A Long Overdue Introduction...

Issue Number 6, from 1998

So, this blog is a month old now, and I thought I'd attempt a few words about the hows and whys about it, because, better late than never.

'My God Can Beat Up Your God' came into existence in the mid/late nineties. I forget exactly when, and I don't have a copy nearby of the original issues to find out, but I'm going to guess about 1995. I could be wrong. It started life as a scrappy, crappy cut 'n' punk rock fanzine, and lasted until (I think) 1999 when I put it to rest as part of a three way split fanzine with 2 other local punk rock fanzines (yes, Thirsk had more than one fanzine back in the '90s). Each issue featured interviews, (often badly written) articles, and some reviews, and was all stuck together with prittstick and taken to the local photocopy shop where I'd print off as many copies as I could afford. Back in the 90s there was no internet (or at least, no one in the punk scene had the internet), and interviews were either conducted by post or scribbled down on note paper at gigs (never could afford a dictaphone). Articles were often whiny views on the world, wrapped up in punk rock politics and full of spelling mistakes. Reviews, which I used to hate doing, were simple, short and not very descriptive, although it was fun getting so much free stuff to review, vinyl, cds and tapes from punk bands worldwide who would trust me to fairly judge and promote their product. The scene needed fanzines back in those dark days, its one of the reasons punk rock stayed so vibrant and healthy, it was a glue that helped keep it from dying. Or so us 'zine editors would tell ourselves. Truth is, it was just fun doing them.

And that's why I started this blog. I'm not here to promote any particular scene, just promote things I really enjoy, be it punk rock, hip hop, wrestling, MMA, B-movies, conspiracies, whatever takes my fancy at the time. I know covering such a wide, varied range of subjects is just as likely to put off people from the bog, as it is to draw people in, but I'm not doing this for other people, I'm doing this for my own personal enjoyment, because I find writing fun, because I enjoy interviewing people I'm inspired by, and because I want to share my interests and enjoyments with anyone who's willing to read about them, whether thats 2 people or 200 people. 

I'm not here to make the world a better place. I know this blog is going to get lost in an ocean of internet crap. And its certainly not as cool as having an actual physical printed fanzine. But it is free, instant, accesabe to anyone who has an internet connection, and more importantly I'm enjoying the hellout of doing it.

Here's to the next month, and as many after that, until I run out of awesome things to cover...

Aaron BeatUp

May 2014

Nyiam (Interview)

 I can't exactly remember how or when I first heard Nyiam, but it was round about the time we were looking for bands to put on the 0605 Records '#W06ld Dominati05' compilation, and as soon as we heard his flows we knew we needed him on the comp. An extremely talented Canadian, not just a rapper, but also highly skilled at production and beat making, and not only that, but he actually has a clue about the world around him and opinions on it - he's not just another dull MC rhyming about himself or bitches & guns. Sure, a lot of his rhymes are about weed, and we love that, but dig a little deeper and you'll find a whole world of conspiracies, ethics and opinions rarely touched by other rappers. He has plenty of albums, all for free download, over at his Bandcamp page (Nyiam Bandcamp), so go show our boy some love...




1: How did you first start to get involved with hip hop? What came first, making your beats or starting to rhyme?
I was always involved with music as a youngster, heavily influenced by my fathers music tastes of Jazz, Soul ,R&B and HipHop (LL Cool J, Pac, Mariah Carey,Black street, Boys 2 Men, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Chi Lites ) I was in and out of piano classes, played saxophone in school band and kept a journal for writing poetry throughout junior/high school years. I never really put together the rhyming and musical aspects till I started messing with digital music production when I was 17 (after the arrival of broadband internet and now influenced by my own music tastes which I picked up over the years) which allowed me to pull off a "one man band" situation and resulted in my first Album as a emcee and beatmaker "D.O.P.E" in 2010. So really I would say I started the beats and rhymes around the same time but never put them together till my late teens.

2: A lot of your lyrics, Tweets & posts on Facebook deal with waking people up, and getting people to look for the truth, and are heavily influenced by conspiracy theories. Do you think its hard to get people to look into things because of the negative connotations connected to conspiracies, or just because people don’t want to know? Do you think its important, as an MC, to carry a message in your lyrics?
They say there are only 2 mistakes you can make on the path to truth a) Not starting and b) Not going all way For those who allow the negative connotations attached to conspiracy theories to stop them from further investigation are no different then a young child who is afraid to go down stairs to take a wee wee at night because hes scared of what he may see. As for the major "conspiracy theories" concerning our governments and monetary systems ITS NOT A THEORY ANYMORE, ITS BEEN PROVEN. So I would call those who refuse to look COINCIDENCE THEORISTS, and they should come up with a workable model that proves all these happening are coincidence. If they can get over the fear of seeing what is currently unknown to them. Knowledge is the element of hiphop which has been there from the beginning, but unfortunately doesn't show its face in most mainstream hiphop. I believe the MESSAGE element of hiphop is the most important part, and without it you end up with what we have today as the mainstream "hiphop" scene, for the most part a whole lot of non sense.

