Tag Archives: Amazon Music

“Punk” Punk

Posted on by Standard Reply

You already know I have a playlist problem. You already know I like punk rock.

So, in the spirit of punk, because punk carries so many different definitions to so many punks… I made a playlist of a bunch of songs that have the word “punk” in the title (or “punks” or punx”). Punks love quantizing and categorizing and awarding punk points, right? This one’s to anger the gatekeepers. It even has a decidedly not punk track or two. Plus, the narrative is silly if you read down through the titles.

Someone somewhere will be big mad that the Casualties and MxPx are on the same playlist, no doubt.

Punk Punk | Amazon Music | AiXeLsyD13 Playlist Thumbnail

I listen on Amazon Music. You can import it to your preferred music streaming service with Tune My Music.

You can check out the list here:

1What Is Punk?The Mr. T ExperienceNight Shift At the Thrill Factory
2Punk Rock Is The Answer [Explicit]Hi-StandardThe Gift [Explicit]
3Scholarship In Punk [Explicit]GuttermouthGusto
4Punk Rock 101 [Explicit]Diesel BoyCock Rock
5Keep It PunkThe QueersBack to the Basement [Explicit]
6Punk RockThe CasualtiesDie Hards
7Punkrocker (feat. Iggy Pop)TeddybearsSoft Machine (U.S. Version)
8Punk rocker (2023 ver.)RUMKICKSBorn Rude [Explicit]
9Punk RockerCrazy & the BrainsPunk Rocker
10I’m Punk [Explicit]GuttermouthThe Album Formerly Known As Full Length LP [Explicit]
11I’m A PunkSaint City OrchestraChaos
12Proud to be Punk [Explicit]The CasualtiesStay out of Order [Explicit]
13I’m Not a PunkDescendentsMilo Goes to College [Explicit]
14You’re Not PunkWeekend NachosStill
15Punk Rock Rulebook88 Fingers LouieBack On The Streets (Remixed and Remastered)
16Punk PoliceThe Hard-OnsVery Exciting!
17It’s My Job To Keep Punk Rock Elite [Explicit]NOFXSo Long & Thanks For All The Shoes [Explicit]
18We Were Punk FirstDead PioneersDead Pioneers [Explicit]
19Judy Is a Punk (2016 Remaster)RamonesRamones (40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) [2016 Remaster]
20Tamara Is A Punk [Explicit]The QueersPunk Rock Confidential [Explicit]
21Sheena Is a Punk Rocker (2017 Remaster)RamonesRocket to Russia (40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)
22Terry Punk!Peelander-ZSuper DX Hitz
23Dean Is a PunkApocalypse HobokenEasy Instructions For Complex Machinery
24Punk Rock BillySlightly StoopidEverything You Need
25For the Punx [Explicit]The CasualtiesThe Early Years 1990 – 1995 [Explicit]
26Punk Rock GirlThe Dead MilkmenBeelzebubba [Explicit]
27Punk Guy [Explicit]NOFXPunk In Drublic [Explicit]
28Punk Rock GirlsThe QueersDon’t Back Down [Explicit]
29Punk Rock LoveThe CasualtiesFor the Punx
3021st Century PunkSardonicaJust for Us Hardcore Kids
31The Shape of Punk to ComeRefusedThe Shape Of Punk To Come [Explicit]
32Street PunxTotal ChaosStreet Punx
33Street Punk [Explicit]The CasualtiesStay out of Order [Explicit]
34Chaos PunxThe CasualtiesFor the Punx
35Punx 4 LifeKomptoir ChaosPunx 4 Life
36South Shore Chaos Punx [Explicit]Unwanted NoiseTonight We Die
37All My Friends Are PunksWorthington’s LawFunnier! Punkier! Bandier! [Explicit]
38Punk Rock MomYouth BrigadeHappy Hour
39Punks Not DadPunks Not DadWe Are The Dads
40She’s a PunkThe MangesRocket to You 93-03
41Kitty Cat’s a PunkThe SablowskisAll My Friends Are Grounded
42Pirate PunkJolly JackersPirate Punk
43Punk Rock PrincessSomething CorporateLeaving Through The Window
44Pink PunkPeelander-ZSuper DX Hitz
45Surf PunkDown By LawDown By Law
46Punk Rock PrincessDizzy SunfistPUNK ROCK PRINCESS
47Punk Rock WerewolfThe DollyrotsLove Songs, Werewolves & Zombies
48Panda PunkPeelander-ZSuper DX Hitz
49Punk Rock Loser [Explicit]Viagra BoysCave World (Deluxe) [Explicit]
50Those Anarcho Punks Are Mysterious [Explicit]Against Me!The Acoustic EP [Explicit]
51Punk Rock ClichéNOFXDouble Album [Explicit]
52Punx & SkinsThe CasualtiesFor the Punx
53Punx & SkinsThe CasualtiesLive at the Fireside Bowl
54Punk Rock and HardcoreDad BrainsPunk Rock and Hardcore
