Next time you're out boozing around, feed the jukebox (as long as it's a digital Touch Tunes jukebox)a few sweaty bills and play our whole new e.p. for the rest of the regulars. I bet your next beer will be free and you won't go home alone.
Nic
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Whiskey in the Jar
I wanna talk about Thin Lizzy. If for some godforsaken reason you're not familiar with this quintessential Irish band, let me tell you, do yourself a favor and go to Itunes and download their wonderful album, "Jailbreak". It's a great place to start.
For the rest of you who are only aware of their biggest US hit, "The Boys are Back in Town", there's so much more than just that wonderful song. Usually, a bands biggest hit is the most hated song of the hardcore fan, but "Boys are back in town", while not my favorite Lizzy song, certainly is a great one, for the harmonized guitars alone. And if you haven't noticed, The Takeover UK is very fond of harmonized guitars. A song on our forthcoming album, "Main St. Crush" had a working title of "Steely Dan" as the harmonized guitar lines reminded Nick of said bands "Reeling in the Years". Now I like Steely Dan. I don't love Steely Dan. And "Main St. Crush"'s guitars owe more to Thin Lizzy than anyone else. But really, Steely Dan and Thin Lizzy are both pretty cool, strange names. So it's just as well.
I digress. My favorite Thin Lizzy song is "Running Back", which is a ballad of some sorts, on Jailbreak. Phil Lynott's lyrics are simple but cutting. It's a very simple song, save for the guitar solo, and I really wanna cover it. We don't really cover songs, as we have so many of our own, and really I think most covers are a waste of time unless the artist takes a song and makes it distinctly it's own. So we'll see. I certainly don't wanna disrespect one of my favorite bands.
I go to the used CD store alot and I'm always plucking stuff out of the 2.50 & $5 bins. Recently I purchased: Sparklehorse "Good Morning Spider", The Posies "Frosting on the Beater" (which I had on tape before), and I got my little bro a CD by this band Ruth Ruth. A blast from the past, Greg and I had seen Ruth Ruth open up for Everclear at one of the first concerts we went to. My first concert was supposed to be Fugazi at Metropol, but alas, my mom wouldn't let me go. My brother and I devised a full proof scheme to allow us to go the Everclear show. We bought the tickets and told our mom we won them on a radio contest. I'm almost certain she didn't believe us, but I guess our will was so strong she gave in and let her 12 and 13 year old sons go to the show. Strangely, she had no problem letting Greg and I play shows on school nights with our punk band, Disturbed Youth. Actually, Everclear was not my first show. My first show was one I played with my first aforementioned band. It was on a Tuesday night at this long defunct place called Luciano's in Uptown Pittsburgh.
This must have been in 1995. Jeez, that makes me sound old, but we were really young.
And 13 years later, I'm still doing the same thing. Jeez.
Later,
M
For the rest of you who are only aware of their biggest US hit, "The Boys are Back in Town", there's so much more than just that wonderful song. Usually, a bands biggest hit is the most hated song of the hardcore fan, but "Boys are back in town", while not my favorite Lizzy song, certainly is a great one, for the harmonized guitars alone. And if you haven't noticed, The Takeover UK is very fond of harmonized guitars. A song on our forthcoming album, "Main St. Crush" had a working title of "Steely Dan" as the harmonized guitar lines reminded Nick of said bands "Reeling in the Years". Now I like Steely Dan. I don't love Steely Dan. And "Main St. Crush"'s guitars owe more to Thin Lizzy than anyone else. But really, Steely Dan and Thin Lizzy are both pretty cool, strange names. So it's just as well.
I digress. My favorite Thin Lizzy song is "Running Back", which is a ballad of some sorts, on Jailbreak. Phil Lynott's lyrics are simple but cutting. It's a very simple song, save for the guitar solo, and I really wanna cover it. We don't really cover songs, as we have so many of our own, and really I think most covers are a waste of time unless the artist takes a song and makes it distinctly it's own. So we'll see. I certainly don't wanna disrespect one of my favorite bands.
