The story behind the Mouthpiece - "What Was Said" cover

Mouthpiece - "What Was Said" LP cover

Probably the most questioned and most mysterious of the Mouthpiece record covers, the Mouthpiece - "What Was Said" LP cover always seems to leave everyone scratching their head. With that being said, I will attempt to explain how we ended up with this cover. -Tim DCXX

To start this off I have to go back to the original cover concept. In fact, "What Was Said" was not the first title that I had in mind. My first thought was to title the album, "What Remains". Problem was, after we wrote the song "What Remains" and started playing it out live, Strife came out with a similar song called "What Will Remain", which ended up being released on a Victory Records "Only The Strong" LP compilation. If I remember correctly, the Victory comp was set to be released before our LP, so I decided to sacrifice the album title "What Remains" and come up with something different so that our bands didn't seem to be copying off of one another. Truth of the matter was that we wrote the song "What Remains" before we ever heard Strife's "What Will Remain", but being friends with them and realizing that their track would be getting out there before ours, we just did what we felt was right.


Original Mouthpiece LP cover concept, Photo: Tim McMahon

Only problem with switching album titles from "What Remains" to what we later decided as "What Was Said", was that I had already figured out an album cover photo that went along with the "What Remains" title. There was a burned out building that I would pass on my way to college every morning and I would always notice this one particular wall and smashed out window that were still standing. Something about this cracked up, stained, dilapidated, concrete wall and broken window spoke to me. I guess the fact that it was the only part of the entire building that remained after the fire, it had me thinking of the lyrics to "What Remains". One day I pulled up to the shell of this building, grabbed my camera and snapped off a handful of shots. I wasn't much of photographer, so I don't think I ever got the exact photo that I had envisioned, but I felt that I could work with what I had. Instead, because of the Strife song and ultimate change in album title, this original cover concept fell to the wayside and ultimately collected dust.

Once we realized that we weren't going to title the LP "What Remains", I started looking over other song titles that I felt seemed fitting for an album title. For some reason or another, "What Was Said" was the title that jumped out at me. Although it didn't seem to carry that anthem-like vibe that "What Remains" did, "What Was Said" still worked. Truth of the matter is, I had gotten the idea to title the song "What Was Said" from seeing a video of the project band that Alex and Chris from Chain Of Strength were doing with Mike Down from Amenity called "What She Said". Turned out they got the name from a Smiths song and a Doors lyrics, but at the time I hadn't realized that. That "What She Said" video was just incredible, sound wise it was similar to Statue, but their stage presence was pure insanity. The concept of that band and that name stuck in my head and I felt like I had to incorporate a piece of it into something I was doing. The result was a song called "What Was Said" and lyrics that had absolutely nothing to do with the the band "What She Said".


The Hellraiser comic book that the artwork was borrowed from

Now that I had determined I wanted to title the album "What Was Said", the search was on for an album cover. At the time, in 1993, I was really into the movie Hellraiser. I was buying all kinds of Hellraiser model kits and comic books and of course watching the movies regularly. This one particular Hellraiser comic book had a section of images that appeared to be art mixed with real photography. My favorite example of one of these images was of what appeared to be a person ripping their chest open and showing their insides. Some pieces of the image were of bones, some of muscles, some of flesh and some were of the insides. I didn't exactly think the image looked scary, but it definitely looked dark and strange. This was the image that I chose to cut out of the comic book and somehow use for the "What Was Said" album cover.

As I had mentioned earlier, at the time I was putting this record together, I was going to school for graphic design. Again, this was going back to 1993, so computers were used minimally and more of what I was being taught was being done by hand. Because of this, I had a lot of art boards lying around my room as well as tons of paint. At some point I had this vision of taking the image strip that I had lifted from the Hellraiser comic book and laying it on a background of splattered paint. I ended up grabbing one of these artboards I had lying around my room, spilling some purple and blue paint on it, smearing it around, splattering some yellow paint around and simply pushing the image strip into the paint, towards the left side. At some point I had created the Mouthpiece "What Was Said" logo with the stretched out Mouthpiece logo and splattery type writter font, enlarged it to fit across the album cover and placed that at the bottom of the piece. Bang... there was our cover.