55True Punk And Oi!Resistance 77Songs for the Nanny State
56Punx In Las Vegas [Explicit]The Bouncing SoulsLive
57Skins, Punx and Drunx [Explicit]Lars Frederiksen & The BastardsViking [Explicit]
58The Gypsy, The Punk, And The Fool (A Tale)Mischief BrewSmash The Windows
59Football Beer and Punk Rock [Explicit]Knock OffFootball Beer and Punk Rock [Explicit]
60Just Another Punk BandAbrasive WheelsWhen the Punks Go Marching In
61Punk Rawk ShowMxPxTriple Shot
62Punk Rock Song [Explicit]Bad ReligionThe Gray Race [Explicit]
63Super Famous Punk Song37 CentsDessert for Breakfast
64Not Another Folk Punk Song [Explicit]Little FootWhat Did You Expect? [Explicit]
65Punk Rock SongsResistance 77Songs for the Nanny State
66Punk PartyAlexGrohlPunk Party
67PunkhouseScreeching WeaselSuburban Vermin
68Punk House of HorrorTeenage BottlerocketFreak Out!
69Punk Rock PlanetThe EyelinersHere Comes Trouble
70Punk It UpLaughin’NoseLaughin’ Complete Emi Tracks
71Punk Rock Confidential RevisitedThe QueersPunk Rock Confidential Revisited [Explicit]
72Loud Proud ‘N’ PunkThe BusinessSuburban Rebels
73Toxic PunkTurtlesjr.OfficialToxic Punk
74Punks And DrunksDown By LawAll Scratched Up! [Explicit]
75Punk and DrunkRichiesWinter Wonderland
76Punk’s Not Sad [Explicit]Crummy StuffPunk’s Not Sad (25th Anniversary Remastered Edition) [Explicit]
77Drink Drank PunkAnti-FlagDie for the Government [Explicit]
78White Punks On Dope [Explicit]The TubesThe Tubes
79For the Punx [Explicit]The CasualtiesFor the Punx
80Queer Punk Revolution!Eat My FearNew Era
81When the Punks Go Marching InAbrasive WheelsWhen the Punks Go Marching In
82Punx UniteThe CasualtiesUnderground Army
83Punk Rock United (Step I)Down By LawChampions At Heart [Explicit]
84Punk As Fuck [Explicit]Down By Lawpunkrockacademyfightsong [Explicit]
85Nazi Punks Fuck Off [Explicit]Dead KennedysPlastic Surgery Disasters/In God We Trust, Inc. [Explicit]
86(Alt-Right) Punks Fuck Off [Explicit]Hardly BoysDear Diarrhea [Explicit]
87PUNK is nowhereRUMKICKSPUNK is nowhere
88Davey Destroyed the Punk SceneAnti-FlagDie for the Government [Explicit]
89A Punk Rock Tale of Woe [Explicit]GuttermouthGot It Made [Explicit]
90Punk Rock Changed My LifeJonah MaddoxTogether We Are Taller [Explicit]
91Punk Rock Changed My Life (Full Band Version)SMFCThe First Four Songs
92Punk Rock Ruined My Life [Explicit]Worlds Scariest Police ChasesNOFX and Out Come The Wolves Dookie [Explicit]
93Punk Rock Ruined My Life [Explicit]ControlPunk Rock Ruined My Life [Explicit]
94Punk Rock Ruined My Life [Explicit]Thirsty CursesPunk Rock Ruined My Life [Explicit]
95Punk’s Not Dead [Explicit]Bottle RatAll My Friends Are Animals [Explicit]
96Punk No DieTotal ChaosPatriotic Shock [Explicit]
97Punk Is DeadCrassThe Feeding of the 5000 (Remastered) [Explicit]
98Punk Rock Shows in HeavenApes of the StateWhat’s Another Night? [Explicit]
99Punk Decay [Explicit]BreakoutNothing in Sight [Explicit]
100Punk’s Not Dead [Explicit]The ExploitedPunk’s Not Dead [Explicit]
101Punk’s Dead [Explicit]SOFT PLAYHEAVY JELLY [Explicit]
102Punk is Dead [Explicit]The MerkinsShame Stain [Explicit]
103Punk’s Not Dead but I’m Not Far OffResistance 77Punk’s Not Dead but I’m Not Far Off
104Punk WonDown By Lawpunkrockacademyfightsong [Explicit]
105Sheena Is A Punk RockerHuntingtonsRocket To Ramonia (Remastered)
106Judy Is A PunkHuntingtonsRocket To Ramonia (Remastered)
107Punk Rock GirlStreetlight Manifesto99 Songs of Revolution Vol. 1
108Punk Rock GirlsThe DollyrotsDown the Rabbit Hole
109Punk Rock GirlMxPxOn The Cover II
110Punk Rock Love [Explicit]The CasualtiesThe Early Years 1990 – 1995 [Explicit]
111Punkhouse (2023 Remaster)Screeching WeaselKill The Musicians (2023 Remaster)
112Punk OneLike A MotorcycleHigh Hopes
113Punk TwoLike A MotorcycleDead Broke [Explicit]
114Atomic Punk (2015 Remaster)Van HalenVan Halen (Remastered)

So, am I missing anything? I feel like I’m always missing something. Which tracks do you love or hate here? Hit me with some of your playlists.

