Seriously? Fuck You, Glenn Beck

There's enough people covering the bad shit going on throughout the world that we typically refrain from blogging about it here, but I had to say something about this. The thought that Satan-reincarnate Glenn Beck is planning some sort of rally on the anniversary of MLK's "Dream" speech exactly where he spoke is really disturbing. Celebrate the Dream, Glenn Beck, FUCK OFF.

Love Music? Buy Music

It's an overly simple concept, but needs to be heard now more than ever: I Buy Music. Read why at their site, but it's pretty obvious. It's become so easy to download music for free (illegally) that it's daunting to be an artist- why bother spending so much time and effort (and money) creating something that so many people will just get for free? Take the pledge to really support music.

Some good music that just came out that'll be worth your money: new Lee Perry dub plate compilation and 45 from Pressure Sounds, another Scratch comp from Trojan (they totally ripped PS's artwork), as well as more good stuff from them including a Dekker 7" and a roots comp, Stand & Give Praise, with lots of rare tunes, the new Budos Band, QOTSA's Rated R Deluxe, and more Light in the Attic reissues, just to name a few.

Pirate Pics

View the full set of photos from the High Seas here, courtesy of Paul Ware. We are working on a new photo gallery section of the site. If you have any incriminating shots of the Culture Pirates, please hit up: contact [at] destroybabylon.com. Check back soon!

Lost in the Bowling Alley

Guns of Boston, Straight to Brooklyn

Another rude track followed by a twenty second riot from the Brooklyn Bowl, thanks again Emma!

One final HUGE THX to all that came out and rocked the boat with us last Friday. It was an amazing night; Craig Welsch behind the board, the Macrotones killin' as usual, CDIA representing (pics from Paul here), and only the true fans in Boston would unanimously prefer us to end with "Straight to Hell" over "Should I Stay or Should I Go". Too bad we had to end a little early, but at least we got to play more the next night. The Brooklyn Bowl was one of the coolest venues we've played in a while, and God Saves Queens did a perfectly suitable and convincing Sex Pistols (and Nancy shooting up on stage was ridic). Here's the set list- we switched it up this time and threw some other favorites throughout the night.

Armagideon Time*
Gimme Dub
Culture Pirates
Echo Chamber
Freeze
#1 Killer
London Calling
Brand New Cadillac
Jimmy Jazz
Hateful
Rudie Can't Fail
White Riot
Spanish Bombs
The Right Profile
Lost in the Supermarket
Clampdown
The Guns of Brixton
Wrong 'Em Boyo
54-46
Pressure Drop
Death or Glory
Koka Kola
Police & Thieves
The Card Cheat
Lover's Rock
Charlie Don't Surf
Four Horsemen
I'm Not Down
Revolution Rock
Train in Vain
Straight to Hell
Rock the Casbah*
Should I Stay or Should I Go*

*Brooklyn only

London Bowling

Footage from our London Calling set at Brooklyn Bowl. Thanks to Emma Story for the video, more to come!

LON > BOS > NYC

Thanks to Kristin Viens for the above shots.

The London Calling show at Brooklyn Bowl was smashing fun. Thanks to all that came out, whether or not you knew it would become the most punk rock bowling game of your life... Big ups to Andy and Nate of The Macrotones for taking the hike with us after an insane night in Boston Harbor.

That set will remain one of the most fun (and epic) in the DB catalog... but alas, we have a new album to finish! Only a few more Summer shows while we prepare the next release, and you can bet you'll hear a whole new set with plenty of shiny DB originals (and maybe some with the dust kicked off...).

We're excited to announce 2 shows with local favorites The Void Union! These guys absolutely hold it down for the traditional ska scene, brought to you in part by the the seasoned Westbound Train crew. First up is Thursday August 19th at TTs in Cambridge, our first time since 2006! The second show takes place next door at the Middle East upstairs, downstairs, and corner... On Saturday September 25th, for the first time in Boston, the infamous 3 Floors of Ska comes to town! This year's headlining act... The Toasters! More info on this show soon come.

