The Black Halos’ Rich Jones Curates the Ultimate Black Friday Punk Playlist & Celebrates New Album “How The Darkness Doubled”
As the retail world descends into the annual frenzy of Black Friday, shoppers and music enthusiasts alike are seeking the perfect soundtrack to navigate the chaos. Whether you’re strategically planning your assault on the malls for the season’s deepest discounts or making a pilgrimage to your local record store for coveted RSD Black Friday exclusives, a powerful auditory companion is essential. This year, the legendary Vancouver punk outfit, The Black Halos, delivers precisely that, offering not only a brand-new album but also an exclusive, adrenaline-fueled playlist to kickstart your day. Today marks the highly anticipated release of their latest LP, How The Darkness Doubled, unleashed upon the world via Stomp Records. To amplify the excitement, guitarist Rich Jones has generously shared an EXCLUSIVE playlist, specifically curated to infuse your day with that crucial jolt of energy – akin to a potent shot of black coffee for your brain – ensuring you conquer Black Friday with a punk-rock edge.
How The Darkness Doubled is more than just an album; it’s a statement, a twelve-track surge of raw power and undeniable punk rock spirit that immediately captivates. From the electrifying opener, “A History of Violence,” which resonates eerily with the often-viral Black Friday skirmishes caught on camera, to the surging intensity of “Even Hell Is Looking Down,” and the compelling, electric energy of “A Positive Note” that masterfully brings the album to its close, each song is an adrenaline shot. This record signifies a monumental return to form for The Black Halos, a reclamation of their signature sound. Rich Jones himself attests to this renewed focus and creative synergy. “Reuniting with Billy [Hopeless] and Jay [Millette] for this new album brought my focus back to writing with a mindset that was pure, uncompromising Halos – as far as I’m concerned, we’ve really achieved it,” Rich explains, his passion evident. He further emphasizes the strength of their current iteration: “Having our friends John [Kern] and Danni [Action] on board make this feel like the strongest lineup that we’ve ever had, and you can really hear it on this record.” This collective chemistry is palpable, translating into a record that is both fiercely contemporary and deeply rooted in the band’s rich punk legacy. The raw energy and tight musicianship underscore why The Black Halos remain a vital force in the punk rock landscape.
In the midst of this musical onslaught, it’s worth reflecting on the phenomenon of Black Friday itself. Surviving this busiest shopping day of the year often requires the collective spirit of friends, family, and a fierce determination – much like the camaraderie that fuels a great punk band. The term “Black Friday” holds a fascinating, albeit complex, history. According to Insider, its earliest recorded use dates back to 1869, when two Wall Street financiers orchestrated a scheme to corner the gold market, inadvertently triggering a devastating market crash. This initial association painted the term with a rather bleak hue. However, its modern usage emerged much later, in the 1950s and 1960s, primarily in Philadelphia. There, police officers and bus drivers began using “Black Friday” to describe the chaotic aftermath of Thanksgiving, referring to the dense crowds of suburban shoppers and tourists who would pour into the city for the annual Army-Navy football game and subsequent holiday shopping. These throngs would clog streets, overwhelm marketplaces, and generally make the day a challenging one for city infrastructure and law enforcement. The term vividly captured the sheer volume and logistical nightmare of the post-Thanksgiving rush.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that retailers and marketers ingeniously re-branded and popularized the term, shifting its negative connotations to a positive spin. This transformation saw “Black Friday” become unequivocally synonymous with lucrative shopping opportunities and massive sales. The marketing narrative cleverly linked the term to accounting practices: businesses traditionally marked losses “in the red” and profits “in the black.” Thus, Black Friday became the pivotal day when stores, having operated at a loss for much of the year, supposedly turned a profit, moving from “in the red” to “in the black.” This clever pivot cemented Black Friday’s status as the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, a consumerist holiday in its own right, driving immense foot traffic and online sales with promises of unparalleled deals. Today, it stands as a global shopping phenomenon, a test of endurance for both consumers and retailers, highlighting the enduring power of commercialization and marketing ingenuity.
After you’ve thoroughly absorbed the raw energy and uncompromising spirit of The Black Halos’ latest masterpiece, How The Darkness Doubled, prepare for the next wave of auditory stimulation. We invite you to dive into the meticulously curated playlist, a special offering courtesy of the one and only Rich Jones, guitarist extraordinaire of The Black Halos. This collection of tracks is designed to keep your momentum going, providing a diverse yet cohesive musical journey perfectly suited for a day filled with intensity and excitement. Let Rich Jones guide your listening experience with his hand-picked selections, each track echoing the rebellious spirit and compelling rhythms that define great music.
The Exploding Hearts, “You’re Black & Blue”
Kicking off Rich Jones’s carefully curated playlist is “You’re Black & Blue” by The Exploding Hearts, a track that perfectly encapsulates the raw charm and infectious energy of this tragically short-lived band. Hailing from Portland, OR, The Exploding Hearts were purveyors of a distinctive lo-fi power pop sound, managing to release one truly fantastic rock & roll record, Guitar Romantic, before their promising career was cut short. In a heartbreaking turn of events in 2003, three members of the band were killed in a van accident at the conclusion of a tour, leaving a profound void in the music scene. Despite their brief existence, Guitar Romantic has deservedly achieved cult classic status, revered by critics and fans for its perfect blend of melodic hooks and garage rock grit. This particular track is a prime example of their brilliance: catchy, melancholic, and brimming with youthful angst, it showcases their knack for crafting immediate, memorable anthems. It’s a testament to their enduring influence and a poignant reminder of the talent lost too soon, making it a powerful opener for any discerning punk-rock playlist.