HALLOWEEN MUSIC | Epic Playlist List 💀🎃👻

Posted on by Standard Reply

OK, I have posted my Halloween Playlists before… but there’s more. Someone asked for spooky songs on Threads today and it kicked me into Halloween mode. It’s basically October, right? You can move these to your preferred streamer with Tune My Music. I have amassed more spooky and spooky-adjacent playlists.

I may have a problem.  Let me know if I’m missing some obvious or obscure bangers!  A lot of these I will listen to on shuffle/random, because I add stuff in what could be aptly described ss manic bursts of energy. Bold ones are ones I probably hit more often.

Halloween Stuff:

Halloween Costumes & Creatures:

Spooky Vibes in General:

Playlists not by me:

I guess if you’re having a party, you might wanna add some pizza songs to your list. Like I said the last time I posted these: You can peep this Misfits tribute from 20 years ago too, and don’t forget to get some Halloween swag or solve some free Halloween mazes.

AiXeLsyD13's Halloween Playlists on Amazon Music

If you wanna do some free Halloween-ish mazes while you listen, peep these:

I probably have Halloween Mazes pop up a lot here.

Shamrocks & Shenanigans ☘️🍀| Mazes for St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on by Standard Reply

OK, so I drew up a maze with a Leprechaun and a pot o’ gold, because… Stereotypes. I thought it may be a fun activity for people who celebrate their Irish or Celtic heritage this time of year. I do love to rock the Celtic Shenanigans 🍀 playlist on random more often than usual this time of year. You can spare me your “dusting off” Dropkick Murphys/Flogging Molly jokes. I have heard them all, and I listen all year. (I also don’t drink much any more, but my Beer 🍻 playlist also feels stereotypical and apropos.)

A colorful maze featuring a leprechaun on the left encouraging viewers to help him reach his pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, all set against a light green background.

🪙☘️🪙🌈🪙🍀🪙

I also made a shamrock maze & a four-leaf clover maze, for a fun quick activity, & I uploaded them to my TeePublic & RedBubble shops. Everything is on sale right now at TeePublic, including these two designs. Get T-shirts for $16, stickers for $3, or all kinds of other cool stuff. You can even customize the colors of the products, so you can have a black hat or T-shirt, a green one, or whatever you prefer.

Which one do you like more, the shamrock (three-leaf clover) or the lucky four-leaf clover? Should I add this leprechaun maze to the shops too?

A green clover leaf filled with an intricate maze design, featuring arrows indicating entry and exit points.
A green four-leaf clover designed as a maze, with intricate pathways and two yellow arrows pointing downward.
Green t-shirt featuring a black outline of a shamrock filled with a maze design.
Green t-shirt featuring a stylized maze design in the shape of a shamrock.

☘️🍀

Check out all of these mazes, in a printable black & white if you’d like:

A black and white illustration of a shamrock shape filled with an intricate maze design.
A maze illustration featuring a leprechaun on the left, with a speech bubble saying 'Help the Leprechaun get to his pot o' gold!' and a pot of gold at the bottom right, connected to a rainbow.
A black and white illustration of a four-leaf clover designed as a maze, with intricate pathways and arrows pointing downwards.

🍀☘️🍺🤘🍻☘️🍀

They work great as adult coloring book pages too. You can fill in the dead ends to find the path, or just color ’em however you please. I’m a big fan of anarchy.

You can check out my playlists on your preferred streaming service with these links from Tune My Music:

Let me know if you think I’m missing something good for either list!

Also, what do you like to eat for St. Patrick’s Day? I have been hungry for something like this. Maybe with potatoes this time.

Pizza Crawl! 🍕🍕🍕 [The Carroll Clan Cut Crawl?]

Posted on by Standard 2

I got it in my head a while ago that I wanted to try some local pizza places back-to-back, and three of my favorites are super close to each other, so… why not? I set out to get 1 slice each from Beto’s, Slice on Broadway (in Beechview), & Badamo’s (in Dormont). They are all less than 2 miles apart, so it was only a few minutes from one to the other.

Instead of a Birthday dinner, we made this my birthday lunch, albeit a few days early. I have a problem with loving alliteration. Should this be dubbed the Carroll Clan Cut Crawl?

A close-up image featuring three slices of pizza with different toppings and a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. - Pizza from Badamo's, Slice on Broadway, & Beto;s!
A collage of three photos featuring a family enjoying pizza at local restaurants. - The Carroll Clan Cut Crawl!

I’m not that guy that talks about one-bite rules or pizza flop, so I’ll rate all of these a 13/13. I think there are so many styles and recipes for pizza, they all deserve a spot at the table and some respect.