The full artwork from the Hellraiser comic book

I remember bringing the finished art board to a Mouthpiece practice and showing the band and everyone seemed to like it. Of course I got a lot of, "What is it?", but after my explanantion everyone was like, "Oh, ok, cool", and that was that. Considering I was the main guy behind all of our art (stickers, logos, records, shirts, etc.), everyone just seemd to accept what I threw at them.

Over the years a lot of people have asked me what the deal was with this cover. I guess considering we were known as a pretty straight forward, standard cut, straight edge hardcore band, this album cover never seemed fitting for our image and sound. In the end I think it was just a product of what I was into at the time (Hellraiser) and going to school for graphic design. As much as I agree that this record cover seemed out of place for us, I still like it, still think it works and have no regrets.

Best New York Hardcore Intro - Poll Results

Harley riles the Trenton crowd, Cro-Mags at City Gardens, Photo: Ken Salerno

Well the results are in, and personally I'm a little surprised. For starters, we definitely missed a couple intros that easily could have been in here. Murphy's Law, Outburst, Supertouch, and I'm sure even something I'm blanking on now. Maybe we'll do a round two. Here's the results for round one.

BOLD was perhaps a controversial one to put in there, but it definitely jumps out in our minds and pulled in some votes, though still taking a expected last place. Personally, I had it closer to the top...it may not be NYHC personified, but it's heavy, moody and triumphant sounding all at once. Maybe it is safe to say it makes me want to stage dive more than it makes me want to mosh. The recorded version isn't the greatest, but some live recordings show that it really kills.

In a shocking fourth place was Leeway's legendary "Rise And Fall." I honestly expected this to take second place. It's still covered by current bands, and Leeway's popularity seems to have not faded amongst the new breed today. Mind numbingly powerful, with perhaps one of the best guitar sounds ever recorded, A.J. Novello's SG crunching still makes me want to smash my head into a hard, stationary object when I hear it.


Leeway madness at City Gardens, Photo: Ken Salerno

WarZone's Intro Bust grabbed a few more votes than Leeway and took a solid third place with the first track from the classic DFTS, DFTS album. One of the faster, mid-tempo intros, the Intro Bust is as classic as it gets, yet retains a fun, almost upbeat vibe that doesn't feel quite as overpowering as some of the others. Nonetheless, still sick, and such a fitting way to kick off a flawless album.

Sick Of It All snagged second place, a slot I was personally surprised to see them grab. Not that this isn't a timeless intro, I just have a hard time gauging where a jam like this fits into everyone's list these days. Apparently many still love it, and the Alleyway Crew boys grabbed 21% of the vote.

As I expected, and as I voted, the Cro-Mags ran away with first place for "We Gotta Know." What is there to say...Mackie's drumming is possibly best epitomized here as it is mercilessly hard and technically tricky, yet somehow understated and perfectly fitting. I've heard it described as an off-time jazz fusion behind-the-beat groove, but I'm a drummer and I don't even know what the hell that means. What I do know is that the drums alone in this make me want to do some weird dance that will never be seen in public...it's not even moshing, it's like violent fornication. Three guitar chords...pretty much the heaviest in standard tuning, are all that is required. I'd love to know how this intro was created...it really is pretty much the best thing ever written and recorded. When I'm 90 years old I still feel like I will hear this and start punching my arthritic fist into my other arthritic palm and do this weird grimace where I bite my entire lower lip and close one eye.

