|
IN THIS ISSUE
Rita: February is the
beginning of our year in print. Lolita: It takes a full month
to recover from the stifling holiday season. But we’re back with primitive
inhibition and plan to display it at our Valentine show at
the Dog Bar in Gloucester, Saturday 2/11, with two of our favorite “couple”
acts—JOE & RENEE (from Bandit Kings) and BIRD MANCINI. On the
cover of this issue witness BARRENCE WHITFIELD, the ageless international
savage of excitement. If you pick up the print issue you can also read about the street punks of Boston—THE
DUCKY BOYS. If you like heavier hardcore sounds—we’ve got that too—in
PRAYERS FOR ATHEISTS from Providence, RI. And in the far corner from
Worcester, MA—the lo-fi industrial-art punker CLOWN. Rita:
And don’t forget the other goodies we have for you, like Rock School,
the most addictive rock strip in the United States of America. If you
keep a copy of the Noise in the bathroom you will increase your
knowledge of local music and lose weight at the same time. Read the
live reviews and CD reviews (also found online) and let us know if we got it right. Everyone
has a say around here—communication old school with our Incoming Mail in print.
Email us (
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
) if you need your viewpoint in print.Or you can just click comments at the bottom of this page to leave your thoughts online.
ROMANTIC MEMORIES
Lolita: In keeping
with our Valentine show let’s get everyone focused on the romantic
things in their lives. Let’s find out what the most romantic thing
anyone has done for our friends. There’s our current Big Shot with
the dreamy eyes—Billy. Tell us the truth—it will set you free.
BILLY CARL MANCINI (Bird Mancini): Ruby married me! Now
that’s the ultimate romantic deed. *** KEN FIELD
(Revolutionary Snake Ensemble/Birdsongs of the Mesozoic/Agachiko):
My wonderful late wife, Karen Aqua, brought me with her to a film festival
on the Greek island of Kos last year. It was an awesome trip.
*** LIZ FRAME (Liz Frame & the Kickers): The most romantic
thing anyone has ever done for me? My awesome boyfriend of 10 years
surprised me with a new guitar for Christmas a few years ago. I was
just starting to get back into playing out live, so it was unbelievably
thoughtful and sweet of him. *** JOE COUGHLIN (the Noise):
A hand-crafted GG Allin toilet seat and lid done collage-style
and expertly shellacked. It incorporates snakes, drugs, devil-girls,
and so much more. No joke, it’s a stunning work of art for which I’m
forever grateful. You know who you are, Toots! *** JOY
COPP (Pull Trouble From the Fire): The most romantic thing that
someone did for me was buy me dinosaur bones. UC Berkeley was
reconstructing a dinosaur for their museum. If you donated money,
you could sponsor a piece and your name would go on the plaque underneath
it. He bought me a tooth and a claw. My name is on that
plaque... I feel like a part of history. *** ROY SLUDGE (Roy
Sludge): Granted me my second divorce. *** RANDY BLACK (Randy
Black & the Heathcroppers): In the early days of gigging, the band
would soundcheck early and then hang out and drink, go back to the house
to get high and drink, get back to the club and smoke cigarettes and
drink. After the show we would often go to Vic’s Eggs On One for breakfast.
One night we went to Chinatown instead and the MSG put me over the top
so that I staggered out the door and almost passed out. She sat there
next to me on the sidewalk, backs against the restaurant wall, and she
talked about whatever, kept me awake, in a strong reassuring voice.
She touched my arm. *** AD BOC (Ad Boc/Promise to Be Good)
She moved 7,285 miles from home to be with me. *** CLAY N. FERNO
(Middle East/Leaguepodcast): An ex once gave me a spooky little skeleton
guy made of plaster with red candle wax dripping from his eyes, nose,
and mouth. Ahhh, youthful love and undead bobbles. *** MIKE LANGLIE
(Twink, the toy piano band!): In the early 1990s I was in a goth-industrial
band with Karen (aka avant-cellist Wisteriax). We had a recording session
booked on Valentine’s Day, and Karen surprised everyone by bringing
a big Jell-o heart to the studio. Even more surprising was the sight
of the cut-open heart bleeding massive amounts of red goo. We started
dating soon after and have been together ever since. *** NIGLE KNUCKLEHEAD
(Allstonians/ Spinoff): Break up with me to end a dead relationship.
*** HEATHER MALONEY (Heather Maloney): A couple of years ago
I lived and worked in a community (sort of a commune) where I was a
cook and my boyfriend Peter was a maintenance man. I had my own
little parking spot in a shared garage (had no doors). One day
I was pulling up the hill and into my spot and I noticed some huge red
thing right above the light of my headlights. As I pulled closer
I realized it was a huge wooden heart. Peter had used the company
tools to cut and paint a heart for me, and nailed it right into the
wall of my little parking spot. Rita: See how wonderful life
can be! I ran into SCOTT ALARIK, the author of that book about
my life as a rising folk star. If you want to know more about me, read
Revival. A lot of people thought I was making this up, but Scott
approached me at Me & Thee Coffeehouse, and whispered in my ear
that I looked just like Kit (the main gal in the book). I know it was
his way of admitting the book really is about me. He didn’t want to
come right out and admit it because then I have to insist on a cut of
the book sales. So I’ve decided he can have the fortune—I’ll take
the fame.
NEWS
Lolita: I can’t believe
how egotistical Rita has become about that book. There are other
books out there—probably about me. CLEA SIMON, long time Boston
rock journalist, was awarded the CWA’s Muse Medallion for fiction
for her book Dogs Don’t Lie. *** KIER BYRNES (Three
Day Threshold) was flown out to Ireland to perform in a studio in Dublin
with punk legends, CAITLIN O’RIORDAN (bassist of the Pogues
and former wife of ELVIS COSTLELLO) and RICHIE RAMONE
(former drummer of the Ramones). It was all under the umbrella of a
PETER WALSH GOBSHITES’ recording session. *** Celebrate with WBCN
Nation the release of the amazing new documentary film, The American
Revolution, on the early days of the legendary station at the Paradise.
Pledge your donation to the making of the film at kickstarter.com and
get invited to a mega event and special sneak preview of this landmark
documentary film. *** PETE WEISS
(Weisstronauts/Verdant Studio) has an ongoing series of photos of record
stores. They can be seen hanging at Christoper’s (Porter Sq., Cambridge)
in early February. *** The Mikey Dee Musicians Benefit Trust continues
to help musicians in need. Recently both JJ RASSLER for his broken
hand and DAVID McWANE (Big D & the Kid’s Table) who is
suffering from thyroid cancer, were recipients of Mikey’s generosity.
JJ has recovered to the point where he
is back in his Cuban Heels hitting that Downbeat once again. *** For
winning the most votes in the Falcon Ridge Emerging Artists Most Wanted
contest, PESKY J. NIXON will play on the main stage of Falcon Ridge
Folk Festival this coming summer. *** Bradford School of Music has merged
with the Real School of Music. *** CHUCK U.
and DIANE ANDRONICA and other members of the New England Media
Coalition won the seven-day contest for My Life, My Choice (helping
under age women leave forced prostitution). *** Valhalla International
Restaurant & Lounge is a new concept that will be opening at 667
Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. The place plans to have
events and shows. *** If you are in a high school band, you can register
for the Rock Showdown by 2/15/12 at www.natickarts.com. You can win
hundreds of dollars of prizes including partial scholarships to the
Berklee College of Music Summer Programs. *** Quiet Desperation,
Boston’s reality sitcom, started 2012 with their third episode,
Chilly Allston, of season two. It features CASEY DESMOND,
SHAUN BEDGOOD, and SEAN SULLIVAN. *** January 1st marked
the 14th anniversary of DAVID MINEHAN’s Woolly Mammoth Sound.
Lolita: I do believe we plan to honor that man in these page in
a couple of months.
FAVE
RESTAURANT
Rita:
One thing we all do is eat. Lolita: Some more than others. Rita:
Our goal with this next question is to find the best place to dine.
What’s your favorite restaurant? MR. CURT (MC3): Mmm-mm! Through
the years, I’ve been to so many places for different tastes, but there’s
one restaurant I would never hesitate to name —Legal Sea Foods. Consistent
yet variable, generous yet comfy, and always fresh and delicious.
Never been Scrod there! Order a broiled (or fried) Fisherman’s Platter
to start the raves! I first went there for my college graduation 40
years ago, when it was a tiny space in the back of a fish market in
Inman Square. Phew, that’s a durable eatery! *** TODD
HARRIS (18 Wheels of Justice): Hands down without a question
the Sunset in Allston. I don’t think I’ve ever had the same beer
twice there. Great food and service. Maybe it’s just foggy, beer-soaked
memory, but every time I go there I have the time of my life, immediately
followed by the hangover of my life. You just reminded me that I’m
hungry. *** IAN ADAMS ( Lucky Dragon ): The Washington Square
Tavern in Brookline. I would recommend the pan-seared local scallops,
with sugar pumpkin
risotto. Chef Chris Cronin is a frikkin’ artist. *** CORIN
ASHLEY (…& the Guild of Sonic Righteousness): I love Sam’s
Bistro down by the ICA—great vibe, devastating Bloody Mary’s, best
fries in town, and it’s got indie cred, too! I challenge you to find
a restaurant owned by a better local bass player than Drew Parsons.
*** NIKI LUPARELLI (Niki Luparelli & the Gold Diggers/ the
Steamy Bohemians): My favorite place in the Boston area is Lucky’s
Lounge on Congress Street. I love the mac and cheese and also the “secret”
veggie burger not on the menu. Combine that with the Sinatra theme,
and I could stay in there like Agent Dale Cooper in the Black Lodge.
*** TIM MUNGENAST (Tim Mungenast & His Preexisting Conditions):
My favorite restaurant is Chez Outre. I suggest the Roast Rump of Tree-Dwelling
Elephant with Ecstasy Sauce, and the Hummingbird Tongue Flambé for
dessert. I also like the Craftsman Socket Set Casserole. *** DAVID
AVERY (Powderfinger Promotions): My favorite restaurant is L’Espalier
and I’d recommend getting whatever they want to serve. It’s expensive,
so unless you have a tanker full of cash you’ll want to go there for
a special occasion. But for a “foodie” L’Espalier can’t be beat,
and it’s especially cool because if you don’t eat meat they’ll
alter their menu to give you either fish or entirely vegan dishes. That’s
a rarity. *** JON MACEY (Adam&Eve/ Fox Pass): Anything Korean,
order stone pot Bimbimbap with lots of chili sauce to get you through
the winter. Helps with songwriting too, especially art-pop tunes. ***
PETER MOORE (Count Zero): Journeyman (Somerville) for the win,
they’re so courageous, inventive, and tasty. Runners up: Craigie
on Main (Central Sq., Cambridge), Bolete (Bethlehem, PA), Local
188 (Portland ME). Lolita: Wow, Peter gets around.
MUSICAL CHAIRS
Rita: Musicians
get around within bands,too. Here are some new musical groups and new
acquisitions in existing acts. BO BARRINGER (Me&JoanCollins)
has hooked up with REUBEN BETTSAK and NOELL DORSEY (Guillermo
Sexo) to form FUTURE CARNIVORES. *** In a related band BO BARRINGER
and REUBEN BETTSAK join cellist RACHEL ARNOLD in THE WRONG
SHAPES. *** TONY and SAMANTHA GODDESS
have left Jenny Dee & the Deelinquents amicably. MIKE ORAM
(Airport/Eric Salt & the Electric City) has been subbing for Tony
on guitar and ABBIE BARRETT (Abbie Barrett & the Last Dates)
has played some gigs doing the background vocals. *** THE FENWAY BRATS
are a multi-vocalist band that includes singers C. MOON MULLINS,
LAUREN “POCKETS” ANDERSON, JULIE “PANDA” DZIUBELA,
and TED WHITESIDE backed by the three-piece ERIC GRIFFINS
(bass), ROBERT ONE (guitar), and TOM MORONY (drums). You
can see/hear them every Friday night at Who’s on First. *** SPINOFF
contains TIM FERRELL on guitar (Mistaking), DAN WEDDLE
on drums (Cheater Pint), SCOTT HOWE
on guitar (the Hammond Group), DARREL MORROW on keys (the Allstonians/
the Hammond Group) and GERRY ATTRICK on bass (the Allstonians).
