I caught some of Chris Payne’s Local 101 the other day and heard a band called The Frantic. Not my thing, man. They’re embarking upon a Hot Topic tour. Prolly blow up and get huge. Maybe get on a tour with Sum 41, if they’re lucky. There’s another band on Local 101’s myspace page named 3rd Time’s A Charm. Looks like they’ve got a Hot Topic appearance as well. Seriously guys? Blink 182 meant that much to you? You had to form a band?

Fall Out Boy, I suppose I could give you. Smart, catchy, snarky songs. Super-slick production thanks to ProTools. But DAMMIT if they (and a host of other bands) haven’t spawned an entire generation of ass-hat wannabe bands.

Is pop-punk this generation’s hair metal? The sort of thing that you completely immerse yourself in while growing up, then look at 15 years later and feel a little embarassed? Hair metal at least didn’t really pull any punches — the eye makeup, the tight pants, the cocaine — you knew it was all flash. Maybe that’s what skate shoes, lip piercings and comic book t-shirts are supposed to be — today’s pop clown outfit.

Anyways, I’ll see you all at the EXO concert on August 2nd…