman has an amazing self deprecation humor that comes out in the lyrics. It’s a great song. I honestly love everything about it especially the mandolin.

    The Sensations//Hans Gruber and the Die HardsTokyo Two Step – September 3 2024

    This wonderful EP is a split with Texas Skacore band Hans Gruber and the Die Hards and the Tokyo based ska band The Sensations. Hans Gruber’s track, “Trepanation” has bombastic horns and creepy lyrics that speak of spirits and possession. Next, they offer up a very good rendition of “I Put a Spell on You”. Both are fantastic especially considering this was released in the lead up to spooky season. This split was my introduction to The Sensations and I will tell you that I am very glad for it. The two songs they contributed to the EP are both simply amazing. They are upbeat, catchy, and packed to the brim with fast guitar. For me, they are a solid reminder of why I love Japanese Ska, something that I am ashamed to admit I may have forgotten about. The stand out song is “Magic Call”. It has everything I mentioned above plus a great guitar solo followed by a little horn piece that left me wanting more. This album really personifies why I like splits so much. You get a band you like to get you in the door and then you get a bonus band to fall in love with. In short, I came for the Hans Gruber, but I stayed for The Sensations.

    Brianna CarmelI never said (a platonic love song), October 4 2024

    This new single from Brianna Carmel takes their page from a diary writing style to new heights. The ukulele driven indie sound that Brianna is known for is finely tuned here with a sense of bitter sweet honestly that is intensely refreshing. The message of the song is of mutual support, camaraderie and friendship and ends on a empowering note, stating “from the Valley to New Mexico, you got people behind you.” Interlaced with the final lyrics is a series of bell notes that accentuate the ending in an incredibly enduring way that rounds out the bitter sweetness of the song into something more hopeful. If you are not familiar with Brianna Carmel, this song is a great entry point to their work. I highly suggest everyone check it out.

    This playlist review was originally posted on November 12, 2024 on the former LFDH substack.