Philadelphia Weekly

1. Sean said... on Feb 12, 2009 at 09:32AM

“I think a guy who was in a seminal hardcore band for 20 years could be cut a little slack if he doesn't like what's going on in hardcore now. Not to mention he's playing the show with 2 other frontmen of pretty iconic punk bands.”

2. Tony K said... on Feb 12, 2009 at 11:11AM

“ no one has been more supportive of new and upcoming bands as Kevin and 7 Seconds have been throughout the years. yes, like many other voices from hardcore's heyday, he has a gripe with some of what passes as this generation's punk rock or hardcore but i would say after nearly 30 years in the thick of it, he has more than earned his right to complain a little. Mr. Goldberg, have you even heard his any of his acoustic material? "Dunkin Donuts Dylan"......WTF??? ”

3. Tony K said... on Feb 12, 2009 at 11:15AM

“:( ”

4. Sean said... on Feb 12, 2009 at 01:33PM

“Also, how are you going to pick this show over the Tribute Wars show at the Troc? I mean, how does a metal tribute to the Bee Gees not get top billing for Week's Worst?”

5. Keely Sadira Dorran said... on Feb 12, 2009 at 07:01PM

“Mr. Goldberg, your criticism is interesting (if rushed) however, I believe you are missing the point (or one of them) of Kevin Seconds/7 Seconds music, regardless of the hardcore/punk or coffeehouse genre: authenticity. Committing our lives to loving a beauty that is often ugly -TRUTH, beyond what's skin-deep- and to being motivated by expressing that truth regardless of blundering windbag critics or the unpopularity of our principles/worldview is a valuable sacrifice even when the rewards are not material or don't come quickly. It is a life that takes courage and nobility to live for any of us, as the great thinkers and spiritual teachers of the world attest to, and that takes a good deal more thought and talent than merely sticking a label on someone and getting a dollar bill in return, in my humble opinion as a mother, artist and educator. That said, I would LOVE for 7 Seconds ideas to be taught in schools (which Kevin criticized in "Where is the Danger?") because it is highly relevant artistically and culturally, and my son, whom I educate privately, is encouraged to aim for depth, integrity and joy in his life both creatively and professionally. So, of course, he's a fan of both Kevin/ 7 Seconds' independence and ingenuity- but most of all, the GREAT MUSIC! Please Mr. Goldberg, think carefully before speaking. We need less brash political greed-driven (or careless, at best) diatribe and more dialogue/deeper meaning in the arts/music world, because as writers, artist and musicians, we have a responsibility to enlighten humanity, not add to the idiotic circus of ignorance that characterized the last eight years of American media output due to its reflection of our leadership. Is a little solidarity too much to ask here? Mr. Goldberg, I still believe that if you can I can walk together as writers, surely we can rock together, at the very least in our common benevolent goals as members of the same human family. If we cannot find the solutions ourselves, and if artists like Kevin Seconds aren't your cup of proverbial tea, then perhaps you could illuminate the positive in the artists that share your philosophy of solutions regarding human coexistence instead of criticizing an artist whose work you are not apparently familiar enough with to comprehend. Thank you for the opportunity to respond publicly. Be blessed! :)”

6. Keely Sadira Dorran said... on Feb 12, 2009 at 07:10PM

“Oh ya, and Kevin's grabbing of acoustic guitar and harmonica are not exactly "recent"... he is very well established internationally as a seminal influence both musically and culturally. Kind of like Bob Dylan, yeah, if less commercially known. And in regards to his career as a punk rock vet, well, all I can say is that this pussy is very well-cared for, musically-speaking. ;)”

7. Early Times said... on Feb 13, 2009 at 06:56AM

“I have to disagree with the opinion of the writer of this article. Kevin is anything but washed up. In fact, Kevin has been one of the most consistent songwriters I have ever known. While I have been in New York for almost a dozen years, I used to live in Sacramento where Kevin resides and I saw him play routinely. I was impressed and inspired that he seemed to always be writing songs. Almost daily he would have new material. He does not adhere to fads and fashions, but follows his own muses. Kevin sometimes rants about things that piss him off. But, he writes about so many things that he can’t be pigeon-holed. I suspect that the writer of this article is not much of a composer. If he was, he would understand the different facets of a writer’s need to explore all facets of their personality. That is why he can choose one song from years ago and assess Kevin’s whole persona from it. One could cite a single song from any great writer and point out that they are pissed off and ranting, while ignoring songs of beauty, respect, and love the same writer might have also penned. In fact, the writer comes across as the one who is unnecessarily pissed off. Kevin is anything but washed up. In fact, his band 7 Seconds could undoubtedly command a higher appearance fee now than ever before, I am quite sure. The writer may not like Kevin or his music, but the attacks on him smell of someone who will never accomplish the level of respect and influence of him. Does said writer critique himself as harshly? Does he ackowledge that it is he who is washed up because he is writing for a small number of readers and is unheard of on a national and international level? Blue-collar songwriters like Kevin should be celebrated for showing up to his craft everyday with his metaphorical hardhat and lunchbox and documenting his life, the positive AND negative, in song. ”

8. seamus said... on Feb 17, 2009 at 09:27AM

“Do us all a favor and please send your kid to a real school. Seriously! ”

9. Keely Sadira Dorran said... on Feb 24, 2009 at 06:04PM

“How is that a favor to you or "us" as you way; curious? I am a professional, fyi, and in addition, my son's abilities exceed what his public school can provide, despite the fact that the public schools around here rate very high in the national scheme of things. And, his public school teacher and principle fully support him being home schooled due to his advanced abilities, especially linguistically, which are at least 5 years beyond grade level, because of his mind and the way I've raised him thus far. Seriously.”