NYHC Intros...maybe the best thing there is in the world. And the Cro-Mags take the cake. -Gordo DCXX


Sick Of It All at City Gardens, always a house favorite, Photo: Ken Salerno

DOUBLE CROSS - The Year In Review II

Trevor, Tim and Taryn McMahon at the Phillies World Series parade, Photo: Traci McMahon

When Gordo and I talked about doing a "Year In Review Top 5" type of entry, originally we were both going to talk about our favorite interviews that came together here on DCXX. As Gordo finished his piece and I read through it, it left me thinking that Gordo and I probably had a lot of the same favorites. I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to be able to expand upon what he said and wasn't sure if it was worth doing my own if the difference weren't that drastic. Instead I decided to take a slightly different angle and discuss my general top 5 of 2008. Some hardcore related, some not, all personally substantial to me. -Tim DCXX

1. The Philadelphia Phillies winning the 2008 World Series - Being a follower of Philadelphia sports, seeing the Phillies bring home a championship to the city of Philadelphia was huge. Getting to go to one of the World Series games, being at the sports complex when the Phillies clenched the championship and then going to the parade and post-parade celebration at Citizens Banks Park was phenomenal. Hopefully it's not a once in a lifetime experience.

2. The completion of the Mouthpiece "Can't Kill What's Inside" Discography for Revelation - Considering this project took 4 years to complete, finally finishing it and submitting everything to Revelation was both a huge relief and a very satisfying moment. Revelation Records and those early releases really set the standards and laid the groundwork for everything Mouthpiece wanted to do as a band. To release our complete collection of recordings on this label means a lot to me and I can only hope this discography accurately defines everything we were about.

3. The creation and actual following through with Double Cross - Another project that I had been contemplating for years, both in print format and digitally online. To finally get this concept off the ground in some format felt like a long time goal that had finally be achieved. Pulling Gordo aboard turned a flame into a full blown inferno. Expect much more from DCXX in 2009.

4. The First Step's final show - Following this band from the moment I received the demo in the mail, to seeing them play basement shows and halls to 15 people, to being instrumental in the release of their demo 7" and "Open Hearts and Clear Minds" 7" on Livewire Records, to watching them slowly but steadily grow into a serious force, I felt like I was there every step of the way. Most definitely my favorite hardcore band of the 2000's and some of the classiest and sincere individuals I've come in contact with. Seeing these guys play their last show was both a bum out, yet very fulfilling. It was sad to see the best straight edge hardcore band of the past 8 years end it, but it was great to know what they had accomplished and how they had left their mark. The show it's self was a perfect send-off, definitely the best all around show I'd seen them play. I know I left that show sweaty, achey and tired and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

5. The Philadelphia Eagles miraculously having the opportunity to get into the playoffs and then completely demolishing the Dallas Cowboys to make sure it happens - Being an Eagles fanatic and watching the 2008 season go through it's highs and lows, the way week 16 went down was simply mind blowing. Needing the Oakland Raiders to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Houston Texans to beat the Chicago Bears, it seemed very unlikely that the Eagles would get that help to even have the opportunity. Sometime miracles happen and week 16 brought those miracles to reality. Both the Raiders and the Texans won, which left the door open for the Eagles to beat the Cowboys and squeak into the playoffs. Then there was the actual Eagles, Cowboys game... wow. Philadelphia stepped it up and simply tore the Cowboys to shreds. 44 to 6 was the final score, but even those numbers don't show how humiliating of beating the Eagles put on the Cowboys. What a way to end the season, what a way to slip into the playoffs. What 2009 will bring is still a mystery, but like Ray said... " I have faith".

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Seeing my son start kindergarten, The Jimmy Yu interview at his parents house in the Poconos, The Albany mountain bike ride with Daily, Zusi, Reddy and Cappo, A full year of Stern on Sirius, The Double Cross shirts, The constant stream of photos from Ken Salerno...


The First Step - Something Inside from hate5six productions on Vimeo.
The First Step, Final Show, Lemoyne PA, September 6, 2008

DOUBLE CROSS - The Year In Review

Gordo, Jimmy Yu of Judge and Tim

As we wind down the hours of 2008, we take a minute to reflect on our favorite interviews of 2008 here on DCXX. While our one year anniversary comes up in March, we still spent a huge chunk of 2008 busy on DCXX. Tim will follow up with his 2008 Year In Review for an entry tomorrow. Expect much more in the new year!