I go to the used CD store alot and I'm always plucking stuff out of the 2.50 & $5 bins. Recently I purchased: Sparklehorse "Good Morning Spider", The Posies "Frosting on the Beater" (which I had on tape before), and I got my little bro a CD by this band Ruth Ruth. A blast from the past, Greg and I had seen Ruth Ruth open up for Everclear at one of the first concerts we went to. My first concert was supposed to be Fugazi at Metropol, but alas, my mom wouldn't let me go. My brother and I devised a full proof scheme to allow us to go the Everclear show. We bought the tickets and told our mom we won them on a radio contest. I'm almost certain she didn't believe us, but I guess our will was so strong she gave in and let her 12 and 13 year old sons go to the show. Strangely, she had no problem letting Greg and I play shows on school nights with our punk band, Disturbed Youth. Actually, Everclear was not my first show. My first show was one I played with my first aforementioned band. It was on a Tuesday night at this long defunct place called Luciano's in Uptown Pittsburgh.
This must have been in 1995. Jeez, that makes me sound old, but we were really young.
And 13 years later, I'm still doing the same thing. Jeez.
Later,
M
Friday, May 23, 2008
Party Time
so last night was the ep release party of "it's all happening." it was a total blast. the crowd was amazing. everyone sang along, at times even louder than the band. a lot of old friends came out that normally dont. i couldn't have asked for more. thanks to triggers for playing, mike "skeebo" gralewski for running sound, and sean finn for dj'ing as well. also, a big thanks to our friend mike from california, who actually called the bar and bought us a bottle of jack daniels. i dont wanna thank him for the hangover im suffering through right now, but even still, that was a total sweetheart move on his behalf.
cheers,
josh
cheers,
josh
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The Takeover UK Talks To Istelf: Second Edition
Here's the second installment of the idiotic Takeover UK Talks to
Itself. And I (Nic Snyder) am going to get nitty gritty with Mr. Mark
Solomich.
N: Age (real or fake)? 26.
M: That's the real deal
N: What's your favorite watering hole in Pittsburgh? New York? LA?
M: Jeez,this makes me sound like a drunk. I can say with certainty I drink the
least out all the boys in the band. Pgh: the Cage NY: tough one, let's
just say NOT the reservoir; LA: I forget the name, but it's way down on
Sunset near Echo park, you can smoke there. Let's face it though, all
bars are pretty much the same.
N: How long can one go without showering before the ladies start to
complain?
M: I actually tested this in college; Let's just say quite a
while, a week maybe. Probably more, but I was sick of feeling dirty so I
took a shower, but I had the distinct feeling it could go on for quite a
while. I wouldn't recommend for everybody though.
N: What's the most uncomfortable nights sleep you've ever had?
M: Every night I had to share a bed with Sickels; or maybe the nights I didn't sleep at
all cause I was so uncomfortable where I was attempting to sleep i.e.
vans, cubbyholes, floors etc.
N: What's your favorite Clash song and why?
M: Hmmm. Tough one. White Man in Hammersmith Palais. One of the first Clash songs I heard, still one of the best. Joe Strummer laughing is great.
N: Have you heard the new Spiritualized record "Songs in A and E" yet
(because I'm listening to it right now and it's fucking awesome)?
M: No Nick I haven't. Is every song really in A and E? Let it come down is
great. I saw them live in Boston. Not so great. Maybe if I was on
shrooms I would've enjoyed it more.
N: I believe they all are in A or E, Mark.
N: What's your favorite guitar moment on the upcoming TTUK album? The ten
minute dueling wah-wah guitar solo on our cover of Edgar Winter's
"Frankenstein". Righteous.
M: What two TTUK songs from the past are most deserving of being on the
second album? Probably Carol Anne and Black Flowers, since we still
occasionally play those, but really, we're getting ahead of ourselves.
You and I still have many more hits to right before we decide what goes
on our next album, which is tentatively titled " Butt Fucking Turbo
Tits: The Takeover Uk Gets Sum"
N: Who in the Beatles do you most remind yourself of?
M: Ringo. I'm that good looking and I love gaudy jewelry.
N: If you could live anywhere in the world in Pittsburgh, where would it
be?
M: Maybe you worded this one wrong; did you mean anywhere in the world
BESIDES Pittsburgh? In that case I'd say the South of France
N: No I meant anywhere in the worl as long as it was in Pittsburgh. But we'll skip that one.
