…Love shitty music.  Especially dance music, it’s never ending and everyone knows all the words.  I guess I’m over here because of their taste in music, so I can’t really complain. I’m pretty much adapted to this place, for the most part, I just try to accept things the way they are and not dwell on the fact that they don’t make sense, like my last sentence.  I’m currently in Nottingham, the Goo Goo Dolls are playing next door to us tonight, we got passes to go watch Johnny Reznik and that other, more portly dude hack it up later on.   Should be interesting.

and that’s about it. Everyone else decided it was cool enough the first time so stopping to see it again was not necessary. So I indeed did get to see this historical landmark, but just through the van window.

Why ‘Reka?: Nine times out of 10, when you tell someone you’re going to Eureka (hopefully, you’ll never have to say “I’m going to Eureka” more than 10 times in your life) they figure you’re probably talking Yreka, the humble piss-stop town off of I-5 North on the way to Oregon. But true scions of Northern California know that Eureka with a “eu” is a very, very different place than Yreka. The word Eureka is greek for “I have found it,” but a lot’s changed since the time someone was excited to find Eureka. The gold that gave it it’s name ran out a long time ago, and the other two rape-able natural resources that have kept Eureka from becoming a complete waste of time and space, timber and fish, are both quickly heading that way too. In fact the only things that Eureka seems to have in abundance these days is weed and crazy ass homeless people, and not necessarily in that order. (more…)

So I’ve been in the UK for a few days now and I’m still getting used to how things work around this place.  the first thing that threw me off is their money, it’s totally pointless, I have a pocket full of change that is worth, if converted to the American dollar, a whole shitload.  I found that the majority of people dislike Americans, especially if you show up at “their” pub and try to have a good time.  Little kids here are complete shitheads, today I was called a longhaired cunt and had rocks and pens thrown at me by four 12 year olds.  Don’t ever take pictures of shithead kids, this will happen to you too.  220volt power is the dumbest thing ever invented.  Glastonbury Festival, while cool, hip and elite, actually is a giant hippy fest headlined by some bands I have never heard of.  British accents aren’t cool, especially when someone is telling you something you should remember.  Try packing your mouth full grapes and then say a sentence to someone, see how much they understand what is being said.  Everyone here is a lush.  This is actually a good thing, except that 16 year old can drink me under the table.  And the number one thing I can’t and refuse to get used to is…..  the damn food.  It’s the worst stuff I’ve ever had.  They can’t make breakfast, scrambled eggs are apparently the hardest food to make taste good.  The fish and chips are alright, they would have been better if they took the bones out though.  After reading this over I’m wondering how I’m going to survive another two weeks here?  I’ll figure it out I guess.  At least it looks nice.

In what is interesting news to some, Ozzfest, which was once a lucrative touring festival, and later a “free”, half- assed touring festival, has now been downsized to a one day metalfest of sorts. My guess is bands finally realized that paying upwards of $80,000 to play for free on a nationwide tour is not worth it anymore. On the positive side, the lineup for one day show (held in Dallas, Texas at Pizza Hut Park) will feature performances from some pretty impressive bands; Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Serj Tankian, Hellyeah, Jonathan Davis and others. Kids that love outdated music and washed up, used-to-be-in-a-big-band-but-have-to-play-less-important-solo-music are stoked.

As if Against Me!, All That Remains, Anberlin, Angels and Airwaves, As I Lay Dying, Bouncing Souls, Cobra Starship, Every Time I Die, From First to Last, GBH, Gym Class Heroes, Jack’s Mannequin, Motion City Soundtrack, Norma Jean, Paramore, Pennywise, Reel Big Fish, Relient K, Rise Against, Say Anything, Story of the Year, Street Dogs, The Academy Is…, The All-American Rejects, The Bronx, The Dillinger Escape Plan and The Vandals weren’t enough, it was announced today that Matisyahu and Chiodos will both be joining the mainstage of the 2008 Warped Tour for a limited number of dates:

The VANS WARPED TOUR 2008 Presented By AT&T has announced two new additions for a portion of this summer’s trek. Matisyahu will join the tour for the July 9 (Atlanta), July 10 (Orlando), July 11 (Tampa) and the July 13 (Jacksonville) shows. Also look for Chiodos to perform a one-night-only show on July 18 in Detroit at Comerica Park.

“I’m really glad this opportunity came up with Matisyahu,” notes tour founder Kevin Lyman. “He’s an artist I’ve always felt would be an amazing addition to the line up, so I’m excited to have him finally join us for a bit. It’s always great to have a band like Chiodos–who’s been a part of the Warped family since the beginning of their careers–want to come back after all their success to spend a day with us.”

If you dig Chiodos but don’t live in Detroit fret not, you can check out a couple dope videos of the band live from this year’s SXSW festival on the Synthesis YouTube page, along with more than a couple interviews and rap sessions with various members of the band. We’re here for you, man.