They’ll be playing their pop/rock with a sense of humor at T.T.
the Bears on 2/24. *** KEVIN STEVENS (the Shods) is on stage
again in THE UNHOLY III. Lolita: Yes! Kevin is one of the reasons
why music in New England is so good.
INSTRUMENTS OF PLEASURE
Rita: And we all know
(except for those a cappella groups) that we need instruments to make
wonderful music. What is the latest wonderful instrument that you’ve
picked up? KIER BYRNES (Three Day Threshold): Last summer,
I decided I’d buy a guitar upon completion of my doctorate, in hopes
that it’d keep me motivated. I found the perfect Telecaster
on eBay. It was even born the same year as me (ancient)! The problem
was I hadn’t finished classes yet. As fate would have it, the e-Bay
vendor was Mr. Music in Allston. just a mile from where I was! I trucked
over and fell in love with it immediately; the guitar came home with
me that day. And as for finishing school, they don’t call me Doctor
Whiskey Love for nothin’. *** BRAD BYRD (Brad Byrd): The
latest musical instrument I purchased was a classical guitar for $5
(or was it $3?) at a yard sale. Every now and then I see people
just tossing these guitars away and I try and grab them if and when
I can. The low E, A, and D strings are so incredibly warm and
the overall sound is brilliant. I can’t help but not write a
new song every time I pick it up and start strumming. I can’t
wait to record with it in the studio! *** DAN KING (Bandit Kings/
KBMG): I’m always buying gear but the last instrument I bought was
at Daddy’s on Route 1. An American Tele Sunburst. Daddy’s
is sadly gone now and that will certainly leave a major void. On
the North Shore back in the ’80s and ’90s we had Steve’s in Danvers
and Daddy’s in Peabody until Guitar Center opened on Route 114 and
Steve’s closed soon after. The first guitar I bought in a store
was a strange Gibson Les Paul called “The Paul” or “Victory Paul”
with a double cutaway and a Trini Lopez head stock that I found in a
Daddy’s in Portland, ME in 1990.( I traded this guitar for a Gibson
J30 acoustic in Santa Cruz that I’ve written 80 percent of my songs
on). I was on my way to pick up a ’78 Tele Sunburst I had found
in the Portland listings but it was gone when I got there. Oddly
enough my car broke down on the way home from Portland so we hitched
home with the guitar and the car was laid to rest in a garage in Wells.
I bought my first Tele at Steve’s in ’94, later scored a ’78
Fender Music Master bass at Daddy’s that’s amazing, a star among
many purchases, and 20 years later I got my Sunburst at Daddy’s.
*** MICHAEL J. EPSTEIN (The Michael J. Epstein Memorial
Library/ Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling/ Darling Pet Munkee/ Space
Balloons): I’ve been buying samples of all kinds of egg shakers to
help shaker-shaker extraordinare Tanya Palit select just the right shaker
for her upcoming signature series egg shaker. No joke. *** TIM MUNGENAST
(Tim Mungenast & His Preexisting Conditions): A Framus Texan acoustic
12-string from the mid-1960s. It was purchased at a yard sale. ***
A.J. WACHTEL (Pseudo-Intellect Extraordinaire): The most recent
instrument of punishment and torture I’ve bought is a pocket-sized
electronic cattle prod. I bought it at Wal-Mart and charged it to my
Noise expense account. Dad: It’s a good parenting tool, too. Harrison:
YOUCHHHHHHHH!!! *** WILL DAILEY (Will Dailey & the Rivals):
A 1960 Silvertone amp in case. Beautiful condition. Found it on Craigslist
with original paperwork and manual. Bought in Peabody. ***
TONY JONES (Tony Jones & the Cretin 3/ the Tony Jones Show):
After listening to way too much of the band Cake I recently picked up
a vibra-slap from Daddy’s Junkie Music. Somehow Cake manages
to incorporate it into every tune. I haven’t been so lucky. It
sits here collecting dust mocking me! Lolita: Someday it
will jump into your hands at the perfect moment and slice a perfect
piece of cake for you.
ALL GOIN’ OUT TOGETHER
Rita: Time to go out!
Saturday, February 4 is a big night—ALLOY ORCHESTRA performs a live
sound track to Wild and Wierd at Somerville Theater; Boston musician
and activist BRIAN O’CONNELL presents his original rock opera
Over the Line at Spontaneous Celebrations at 5:00 and 8:00 pm;
THEA HOPKINS plays Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus in Lowell;
and in Portland, Maine, LIZ FRAME & THE KICKERS are at One Longfellow
Square. *** BRITANNICA brings their British rock to Green Land Cafe
on Monday, 2/6. *** 25 PEARL entertains at Robsebud on Thursday, 2/9.
*** The Noise celebrates the Valentine in all of us on Saturday,
2/11, at the Dog Bar with JOE & RENEE and BIRD MANCINI. *** Same
night in Jamaica Plain experience BLOWW—Boston League of Women Wrestlers
at the Midway. *** And if you’re at the Plough & Stars that night,
you’ll have the privilege of seeing HEATHER MALONEY. *** On
Friday, 2/17, Me & Thee Coffeehouse celebrates their 42nd birthday
with AMY BLACK. *** Same night at the Cantab—GARAGE AU GO-GO. *** BOSTON HORNS play Ryles on Saturday, 2/18.
*** Over at Johnny D's on Sunday 2/19, OLD JACK takes the stage. *** THE DEL FUEGOS hit the Paradise on Wednesday, 2/22. *** On Thursday,
2/23, ANAIS MITCHELL release her latest CD, Young Man in America,
at Passim. *** Same night in Salem, MA, ERINN BROWN plays In
A Pig’s Eye. *** On Friday, 2/24, IN LIKE LIONS drop their CD at the Middle East. *** LIZ BORDEN & THE AXES play the Cantab on Saturday,
2/25. *** Same night THE GENTLEMEN are hauled into Precinct. *** HIGHWAY
GHOSTS release their CD, Beyond All Help! at Johnny D’s on Saturday
3/3. *** Same night downstairs at the Middle East, Hear Now Live
presents the CD release party for DOCTOR DOOM ORCHESTRA. Rita:
We’ll be back in March for our online-only issue, then return to print
in April. We love you! Lolita: Speak for yourself. I only
love some of them.
RIP: JOHN LINCOLN
WRIGHT (…& the Sourmash Boys and vet of the Bosstown days
in the late ’60s) died of a stroke on 12/4/11.
RIP: Saxophonist,
DAVID SCHOLL (Barrence Whitfield & the Savages/ Four Piece Suit),
passed away on Christmas Day, having quietly battled cancer for almost
10 years.
If you'd like to subscribe to the print issue, send $22 to T Maxwell, PO Box 353, Gloucester, MA 01931.
|
|
|
LOOK FOR THE PRINT ISSUE
Rita: December is the month of America’s most
loved holidays. Lolita: Unless you dislike the pressure of having
to find an unwanted affordable gift for that uncertain relative. Rita:
Well, it looks like someone needs a little encouragement to uplift her
holiday spirit. Let’s start right here with this issue of the Noise. JULIE DOUGHERTY
has been running a holiday spectacular on Christmas Eve at the Hawthorne
Hotel in Salem since the snowy holiday was invented. OLDJACK, we all
know, is another pseudonym for Santa Claus—that directly (or very
indirectly) ties into the old soul rock they perform. SAM REID &
THE RIOT ACT’s bluegrass Americana exemplify the riotous spirit of
early morning kids tearing into their presents. The Grammy award winning TOM HAMBRIDGE has
been leading a wreckage of world-renowned musicians as if they were
reindeer on a solemn mission. And GRACE
ROTH gives her take on Occupy
Boston—could this be a modern scene of the manger multiplied by the
thousands? Lolita: Okay, I get the picture—play along with
the crowd instead of weeping in me drearies. Rita: You know, I’ve got my own drearies. Lolita:
Why? Rita: Well, I walked into Passim last week and
picked up a beautiful promotional bookmarker for the book I’m reading
(Revival, a folk novel by SCOTT
ALARIK) that was written about
me (without me knowing it) and my friend who experienced a brush with
fame, and the marker never mentions me by name. So now I have to make
believe my name is Kit and dream about Nathan. Lolita: Well, Kit, you can go on dreaming, but we
have a column to write. I came up with a holiday-related question of
the month. I know you’ll be pleased with me since I usually screw
up this sort of thing.
SIXTH SENCE
BELLY BUTTON
Lolita:
Shoppers! Can I get your attention?! Please form a line over here by
customer service if you’d like to answer the question of the month
for the December issue of the Noise. The question is: Our belly button used to
be the receptor of a sixth sense. What was the sense and why did we
lose it? DAVID HULL (Joe Perry Project/ David
Hull Band/ Buddy Miles Band/ Aerosmith): The Belly Button was historically
the receptor for our sense of cool. The sense of cool was formally defined
first by Marlon Brando and Billie Holiday, but had its ancient origins
in Africa. It was developed and refined by such exponents of coolness
as Keith Richards, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix. Probably because of
its proximity to the groin area, the belly button was also the vector
for all groove-based music and emotion. As far as scientists can tell,
the connection between these two areas of the anatomy does not exist
in Europe or Japan, which explains why it's primarily the Americans,
Brits and Africans who are responsible for all cool grooving in the
world. When I last checked, it wasn't lost. *** JONATHAN WYNER
(M-Works): Sixth sense: Our sense of Groove... We didn’t lose it,
record labels did. *** BRIAN
KING (What Time Is It, Mr.
Fox?): The belly button was our direct link to the Egyptian goddess,
Isis. We lost it because of our stubborn preference for the binary.
I learned all about this in “The Golden Ass” by Apuleius. I was
obviously drawn by the title. *** IAN
ADAMS (Lucky Dragon): We Freemasons
have known for time immemorial that our sixth sense isn’t lost but
simply lies dormant within us, represented as the All Seeing Eye. The
purpose of Masonic ritual is to awaken this sixth sense, which allows
us to see beyond these three dimensions into the fourth: Time. Kurt
Vonnegut, an avid Freemason, cryptically described this in his masterpiece Slaughterhouse- Five. Okay, not really, I just made all that up.
I have no good answer. *** CARL
BIANCUCCI (Classic Ruins /
Shotglass Killers): It was common sense and Fox News killed it. *** MICHAEL J.
EPSTEIN (the Michael J. Epstein
Memorial Library/ Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling/ Darling Pet Munkee/
Space Balloons): My belly button had the ability to perform pyrokinesis,
but after too many burn holes in my T-shirts, my parents made me get
that ability surgically removed. *** ERIN
HARPE (Lovewhip/ Erin Harpe
& the Delta Swingers): The booty receptor, it used to tell us how
to move our bodies and dance. While many (white) people have lost this
sixth sense, our ancestors must have had it, and while no one knows
exactly why we lost it, I believe you can get it back simply by focusing
on the feelings coming from your posterior while listening to live music,
and letting the vibrations emanate to your extremities. Wake up the
booty receptor! *** SIMON
RITT (the Darlings): The sixth
sense that our very ancient ancestors from the earliest times once took for
granted, the one most, but not quite all modern people now lack, is of
course common sense. *** LIZ
FRAME (…& the Kickers):
It’s obvious: the bellybutton once (and still does, for a lucky few)
detect bullshit. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t lost it.
*** SHAUN WOLF WORTIS (Wolf’s Annual Mardi Gras Ball): Our sense
of direction. In pre-human days the belly button was widely used as
a compass. We appear to have lost that ability sometime between the
bronze age and the invention of plastics, although it is unclear why.
