White Board Mafia

2009 was a hell of a year, that’s for sure. We saw the release of many albums that will be enjoyed for years to come, and a perfect mood setter for the Halloween season finally saw a release. Wrestlemania 25 went down in Houston, and 3/4 of the White Board Mafia was there to witness it live and in person. A few decent movies were released in theaters, but nothing I went absolutely batshit over. I got to see some incredible live acts as well. Here is a condensed list of my favorite points of 2009.

cKy – Carver City
I’ve been a fan of cKy since 01/02 when I got turned on to the DVDs in high school and I’ve followed them through their career and I can honestly say that no one sound like cKy, they’re simply in a league of their own. This is easily my favorite album from the group, and I highly suggest you scoop it up.

P.O.S. – Never Better
The Junior album from that lovable piece of shit from Minnesota, this album is topping a lot of “Best of 09″ lists. I love this album from front to back, I’m just disappointed I still haven’t seen him live yet.

Mastodon – Crack The Skye
If you take mind altering substances, this is the album for you. A concept album that follows a rollercoaster of a story that you’ll agree is one of the most inventive things you’ve ever heard. Mix that with a solidly written album, and you have a recipe for success.

Insane Clown Posse – Bang Pow Boom
This album was highly touted as the “Return of the Dark Carnival”. Every act has billed their newest album as the darkest, or sounds like the old stuff, or whatever the fans want to hear. The difference is, the wicked clowns got it right. This album brings be back to when I got into ICP around 97, and the live show was brought back in full force as well. 5 dates on the tour including the Hallowicked stop in Detroit on 10/31, and I could have easily done another 5.

Twiztid – W.I.C.K.E.D.
Personally, I think this is Twiztid’s best album since the Mostasteless album(s) dropped. The album flows so well and every track is a banger. There must be something in the water in Detroit Murderous, because both ICP and Twiztid albums this year were worth their weight in gold.

The only movie I’ll mention is Trick ‘r Treat, because it deserves the most attention, by FAR. Originally attached to the DVD of 300, this movie has had a cult following of people that have never seen it, campaigning for its release. Years passed, but the faithful did not forget. This year, it was finally released to smashing reviews and currently sits at an 86%(As of when I wrote this) on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a very high rating for a movie with no promotion that people have every right to be angry at. It’s an incredibly fun set of Halloween stories that’s perfect to get you in the mood for the best season of the year, the Season of the Pumpkin.

This year, I got to see Nine Inch Nails again. Their performance I saw in Philadelphia with A Perfect Circle on tour for The Fragile has topped my list of shows as the best I’ve ever seen. That was, until August 6, when I finally got to see the Don Dada himself, Ice Cube. As the main act for the opening ceremonies of the 10th annual Gathering of the Juggalos, he followed solid sets by the likes of Paradime and MC Chris, and blew the entire crowd away. Not once did the energy stop. EVERY song was a banger, every song had the crowd moving, and dare I say it, it’s the best live performance I’ve ever seen, Gathering or not.

Wrestlemania 25, oh what a trip you were. I can’t really add on to what’s already been said, without repeating that Undertaker vs Shawn Micheals was the best wrestling match I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Live, taped, it makes no difference. That match blew the roof off the dome and blew every other match that night away. I felt every single emotion during that spectacular display, and couldn’t have been prouder when Undertaker sealed the victory.

All in all, 2009 is one of the best years I’ve had in a long time. I made a lot of good memories with a lot of close friends, got more ink, traveled all over the country, and even picked up some nice stuff along the way. 2010, let’s see if you can compare.

So I’ve managed to whittle down my top 5 favorite albums, but I’m still working on those video games! I’m having too much fun with Borderlands and Assassin’s Creed 2 to seriously get down to business, sit down and try to beat them!

Regardless, here’s Boomaga’s Top 5 Albums of 2009…

5. POS – Never Better

Rhymesayers continues to be my favorite label for hip hop. Atmosphere’s “When Life Gives You Lemons…” was one of my favorite albums of 2008 and their trend of excellence continues with POS’ Never Better. You’ll never hear me listen to a Top 40 or rap station on the radio, because 99% of what they play is garbage. However, there is another subsection of hip hop that actually is thoughtful, deep and culturally relevant, and POS’ Never Better is the best example of that sect In 2009. POS is a talented wordsmith, able to write and deliver his lines with flair and creativity and his beats are unique and catchy, letting you bob your head as you think about what he’s saying. As a metal head, the hip hop albums I like are few and far between, so when I say there’s one people should actually pay attention to, you can take it to the bank.

