scotthilk
Well-Known Member
This was a GREAT guess.
Needles & Grooves AotM /// Vol. 48 - June 2023 /// Tony Sly - 12 Song Program
- Thread starter scotthilk
- Start date
TrainFan73
Frothy
I ordered some red and white record, I hope it was the right one...
scotthilk
Well-Known Member
Amazing! I think you got the right one!
TenderLovingKiller®
Well-Known Member
scotthilk
Well-Known Member
I saw them on this tour as well. I remember NOFX noting the inflatable sheep had buttholes you could stick things into... unfortunately I didn't end up with one as a souvenir.
I'm pretty sure the first time I saw NOFX was the '96 Warped Tour
Fillip J Phry
Well-Known Member
Found one for #5
It sounds like we had very similar intros to punk. When I was 11-12 I first heard Blink 182, and it blew my pre-teen mind. I was instantly hooked by the energy, the funny, in-your-face lyrics, and the video where they were running around naked being a nuisance. I saved money from mowing lawns and bought my first CD player and two albums - Enema of the State and The Offspring's Americana. About a year later, a buddy of mine gave me a copy of NOFX's White Trash album, and my mind was once again blown. Even more energy, more funny and more offensive, I was hooked. I actively seeked out all of the similar punk bands of the time, including Rancid, Lagwagon, and NUFAN. That love for punk would continue to grow as I branched more and more into the rest of the genre.
Like I mentioned previously, I got to see Tony open for NOFX in April 2010, shortly after this album came out. Loved the new at the time music, was sad to see how many people had no idea who he was. Great show, all three groups killed it. I also got to have my own little punk moment by getting dehydrated at the show and then puking in the planter in front of a bank. Take that capitalism!
I'm really looking forward to listening to this one again, it's been far too long.
This was a lot of fun! I'm not normally very good at these, but this one I felt I at least had a chance! While I'm disappointed that I didn't guess it, I couldn't be happier with this pick. Love this write up, thanks for sharing how personal it is to you. Looking forward to that interview as well!I am elated to announce that the Needles & Grooves Album of the Month Vol. 48 - June 2023 is none other than:
Tony Sly - 12 Song Program
And now, on to the album…
When I was 13 or 14, my friend introduced me to NOFX and Rancid. At this point in my life, the only music I was listening to was whatever my parents were playing or what I watched on MTV's Total Request Live (guilty!. I never fully got into music, or realized that I could have my OWN taste in music. When I was first exposed to various brands of punk rock, I immediately felt at home. The storytelling.. the lyrics.. the energy. I ended up immersing myself deeply into the world of 90's/00's punk at the time which mostly consisted of Fat Wreck and Epitaph bands. I found myself going to the Warped Tour and local shows for the first time (my first show EVER was Blink 182, a few days after 9/11).
As I continued to dive deeper and deeper, I settled into listening to NOFX, Rancid, and No Use For A Name ALL the time. These were, and still are, my "big 3" when it comes to my favorite brand of punk rock. They are melodic enough for me while not completely tearing my ears off. I appreciated the storytelling, the humor, the imagery, and it just made me feel good listening to it.
My musical world would very quickly open up into a vast black hole of Pink Floyd, Beatles, Sublime, Doors, dance punk (see: The Faint!), and other styles of music - but - I would ALWAYS revert back to these bands.
No Use For A Name stood out to me as being different from most of the other bands I was listening to. The storytelling (yes, I keep using this word) was impeccable and the imagery they created for me in their songs was very meaningful. Songs about life, love, existential crises, loneliness, worldliness, family. All things that I was very much coming to discover and ask myself in my early teenage years.
I'd go on to see many-a-Warped Tours, No Use For A Name shows, punk shows, and even a Tony Sly show in 2010. I vaguely remember being in a mosh pit during NUFAN's set in +/- 2003 where my girlfriend and I started making out. It was probably only for 10-15 seconds, but it seemed like time stopped, every person stopped moshing, and it was just me / the girl / and the music. It's a very vivid and meaningful memory for me. Music and love were, are, and will always be my 1-2 punch.
Tony Sly, the singer and songwriter for No Use For A Name, holds a special place in my heart. He wrote some of my favorite songs ever. He wrote memorable, thoughtful, and inquisitive lyrics that still keep me asking the big questions.