Some scientists have speculated corn consumption was to blame, while
others suggest it was a really stupid trait to begin with and thus lost
its allure. Lolita: I heard about that compass thing too—if
you had an outtie it could tell you the difference between north, south,
east, and west. But if you had the more common innie—it would focus
your inner direction. Rita: That was your idea of a holiday- related
question?
NOISE NEWS
Rita: Who’s to say what news is important? We
care about musicians and music-related businesses, so that who and what
we report the news about. If you have news that you think we could use,
please get in touch. Here now, the news:
ROGER MILLER (Mission of Burma)
recorded an album when he was 18, with his brothers LAURENCE and BENJAMIN who were 16, under the name Sproton Layer.
The recordings were remastered and released by the German label World
in Sound Records. Included is a 20 page full color booklet with the
history of the band, photos, journal entries, drawings, etc. *** MELODEEGO
took their bike powered Sustainable Sound system to perform at Occupy
Wall St and Occupy DC. Visit kickstarter.com to help them raise the
money trips for like this. *** After 40 years in business, late in October
Daddy’s Junky Music closed the doors to all twelve of its stores in
New England. Competition from the tax-free Internet contributed to the
closing. *** Church and Great Scott have received notices from the City
of Boston to cease and desist all 18+ shows. The clubs were informed
that all 18+ shows must be approved in writing by the city. Hearings
have been set. *** A.J.
WACHTEL sent in a 60 second
interview with SIOBHAN
MAGNUS (from American
Idol) so we decided to print
it here… Noise: Who is your favorite local artist? Siobhan:
Aimee Mann. She’s a big influence behind my debut CD. I love hearing
stories about her from the early days when she worked at Newbury Comics.
*** Ex-Middle East employee ALLISON
FINNEY is now handling media
chores at Showcase Live in Gillette Stadium. *** A new music competition
for unsigned musicians has reared its head—get on your computer and
look up Unsigned Only. *** RANDY
BLACK (…& the Heathcroppers)
is having one of his stories, Help
Yourself, published in the
classy publication Inman
Review. It’s published under
his pen name EDWIN M. STECKEVICZ. *** LOONEY TUNES is celebrating their 33
1/3 anniversary! Keep an eye out for special happenings and more importantly...
balloons. *** The Noise is running its first QR code—find it in
the FreQ ad on page 23. Yeah, we’re getting so hi-tech that Lolita
is using the FreQ to measure the vibe she gets from her favorite musicians—her
iBra has consistently raised their… frequencies.
TURNIN’ IT
DOWN TO ZERO
Rita: Sound is wavelengths, just like light, radio
waves, and microwaves. But they all vibrate at different speeds, which
makes them all unique. What if the section of wavelength for sound didn’t
exist? How would your life be different?
LINDA VIENS (adam&eve/
Angeline): When I imagine my life without sound... I see an odd and
lonely progression of events filled with beauty and trees and people
still, but without the sound of leaves rustling, whispers of love, brilliant
intimate conversations, or music. I feel an emptiness and unbridgeable sadness;
life as a strange and poignant movie without a soundtrack. *** KEN FIELD
(Revolutionary Snake Ensemble/Agachiko/Birdsongs of the Mesozoic):
WHAT!!?? I CAN’T HEAR YOU! CAN YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION?
*** JESSICA PROUTY (Jessica Prouty Band): If there was no sound,
I would not be going to a music school, nor would audible music exist.
However, I do believe that music would exist in color. Our eyes could
see a greater range of colors. Paintings would express how we feel.
Perhaps humans would sniff each other to get a sense of the other’s
personality, or we’d lick a computer when it was acting funny. There
would be no such thing as radio, and you wouldn’t be able to hear
a baby cry, or your love’s laughter. I certainly wouldn’t want to
live there! *** DAVE WESTNER (Woolly Mammoth Sound) Well, shit, I’d be
out of a job, wouldn’t I? *** JOE
COUGHLIN (the Noise): I’d have a lot less to complain about, causing
fewer people to throw shitfits. *** TODD
HARRIS (18 Wheels of Justice/
DB Studios): Well, I wouldn’t have a job, a career, or a band, and
I’d have probably drank myself to death years ago, soooo yeah… doesn’t
look good for me.... On the bright side I would never have to listen
to Fleetwood Mac, the Black Eyed Peas, the Tea Party, or some moron from
the Occupy Boston movement ever
again! *** CHUCK
U. ROSINA (WMBR/ WMFO): Are
you serious with this question? If sound didn’t exist, how could we
radio people do radio? How can all these bands that you cover in your
mag play music? If sound didn’t exist, there would be no Noise!
My heart-felt sympathies to the hearing-impaired amongst us. *** DAVE GUTTER
(Paranoid Social Club): If sound didn’t exist, I think the effects
of vibrations would be what music was made from. Part of the rush of
music for me is the bass pumping against you and the feeling in your
head when you sing. Vibrations would be the new expression and I think
it would be cool. Lolita: That’s right—when Rita says sound, she
should say sound in the human hearing range. My dog listens to MP3s
that I can’t even hear.
MUSICAL CHAIRS
Lolita: The music we will use for Musical Chairs
is “Silver Bells” by Bing Crosby. Are you humming it in your head?
Okay then, let’s begin…
MICHAEL BOUDREAU has left the
Salem ethnotronic collective MACHINE 475 while maintaining his position
as guitarist for ORANGE NICOLE. *** Connecticut’s MERCIES formed from
members of THE DEAR HUNTER. *** RANDY BLACK & THE HEATHCROPPERS
are LARRY DERSCH and MATT
GRUENBERG joining RANDY BLACK.
Yeah, we mentioned that last month, but felt it was worth mentioning
again. *** Members of HI8US have formed THE DARRLY STRAWBERRIES. ***
Members of the BIG DISAPPOINTMENTS have created ROYAL WEDDING. Rita:
I’m still crooning “Silver Bells” in my head, but it looks like
you’re done. Lolita: Yeah, since the list was short, how ’bout
we now check out all our advertisers and think of how we can make use
of them for holiday gift-giving season. Really—look at the assortment
of advertisers we have now. ***YOU'LL NEED THE PRINT ISSUE TO SEE ALL OF OUR ADVERTISERS—NEW AND OLD*** Lots of places to hear music. How ’bout
a quality guitar strap? (Find the ad!) Or a salon to make you retro
beautiful with a modern touch? Ahh—I said touch—when was the last
time you had a full body massage? Or treated yourself to some vintage
vinyl—we have the advertisers just right for you. Cafés with coffee
to die for (“Gimme Some Coffee!”) or a maker of fine stringed instruments
(find the ad!)—or maybe an instrument for a beginner (it’s never
too early)—or lessons for them! Studios to record your favorite song—and
don’t forget to have it mastered. T-shirts to decorate your already
beautiful body. Photographers to capture you before the winter uglies
set in. How ’bout supporting an organization that helps keep music
in our schools? (Find the ad!) When was the last time you treated yourself
to some cool duds? We even have an ad for the latest tech toy for a
musician who’d like to have better stage sound (that one starts with
the letters FreQ). Or maybe your musician friend would be astounded
if you paid their rehearsal space rent (yeah, there’s an ad for that
too!) or fix one of their instruments that they accidentally slammed
onto the stage? Ahh, we got some great restaurants that now advertise
in our pages—and we’ve tried them too! Yumalicious—really! Do
you know a teenage gal who’d love a pair of guitar pick earrings?
(Find the ad!) We even have a couple of stores that offer hard to find
vintage thingamagigs, whatchamacallits, and ancient issues of the Noise.
How ’bout the ad that is giving away free shoelaces! I kid you not!
You can even subscribe to a magazine—or remember to frequent an online
old school groupie-type website. Buy a local act’s CD (find the ad!)
or try a writers’ workshop, maybe purchase a piece of local art or
plan a party and find the advertiser that can help you. And if you just
don’t want to buy something material—go to a venue of your choice
and support local music. We do it all the time. Maybe you’ll run into
us. Happy gift-giving!
OCCUPY THE 2012
ELECTION
Rita: Wow—while Lolita catches her breath, I’ll
take us in a totally different direction. Please answer this question—how
will the Occupy movement affect the presidential election of 2012? KIER BYRNES
(Three Day Threshold): I think no matter who wins the presidential election
we are (most likely) all going to lose. *** CHRIS
COTE (Giant Kings/Upper Crust):
We can hope that the Occupy movement will force the candidates to pay
lip service to some new ideas, but will otherwise probably not affect
the usual corporate funded freakshow very much. Enjoy. *** CHRIS DALTRY
(the ’Mericans): At first, I thought it would be ignored, but it’s
really hung on, and I hope it really shakes things up next November.
It needs a candidate, actually. If the tea party can generate so much
attention politically, then why not a more true movement? In fact, I
wonder how the numbers compare: tea partiers vs. occupiers. *** BOBY BEAR
(Boby Bear): Due to the global scope of the Occupy movement, any candidate
will have no choice but to side with the movement. The
sheer numbers on board, so greatly eclipse the wealth of the one percent,
that only a suicidal fool would make the wrong move. No other candidate
has ever faced a phenomenon such as the Occupy movement; no amount of
implied or actual monetary reward will matter. The world that we’ll
be in as little as one year will be operating on a wavelength never
imagined, and our next President had better be ready for seriously big
changes. *** TREVOR MACKENZIE (Flatout Jones): I think a lot of people are
saving a lot of money on rent right now! I think tent sales have at
least doubled. The election of 2012 will be affected in two ways. Effect:
the first; people apparently love to camp, so if one of the candidates
likes to camp and they mention it, they will have an edge! Effect: the
second; I believe that people, because of the protests, will vote based
upon multiple one-on-one games of guess who. Whoever the candidate looks
most like in the end will receive a vote. Due to this fact, we may see
strategical mustaches and other miscellaneous facial hair. *** TONY JONES
(Tony Jones & the Cretin 3/ the Tony Jones Show): George Costanza
for President! *** BRAD
BYRD (Brad Byrd): The Occupy
protests will hopefully open the eyes of more people in the White House,
as it hopefully has already, that there needs to be a stop to the grandiose
spending the top one percent incurs and the control they have on our
economy. They’ve got to kick some of that money back into the marketplace
and create more jobs and opportunities for the middle class. Not sure
how much of an effect it will have on the election, but it will definitely
have some. *** MAX BOWEN (Citywide Blackout): By getting more of the
youth interested in who’s in the White House. I’m seeing the crowds
just get bigger and bigger, and though the message sometimes gets muddled,
people are showing a serious interest in effecting change. *** JEFF CHASSE
(Old New England Weather): Obama will be forced to either embrace the
protests or distance himself from them. Or somehow do both. *** MR. CURT
(MC3): Not at all. These urban (and then some) protesters are just an
itch in the political landscape, maybe worth a disinterested scratch
from those major-party sycophants (sorry
Obama!). If we could get a crack at those CEO-behemoths,
then we could and would vote them out of office and position, then the
urgent economic tides might change. We’d be really rockin’ the boat!
But until that moment arises, Capitalism is in control and I haven’t
seen anything to change or alter that. Have you? Lolita: I think politicians are very much paying
attention to what is going on with the Occupy movement. When so many
people start airing their grievances and joining together, it adds up
to a lot of votes that corporation can’t buy.