3: You’re very outspoken when it comes to consuming animals, how long have you been vegi/vegan? What was the deciding factor in it? Is it hard to eat cruelty free in Canada?

I stopped consuming the dead flesh of other beings in 2011 after my body began to reject the idea on its own, I felt like I was forcing myself to finish the meat portions of meals, and soon after I decided to omit meat from my diet . In the following years I began an intense information synthesis on nutrition and the workings of the human body, mind, and spirit which confirmed my earlier dietary changes and prompted another change to a mostly raw , completely vegan diet (which by the way will change your entire life , something that must be experienced and cannot be shared through conversation only). Eating cruelty free in Canada (Toronto at least) is easy enough, there is a large community of health conscience people, organic farmers markets, and vegan/vegi dining locations through out the city. Its pretty awesome.

4: Whats the hip hop scene like in Canada? Is there any bands we should be looking out for?
I can't really say i know how the whole scene is in Canada but I can tell you that within the area I reside (The Greater Toronto Area) there is a huge scene which is overflowing with stellar artists from all walks be it DJ's Emcees Beatmakers Graff Artists and b-boys/girls. Some artists to look out for CLASS OF 93 (producer Astro Mega and Emcee Kzaraw) , ATEN TUT (emcee ) , CROOKLIN (emcee producer) , Anzola (producer) JOSH GRANT (Producer), just to name a few.

5: Where do you see Nyiam in the next couple of years, and how do you want your music to evolve?

I see Nyiam in next couple of years doing more abstract music, instrumental sound scape collages with spoken word . I want to integrate more information pertaining to raising human awareness back into hiphop and distance myself from the musical norms. I want to make people think for themselves instead of being told what to think.

6: The classic ‘My God Can Beat Up Your God’ question: With which people would you like to drink, fight & fuck?

I would love to burn a joint with Charles Darwin and chat about his theory of evolution ( like question 2 he was just forming a theory which is necessary to find truth) , but then I'd fight him after for writing the theory based on NO FACTUAL EVIDENCE IN THE FOSSIL RECORD TO SUPPORT IT. (which still hasn't been found to this day) 

 7: Any last words, shout out, death threats or final words of wisdom? Where can people check out your music?
Truth Reigns Supreme As Above so Below
As within So without.
peace and love www.thestoner.info

You can get a hold of, and check this awesome motherfucker out at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irapsick
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nyiam
Bandcamp: http://nyiam.bandcamp.com/music

Mr Shiraz (Interview)

Awesome punk rock and metal from a lovely bunch of idiots called Mr Shiraz.

I've known these guys (and girl) a while now, some of my very early bands played with them almost 15 years ago, and they've always been rad people to know and hang out with. I'd lost touch with them over the last couple of years, so it was a pleasent suprise to find vocalist Mikey Shiraz as ring announcer for Tidal Wrestling, and he told me to check out their latest EP 'God Hates Mr Shiraz' on Bandcamp - totally glad I did. Four tracks of blistering, angry, energetic punk rock/metal crossover, with lyrics poking at religion, and praising classic 80s action films (my favourite type of movie), the title track alone ('Good Ol Jack Burton') just makes me want to watch Big Trouble In Little China for the millionth time... Really well produced, and meaty as fuck, headbanging riffs and full throttle beats collide on this EP, and after the first two tracks have whipped you into a frenzy thats made you smash your room up, they slow things down for track 3 ('I Like It') but still manage to encompass the energy & urgency of the earlier tracks, but with a more steady pace and a more complex structure. The final track flips back to their skateboard thrashing, headbanging, beer drinking mayhem and rounds off the EP nicely. And to top it all off, it's free too (or pay as much as you want when you download it) and its available right here on their Bandcamp page to download or stream - Mr Shiraz Bandcamp

1: You’ve been on the go for a long time (I’m pretty sure you played with my first band The Write Offs back in the 90s), when did you first start up the band, and why the hell haven't you given up yet?

The first ever Mr Shiraz gig was December 1st 1999 at Josephs Well in Leeds. The reason we are still doing this? I just love it, I truly adore just getting in a van going to somewhere different and playing these songs, with these people. Being in a band is rad! I guess we maybe should have changed our name many times over the years what with the changes in line-up and sound but thats only a minor thing.

