Blog
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Poison Suckers – Charmer
It’s crazy that it has already been five years since the first Poison Suckers 7″ came out. Today Jo Jo and Joe are back with a follow-up, and this thing is a stone-cold ripper that will melt your ears clean off your head. Out on Transistor 66, the 4-track EP Charmer finds Poison Suckers doing what they do best: mixing soul music and ’60s girl group stylings with ferociously trashy garage punk rock ‘n’ roll. This band makes an art form out of lo-fi budget production, and the music is all raw energy and thrillingly primitive fury.“Slash Tires” is pure fire right out of the gate — like Tina Turner fronting the Oblivians playing an MC5 song. This tune explodes out of your headphones, and Joanne’s vocal is just ridiculous. It gives me chills. “Charade” is old school girl group greatness without all the fancy production getting in the way. “Viper Winds” lays down some hip-shaking hillbilly blues stomp — think Southern gothic vibes transplanted to the chilly North. “I’m a Zero” caps things off with full-on garage rock fury. It’s a banger of epic proportions.And that’s that: four perfect songs that give you a little bit of everything you might be craving. I can think of no band that better understands or more fully brings to life the true spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. Of course this band has talent. These two have a great knack for writing songs that hit you in the gut yet also treat you to enthralling hooks. And there’s a very limited number of humans on the planet who can sing like Joanne. But beyond the talent, it’s the feeling and the fire in this music that is just so undeniable. Charmer will hit you deep in your soul. It’s a record made to be played loudly and enjoyed thoroughly. It’s an at-home dance party waiting to happen and a spirited soundtrack to whatever sinful activity you might be compelled to engage in. The EP will be officially released tonight at Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club in Winnipeg! -
Friends of Cesar Romero – Songs the Siren Sing
And now it is done. Songs the Siren Sing is the final installment in Friends of Cesar Romero’s Doomed Babe Series, a project that spanned 5,191 days, 24,641 words, 400+ songs, and more than 50 releases. What J. Waylon Porcupine has done with this project is one of the most impressive feats in music that I’ve ever had the good fortune to experience. And now the mystery surrounding the title has been revealed: the doomed babe is J. Waylon himself. “Babe” was his childhood nickname, and this series has documented his failed relationships and allowed him to exorcise some demons. Just releasing 50+ installments in a series would be an achievement in itself. But what’s so remarkable about this one is that the quality never dipped. There were no phoned-in installments. There were never any throwaway tracks. How do you release over 400 songs and never once turn out a dud? But I don’t want to sell this last installment short by turning this review into a retrospective. I am happy to say that this album finds the Doomed Babe Series (and most likely Friends of Cesar Romero) going out on top.A la February’s superb Soul Scouts, Songs the Siren Sing is definitely on the more rocking end of FOCR’s musical spectrum. It has its share of perfect pop songs (such as “Simple XX’s” and “Dying For Dai (A Little More Each Day)”). And it concludes with J. Waylon having his Pet Sounds moment on the beautiful “Plum Cherry,” which is quite possibly the best song in the entire series. But all in all, this album wraps up the Doomed Babe odyssey with a proverbial bang. From the opening jolt of “Elko Speedway” to the garage-rocking fury of “My Cultist Angel” and “Starfucker Qualities” to the thumping power pop of “74 Dart” and “The War on Wednesday,” this album brings an energy that’s thrilling and infectious. This album, like every Doomed Babe installment, is the perfect combination of almost every musical genre I love. Why choose between power pop, punk, and garage rock when you can get it all in shot?We all know of certain series in television and literature that were great for so long but couldn’t stick the landing. Well J. Waylon has absolutely stuck the landing. Songs the Siren Sing doesn’t try too hard to create closure. It just does what you expect any great Friends of Cesar Romero to do: deliver two-to-three minute tales of relationship woes that will tear your heart out yet also have you dancing around the house and humming the melodies all week. If you pay close attention to the lyrics, you understand how personal and intense these songs are. Yet isn’t the beauty of rock ‘n’ roll that you can take these excruciating experiences and channel them into music that’s fun to listen to and deeply reassuring to people who have felt similar pain? I’ll put it simply: if you love garage rock and power pop, you will love this release. It’s a great-sounding record with loud guitars, hooks for days, and genuine soul in the vocals and lyrics. Who would have expected anything different?It’s not fair or even accurate to say that J. Waylon Porcupine is now quitting. He has finished what he started. The last time I checked, that’s the opposite of quitting. I was a latecomer to the Doomed Babe Series and have so much gratitude to J. Waylon for putting this music into the world and to Niek for turning me onto it. Someday, music historians will look back on the Doomed Babe Series with absolute awe. That’s where I already am. Songs The Siren Sing is a free download for now, and the entire Friends of Cesar Romero catalog is a deal and a steal at $111.25! -