A cut from Beto's | A slice of cheesy pizza with a thick layer of unmelted shredded cheese in a takeout box, resting on parchment paper.
3 cheese cuts from Beto’s

🍕 Beto’s – $1.92/cheese slice | If you can’t get your head around Ohio Valley Style… I get it. But, it’s worth figuring out. I don’t put it in the same class as these New York Style pies, but there is room for many styles of pizza in this world. Beto’s is an institution. They are always packed. This stuff is a hit with me. It is simple, the crust is thick and square like Sicilian style with a savory sauce. The Provolone is just perfect, and the decision to leave it uncooked is wild but it works. I mean, you can ask them to cook it, but why? I got a small Mug root beer from the fountain. I love it. My son loves it, my wife is on the fence, and my daughter is not a fan (she got the mozzarella sticks). My son said Beto’s is his far & away favorite.

A slice from Slice on Broadway | A slice of cheese pizza on a metal tray, featuring a golden-brown crust and melted cheese with a slightly crispy edge.
A slice from Slice on Broadway

🍕 Slice on Broadway – $3.50/cheese slice | They claim it’s NYC style pie made by Yinzers. I have never had a slice of pizza in NY, but I hope for New York’s sake it’s as good as this. The sauce is ever so slightly sweet… not overly sweet, but it hits. The crust is crispy and doughy. The cheese is absolutely just right. It was so nice & warm on a cold day… and it hits the spot consistently every time, even across different locations. I paired it with a Boylan’s Birch Beer. I ordinarily like to get it with Ricotta & meatball here. My daughter, son, & wife all loved it as usual. Of course I loved it too. I think Slice was my wife & daughter’s favorite.

A slice from Badamo's
A slice from Badamo’s

🍕 Badamo’s – $2.50/cheese slice | So much love and attention to the craft goes into this pie! Anthony & the people that work there are just incredibly cool and super welcoming. I opted for Pepperoni this time, but my son was getting full so I ended up eating his cheese slice too. The sauce is savory and delicious, it’s not sweet but it’s not acidic. The crust has an entirely different feel & taste than anyone else around. It’s delicious and perfectly crispy. I really need to try their Sicilian style too! The pepperoni is small and delicious without taking over. On regular trips, I like the Ricotta & basil. I paired it with a carton of Turner’s iced tea. My wife & daughter really liked this one, my son nope’d out for being full, and I loved it enough to have two slices. (Hey, listen to Black Tie Revue!)

All in all, to me the nearly side-by-side comparison was super fun, and confirmed that they’re all great pizza that can stand on their own, or stand together. It was a cool afternoon activity with the family & everyone was enthusiastic about the mini adventure.

Of course I have a Punk Rock Pizza Party 🍕 playlist on Amazon Music & Spotify. You can import it to your preferred service too.

We are lucky to have so many great independent & small chain pizza shops in the area with a wide variety of styles and flavors. I remember the first time trying Beto’s and I took it back to the old apartment in Dormont & the cheese was sort-of half-melted and it was just perfect. I remember when Slice opened and we checked it out and it was absolutely delicious. I remember going to A’Pizza Badamo in Mt. Lebanon before it moved to Dormont and absolutely loving their pie & the great people.

Of course, there are great spots all over in & around the city… but I kept this Crawl tight. If you did a pizza crawl, which spots would you hit? Bonus points for keeping them within say a 5 mile radius! Would you do more than 3? Could you?

🏴‍☠️ Curses, Cutlasses, and Cauldrons | Joel Fatal, Local Troublemaker

Posted on by Standard Reply
Curses, Cutlasses, and Cauldrons by Joel Fatal, Local Troublemaker

I’ve posted before about other friends that have written books. That’s not new. I know some cool-ass people. This scoundrel has an Ernie and the Berts tattoo though.

I was on a boat in the ocean exactly once in life. We were far enough out that we could not see land. I was told it was a rather calm sea that day. I still puked over the side. I caught an amber-jack, that apparently was not good eating because of a potential parasite? I am deathly allergic to shellfish, and I am not a fan of the beach. I have probably only had rum a handful of times and it was always mixed with Coke or Dr. Pepper. Still though, who doesn’t love the romance & adventure of pirate imagery, and pirate songs?

Here’s my review of Joel’s book:

This collection of thoughts, reflection, & feelings is delivered not unlike catching a glimpse of a ghost ship in the mist on the barely discernable horizon. Sometimes it’s just hinted at on the whispers of the wind or waves of the open sea. Then, all of a sudden you’re in the crow’s nest surveying the chaos of the poop deck in a storm or in the captain’s quarters as he sips rum and recounts tales of anarchy, punk rock, rebellion, & love by candlelight. Maybe it’s the brig? Or a deserted island. It’s left to the reader to fill in the gaps as they dream of their own adventures, shenanigans, & longing. Who can’t relate to a journey, physical or metaphorical? What is the line really? Get lost in this book, & create your own treasure map to get out or to get further lost. 🏴‍☠️

You should pick it up on Amazon via KDP or check out the Goodreads page.