4. Megadeth – Endgame

Megadeth has this strange talent that seems to be exclusive to them. They’re one of the first bands I ever really got into, and unlike other classic metal bands like Iron Maiden and Metallica, they always seem to vanish from my attention. Then, out of nowhere, Dave Mustaine and his rotating collection of metal misfits seem to tear their way back into my metal consciousness. They did it in 2004 with the System has Failed and now again in 2009 with Endgame. Their 2007 album seemed kinda weak, but Endgame is short, to the point, heavy, thrashy and amazing. From the opening instrumental to the last few moments, Endgame doesn’t let up for one bit and recalls Megadeth’s finest days in the mid to late 80’s. Not one second of time is wasted in this perfectly executed, concise album, leading me to pop this CD into my car or stereo and listen to it over and over and over. It’s hard to say all of today’s long-time metal acts have what they had 20 years ago. Slayer seems to be writing the same album over and over again, Judas Priest doesn’t know if they want to be like Sabbath or Jethro Tull (Nostradamus, anyone?) but Megadeth still manages to stay fresh while reminding old metal heads why they loved the band in the first place.

3. Lamb of God – Wrath

I love Lamb of God, they are an incredibly energetic live act and their music makes me want to punch some faces. That being said, I can rarely listen to a complete Lamb of God album from start to finish. I have all of their albums but I’ve listened to them the whole way through very little. The reason being is that LoG’s hardest hitting songs are awesome, most of the stuff they play live and the singles are pretty intense and great to listen to. However, some of their deep tracks are pretty weak and everything starts to run together about 5-6 tracks in. Wrath breaks that cycle and delivers a solid metal experience from beginning to end. Each LoG album has its share of great songs, but this may be their first completely great album, despite what its naysayers think.

2. CKY – Carver City

This would be my dark horse. I didn’t really care about CKY prior to 2009, I had heard their older stuff and didn’t give it a second thought. Well, I’m glad I found Carver City or else I’d never know what I missed. Carver City isn’t groundbreaking or technically amazing, it’s just a solid, fun rock album and there aren’t nearly enough of those. Memorable riffs, catchy hooks, plentiful organs (it’s an inside joke and quip about some of the unique features of this album), Carver City just plain rocks. I’d recommend this to fans of metal, hard rock and alternative alike. These guys can span a pretty wide audience, it’s amazing they really haven’t broken through the mainstream yet, there are quite a few songs on this album I could imagine hearing on the radio, but I guess the record industry is too busy looking for the next AC/DC knockoff to find the quality rock music sitting right in front of them.

1. Mastodon – Crack the Skye

This one was a no-brainer. Anyone who’s known me, followed my Facebook posts or listened to my musical rants knows that Crack the Skye was not only my favorite album of 2009, but has quickly ascended to one of my favorite albums of all time and my favorite work from Mastodon, period. The third in a series of excellent and varied concept albums, Crack the Skye stands as Mastodon’s most mature, complex and emotional work to date.

Drawing from a number of musical, literary and metaphysical influences, Crack the Skye tells the story of someone’s soul losing its way across the universe, trying to find its way back home. There’s such a strong feeling of hopelessness and despair during the journey I can’t help but feel emotionally attached to the tale through some of my own personal journeys over the last year. A 50-minute long epic spread across 7 tracks scouring several metal and rock genres, its hard to pinpoint the words to describe how the album sounds and feels except for give it a try. You don’t have to love Mastodon or metal to appreciate what Crack the Skye does, you just have to have an open mind and an appreciation for something a little different.

And now, my biggest disappointments of 2009…

God Forbid’s “Earthsblood” and Chimaira’s “The Infection” – I am putting these two together for the distinct reason that they were both disappointing follow-ups to amazing metal albums. While I’ve made peace with both albums and think they are both decent, Earthsblood doesn’t touch Constitution of Treason and the Infection shouldn’t even be on the same shelf as Resurrection. Better luck next time, guys.

59 is a wonderful number, but 60 is even better. I’ve done up the final list of Psychopathic events I’ve been to, and this year’s New Year’s Evil caps it at 59 total. I’d love to end the list at 60, but what can you do? I’ve already got some Twiztid dates planned for 2010, plus the Insane Clown Posse’s Oddball Extravaganza show in Philly on March 20. One time for one off shows in Philly. I’ve taken on new responsibilities lately as an admin over at Psychopathic Traders, come on by and check us out. We rule. I’m currently caught up in Adidas new Star Wars line. Check em out they’re hot as fuck. I’ll be scooping up a pair or 2 of the X-Wings once they drop and I’ve already picked up 2 of the shirts. I’m not one for Christmas so I’m just looking forward to spending new years with my beautiful girlfriend and the Juggalo family up in Cleveland. Shouts to AF, JimmyC, Andy D, and all those homies. On the video game tip I recently picked up a Genesis 2, OG Gameboy, Neo Geo Pocket Color, and a Osaka Pokemon Center GBA, all boxed, and a new/sealed Famicom syle Game Boy Micro. I’ll probably make a post Christmas update but I dunno. Until next time Mafiosos!

