“The Works of Tom Waits” in Carnegie Hall
2 days ago
Friday, December 13, 2013
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Making Videos
Former PG backup vocalist and good friend, Leslie DiNicola and PG frontman, Steve Williams collaborated recently on an acoustic cover of The Flaming Lips' Waiting for Superman.
Hope you enjoy!!!
Directed by Jeffry Paredes.
DP - Retsu Motoyoshi, Camera Operator - Alessandra Corazzini, Sound Recorder - Larisa Meintjes, Sound Mixer - Eric Maltz
Hope you enjoy!!!
Directed by Jeffry Paredes.
DP - Retsu Motoyoshi, Camera Operator - Alessandra Corazzini, Sound Recorder - Larisa Meintjes, Sound Mixer - Eric Maltz
Monday, November 26, 2012
10 GREAT ALBUMS RUINED BY DOUCHE-BAGS
Ok, allow me to explain...
I've been thinking about this for a while and talking to a number of friends, family and random bar patrons about this topic.
There are certain albums that at some point (typically during an albums initial release) are amazing, innovative, groundbreaking etc. whether personally or publicly. At some point these albums become unlistenable due to a number of very important factors. For example, being over played on the radio or having the band be associated with a certain product or group of people ie. douche-bags. Sometimes, it hits a little closer to home, maybe your girlfriend or boyfriend broke up with you while your favorite song was playing on the radio therefore ruining said song forever. There are countless examples and all of them are factored into this list.
The selections featured here are albums that were once GREAT and now for better or worse have been ruined by douche-bags.
10. Led Zeppelin - IV
One of the most important records in history by one of the most influential bands, but thanks to all those radio DJ's who insist on "getting the Led out" on a daily basis, it makes classic songs like Black Dog, Rock and Roll and of course Stairway to Heaven really hard to get amped up about. Wayne's World was right too, if you walk into any guitar store in the world at some point you're going to hear some kid (or adult) fumbling through the "easy" parts of Stairway and every employee cringing and/or holding their hands over their ears. Sorry Zep IV but you're dead to me.
9. Rage Against the Machine - Self-Titled
In '92 when a 14 year old comes home with a Rage shirt on and says to his father, "Fuck You, I won't do what you tell me", I imagine it's followed by that child being grounded at best. Now you hear that song sung in bars by a bunch of drunk assholes watching football. I guess some protest songs don't age that well.
8. The Pixies - Doolittle
This breaks my heart. I still want to love this record so bad but it's unfortunately ruined. The major problem here is that every Pixies record is great, but for some reason people only remember this one. Even the Pixies! They have been on the Doolittle tour for 3 years now since its 20th anniversary in 2009. Enough! Play some Trompe La Monde, Surfer Rosa, Bossa Nova. Hey here's an idea...MAKE A NEW RECORD!!
7. Bob Marley - Legend
This is kind of unfair because it's a greatest hits record. However, 1, no one seems to realize this and 2, no one seems to realize that Bob Marley wrote more than these 14 songs. We forget that this music was written in protest, it was written to rouse and inspire, NOT to just smoke weed to. Go buy a real Marley record chances are one of these songs are on it anyway. It's ok to expand, go on, don't be scared.
6. Beastie Boys - License to Ill
It's hard to believe that this is where the Beastie Boys originated. Or is it?! You've Gotta Fight for your Right to Party?? Come on, you hang out with the Dali Llama, that's gotta be a little embarrassing.
5. Metallica - The Black Album
Here's a great example of the band becoming the douche-bag. This is an unfortunate situation where most people think that this is Metallica's first record therefore excusing and even validating all of the crap that followed this. Let me be the first to inform those people, Metallica used to have real long hair, sing about real evil shit and used to play really really fast! Again, this record was great when it first came out but they never went back to the true heavy metal of Kill Em All, Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets. Metallica, you sold out and you are all douche-bags.
4. Prince - Purple Rain
Here's a note to all douche-bags. When you walk into a bar and feel the need to annoy the rest of the world with your shitty taste in music...wait until they call "last call" before you play Purple Rain. Purple Rain is so incredibly epic and wonderful that it can only be played as the last song of the night. Nothing can top it. Putting it anywhere else is sacrilege and completely ineffective. Also, never ever do this song at karaoke unless you are or are instructed by Prince himself.