A hand holding a book with an illustration of a witch stirring a cauldron against an orange background, featuring a skull and crossbones in the upper corner.
Curses, Cutlasses, and Cauldrons by Joel Fatal, Local Troublemaker

After you read Joel’s book, you’ll probably want to listen to my “Let’s Get Scurvy 🏴‍☠️🦜“ playlist, and maybe even try my treasure map maze (from my book, You Can See Yourself Out). Tell me what you like from the playlist & make suggestions for more songs in the comments!

A hand-drawn treasure map maze featuring a pirate ship, sea creature, palm tree, and treasure chest, set against a background of winding paths. (Hand-drawn by AiXeLsyD13)

You can get this one on a T-shirt, and a ton of other stuff too.

But really, buy Joel’s book. Tell me what you thought about it in the comments, you barnacle-ridden bilge pump!

A person with a beard and glasses (Joel Fatal) holds four copies of a book with a pirate-themed cover featuring a skull and crossbones.

Playlist | Bass Case

Posted on by Standard Reply

I’m building a Bass Case playlist on Amazon Music. I’m looking for songs with a killer bass-only or at least bass-heavy intro. Mostly punk, metal, rock, etc. but open to just about anything. Bass guitar or a bass VI, not electronic bass or keys.

This is the start of it (but not all of it) so far:

  • Metallica – “(Anesthesia)—Pulling Teeth”
  • Black Sabbath – “N.I.B.”
  • Misfits – “London Dungeon”
  • Type O Negative – “Black No. 1 (Little Miss Scare-All)”
  • Rancid – “Journey to the End of the East Bay”
  • Alice In Chains – “Would?”
  • Beastie Boys – “Gratitude”
  • Queen – “Under Pressure [feat. David Bowie]”
  • Green Day – “Longview”
  • Ozzy Osbourne – “No More Tears”
  • Motörhead – “Ace of Spades”
  • AFI – “Miss Murder”
  • Primus – “My Name Is Mud”
  • The White Stripes – “Seven Nation Army”
  • Metallica – “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
  • Beastie Boys – “Sabotage [Explicit]”
  • Queen – “Another One Bites The Dust”
  • The Cure – “Just like Heaven”
  • Guns N’ Roses – “Rocket Queen”
  • Megadeth – “Peace Sells”
  • Anthrax – “Got The Time”
  • The Cure – “Burn”
  • Operation Ivy – “Sound System”
  • Jimi Hendrix – “Born Under a Bad Sign”
  • Black Flag – “Six Pack”
  • Primus – “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver”
  • Fugazi – “Waiting Room”
  • Faith No More – “We Care a Lot”
  • Guns N’ Roses – “You Could Be Mine”
  • TOOL – “Schism”
  • The Dead Milkmen – “Bitchin’ Camaro”
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Higher Ground”
  • Black Flag – “TV Party”
  • Violent Femmes – “Blister In The Sun”
  • Metallica – “Crash Course In Brain Surgery”
  • NOFX – “The Idiots Are Taking Over”
  • Faith No More – “Falling to Pieces”
  • The Breeders – “Cannonball”
  • Rick James – “Super Freak”
  • Duran Duran – “Rio”
  • Jane’s Addiction – “Mountain Song”
  • The B-52’s – “Rock Lobster”
  • Rage Against The Machine – “Bombtrack”
  • A Flock Of Seagulls – “What Am I Supposed To Do”
  • Weezer – “Only In Dreams”
  • The Commodores – “Brick House”
  • Death Cab For Cutie – “I Will Possess Your Heart”
  • Iron Maiden – “Killers”
  • Nirvana – “Lounge Act”
  • Jane’s Addiction – “Three Days”
  • Van Halen – “Runnin’ with the Devil”
  • The Cure – “Fascination Street”
  • The Smithereens – “Blood And Roses”
  • The Stone Roses – “I Wanna Be Adored”
  • Metallica – “King Nothing”
  • The Byrds – “Eight Miles High”
  • The Stone Roses – “She Bangs the Drums”
  • The Clash – “The Magnificent Seven”
  • Lou Reed – “Walk On the Wild Side”
  • Joe Jackson – “Got The Time”
  • Stevie Wonder – “I Wish”
  • War – “Low Rider”
  • The Jam – “Pretty Green”
  • The Temptations – “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone”
  • Sonic Youth – “My Friend Goo”
  • Pennywise – “Ace of Spades”
  • The Beatles – “Come Together”
  • AFI – “Death Of Seasons”
  • NOFX – “Hobophobic (Scared of Bums)”
  • Thin Lizzy – “Dancing In The Moonlight (It’s Caught Me In It’s Spotlight)”
  • The Monkees – “You Just May Be The One”
  • Metallica – “The God That Failed”
  • Bad Brains – “The Regulator”
  • Rancid – “Maxwell Murder”
  • Deee-Lite – “Groove Is in the Heart”
  • Talking Heads – “Psycho Killer”
  • Dead Kennedys – “Viva Las Vegas”

Song name/artist would be more helpful than a Spotify link because I can’t copy/paste from there into Amazon Music.

…and this is subject to change pretty quickly & often.

A screenshot of a playlist titled 'Bass Case' on Amazon Music, featuring various songs with prominent bass lines.