Gordo's Top 5 Favorite Interviews

This is almost impossible. Here are at this moment, my favorite interviews we have done so far on Double Cross. We didn't include contributors or re-printed material - but if we did we'd have to give a big honorable mention to Joe Nelson, Tony Rettman, Jon Roa, and the host of others who have been big contributors here. Top 5...

5. Dave Smalley - To the outside world, this would make no sense: Email a guy some questions about a tattoo he got 25 years ago when he was a teenager, then post his answers with some pictures of him and the tattoo. Sounds retarded, no? This was a smaller piece, but man did it make me want to move to Boston, shave my head, and go get Smalley's classic True Till Death tattoo inked on me, possibly on my forehead.

4. Marco / The Icemen - Up until this, I had never seen a very thorough interview with any of the guys from The Icemen, and not with Marco. A personal favorite, this gave practically everything you could want to know about this NYHC powerhouse and really seemed to take you back to the time and place, while pulling no punches.

3. Tony Erba - I think both Tim and I knew this would provide some serious entertainment shock value, and did it ever. We censored nothing and Erba wanted it that way. If you haven't read this, skip your coffee tomorrow morning and check this instead. It will wake you up, Clevo style.

2. Djinji Brown - When word spread that Absolution would be reuniting, I figured that was the perfect opportunity to catch up with Miami-based Mr. Brown. A three hour conversation taped and transcribed, Djinji's story of growing up in NYC, becoming immersed in hardcore, and then moving on in his own life was honestly one of the most powerful stories I've ever heard. At some point I would like to make the full audio available. I shit you not, hearing Djinji talk about his life and experiences will give you chills.

1. Jimmy Yu - If it wasn't for Jimmy Yu, Djinji's interview would be the clear winner. But sitting down at Jimmy's house, Judge playing in the background, a half dozen white Kramer guitars off to the side (with whammy bars), as Jimmy took us back to where it all started for him...it got a little surreal. I'd love to make the audio of this available at some point as well, but that would only tell half the story. Seeing the look in Jimmy's eyes when he talked about going to A7, running wild in the streets, playing in JUDGE, and how essential it was in his life really can't be described. The guy was as real and as gracious as they come. If you have never checked out this interview, please, free up an hour or so and read it all immediately.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: So many...Dave Bett, Todd Schwartz, Ajay Enuf, Straight Edge Hank Peirce, Tom Kuntz, Andy Guida, Jason Peterson...too many to list. Thanks for reading!

Introducing: Big Frank Harrison

The Legendary Carry Nation

Zed Records, Nemesis Records, The Country Club, Carry Nation...if you know about these things, you know about Big Frank. We welcome him aboard DCXX...consider this an introduction. -Gordo DCXX

My most memorable show? To be honest almost every Carry Nation show was a cool time. From our first show opening for a sold out Bad Religion show, to me twisting my knee jumping around when we played with Judge. I think the most memorable would be our last show with Chorus, Vision, Point Blank, Killing Time (the one and only time they came out west) and of course Sick Of It All. It was definitely a great send off for the time we spent together, I only wish we could have completed a full length cd. We came within a hair's breath of being signed to Epitaph, but Dan's heart was already into his new band 411 and they chose Insted over us.

Trying to nail down one favorite show of all time is a unlikely task but I will try. I have seen so much from early Ramones to Minor Threat to Bad Brains, Misfits with and without Danzig. Hard Stance also comes to mind with Zach on guitar and Earnst on vocals, they never really fulfilled their true potential, and no offense to anyone but they would have wiped the floor with Chain Of Strength or Youth Of Today had they ever realized it. I think for now the show that comes to mind was the first time the Cro-Mags opened for Motorhead. I don't even think Age Of Quarrel had come out, I knew Doug from Kraut, and I was like, "what is this band all about?" He just said, "you'll see," and they blew me away with their intense energy. Harley definitely had an effect on how I wanted to play bass, although if I ever jumped in the crowd like him I probably would have killed someone.