ALL GOIN’ OUT
TOGETHER
Rita: “It’s almost
the end of the show!” If you can name where a song of that name comes
from, write in and win a prize. Here’s what’s going on in January 2012… On Friday, 1/6, ROCK BOTTOM returns to Johnny D’s. *** Or you might prefer DEATH WALTZ ’76 at the Midway on that same night. *** On Sunday, 1/8, the NICKLE & DIME BAND opens the show at the Middle East upstairs. *** From Portland Maine, one time Noise cover-boys, PARANOID SOCIAL CLUB, play Church on Friday, 1/13. *** Same night some of Boston’s finest bands occupy the Middle East—the show includes JOHN POWHIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT and MUCK & THE MIRES and more. *** On Saturday, 1/14, catch SOUL SINGING EXPERIENCE at the Cantab. *** Same night the BRUCE MARSHALL BAND is at the Press Room in Portsmouth, NH. *** And also on that night GUMBO DIABLO plays the Pub at Cape Ann Brewing. *** KEVIN G. MOORE plays with the sensibility of Pete Seeger at the Walnut Street Cafe on Friday, 1/20. *** Same night JEFFREY FOUCAULT and JOHN FULLBRIGHT play the Me & Thee Coffeehouse in Marblehead. *** MISSION OF BURMA plays the Brighton
Music Hall on Friday 1/20 and Saturday 1/21. *** On Friday 1/27 DOMINIC & THE LUCID are at the Big Easy in Portland, ME. *** Or hear FRETT BUZZ at the SkyBox in Tewksbury on that same night. *** KINGSLEY FLOOD crashes into the Rhumb Line on Saturday, 1/28. *** Same night REDDY TEDDY will lead you to believe it's still 1980 at the Cantab. Lolita: I hope you are all healthy and happy in this new year of 2012. Rita: We'll be looking for you in all the best venues in New England.
RIP: John Lincoln Wright (from the Sourmash Boys and vet of the Bosstown days in the late ’60s) died of a stroke on 12/4/11.
RIP: Saxophonist, David Sholl, passed away on Christmas Day, having quietly battled cancer for almost 10 years.
If you'd like to subscribe to the print issue, send $22 to T Maxwell, PO Box 353, Gloucester, MA 01931.
|
|
|
Rita: This is quite an issue you are holding in
your hands. Each one of the artists on the cover deserves to be dominating
the page. THE BANDIT KINGS’ wonderful song, “Epic Hello” (and
CD of the same name)—tilted the scale to earn the top spot on the
cover. In a very close tie for second you have the loud, artsy, minimalist
rock of DO NOT FORSAKE ME OH MY DARLING, the acoustic folk/rock/jazz
of singer-songwriter SARAH
BLACKER, and the shakin’
country rock LIZ FRAME & THE KICKERS. They are all amazing acts
based in New England. These performers are already local stars—their
communities support them well. Time for you to catch the acts that suit
your taste if you haven’t yet. Lolita: And notice the new feature T Max added to
the layout. It’s on the next page (page 5) and tells you what page
you can find all the feature stories, reviews, and special features. Rita:
It’s called an index. Most magazines have them. Lolita: Shhhhsh… T Max thinks he just invented
it.
WARM AND COLD
MONTHS...
WHAT’S THE
DIFFERENCE?
Rita: Now that we’ve left the warm days of summer
behind, besides the temperature, what is the difference between the
warm and cold months? LINDA
VIENS (Adam & Eve/ Angeline):
For me the difference in the warm and cold months is deeply ritualistic
and psychological. When it’s warm, I must be outside, in nature, as
much as possible, even if it’s yard work and not something as scrumptious
as swimming, but the cold invites me to come inside, get to more reading,
writing and studying, watching films, etc. Though that said, there is
nothing like a run in the cold winter air, or a walk around Walden Pond
when it’s frozen over; every season has its magic! *** RICK BERLIN
(the Nickel & Dime Band): The cold months feel new. The school year
always began as the weather turned. New faces, new clothes, new classes,
new everything. The leaves die and fall just as we’re getting started.
It’s all backwards. Love that. *** KRISTEN
MILLER (Kristen Miller): The
difference? In the cold months I need a project to get me through the
darkness. Last year, I wrote film scores to three short Maya Deren films.
This year, I hope to tackle a longer film. And make a music video too.
*** KEN FIELD (Revolutionary Snake Ensemble/ Agachiko/ Birdsongs
of the Mesozoic): I feel like I should be more careful about walking
around my apartment naked in the cold months, since there aren’t leaves
on the trees in between me and my neighbors! *** NIKI
LUPARELLI (Niki Luparelli &
the Gold Diggers/ the Steamy Bohemians): In the cold weather, car accidents
caused by some dude staring at a girl in a skirt riding a bicycle, hoping
for a quick glimpse of her white panties, so that he didn’t see that
ice cream truck coming, are far less likely. Lolita: Niki, how many accidents did you cause this
summer? NIKI: If you don’t count the Italian ice guy,
three. I don’t ride a bike, but I am an areola 51 waiting to happen
at any given champagne filled moment. *** AMANDA
NICHOLS (Crash Safely): The
excuses given for not coming to the show. *** MARK
BRYANT (Plimro Records): During
the warm months, I wake up early and go bike riding in downtown Plymouth.
During the cold months, I wake up late and go drinking in downtown Plymouth.
*** LIZ BORDEN (Liz Borden Band): The difference is I become
moodier than usual. So does everyone else once it gets cold. It’s
darker earlier, we are stuck inside with the windows closed. We eat
more and dress warmer from head to toe. We plan our days and events
around snowstorms and end up staying inside more. We all be come vitamin
D deficient and wear boots. Warm months are so much better! *** KIER BYRNES
(Three Day Threshold): In the winter, you can store beer on the back
porch and it’ll stay cold. In the summer, this won’t work, so there’s
a whole lot less space in my fridge. *** CHUCK
ROSINA (WMBR/WMFO): The lack
of light in winter is a difference from summer... or to be positive,
the increased time for nightlife in winter. *** WAYNE
HUMPHREY (Diabolis in Musica):
The warm-month names are two syllables or less. The cold months are
three syllables or more. Rita: Wow, Wayne, you are a creative observatitude
dude. Though March may not fit with its “in like a lion and out like
a lamb” slogan. It doesn’t really turn lambish until early April
most of the time, so I’d have to label March a cold month. Look everybody;
Wayne has tears coming to his eyes. Let’s make Wayne feel better and
start calling the third month of the year Marchuary.
OUR UNIQUE NEWS
Lolita: Read closely now, the Noise is the only print media reporting this rare
news. Parts of it will be used in a music trivia game someday. THE EVER
EXPANDING ELASTIC WASTE BAND is headed to Argentina and Chile (this
is after their trip to the Voodoo Fest in New Orleans) with both MORPHINE
drummers JEROME DUPREE and BILLY
CONWAY. Then they are off to
Amsterdam to play the IDFA/PLAY Film and Music festival in tandem with
a screening of the recent documentary film Cure
for Pain: the Mark Sandman Story.
*** THE GOBSHITES are going to Ireland to record with CAIT
O’RIORDAN (the Pogues) and RICHIE RAMONE
(the Ramones). *** Virgin Airlines will be playing BIRD MANCINI’s
song, “Because It’s December” on one of their in-flight channels
during the month of December. *** JENNY DEE & THE DEELINQUENTS have
included “That Moon Was Low,” written by the legendary GRAHAM PARKER,
on their latest single. *** AJ
WACHTEL used to play in BLIND
LEMON PLEDGE. The funny part is that through sponsorships he now has
dust-free furniture. The unfunny part is that AJ’s vision is a major
problem. He’s blind in one eye and the other recently had surgery
on it. *** Noise writer JUSTIN
KORN is currently in medical
school. If it doesn’t work out, he and another student plan to start
up a record label, Medical Records, or Cough Again Records. *** Drum
Center (800 Islington St., Portsmouth, ME) presents a STANTON
MOORE drum clinic on November
16 (6:30pm) at the Frank Jones Conference Center (400 Route One Bypass,
Portsmouth, ME). Tickets are $10/ available at the Drum Center. ***
Since it has opened, Zuzu, the restaurant that is surrounded on three
sides by the Middle East, has only been open at night (5:00 pm on),
but now you can enter that space, under the name Z Rant, for brunch
and lunch between 10:00am and 3:00pm. *** Ipswich Music has moved from
197 High Street to 195 High Street, 2nd floor. It’s an attractive
sunny space used to teach and display musical instruments and supplies.
*** Passim administers a program called the Iguana Music Fund, which
provides seed grants between $500 and $2,000 to artists with ties to
New England to support specific career-building projects or to aid those
serving their community through music. For more information, go to www.passim.org.
*** For those who remember the late and great MIKEY
DEE (WMFO/ Planetary Group/
the Noise), his presence in local music is still mighty.
The Mikey Dee Musicians’ Trust Fund aided JJ
RASSLER, who damaged his left
hand in an automobile accident. *** Drummer DAVE
MATTACKS (Paul McCartney/ George
Harrison/ Brian Eno/ Elton John) is playing again and well on his way
to recovery from back surgery. *** AUDREY
RYAN has written a book, The Need to Be Heard, about the record industry and will be playing
and reading at her release show on Saturday, 11/5, at the Nave Gallery
at the Presbyterian Church in Somerville. Rita: I’m reading a local folk music novel called Revival
by SCOTT ALARIK. I’m only on page 59, but in my mind I’ve
already become the pretty, young, inexperienced girl singer, Kit. I’m
hoping I gather at least some local notoriety by the end of the book.
I’ve already slept with an older guy, Nathan, who experienced some
fame, so I’m sure some of it will rub off on me.
YUM YUM EAT
’EM UP
Lolita: Instead of eating desserts, now I just talk
about them. I figured out if I could lose one pound a week… for one
year… I would lose 52 pounds. If I did it for two years I could practically
get back to my weight at three years old. So, let’s talk about desserts. What’s your favorite? SATCH KERANS
(Satch Kerans): Key Lime Pie at Larry’s Lobsta Land on rte. 128, Gloucester,
MA. *** DIANE YOUNG (TCAN): Hot fudge sundaes are by far my favorite
dessert... best deal around is at CPK... order the kids sundae, just
big enough, hot fudge is amazing and they even put mini M&M’s
on top ... all for 99 cents... Sharing a banana split at JP Licks is
really great too. Lolita: Last time I shared a banana split in public
a policeman gave me a ride downtown. *** ANN
MARIE SHIMANOSKI (the Bandit
Kings): That’s a tough one. I do have quite a sweet tooth. It’s
a toss up: My mother’s home-made apple pie or coconut ice cream from Goodies in Danvers…yum!
*** JIM COUNTRYMAN (Lovewhip/ Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers):
Vegan chocolate cake with raspberry filling and vegan chocolate ganache
frosting (it was Erin’s b-day recently!) from Fiore’s Bakery in
Jamaica Plain, soooo good! *** SOPHIA
CACCIOLA (Do Not Forsake Me
Oh My Darling/ the Michael J Epstein Memorial Library/ Space Balloons/
Darling Pet Munkee): The cheesecake at Veggie Galaxy is pretty kickin’.
*** ANNE BROWN (the Noise): My favorite dessert is the chocolate vegan
brownie with vegan caramel and soy ice cream at Julian’s in Providence.
How it cannot in any way be faulted healthwise and still be totally
delicious is a tribute to the remarkable cooking skills and exciting
menu of this favorite restaurant. *** MIKE
SCRIMA (Force Us to Stop):
My girlfriend makes a pretty amazing carrot cake from scratch. It fakes
me out so I don’t realize I’m eating a vegetable, which I’m not
usually getting enough of. *** CHRISSY
VACCARO (the Spoilers/ the
Grinds): My favorite dessert is apple pie—really any kind of pie,
but it’s fall... so we’ll say apple. I get it from my mum. She makes
the best pies! *** MR.