2: When you first started you were a straight up ska-punk band, now your sound has evolved into that of straight up metal. Did this come by accident with the numerous line-up changes, or was it a concious decision? Who are the original members of the band, and who’s joined since then? Is the new sound a fun poke at metal, or is it something you want to continue with?

I wouldn't say we were ever really straight-up ska/punk and I still think we are a long way from 'metal', I like to say we are a punk rock band who likes to throw in big riffs. In the ska days we always had a little schizophrenic edge, songs would go off on a tangent into something really off kilter, I like to think we still do that.

It was never a straight up conscious decision to change sound either. A lot has to do with members leaving I guess, that and getting older your music tastes change. From the very original line-up there is only me and Tori left standing which is cool with me as it was us two who started this. Tim joined 9 years ago. Iain(drummer) and Sam (rhythm guitar). both joined at different parts of last year.

With members coming and going there was a steady evolution taking part but last year there was a big change. Rob, our original drummer, had to leave due to illness which gutted us, also we lost Karl the guitarist who had taken over original guitarist Fonts (although Fonts came back for a few months when Karl left haha). We felt it would be wrong to keep playing these same songs we played with those guys. We didn't want the new members to feel like they were there as like session musicians so we decided to hit the reset button. Drop all our old songs and write a whole new set.

It was the best thing we have ever done. It lifted a great weight of our shoulders and for the first time in many, many years we felt like a band again. All writing together, listening to each others ideas and this created a new hunger to start going out and playing again and showing people that we are pretty fucking rad! haha. I honestly believe we are now creating the best tunes we have ever done.

3: What have Mr Shiraz got up their sleeves for the next year or so?

I just love gigging man. Surely that is the reason people join bands. Fuck fame, money and all that shit. I want to gig and hopefully people come watch and enjoy us. So lots of gigs, we just released a new EP - 'God Hates Mr Shiraz'. Now we are off back in to record the follow up. It was 7 years between the release of our first and second albums so now i want a constant barrage of stuff coming out. Like I said I think these are the best tunes we've ever done and we have a shit-ton to let people here so expect a lot more of these EPs.

4: The classic ‘My God Can Beat Up Your God’ question: With which people would you like to drink, fight & fuck?

Now that is a question. I'm gonna say Ryan Reynolds for all three. I mean have you seen those eyes! They are so kind and friendly. My girlfriend doesn't understand this weird obsession I have with the dude, I think he just seems like a good, genuine dude. So i'd drink with Van Wilder Ryan reynolds, have a fight with him so I can say I had battled with 'Deadpool' and then fuck him like he fucked the Green Lantern. Did you see that film? Such bollocks. That CGI suit was an embarrassment. The only thing that got me through were his kind eyes.

5: If you had a time machine, where would you go, and what would you do?

These questions just got hard. I could be all deep and gallant and say something about stopping a war or some terrible historical event but that would be bullshit. I'd prefer to mess about with people. Go way back and be some Nostradamus type, predict all this stuff that will actually happen and then say the second coming will arrive on a certain date, dressed in a certain way, people will see that this historical figure predicted all these future events with such accuracy so they begin to believe this second coming prediction. The day they arrive at the place they see me stood dressed exactly how was predicted, with my left bollock hanging out. Awesome.

6: You (Mikey) also promote shows, how long have you been doing that, and how did you get into it? Who’ve been your favourite bands, or gigs you’ve put on? What would be your dream line up?

I've been doing this for 9 years now, totally fell into it, I was working in a rock bar and friends in bands would get hold of me asking me to put their band on, I thought what the hell. I knew how shitty bands in the UK got treated so I decided i wanted to do it different and treat the bands well. It worked well as I have been able to get some ridiculous bands who are far too big for the tiny place I book for. Some of my favourites have been Voodoo Glow Skulls, Agent Orange, MDC, Wheatus (not because they were good just to see everyone shocked that they were gonna play, they weren't great haha), Souls Of Mischief, Akil from Jurassic 5. So so so so many, i've somehow just booked The Bronx to play their smallest gig ever! Which is amazing as they are the best band in the world right now.

Dream line-up would be Faith No More, Deftones, The Bronx, NWA, Fugazi, Suicidal Tendencies, Mr Shiraz, i'll also put Write Offs and Mafia Vs Ninja in there haha.

7: And you’re also the ring announcer for Tidal Wrestling. Who’s your favourite wrestlers, and what would be your dream match? Who’s been impressing you at Tidal so far?

Tidal is amazing! Wrestling wise i've been a WWF/WWE fan since I was a kid and was always a Warrior fan + Bret Hart + Stone Cold. CM Punk, love the Shield and the Wyatts at the moment Tidal though, jesus! these guys can go. I've been to a lot of WWE events, my girlfriend and I even went to Wrestlemania last year but what happens in the ring, nothing touches the Tidal guys. Just unbelievable. I hope the promotion just grows and grows. Favourite match I think was Rampage Brown Vs Dave Mastiff. It wasn't the most technical fight ever but it was just brutal. It was a fight!