Also, to all the people who think Joe Nelson's pic with Metzger was in bad taste, well for one you are right, but if you know Joe then you know it was Joe making fun of that douche. Joe has been near my side in scraps with plenty of these asswipes and he still would take my side, I'm sure.

A Weekend Of Hardcore

JJ with the Cro-Mags jam 2008, Photo: Change Zine


Cro-Mags at City Gardens, 1987, Photo: Ken Salerno

Friday December 26th, 2008 at the Broad Street Ministry in Philadelphia, PA, John Joseph took the stage with Mackie, AJ Leeway and Craig Ahead and blazed through a set of Cro-Mags "Age Of Quarrel" era jams. I've seen JJ with various lineups and I have to say, other than the legit Cro-Mags lineup, this one has to rate up there as one of the best. Super tight, super powerful, everyone on point, crowd going nuts, you couldn't have scripted it much better. The highlight of the night had to have been seeing them pull out "Seekers Of The Truth", a rarely played "AOQ" era track. The crowd absolutely went insane and at one point I could have sworn I counted 15 people on top of the crowd at once. Other than the fact that I had someone smash into my left ear, bald head first and running full speed across the stage for a dive, this was a nice way to end the holiday week.


Vision in Asbury Park, NJ, 12/27/2008, Photo: Traci McMahon


Vision, 1989, Photo: Ken Salerno

Saturday December 27, 2008, Asbury Park, NJ, Convention Center. This was some sort of three day holiday fest that the guys from the Bouncing Souls put together. Being that the Bouncing Souls guys are friends with the guys from Vision and Token Entry, they brought them both together to play this show.

Out of all the bands that I've seen in my 21 years of going to shows, Vision must be the band that I've seen the most. Everywhere from City Gardens to Club Pizazz to Scott Hall to CBGB's to The Pyramid Club to The Marquee to Middlesex County College to The Down Under to The Princeton Arts Council to The College Of NJ to every other school, hall and club across New Jersey and more. They've consistantly been one of my favorite bands from New Jersey and whenever they play, I make it a point to be there.

This night was no exeption and I have to say, they really put on a great show. It was good seeing them play to a sizeable crowd and get a good response. Big thanks to Pete Tabbot for getting my wife Traci and me in. The show was sold out and Pete really pulled through.


Timmy Chunks with Token Entry in Asbury Park, NJ, 12/27/2008, Photo: Traci McMahon


Timmy Chunks with Token Entry, City Gardens, 1987, Photo: Ken Salerno

Token Entry were always a great band to see live. I can recall many of their sets at City Gardens standing out in my memory as some of the best shows I've seen. Timmy Chunks always had this great energy and the band came together with a live set that always seemed to outshine any of Token Entry's recorded material (in my opinion at least). Not that I didn't like Token Entry on record, but just listen to their tracks on the Hawker Records "Free For All" live comp and compare those same tracks to the recorded versions on their records. Both are great, but the live versions just take the cake for me.

Now aside from seeing Token Entry live their first time around, I also caught their reunion show that went down at The Wetlands in NYC, sometime around 1994 or 1995. When I heard they would be doing yet another reunion at this Bouncing Souls holiday party in Asbury Park, NJ, I knew I had to be there.

They opened the set with "The Fire" off their "Jaybird" LP and I gotta say Timmy Chunks hit the stage with some major fire of his own. Right from the first line, the crowd was singing along, which sent Chunks flying off the stage, across the barrier and over to the crowd with the mic, then launched himself back over the barrier, landing on his back on a monitor and flipping on to his feet on the stage. They proceeded to tear through a full set of classics and finish it off with "The Edge", which of course came complete with a full crowd sing along.

All in all, a weekend of the Cro-Mags, Vision and Token Entry (not to mention a miraculous Eagles playoff berth) made for one hell of a memorable and fun weekend. Damn do I love hardcore (and sports).
-Tim DCXX

Merry X-Mas and Happy Holidays from Double Cross

Chris Daly and the Long Valley Crew hit the crowd for Vision at CB's, Take notice to the grafitti, Photo: Ken Salerno