CURT (MC3): Creme brulee—that
creamy custard with a flamed-sugar topping. The best I’ve ever eaten
is from Flour, Joanne Chang’s South End pastry palace. *** EDRIE
(Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys): The apple pie at the
German Harvest Supper held every autumn at St. Peter and Paul in Strasburg,
North Dakota, is the best ever! *** MELVERN
TAYLOR (…& the Fabulous
Meltones): A large chocolate Fribble at Friendly’s. Friendly’s in
general is the best place to eat. I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise
at 2:05 on the hill. *** LIZ
FRAME (Liz Frame & the
Kickers): Oh man, I love dessert! Wish I could eat it more often (gotta
watch the weight!), but when I do eat it, one of my favorites is rice
pudding with raisins. I get this amazing brand called Cozy Shack at my
grocery store. I could eat the whole tub in one sitting. *** T MAX (the Noise):
I am addicted to the wonderful raspberry frozen yogurt served at Café
Bishco on Main Street in Gloucester. There’s a full cup of raspberries
mixed into the fat-free yogurt. Lolita, I’m with you—I’m out to
lose one pound a week for a year.
PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION
Lolita: Last month one of our better reviewers mentioned
that Steve Ward wrote the best song on the CATBIRDS’ new CD, when
actually it was STEVE WOOD. Rita: And no, that’s not a typo for STEVE WINDWOOD.
*** Lolita: In Gloucester we had to start a catalog to
keep up on the bandits. Case in point: On the cover of this issue,
from Gloucester—THE BANDIT KINGS. Remember the pet of the month named
Bandit?—he is owned by singer-songwriter CHARLIE
BIANCHINI from Gloucester.
And JENNY DEE & THE DELINQUENTS (members TONY and SAMANTHA
GODDESS are Gloucester residents)
have a song (on their new single) called “Bandit of Love.” Rita:
Hold on, the bandit who lives next door (in Gloucester) just stole my
heart. *** Lolita: KIER
BYRNES (Three Day Threshold)
got covered in grease on his honeymoon with his gorgeous new wife, MANDY MORIN—no,
that must be MANDY BYRNES now. Rita: First of all, Lolita, you should address
Kier Byrnes as Doctor Kier Byrnes. And your second faux
pas—he wasn’t covered in
grease—the newlyweds went on their honeymoon to Greece! *** Lolita:
So, when did Jeremy Irons start playing with members of MORPHINE? I
thought that guy was a British actor. Rita: Yes he is, and he doesn’t sing with members
of MORPHINE in the EVER EXPANDING ELASTIC WASTE BAND—that job has
been occupied by JEREMY
LYONS! *** Lolita: And who could possibly mix up CHELSEA BERRY
with CLARA BARRY? Both talented female singer-songwriters came
out with CDs at the same time and got coverage in the Noise. Did we screw up the names? Rita: No, in that case we didn’t, but the possibilities
are endless. Catch a mistake we make in this column and next issue we’ll
put your name in print (probably spelled wrong).
MUSICAL CHAIRS
Lolita: You know this game. We start the music and
when it stops, another local musician has joined a band. DARLING PET
MUNKEE is a garage/surf rock group that includes MICHAEL
J. EPSTEIN, SOPHIA
CACCIOLA, (both of Do Not Forsake
Me Oh My Darling) and CATHEERINE
CAPOZZI (Axemunkee). *** The
guitar-driven, melodic, indie rock group, THE FIELD EFFECT, consists
of DOUG OREY (vocals/ guitar), NICK
GRIECO (lead guitar/ backing
vocals), ANNIE HOFFMAN (bass, backing vocals), and ADAM
HAND (drums). *** APESHITS
include SKINNY MIKE (Coffin Lids) on guitar/vocals, ELIAS CARLSON
(66 Breakout) on guitar/vocals, MATT
BURNS (Coffin Lids), and GREG MAHONEY
(Triple Thick). Their name represents the band well in that they play
monkey, ape, and gorilla songs with some hairy complementary visuals.
***AMERICAN WATER is JOHN
KINNECOME (guitar/ vocals), DENNIS McCARTHY
(drums), MIKE HIGGINS (bass) and MIKE
JOY (lead guitar). Their new
CD, This is Where It
Ends, is produced by DAVID MINEHAN.
*** Pedal steel player DAVE
MIDDLETON is the newest member
of GROWNUP NOISE, even though he hails from Sacramento, CA. The group
is a true bi-coastal band. *** NOELLE
LeBLANC (x-Damone/Noelle) now
fronts ORGAN BEATS. *** MARK
CUTTLER (guitar/ mandolin/
vocals), JOHN FUZEK (guitars/ keys/ banjo), and DAN
LILLEY (guitars/ harmonica)
are the heart of FOREVER YOUNG—an eight-piece Neil Young tribute.
*** JOHN POWHIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT has been upgraded to included JIM ZAVODOWSKI, PETER MOORE, MIKE CASTELLANA,
and NATHAN LOGUS. *** MR.
CURT has formed a sub division
of THE MR. CURT ENSEMBLE called MC3. It includes CLARA
KEBABIAN, MARTY
WHITE, and Curt himself. ***
Look for the debut of RANDY BLACK & THE HEATHCROPPERS (nod to Thomas
Hardy), a new rockin’ band that includes LARRY
DERSCH (Angeline/ AKACOD/ Common
Ailments of Maturity), MATT
GRUENBERG (the Dark/ Atom Said),
and of course, RANDY BALCK (Limbo race/ Dr. Black’s Combo). *** Keyboardist DOUG MAJOR
has joined BRITANICA. Doug has played with Ravi Shankar, Leonard Bernstein,
Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis, and Yo Yo Ma. ***
DUKE LEVINE and KEVIN BARRY
play guitar and lap steel respectively on LIZ FRAME & THE KICKERS’
new album. *** MICHAEL MAROTTA
has taken over DAVE DUNCAN’s host position on WFNX’s Boston Accents
local music show, 8-10 Sunday nights. DAVE is now doing afternoons
at 102.7 WEQX, based in Manchester, Vermont, and serving the Albany
market, Western Mass and southern Vermont. He also does a show Sunday
nights 8-10pm called Going
Underground featuring the best
new national releases, with songs by unsigned New England and New York
acts thrown in for good measure. Rita: If Dave didn’t throw those extra acts in,
would his show have bad measurements?
WHEN DIFFERENT SPECIES
MATE
Lolita: Sometimes I just sit around looking at the
peaceful animals and wonder what it would be like if two different species
mated. What would the offspring look like? Let’s see what combination
of species our friends can come up with.
ELIJAH EBENEZER WYMAN (Tiny
Mountains): I would like to see a cat and dog mate because when I was
a kid I thought dogs were boys and cats were girls. Depending on its
sex I would either call it a dog or a cat. *** BONNIE
BARISH (the Dynamic Duo): It
would be interesting to see a long-haired cat, like a Persian, mate
with a Pomeranian dog, and I would call that a Dogmatic Cattastrophie!
*** PETER RINNIG (QRST’s): A giraffe and a giant sea tortoise would
make a giratortoise, but I would call it a submarine. *** CHANDLER TRAVIS
(the Dick Travis Singers): Absolutely! But I try to make sure no one’s
watching! And Shaun Wortis. *** MICHAEL J.
EPSTEIN (…Memorial Library/
Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling/ Darling Pet Munkee/ Space Balloons):
I am stretching the question a little from two to three, but I am allergic
to virtually every animal except for birds, horses, and cockroaches.
My dream is to someday ride into battle on a hybrid steed, a flying
horseroach of the hawkbarbroach breed, if you will. The creature’s
battle cry alone will spread fear across the world. Children will never
sleep again. *** FRANK
ROWE (Classic Ruins): I would
like to see the North American bison mate with the South American giant
Andean condor. The resulting offspring would be called the Giant Buffalo
Wing Special. Rita: I don’t eat meat any more so we’ll have
no more of that foolish death talk about my fellow Earthians. Lolita:
I don’t eat Lima beans, so are they off-limits in this column too? Rita:
No. Unless you keep a Lima bean as a pet. Anyway, that segues nicely
into a favorite vegetable survey I ran this month. Favorite vegetable
votes came in for popcorn and aubergine. Popcorn is stretching it and…
aubergine? What the heck is an aubergine? EDRIE (Walter Sickert & the Army of Toys): Aubergine
is eggplant. I was in the UK when I answered this and that’s what
they call it. I liked the name. It tickled my fancy button. Lolita:
Yeah, now guys will be asking me if they can tickle my fancy button.
But are you sure an aubergine is not an auburn-colored tangerine? Rita:
Drum roll please… the most favorite vegetable from the survey is…
carrots! Second place: asparagus. Third: broccoli. Lolita: That’s typical—the top two are phallic
vegetables we stick in our mouths. Sounds like another banana split
experience. Rita: What about the broccoli? Lolita: If you don’t eat it right away, it goes
limp.
CONTEST TIME
Lolita: This month’s contest: How many skulls were
in the layout of our creepy Halloween issue? Closest guess (sent to
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
) wins an online banner for a week on thenoise-boston.com
and thenoiseboard.com, and your name and occupation mentioned in the
next issue. Last month’s winner was from someone who felt like he
was ineligible. We won’t say his name, but he writes for the Noise,
can’t see too well, and has dust-free furniture. The answer to those
clues can be found in this column.
ALL GOIN’ OUT
TOGETHER
Rita: Looking for us? Try these places first:
LENNY LASHLEY lashes out at the Village Smokehouse in Lowell on
Friday, 11/4. *** GimmeSound.com and the Noise sponsor THE BANDIT KINGS CD release at the
Rhumb Line on Saturday, 11/5. *** Same night ADVENTURE SET is at the
Magic Room. *** And again on 11/5, FRANC GRAHAM releases her CD, Steady,
at Atwoods. *** As if that’s not enough on 11/5, at Precinct there’s
a USA vs. Japan garage rock battle. MUCK & THE MIRES and LYRES represent
the States. *** On Sunday, 11/6, THE MICHAEL J. EPSTEIN MEMORILA LIBRARY performs their entertaining/educational show at Passim. *** At All Asia on Tuesday, 11/8, RITUAL NOISE BOSTON helps
to promote this magazine. *** THALIA ZEDEK leads a Billy Ruane
Tribute at Radio on Thursday, 11/10. *** On Friday, 11/11/11 (Nigel
Tufnel Day) MY OWN WORST ENEMY releases their CD, Electric Like the
Moon, at Precinct. *** Same night, watch out for DIRTY BOMBS at
Great Scott. *** On Saturday, 11/12, DO NOT FORSAKE ME OH MY DARLING
is part of Projektfest ’11 at the Middle East Downstairs. ***
Same night THE NEIGHBORHOODS share the bill with UNNATURAL AXE at Church
Boston. *** Also on 11/12, JAKE PARDEE plays the Dog Bar. *** On Sunday,
11/13, JOE TURNER & THE SEVEN LEVELS expand the Middle East. ***
A lot is going on on Friday, 11/18: ABSINTHE ROSE brings folk punk to the Midway, CHELSEA BERRY opens for MARSHALL CRENSHAW at Me
& Thee Coffeehouse in Marblehead, THE DENTS
reunite at T.T. the Bear’s, BRIAN EVANS
sings “At Fenway” at Shalin Liu in Rockport, MA, and finally T MAX is at Northeastern University's After Hours—all on 11/18. *** FARREN-BUTCHER,
INC. plays the Center for Arts in Natick on Saturday, 11/19. *** Same
night over at the Cantab, THE RODS (a Rod Stewart Tribute) sing “Maggie
May.” *** Also on 11/19, SHAKE THE FAITH reunites at the Magic Room
for a 25th anniversary to benefit the Abel Harris Jr. Scholarship Fund.
*** Boston Music Awards will be held on Sunday, 11/20, at the Liberty
Hotel in Boston. *** ROB POTYLO does his triple CD release party at Church on that same night. *** SARAH BORGES delights the crowd at Johnny
D’s on Wednesday, 11/23. *** THE BANDIT KINGS play the Dog Bar on
Saturday, 11/26. *** HENRY ALLEN directs the LobstahCrackah Ballet
(12 performances over three weeks), 12/15 to 1/1/12 at the Annie in
Gloucester. Rita: I hope you all enjoy Thanksgiving. It’s good
to be grateful for anything you have.