It’s been a long 5 years since Dimebag Darrell was selfishly taken from us by the acts of a madman that should have been institutionalized.  Instead, he was allowed to walk around with the choice to stop taking his medication.  If you talk to the older generations, they’ll say that they can never forget what happened when certain events occurred.  JFK’s assassination is one.  While I’m in no way comparing Dimebag to JFK, it’s a similar situation.  He was important to a very large amount of people and was ripped from us when they still had so much to give to us.  I’ll never forget being in the Stratford Diner and getting multiple text messages and calls, all of them from people turning to me for information, as I am usually the first to get it.  I left the diner, shaken, and drove home, spending the rest of the night online looking for news reports and talking to a very good friend of mine that lives in Dallas.  I never got to meet Dimebag, but I was lucky enough to see Pantera twice, and Damageplan once.  A lot of people have been accused of cashing in on his death, including his own brother.  Personally, I do not think Mr. Vinnie Paul has done anything to cash in on his brother’s memory, only to help find ways for his brother to be remembered.  On the Black Label Society album “Mafia”, Zakk Wylde dedicated the song In This River to Dime.  This song is breathtaking.  The video can still jerk tears out of me to this day.  I’ve gotten to see the song live many times, and it is always a very emotional affair, something very hard to pull off with BLS’ audience.  Now, in 2009, Metal Hammer has released this year’s metal covers album, a tribute to Dime.  I’m usually 40/60 on these albums, but I had extra special hopes for this one.  So far, I’m not disappointed with what I’ve heard from the tracks I’ve expected to like.  My favorite thus far is Zakk’s cover of Suicide Note Part 1. (The link I had here to all the tracks no longer works, try checking Youtube.)  The issue should be on shelves this week.

Hola Amigos, I know it’s been awhile since I rapped at ya.  Flat out, the 10th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos was the shit.  I had some shitty happenings, but overall the trip was insane.  The Don Mega himself, Ice Cube, put it down like no one else I’ve ever seen.  Catch him on tour.  Also, a personal favorite of mine, MC Chris, did an incredible job.  He even turned the Juggalos and got some applause.  Hands down, my absolute favorite memory of this year’s GOTJ was Flashlight Wrestling at 5am on Sunday morning.  It was incredibly personal with less than 100 people in attendance and had live commentary by Violent J, Scott Hall, and Corporal Robinson.  I don’t know what set of Jimmy Snuka but he got in Scott Hall’s face and kept asking him if he wants to take it into the ring and they eventually had to get a few handlers to get him backstage.  Big ups to everyone that made the weekend so memorable.

Some other stuff went on recently like a job shift at work that is in my favor, and I’ve set up my own mini tour.  For ICP’s upcoming BANG POW BOOM tour, I’ll be at 5 dates.  You can catch me in Philly on 10/15, Woopsta the 16th and 17th for Rock N Shock, Detroit Murderous for Hallowicked, Sayreville on 12/4, and Allentown on 12/5.  I’ll also be at the Mastodon/Dethklok show on 11/1 in Philly, and possibly 10/29 in NYC but I haven’t decided yet.

Speaking of Bang Pow Boom, the verdict is in.  This album IS the return of the Dark Carnival.  I’ll start off by saying that I’m still a big fan of The Tempest.  There are a lot of solid jams on that album.  That being said, Bang Pow Boom is INCREDIBLE.  They had me at Intro.  The album starts off incredibly strong and doesn’t stop until the Chop Chop Slide flips your wig, then burns it with the force of a nuclear assault.  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

I’ve started using Twitter more since I got the Twitterfon app for my sleek and sexy iPhone, so hit me up @counterfeitgod.  I’ll add some more later, I do fully intend to keep updating the site.

21 days is all that stands before myself, and utter insanity.  From August 6th-10th, I’ll be enveloped in the most insane event of the year.  24 hour parties and performances from artists like MC Chris, Playaz Lounge Crew, Gwar, Mushroomhead, Ice Cube, and the whole Psychopathic family!  Add in comedians, JCW, and more and you can see why I’m beyond excited.  I’ll be flying into STL on the 4th and doing some tourist stuff before going to the Gathering.  Last year’s was the best weekend of my life, bar none, and this year is actually looking to top that, somehow.  I’ll be filming interviews while I’m there to post up once I get home.  Random Juggalo reaction videos, thoughts, and shout outs.  Get your tickets now at www.juggalogathering.com!