Tony passed unexpectedly in his sleep in 2012. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed, and for his family's sake, I ask that we do not speculate here either as his wife (and maybe kids) will be reading this thread.
Tony left behind a wife, two kids, and a musical legacy. A small snippet of that musical legacy is captured in his first proper solo album,12 Song Program.
Here is a small write up I pieced together from my thoughts, as well as several eloquent reviewers before me:
12 Song Program is the first solo full length from No Use for a Name’s Tony Sly, and, as the title suggests, it’s a stripped-down, straightforward affair. Sly sets aside his band’s driving pop-punk in favor of lovelorn, isolated acoustic numbers. Oddly enough, though it’s a spare set, it’s actually got much more focus and energy than the last couple No Use records. The best stuff here — like “Via Munich” and “Keira” — Sly’s weathered voice fills up these songs of lonely drinking and longing. The best track here, “Amends”, pairs him up with the other resident singer-songwriter over at Fat Wreck, Lagwagon’s Joey Cape, and together they offer the most melodically tight song on the album, with just a hint of country sway that distinguishes it from the pack.
It’s rather difficult to pinpoint a specific genre on Sly’s first acoustic album. Don’t go into it expecting just a bunch of acoustic pop punk songs because that presumption couldn’t be further from the truth. This was Sly’s chance to be creative outside of his band and he wasn’t afraid to toy with different sounds. ‘Amends’ has a definite country influence to it, but it’s very upbeat and features guest vocals from none other than Joey Cape. Both singers compliment each other very well, but they never sound better than when they are flawlessly harmonizing together. Sly’s vocals are also impressive on ’Keira’ and the guitar picking seems to be inspired by folk. Other songs such as the standout ‘Capo, 4th Fret’ lean towards more of a straight up acoustic rock sound and are highlighted by Sly’s beautiful singing. He certainly has a lower voice than most singers and it helps add to the emotion of the album. Rather than sounding high pitched or whiny, his voice fits every song rather nicely.
Accompanying Sly’s unique singing voice are honest and heartfelt lyrics that are likely to hit home with many people. In the more somber songs, he sings lines such as “The sound of ice in a bottomless glass tells me that all is fine” or “The sun is coming out, but only on one side of this one-sided town”. Those still curious of the mood of the album should look no further than the album cover of a man sitting alone at a bar. That’s not to say there aren’t some upbeat songs, but for the most part it is a gloomy record that captures the undeniable talent of the late Tony Sly.
For those who haven’t had a chance to hear No Use For A Name or Sly’s acoustic material, 12 Song Program is a great place to start. It’s likely to please almost anyone with its influences of folk, country, and rock, but those who enjoy acoustic guitars are in for a real treat. The album is one of Tony Sly’s greatest accomplishments that will hopefully be remembered for years to come.
Many critics note that the album seamlessly blends elements of punk rock and acoustic music, resulting in a cohesive and engaging sound. The songs are well-crafted and emotive, with Sly's distinctive voice perfectly complementing the music.
It's also a much more personal album than political or social. 12 Song Program immediately calls to mind the 12-Step Program, and that's a matter of design. What Tony Sly has put together here is a bit of a concept album, arranged to tell a story, a progression of soul searching that carries through from start to finish. So while some tracks stand out more than others, what works best about 12 Song Program is its feel as an album.
Overall, "12 Song Program" is a standout album that showcases Tony Sly's talents as a songwriter and musician. The album's ability to seamlessly blend elements of punk and acoustic music, along with Sly's poignant lyrics and emotive voice, create a listening experience that is both memorable and timeless. If you're a fan of well-crafted, heartfelt music, "12 Song Program" is an album that should not be missed.
Last, I am very excited to note that I will be interviewing Brigitte Sly, Tony's wife. She will be answering some questions about Tony, NUFAN, this album, and anything else I decide to ask. Please stay tuned for this, which I expect to post on or around 6/1.
Last, to buy this album, please head here:
12 Song Program
FAT751 - February 16, 2010Abandoning the signature electric guitars and aggressive rhythms of NUFAN, Tony sets out armed with only his soothing and captivating melodies, guided by an acoustic guitar and a smattering of various other classic instruments. CD/LP (323 on blue colored vinyl. No...fatwreck.com
They JUST repressed this in 2 colors - red/white and lime. The red/white is available. Usually in limited quantity. Otherwise, the black looks sexy too! FAT ships international (I think, 95% sure). If not, you can send the album to me, and I will send it to you
There's probably more I forgot, and more I will add. But - for now, please listen to the album, share your thoughts, and help the spirit of Tony Sly live on.