Friends of Cesar Romero – Songs the Siren Sing
And now it is done. Songs the Siren Sing is the final installment in Friends of Cesar Romero’s Doomed Babe Series, a project that spanned 5,191 days, 24,641 words, 400+ songs, and more than 50 releases. What J. Waylon Porcupine has done with this project is one of the most impressive feats in music that I’ve ever had the good fortune to experience. And now the mystery surrounding the title has been revealed: the doomed babe is J. Waylon himself. “Babe” was his childhood nickname, and this series has documented his failed relationships and allowed him to exorcise some demons. Just releasing 50+ installments in a series would be an achievement in itself. But what’s so remarkable about this one is that the quality never dipped. There were no phoned-in installments. There were never any throwaway tracks. How do you release over 400 songs and never once turn out a dud? But I don’t want to sell this last installment short by turning this review into a retrospective. I am happy to say that this album finds the Doomed Babe Series (and most likely Friends of Cesar Romero) going out on top.A la February’s superb Soul Scouts, Songs the Siren Sing is definitely on the more rocking end of FOCR’s musical spectrum. It has its share of perfect pop songs (such as “Simple XX’s” and “Dying For Dai (A Little More Each Day)”). And it concludes with J. Waylon having his Pet Sounds moment on the beautiful “Plum Cherry,” which is quite possibly the best song in the entire series. But all in all, this album wraps up the Doomed Babe odyssey with a proverbial bang. From the opening jolt of “Elko Speedway” to the garage-rocking fury of “My Cultist Angel” and “Starfucker Qualities” to the thumping power pop of “74 Dart” and “The War on Wednesday,” this album brings an energy that’s thrilling and infectious. This album, like every Doomed Babe installment, is the perfect combination of almost every musical genre I love. Why choose between power pop, punk, and garage rock when you can get it all in shot?We all know of certain series in television and literature that were great for so long but couldn’t stick the landing. Well J. Waylon has absolutely stuck the landing. Songs the Siren Sing doesn’t try too hard to create closure. It just does what you expect any great Friends of Cesar Romero to do: deliver two-to-three minute tales of relationship woes that will tear your heart out yet also have you dancing around the house and humming the melodies all week. If you pay close attention to the lyrics, you understand how personal and intense these songs are. Yet isn’t the beauty of rock ‘n’ roll that you can take these excruciating experiences and channel them into music that’s fun to listen to and deeply reassuring to people who have felt similar pain? I’ll put it simply: if you love garage rock and power pop, you will love this release. It’s a great-sounding record with loud guitars, hooks for days, and genuine soul in the vocals and lyrics. Who would have expected anything different?It’s not fair or even accurate to say that J. Waylon Porcupine is now quitting. He has finished what he started. The last time I checked, that’s the opposite of quitting. I was a latecomer to the Doomed Babe Series and have so much gratitude to J. Waylon for putting this music into the world and to Niek for turning me onto it. Someday, music historians will look back on the Doomed Babe Series with absolute awe. That’s where I already am. Songs The Siren Sing is a free download for now, and the entire Friends of Cesar Romero catalog is a deal and a steal at $111.25! -
Foo Fighters Say Taylor Hawkins Is Still a Member of the Band
The late drummer's presence could be felt while the band recorded 'Your Favorite Toy.' Continue reading… -
Ex-PARKWAY DRIVE Crew Member Arrested For Sex With A Minor; Band Issues Statement

Should we just start a new category for ‘metal creeps’ at this rate? Jed Gordon, ex-Parkway Drive crew, pleads guilty to statutory.
The post Ex-PARKWAY DRIVE Crew Member Arrested For Sex With A Minor; Band Issues Statement appeared first on Metal Injection.
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K-Pop’s BTS Returns to the Stage
The group’s first concert in nearly four years — held in the historic center of Seoul — was heavy on songs from its new album. They also played a few old hits. -
73-Year-Old Viral Rapper Passes Out While Suspended Onstage, Announces Tour From Hospital Bed
Pete & Bas are still at it. The UK drill duo made up of Peter Bowditch (73) and Basil Belgrave (76) have been making music since 2017 and going viral for, you know, being old. Now they’re going viral again, this time because Bowditch passed out mid-show while hanging from the ceiling in a harness.