Based on that, guess which one I just ate. Anyways, life has been keeping me busy, as usual. While en route to a behind the scenes tour at Eastern State Penitentiary my car decided to take a dive. Across the fucking street. Smoking enough to make me think it was on fire, I pulled into the closest parking lot and all but dove out of the car. Turns out I shattered the coolant cap, the radiator is shot, the water pump is damaged, and a bunch of hoses are shot as well. Yeah, I love driving a wagon, but this car is killing me. Oh how I’d love to trade my Ford Taurus for a Dodge Magnum, but, it’s not in the cards at the moment. I recently cataloged all my CDs using this AWESOME software from http://www.collectorz.com and the magic number at the moment is 453 albums. It’s a little off because it’ll accept the Eddie’s Trunk archive, but there are a few double albums in there, but it counts as one album. A bit lame, but a very small hiccup in an otherwise awesome application. I typed everything in by hand, mostly by the UPC code, but if you have a scanner, you can scan everything in and avoid typing it manually. I recommend the software for those looking to categorize their collections, but I’m not necessarily a fan of paying to organize each different entertainment medium like CDs, DVDs, Video Games, etc. Then if you have an iPhone and $10, there’s an app for that. All negativity aside, it made organizing my collection very easy and it’ll help me avoid purchasing albums multiple times, even if Monster Magnet’s Powertrip was worth buying twice. That album rules. Anyways, check out the collection here
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On the planning plate right now is the 10th annual Gathering of the Juggalos. This year is lining up to be the best one yet, for many reasons. First off, ICE MOTHERFUCKING CUBE. I’ll let that sink in for a moment. Then, once you’ve put your wig back on, GWAR is back to blow it off and split your skull. I feel like I’ve got a Golden Ticket. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m always excited for all the Psychopathic Family to perform, but it’s always interesting to see who else they bring in. I remember being incredibly excited for Kittie in 02, but they ended up not being there. Fucking lame. Powerman 5000 was beyond incredible, Drowning Pool tore the place down, Dope whipped the crowd into a frenzy, and Primer 55 rocked the fuck out. Not all that glitters is gold as Andrew WK might have been the worst performance in GOTJ. At least Bubba Sparxxx got a song in. On the JCW front, you’ll see the likes of 2 Tuff Tony, Viscera, Butterbean, Bull Pain, Ken Shamrock, and Jimmy Jacobs(clap clap clapclapclap). That’s not all, the Rude Boy is coming out of retirement for one more match against Abdullah the Butcher. After that, you’ll see the tower of terror, the Voltron of Juggalos, the JUGGALO WORLD ORDER in action. That’s right, Violent J, Shaggy 2 Dope, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Corporal Robinson face “Holy” Trent Acid and his 4 Alter Boys. The only thing Holy about Trent Acid is how high he gets. On top of that we get Motocross, JJ Walker doing stand up, and all the fresh ass flavor that comes with every Gathering! I plan on interviewing many people at GOTJ, from close friends to random Juggalos about why they’re there and what the Gathering means to them so expect some fresh videos when I get home. This will also include a special interview with Stabber Josh in the tradition of PT’er of the week. I’ll also be touring the Anheiser/Busch brewery in St. Louis and hitting up the Arch as well. August 6-10, mark it down for total devistation.

Before then Jezus316 and I will be attending Hank III on the 27th of this month. We’ll be celebrating Boomaga’s birthday this weekend at Wizard World Philadelphia and the party will continue at Kaiju Big Battel. Know about it. I’m starting to look into selling ads on the site so if you’re interested in that, or want your band interviewed for the site, hit me up. I’ve made a change to the forums, so if you want to post you’ll have to be activated by an Admin. This is in an effort to block against all the spam popping up. If you sign up for the board and your name isn’t activated in a day or so, email me and I’ll take care of you. Until next time Mafiosos, keep your eyes open and keep coming back.

I’ll edit this with more videos comments tomorrow night, I need some sleep right now, but enjoy the 11 minute Q&A session with MC Chris from tonight’s show.

MC Chris Q&A Session, 5/19 in Philadelphia

I made a few small changes, but our forums are definitely there and being ignored, except by spammers.  Go there, post stuff, so all my work isn’t for nothing.  Plus when we’re stupid famous, you can claim OG.  There’s even s self promotion for people like Stiry Crazy.  Speaking of, go to www.pennydreadfulsrap.com and buy the new tape from Dood Computer and Stir Crazy.  Cassettes are the new digital download, until you buy this.  Then they switch back, but it comes with a download card.  Anyway, buy the album and visit our forums!  Also, Jesus316′s Aunt is the creator of Black Cat Tattoo Soap and after care products.  All 3 of us used it on our new ink we got in Texas and everything healed perfectly, so check that shit out!

White Board Mafia Forums

Black Cat Tattoo Soap and aftercare products

So, I got an iphone and found a wordpress app, so now I can update a blog no one reads from my phone. In other news, the new Twiztid cd leaked
so be on the lookout for my review of that. Here is a hint, it’s wicked.