Also- our new split EP with The Macrotones, Clash on the High Seas, is now available worldwide. Check out early/live versions of tunes that will be featured on our respective forthcoming albums!

Brooklyn Calling - TONIGHT!

The booze cruise last night was unreal. Thanks to every single person aboard for the amazing energy and one of the most fun sets we've ever played. The Macrotones slayed as always. Pics, full set list and hopefully video to come.

Round 2 Fight!, er Tonight! London Calling continues at the Brooklyn Bowl. 9pm 21+ Only $5!

Pussy Galore

Just wanted to plug a friends worthy organization... I've always been a strictly dog, not cat kind of guy, but I gotta admit, some cats can be pretty cool. And I'd much rather see any animal being taken care of by a willing person, not homeless or neglected by shitty owners. So if you're in the feline market, consider Black Cat Rescue. Apparently black cats are only half as likely to get adopted as cats of other colors... Even with a black President, some people still can't change.

Mr. Money Bags

Check out the first taste of DB's upcoming,
yet-to-be-named full length!
Mr. Money Bags + Deep Pocket Dub

DB w/THE WAILERS (18+)

Massive news... DB will be supporting The Legendary Wailers! Last year we had a couple great shows together in NH and CT, and we're stoked to support them at the Paradise in Boston! We have another announcement to coincide with the show to be revealed next week... stay tuned!

Big up to Jeff Proctor for letting us steal some art for the flier- check out his twisted mind at makenonsense.com, and grab a print at his new store.

Thursday June 3rd 2010
The Wailers plus Destroy Babylon and Elmwood
The Paradise Rock Club
967 Comm Ave Boston MA
8pm 18+ $25

Clash on the High Seas

Friday July 2nd 2010 - Clash Tribute Concert Cruise
Destroy Babylon + The Macrotones rock Boston Harbor!
TIX HERE | 21+

Here's the full scoop...

TICKETS: On sale now, HERE! Each purchase will receive an instant download of an exclusive split EP, Clash on the High Seas, featuring new tunes from each band! We will mail your ticket(s) out right away, and your download will start immediately. There are NO FEES for everyone that buys tickets through us! Last year's cruise SOLD OUT, so buy in advance!

SHOW: The cruise starts boarding at 7:15 and leaves at 8pm sharp... so get there early! Once aboard, The Macrotones will set sail with an original set of their booty-shakin brand of Boston-Afro-beat. DB follows with a few originals before performing all of The Clash's seminal album London Calling with the Macros backing up on horns, percussion, kicks and punches. We'll continue to play until we dock at 11pm.

DRINKS: It's a cash bar so stop at an ATM machine on your way, light snacks and hot dogs will be available on the boat.

DIRECTIONS: Rock On! Concert Cruises are on Mass Bay Lines and depart from Rowes Wharf at The Boston Harbor Hotel Atlantic Avenue – CRUISES ARE RAIN OR SHINE. There is $7 Parking @ INTERNATIONAL PLACE GARAGE directly across the street from the Hotel - Arrive after 6pm, get your parking pass stamped at the Cruise Box Office.

By T, Take the Red Line to South Station - it's 1/4 mile up Atlantic Ave or take the Blue Line to Aquarium - it's 1/4 mile down Atlantic Ave.

QUESTIONS? Contact us if you need any more info, otherwise, see you at the docks!!

Regent Theatre Pics

We posted some new pics from our recent Regent Theatre gig. Big thanks to Kristen Goehringer for the colorful shots - gallery here.

Clash on the Horizon...

Something huge is headed this way...
it involves a clash of artists big enough to rock anyone's boat...
Clear your calendar for Friday July 2nd
and check back here next week!

Swearwolves 5/22

The 'wolves come out! On Saturday May 22nd, come out to Club Bohemia (aka Cantab downstairs) in Central Square for some heavy tunes with The Swearwolves, fellow Boston rockers Bacchus King and our Brooklyn buds The Cool & Deadly! There may be one more act, so stay tuned.