It sounds like we had very similar intros to punk. When I was 11-12 I first heard Blink 182, and it blew my pre-teen mind. I was instantly hooked by the energy, the funny, in-your-face lyrics, and the video where they were running around naked being a nuisance. I saved money from mowing lawns and bought my first CD player and two albums - Enema of the State and The Offspring's Americana. About a year later, a buddy of mine gave me a copy of NOFX's White Trash album, and my mind was once again blown. Even more energy, more funny and more offensive, I was hooked. I actively seeked out all of the similar punk bands of the time, including Rancid, Lagwagon, and NUFAN. That love for punk would continue to grow as I branched more and more into the rest of the genre.
Like I mentioned previously, I got to see Tony open for NOFX in April 2010, shortly after this album came out. Loved the new at the time music, was sad to see how many people had no idea who he was. Great show, all three groups killed it. I also got to have my own little punk moment by getting dehydrated at the show and then puking in the planter in front of a bank. Take that capitalism!
I'm really looking forward to listening to this one again, it's been far too long.
similar boat as you guys... knew of some older punk my sister listened to (Ramones, Generation X, Misfits) but when Green Day hit with Dookie my teenage self loved it... but as it's often the case with me, the gateway band only leads to the real gems... so Green Day lead to my purchasing of the original Punk-O-Rama, where I realized how much more I liked NOFX, Pennywise, Rancid, and Bad Religion way more than Green Day.
I always leaned heavier into Epitaph bands over Fat Wreck bands for whatever reason...a lot of the Fat bands sort of struck me as NOFX-lite (I know that's probably a really shitty description, but it's kind of how I've always viewed it), where the Epitaph bands seemed to have more variety/versatility
scotthilk
Well-Known Member
Amazing! I saw Tony on this same tour (NOFX, Teenage Bottlerocket). It was the first and only time I saw him solo. I, too, remember a lot of people not knowing who he was until Fat Mike came out and gently reminded him he was the fucking singer of NUFAN!
scotthilk
Well-Known Member
Man, when you posted this I knew we were getting close!
NOFX plan spring tour with Teenage Bottlerocket, Tony Sly
Punk lifers NOFX have booked themselves a two-week tour for this April and May, running through the Pacific Northwest, Western Canada and the Midwest before wrapping up in the Mountain Time Zone. Opening all shows will be Fat Wreck Chords labelmates Teenage Bottlerocket and No Use For A Name...
www.altpress.com
Which show was it? Mine was apparently the last show, in Tucson AZ. I was 23 years young and about 1.5 years sober at that point!
Fillip J Phry
Well-Known Member
Punk-O-Rama was my go to for finding a lot of new stuff, as were the Fat and Skinny compliations, and the Warped compilations to boot. That's where I first fell in love with previous AOTM The Weakerthans!
Pretty sure Fat Mike had to remind the crowd at the show I was at too.
Wow, same age here! The one I saw was in Eugene, OR. Another favorite memory from that show was seeing Fat Mike take a full bottle of water to the face and it not even phase him. He just dryly said "ow" and kept talking.Man, when you posted this I knew we were getting close!
NOFX plan spring tour with Teenage Bottlerocket, Tony Sly
Punk lifers NOFX have booked themselves a two-week tour for this April and May, running through the Pacific Northwest, Western Canada and the Midwest before wrapping up in the Mountain Time Zone. Opening all shows will be Fat Wreck Chords labelmates Teenage Bottlerocket and No Use For A Name...
Which show was it? Mine was apparently the last show, in Tucson AZ. I was 23 years young and about 1.5 years sober at that point!
scotthilk
Well-Known Member
Crazy, just 2 weeks apart. What a great show.
Awesome! I also have to thank @Wes C. Attle and @Hemotep for guessing clues that put me on the path. Earlier, I was trying to make a Masked Intruder album work - a Madison band that I know @scotthilk has talked about on a few occasions.I am elated to announce that the Needles & Grooves Album of the Month Vol. 48 - June 2023 is none other than:
Tony Sly - 12 Song Program
CONGRATS TO @D Jilla on winning the $100! Send me your Venmo/PayPal/Zelle via DM!