3. Violent Femmes - Violent Femmes
This record was ruined by female douche-bags. Girls love singing the wrong words to Kiss Off and they love clapping out of time to Blister in the Sun. It sounds good when Gordan Gano sings out of tune, not when 30 "besties" are doing it after too many lemon drops.
2. Guns and Roses - Appetite for Destruction
At one point this was my favorite album. Unfortunately this record has been played out to the point of absurdity. As soon as i hear that opening riff of Sweet Child I have to change the station or leave the room. Paradise City makes me cringe. Rocket Queen and Welcome to the Jungle might as well be Lady Gaga. You people have destroyed something that once was so great. I hope you're happy.
1. Weezer - The Blue Album
This is a combination of the band becoming douche-bags and douche-bags doing what douche-bags do best. Weezer only made 2 great records. This was one of them. I'm afraid to tell you the other out of fear that they'll ruin that one too. The Sweater Song isn't witty or cute after the 14 billionth listen. Buddy Holly isn't associated with that awesome video anymore. You still haven't learned the correct lyrics to Say It Ain't So. He lied about his name being Jonah and I nobody surfs to work. Weezer has become everything they set out to defy. (See also Metallica and Rage Against the Machine) They were once the anti-hero and now they are the typical run of the mill mainstream mediocrity that douche-bags flock to.
Well that's it. I hope i didn't offend you. If I did you're probably a douche. Please feel free to argue, agree or add to this list. Remember, everything in moderation (especially in music) and these are only opinions to be taken very lightly.
Thanks for reading,
Willy
I've been thinking about this for a while and talking to a number of friends, family and random bar patrons about this topic.
There are certain albums that at some point (typically during an albums initial release) are amazing, innovative, groundbreaking etc. whether personally or publicly. At some point these albums become unlistenable due to a number of very important factors. For example, being over played on the radio or having the band be associated with a certain product or group of people ie. douche-bags. Sometimes, it hits a little closer to home, maybe your girlfriend or boyfriend broke up with you while your favorite song was playing on the radio therefore ruining said song forever. There are countless examples and all of them are factored into this list.
The selections featured here are albums that were once GREAT and now for better or worse have been ruined by douche-bags.
10. Led Zeppelin - IV
One of the most important records in history by one of the most influential bands, but thanks to all those radio DJ's who insist on "getting the Led out" on a daily basis, it makes classic songs like Black Dog, Rock and Roll and of course Stairway to Heaven really hard to get amped up about. Wayne's World was right too, if you walk into any guitar store in the world at some point you're going to hear some kid (or adult) fumbling through the "easy" parts of Stairway and every employee cringing and/or holding their hands over their ears. Sorry Zep IV but you're dead to me.
9. Rage Against the Machine - Self-Titled
In '92 when a 14 year old comes home with a Rage shirt on and says to his father, "Fuck You, I won't do what you tell me", I imagine it's followed by that child being grounded at best. Now you hear that song sung in bars by a bunch of drunk assholes watching football. I guess some protest songs don't age that well.
8. The Pixies - Doolittle
This breaks my heart. I still want to love this record so bad but it's unfortunately ruined. The major problem here is that every Pixies record is great, but for some reason people only remember this one. Even the Pixies! They have been on the Doolittle tour for 3 years now since its 20th anniversary in 2009. Enough! Play some Trompe La Monde, Surfer Rosa, Bossa Nova. Hey here's an idea...MAKE A NEW RECORD!!
7. Bob Marley - Legend
This is kind of unfair because it's a greatest hits record. However, 1, no one seems to realize this and 2, no one seems to realize that Bob Marley wrote more than these 14 songs. We forget that this music was written in protest, it was written to rouse and inspire, NOT to just smoke weed to. Go buy a real Marley record chances are one of these songs are on it anyway. It's ok to expand, go on, don't be scared.
6. Beastie Boys - License to Ill
It's hard to believe that this is where the Beastie Boys originated. Or is it?! You've Gotta Fight for your Right to Party?? Come on, you hang out with the Dali Llama, that's gotta be a little embarrassing.
5. Metallica - The Black Album
Here's a great example of the band becoming the douche-bag. This is an unfortunate situation where most people think that this is Metallica's first record therefore excusing and even validating all of the crap that followed this. Let me be the first to inform those people, Metallica used to have real long hair, sing about real evil shit and used to play really really fast! Again, this record was great when it first came out but they never went back to the true heavy metal of Kill Em All, Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets. Metallica, you sold out and you are all douche-bags.