N: We all know your favorite movie is Major League. How do you feel about
about Two and a Half Men [Charlie Sheen's newest work]?
M: Watched maybe one episode. I did however go to a taping of an episode out in glorious Burbank. Charlie Sheen is the Gary Cooper of Generation X. Brilliant
actor. I'm serious.
N: The strong silent type? His Dad, Marty, is better.
N: What's the last album/song that made you pick up a guitar and write a
song?
M: The Mystery Jets new album "21" Wonderful songs.
N: Do you believe in Global Warming, and if so what can TTUK do to help?
M: Do I believe in global warming? Of course I believe in Global warming.
It's not the Tooth Fairy. It's real and it's all happening (ha ha) as we
speak. While I believe only governments can implement real, lasting
change, I think as artists we can inform ourselves more and speak out
against those who would choose to view Global warming as a myth or at
least not very important. Like our president. In effect, call people out
on their shit.
Oh and turn the light out when you leave the room.
N: And lastly, what time is practice tonight?
M: Good question, I was meaning to tell ya'll that I'm getting my hair cut at 5:45 and we'll probably have to push practice back a lil. I'll call you. Don't Call me.
Itself. And I (Nic Snyder) am going to get nitty gritty with Mr. Mark
Solomich.
N: Age (real or fake)? 26.
M: That's the real deal
N: What's your favorite watering hole in Pittsburgh? New York? LA?
M: Jeez,this makes me sound like a drunk. I can say with certainty I drink the
least out all the boys in the band. Pgh: the Cage NY: tough one, let's
just say NOT the reservoir; LA: I forget the name, but it's way down on
Sunset near Echo park, you can smoke there. Let's face it though, all
bars are pretty much the same.
N: How long can one go without showering before the ladies start to
complain?
M: I actually tested this in college; Let's just say quite a
while, a week maybe. Probably more, but I was sick of feeling dirty so I
took a shower, but I had the distinct feeling it could go on for quite a
while. I wouldn't recommend for everybody though.
N: What's the most uncomfortable nights sleep you've ever had?
M: Every night I had to share a bed with Sickels; or maybe the nights I didn't sleep at
all cause I was so uncomfortable where I was attempting to sleep i.e.
vans, cubbyholes, floors etc.
N: What's your favorite Clash song and why?
M: Hmmm. Tough one. White Man in Hammersmith Palais. One of the first Clash songs I heard, still one of the best. Joe Strummer laughing is great.
N: Have you heard the new Spiritualized record "Songs in A and E" yet
(because I'm listening to it right now and it's fucking awesome)?
M: No Nick I haven't. Is every song really in A and E? Let it come down is
great. I saw them live in Boston. Not so great. Maybe if I was on
shrooms I would've enjoyed it more.
N: I believe they all are in A or E, Mark.
N: What's your favorite guitar moment on the upcoming TTUK album? The ten
minute dueling wah-wah guitar solo on our cover of Edgar Winter's
"Frankenstein". Righteous.
M: What two TTUK songs from the past are most deserving of being on the
second album? Probably Carol Anne and Black Flowers, since we still
occasionally play those, but really, we're getting ahead of ourselves.
You and I still have many more hits to right before we decide what goes
on our next album, which is tentatively titled " Butt Fucking Turbo
Tits: The Takeover Uk Gets Sum"
N: Who in the Beatles do you most remind yourself of?
M: Ringo. I'm that good looking and I love gaudy jewelry.
N: If you could live anywhere in the world in Pittsburgh, where would it
be?
M: Maybe you worded this one wrong; did you mean anywhere in the world
BESIDES Pittsburgh? In that case I'd say the South of France
N: No I meant anywhere in the worl as long as it was in Pittsburgh. But we'll skip that one.
N: We all know your favorite movie is Major League. How do you feel about
about Two and a Half Men [Charlie Sheen's newest work]?
M: Watched maybe one episode. I did however go to a taping of an episode out in glorious Burbank. Charlie Sheen is the Gary Cooper of Generation X. Brilliant
actor. I'm serious.