Halloween Music

Posted on by Standard 6

I have a playlist problem. So, I have a lot of Halloween and Halloween-adjacent playlists. Some I have that are just massive & I listen to them on random. Some are a little more compact. What are your favorite Halloween songs? Anything I’m missing, songs or themes?

Screenshot of a Halloween playlist on Amazon Music, featuring album covers and the playlist title 'Halloween' with a pumpkin emoji.

I mostly listen on Amazon Music, but can use Tune My Music to pop these over to Spotify if you’re interested.

Straight-up Halloween:

Spooky Vibes:

File under “Of course”:

Good Halloween Costumes:

Damn, reading this… I feel like I’m slacking for not having Vampire, Werewolf, & Zombie playlists.

A Band Called Punchline | Podcast

Posted on by Standard Reply

It took me forever to get into podcasts. Some I have been enjoying lately are Chris DeMakes a Podcast, One Hit Thunder, & more recently A Band Called Punchline. (The former two break-down & deep-dive into songs in totally different yet incredible ways… I highly recommend them to musicians and fans!)

🎶 Don’t sleep on One By Willie, In Defense of Ska, Gumbands (with the legendary Rick Sebak), Lobby Boys, What Makes This Song Stink (Pat Finnerty!), That One Time on Tour, Peer Pleasure, & Weird Al-gorithm. But, this isn’t about those. 🎶

You can listen to all of these anywhere you find podcasts, but I do mostly all of my listening on Amazon Music.

Collage of images featuring the band A Band Called Punchline performing live, showcasing musicians on stage and off, with the band's name prominently displayed in bold letters.

I have absolutely no idea why I didn’t get big into Punchline in the very late 90’s or early 00’s. We all frequented the same places. I had to have seen them. I was active in AiXeLsyD then Gasoline Dion at the time. Their music is in my wheelhouse. I have heard a lot of Chris Fafalios because he produces on Chris DeMakes a Podcast & co-hosts One Hit Thunder. Chis is a great co-host with Matt Kelly & producer with involvement in 2 quality shows. This came up, and I was like… I have no excuse to not check this out as I love music, music documentaries, stories about songs, stories about playing & touring. It’s a no-brainer, right?

Well, I’m 3½ episodes in and the name-dropping alone is mind-blowing. Laga, Logic, AMC, Berlin Project, Mr. Smalls, Soundscape Studios, Garfield Artworks, Josh Bakaitus, Drusky, Joker Productions, mp3.com, practicing in McKees Rocks, and more I am surely forgetting. It puts me back into the days when I worked on the assembly line at Sony with Alf from Circle of Dead Children, or when me & An-Die ran into the Zao guitarist at Westmoreland Mall. Everyone was in a band. Ha ha. I remember Dirtbag Rob saying he had an AiXeLsyD T-shirt or patch before he was in the band.

I was at so many shows at Laga. That’s where I got to see Doyle play the Misfits intro in their green room one time. I remember Logic from that killer Take Me To Your Leader compilation CD. Man I miss punk comps. AiXeLsyD was practically the house band at AMC for a bit. We played every open stage we could. Berlin Project always worked the crowd well. I remember playing Mr. Small’s at least once with Gasoline Dion, not sure if Ernie and the Berts ever played there or not. I also remember being in the back for some reason. Maybe hanging out with Dethlehem? Me & Jason were hanging out with Next Stop Detox when they recorded at Soundscape in McKeesport. I was in Detox for like 30 seconds and recorded a single at Studiophonix in Mt. Pleasant. I think Gasoline Dion played Garfield Artworks… Maybe EaTB too? I know I saw a bunch of shows there. Ernie and the Berts recorded drums there once, I think? (It’s oddly not on my places I have played map.) We practiced at the shady ABC Storage in McKees Rocks and up in Allentown for a bit.

It makes me think of all the cool bands & all the fun times we had back then!

But, the cool part is hearing Berlin Project’s story, from the guys themselves. They seem like genuine nice people who set out to make some music, make a living doing it, and accomplished that! It’s presented documentary style and sort of gives me NPR vibes.

I am rooting for them every step of the way while I listen, When they talk about literally losing a tire off their van, using calling cards & pay phones, running up cell phone bills in the Nokia brick & flip phone days, purposely putting music on Napster just to get it out there, paying way too much for recording, sleeping on floors & booking tours, meeting other great and not-so-great bands… it all just hits. I am not and never was a pro touring musician, but I get it. I respect the hustle, and I appreciate the insight & shared experiences.

If you were around the southwestern PA scene in the late 90’s or early 00’s, ever picked up a guitar (or bass or drums or keys or horns), or are a fan of punk, indie, & DIY… you gotta check this out.

It’s on a bunch of platforms, so find it how you find yours… or start here:

Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube

I’m starting to dive into their stuff. I really dig the old stuff on their bandcamp that they sort of don’t recognize as much any more. Check out their website. I also want to see their music special on Amazon Prime. Punchline fans, what are your favorites? Can you make me a top 20 playlist in the comments? What are your memories of seeing them play or hearing their songs for the first time? What about if you played your own shows in & around that time?