Big up to Boris from Banimon- more vectors that fell victim to Babylon... He created the kickass-commie graphics, and I pillaged it with text. Play some quick and fun games at his newly launched Banimon TV! Destroy Banimon continues...

4 20 10

DB Dub Sesh at The Last Chapter Pub
SNHU Manchester
3-7pm, Students only

4/17 @ the 'bud, 4/20 in NH

Join us this Saturday in Davis Square where DB will play/party/drink from 10pm to 1am! It's also Record Store Day, so we're celebrating early with the coupon above (just use promo code pirate at dl.destroybabylon.com to get 20% off... whatever you choose to pay). Pick up the Culture Pirates 7" if you haven't already... they're almost all gone!

Don't worry about silence on the facebucks and twittys... we've been busy! Big summer plans are brewin'...

Saturday, April 17
Rosebud Bar (behind the diner car)
381 Summer St, Somerville MA (Davis Square)
Destroy Babylon all night!
10pm, 21+, $5

Tuesday, April 20
420 Celebration at Southern New Hampshire University (Manchester, NH)
3pm - 7pm @ Last Chapter Pub- SNHU Students only

Friday, May 7
DJ set | Vintage Roots @ Rosebud Bar & Grill (First Friday of every month)
Selector Johnny Babylon spins the best in classic and rare reggae!

381 Summer St, Somerville MA (Davis Square)
10pm, 21+, No Cover!

Saturday May 22
Club Bohemia @ The Cantab Lounge
738 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge MA
The Swearwolves w/ The Cool & Deadly & Bacchus King!

Eat Peeps.

Happy Easter folks!

Keith Hudson Day!

Forget your St. Paddy's hangover, we are officially declaring March 18th Keith Hudson Day.

Keith Hudson was born March 18, 1947 in Kingston, JA, and tragically died of lung cancer in 1984. During his life, he had a drastic impact on the Jamaican music industry, and really pop music over all, though he remains obscure. He was arguably the first producer to release a strictly Dub record, 1974's Pick A Dub, while his first LPs, 1972's Furnace and Class & Subject, were the first records to feature a mix of vocal tunes, dub mixes, and Deejay versions on one album. There's some more interesting biographical info on his myspace page, apparently written by one of his sons.

Anyone that knows Destroy Babylon knows we are hugely influenced by the "Dark Prince of Reggae" and have covered a handful of his tunes (our Shadow Army EP starts with Hudson's "Nuh Skin Up"). We recorded two more Hudson tunes in the studio that will be on our next record. Click here to download an unreleased dub version of "Nuh Skin Up" from DB's Shadow Army sessions... appropriately mixed by Prince Polo of The Cool and Deadly, who will be sharing the stage with us tomorrow in Stamford!

Above is a short list of Hudson tunes that plays like an anthology. Although much of his best work is done behind the controls, not as a performer, this mix features his work as a producer and vocalist. To make it easier to choose, I just picked one track from each of his 13 LPs. Pressure Sounds will forever be the most respected reissue label in my book because they have kept three of Hudson's best albums in print; Pick A Dub, Brand, and Nuh Skin Up. You need all three. The other sets you need are The Hudson Affair, a great compilation by Trojan of his work with others, his dark masterpiece Flesh Of My Skin Blood Of My Blood, Wackies' Playing It Cool Playing It Right, both reissued by Basic Replay, and his Greensleeves classic Rasta Communication.

Listen to the tunes above, check out his releases and show respect to one of the most important and underrated figures in reggae music. Next year, since it'll fall on a Friday, we want to do a Keith Hudson tribute show. Any musicians interested in being a part, hit us up!

Happy Hour Babylon showcase

This Saturday at the Beachcomber in Wollaston Beach (Quincy MA), DB plays from 4-8pm for an Autism Benefit Beach Party! We will be joined by some of our BFFs from the Macrotones for some suped-up horn action. DJ Mark McGillicuddy will spin before & between sets, so the party will never stop. See you there!