If you'd like to subscribe to the print issue, send $22 to T Maxwell, PO Box 353, Gloucester, MA 01931.
|
|
|
IN THIS ISSUE
Rita: It’s time to support the arts. The arts
embody what this country is in dire need of… some spiritual uplifting.
Music is the easiest way to find peace—whether you’re playing or
listening. Reading the Noise will let you know what music is available
around New England. Lolita: In this issue we feature JJ RASSLER &
THE CUBAN HEELS. JJ RASSLER is a forerunner of Boston garage punk back
before the Noise even existed (over 30 years). He was in DMZ,
the Queers, the Odds and more recently the Downbeat 5.
Lolita: And a man who has fronted
one of New England’s most popular bluegrass bands, Northern Lights,
for 28 years, steps into the spotlight—enter the mandolin playin’
singer TAYLOR ARMERDING. Rita: We’re also checking to see how HENRI SMITH is
spreading New Orleans jazz around Cape Ann. Lolita: And don’t forget about the extreme punk
band TINSEL TEETH that appears to be led by a female blood and guts
version of GG Allin! There are also feature reviews on RAMONA
SILVER, DROPKICK MURPHYS, and
THE CATBIRDS. Go ahead, read the Noise and improve your local music IQ.
CLOTHES OR COSTUMES?
Rita: Now is the time to give a little thought
to how you might want to dress up on Halloween. Or… you can wait to
the last minute, like Lolita does, and go as a streetwalker. Lolita:
Very funny, but I do more than walk. I jog sometimes. Rita: Is that what you’re going to wear on Halloween? Lolita:
This? Why of course not. People might get the wrong impression. Rita:
Maybe you should tell the readers what you’re wearing. Lolita:
You know, I think that’s a great Question of the Month. I’ll go
out and ask it right now. Oooo, there’s Michael coming out of
the library looking like he’ll be leading a parade to the moon. Michael,
can you describe what you’re wearing right now?
MICHAEL J. EPSTEIN (the Michael
J. Epstein Memorial Library/ Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling/ Darling
Pet Munkee/ Space Balloons): I’ve got a thrift shop-purchased designer
raver two-piece zippable jumpsuit, a multi-colored cape, a band hat,
and a tie made of plastic grapes. Is it a Space Balloons music video
shoot? Let’s hope so! *** ERIC
SCHMIDER (Mollycoddle/ the
One Smith): Why, I am wearing my Me shirt of course. The Me shirt is
a line drawing of my face holding something to my eye. It’s an iShirt.
The caption reads: Non é una Kartoshka. If you know what that
means, I will give you a prize. *** HENRY
SANTORO (WFNX): I left the
house at 3:30 this morning wearing a pair of shorts and a black Blackjack’s
T-shirt—the one with the skull and playing cards that says “You
Can’t Kill Rock And Roll.” I’m also wearing a pair of the greatest
shoes in the world. They’re called Sanuk’s and were invented by
a surfer-dude in Southern California. They’re the most comfortable
summer/fall shoes you’ll ever wear—I own four pairs! *** MARK MacDOUGALL (Six
Star General/ 75orless Records): Day four without electricity has reduced
me to blue flannel pajamas, one gray sock, one black sock, and an old
bleach- damaged Mike Watt tour shirt. *** PAT
WALLACE (Natalie Flanagan/
Trick Wallace Trio): Why, my Noise T-shirt of course. Still fits. Kinda.
*** PETE WEISS (The Weisstronauts/ Sool/ Verdant Studio):
I’m wearing my “morning coffee and email uniform”—cargo shorts,
a Plough & Stars T-shirt, and, yes, furry slippers. Please avert
your eyes for best results. *** NICOLE
TAMMARO (Nicole Tammaro Photography):
Black ’n’ red Lucero T-shirt, denim jeans, white Cons. The usual
Nicole Tammaro attire. *** BRIAN
O’CONNOR aka BROTHER BRI
(Down & Derby): Describe what I am wearing right now? Have we met?
I’m the guy in the denim overalls and white dress shirt, with the
Celtic cross adorning his neck. Same as just about any other day of
the week. No frills style. *** DARRON
BURKE (Makeshift Studio): Right
now I am wearing clean clothes. When I moved to Boston in 1985 (from
Mississippi) my clothes were dirty, thrift store hand-me-downs. I wasn’t
hip enough to realize that all the other folks in town were wearing
new, clean clothes that they were pretending were dirty. Silly me. *** FRANCIS DIMENNO
(Wrong Hero/ the Noise); Brown moccasins, dress slacks, T-shirt with
a WMRLS logo. *** A.J.WACHTEL (Almost Jesus): Right now I am wearing white
sneakers, white socks, white shorts, a white T-shirt, and a white Red
Sox cap. If I was standing around and eating lunch at Simco’s on the
hill in Mattapan, junkies would be trying to snort me because I look
like a big white line of coke. *** JON
MACEY (Adam & Eve/ Fox
Pass): Heavy is the head that wears the crown, in this case the crown
of perception. *** BRIAN
KING (What Time Is It, Mr.
Fox?): Currently, I’m sporting a three-piece suit I assembled from
Cheerios. I carefully threaded each oat loop with mint-flavored dental
floss. My wig is molded from whole wheat pasta of various shapes and
sizes, spray-painted silver, and topped with a licorice hat. I’ve
accessorized with peanut butter earrings and cinnamon sticky bun brooch.
And of course, my boots are by John Fluevog courtesy of Rachel Jayson
(Army of Toys). *** EDRIE (Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys):
Gene Dante is that you again? How did you get this number? I told you
not to call me on this line! Lolita: Sorry to interrupt your conversation. We’ll
get you next time. Some people just can’t get off their cell phone.
NEWS
Rita: This isn’t the news you get from the big
media or your smaller local papers—it’s music news—only found
in the Noise. JOE
CARDOZA and RENEE
DUPUIS (the Bandit Kings) are
tying the knot this month. *** In September KIER
BYRNES (Three Day Threshold)
also became unavailable to anyone besides MANDY
MORIN. *** The nine- pound
one-ounce Ezekiel Wolf Wortis was born on September 8 to SHAUN WOLF
WORTIS and INGRID. *** LIZZIE BORDEN & THE AXES have their song,
“Where Are You,” in the new movie Dirty
Girl, which will be released
Oct. 7. *** Our personal song of the month is 27’s cover of “Goldfinger”—it’s
part of a Japanese release. Hear it at www.27.vg/music. *** The 2011 International Songwriting Competition deadline has been extended until 11/1/11. There have been additional judges added, and this will be the last chance to enter the competition. *** NICK MORSE (STEVE MORSE's son) has an art opening at Club Passim on 10/8/11 (3:00-5:00pm). *** Lolita:
Now some people may have heard that I purposely changed JULIE TWOTIMES’
name to Julie Two Shoes in last month’s Noise’s Big Shot centerfold. Well, I’m not sayin’
either way, but I have to admit that there’s only room for one two-time
gal in this town. You see I happen to know that Julie wants to be a
goody two shoes but she just keeps failing. But fail as she may, she’ll
never get it two times as much as I have. Julie you’re going
to have to leg wrestle me for that name. I’m now officially Lolita
Two Times, until someone can flip me off my back with our thighs intertwined.
RETURNS
Rita: Lolita, you’re going to wish you never
said that. So, I finally landed a daytime job. I’m a manager at You
Want It, We’ll Get It. I’m a little busy at the register, so Lolita
can you please help out those two disgruntled customers with what they’re
returning? TIM MUNGENAST (Tim Mungenast & His Preexisting Conditions):
I had to return my Electro-Harmonix Freeze pedal, which takes a split-second
snapshot of your playing and lets it play indefinitely, like holding
a chord forever. It actually sounds kinda like a hurdy gurdy. I loved
it so much I hated to send it back for a busted footswitch. I really
hated sending it back the second time when it started making this “eeeeeeeeee”
sound even when in bypass. Lolita: Well, we can’t give you another one because
it’s obvious that you stomped on it and broke it. Next in line? *** SHAUN WOLF WORTIS
(King Jubilee/ Legendary Vudu Krewe): I bought this TV and I started
experiencing weird vision problems and now am reading about all the
issues folks are having with LCD and LCD/LED screens. Headaches, nausea,
blurry vision, light sensitivity, blurring—serious problems associated
with the backlighting of all these devices. Scary shit—especially
if you make your living as a designer like I do. So I’m now looking
for a small plasma monitor, which apparently no one sells in this country
because the market here is for big fat-ass crap. I don’t want big.
We live in a small city apartment. I want small and non-headachy. Maybe
I’ll have to get one shipped from the UK or Japan. Or forgo the World
Series. Crazy. Lolita: You’re in the right place! I saw a simple
black and white TV in the back. It’s small—I think it’s a six-inch
screen—and I think it’s a plasma screen too, because I had to wash
a lot of blood off it. You can just swap it for that big headache one
you have—just think of how much you’ll save on all those unnecessary
shipping and handling costs!
MUSICAL CHAIRS
Rita:
ROB POTYLO could probably fill
this section with all the different musicians he’s worked with. His
latest group, ROB POTYLO & THE LONELY PLANETS, uses anybody he can
get. On recordings he’s used JAMES
TOWLSON (Campaign for Realtime—the
only band that ever managed to get the Noise sued!) on bass, NICK
D’AMICO (Roadsteamer—Robby’s
former last name) on keys, and KEVIN
CORZETT who’s plays in just
about every band in town that employs a saxophonist. *** Drummer RAY FERNADES
(Cadillac Heart) is heading to Cincinnati; a victim of the poor economy. JOE MARION
(Reddy Teddy) is replacing Ray. *** MOOSE & THE WORCESTER BOYS include ED MOOSE SAVAGE (vocals/harmonica/kazoo), IRA CAPLAN
(guitar), LEE CAPLAN (bass), ANDY
CAPLAN (drums), and BOB FRASIER
(guitar). *** THE BANDIT KINGS have had RUSS
LAWTON (Trey Anastasio Band)
and NELSON BRAGG (Brian Wilson Band) in the studio with them.
*** Longtime Boston music vet GARY
SHANE (… & the Detour)
has a new band called TABASCO FIASCO. Lolita: Sounds like they’re hot! Rita: Or maybe they spatter hot sauce on their
audience!
CONTEST WINNERS
Rita: Can you believe that nobody got last month’s
contest question correct? Maybe we have to start making the questions
easier. By the way, the answer was Concussion Ensemble—a band that
had three drummers upfront and a huge percussion setup in the back. Lolita:
So this month’s prize will be doubled. You can win a banner and a
1/4 page print ad in the November issue of the Noise. Here’s the question: What three towns has
the Noise been based in? The first correct answer to
land at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
will be the lucky winner.
WHO’S YOUNG
AND TALENTED?
Lolita: Talent search time—tell me about a young
performer that has impressed you lately.
IAN ADAMS (Lucky Dragon/ solo):
I currently keep a close eye on local musician Zepherin Adams.... Okay,
so he’s my son and he just turned three, but dude, he’s showing
amazing ability on guitar, drums, ukulele, and harmonica! Also his vocal
interpretations of Neko Case’s “Maybe Sparrow” and the standard
“Happy Birthday” are mind
blowing! *** KIER
BYRNES (Three Day Threshold):
I think two of the most talented people I’ve seen take the stage are
David Delaney and Mark Kilianski, the two young lads that make up the
Whiskey Boys. They are both brilliant musicians who play out relentlessly
and most importantly, have an extremely refined palate for bourbon.