8: Any last words, shout outs, death threats or parting words of wisdom? And to finish - What are your 5 favourite, most played, influential or current records you play at home?

Yeah! Please come see us play, listen to us, etc, we are good people. Never anger KISS fans they are fucking mental, go see Tidal Wrestling.

Fred 'The Hammer' Williamson

Fred Williamson is awesome. One of my favourite actors, playing some of the most kick ass characters on the big screen. This man has done it all: he's an accomplished karate expert, he was in the first ever Superbowl back in 1967, he was a commentator on Monday Night Football, he posed for Playgirl in 1973, he's been in a Snoop Dogg music video, and he's fought everything from futuristic barbarians to vampires - he's the ultimate action hero. And he's still kicking ass in his 70s. 

He's one of the stars of my favourite film - The New Barbarians (1982), and has starred in classics action films from the 70s & 80s like 'The Bronx Warriors', 'Vigilante', 'Boss Nigger', the original 'The Inglorious Bastards' and modern films like 'From Dusk Till Dawn' & 'Starsky & Hutch'. And he still directs, produces and stars in films to this day, and runs Po'Boy Productions...

I managed to get a few words with the big guy himself, not the full interview I was hoping for, but lets face it - Fred Williamson is so awesome, he could've told me to fuck off and I'd still be a giddy fan boy...

"Received your request, but damn bro, that's a lot of finger on the keyboard. Anyway..."

From a very early stage, you took control of your own career, and are still writing, producing, directing & staring in films to this day. What made you decide to try your hand at so much in film? Was it a tough move to make?  

My actions and achievements in my life has always started with a plan, the doing and not give a shit what people say or think. I came to Hollywood to be a hero to my already football fans, they were moving too slow to allow me to do that so I started to do my own, and gave Hollywood my three rules: You can't kill me in a movie, I win all my fights, and I get the girl if I want her. I only take roles I want, I can't be bought - my integrity is not for sale, nor is my image. My advise - get a job, and stay away from Hollywood unless you are a strong 'don't give a shit person'... 

The Hammer  

PS. Fights don't happen in my life.

  

 

Steven Coupland (Interview)

Promising MMA fighter Steven Coupland lives in the same town as me, and seeing as I'm a big MMA fan I couldn't not hook up with him for an interview... Go give the lad a follow on Twitter, and show him some love and support. Or he'll put you in a kimura and snap your arm...

1: How long have you been involved in MMA? How did you get into it, and who trained you? When was your first fight?
I think I started training in MMA at around the end of 2010 when I was 17. Before that though I had been training in karate for a few years. I'd seen MMA fights on YouTube but didn't really have any clue about how to get started. I was working at the leisure centre gym in Thirsk and saw a guy hitting the bag, I asked him a couple questions, he gave me the details of a club and the next week I went down to check it out. That was Gary Watkinsons club - Multi Masters Academy in York (Now called United Masters) and I've been going down and training with Gaz ever since. My first fight was October 22nd 2011 on CAGE CONFRONTATION 4 in York against Henry Duxbury. Crazy debut fight!

2: Last year you represented England in Cyprus, was that one of your major achievements? You're hoping to go up to NSAC level too this year, is there a lot more training and discipline involved in that?
Yeah last year I went over to the ISKA World Amateur Championships representing team England, I had previously won 2 ISKA British Amateur Titles before going over there but yeah being on the team and fighting in another country was a real experience and definitely my biggest fight to date, we took gold in the majority of weight divisions and even locked out the welterweight class taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd place! But yeah the next step now is fighting at the next level up, there's different rules set for each level of competition which allows for newer guys to start off at a slightly easier level while they gain experience, I've fought at amateur, semi pro and now I'm looking to take on more NSAC fights. I made my debut awhile back winning in the first round by submission, But yeah I'm definitely looking forward to getting more fights done later in the year. It's a big step up in competition with there being a lot more experienced opponents and because under them rules ground and pound is allowed, there's a lot more to think about.

3: Who are you favourite or most inspirational fighters/people? What are your favourite fighting styles, and which styles would you like to learn more of?
My favourite fighters are Shogun Rua, Cain Velasquez and Jose Aldo. I like most styles of fighting to be honest, they all bring something new to the game but if I had to choose id probably say people with aggressive Thai boxing styles, always interesting to watch. Personally I'm looking to start adding more Judo into my game. Hopefully get some highlight reel throws and submissions next time I step in the cage!