Precinct this Saturday

JOIN US!

Callgrimation Domination

Artist extraordinaire and good friend Jesse Moore has unleashed a new art assault: collectible/interchangeable Callgrim figures (each packed with their own art card), badass t-shirts (printed by Jesse himself), and Episode 1 of a new animation series (featuring original, haunting noises from the Swearwolves). Whether it was writing/recording the space-cowboy composition or animating/editing the imagery- the entire MADD crew had a hand in giving life to Jesse's incredible artwork. Check out the video, and be sure to check out everything over at Callgrim.com. Many more projects with Jesse are in the works, stay tuned.

JA Love at the Bud

This Sunday meet us at the Rosebud Bar & Grill (right behind the diner) in Davis Square. I'll be spinning vintage Jamaican love chunes, classic and rare. Hopefully you have Monday off for Prez day, so come out, have some drink and pretend you're in sunny JA...

Googlyon, my friend. Googlyon.

Swearwolves at Church Pt. III

Our version of Dan Auerbach's "I want some more".

Shop Update

Click to see the new shop section at destroybabylon.com/shop

Release Recap

Massive thanks to all the guests that joined us last night for a fun & dubbed out night of music. Big ups to everyone that came out and brought their dancing shoes. The night was filmed & recorded (thanks CDIA crew)- we'll keep you posted with all media right here, but until then- check out the Destroy Babylon Download Store, aka, the DB:DL...

What's the DB:DL all about?
-Pay what you'd like for albums & tracks.
-Download in 320k mp3 or higher formats.
-Receive instant downloads of music ordered on CD or vinyl.
-Stream every song in its entirety while reading lyrics and liners.
-Turn on the visualizer and crank up the speakers...

Available now are Dub of Ages Vol. 1, featuring the complete collection of tracks from 2009's Dub of the Month Series (remixed & mastered), as well as Culture Pirates Deluxe, featuring an eclectic array of remixes from some of our favorite artists.

Our continued Dub Club series will always debut at the DB:DL. We are spending the rest of Febrewary working on lots of new material, including our next LP in addition to the first few cuts for the Dub Club 2010 series. Stay tuned!

Tonight!

Confirmed guests: Andy Bergman on sax + theramin, Jason Buhl on sax + flute, Tyler Randall on sitar, Aaron Duffy & Wyatt Posig on various percussion, & Jamie Lynn Hart & Dana O'Connell on vocals... Don't miss a minute!

Swearwolves at Church Pt. II

AquaGate: Never Forget

Three years ago today marks one of the more embarrassing moments in Boston history, when the BPD caused a city-wide panic after mistaking Lite-Brites for bombs. As part of an Adult Swim ad campaign for Aqua Teen Hunger Force, tiny LED signs featuring a bird-flipping Mooninite were placed in random spots around the city. For whatever reason (blame it on Bin Laden), Boston's Finest identified these things as improvised explosive devices, and went as far as blowing up the first one discovered. The best part: these things were in place for almost 3 weeks, in 10 major US cities before the BPD decided the shut down I-93 and the MBTA to investigate the devices. Every other city had no problem realizing exactly what they were, and by the end of the day, Boston law enforcement looked like a bunch of Meatwads.

As level-headed, tax paying Boston citizens, we decided the best way to remember this famed-fuck up was to write a song about it. Jbo quickly wrote the lyrics to what became "This is Not a Bomb", which itself is a reference within a reference... Boston's Dada-loving Mission of Burma's "This is Not a Photograph" appropriating the Belgian surrealist artist Magritte and his famous work "Ceci n'est pas une pipe" ("This is not a pipe"). In addition, and in true Culture Pirate fashion, Jason Ralls contributed "This is Not a Pirate" to the 7" book... holy appropriation Batman.

To accompany this asinine event, we had Matt Doughty illustrate a Mooninite in a most crude way. Here are some early versions of the Rat Fink inspired creature that became the cover of the single. The track (and bonus dub) are available on itunes.