Comment Archives: stories: Music
Re: “Warped Tour: Some photos, some words, some general dissatisfaction”
Of course music changes. Doesn't mean I can't call a spade a spade for what it is sometimes; just bad music. Am I supposed to just ignore all I've learned about popular music and what (personally) makes it good, just so I don't step on someone' toes? Give me a break.
"I am mature enough not to make someone feel lowly for their musical preference" Who feels lowly? Anyone? Anyone at all? What if I felt lowly after reading this tirade against me and what I like, or dislike in this case?
I'm stifling these people? GOOD. In their little stifled-out period that I've so powerfully thrusted them into with these words, maybe they can take the time to really learn about themselves, what they truly think matters in this world, and hone their skills instead of barfing out this terrible McMusic they produce. I sure wish I did.
And the best thing about your comment, Daniel, above all else, is your very apparent need to be some kind of white knight for these poor, defenseless fans, like they can't do it themselves, like I'm some big bad wolf music critic or something. Thanks, bud. I'm sure they'll appreciate it. Have you seen any comment thread, ever, on the internet? I'm sure these kids will be fine, and wait for this, maybe even LEARN a little something about an opinion that opposes their own. Or maybe just comment and call me a stupid faggot nine times while blasting We The Kings and chugging Mountain Dews. Who knows?
I see how you could've made the conclusion that I'm some sort of punk purist just really upset with the state of things like this today, but trust me, I'm not. Read any of my past content on here, or anywhere for that matter, and see how vested I am in punk music or the punk ethos (I'll save you the time, not very).
Your whole interwoven punk and the Warped Tour lesson (complete with a picture!) is obnoxiously obvious, but I appreciate the effort and time (on the company clock?) you took to think about these things. I took stabs at the whole punk aspect because, correct me if I'm wrong here, but Warped Tour still has a very common reputation for being the big "punk" summer music festival? Billing itself as some fun animal of a festival when really it's just this mediocre, desperate, thing under all its colorful wrapping?
OH, and people like me? Seriously? Maybe it's the people like you - who try to be so nice and sensitive and give everything a pass - that keep shitty music like this thriving cuz well gee golly gosh they're trying and it's just not nice to say bad things like that!
Some things just deserved to be mocked. In my eyes, this is one of them.
Re: “Warped Tour: Some photos, some words, some general dissatisfaction”
This is mainly in response to Andrew’s rebuttal to my initial comment, but since it is not showing in this thread for some reason, I will try to make it applicable to all.
I believe the main basis of my reply was misconstrued and I would like to make my statements clear. I’m not stating Andrew was wrong in his opinion. I would never tell someone their opinion is wrong, simply because it leads to arguing in circles and nothing more. In fact, I tend to agree with where Andrew is coming from and probably have a lot in common with him. I clearly enjoy the same music as him, so he’s okay in my book. Actually, this was the first time I had gone to Warped Tour in at least five years simply because I thought the lineups were just not that great previously. And I am not “backing” anything. I would rather stick a fork in my ear than listen to half of the music that is available today. But just like I would never argue Andrew with his opinion on this subject, I would not tell someone that their choice in music is wrong. As Andrew suggested, the target demographic for this particular tour is young people. Teens. Let’s face it, we all made not-so-great decisions as teens. Just let them do their thing and learn on their own without shoving down their throats why they are wrong. Every generation has had its one hit wonders. Just let it run its course short course and let it fizzle out, as it likely will. I’m just tired of the “everything I don’t like is bad and you’re stupid for liking it” mentality that is so rampant right now, especially in music.
The main issue I had with this article is its lack of grounding in a solid argument, and that is why I added some facts that were not addressed. It seemed like nothing more than a slew of attacks and accusations with little to no support to back them up. And the support that was given was based on opinion and half-truths that lead to nothing but opinions layered with more opinions. Personally, I felt it was a poorly constructed argument that was even immature at times. When I was taught to write and construct arguments, I was taught that all observations needed to be grounded with evidence in order to be reputable (and taken seriously). I guess not all people where taught the same. There are more points I could make regarding Andrew’s response to my comment, but since it is not showing up in this thread, I will refrain. (But he does use lots of exclamation marks to validate his argument! That’s how you make a point! Yelling! Yes!) Also, surely a good writer can’t assume that their current work is validated by their previous work and that a casual reader will read all previous entries before reading a current one. That’s like saying Guns N’ Roses’ Chinese Democracy should get a pass because Appetite for Destruction was so great. Just no. I am familiar with the content so I know better, but someone who maybe saw the article in passing might not. Are they expected to give an article they dislike a pass because the author wrote another article earlier that they enjoyed? I’m sorry, but that sounds exactly like what I was accused of doing in giving music you don’t like a pass. Bottom line, I posted my response because I love and care for Creative Loafing very much and it bothers me to see a writer add to our content with poorly supported opinions and arguments, regardless of subject matter. It is nothing but a disservice to the reputation of the entire company and I hope future articles will be better constructed.