The post 73-Year-Old Viral Rapper Passes Out While Suspended Onstage, Announces Tour From Hospital Bed appeared first on Stereogum.
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New BOUNDARIES Single Seems To Be Met With ‘Mix’ed Reviews; Band Responds

The new single, “Skies cast amber black,” released via Sumerian had a few Boundaries fans on the fence with its production.
The post New BOUNDARIES Single Seems To Be Met With 'Mix'ed Reviews; Band Responds appeared first on Metal Injection.
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Taj Mahal announces “Time”
Legendary singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Taj Mahal will release a new album, Time, on May 1 through Resonatin’ Records/Thirty Tigers.
The album includes the title track “Time,” a previously unreleased song written by Bill Withers. The track originated from a demo that had not been officially recorded before being brought to Taj Mahal by producer and music executive Steve Berkowitz with approval from Withers and his estate.
On Bill Withers and the origin of the song, Taj stated, “My former wife went to school with Bill Withers’ wife, so they knew each other, and I got a chance to spend some time around him. I had a lot of respect for the brother because of what he brought to music. Bill could walk out with an acoustic guitar and sing something like ‘Grandma’s Hands,’ and it would resonate so deeply with people. He wasn’t jumping up and down or trying to be flashy — he just had his own time and his own way of doing things. That honesty in his music meant a lot. So when this song came along, I listened to it a couple of times and felt that movement and that message in it. And we were grateful to receive his blessing to record it.”
Producer Tony Braunagel explained how the song came together during the sessions, “During the recording process of the forthcoming album Time, producers and members of the Phantom Blues Band, myself and Larry Fulcher, engaged longtime friend Steve Berkowitz as an advisor to help navigate record company connections for the release. Steve, a deeply creative and seasoned executive who previously ran Sony Legacy, had an inspired idea. While working with Bill Withers, when he was still with us, they had come across one of Bill’s unrecorded demos titled “Time.” It dawned on Steve that the song would be a perfect fit for Taj. With the album still in progress, he shared it, and it was immediately embraced. The lead vocal is earnest and heartfelt, capturing the depth and weight at the core of the Bill Withers original. Once the finishing touches were added and the track was mixed, it secured a permanent place on the album. The song conveys a shared human experience, Withers’ vision now honored and celebrated through Taj and his gifted collaborators, ready to be heard and embraced.”
In an interview with Variety, Taj Mahal reflected on his connection to Withers, stating, “When we did get to talk with one another, it was like we could see each other across the universe, and we just pulled all that distance out of the way. He was real folks. And I’ve always admired his work, his concerts, the musicians that he played with, his ideas. All you have to do is hear one note and you already know who you’re listening to, you know? … Once he walked away from the business, that’s when I met him the second time. I think he was in New York, putting up some shelves for his daughter at college, and he was just Bill Withers in overalls.”
Time was originally recorded in 2010 with Taj Mahal’s longtime backing group, the Phantom Blues Band. The sessions included Tony Braunagel on drums, Larry Fulcher on bass and Johnny Lee Schell on guitar, with Schell also serving as a producer alongside Berkowitz. Additional contributors include pianist Jon Cleary and organist Mick Weaver. The album was recorded at Ultratone Studio in Studio City, California.
The record also features a version of Bob Marley’s “Talkin’ Blues” with guest vocals from Ziggy Marley, along with tracks such as “Wild About My Lovin’” and “You Put The Whammy On Me.”
Taj Mahal has remained an active force in roots music across a career spanning more than six decades. In 2025, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and also won Best Traditional Blues Album for his collaboration with Keb’ Mo’ on Get On Board.
Tracklist for Time:
Life of Love
Wild About My Lovin’
Crazy About A Jukebox
Time
You Put The Whammy On Me
Talkin’ Blues
Sweet Lorene
Ask Me About Nothing (But The Blues)
It’s Your Voodoo Working
Rowdy BluesTour Dates:
Apr. 9 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – The Parker
Apr. 10 – St. Petersburg, FL – Tampa Bay Blues Festival
Apr. 12 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
Apr. 13 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
Apr. 14 – Wilmington, NC – The Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
Apr. 16 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
Apr. 17 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre
Apr. 18 – Newberry, SC – Newberry Opera House
Apr. 20 – Decatur, AL – The Princess Theatre Center for Performing Arts
Apr. 21 – Cleveland, MS – Bologna Performing Arts Center
Apr. 23 – Miramar Beach, FL – Sun, Sand and Soul FestivalJuly 4 – Orillia, ON – Mariposa Folk Festival
July 7 – Buffalo, NY – Asbury Hall at Babeville
July 8 – Cleveland, OH – Music Box Supper Club – Concert Hall
July 10 – Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
July 11 – Munhall, PA – Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall
July 12 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
July 14 – Troy, NY – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
July 15 – Northampton, MA – Academy of Music
July 17 – Wilmington, DE – The Grand Opera House
July 18 – Trumansburg, NY – GrassRoots FestivalThe post Taj Mahal announces “Time” appeared first on Blues Rock Review.
