Winslow

…and for a lot of those, it starts in Northeast Ohio.  All over the world, people questioned (and still do) the decision to put the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.  There are several reasons why the Rock Hall belongs in NEO.  It’s the ‘birthplace of Rock n’ Roll’ because Alan Freed, a Cleveland DJ was credited with coining a style of music with that name (though Benny Goodman used it as far back as the ’30s); but it is also the birthplace of many great musicians/bands- many who you may not realize.

As Akronites, we are certainly well aware of the Akron roots of Chrissie Hynde, DEVO, and our beloved Black Keys; but back in the ’70s, Akron was home to an incredible punk scene (in which Ms. Hynde and DEVO got their starts) with bands like Rubber City Rebels, The Waitresses, The Bizarros, and The Numbers Band (who still play locally).  Plus, Akron was a favorite tour stop for NY punk-darlings The Ramones. In the ’80s and early ’90s, Kenmore’s Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens started out in metal bands/cover-bands before hitting the big leagues as the new lead singer for Judas Priest (which was vaguely interpreted in the movie Rock Star).  Now in the ’00s, we have side projects by The Black Keys- Dan Auerbach’s solo project, Patrick Carney’s new band Drummer; as well as great acts like Maid Myriad, Winslow, Amplexus, House Popes, The Marble Champs, The Speedbumps, and more.  Cleveland served as the birthplace for bands like Nine-Inch Nails, Filter, Pere Ubu and The James Gang (featuring Joe Walsh who went on to play with The Eagles), along with singer-songwriter Tracy Champan (’Fast Car’) and a host of R&B/Hip-Hop acts like Bone Thugs-&-Harmony and Gerald Levert.  Canton is infamously the birthplace of Marilyn Manson (despite the shock value- some of his songs are really great).  What really spearheaded this blog was the discovery of someone I have been a longtime fan of being originally from Warren (near Youngstown- still NEO)- Dave Grohl of Nirvana/Foo Fighters.

It’s exciting when you really think of the musical/cultural relevance that this area has had.  While we’re not San Francisco in ‘67, Manchester, UK or New York in ‘78, or Seattle in ‘91- Akron once had a mini-scene, and maybe we’ll have another one.  Someday you can tell the grandkids, “Yeah I used to see them at Matinee or Musica…”.

For those about to rock Northeast Ohio, we salute you.  (Yes I’ve been listening to a lot of AC/DC lately).

Check out this awesome photo of our good friend Maurice from Winslow.  This was taken when Winslow opened up last week for Robert Randolph & the Family Band at the House of Blues in Cleveland.  I saw Robert Randolph open up for Eric Clapton last year at Blossom.  Does this mean someday Winslow could play with Clapton?  Certainly good company to have!  At the rate Winslow is going- appearances on Fox 8, Time Warner Ampitheater, shows all over the region- it’s quite the possibility!  Come to RCC to pick up their album, Crazy Kind of Love, as well as t-shirts, posters, stickers, & pins!

Please help make Rubber City Clothing Akron’s best boutique!  Akron Life & Leisure is holding their sixth annual “Best of Akron” poll.  Categories include the best of entertainment, food, shopping, and services in the greater Akron area. While you’re at it, vote for some of our friends, like Winslow for best local band; Mocha Maiden for best coffee; Musica for best music venue; and more.  Click here to place your vote!

Thanks in advance!  RCC loves Akron and we know Akron loves RCC!

Congratulations to one of our local music/swag partners, Winslow for being named Cleveland’s Best Local Band by Fox 8’s Hot List.  You guys totally deserve it!  Soon we’ll be saying, “We knew them when……”

Pick up Winslow’s album, Crazy Kind of Love here at Rubber City Clothing.  We’ve also got cool Winslow t-shirts (now in sizes small and medium), stickers, posters, and pins.

As we mentioned a couple of weeks ago, your favorite Akron store is now carrying some of your favorite Akron music.  The latest addition to the RCC music family is Winslow, a soul/rock band based out of Kent/Akron/Cleveland.  If you haven’t heard them yet, you NEED to check them out NOW!  These guys are amazing and probably won’t stay local for long.  This six-piece band is great live.  The lead singer, Maurice Martin even wears RCC for their shows from time to time.

A truly unique blend of soul, rock, jazz, and blues, Winslow’s first album Crazy Kind of Love has created quite a buzz with radio, tv, and magazines all over Northeast Ohio.  You can now get it here at Akron’s favorite t-shirt/ Rubber love store; along with Winslow t-shirts, posters, stickers, and pins.  Right now only the album is available at RubberCityClothing.com, but as soon as we get more shirts, posters, etc. we’ll get those up on the site too.  Until then, come down to our humble little store on High St to get your Winslow merch-fix.

Check Winslow out online at www.winslowsoul.com. or www.myspace.com/winslowsoul.They’ve got some local shows coming up that you should definitely check out.