Rita: April is for fools, like Lolita, who tried to sell the act of thinking about her. She claims seven guys thought about her without paying $7.50. Lolita: That is a fact, but it’s now a matter for the court to decide. If April is for fools, let’s do do a retrospect on the Boston-based band THE FOOLS who had a hit with “Psycho Chicken”—a take off on TALKING HEADS’ “Psycho Killer.” Or we could skip right to TALKING HEADS since they’re New England based too. Rita: But then what is the April connection? Lolita: Does it matter? April is finally here after the most brutal winter in recent history! Rita: So maybe nothing matters. We might as well have our Question of the Month be, how would you repair our economy? Lolita: That sounds fine with me, but by the time the answers are published maybe the economy will be fine. Rita: I like that.


Photo: Skye Nace

ECONOMIC REPAIR

Rita: We all DO have influence on what happens in this world. A simple thought between like-minded people can make all the difference. Peace keeps spreading with the speed and power of an atomic bomb. Lolita: Let’s get the economy moving on that same track. Brian, do you have any ideas on how to turn the economy around? BRIAN KING (What Time Is It, Mr. Fox?): If the government made enormous investments in public education, over time our economy would be turned around. The U.S. unfortunately thinks of education as a service rather than a necessity for financial stability. People who have been educated in critical thinking tend not to vote against their own interests. I think this is the only viable solution. *** SCOTT MATALON (Matalon/ Stingray Body Art): Get everyone, and I mean everyone, to vote in local civic elections: real economic development happens at the state and city level and without your votes our local politicians only cater to the whims of old ladies and aging residents, not the real working stiffs and creative types like us. Oh yeah, and put all the Wall Street executives in jail—immediately. *** LYNNE FALLO (photographer): Get rid of CEOs—co-operatively owned companies are the only way to go—yes! Because we’re simply getting robbed. The CEO takes all the money and the workers get nothing. Our business world is so corrupt it makes the mafia look legal. *** KRISTEN MILLER (Kristen Miller): During the Great Depression, the U.S. government created the Works Progress Administration. Other than creating jobs, and distributing food and clothes, a big part of this was funding arts and literature projects. There are WPA murals all over the country; these are investments that our government made in the arts when the country was at its lowest financial point. I am sitting here trying to figure out when it happened that arts became a non-necessity to Americans. It’s time for the government to invest in its artists again. *** STEVE GAETZ (Bedlan Productions): How to turn the economy around? Kill all the oil speculators. There has been no interruption of supply and demand is down but price is up. Lynch the bastards. Loliita: I get the feeling that people are mad as hell and are not going to take it anymore.

NEUS ABOUT YOUS

Rita: While Lolita pulls famous quotes from films, I’ll download the news directly to your memory bank. For those of you who enjoyed DEEK’s Microhouses last issue, search the Internet for Tiny Yellow House and watch his quaint you-build-it show on YouTube. BILLY BRACKEN (Anklelock/ Age Against the Machine) does the soundtrack for the shows. *** You can also go to YouTube and find Immigration Man by MoG. This local band video reach 200,000 views in March, 2011. *** Sometime in 2011 CARLY SIMON will have a TV reality show called Songwriter, co-produced by Rhode Island’s Rick Granoff. *** THE DOOM BUGGIES are on Sonic Lobotomy for Danvers cable TV and the Internet. *** Comedian JIMMY TINGLE’s American Dream was voted Best Documentary in the Independent Film Quarterly and New Media Festival on Oscar Sunday. *** Local blues legends JAMES MONTGOMERY, TOM HAMBRIDGE, JERRY PORTNOY, BOB MARGOLIN and local agent BRUCE HOUGHTON all play major roles in the new book, Raisin’ Cain: The Wild and Raucous Story of Johnny Winter, by Connecticut author MARY LOU SULLIVAN. *** NICOLE TAMMARO releases her second photo book, Boston Punk, at the Rosebud on April 16 with THE SPOILERS headlining. *** DROPKICK MURPHYS’ Going Out In Style debuted at #6 on Billboard’s Top 200. *** RICK HARTE (Ace of Hearts) is planning The Wasted Years Vol. II to be out by the end of the year. The CD will include unreleased and obscure tracks from the INFLIKTORS, NERVOUS EATERS, MISSION OF BURMA, THE NEIGHBORHOODS, LYRES, THE NEATS, BIRDSONGS OF THE MESOZOIC and more. *** THE FRUSTRATORS, a spinoff from GREEN DAY, have released an EP entitled Griller that includes a cover of THE NEIGHBORHOODS’ “Prettiest Girl.” *** Country twangers THE QUAVERS play the first Saturday of every month at Costello’s in Jamaica Plain. Last gig, original members of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes jumped onstage and jammed the night away. *** THE DARLINGS should be aware of a band from New York called Darlings who are encroaching into the Massachusetts area. *** KENNE HIGHLAND recently wrote the song “No Drink No Ink” about our own A.J. WACHTEL. *** BONNIE BARISH and NANCY WILLIAMS have a new open mic starting on April 3^rd at the Rockport Unitarian Universalist Church (4 Cleaves Street) from 4:00 to 6:00 with a featured performer playing a half hour set at 5:30. Future open mics will held be on the first Sunday of each month. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more info. Lolita: I think Bonnie and Nancy are becoming the Rita and Lolita of Rockport. That port must really rock.

