Killing it

Published Jun 23 2005, 08:31 AM by webteam

TONIGHT:
When we saw Alkaline Trio getting the goth-punk extreme makeover, we feared the worst: 'cause, y'know, there just ain't enough counter space at Hot Topic for two AFIs. Not to worry, though, because with the exception of a little ghost-haunted piano here and there, Crimson (Vagrant/Interscope) is straight-up Chicago punk rock. And by that we mean it's pop without sounding like emo. If anything, Alkaline pick up where the Windy City's late, great Smoking Popes left off, packing Naked Raygun firepower and Morrissey's limp-wristed croon into songs that make skinny boys swoon. Producer Jerry Finn (Green Day, etc.) even got 'em to sneak the words "basket case" into the chorus of the leadoff track. Alkaline Trio play Avalon, 15 Lansdowne Street in Boston, in a 7 p.m., all-ages show, and tickets are $19; call (617) 262-2424.

Alkaline Trio, "Time To Waste" (mp3)
Alkaline Trio, "Time To Waste" (video)

OTHER FUN THINGS:
1. In this week's issue: Foo Fighters land in Roswell. Jeff Miller's on the plane. You can stream the entire Foos-at-Area-51 performance here.

2. Razorblade Rollie is killing shit. Go check his blog for new Jay-Z remix of the current Paul Wall smash; the standalone version of DFA's Nine Inch Nails remix; lots more goodness.

3. Speaking of killing it . . . new A Wilhelm Scream track from their forthcoming Ruiner (Nitro). Growlier and heavier than their last one:

AWS, "Killing It" (mp3)