Side note: Andrew, I took a look at some of your photos and they are great, truly. Keep up the good work.
Re: “Warped Tour: Some photos, some words, some general dissatisfaction”
Joran, FYI, to read the rest of Andrew's work, it's as simple as clicking his hyperlinked name, same as you would do with any author whose work you wanted to look at :-)
Re: “Warped Tour: Some photos, some words, some general dissatisfaction”
Andrew, I'm with you, but maybe some links to your previous coverage so we get the whole picture?
Re: “Warped Tour: Some photos, some words, some general dissatisfaction”
I don't think Andrew is narrow-minded at all based on his musical taste and stuff he's written in the past - just jaded and not objective about it. It's not like he's never gone to Warped before, so at least his opinions are based on experience. He used to be way into this shizz. Now he's not. I think that's pretty much all you need to take from it. Just my 2 cents.
Re: “Warped Tour: Some photos, some words, some general dissatisfaction”
Good for you. It's not news to anyone that warped tour has been sucking major balls these past few years.
Sorry dude ^^ but it's more like 'People like YOU' who are "killing the progression of art" by backing such shit music and making it acceptable for mediocrity to make such a name for itself.
Re: “Warped Tour: Some photos, some words, some general dissatisfaction”
Of course music changes. Doesn't mean I can't call a spade a spade for what it is sometimes; just bad music. Am I supposed to just ignore all I've learned about popular music and what (personally) makes it good, just so I don't step on someone' toes? Give me a break.
"I am mature enough not to make someone feel lowly for their musical preference" Who feels lowly? Anyone? Anyone at all? What if I felt lowly after reading this tirade against me and what I like, or dislike in this case?
I'm stifling these people? GOOD. In their little stifled-out period that I've so powerfully thrusted them into with these words, maybe they can take the time to really learn about themselves, what they truly think matters in this world, and hone their skills instead of barfing out this terrible McMusic they produce. I sure wish I did.
And the best thing about your comment, Daniel, above all else, is your very apparent need to be some kind of white knight for these poor, defenseless fans, like they can't do it themselves, like I'm some big bad wolf music critic or something. Thanks, bud. I'm sure they'll appreciate it. Have you seen any comment thread, ever, on the internet? I'm sure these kids will be fine, and wait for this, maybe even LEARN a little something about an opinion that opposes their own. Or maybe just comment and call me a stupid faggot nine times while blasting We The Kings and chugging Mountain Dews. Who knows?
I see how you could've made the conclusion that I'm some sort of punk purist just really upset with the state of things like this today, but trust me, I'm not. Read any of my past content on here, or anywhere for that matter, and see how vested I am in punk music or the punk ethos (I'll save you the time, not very).
Your whole interwoven punk and the Warped Tour lesson (complete with a picture!) is obnoxiously obvious, but I appreciate the effort and time (on the company clock?) you took to think about these things. I took stabs at the whole punk aspect because, correct me if I'm wrong here, but Warped Tour still has a very common reputation for being the big "punk" summer music festival? Billing itself as some fun animal of a festival when really it's just this mediocre, desperate, thing under all its colorful wrapping?
OH, and people like me? Seriously? Maybe it's the people like you - who try to be so nice and sensitive and give everything a pass - that keep shitty music and shallow cultures like this thriving cuz well gee golly gosh they're trying and it's just not nice to say bad things like that!
Some things just deserved to be mocked. In my eyes, this is one of them.
Re: “Warped Tour: Some photos, some words, some general dissatisfaction”
No good art ever came out of a mold and that's what 90% of the bands look & sound like that play Warped. I'll scream it through my swinging mic if you need a picture painted. ;)
Re: “Warped Tour: Some photos, some words, some general dissatisfaction”
Firstly, I am a full time employee of CL, so if you respond please do so not thinking that I am just some casual reader who doesn't understand the content and tone of CL. And here we go...
Okay, if there is one thing I cannot stand it is people who are narrow-minded music listeners. Music changes. Is it all great? No, but insulting the people who make it or the people who enjoy it does nothing but stifle the art for fear that they might make music that someone with blog privileges doesn't like and might bash them for. Did you stop to think how your article might affect a kid who maybe saw their favorite band play at Warped Tour and maybe decided he would like to make music in the future? You and I are contemporaries (I am 23). I too went to Warped Tour this year and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Did I like every band? No. Nor did I expect to, considering there were about 80 bands playing. But I did not bad mouth the bands I didn't like or their fans because it's just my opinion and I am mature enough not to make someone feel lowly for their musical preference. When we were younger and listening to the bands you mentioned having nostalgia for, I'm willing to bet there were people in their 20s or older who disliked the music you held to such high esteem. Maybe some of them voiced their negative opinion and made you upset (I know it happened all the time to me. Still does). So don't be that guy. Don't be a hypocrite.
