Jersey Rock Band of the Week: STFU

Rocking Dingbatz in Clifton on January 21!

STFU is writing a new chapter in their music journey.  Active between the years of 2012 and 2015, the band made a return in 2021.  Since then they have been writing, recording, and rocking venues across the Jersey Rock scene.  It's been an epic ride so far and we can't wait to see where they go.  STFU singer/guitar player Harry Pomeroy described how STFU's second life came to fruition:

STFU started out as a Pop Punk Rock outfit.  While the group has retained a number of their earlier elements and continues to rock Pop Punk staples like "Beggars Can't Be Choosers," their sound has continued to evolve.  STFU is on their way towards a progressive Metalcore identity.  The shift in style is notable in their newer tracks.  We're excited to rock our way through their musical growth this week on Jersey Rock.  Tune to 95.9 The RAT Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:30 pm to hear cuts from across their catalog.  Harry Pomeroy will call in to the show each night!

Don't miss STFU at Dingbatz in Clifton on Sunday January 21.  The band will rock the popular North Jersey club on a stacked bill that includes The Bunny The Bear, Dizasterpiece, Husk, and Jersey Rock vets Hollow Heroes.  Doors are at 6pm.  This is an all ages show.  Tickets are $15.  While admission is available at the door, we recommend grabbing your tickets in advance to avoid getting shut out. Speaking of the upcoming event, Harry Pomeroy said

Message the band on instagram to get advance tickets.  Check them out at @stfunj!

Find STFU's music on bandcamp!

Check out STFU's latest single "ARGH!"

The iconic Sopranos celebrated it 25th anniversary this week. Now here at the Rat, we hold this show in higher esteem than pretty much any other television series ever. Perhaps it's the Jersey thing, or maybe it's because the show had it's run in our first decade of our existence, so we kind of grew with it. However I think it may be because the vernacular and cadence of what the characters said during the show, mirrors the way we, both here at work, and in our personal lives speak to each other. Truth be told, with the exception of maybe Seinfeld, I have never quoted a show more in day to day life than the Sopranos. I know. I'm a weirdo, but I'm not alone!

Both inside and outside of my career, my friends and coworkers are living out of the Sopranos thesaurus. Not a week goes by when someone, including myself jumps into a conversation with an OHHHHHHH! Or a MADONE! For a while back in 2011 I think I actually greeted everyone with "Whaddya know, whaddya say? ". It's a sick disease, without a cure. But who wants one? Furthermore, I think trading great Sopranos lines is healthy, and liberating. It bonds you to your friends. Like it's "This thing of ours", so to speak. I don't even mind when I rip a Paulie Walnuts line on a civilian, and they don't even know what the F*ck I'm talkin' about. First off, their reaction is priceless, and second it gives me the opportunity to proselytize to them about the religion of the Gabbagoul.

Meanwhile, there are some Sopranos lines that are more iconic than others. those are the ones that, while maybe not used everyday, or even once a year, do lend themselves to be said from time to time. These are Hall Of Fame Soprano lines. The best under the radar quotes, that if you hit your buddy with, he's gonna love you. However, more importantly, he's gonna respect you!

So here are my 25th anniversary Top 5 Sopranos quotes me and my friends say. Not your friends, my friends...Capiche?

Phil was fed up with the Sopranos crew. He decided it was time to put a clean end to a messy situation. By extreme measures. A great line, with a fantastic leadup, and one I find saying to people who stand in awe at my because they have never seen the episode or just forgot a bout this killer line. Literally.

Ahhh Mr. Walnuts. We could easily make a list a shhhcarole long with just his quotes in the one of a kind series. This one is a fav here around the office. MEETEORRRR MEEETEORRR...

And of course the obligatory, "Take it easy.."

Chris is on drugs. Adrianna wants to get engaged. Carmella wants to help plan a wedding. Tony just wants to eat.

T tries to talk some sense into the boy, but even fresh produce is no match for the 'smack.

Silvio's charm was his even keel personality. Tony's trusted friend and Consiglieri was usually the one keeping things calm with the crew, when not banging strippers at the Bing. However, it was the poker table that was Sil's Achilles Heel. As witnessed when Tony prompts the feeble minded Matt "Drinkwater" Bevalacua to sweep up the cheese under his feet. Personally, these are obviously lines that are said amongst close friends, usually after midnight and some whiskey.

Ahhh youth. It's wasted on the fat and spoiled. This line is spoken to me or by me at least once a month. I mean, I don't even eat ziti. However it is without question one of the earliest examples of viral Sopranoisms. Extra points for saying it in front of the priest.

Uncle Joon for the win! He was jealous, cantankerous, and liked to get in to the muff...oh I mean rough. Yet Junior Soprano had the one line in the whole series that was

his little nephew Tony's Kryptonite. Small hands, all the girl cousins new it.

Richie may have been one of the most despised characters ever during his short time on the show in season two, however his tale of triumph one night in North Jersey was the stuff of legend. He took a leather jacket off of local tough guy Rocco DeMeo. Tony? Not so impressed. "You look like Robert Evans ova here."