With the release of Karl Rove's book, Courage and Consequence comes the thorn - Courage and Consequence - The Unabridged Audio.   For nearly fourteen years  Bay Area musician Conan Neutron has been playing in, booking, accommodating, and at times the only outspoken advocate for the underground music scene here. With a list of bands, records and tours to his credits, he is an experienced exacerbation to the orthodox. 

  Conan Neutron in Mount Vicious - photo - Shannon Corr

                                                                              Neutron's latest endeavor, Courage and Consequence: The Unabridged Audio is "a coalition of up-and-coming rock bands  releasing an anticipatory sonic recollection of the gross misdeeds attributable to Rove over the past decade, “Courage and Consequence: The Unabridged Audio,” in all of its aggressively righteous indignation."  Available on vinyl or by digital download, Neutron collected thirteen of his favorite bands to offer sonic opposition  to "Bush's Brain".

Perhaps the bigger story here is that of perseverance.  This is not some huge organization backed up by million of dollars and corporate sponsors. In fact Neutron says, "this entire project and LP was conceived, put together and released with a budget about 1/8 of the average speaking fee Karl Rove gets for every engagement."  It is merely  the follow through of the moment  you have a grandiose idea that seems too massive to complete.  With this release has come a ground swell of confusion at Rove signings and sarcastic amusement.  Conan has put the publicity train in motion and it is paying off.  He has appeared on The Huffington Post, did a great interview on the Mike Malloy show and of course is getting plenty of press here in the Bay Area and beyond. To see the look of disgust the moment a Rove minion holds this record in their hands wondering why they haven't heard there was a soundtrack to the book then turning it over to read its a parody and a slap to the face of such thought is a reward money can't buy.  One fan in Lancaster,PA actually got into a Rove appearance and and got a book signed while holding the record. Hilarious. "This is exactly the kind of thing I hoped this record would achieve." , says Neutron. 

I have known Conan for years. I have photographed his bands countless times and played many a show with him. He has endless energy and is always exited and eager to help the music scene and the people in it.  This record speaks to his values of a DIY, noise rock  champion and should be supported by all who hold such beliefs. The viral nature of its movement is enough to make even the snarkiest of the vainglorious laugh.

You can check out Neutron's latest band, Victory and Associates at The Hemlock in San Francisco along with Hurry Up Shotgun and Genius & The Thieves this Thursday night.

You can find the record, Courage and Consequence: The Unabridged Audio many places such as Karlrove.bandcamp.com , Karlrovebook.net , and there is a great fan page on Facebook.