Long before skate-punk took the form of a Canadian Britney Spears look-alike in cargo shorts, there were bands that truly understood the old skate-punk spirit of not giving a shit. These bands are old enough to remember when everyone's creed was "Skate and Destroy," not "Sk8er Boi." One such band is West Palm Beach's Die Stinkin, who'll be carvin' it up at Breakshot Billiards (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., inside Wellington Mall). After witnessing one of Die Stinkin's live shows, there's one thing that anyone with a pulse will take note of: This band is genuinely fun. With its hilariously off-kilter stage banter (how many bands say the "Hail Mary" before playing?) and songs such as "Liposuction," "Piss Bomb," and "Baby, I Love Dope," it's pretty darn tough to walk away without a big smile on your face.
But lest you think Die Stinkin's music involves only the balls-out, run-over-yer-grandma-with-a-lawn mower hardcore of yesteryear, know that it incorporates a good dose of '60s pop into its sound as well. In addition to being influenced by early '80s punk and hardcore like the Big Boys and the Toy Dolls, guitarist and vocalist John Silvernail lists his favorite songwriters as Ray Davies, Nick Lowe, and Billy Childish. Silvernail adds, however, that he's influenced by everything he listens to, which is quite a lot, considering his record collection is big enough to have its own ZIP code.
Die Stinkin was conceived in 1985, when Silvernail got together with drummer and fellow lifeguard Brian McManus. The band remained a three-piece through most of its existence, with current bassist Eric Ridgemont joining the lineup nearly a year ago.
"My old band, the Ridgemonts, used to play with them," Ridgemont recalls. "When they did the Who's 'The Kids Are Alright,' I knew I wanted in."
Die Stinkin isn't looking for fame and fortune, Silvernail notes; just playing music is a reward in itself. "Music is healthy," he affirms. "There are a million bands out there right now worth checking out. They may not be on the radio, but there are bands happening everywhere."
With more than 50 original tunes and a hefty supply of covers, Die Stinkin offers something for everyone in its musical repertoire. "If you don't like one song, don't worry -- there's another one coming right up that'll be a little different," McManus says.
Die Stinkin's EP, H.M.F.U, will be released by mid-October. For info, e-mail [email protected]. Playing with them Saturday night are LugNut, 3-2-Go, and Useless Knowledge. Show begins at 8 p.m. Call 561-795-POOL. -- Jason Budjinski
WED 10/8
India in Florida
Take a voyage
India.Arie has said that she put the dot between the names as a trademark of sorts. But her voice is a trademark on its own. India makes mood music. Not mood music like Prince or Al Green but music that just puts you in good spirits. Her new album, Voyage to India, cooks up a lush blend of romantic ballads, hip-hop, blues, folk, and jazzy beats. You can check out her sultry tunes at the Carefree Theatre (2000 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach). Show starts at 8 p.m. Call 561-833-7305. -- Audra Schroeder
FRI 10/3
Queen Lupe
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts (201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale) scores a coup over other local stages as it offers audiences the English-language world premiere of La Reina, La Lupe at 8:30 p.m. The biography of Victoria Guadalupe Yoli, the fiery evocative lead singer of Tito Puente's band in the 1960s, takes on new life. The musical also shows at 3 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $25. Call 954-462-0222. -- Dan Sweeney
FRI 10/3
Run. Run Far Away.
It's too early to start obsessing about the '90s, so don't put away those leg warmers. While new young bands avoid Florida like a bad one-night stand, '70s and '80s has-beens flock here like, um, a Flock of Seagulls (with Mike Score, right)! And they are just one of the five -- count 'em -- five bands on the '80s Wave Flashback Tour. Also included are Berlin, General Public, Animotion, and Missing Persons. This is not the first '80s Flashback Tour, though. The 2000 tour featured Wang Chung; apparently they're filming their own Where Are They Now? and can't make this tour. Hey, do you remember the Miami Arena? It's still there! Show starts at 8 p.m. at Miami Arena, 701 Arena Blvd., Miami. Call 305-530-4400. -- Audra Schroeder