4: The classic 'My God Can Beat Up Your God' question... With which folk would you most like to drink, fight and fuck?
Not a massive drinker to be fair, with me being an athlete and I also work alot of weekends and night shifts so it's not something I really have time for. I was going to give you some ridiculous answer like I'd want to drink with Vikings or something but to be honest I'd rather just take some of my best mates (Ryan Wilbor, Jordan Brier, Luke Watson, Emmanuel Moodley, Az Crawford, Dan and Ben Smith) on a mad holiday and have a stupid time over there, you make a lot of sacrifices as a athlete/fighter, a lot of time spent training and having to be strict with your diet and things sometimes I don't get chance to see my mates as much as I used to and act like the majority of people my age going out and having a good time. I wouldn't change things though. I love training and fighting and it's what I want to do with my life and every time I get my hand raised at the end of a fight or hit a personal best in the gym, I know them sacrifices are worth it. 
If I had to chose someone to fight.. I'd probably say Henry Duxbury. I've only been beaten twice. Both times by close/split decision. Once by Henry and once by Nic Sanderson. I've fought Nic twice, once I won and once he won, we are good mates and training partners so I don't hold a grudge or anything against him, but yeah I fought Henry in 2011 and since it's been annoying me. I've developed loads as a fighter over the last couple of years and I wouldn't mind seeing how things would be different a second time round.
And the final part of your question... KHALEESI. (Game Of Thrones fans will understand...)

5: What 5 records/songs/bands do you most enjoy either working out to/hyping up or training to?
I like A LOT of different music to be honest. I mostly listen to a lot of Grime, Hip Hop, Drum and Bass and House. Couldn't really choose 5 favourite tracks but I like artists like K dot, Webster, P money, Tempa T and chase and status.

6: Any last words, shout out, death threats or words of wisdom?
Thanks to you for the interview, Thanks to Gaz, Wes and all the other guys at United Masters who help prepare me for my fights. Big up Sam Bye, Jonty Banks and the guys at Absolute Fitness in Boroughbridge who have helped me with my Strength and Conditioning. Shout out to my brother Luke who always helps motivate me to go do them long runs. Big up all my sponsors - Inkwell Arts Tattoo Studios (Northallerton and Thirsk), Daketo Clothing and El Diablito Apparel. Make sure you check them all out and finally thanks to my girlfriend Helena for always being so supportive of me and my training.
Follow me on twitter @steven_coupland to keep up with what I'm doing with my training and fights!

Maid Of Ace (Interview)

Attitude laced snarly punk rock & roll, played by 4 beautiful and drunk punk rock ladies - how could I not want an interview with these? Maid Of Ace, hailing from Hasting, UK, are gaining attention and recognition on the punk rock circuit, and with the release of their debut album, and a bunch of killer videos, these girls are looking unstoppable right now, as they head to Germany for a tour at the end of May... So do yourself a favour, check out their stuff, buy the album and go see them live, you'll thank me for it...

1: How and when did Maid Of Ace start? Were you in previous bands, or is this your first one?

Maid of Ace started at the dawn of time, we always have and always will be this band.... Until we kill each other!

2: How's the debut album going? Any plans for a vinyl release? Is it up on itunes/spotify, or is it just physical release? 

Our baby's out there already! You can get it from our website www.maid-of-ace.com or at a show near you!.. It's not up for digital download, we wanted somethin you can hold - would love to do vinyl at a later date, but we got cds for the meantime! We also have a shit load of videos on Youtube if your skint!

3: Being an all girl band, do you ever get blokes looking down on you, or does it ever work in reverse - and you find yourselves getting booked just to 'even the odds/please the right on brigade'? Or is the punk scene passed all that now? 

Not really, I mean we've had the odd sexist pig, or Punk police that 'cant' like us becoz we're girls. We generally attract old school punks that don't give a shit bout image, they just like good music! Being an all girl band obviously your always gona have some men paying attention for that shire fact but thats the same in any case/ boy bands have they're female attention too...its no different.

4: You've got a tour of Germany coming up in May, is this your first tour outside of the UK? Who's it with, and how did it come about? How do you find the UK punk scene, too much negativity, back biting, no money and poor crowds,or do you find it inspiring and fun? 

We do indeed! It kicks off 23rd may! It was organised by Scheolcke promotions - a German booking agency who got in contact with our UK booking agency Headcheck Records. Have a feelin its gonna be somewhat similar to 'the Comic Strip presents Bad News'. Haha, 'I mean, we'd be as rich as the Stones if we sold as many records as them'. We love the UK punk scene, theres not much money in it - coz no one has any! - but its a good hard workin circuit!... Lookin forward to gettin wild with the Germans though!

5: When you're not drinking cider and making a racket, what do you get up to? Is there much to do in Hastings? If you weren't doing Maid Of Ace, what would you see yourself doing? 