MATERIAL OBJECT PLEASE COME BACK

Rita: If that’s true everything in Jamaica Plain must be plain—or be from Jamaica. I’m sure Rick knows. Lolita: I already know the answer to that. I want to know from everyone within 50 feet of me, what material object that you tossed do you wish you still had? RICK BERLIN (The Nickel & Dime Band): I throw everything away. If I lose something I really cared about, I hippie bullshit rationalize that it has found a new home. Hemingway. says, “Nothing worth remembering is worth writing down.” Same goes for stuff? *** HEATHER MALONEY (Heather Maloney): I hocked my father’s wedding ring to pay for studio time. My parents have been split for like 20 years, and he was the one who suggested I sell it in the first place... but I still feel a little sting when I think about it getting melted down. *** LIZ BORDEN (the Liz Borden Band): A bunch of basses and guitars. My AXE bass for one. Sold that to a radio station for lots of money. Gene Simmons gave it to me. My black Kubicki bass. It pains me. My bass player now has my white one. Oh yeah, my 1965 or 1966 pink Mustang (car not the guitar). The list goes on and on! *** JON MACEY (Fox Pass): My first pro electric guitar, a Gibson ES 335, bought in 1972. Like most musicians, I was always broke and had to sell one guitar to buy the next one. So, when I became dis-enamored with the semi-hollow body, I sold it for a crappy solid body Gibson that was some new trendy model that has since disappeared. Dis-enamored and dis-appeared, that was me. *** CORIN ASHLEY (Corin Ashley Rock Band): Personally, I would like to believe that when we die we got to heaven and get back all the musical gear we got rid of in foolish moments. I want my old Ibanez George Benson model guitar back that I traded for a $250 red Destroyer just like the guy in Iron Maiden—and which is now worth $2,000—and sounded so nice! I want my old 1946 Gibson B-1 amp that I got at a flea market for $100 and lost somewhere along the way- if someone ever made a cologne that smelled like the tubes burning in that thing, I’d wear it every day. I miss my old Rick 330 with the Bigsby that I sold for $500 to cover the rent in 1991. *** JOHNNY VIRUM (Virus Cycle): When I turned 30 two months ago, I thought of all the things I had as a child that I wish I still had. The one thing that I truly wish I never got rid of was my Atari 2600. I loved that console. I had so many games including Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Congo Bongo, Star Wars and E.T. And the joysticks were so retro! *** CHRISTOPHER BROWN (the Difference Engine): My Commodore 64. It never stopped working or just being awesome. Stupid shiny and cool Macs. *** CHRISSY SPOILER (the Spoilers/ the Grinds): As a kid, during the ’80s, my dad’s friend went to Hawaii and brought me back this sweet black T-shirt with Hawaii on it. Go figure. Anyway, it was one of those shirts with the glittery sticker appliqués on it—in yellow and green. It was too big then, but I’m pretty convinced it would fit perfectly now and be delectably retro, tight-fitting, and totally awesome. Well, something bad happened along the way and I’m pretty sure my mom gave it away after she asked “do you want this?,” sometime during my high school grunge days. I regret saying no. *** KRISTIN EDMONSTON (Full Body Anchor): I wish I never got rid of all my tapes, I had two huge bins full of tapes I collected since I was a kid. I ended up selling them at a yard sale. I swore to myself I would replace them with CDs over time, but never did. Now I really regret that decision. *** FRANK STROM (the Noise): I should say my prospects in life, but I don’t miss those half as much as my complete collection of Funny Face mugs. Actually I never threw ’em out—I was a victim of my mother going on a cleaning spree. Sigh. You know how that is. I did manage to recover a Goofy Grape mug at a yard sale, though, so my life isn’t totally sad, empty and meaningless. *** KAREN DeBIASSE (Girl on Top): Over the last few years I have scaled way down by selling, giving away, or throwing out most of my possessions. It feels great to have less stuff and I can’t think of one object that I wish I never got rid of. Rita: Excellent answer. When you lighten your load, you spend less energy hoading, moving, and polishing your possessions, resulting in more time for living in the present.