Bluesky | Music Ask (AiXeLsyD13’s Answers)

Posted on by Standard 2

These go around all the time on social media. Saw one on Bluesky. Thought I’d make a playlist. This, like all of my musical tastes, could change if I were to do it again in 5 minutes. Here we are though. I made a playlist & put it on Amazon Music, Spotify, & YouTube.

Music Ask 1. A song you like with a color in the title 2. A song you like with a number in the title 3. A song that reminds you of summertime 4. A song that reminds you of someone you would rather forget about 5. A song that needs to be played LOUD 6. A song that makes you want to dance 7. A song to drive to 8. A song about drugs or alcohol 9. A song that makes you happy 10. A song that makes you sad 11. A song that you never get tired of 12. A song from your preteen years 13. One of your favorite 80's songs 14. A song that you would love played at your wedding 15. A song that is a cover by another artist 16. One of your favorite classical songs 17. A song that would sing a duet with on karaoke 18. A song from the year that you were born 19. A song that makes you think about life 20. A song that has many meanings to you 21. A favorite song with a person's name in the title 22. A song that moves you forward 23. A song that you think everybody should listen to 24. A song by a band you wish were still together 25. A song by an artist no longer living 26. A song that makes you want to fall in love 27. A song that breaks your heart 28. A song by an artist with a voice that you love 29. A song that you remember from your childhood 30. A song that reminds you of yourself

1. A song you like with a color in the title.

“Black No. 1 (Little Miss Scare-All)” – Type O Negative

2. A song you like with a number in the title.

“3 Small Words” – Josie and the Pussycats

3. A song that reminds you of summertime.

“Swing Life Away” – Rise Against

4. A song that reminds you of someone you would rather forget about.

“Casket” – Graves

5. A song that needs to be played LOUD.

“Headbanger” – Teenage Bottlerocket

6. A song that makes you want to dance.

“The Safety Dance” – Men Without Hats

7. A song to drive to.

“UFO’s, Big Rigs and BBQ” – Mojo Nixon

8. A song about drugs or alcohol.

“Beer” – Reel Big Fish

9. A song that makes you happy.

“Maggie Mae” – Pietasters

10. A song that makes you sad.

“Cricket” – Dance Hall Crashers

11. A song that you never get tired of.

“I Turned Into a Martian” – Misfits

12. A song from your preteen years.

“Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses

13. One of your favorite 80’s songs.

“True Colors” – Cyndi Lauper

14. A song that you would love played at your wedding.

“You Shook Me All Night Long” – AC/DC

15. A song that is a cover by another artist.

“War Pigs” – Cake

16. One of your favorite classical songs.

“Duel of the Fates” – John Williams

17. A song that would sing a duet with on karaoke.

“Heart Shaped Guitar” – Masked Intruder

18. A song from the year that you were born.

“We’re a Happy Family” – Ramones

19. A song that makes you think about life.

“Ordinary World” – Green Day

20. A song that has many meanings to you.

“One” – Metallica

21. A favorite song with a person’s name in the title.

“Jamie Oliver” – The Apers

22. A song that moves you forward.

“Float” – Flogging Molly

23. A song that you think everybody should listen to.

“Raise Your Glass” – Guns ‘n’ Wankers

24. A song by a band you wish were still together.

“Love’s Easy Tears” – Ann Beretta

25. A song by an artist no longer living.

“God’s Gonna Cut You Down” – Johnny Cash

26. A song that makes you want to fall in love.

“Pantera Fans in Love” – Nerf Herder

27. A song that breaks your heart.

“Crazy” – Willie Nelson

28. A song by an artist with a voice that you love.

“Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” – Black Sabbath

29. A song that you remember from your childhood.

“Walk Like an Egyptian” – Bangles

30. A song that reminds you of yourself.

“Knowledge” – Operation Ivy

It was tough to pick. I could do this list probably 5 deep with entirely different yet valid answers right now. I mean, I have whole playlists for color, numbers, dates, names, & more. I also thought of another ask that I wonder if anyone would participate in?

🎵🎶🎸🤘📻🎵🎶

The whole thing:

Would you do this one, or another one? Just the ones that popped into my head are…

  1. A song about a season.
  2. A song about a day of the week.
  3. A song about a year.
  4. A song about a bodily function.
  5. A song about a body part.
  6. A ridiculous song.
  7. A macabre song.
  8. A song about food.
  9. A song about an animal.
  10. A song about a monster.
  11. A song with advice.
  12. A sea shanty.
  13. A song from a movie you like.
  14. A song about a movie you like.
  15. A song from a TV show you like.
  16. A song about a TV show you like.
  17. A song an artist sings about another artist.
  18. A song about making love.
  19. A song about birth.
  20. A song about death.
  21. A song about a house.
  22. A song about a place.
  23. A song about a road.
  24. A song by a supergroup.
  25. A song that’s a collaboration of artists.
  26. A song about a family member.
  27. A great live song.
  28. A song from the 70’s.
  29. A song from the 90’s.
  30. A song from the 00’s.
  31. A song from the 10’s
  32. A song form the 20’s.
  33. A super catchy song.
  34. A song one of your parents likes.
  35. A wholesome song.
  36. A crazy song.
  37. A song about mythology or religion.
  38. A nice song.
  39. A mean song.
  40. A song about a historical event or figure.