Workin! Punk don't pay the bills! Ha, there's not that much to do here unless your a tourist visiting our burnt down pier, but thats why Hastings has a good live music scene.... We're all in this shit'ole but we're all in it together!

6: The classic 'My God Can Beat Up Your God' question - With which folk would you most like to drink, fight & fuck?

Haha ok.....
Anna - I'd drink with Joan Jett, fight anyone that got in the way, and fuck Tank Girl .
Abby - I'd drink with Ramones, fight Mutant Ninja Turtles and fuck Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Amy - I'd drink with Dolly Parton, fight Jolene and fuck Mr Blobby.
Ali - I'd drink, fight and fuck Dee Skusting from 'A Pretty Mess'.... again.

7: Any last words, shout outs, plugs, death threats or parting words of wisdom? And where can the kids get a hold of you, and what you got coming up in the pipelines?

Find us on Youtube, Facebook, our website www.maid-of-ace.com, at a show near you or down the pub!....

You can find more Maid Of Ace madness at:
Official site: https://www.maid-of-ace.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maidofaceband

Youtube Videos:
Spittin Blood video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj8ldp3xBk4
Dirty Girl video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsKXDo9USNA
Dickhead video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47DWswZEH9I
Enemy Within video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRFS-ga3Iws

Classic Records - Part 1

The term 'classic record' is a load of old shit in reality. Everyone has different tastes, and that's good. Horses for courses, one man's meat is another man's poison, it takes diff'rent strokes to move the world, and all that. No one persons opinion or taste of music is final, and we can fall in and out of love with a song at the drop of a hat. But ignoring all of that, I'm going to do a series of what I consider 'classic albums'. 5 albums in each post, each with some sort of theme, such as 'best hip hop albums', 'best best of albums', 'most influential punk records' and such likes. There's no reason for you to feel like you have to agree, or that you have to tell me I'm wrong. It doesn't matter, this is my blog, my rules, and my choices. So it is without further ado that I kick things off, with my 5 favourite (or the 5 best) albums of all time...

 1: Beastie Boys 'Check Your Head' (1992)

I will always claim that The Beastie Boys are the greatest hip hop group ever. And a lot of people will disagree with me on it. That's fine, I really don't care. To me The Beasties encompass everything good about the hip hop scene, all of it, the art, the music, the positivity, the energy. Of course, they're not always strictly making rap music, and have dabbled in all genres from punk, to country to lounge instrumentals. On this album, this is where they first started mixing it up, and although it's mostly hip hop, there is a bit of punk rock, funk and other styles making an appearance. Everything about this album is perfect to me, the styles, the flows, even the Glen Friedman photo on the cover just makes it perfect. I loved this so much, I actually got one of the song titles, 'Gratitude', tattooed on my neck. ‎ There's a place for this album in everyones collection, no matter how your music taste spans, there'll be at least one track on here for everyone.
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsJCZf8DD_A&list=PL0D41F3D6DBC24CB3

2: Bob Marley/The Wailers 'Burnin' (1973)

I've been to Jamaica, went to Bob Marleys old house and got red eyed as hell while I sat on the same rock he'd sit and write his songs on, it was one of the most spiritual journeys I'll ever take. ‎I'd probably consider most of his albums worthy of a mention, but this one is without a doubt my favourite. No one can do reggae like Bob Marley, his sound just captures your heart from the first listen, if you don't like it then chances are you don't like music. Burnin features some of his more well know tracks, such as 'Get Up, Stand Up' & 'I Shot The sheriff', and also features some often over looked classics, like 'Burning & Looting' and 'Small Axe'. Whether you look at this album as a summertime, feel good, relaxing soundtrack, or as an uplifting, spiritual/social/political call to revolution, you wouldn't be wrong, it is, quite simply, both. This was the last Wailers album, before they became Bob Marley & The Wailers.
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UubfH-1S43k&list=PL35FCDB4E57A7E485

3 & 4: The Clash 'S/T' (1977) & 'Londons Burning' (1979)

Without a doubt, The Clash are one of the finest bands to ever come out of these isles. Granted, a few of their albums were a bit average, and a couple were really just not that good, but 'The Clash' & 'Londons Calling' are just flawless, solid, great albums. Whereas the self titled album is more 'punk' sounding, a lot rawer, angrier and politically charged‎, 'Londons Calling' has a different feel, a bit more of a rock'n'roll influence, and certainly more poppy. I've had to include them both, because my brain really started hurting trying to choose which was my favourite, its just an impossibility. I remember as a teen, and I heard The Clash plenty of times, but one summer I stayed at my cousins, and he'd just bought a best of The Clash, and played it over and over pretty much the whole time I was there, and even though I'd already got into punk by then, one band has never touched my soul so much. I think it was then that I shaved my hair into a mowhawk for the first time, and never looked back. The Clash, at least on these two albums, had everything, they hit the nail right on the head. The combined great song writing, a rough attitude, amazing duel vocals by Joe Strummer & Mick Jones which worked so well, and they were one of the first bands to see that punk, the spirit of punk, needed to evolve if it was to survive. Again, if you don't own these albums, go out and get them one way or another, they're sum up that time period so perfectly, and still 30+ years on they sound relevant and fresh.