MUSICAL CHAIRS

Lolita: Throughout my childhood I could not understand living in the present, but then that lawyer gave me a new house for my 21^st birthday. I never thought a present could be big enough to live in. Rita: Don’t mind my sister. Here are the latest developments in local musical groups. First on the list is the best rock band name to burn into your hard drive—INFERNAL OVERDRIVE features MARC SCHLEICHER (x-Cracktorch/ Quintaine Americana/ Liquor Tricks/ Antler/ Coke Dealer), RICH MIELE and MIKE BENNETT (x-Loud Earth), and Dorchester resident KEITH SCHLEICHER (Marc’s little brother on bass). *** HOT MINUTE features the return of that hot ticket VIKKI SIXX (x-Sugabomb), along with IVAHNA ROCK (x-Killer Abs/ Vagiant), ALAN LEVESQUE (Radio Knives/ Young Tremors), and JOSH PICKERING (x-Varsity Drag/ Pods). *** CARRIAGE HOUSE is a new duet with DAVE WILDMAN (Boston Globe) and CLARA KEBABIAN (Mr. Curt Ensemble). *** LINDA VIENS, JON MACEY, LYNN SHIPLEY, and RICH LAMPHEAR have formed ADAM & EVE—four songwriters singing each other’s songs. They debut on Saturday, May 21 as part of Porchfest. It’s actual porch performances you walk around to see, put together by the Somerville Arts Council. *** BURY ME STANDING, a self-described gypsy dirge core group, is led by NATE GREENSLIT (Humanwine/ What Time is it Mr. Fox?) and VESSELA STOYANOVA (Goli/ Fluttr Effect). *** HEX MAP includes members of CLAWJOB, TRISTAN DA CUNHA, THE CLICKERS, and HO AG. *** If you can drum and enjoy XTC, early Floyd, Genesis, Spacemen3, you could be JOE TURNER & THE SEVEN LEVELS’ new drummer. Write This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . *** GERRY BEAUDOIN (Guitar Summit) breaks ranks with his usual gig with DUKE ROBILLARD and J. GEILS and plays a Sunday jazz brunch at Cheers in Quincy Market through the end of May. *** ADVENTURE SET (1985 Rumble finalists) is back with a single, “Paler Faces” and “Vitamin” available on iTunes. *** Lolita: We found a local act called MAKING THE NOISE that’s headed by ADAM RIBAUDO, so I asked him if Making the Noise was a documentary on the magazine you’re holding in your hands (or reading on your screen) right now. He replied, “No but that’s a good idea.” Will Adam follow through on this good idea? Rita: I wouldn’t hold my breath. Lolita: I wouldn’t hold your breath either—I’d probably get garlic burns on my hand.