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Parkway Drive Respond After Staff Member Pleads Guilty To Underage Sex Offence—Their Statement Is Blunt
What Did Parkway Drive Say After The Staff Member Guilty Plea?
Parkway Drive confirmed they immediately terminated the individual involved, condemned the offense, and publicly expressed support for the victim in a direct statement.
TL;DR
Parkway Drive issued a clear and direct statement after a former member of their extended team pleaded guilty to an underage sex offence, confirming they have cut all ties and stand with the victim.
Situations like this don’t happen often—but when they do, how a band responds becomes just as important as the news itself.
And in this case, Parkway Drive didn’t hesitate.
The Situation That Triggered The Response
Earlier this week, reports began circulating online that Jed Gordon had entered a guilty plea tied to an underage sex offence dating back to 2002.
The charge involves sexual intercourse with a person aged 14 or over and under 16.
As the story gained traction—particularly across online communities—it quickly moved beyond speculation and into confirmed reporting, putting pressure on any associated parties to respond.
Gordon had been part of Parkway Drive’s extended team over the years, working in merchandise and support roles. More recently, he had been involved with the band’s Australian online merch operations.
Once the band became aware of the situation, they acted.
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Parkway Drive’s Full Statement
The band addressed the matter publicly on March 20, issuing the following statement in full:
“We’ve recently learned that someone we’ve been associated with has pleaded guilty to an underage sex offence in 2002.
This is appalling and we condemn it. We’re gutted and we support the victim.
This happened before we were a band, however we bear moral responsibility for contracting him from 2003, on and off over the years.
While he hasn’t toured with us since 2017, more recently he’s been part of our Australian online merch team. When the band heard about this, we terminated his contract immediately. He’s no longer involved with Parkway Drive in any capacity.
This is heartbreaking on a very human scale.
This is still ongoing in the courts so we’re closing comments.”
How The Band Approached This
There’s a difference between acknowledging a situation and addressing it.
Parkway Drive did the latter.
They:
- clearly condemned the offense
- acknowledged their past association
- accepted a level of responsibility
- confirmed immediate action
There was no attempt to downplay the situation or distance themselves without explanation.
That kind of clarity is what people look for in moments like this.
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Why This Is Getting Attention Now
This story didn’t originate from an official announcement—it built momentum online first.
That matters.
Because once something gains traction independently, the response becomes part of the story.
In this case, the band’s statement arrived after that momentum had already started building, which only increases scrutiny on how direct—and how complete—that response is.
That’s why this isn’t just about what happened.
It’s about how it’s being handled in real time.
Where Things Stand From Here
The legal process is still ongoing.
Sentencing is expected on May 19, which will likely bring renewed attention back to the situation.
For Parkway Drive, the immediate step has already been taken—cutting all ties and making their position clear.
Beyond that, the situation moves back into the legal system.
For fans following developments in heavy music and how situations like this unfold across the scene, keeping an eye on updates is part of staying informed as the story continues to evolve.
See all upcoming Parkway Drive dates and tickets here.
FAQ
Who Was Involved In The Parkway Drive Situation?
A former member of the band’s extended team, identified as Jed Gordon.
What Was The Charge?
Sexual intercourse with a person aged 14 or over and under 16.
Did Parkway Drive Respond Publicly?
Yes, the band issued a full statement condemning the offense and confirming they have cut all ties.
Is The Case Over?
No, sentencing is scheduled for May 19.
Is The Individual Still Connected To The Band?
No, Parkway Drive confirmed he is no longer involved in any capacity.
Parkway Drive Bio
Parkway Drive are an Australian metalcore band formed in 2003 in Byron Bay. Known for their evolution from raw metalcore roots to arena-level heavy music, the band has become one of the most successful acts in modern metal. With albums like Horizons, Atlas, and Reverence, Parkway Drive have built a global following through relentless touring and a powerful live presence.
View this post on InstagramThe post Parkway Drive Respond After Staff Member Pleads Guilty To Underage Sex Offence—Their Statement Is Blunt appeared first on Loaded Radio.

