Keithley, Joe

Keithley, Joe

STAND

Sudden Death

After forty-five years of leading legendary punks D.O.A., the man they call Joey Shithead aka Joe Keithley, has a new solo album out on Sudden Death Records—don’t worry, D.O.A. is still touring! Stand has a rootsy, rebellious tone, as Keithley combines acoustic and electric guitar on this timely and politically charged album. Many have compared Keithley to a modern day Woody Guthrie or Pete Seeger because he has spent a lifetime standing up for what’s right through his music and through his actions—Stand befits that ethic and long-held tradition. The songs cover a wide range of emotions. There’s timely political stuff like “The Warrior Lives Again,” “Fentanyl Blues,” “This Machine Kills Fascists,” and “Ginger Goodwin.” Poignant songs include “Lookin’,” “For A World,” “People Power,” and a cover of D.O.A.’s “2+2.” Keithley even digs into movies and TV with his spaghetti western-inspired “Man With No Name” and an ode to Star Trek called “Men For All Ages.” He really hits the mark, as he covers songs from his idols Johnny Cash, Leadbelly and Stompin’ Tom Conners. On Stand, one gets a wide array of Keithley’s talents: from his vocals that have never covered such a wide range, to his sterling guitar playing, to his powerful songwriting ability. To make sure the album had the right tone, Keithley got the right people to accompany him, which includes one of the best acoustic rhythm sections in Canada, Leon Power and Darren Parris, and also great keyboards from Chris Gestrin, with Jessie Zubot...

Keithley, Joe

Talk - Action = 0 - An Illustrated History of DOA

Arsenal Pulp Press

***The punk band D.O.A., established in 1978, is considered one of the founders of hardcore punk, alongside such other seminal groups as Black Flag and Minor Threat. Their raw, melodic sound, which drew comparisons to the Clash and the Ramones, has always been matched by the band’s acute political sensibility; known for its uncompromising and outspoken anarchist viewpoints, D.O.A. has been active on behalf of many issues, including anti-racism, anti-globalization, freedom of speech, women’s rights, and the environment. Its slogan, “Talk – Action = 0,” refers to the importance of artists and others who need to “walk the walk” when it comes to their politics. After more than thirty years, D.O.A. remains as active as ever, touring internationally (including a trip to China, the first punk band to do so) and recording regularly (their thirteenth studio album was released in 2010); their fan base now spans three generations. This large-format book is a sprawling visual history of the group by lead singer/guitarist Keithley—made up of vintage photographs, posters, handwritten lyrics, and other various ephemera—that offers a visceral glimpse into the hardcore life of one of the hardest-working punk bands in the business.