THIS WEEKEND—BUT NOT REALLY THIS WEEKEND

Lolita: Okay, I know this makes no sense… Rita: That’s the first wise introduction I’ve ever heard you give to something you’re about to say. Lolita: I went out on my own, without Rita’s permission, and asked my musician friends what they were going to do this weekend. Rita: Okay I see how this makes no sense. By the time these answers are published, “this weekend” will be history. Lolita: I know. But I did it anyway. Vikki, what are you up to this weekend? VIKKI SIXX (Hot Minute): Working all weekend and after work taking care of my awesome son Nick, doing laundry, running errands, and spending time with my awesome boyfriend Johnny Rock! Somewhere in there I’m hoping to get some shower time, food, and some uninterrupted sleep (or any kind of sleep) would be heaven. Anyone with a toddler will tell you that! *** CHUCK U. ROSINA (WMBR/ WMFO): This weekend I’m gonna get out of town and visit some friends in the Berkshires. I was hoping to finally go snowshoeing, but all that snow seemed to disappear awfully quickly. Is that not a good thing? *** MICKEY BLISS (Club Bohemia): Friday I work at the Cantab. Saturday I sleep all day until it’s time to work at the Cantab again. Then on Sunday I go grocery shopping, bake cookies, and make a pot of homemade soup. *** MR. CURT (Mr. Curt Ensemble): My weekends are never long enough, but backtracking… Sunday evening: rehearsal with group for gig at Precinct on April 4 (come on down!). Sunday afternoon: visit father-in-law in health care facility (four years now). Saturday evening: maybe visit Magic Room for big show (go Goli!). Saturday: house chores and computer chores, also private practice. Phew. *** KEN FIELD (Revolutionary Snake Ensemble/Birdsongs of the Mesozoic/ Agachiko): Looks like I’ll be continuing this unexpected detour to Washington, DC, through the weekend, trying to take advantage of the down-time to work on some new music for the Snake Ensemble. *** ANDY MILK (the Vital Might): Having our last rehearsal of new material on Saturday before heading into the studio later this month to start recording our third full-length album. Getting fitted for a tux on Sunday for my June wedding. *** KIER BYRNES (Three Day Threshold): Me and the band are performing a benefit for the Dana Farber Foundation at the old House of Blues. Afterwards, I hope to hang out, have a few beers and get my kicks in, enjoying this great country of ours. *** PETER MOORE (COUNT ZERO): Photo shoot with Count Zero Friday night, ’cause we got a CD release in May. Then try to see my friends Bleu and Tracy Bonham at Brighton Music Hall. Tomorrow practice with John Powhida and others in a Rundgren tribute band for a show at Church. Later go to Eksi Ekso CD release (their CD is fab, and the wife sings on some of it). Sunday’s the wife’s birthday, so brunch with her and, basically, Ad Frank & the Fast Easy Women, in the late morning. Later Sunday is a birthday date involving a hot tub (wha...?) and an excellent restaurant. *** NICOLE TAMMARO (Nicole Tammaro Photography): Friday night, I will be at Precinct to check out Watts and the Figgs. Sat night, I will be dining with the great Mr. and Mrs. Evan Shore of Brookline, MA, rock stars and all around good folk. *** MIKE DeANGELIS (DeAngelis Studio 0f Music & Arts): Saturday: Ski Bradford in Haverhill, live show on their deck 1-3pm. Pre-teen bands Black Diamonds and the Zone from DeAngelis Studio of Music! Sunday: Hard Rock Cafe Boston, 4pm: Music is On & Up, 18 and Under Showcase Finale, with Black Diamonds age 9-12, as one of the finalists. *** SARAH BLACKER (Sarah Blacker): On Thursday I’m performing at the Stone Church in Newmarket, NH, for the Ladies Room (all N.E. women musicians who were invited to play) night in honor of Women’s History month. Friday, my dog Beasley gets his staples out (ACL operation) and I’m live on WSCA-fm in Portsmouth, NH, at 4pm. Saturday I play at the Yarmouth House in Yarmouthport, MA, sharing the night with James Mongomery and Doug Bell. Awesome. Lolita: Elsewhere in this issue you can see Beasley—he’s our Pet of the Month! *** DAVID DELUCA (Highway Ghosts): This weekend I am attending a CD listening party for the New England Americana project. This CD features new versions of songs that were in danger of dying, recorded by a slew of the area’s best roots musicians. I am thrilled to be involved in such an amazing project. *** LINDA VIENS (Angeline/ Adam & Eve): This weekend I am doing “rock band” with Ruby’s class Friday afternoon, then Rubes and I are meeting friends for dinner at Jacob Wirth’s and going to see True Grit. Saturday: early morning yoga class, then the indoor Somerville farmers market at the Armory. Later that night: going to see Alloy Orchestra do Metropolis at the Somerville Theater. Sunday afternoon: rehearsal with new project, snuggle time with Ruby... reading, chores, mad puttering... I feel beyond blessed to live in our magnificent city where incredible culture and beautiful kind people abound. *** SHAUN WOLF WORTIS (Wolf’s Mardi Gras Ball): I’m putting on the 18th Annual Mardi Gras Ball at T.T.’s! *** MICHAEL HIBARGER (Sonic Bubblegum Records): Steppin’ out at the Boston Swing Central dance this weekend to Brooklyn’s Baby Soda! It don’t mean a thing if ain’t got that swing! *** MARK BRYANT (Plimro Records): Saturday I need to come up with an excuse not to go to some stupid boring party I was invited to. Sunday celebrating Mardi Gras at Rockabilly Brunch in Plymouth! Yeah! *** KEITH SCHLEICHER (Infernal Overdrive): I will continue my quest to find the white whale: a case of Natural Light bottles. Lolita: A whale is hidden in a bottle somewhere? Keith: No, they just don’t seem to have them around here. It’s my own Moby Dick moment. Lolita: I’m still confused—how do the bottles relate to the whale? Keith: In the book Moby Dick the captain’s search for the white whale leads to his eventual downfall. I use the term to describe searching for something that is near impossible to find. I guess it wasn’t as funny as I thought. Lolita: That book scared me as a young girl. I really thought you were trying to win some beer cap contest by finding the white whale. Now I realize your boat is in trouble with the rough seas and your mast is damaged. Are you the yin to my yang? I’m searching for the perfect clam inside a fortune cookie.

