The Rock Hard Issue

Skate and Snow Articles

John Cardiel Interview
Relaxing on a run to run basis the questions are slowly interjected on the lift... Ever broke any bones? I think I fucked up my jaw bone. Before today you did? Skateboarding or snowboarding? Fuckin' flailing. On the cement or snow? I don't even remember. I was too drunk to remember. read on>>

Mike Rafter Profile
Yeah, it was rad. Some dirty looking tagger style geek walked up behind me and rode off on it. We chased him two blocks where there was a pick-up full of dorks waiting for him so they could drive away. We smashed the headlight and gave it a couple dents, I think, anyways. If I ever see that guy again ... well ... let's just say it's on. read on>>

Paul Becker Profile
Paul introduced me to snowboarding and got me to drop in on vert for the first time, so he's always had my respect. He started snowboarding in 1984 and has always been at the forefront of the stinkbug style. read on>>

Skurfing: Pro & Con
Yes, water skiing will some day be taking a back seat to this versatile, raging snowboard on water. Don't think this is some puss little summer camp sport for the weak hearted. These cats are out catching speeds up to 45 mph, treating the wakes and ripples like a jib park, busting huge stylish tricks. The balance of the shifty water mixed with the ever changing tension patterns of the tow-rope make for a challenging lift. Back flips? No worries, it's tough to break your spine in 30 feet of water. But, can you ride it out? This is some righteous evolution, bustin' fat under the sun, on a different kind of mountain, on a different form of snow. read on>>

Music Articles

Drive Like Jehu Feature
They appear to lack direction at times but appearences are illusory. I don't believe there is a single note played by these San Diegans that is without an agenda. Even when songs venture into the nine minute range, and they manage to do it twice on the nine song Yank Crime. One of the things I really like about Jehu is the vocals and the extremes they are delivered. They can be as catchy as Superchunk or as abrasive as metal-to-metal brakes. Courtney Love has got nothing on Drive Like Jehu's Eric Froberg (a.k.a. Rick Froberg, a.k.a. Rick Fork, a.k.a. Rick Farr). read on>>

Knapsack Interview
Being the nice non-rockstar guys they are, it was fairly easy to set up a interview. I hooked up with them before a show at Old Ironsides in Sacramento and we quickly ventured off to a fine Latino eating establishment to begin my interview. Wait a minute, this fucking recorder Botch let me us isn't working, and where the hell are Colby and Rod! read on>>

Transition Interview
The name Extinction, ugh, I mean Transition allows them to always change and progress. Progression has always been their focus. Not interested in major labels, they sent a four song, four-track demo and a half-page xerox with four sentences and an address to Indy labels. The wise and discriminating SST Records signed them before even seeing them live. read on>>