N: The strong silent type? His Dad, Marty, is better.
N: What's the last album/song that made you pick up a guitar and write a
song?
M: The Mystery Jets new album "21" Wonderful songs.
N: Do you believe in Global Warming, and if so what can TTUK do to help?
M: Do I believe in global warming? Of course I believe in Global warming.
It's not the Tooth Fairy. It's real and it's all happening (ha ha) as we
speak. While I believe only governments can implement real, lasting
change, I think as artists we can inform ourselves more and speak out
against those who would choose to view Global warming as a myth or at
least not very important. Like our president. In effect, call people out
on their shit.
Oh and turn the light out when you leave the room.
N: And lastly, what time is practice tonight?
M: Good question, I was meaning to tell ya'll that I'm getting my hair cut at 5:45 and we'll probably have to push practice back a lil. I'll call you. Don't Call me.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
NIXPIX
1. "Moby Grape" by Moby Grape - While you've hopefully still got Alexander "Skip" Spence on your noodle, you might as well go buy (or more likely steal) this album. It's a total 60's San. Fran. pop album. The Grape were hyped to hell and back and had five singles released at once. This ham-fisted marketing scheme put the first in their not-so-far-off coffin. But this album is a fantastic rave up of guitar rock and beautiful harmonies. On "Hey Grandma," they three part the word Robitussin, "makes me feel so fine". It's a good album for sunny day burn-rides through the back country.
2. "High Land, Hard Rain" by Aztec Camera - Roddy Frame was a boy wonder with a deal on Scotland's Postcard records. He eventually got the big label bump and put out this 80's power-pop gem. It's got a bit of sheen to it, but the swagger in the songcraft more than makes up for it. "Oblivious" is too big a pop hit to be slept on all these years. "Walk out to Winter" is the type of song where each part can be mistaken for the chorus, until it bursts in to one of the biggest choruses you've ever heard. Sounds like kin.
Nic
2. "High Land, Hard Rain" by Aztec Camera - Roddy Frame was a boy wonder with a deal on Scotland's Postcard records. He eventually got the big label bump and put out this 80's power-pop gem. It's got a bit of sheen to it, but the swagger in the songcraft more than makes up for it. "Oblivious" is too big a pop hit to be slept on all these years. "Walk out to Winter" is the type of song where each part can be mistaken for the chorus, until it bursts in to one of the biggest choruses you've ever heard. Sounds like kin.
Nic
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Hello Jennifer, Can I call you Jen?
Hi,
I am Adam. I play bass. I also sing high harmonies. You may know me as "Bang Bang", or "Butt Tits" or "Cheddar". I have many nicknames. This is my first blog. Hooray! I love hockey (Go Pens!). I love Kells! I love Sportscenter. I am moved by smooth harmonies and sweet melodies. I like you. Goodbye friends.
I am Adam. I play bass. I also sing high harmonies. You may know me as "Bang Bang", or "Butt Tits" or "Cheddar". I have many nicknames. This is my first blog. Hooray! I love hockey (Go Pens!). I love Kells! I love Sportscenter. I am moved by smooth harmonies and sweet melodies. I like you. Goodbye friends.
GITCHYA SUM!!!
Well, since none of the other guys will post anything, I will attempt to briefly inform you of a FREE, that's right, FREE download of our debut EP, It's All Happening on last.fm. From now until next Tuesday, when the ep drops in stores and online everywhere, you can download all 5 tracks, along with several podcasts of us attempting to be funny and tell stories behind the songs for FREE. Go to: http://www.last.fm/music/The+Takeover+UK/It%27s+All+Happening Did I mention it's totally free? But only for a limited time so tell your friends and lovers to go over and get it and tell their friends and lovers.
In the meantime, we've been busy rehearsing new material, doing some press, and just gearing up to promote our first release.
Maybe when the hockey seasons over, Sickels and Butt Tits will stop pretending to be Canadians and get on here and fill ya'll in with their wonderful, sordid lives.