Congrats to everyone who guessed! There were some amazing guesses and also work shown with some of my wild clues. I will go through the clues to explain in a little bit.
Prize runners-up are @Wes C. Attle and @Hemotep for guessing the 2nd and 3rd closest picks! You win a free copy of the album! DM me.
And now, on to the album…
When I was 13 or 14, my friend introduced me to NOFX and Rancid. At this point in my life, the only music I was listening to was whatever my parents were playing or what I watched on MTV's Total Request Live (guilty!. I never fully got into music, or realized that I could have my OWN taste in music. When I was first exposed to various brands of punk rock, I immediately felt at home. The storytelling.. the lyrics.. the energy. I ended up immersing myself deeply into the world of 90's/00's punk at the time which mostly consisted of Fat Wreck and Epitaph bands. I found myself going to the Warped Tour and local shows for the first time (my first show EVER was Blink 182, a few days after 9/11).
As I continued to dive deeper and deeper, I settled into listening to NOFX, Rancid, and No Use For A Name ALL the time. These were, and still are, my "big 3" when it comes to my favorite brand of punk rock. They are melodic enough for me while not completely tearing my ears off. I appreciated the storytelling, the humor, the imagery, and it just made me feel good listening to it.
My musical world would very quickly open up into a vast black hole of Pink Floyd, Beatles, Sublime, Doors, dance punk (see: The Faint!), and other styles of music - but - I would ALWAYS revert back to these bands.
No Use For A Name stood out to me as being different from most of the other bands I was listening to. The storytelling (yes, I keep using this word) was impeccable and the imagery they created for me in their songs was very meaningful. Songs about life, love, existential crises, loneliness, worldliness, family. All things that I was very much coming to discover and ask myself in my early teenage years.
I'd go on to see many-a-Warped Tours, No Use For A Name shows, punk shows, and even a Tony Sly show in 2010. I vaguely remember being in a mosh pit during NUFAN's set in +/- 2003 where my girlfriend and I started making out. It was probably only for 10-15 seconds, but it seemed like time stopped, every person stopped moshing, and it was just me / the girl / and the music. It's a very vivid and meaningful memory for me. Music and love were, are, and will always be my 1-2 punch.
Tony Sly, the singer and songwriter for No Use For A Name, holds a special place in my heart. He wrote some of my favorite songs ever. He wrote memorable, thoughtful, and inquisitive lyrics that still keep me asking the big questions.
Tony passed unexpectedly in his sleep in 2012. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed, and for his family's sake, I ask that we do not speculate here either as his wife (and maybe kids) will be reading this thread.
Tony left behind a wife, two kids, and a musical legacy. A small snippet of that musical legacy is captured in his first proper solo album,12 Song Program.
Here is a small write up I pieced together from my thoughts, as well as several eloquent reviewers before me:
12 Song Program is the first solo full length from No Use for a Name’s Tony Sly, and, as the title suggests, it’s a stripped-down, straightforward affair. Sly sets aside his band’s driving pop-punk in favor of lovelorn, isolated acoustic numbers. Oddly enough, though it’s a spare set, it’s actually got much more focus and energy than the last couple No Use records. The best stuff here — like “Via Munich” and “Keira” — Sly’s weathered voice fills up these songs of lonely drinking and longing. The best track here, “Amends”, pairs him up with the other resident singer-songwriter over at Fat Wreck, Lagwagon’s Joey Cape, and together they offer the most melodically tight song on the album, with just a hint of country sway that distinguishes it from the pack.
It’s rather difficult to pinpoint a specific genre on Sly’s first acoustic album. Don’t go into it expecting just a bunch of acoustic pop punk songs because that presumption couldn’t be further from the truth. This was Sly’s chance to be creative outside of his band and he wasn’t afraid to toy with different sounds. ‘Amends’ has a definite country influence to it, but it’s very upbeat and features guest vocals from none other than Joey Cape. Both singers compliment each other very well, but they never sound better than when they are flawlessly harmonizing together. Sly’s vocals are also impressive on ’Keira’ and the guitar picking seems to be inspired by folk. Other songs such as the standout ‘Capo, 4th Fret’ lean towards more of a straight up acoustic rock sound and are highlighted by Sly’s beautiful singing. He certainly has a lower voice than most singers and it helps add to the emotion of the album. Rather than sounding high pitched or whiny, his voice fits every song rather nicely.