*** LINDA VIENS (Angeline/ Adam & Eve): I know I’m preaching
to the choir here, but my favorite young artist right now is Lady Lamb
the Beekeeper a.k.a. Aly Spaltro, who is a lyrical genius, compassionate
poet, and brilliant singer who gorgeously expresses the pain, hope, and beauty
of our ever human, turbulent times. *** KRIS
THOMPSON (Bobb Trimble/ Concord
Ballet Orchestra Players): Rachel Neveu from MMOSS totally rocks the
Farfisa organ and the flute—sometimes at the same time. The band’s
arrangements are great to begin with, but her playing style is far from
typical, getting into some sweet, dark and mesmerizing spaces. *** DAVE WESTNER
(Woolly Mammoth Sound): Jimmy Ryan. I’ve been hearing Jimmy a few
years at this point and of course I’ve known all along what a badass
he is on the mandolin. But lately, I’ve been noticing just how incredibly
deep his playing is... he’s known for his sort of hillbilly type of
thing, but he’s pulling music out of the mandolin that is more than
just that… he may be soloing over a train beat I-IV-V, but he’s
pulling notes and licks from Louis Armstrong to Frank Zappa, with a
bit of punk rock thrown in just for good measure. I didn’t even mention
how great his tunes are. *** RICK
BERLIN (the Nickel & Dime
Band): Molly Pope. Her band is Malicious Intent. She’s a 15 -years-old
guitar phenom, great voice, great songwriter. She runs her band like
a champ. Takes the stage (most recently at the JP Music Festival) with
ease, poise, and command. She comes from an entire family of musicians.
This girl’s unstoppable. *** KAREN
DeBIASSE (Girl on Top): I have
the cutest little four-year-old student named Madison. She’s having
fun with drums, guitar, piano, singing, writing songs, harmonica, percussion
instruments, and the computer. She does the sweetest little thing—brings
me homemade cookies and presents. I just let her be herself and she
is with her own unique style. *** KEN
FIELD (Revolutionary Snake
Ensemble/ Birdsongs of the Mesozoic): I’ve had a few opps to
sit in with Hayley Jane & the Primates, and they have definitely
got it going on. Great vocals, songs, stage presence, musicianship,
and solid grooves. I think and hope that they will do well. *** SAMMY MIAMI
(the Welch Boys/ For the Worse/ Britt Lightning Band): Britt Lightning
has really come into her own with her latest efforts. A lot of folks
have her pegged as an ’80s metal, shredder guitarist, but what they
don’t realize is under the surface she’s a much more complex and
versatile player. I had the privilege of playing drums on Britt’s
forthcoming solo EP, and I must say, you’ll be surprised by the depth
of her musical knowledge and songwriting skills. You can judge a book
by its cover, but you won’t understand it until you read it. Britt’s
onto something you won’t be able to put down. *** MR.
CURT (solo/MC3/Ensemble): Wes
Kaplan (son of Phil Kaplan from Little Bang), whom I’ve known since
he was an infant. He and his brother, Kas, were brought up in a musical
homelife, exposed to influential and provocative artists as youths,
and gradually became musicians themselves. Wes learned to play drums,
keys, and guitar in his teens, and now fronts an incredibly prolific
group, the Craters, who have released a couple of albums. His avante-pop
songwriting has matured (just like his dad’s) and I truly expect further
musical innovation from him. *** SLIMEDOG (thrashnbang.com): There’s a young guy who’s
a co-worker of mine. He’s Fly Boi Dizzy, a rap artist, a genre I don’t
know much about but I see and admire his dedication and commitment.
He often works 40 hours overtime so he can buy studio- quality equipment.
He reminds me of how musicians, especially young ones, in any genre,
can be so self-sacrificing for their art. *** CORIN
ASHLEY (Corin Ashley misses
being in a band): Young is a relative term, but I have to give it up
for Brian King and Oranjuly. His album from last year is great and the
new stuff he’s working on sounds even better. We have written some
songs together, and Brian really has great harmonic instincts, and he’s
a swell cat, too. *** PAUL
ROBICHEAU (the
Improper Bostonian). Julia
Easterlin. She’s a recent Berklee grad who layers her vocals with
a looping station. She re-imagines Bjork and Pixies songs, though I
most love her original “Go Straightaway,” which slowly builds a
calypso-jazz choir from real-time solo snippets onstage. *** DOUG VARGAS
(Pressure System): I’m blown away by the Sneaky Mister a.k.a. Judith
Shimer. She’s a killer singer and badass uke player. Her recordings
are a little over-produced but her live shows are amazing—catch her
if you can! Lolita: Well, thank you all for your scouting tips.
ALL GOIN’ OUT
TOGETHER
Rita: Guys are always asking
us where we’ll be, so try these shows if you’re interested in bumping
into us. THE MICHAEL J. EPSTEIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY takes over the
Brighton Music Hall as part of Berklee Pulse presents Banded on Thursday,
10/6. *** On Thursday through Saturday, 10/13 - 10/15, JONATHAN RICHMAN
delights the Middle East upstairs. *** Also on Saturday, 10/15, THE
NEW ALIBIS reunite at Great Scott. *** THRU THE KEYHOLE BURLESQUE shows
some skin as part of the No Hipsters Rock
’n’ Roll Revue at the Cantab on Thursday, 10/20. *** Same night SOUL ROBOT plays Uncle Eddie's Oceanside Tavern. *** On Saturday,
10/22, THEA HOPKINS plays the Dog Bar in Gloucester, MA (sponsored by
the Noise and GimmeSound.com). *** Same night MELT releases their
CD at Rosebud. *** On Friday, 10/28, COUNT ZERO brings their Halloween magic to the Magic Room in Brighton. *** Saturday, 10/29, is a big night to celebrate Halloween:
BOOTY VORTEX gets Johnny D’s up and dancin’; THE LIGHTS OUT perform
as Zombie Michael Jackson at Church; MICHAEL BERNIER & THE UPRISING
rises up at the Middle East Downstairs (presented by HearNowLive); and
THE FULL-TIME DREAMERS play AC/DC at the Midway. *** On actual Halloween, 10/31, DARLING PET MUNKEE plays the Middle East Upstairs. *** Looking ahead to
November. THE BANDIT KINGS record release is at the Rhumb Line on Saturday,
11/5 (sponsored by the Noise
and GimmeSound.com). *** Same night ADVENTURE SET is at the Magic
Room. *** And again on 11/5, FRANC GRAHAM releases her CD, Steady, at
Atwoods. *** On Friday, 11/11, MY OWN WORST ENEMY releases their new
CD, Electric Like the Moon, at Precinct. ***THE NEIGHBORHOODS
play Church on Saturday, 11/12, with THE BAGS opening. *** Same night
DO NOT FORSAKE ME MY DARLING is part of Projektfest ’11 at the Middle
East Downstairs. Lolita: We’ll be the sexiest gals in
the crowd. Rita: Meet us in the back of the room.
If you'd like to subscribe to the print issue, send $22 to T Maxwell, PO Box 353, Gloucester, MA 01931.
|
|
|
IN THE PRINT ISSUE
Rita: Wow—what an amazing summer we experienced
this year. Lolita: Let’s keep it rolling right through the
fall. We have to celebrate what’s good because it’s healthy to focus
on the positive. In this online issue we’ve got the most exciting new performer
coming out of Western Mass., HEATHER
MALONEY. She and her
music are eccentric, bright, and adorable. Rita: In the print issue we also have my favorite new Boston band
that is as literary as they are musical—THE GROWNUP NOISE. Lolita:
And the guy who did more than managed THE CARS to fame and fortune—STEVE BERKOWITZ. Rita:
And the brooding punk-metal band out of Olneyville, RI—LOLITA BLACK. Lolita:
No, I haven’t married RANDY
BLACK or FRANK
BLACK, but maybe I should. Rita:
So to keep the good vibes rolling, let’s hear some of the highlights
of the wonderful summer of 2011. Unwed Lolita, get out there and report
your findings.
THE WONDERFUL SUMMER
OF 2011
Lolita: I’ve loved the summer in Gloucester. How
’bout you, John, tell me about a highlight of your summer. JOHN POWHIDA
(John Powhida International Airport): Swimming with my brother at Marconi
Beach Post opening for Urge Overkill at the Beachcomber. *** RUBY BIRD (Bird
Mancini): A definite summer highlight has been playing in Gloucester
at the “Night on the Neck” monthly summer series on Rocky Neck.
Ejay at Khan Studio was a fantastic hostess, and we really enjoyed meeting
all the artists, writers, musicians, vacationers, and summer strollers
from the Gloucester area. We did it twice and had fantastic weather
both times. How lucky is that?! For anyone who loves art, Rocky Neck
should be a favorite destination. Check out Khan Studio on Madfish Wharf! *** IAN ADAMS
(Lucky Dragon/ solo): While working on the Adam Sandler movie down on
the Cape, I got to witness Adam Sandler, James Kahn, and Vanilla Ice
(yes, Vanilla Ice!) throwing around a football between takes.
Then Vanilla picked up an acoustic guitar and sang a Pearl Jam song
to an elderly actress, and some extras. I kid you not. *** SARAH BLACKER
(Sarah Blacker): There have been so many thus far, but playing the Naukabout
Festival on Saturday, August 6th was definitely one of the most beautiful
days of my life. Gorgeous weather, an amazing crowd, and a perfect line
up with Will Dailey, Ryan Montbleau, Zack Deputy, Jake Hill, and more.
It’s always been a dream of mine to play the festival circuit, and
when Jeff Conley invited me to perform at this year’s event, it was
a dream-come-true for me. What a blast. There was even a burrito man.
*** KIER BYRNES (Three Day Threshold): This summer, my band
has been playing more shows outside of New England than in New England,
so what I’m really looking forward to is coming back home and playing
the Massachusetts Brewers Guild’s Summer Fest on September 2. With
over 80 beers to sample, it’s going to be a hell of a party. *** BRIDGET MURPHY
(Boston Blacklisted): One of the highlights of my summer is knowing
that my Little Billy had an awesome time at camp. This has been his
third year at overnight camp and he really digs it. Being a parent like
so many of us are, it’s always a comfort and joy knowing that your
kid is happy and well! *** BONNIE BARRISH (Bonnie & Nancy’s Open Mike): The highlights
of the summer are when I get a chance to play my music, as a soloist,
and with Nancy. *** MUNK
CIANO (the Radio Says): Discovering
country music. It’s one of the genres I bristled against my entire
musical life. I got turned on to Brad Paisley’s instrumental album, Play,
and the musicianship just blew my doors off. I’ve been fully immersed
in country music all summer long and haven’t been excited about a
new type of music since I was a kid. Great guitar playing is alive and
well and living in Nashville. Lolita: We obviously know that because RICH GILBERT,
winner of Boston’s Most Impressive Guitarist seven years in a row,
moved down to Nashville a few years ago.
SOUND NEWS
Rita: Regular readers may wonder where has SLIMEDOG
gone. Well, he’s started his own new music website with ANDY BANG
that promotes local hardcore, punk, and metal music. Go to thrashnbang.com
and say hi to JIM SLIMEY. *** DROPKICK MURPHYS held their First Annual Rotten Tomato Karaoke
Party, a fundraiser for the Claddagh Fund, a non-profit
that supports children, veterans, and alcohol and drug recovery charities.
At the party, Red Sox closer
JONATHAN PAPPLEBON hit bassist KEN CASEY
right in the head with a big old tomato. It made for great TV news viewing.
*** ASA BREBNER became the dad of twins on 7/25/11. Congratulations
to the new poppa. *** ROCKIN’ BOB’S GUITARS (31 Holland St., Davis
Sq., Somerville, MA) is now celebrating its 30th year in existence.
*** PHIL KAPLAN was seen playing a guitar he put together
based on Indian treatment of sound. The fretless 12-string neck employs
four single strings on the bottom end (the melody strings) and on top
the two strings are doubled and used as sympathetic stings to boost
the harmonic nature of the melodies. *** X-Noise writer LENNY SCOLETTA
is working on documenting the ’77-’81 Boston garage scene. If you’ve
got any videos you’d like to supply him with, call 781-391-0904. *** SHAYSH and DANIEL PERRY
have started a Facebook video blog, Big
Old Big One, that features
artists playing acoustic “off stage shows” in locations of their
choosing. *** Crash Safely is a two night benefit for Bike MS at Church
on Friday 9/23 and Saturday 9/24. The benefit is organized by AMANDA NICHOLS
and will benefit the Bike MS team of PETE
HAYES (drummer of the Figgs.