4. Prince - Purple Rain
Here's a note to all douche-bags. When you walk into a bar and feel the need to annoy the rest of the world with your shitty taste in music...wait until they call "last call" before you play Purple Rain. Purple Rain is so incredibly epic and wonderful that it can only be played as the last song of the night. Nothing can top it. Putting it anywhere else is sacrilege and completely ineffective. Also, never ever do this song at karaoke unless you are or are instructed by Prince himself.
3. Violent Femmes - Violent Femmes
This record was ruined by female douche-bags. Girls love singing the wrong words to Kiss Off and they love clapping out of time to Blister in the Sun. It sounds good when Gordan Gano sings out of tune, not when 30 "besties" are doing it after too many lemon drops.
2. Guns and Roses - Appetite for Destruction
At one point this was my favorite album. Unfortunately this record has been played out to the point of absurdity. As soon as i hear that opening riff of Sweet Child I have to change the station or leave the room. Paradise City makes me cringe. Rocket Queen and Welcome to the Jungle might as well be Lady Gaga. You people have destroyed something that once was so great. I hope you're happy.
1. Weezer - The Blue Album
This is a combination of the band becoming douche-bags and douche-bags doing what douche-bags do best. Weezer only made 2 great records. This was one of them. I'm afraid to tell you the other out of fear that they'll ruin that one too. The Sweater Song isn't witty or cute after the 14 billionth listen. Buddy Holly isn't associated with that awesome video anymore. You still haven't learned the correct lyrics to Say It Ain't So. He lied about his name being Jonah and I nobody surfs to work. Weezer has become everything they set out to defy. (See also Metallica and Rage Against the Machine) They were once the anti-hero and now they are the typical run of the mill mainstream mediocrity that douche-bags flock to.
Well that's it. I hope i didn't offend you. If I did you're probably a douche. Please feel free to argue, agree or add to this list. Remember, everything in moderation (especially in music) and these are only opinions to be taken very lightly.
Thanks for reading,
Willy
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Website Up and Running!
hey fans,
the first big news of 2012 is that we have a new website!!
www.peculiargentlemen.com
It's the ultimate host for everything PG!!
our fist 2 studio albums, Full Paw Special and The Difference are streaming and available for purchase AND for the first time, Banana Flock, a rare collection of b-sides and covers, is available for download.
you'll also find links to facebook, myspace, youtube, and this wonderful blog of ours.
there are also direct links to our 3 official music videos!!
what else do you need?!?!
a new record?
not quite yet...but E-beats and I are nearly done with the new record and oh man you're gonna love it!!
stay tuned,
willy
the first big news of 2012 is that we have a new website!!
www.peculiargentlemen.com
It's the ultimate host for everything PG!!
our fist 2 studio albums, Full Paw Special and The Difference are streaming and available for purchase AND for the first time, Banana Flock, a rare collection of b-sides and covers, is available for download.
you'll also find links to facebook, myspace, youtube, and this wonderful blog of ours.
there are also direct links to our 3 official music videos!!
what else do you need?!?!
a new record?
not quite yet...but E-beats and I are nearly done with the new record and oh man you're gonna love it!!
stay tuned,
willy
Sunday, January 15, 2012
a side of willy
hello PG fans,
check out "sweet" willy in the new Alan Jackson video, So You Don't Have To Love Me Anymore!!
shot in December at Coney Island. Thanks to Jim Muscarella
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7MbZJZ0biQ
check out "sweet" willy in the new Alan Jackson video, So You Don't Have To Love Me Anymore!!
shot in December at Coney Island. Thanks to Jim Muscarella
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7MbZJZ0biQ
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Album Cover Contest
hello fans, friends and family,
as a great big "thank you" to everyone who has either stuck with us through the years or just recently jumped on the bandwagon, PG is holding an Album Cover Contest.
The winner will have their picture proudly displayed on our newest record due out later this year.
the rules:
1) you're inspiration should be drawn from everything you know about Peculiar Gentlemen and the three simple words, "When I Fall".