I saw Death Cab for Cutie play live on Fuse the other night. Now first off, I'm certainly no fan of theirs, but more power to 'em for selling records and doing well for themselves. That said, the jams off their new album are really not good. Boring is the adjective that comes to mind. And in pop music, that's a cardinal sin. When your first single is a radio edit of a slow languid ballad with no hooks to speak, you might wanna rethink it. And no, it's not operating in the same sphere as the Radioheads of the world. This is not experimental and challenging music. It's bland and boring. But hey, that's just what struck me as I watched these beardo's playing on tv to an audience of bored teenyboppers who didn't know what to do with their hands, since they couldn't really rock out or dance. Just wait kids, we'll be here to save you soon enough. In fact, you can download some righteous jams right now at Last.Fm. Go forth and "Gitchya sum" (copyright 2007 M. Solomich)
Later,
M
In the meantime, we've been busy rehearsing new material, doing some press, and just gearing up to promote our first release.
Maybe when the hockey seasons over, Sickels and Butt Tits will stop pretending to be Canadians and get on here and fill ya'll in with their wonderful, sordid lives.
I saw Death Cab for Cutie play live on Fuse the other night. Now first off, I'm certainly no fan of theirs, but more power to 'em for selling records and doing well for themselves. That said, the jams off their new album are really not good. Boring is the adjective that comes to mind. And in pop music, that's a cardinal sin. When your first single is a radio edit of a slow languid ballad with no hooks to speak, you might wanna rethink it. And no, it's not operating in the same sphere as the Radioheads of the world. This is not experimental and challenging music. It's bland and boring. But hey, that's just what struck me as I watched these beardo's playing on tv to an audience of bored teenyboppers who didn't know what to do with their hands, since they couldn't really rock out or dance. Just wait kids, we'll be here to save you soon enough. In fact, you can download some righteous jams right now at Last.Fm. Go forth and "Gitchya sum" (copyright 2007 M. Solomich)
Later,
M
Monday, May 5, 2008
SOMETHINGS BURNING
I've attempted to watch "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" at least 4 times these past few months. I'm a big fan of Hunter S. Thompson's writing, and also Johnny Depp and Terry Gilliam, but for some reason I absolutely cannot finish watching this movie. I fall asleep in the first act everytime. Maybe it's that trying to visualize a drug experience on film is an impossible feat. The whole acid trip sequence of peoples faces stretching and turning into animals just kinda feels like a well worn cliche used to describe every acid trip in every film. I do get a kick out of Benicio all fat and grizzled, but it doesn't sustain my interest past a few minutes. Has anyone else had this problem with Fear and Loathing? Have you ever wanted to like something based on it's pedigree but just can't get into it?
A movie I recently saw that did hold my interest was Michael Haneke's remake of his own movie, "Funny Games". Without giving anything away, this movie will either make you really think about violence in society and entertainment, or, as I overheard several fellow moviegoers gripe on the way out of the theater, make you think "I can't believe I sat through that". I feel strange saying I loved it, or even I enjoyed it. Enjoying a story like Funny Games will make you question your own humanity. Either way, I think it's an eye opening film and will stay with you long after you've seen it. And that, considering most current movies, is quite a feat unto itself. Then again, maybe I just like pretentious movies. I did go to film school afterall. Still, my favorite movie is Major League. So put that in your pipe and smoke it.
I've been listening to the debut album by The View, "Hats off to the buskers" . I actually purchased it twice, having lost my first copy.
Strangely I'm not blown away by it. Theres probably 4 or 5 songs I don't even really like. But the songs I like, I really love, "Face for the Radio" and "Wasted Little DJs" especially. Check it out if you get a chance. They're pretty big in the UK but as always, virtually unknown here in the States.
Alright, that's more than enough from me.
Later
M
A movie I recently saw that did hold my interest was Michael Haneke's remake of his own movie, "Funny Games". Without giving anything away, this movie will either make you really think about violence in society and entertainment, or, as I overheard several fellow moviegoers gripe on the way out of the theater, make you think "I can't believe I sat through that". I feel strange saying I loved it, or even I enjoyed it. Enjoying a story like Funny Games will make you question your own humanity. Either way, I think it's an eye opening film and will stay with you long after you've seen it. And that, considering most current movies, is quite a feat unto itself. Then again, maybe I just like pretentious movies. I did go to film school afterall. Still, my favorite movie is Major League. So put that in your pipe and smoke it.