Listen Clash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ussg70G61wU

Listen Londons Calling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYVLxLvdhpY&list=PLC28031A453EB8AE2

5: ‎Operation Ivy 'Energy' (1989)

‎I don't think any single album has had as profound influence on my life as this one. I've been in dozens of bands in my life, and Op Ivy has influenced the sound of practically all of them. And lyrically, their social commentary clicked with me in a way very few have done before, or since, and their values and views still very much mirror how I feel today, over 20 years since I first heard it. Their ska tinged punk rock, packed full of energy and positivity, snarly vocals and intelligent lyrics were the soundtrack to my teens, more than any other band. Unlike the other albums on this list, I wouldn't say everybody needs this album in their collection, it's a unique punk rock taste, and holds its place in my heart mostly because it turned up at the right time in me & my friends lives. Every house party, every car ride, every mix tape, these songs featured heavily, even now when a song comes on randomly on itunes it takes me back to being a young idealistic punk rocker. And that's not a bad thing at all.
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HtUnubXAO4&list=PL5B518CFA4DC4CE94

Tidal Wrestling

This is the story of how I got involved with Tidal Championship Wrestling. There might be the odd occasion where I ‘break kayfabe’, if that matters to you, don’t read on. I’ve also purposefully not included any results for the matches, as I’m sure you’ll be wanting to go and buy the DVDs after you’ve read this. (You can buy them here, at Tidals Bigcartel)...

My first taste of Tidal Wrestling was November 25th 2013, in Darlington. I didn’t really know what to expect, I knew the promoter through the punk music scene (he’d actually booked my various bands over the last decade or two) and I’d heard of about 50% of the line up, a mix of American imports and British wrestlers (one of whom, Martin Kirby, comes from the same town as me), and despite having no friends to join me, I hopped on the train and made my way to something that would flip 2014 on its head for me. As I made my way into the sports hall, bumped into a few folk from bands I knew, and had a quick chat with Kirby, I sat with my arms folded, a tad dubious as to how the night would play out, on my own waiting for the first match. It happened to be Kris Travis vs ‘Party’ Marty Scurll in the opening match, and from the second the bell rang I was impressed. I’d seen plenty of indy wrestling before, mainly American stuff though, and all on video (there was a couple of occasions where a small promotion came to Thirsk a decade or so ago, and I’d gone along, but was more interested in drinking and heckling than watching, other than that the only live wrestling I’d seen was WWF & WCW), but this was the first time I’d sat and really watched wrestling, and from that match onwards I fell in love with the sport all over again. The ring was terrible, the ropes barely usable, and the sound system was barely audible, but still the action in the ring was second to none. I loved it from start to finish, each match was different in its own right, all different styles clashed, and most importantly to me, after the wrestling I chatted to a few wrestlers and they were all sound as fuck. Nice people. I actually almost walked past Marty Scurll, thinking he’d be all “Ive been on TNA, I don’t need to talk to fans”, but he said thanks for coming along, shook hands, chatted briefly and seemed really humble & genuine. I wanted to be part of this scene, it made me feel like punk rock did in the early 90s.