2)photographs only. no drawings. i don't have any reason for this, it's just the way it's gonna be.
that's it!
this contest is open to everyone professional, amateur, artist or not.
the winner will be chosen anonymously by the band.
all submissions should be sent directly to:
steviewilliams1@yahoo.com
feel free to forward this message to anyone you think might be interested in competing.
the deadline for all submissions is October 1st 2011
as a great big "thank you" to everyone who has either stuck with us through the years or just recently jumped on the bandwagon, PG is holding an Album Cover Contest.
The winner will have their picture proudly displayed on our newest record due out later this year.
the rules:
1) you're inspiration should be drawn from everything you know about Peculiar Gentlemen and the three simple words, "When I Fall".
2)photographs only. no drawings. i don't have any reason for this, it's just the way it's gonna be.
that's it!
this contest is open to everyone professional, amateur, artist or not.
the winner will be chosen anonymously by the band.
all submissions should be sent directly to:
steviewilliams1@yahoo.com
feel free to forward this message to anyone you think might be interested in competing.
the deadline for all submissions is October 1st 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Big Time (slowly but surely)
well we're finally playing at the Mercury Lounge.
i know, i know it's amazing that this happened yet, let's not worry about why it didn't, let's just be happy that the day is finally here.
so brush off your dancing shoes and your party hats and let's collect our sweet asses at The Mercury Lounge on April 26th.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
New Record
It's a very exciting time for PG right now. we've just started recording our 3rd album, When I Fall, at The Cutting Room, in NYC.
So far we've began tracking 9 new songs including the title track, Reload and Lonely Little Girl. E-Beats, Steve B, Jay and myself played all of the songs live in the studio in order to capture the energy of our live shows. Thanks to Dave Crafa-owner, Tom Gardner-engineer and the rest of their amazingly professional and talented staff, the session went off without a hitch. It was a fantastic experience and we're looking forward to doing it again some day!
We'll be working hard on the rest of the album throughout April and May, so we'll be sure to keep you posted on our progress.
love,
Willy
So far we've began tracking 9 new songs including the title track, Reload and Lonely Little Girl. E-Beats, Steve B, Jay and myself played all of the songs live in the studio in order to capture the energy of our live shows. Thanks to Dave Crafa-owner, Tom Gardner-engineer and the rest of their amazingly professional and talented staff, the session went off without a hitch. It was a fantastic experience and we're looking forward to doing it again some day!
We'll be working hard on the rest of the album throughout April and May, so we'll be sure to keep you posted on our progress.
love,
Willy
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Goodbye Blue Monday
Hey fans,
we're doing a super fun all night jam at Goodbye Blue Monday on March 12! Yes, I said All Night Jam!!
(but when I say "jam", I mean heavily rehearsed and well constructed compositions.)
Yes, we'll be pulling out all the stops during our 2 hr set (I mean that literally and figuratively)
we go on at 12 midnight-no other bands.
hope to see you there. It seems like it's been an awfully long time since we've seen your face smiling at us from the audience.
love always,
Willy
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Happy 2011!
Free show Saturday night!
we're opening for our good friends, Low Water for their Record Release Party. hope to see you there ;^)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Royal Flush Festival 2010
hey everyone,
On Saturday at 4pm at the Knitting Factory our video for the song Tape Machine off of our 2nd record The Difference directed by Dan DeGloria will be featured in The Royal Flush Film Festival!
man, that sentence has a lot of info...
Hope to see you there!! tix are only $8 but you get to see a ton of great films (in addition to our)
love
willy
Monday, September 13, 2010
Webster Hall!!!
The mighty Peculiar Gentlemen return to the island of Manhattan on FRIDAY SEPT. 24th for their first ever show at The Studio in Webster Hall.
In a recent interview with the band for Immabottalie Magazine keyboardist E-Beats said, "this show is gonna be so good, i wish that i could step outside myself, buy a ticket and watch the show" while guitar player Willy Jive added, "And How!! we've been working on some new things that will literally knock your socks off...so leave your nice socks at home."
also performing: Red Wire Black Wire, Infrastructure, Swoon and Novae
Friday, August 13, 2010
Live @ Spike Hill
hey fans, we have one more show this summer and it's FREE! hope you can make it out...
Friday, July 23, 2010
NYC here we come!!
We're finally getting out of Brooklyn and making our big return to the island of Manhattan. Come out to the Delancey August 12th
Monday, July 19, 2010
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