If you're upset about the lack straight-forward punk rock on the tour, then you are severely out of touch. The tour has changed with the music and the ages. The tour is largely about exposing people to new music. Warped Tour and Kevin Lyman have done great things for the exposure of all kinds of rock music. The tour has proved to be the starting point of the careers of many great bands. The punk rock acts on Warped Tour are scarce and have been for many years. You complaining about that is like someone going to McDonald's and complaining that the chicken isn't real meat after all these years. Where have you been? I hate to break it to you, but the bands that you stated that you enjoy such as Taking Back Sunday and New Found Glory aren't punk. Pop punk maybe, but you negated your argument when you voiced you disappointment of the lack of punk rock but then stated the bands you enjoyed.
Also, the shot at bands having tents to sell merchandise? Really? Do you know anything about what it takes to be a touring band? Most bands rely mostly on the money made from selling those $20 shirts just to afford gas to make it to the next city. (Luckily on Warped Tour a BBQ is held everyday for the bands. Young bands touring on their own often have to choose between affording gas or food. They most often choose gas). As for the size and customization of the tents, the record labels typically pay for those in order to catch the eye of potential fans. In addition, the comment about the "assortment of overpriced, artery-clogging treats" is only a half truth. You failed to mention to that concertgoers are allowed to bring their own food and water and that the tour also has a station to refill their water bottles for free. So I fail to see your logic in these attacks.
If you don't enjoy the bands, don't go to the show for the purpose of degrading those who do enjoy it. Bottom line, people like you are killing the progression of art. If you're so close-minded then listen to what you like and leave the rest alone. If you want to sound like a punk rock elitist, then listen to The Ramones or Sex Pistols, not the bands you listed (though I also enjoy them very much). But please, don't try to make others feel lesser for their tastes. Times change and so does music along with it, and maybe should your clouded outlook. You're trying to paint the Warped Tour as this evil thing that is destroying the current state of music, but if you ask me, it's people like you who speak without care as to what affect their words may have.
Oh, and in reference to your flawed and desperate shot at bands "clad in more black, worn denim than a Hell's Angels reunion", I leave you with this: http://bit.ly/RwSfyT
Good day, sir.
Re: “Throw your own festival”
Dear Frankie, members of your Tampa scene played at the Compound this past Saturday alongside many Saint Pete acts as well as people from all over the state and overseas. We are an open, welcoming and excited people about doing amazing things in the Tampa Bay area. Your friends are already attending and playing these shows. Apparently you've been missing out. Sincerely, Jesse Thelonious Vance
Re: “Throw your own festival”
thanks for the rad article! there is definitely no one way to set up shows. do it yr own way! hit us up online if you want to know when and where neato shows are happening in st petersburg and tampa - to me its all one big town! don't pose, start a band and have a good time!
Re: “Throw your own festival”
Kids in the Tampa noise scene have been putting on "fests" guerilla-style outside, in houses, in warehouses, in parks, under bridges, in parking lots, etc. for like 10 years now. This article reeks of over thinkers and the uninformed.
Re: “Throw your own festival”
Please correct my name...Susan Dickson, not Dickinson!
Re: “Antiwarpt III: The Must-Sees”
Free Wallies album download at
Re: “What’s your fantasy fest?”
ive been playing this out in my head since i was 13. how nerdy is that?
Re: “What’s your fantasy fest?”
I just laughed my arse off. I can't wait for the Slip n Slide and the Misting tent! Not to mention the Puppy and Kitten petting zoo! You're the greatest, Julie!
Re: “Crocodiles rock”
I used to work with the bass player he's from NY.
Re: “Album review: Joe Jackson, The Duke”
Joe always takes a second listen, because with Joe you never know what you're going to get. The 2nd listen you have an idea and can take it all in better. As usual the first listen I wasn't so sure, but this album gets better with every listen. Thanks again Joe. See you October 2nd in Seattle. Wish I had better seats. Found it tough this year to find them on line without going to a scalper. It's Tickets.com in Seattle
Re: “Warped Tour: Some photos, some words, some general dissatisfaction”
Yeah, sorry but this is all kind of one big cheap shot. You go to this particular festival with some clearly preconceived notions of the scene and knowing it's music you are not into. And then you rip it apart. What challenging music journalism! How novel to be anti-Warped Tour!
This whole article is pointlessly contrary and elitist.
How about you just make this a running column where you go to shows of bands that you aren't in line with your taste and write about how stupid they are?