About a month or so after the Tidal tour had finished, I got a call off the promoter saying he was booking some more shows, and then dropped a bomb on me, he asked if I’d like to commentate on the matches for the dvd. I nearly shit my pants. I don’t think I slept a single night leading up to the first show, at The Cockpit in Leeds, a venue that normally hosts bands (I’d played there myself a few times) I was so excited. However, as soon as I arrived, excitement turned to nerves, my pasty white skin turned a whiter shade of pale, and despite each wrestler entering the building, coming over and shaking my hand, introducing themselves, I felt totally out of my league. It didn’t help that ‘Perfect’ Purdie, a wrestler from Darlington, broke his foot when the ring ropes snapped as he was testing out the ring, all of a sudden I was very aware that these people were risking their lives, and I was about to ruin their matches with my zero talent commentary. Then a couple of the wrestlers pulled me out of it. Grado, from that BBC documentary ‘Insane Fight Club’ came over to me, had a wee chat, told me just to relax, be a fan, and it didn’t matter how I did. He was, and still is, one of the nicest, most humble, kind, and funny people I’ve ever met. After that El Ligero’s alter ego, Simon Musk, came over and asked if he could join me on commentary after his match, which I was so glad about, all I had to do was get through the first match, then I’d have someone to carry me. And carry me he did, where as I was barely able to string together a sentence, Simon was a walking encyclopedia of wrestling knowledge, if it wasn’t for him I probably would’ve given up. I honestly can’t praise his skills enough. And then on the final match Noam Dar joined me, who had a much more laid back approach, making me laugh and making me realise once again, just be a fan, the rest comes naturally.
The show itself was outstanding. Ligero and Noam Dar tore the house down on the opening match, which was just incredible to watch. The womens four way match, featuring Kay Lee Ray, Lana Austin, Pollyanna & Violet O’Hara still stands out to me as my favourite ever womens match, and it also introduced me to my favourite referee, the beautiful Fearne Wai. The Bucky Boys and The Proven had an all out brutal war, which was so much fun to call. After that Mark Andrews & Pete Dunne took on Matt Myers & Liam Lazarus in a totally rad, technical and exciting master class. Following that Rampage Brown and Dave Mastiff destroyed each other, in one of the most hard hitting, jaw dropping matches I’ve ever seen. And to end the night Grado & Nathan Cruz treated us to all out entertainment in a classic comedy match. The atmosphere was great, no seating, no barriers, the crowd were as much a part of the night as the wrestlers themselves.

The second show of the year was at Darlington again, and I felt much more relaxed at commentary this time. I still wasn’t great, but managed to call the entire first half on my own, and it felt pretty good (especially calling Violet O’Hara a ‘Kinder Egg with a scorpion inside’) but I still wasn’t great. After the interval, Seb Strife joined me on commentary, never met the guy before, but we just clicked and got on really well, and he upped my game to the point where I started feeling so much more confident. The headlining match, between Nathan Cruz & Johnny Gargano is still one of my favourite matches I’ve commentated on, it just felt so good to call two great wrestlers having a great match alongside Seb. Matt Myers joined us on the commentary desk for a match too, which was fun, despite his mean attitude in the ring, he was a really nice fella. I enjoyed the night, another good mix of styles, and great action from start to finish.

In April, Tidal crowned its first ever champion, at the show ‘Release The Kraken’, back at The Cockpit in Leeds. This night had everything, including solid commentary from a great team. Each match I was joined by a partner, Craig Anderson from DirtSheetMania podcast, Seb Strife and Matt Myers all tagged with me to call the action, and each one of them was such a pleasure to call with, I got on great with all of them, and by this time I’d actually started to get good at commentating (better late than never). Another awesome night from start to finish. Liam Lazarus & Dara Diablo kicked things off with a great match, followed by another great ladies match, this time with local lass Lexi Reckless vs Nixon. ‘Wild Boar’ Mike Hitchman and Sebastian Radclaw had a wild match, some of the chants from the crowd where unbelievable - STD STD STD! Also memorable for Matt Myers doing a David Attenborough impression on commentary. Rampage Brown took on Johnny Storm in a clash of styles, which, as you’d expect from these competitors, was just awesome. Pete Dunne took on his tag team partner and good friend Mark Andrews in a non stop, back and forth, technical masterclass, after the match a whole heap of craziness ensued, but I’ll leave that surprise for when you watch the DVD. The Proven took on the UKs greatest tag team, Project Ego in a show stealing tag match. And finally, the title match, between El Ligero & ‘Party’ Marty Scurll was everything we expected, and more, even some of the crowd got slammed and wiped out. Despite busting his shoulder during the match, Marty carried on to the end, showing the kind of determination and honour you’d expect from a real Titan (the show was Release The Kraken, c’mon...).
This Saturday Tidal return to Darlington, for another great show. Unfortunately I won’t be at that one, due to a wedding, but don’t let that deter you, it’ll be a quality night, I guarantee it. I’ll be at all the rest of the shows throughout the year though, including the much anticipated Tidal vs CZW in October. If you're at all interested in wrestling, or even if you're not, I'd highly reccomend checking out some Tidal, especially if you get a chance to see it live, its gaining a cult like following, and the atmosphere is unreal. Its gonna be a good year, nothing stops the tide...

More Tidal Championship Wrestling at:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TIDALWRESTLING

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tidalchampionshipwrestling

Online Shop: http://tcwrestling.bigcartel.com/
And watch the mayhem right here:

Youtube: Release The Kraken advert

Youtube: Tidal Wipe Out 2014 advert

Youtube: Wipe Out/Womens 4 Way Match Highlights

Youtube: Spring Storm Preview

Youtube: Liam Lazarus & Matt Myers vs Pete Dunne & Mark Andrews (Full match)