What are some other good suggestions? You gonna do the ask? Which of these songs do you love or hate?

Roasted Broccoli Cheddar Soup w/ Ham n’ Cheese Beer Bread Sandwiches 🧀🥦🥣🍺🥓🍞

Posted on by Standard Reply

It’s cheeseception. I wanted to try that cheesy beer bread in some grilled ham & cheese sandwiches… and I needed some soup for the side, right? Why not up the cheese level with my old broccoli cheese soup or my potato soup? I thought the fiber from the broccoli may be beneficial. 😆

I altered the recipe a bit.

Golden roasted broccoli cheddar soup with pops of green and orange (from carrots) in a small white bowl with a spoon sitting beside a panini-grilled ham & cheese sandwich with cross-hatch lines on a white plate. It's all on a wooden counter top, beside a wooden cutting board,
Roasted Broccoli Cheddar Soup and a Cheesy Beer Bread Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwich

I probably should have stuck with a traditional tomato soup to combat the absolute decadent richness, but this soup was pretty damn good. I want to try to make a roasted butternut squash soup eventually too… but not sure that would pair well with this sandwich?

I did spice-up my original broccoli cheese soup recipe. This could be a full meal, or a side to a nice turkey or roast beef sandwich. Recipe down below. That’s what I did this time. I’ll probably make it slightly different next time. Everyone does that, right?

As far as the sandwich, I just cooked some lunchmeat ham for a few seconds on the panini grill, sliced up the cheesy bear bread, buttered the outsides with softened butter, and stacked it with some individually wrapped cheese slices… cooked on high on the countertop grill to sear & melt it all at once. I should have gotten a side view, but I was hungry.

🥦🧀🥣 Roasted Broccoli Cheddar Soup | The Recipe

This is like my last recipe, but slightly altered.

Ingredients:

  • 2 sticks of butter
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or whatever kind you like)
  • 1 cup of flour
  • ½ cup of shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup of diced celery
  • ½ Spanish onion
  • 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
  • ½ tsp. ground mustard
  • ½ tsp. paprika
  • ½ tsp. onion powder
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. salt-free table blend seasoning
  • ¼ tsp. white pepper
  • Salt, black pepper, & dried parsley to taste
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 32 oz. box of chicken stock
  • 32 oz. box of vegetable broth
  • 12 oz. bottle or can of beer (I used Yuengling Traditional Lager.)
  • 2 tsp. Ham Broth Base (I used Orrinton Farms)
  • 3 bundles of fresh broccoli (chopped up into spoon-sized pieces)
  • ¼ cup of bacon pieces
  • 10 oz. block of extra sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 10 oz. block of white cheddar cheese (grated)
  • ½ cup of parmesan cheese
  • 16 oz. block of Velveeta (cut onto small chunks)
  • 2 cup bag of shredded “mac & cheese blend” cheese

Method:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 425°, & do all your chopping/shredding/measuring.
  2. Toss about ⅔ of the broccoli, & a bit of carrots & bacon pieces in a bowl with salt, pepper, & oil to coat. Roast on a sheet pan for about 20 minutes.
  3. While that is going, melt butter on medium heat in the bottom of your stock pot, add celery, carrots, onions, garlic, & sauté for a bit.
  4. Mix all the spices with the flour, add to pot to make a roux and let it get a nice color brown.
  5. Add the beer slowly to the roux, then the boxes of stock, then the buttermilk.
  6. Add remaining ⅓ of broccoli & bacon pieces, bring to a boil, simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
  7. The roasted broccoli should be done, hold it until you have 5 min. left of simmering.
  8. Turn heat to low, stir in all that cheese. (I mixed it all into a bowl 1st)

Notes:

  • This was a different soup when roasting vs the last time. I could honestly go for either again.
  • I used whatever seasonings at every step as they struck me in addition to the measured amounts.
  • I did pop in a squirt of yellow mustard, too. Mustard is botanically related to broccoli, & acts as an emulsifier.
  • Fresh real bacon would be incredible here, maybe more of it… or even bits of cubed ham.
  • You could skip the beer & do 1½ cups of water with the ham bullion or Better Than Bouillon. I like to use Straub Amber to cook too.
  • I wonder if a red bell pepper would be good in this too?
  • This makes a large pot, so hope you like leftovers.
  • My apologies to vegans, the lactose-intolerant, and the dairy-allergic.

🥦🧀🥣

OK, so how would you make your broccoli cheddar soup? Can I call this broccoli cheddar when it also includes other kinds of cheese? What are your thoughts on the roasting? Would you try this? Do you have a broccoli cheese soup go-to recipe? How about any tips & tricks?