I've been listening to the debut album by The View, "Hats off to the buskers" . I actually purchased it twice, having lost my first copy.
Strangely I'm not blown away by it. Theres probably 4 or 5 songs I don't even really like. But the songs I like, I really love, "Face for the Radio" and "Wasted Little DJs" especially. Check it out if you get a chance. They're pretty big in the UK but as always, virtually unknown here in the States.
Alright, that's more than enough from me.
Later
M
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Personality Crisis
On June 15th, we are playing with the legendary, and influential, New York Dolls. I am totally psyched about this. This news couldn't have come at a better time, as my step dad's only son just died... New York Dolls are one of his all time favorite bands. He was so excited when I told him. I think that's the only thing he is happy about right now, understandably. Anyways, I can't wait to get drunk and singalong to trash!
Josh
Josh
THE TAKEOVER UK TALKS TO ITSELF
In our first installment of The Takeover UK Talks to itself, vocalist/guitarist Mark Solomich sat down with bassist/vocalist Adam "Cheddar Bang Bang" Shash on a rainy spring night in their favorite gentlemens club, The Cricket, to ask him some deep, penetrating questions.
MARK CHATS WITH BANG BANG
Age?
25
How many slampieces have you had?
only quality Lovers. (editors note: this does not answer the question)
Why do you like REM so much?
The band has existed longer than I've been alive.
Each one of their 14 albums has the ability to move me.
I feel as though I have grown up with them.
They sound cool.
How long have you had a beard?
5 years. since spring break '03.
Ever think of shaving it off?
Daily, i'm just very concerned that the skin below is very pale.
What different nicknames do you have?
ched chee. cheddar butt tits. bang bang. shitty titty. butt tooth.
What are your favorite and least favorite of those?
favorite - bang bang.
least - ched chee.
Favorite female singer?
Kate Pierson.
Favorite Bassist?Paul McCartney and Mike Mills.
Election '08; who's Cheddar backing?
Rock around Barack.
Favorite TTUK song to play live?
Kill Me Dead
Was your family's name always Shash or is it one of those Ellis Island things where they shortened it and Americanized it when your family came to the States?
DeSashio
Your dream day off from work and the band?
no alarm clock.
romp w/ Kels.
over easy, sausage, home fries.
Sun, grass, trees, soccer balls, frisbees.
dip in the ocean.
man utd vs. liverpool at anfield.
dinner and drinks in vegas, or london, or nyc.
many more drinks on my estate with all who are near and dear.
(Ed.'s note: He has an estate? Why is this the first time I'm hearing of this?)
Finally, Have you ever seen a grown man naked?
too many times to count.
MARK CHATS WITH BANG BANG
Age?
25
How many slampieces have you had?
only quality Lovers. (editors note: this does not answer the question)
Why do you like REM so much?
The band has existed longer than I've been alive.
Each one of their 14 albums has the ability to move me.
I feel as though I have grown up with them.
They sound cool.
How long have you had a beard?
5 years. since spring break '03.
Ever think of shaving it off?
Daily, i'm just very concerned that the skin below is very pale.
What different nicknames do you have?
ched chee. cheddar butt tits. bang bang. shitty titty. butt tooth.
What are your favorite and least favorite of those?
favorite - bang bang.
least - ched chee.
Favorite female singer?
Kate Pierson.
Favorite Bassist?Paul McCartney and Mike Mills.
Election '08; who's Cheddar backing?
Rock around Barack.
Favorite TTUK song to play live?
Kill Me Dead
Was your family's name always Shash or is it one of those Ellis Island things where they shortened it and Americanized it when your family came to the States?
DeSashio
Your dream day off from work and the band?
no alarm clock.
romp w/ Kels.
over easy, sausage, home fries.
Sun, grass, trees, soccer balls, frisbees.
dip in the ocean.
man utd vs. liverpool at anfield.
dinner and drinks in vegas, or london, or nyc.
many more drinks on my estate with all who are near and dear.
(Ed.'s note: He has an estate? Why is this the first time I'm hearing of this?)
Finally, Have you ever seen a grown man naked?
too many times to count.
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