Both Amanda and Pete were diagnosed with MS in 2008. *** DINOSAUR JR.
is re-releasing its first three albums on vinyl in October. *** Freak
motor accident sidelined CUBAN HEELS guitarist, JJ
RASSLER. Long-term prognosis
is hopeful. *** Song alert—in the future you will hear “Epic Hello”
by THE BANDIT KINGS on the radio and say to yourself, what a great song.
*** Berklee College of Music and Lollapalooza announced the founding
of the Berklee Lollapalooza Endowed Scholarship at the 20th Anniversary
of Lollapalooza in Chicago. The four-year, full tuition scholarship
will be awarded annually to a talented musician in financial need and
is being endowed by Goldman Sachs Gives, a donor-advised fund. *** School
of Rock Boston has partnered with the National Association of Music
Merchants (NAMM) on its third annual SchoolJam USA teen battle of the
bands competition. If you’re in a teen band or know of one, look up
the event online. *** To enter the 2011 International
Songwriting Competition and
win lots of cash and prizes, Google their name and have your song(s)
judges by TOM WAITS, TORI
AMOS, OZZY OSBOURNE and more. Lolita:
I know many who could win this multi-category contest.
CONTEST WINNER
Lolita: I’m not sure which syllable to emphasize
in the heading of this paragraph, so are we contesting the winner? Or
announcing the winner? Rita: You’re announcing. Lolita: Thank you. DEBORAH
GALAGHER won last month’s
prize question about where the belt sander races used to take place
in JP (answer: Kenyon Woodworking). She won a banner for a week on our
popular music web sites, thenoise-boston.com and thenoiseboard.com.
This issue’s contest question: what Boston-based band employed three
drummers who set up in front of two members on guitar, one on bass,
and the final player in the back on the largest percussion setup I’ve
ever seen? Send your answer to
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Three winners
will be drawn at random.
THE OTHER SIDE OF
GOOD VIBES
Rita: Okay, we tried our best to keep the good
vibes rolling but the natural yin/yang in us forced us to deal with
some reality. Lolita: Okay, let it out—tell us what you’re
pissed off about at the moment?
PETER RINNING (QRST’s): Right
now, today, I’m pissed about when people do not show up for work when
they are supposed to, and do not even call in. I tried calling them
on their two cell phones and left a message on their Facebook page and
got NO reply! This type of attitude puts managers and places of business
in a lurch. Whatever happened to the hard working, get ahead, type of
person? Very few left. That is what I am pissed off about today. Tomorrow—maybe
nothing. *** SAMMY MIAMI (The Welch Boys/ For the Worse/ Britt Lightning
Band): I’m pissed off at the Boston
Phoenix! An employee was trying
to cover her cubicle with Boston band stickers (past and present). It
took me about a month to do, but I ended up gathering four decades worth
of Boston rock band stickers for her. I sent the package in only to
find out she had been fired. When I spoke to the staff, they told me
that they had received the package but didn’t know what happened to
it. Poor gal was fired, didn’t get her stickers, and they didn’t
send the package back to me. Shame on them! *** ROGER
CLARK MILLER (Mission of Burma/
The Alloy Orchestra/ Sproton Layer): The ungodly stupidity of Americans
to even consider that the Tea Party has any real ideas at all, or that
they are interested in even the tiniest portion of well-being for anyone
else other than their pitiful, greedy, ignoramus selves. *** BRAD BYRD
(Brad Byrd): At the moment, and sadly more often than not, I’m pissed
off about the overall lack of empathy in America for one another. It
appears as if we live in a very self-serving society that is largely
concerned with “what’s in it for me?” and not “what’s in it
for each other.” We see it from the top down, from government to Main
Street—everyone pointing fingers. I realize there are complex issues
in the world, but expressing kindness, love, and empathy for others
is something we must all start to do in order for things to recover. *** CORIN ASHLEY
(… & his Happy Band): I take medication that turns “pissed off”
to bemused, but I still find myself quite edgy when pondering the path
of polemic self-destruction that has replaced meaningful discourse in
politics. This is our country that’s being dragged down the tubes
by extremist nudniks on both sides of the political spectrum. I try
really hard to ignore them and hope they’ll go away, but it seems
to be just getting ri-goddamn-diculous out there. Rita: Corin, we couldn’t agree with you more.
And all we see it leading to is a situation similar to the riots in
England. Give it more time to fester and build and you’ll have a full
out revolution between a corporate-run government and the oppressed
people. Any bets on what year the revolution will take place?
MUSICAL CHAIRS
Lolita: While the revolution hits the streets there
will continue to be musicians moving from band to band, project to project.
And don’t forget that the revolution will be televised, but with a
spin that will make anyone acting out against our corporate-sponsored
government look like they are out of their minds or just basic criminals.
So plan your method of revolution accordingly. Now on to the constant
re-scrambling of musicians. The band ENDATION includes MATT
GRABER (Sarah RabDAU &
the Self-Employed Assassins/ Mascara) and ANTHONY
“ANTS” CONLEY (Faux Ox).
*** RYAN LEE CROSBY featured NICK
WARD and ELIO
DeLUCA (Hallelujah the Hills)
on bass and Rhodes, plus drummer KEVIN
MICKA (Animal Hospital) on
his latest release, Summer’s
Come. *** THE GROWNUP NOISE
is losing their cellist KATIE
FRANICH. She’s moving to
Chicago and the band will be looking to replace her. *** SARAH RABDAU, VALERIE THOMPSON,
and VESSELA STOYANOVA have a new side project called FOOLISH IDA.
All of their songs are inspired by the book Outside
Over There by Maurice Sendak.
*** In issue #312 we reported that RAYPISSED left VINTAGE FLESH, but we got it wrong. He’s
still the band’s lead singer. REVEREND
JOHN HEX left the band. ***
Lowell’s LOS WUNDER TWINS are back in the saddle after some extended
time off. *** JULIE TWO
SHOES (this month’s Noise Big Shot)
is now thumpin’ the bass with CRADLE TO THE GRAVE. *** LUCKY DRAGON
features IAN ADAMS (Rock City Crimwave) on guitar and vocals, JOHN GILDERSON
(Slim Jim & the Mad Cows/ Ghost of Tony Gold) on drums, and ISABEL RILEY
(Vera-Go-Go) on bass. Rita: It’s good to see some old faces resurfacing.
Once you’ve got that performance bug, it’s hard to shut it off.
CALORIES ADDING
UP?
Lolita: I know I weigh myself everyday. I don’t
eat fatty foods, salty foods, or too much sugar. I’m still trim and
attracting men, even when I’d rather not. One thing I am totally hooked
on is the fat-free frozen yogurt at Café Bishco in (51 Main Street,
Gloucester). I have no intentions of stopping my daily intake—hey—it’s
fat-free. But I really want to know what you wish you could stop eating. TIM
MUNGENAST (Tim Mungenast &
His Preexisting Conditions): I wish I could stop eating black cheese.
It’s not just black on the rind, friends, it’s black all the way
through. And it’s mildly radioactive, as it’s made from the milk
of Martian goats. Between the high price tag, the fat, and the fact
that it’s irradiating my insides, I just gotta break the habit—I
think. Lolita: Martian goats? I didn’t know we were getting
deliveries from Mars. The shipping costs must make the cheese ridiculously
expensive. *** DJ MÄTTHEW
GRIFFIN (the Noise): I wish I could stop eating sugars and most
carbohydrates. From all the years of good living I found myself as a
type two diabetic and I also have a severe phobia of needles. My blood
sugar levels tested at 10.4, which makes me close to having to inject
insulin. I pretty much have slowed down what I have been eating and
am eating better. People have suffered greatly from this disease and
it’s a path I would rather not go down. I am very lucky to have the
loving support from my boyfriend, Bunch. *** CARL
BIANCUCCI (Classic Ruins):
Humble pie! Lolita: I know how embarrassing it can be to eat
humble pie, but at least there are zero calories. *** KENNETH GEORGE SCALES (Adventure Set): I wish I could stop eating
ice cream. Sooooo yummy in the summertime—but sooooooo fattening. Lolita:
Ken, you really have to switch to the fat-free frozen yogurt at Café
Bishco in Gloucester. It’s better than fatty ice cream—I swear.
And yes, it’s worth the drive from whereever you are in New England.
ALL GOIN’ OUT
TOGETHER
Rita: Before we all go out to join the revolution,
let’s go out and have some fun. Here’s where we’ll be: MARINA EVANS
delights all at the Dog Bar in Gloucester, MA on Thursday, 9/1.THE INCREDIBLE
CASUALS play closing night at the Wellfleet (MA) Beachcomber on Sunday,
9/4. *** The Noise’s final 30th anniversary party
is on Thursday, 9/8, and features ALLEN
ESTES, CHELSEA BERRY, SALVATORE BAGLIO, JULIE DOUGHERTY and T
MAX at the Annie (Gloucester,
MA). *** On that same day and the following day DROPKICK MURPHYS are
up at Fenway Park with their special guests the MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES.
*** SARAH BLACKER performs at the House of Blues on Friday,
9/9. *** Twice on Saturday, 9/10 (10:30am and 3:30pm), ALASTAIR
MOOCK celebrates the release
of These Are My Friends at Club Passim (Harvard Sq., Cambridge, MA).
*** Later that night BRING THE KNIFE holds their CD and vinyl release
party at the Middle East (Cambridge, MA). *** STACY BUG brings the funk
to Uncle Eddie’s in Salisbury, MA, on Sunday, 9/11. *** THE BANDIT
KINGS play the New England Pop Fest at the Rosebud (Somerville MA) on
Thursday, 9/15. *** WARREN
ZANES’ CD release show is
at Toad (Cambridge, MA) on Friday, 9/16. *** Same night THE CRUSHING LOW flattens the Cantab (Cambridge, MA). *** Blues legend DUKE ROBILLARD
plays Johnny D’s on Saturday, 9/17. *** On Sunday, 9/18, Rockport
(MA) holds its annual Peace
Fest in Millbrook Meadow (noon
to 5:00pm). *** That same night LOVEWHIP gyrates at the Middle East.
*** KATE TAYLOR BAND plays the Me and Thee Coffeehouse in Marblehead,
MA on Friday, 9/23. *** TOM DICKEY & THE DESIRES hit the Cantab
(Cambridge, MA) on Saturday, 9/24. *** On that same night the Middle East hosts One Night Band (presented by Boston Band Crush). The idea of this event is to take 40 random Boston musicians, throw them together for one day to make five new temporay bands that will write three songs together, choose one cover song, and then perform them live onstage later that night. This is the third year of this event and like previous years, proceeds will benefit Zumix, an East Boston youth music program. *** The Life is good Festival (9/24
and 9/25) is at the historic and picturesque Prowse Farm at the foot
of the Blue Hills in Canton, MA. It’s a three-stage event includes
many mega-acts and a couple of our New England favorites—MARTIN
SEXTON and JENNY DEE & THE DELINQUENTS. This one-of-a-kind festival
aims to raise $1 million to benefit the Life is good Playmakers, the
action arm of the Life is good Kids Foundation. *** The Honk Festival
in Cambridge’s Davis Square with host band REVOLUTIONARY SNAKE ENSEMBLE
starts on 9/30 and runs for four days. Lolita: Honk! You’re it! Rita: Thanks for reading the Noise and supporting local music!
RIP: RICK
BLAZE of Rick Blaze & the
Ballbusters (Deb Beaudry’s husband) passed away on 8/9 at the age
of 52.
If you'd like to subscribe to the print issue, send $22 to T Maxwell, PO Box 353, Gloucester, MA 01931.
|
|
| | << Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next > End >>
| | Results 1 - 9 of 52 |
|
|