ALL GOIN’ OUT TOGETHER

Rita: That sounds fishy to me, but Lolita always seems to carry that scent. Here are the happenings for the month of April. BEAT HAPPENINGS are at Slaint (Portland) on Saturday, 4/2. *** The Rock ’n’ Roll Rumble preliminaries run Sunday, 4/3 through Saturday, 4/9 (with Wednesday a day of rest), at T.T.’s. *** MIARS brings their experimental funk to the SkyBox in Tewksbury on Thursday, 4/7. *** We found a star that fell to earth. Go see HEATHER MALONEY at Plough & Stars on Friday, 4/8. *** On Thursday THE STOMPERS play Lupo’s (Providence) as part of a Boston legends tour. *** MR. CURT is crankin’ out the next amazing Noise 30^th anniversary party. He’s got THE NICKEL & DIME BAND (featuring RICK BERLIN), BIRD MANCINI, THE GROWNUP NOISE, JON MACEY & STEVE GILLIGAN, and YANI BATTEAU BAND on Saturday, 4/16, at the expanded Midway. *** Same night ROADSAW has their CD release at the Middle East. *** LENNY LASHLEY’S GANG OF ONE hits the Midway on Friday, 4/22. *** CHELSEA BERRY opens for ROGER McGUINN at Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport on Friday, 4/29. *** On the same night (and the night after) ANDREA GILLIS BAND throws their CD release party at the Lizard Lounge. *** At Johnny D’s on Saturday, 4/30, BOOTY VORTEX shakes you places you’ve never shook before. *** Same date A RAVEN’S SORROW has a free night of dark visual art for the live preview of Chrysalis at the House of Blues. Rita: Remember, it’s good karma to support local musicians. Lolita: See you in the clubs!