Accompanying Sly’s unique singing voice are honest and heartfelt lyrics that are likely to hit home with many people. In the more somber songs, he sings lines such as “The sound of ice in a bottomless glass tells me that all is fine” or “The sun is coming out, but only on one side of this one-sided town”. Those still curious of the mood of the album should look no further than the album cover of a man sitting alone at a bar. That’s not to say there aren’t some upbeat songs, but for the most part it is a gloomy record that captures the undeniable talent of the late Tony Sly.
For those who haven’t had a chance to hear No Use For A Name or Sly’s acoustic material, 12 Song Program is a great place to start. It’s likely to please almost anyone with its influences of folk, country, and rock, but those who enjoy acoustic guitars are in for a real treat. The album is one of Tony Sly’s greatest accomplishments that will hopefully be remembered for years to come.
Many critics note that the album seamlessly blends elements of punk rock and acoustic music, resulting in a cohesive and engaging sound. The songs are well-crafted and emotive, with Sly's distinctive voice perfectly complementing the music.
It's also a much more personal album than political or social. 12 Song Program immediately calls to mind the 12-Step Program, and that's a matter of design. What Tony Sly has put together here is a bit of a concept album, arranged to tell a story, a progression of soul searching that carries through from start to finish. So while some tracks stand out more than others, what works best about 12 Song Program is its feel as an album.
Overall, "12 Song Program" is a standout album that showcases Tony Sly's talents as a songwriter and musician. The album's ability to seamlessly blend elements of punk and acoustic music, along with Sly's poignant lyrics and emotive voice, create a listening experience that is both memorable and timeless. If you're a fan of well-crafted, heartfelt music, "12 Song Program" is an album that should not be missed.
Last, I am very excited to note that I will be interviewing Brigitte Sly, Tony's wife. She will be answering some questions about Tony, NUFAN, this album, and anything else I decide to ask. Please stay tuned for this, which I expect to post on or around 6/1.
Last, to buy this album, please head here:
12 Song Program
FAT751 - February 16, 2010Abandoning the signature electric guitars and aggressive rhythms of NUFAN, Tony sets out armed with only his soothing and captivating melodies, guided by an acoustic guitar and a smattering of various other classic instruments. CD/LP (323 on blue colored vinyl. No...
They JUST repressed this in 2 colors - red/white and lime. The red/white is available. Usually in limited quantity. Otherwise, the black looks sexy too! FAT ships international (I think, 95% sure). If not, you can send the album to me, and I will send it to you
There's probably more I forgot, and more I will add. But - for now, please listen to the album, share your thoughts, and help the spirit of Tony Sly live on.
In addition to the official hints, a couple things caught my eye:
- When Scott added the Mad Caddies guess, he listed it as guess 13 after 11 (skipping 12). I figured 12 was the number in question.
- In his initial write up, he mentions introducing us to the album, so I figured it was less well-known than a NUFAN or Lagwagon album.
Hemotep
Well-Known Member
Y'all should grab those Bad Astronaut records too. 
scotthilk
Well-Known Member
YES! The box set they released a few years back is kick ass. 2/3 of those were never available on wax before that. Acrophobe is my person fav album.Y'all should grab those Bad Astronaut records too.
Also, since I just came into some money
, I’ll buy a copy for the first two people who need one - just reply to this post.1) @avecigrec
2) @Fillip J Phry
Last edited:
avecigrec
Well-Known Member
Also, since I just came into some money
1)
2)
My newly unemployed butt would be tickled by this generosity (and willing to cover or split the difference on shipping international)
TrainFan73
Frothy
whu??
avecigrec
Well-Known Member
I'm staying at home with the kiddo until we get them into full-time daycare - which has been slated for September but that person is losing their space and doesn't know if they will have a new one by then or not.
I actually have the next couple of days until I'm fully unemployed, but it's already feeling very real.My wife has us covered as far as bills and essentials go, so things aren't dire - but my record budget will be hitting the breaks to the extreme! (Technically, it has already since I need to clear the credit card when I get my final cheque)
No prob - just send me your address and I’ll send one your way!