Manic Street Preachers, “Black Square”
Next up is “Black Square” from the Manic Street Preachers, a standout track from their critically acclaimed 2014 album, Futurology. This song is a brilliant example of the band’s intellectual depth and musical adventurousness, drawing clear inspiration from the Krautrock movement. Lyrically and conceptually, “Black Square” directly references Russian avant-garde painter Kazimir Malevich’s iconic 1915 suprematist artwork of the same name. Malevich’s painting, a simple black square on a white background, was a revolutionary statement about artistic purity and the rejection of traditional representation, a theme that resonates deeply with the Manics’ own philosophical leanings. The album itself, Futurology, was recorded at Berlin’s legendary Hansa Studios – a location steeped in musical history, famously associated with recording giants like David Bowie, U2, and Depeche Mode. This iconic setting imbues Futurology with a cool, retro-futuristic atmosphere, echoing the experimental and boundary-pushing soundscapes that characterized David Bowie’s groundbreaking Berlin trilogy (Low, “Heroes”, and Lodger). “Black Square” is a testament to the Manics’ ability to weave art history and political commentary into a compelling and musically sophisticated punk-rock tapestry.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Black Tongue”
The playlist then takes a turn with the unmistakable energy of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Black Tongue.” This track is a true raw-power standout from the band’s explosive debut album, an immediate indicator of their unique sonic identity. “Black Tongue” pulsates with the kind of sleazy, garage-infused guitars that defined early 2000s New York City rock, conjuring images of gritty club nights and unbridled artistic expression. At its heart is Karen O’s mesmerizing performance: a wired, distorted vocal howl that is simultaneously primal, seductive, and utterly captivating. Her vocal delivery on this track, raw and uninhibited, would undoubtedly have made the legendary Lux Interior of The Cramps beam with pride. The Cramps, known for their iconic psychobilly and garage punk sound, celebrated exactly this kind of visceral, unpolished authenticity. “Black Tongue” perfectly showcases the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ ability to blend art-punk sensibilities with a compelling, almost hypnotic ferocity, solidifying their place as one of the most influential bands of their era and a perfect fit for a playlist designed to energize and provoke.
Sloan, “Blackout”
Adding a dose of Canadian indie rock excellence to the mix, Rich Jones includes Sloan’s “Blackout.” Sloan has long been revered as one of Canada’s most consistent and enduring bands, often dubbed the “unsung kings of guitar pop” for their masterful blend of power pop melodies, crunchy guitars, and shared songwriting duties. “Blackout” is a vibrant, hook-filled garage jam taken from their ambitious and sprawling 2006 double album, Never Hear The End Of It. This particular record is a testament to Sloan’s prolificacy and democratic approach, featuring thirty songs with contributions from all four band members. “Blackout” stands out with its immediate catchiness and driving rhythm, characteristic of their ability to craft sophisticated pop songs disguised as raw, energetic rock anthems. The track perfectly showcases their signature blend of Beatlesque harmonies with a punk-rock urgency, making it an ideal choice for a playlist designed to keep spirits high and energy levels boosted. It’s a reminder of the depth and quality that lies within Sloan’s extensive discography, ready to be discovered by new listeners and appreciated anew by long-time fans.
The Damned, “Wait For The Blackout”
Closing out Rich Jones’s powerful selection is “Wait For The Blackout” by the legendary British punk band, The Damned. This track, featured on their groundbreaking 1980 release, The Black Album, perfectly illustrates why The Damned have remained a formidable force in music for over four decades. While originating from the first wave of punk, The Damned quickly expanded their musical horizons, consistently demonstrating a remarkable sense of adventure and willingness to experiment with genres beyond pure punk rock. The Black Album itself is a seminal work, showcasing their evolution into a more gothic, psychedelic, and progressive sound, all while retaining their signature punk bite. This ambitious double album is notable for its diverse tracklist, which includes the fascinating collaboration “History Of The World” with none other than film composer Hans Zimmer, and the sprawling, epic 17-minute prog-punk opus, “Curtain Call.” “Wait For The Blackout” captures the album’s intricate balance: it’s dark, melodic, and boasts a powerful, anthemic chorus that exemplifies their post-punk maturity. It’s a compelling choice that reminds us that true punk spirit isn’t confined to a single sound but is defined by an uncompromising attitude and continuous artistic exploration. It’s the perfect track to signify the end of the playlist, leaving listeners with a lasting impression of musical depth and enduring rebellious energy.
As the intense day of Black Friday shopping draws to a close, and the echoes of punk rock anthems begin to fade, The Black Halos and Rich Jones have provided more than just entertainment; they’ve offered a rallying cry and a soundtrack for survival. Whether you’re headbanging to How The Darkness Doubled or discovering new favorites through Rich’s expertly curated playlist, the message is clear: music is a powerful force, capable of cutting through the noise and connecting us to something raw and real. So, turn up the volume, embrace the darkness, and let the uncompromising spirit of punk rock carry you through—not just Black Friday, but every challenge that comes your way. The Black Halos continue to prove that authentic, vital rock and roll is alive and thriving, ready to energize and inspire.