The Noise : Rock Around Boston. - GENERAL COMMENTS: 2009

Issue #318 - Feb '12

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Comments (22)

1 Kevin Finn's Review of Rob Potylo's 3
Written by Michael J. Epstein, on 07-02-2012 10:25
I just wanted to give an alternate perspective on Rob Potylo's records. Although you have reviewed all three in one lump, for the sake of brevity, I'll just focus on the first: "Something Happened At Horse Lake".

I do totally understand Mr. Finn's review and perspective on Rob's pieces as they are not traditional or conventional works, and it can take some exploration to understand Rob's music, message, and perspective.

The only point to which I take actual factual exception is the claim that the lyrics are "fraught with smug attempts at humor." My sense of these songs is that they are anything but smug, and I'd even argue that they are barely humorous. They are, in fact, totally sincere, simple, but profoundly so, open communications. Rob writes with honesty and although his voice is rough and unpolished, it fits beautifully with the ideas conveyed in the songs. I hesitate to compare Rob with other artists, as I think it's kind of an inherent disservice to his very-personal delivery, but I think Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen are not on the mark for his aim or his execution. I understand your tie to those artists was based primarily on register and traditional musicality, or limit thereof. I love both Waits and Cohen, but I think that Rob's writing is far more like that of Jonathan Richman, The Violent Femmes, or even Daniel Johnston.

I very sincerely think "Violentful Sparks," "Shera," "Drawing Up Circles," and others on this album are really kind exhibits of his ideas and his perspective. I appreciate the honesty and the artistry delivered by these works.

I am not so much trying to sway you to reconsider or to change your mind, but rather to at least let it be known that your perspective is not a universal one. I simply hope that listeners will approach Rob with an open mind and a disassociation from his previous lives. I do think he will speak to you if you let him.

Best Regards,
Michael J. Epstein

2 Written by Adventure Set, on 23-12-2011 13:05
ADVENTURE SET returns to The Magic Room on Jan. 28 to celebrate the release of the official video for STEREO HANDS, the single from their new EP, CENTURIES TO GO. With guest DJ Christopher Muther.

3 Adventure Set reborn
Written by M Pothier, on 23-10-2011 21:26
Our first live show is Nov. 5 at The Magic Room, and our EP, Centuries to Go, is out Nov. 11.

4 Karen Aqua
Written by Claudia deHaven Biddle-Ciampi, on 14-06-2011 23:32
I am deeply saddened at the news of Karen Aqua's passing. Her amazing talent, intelligence, generosity to the arts and other communities was outstanding for many, let alone one beautiful person. will miss her smile, her art, and everything else about her.
My heart goes out to Ken Field, her beloved husband and her family.

Love and miss you Karen..Love you Ken,
XOXOXO-Claudia

5 Mr Max's Message
Written by T Max, on 02-03-2011 17:24
Eleanor, yeah it really was a great experience with a wild light show supplied by the Magic Room.

6 Mr. Max's Message
Written by eleanor, on 02-03-2011 12:44
Nice outfit T. The Magic Room show looked like a great time. I need to get out more.

7 Paul's comment
Written by T Max, on 10-06-2010 16:20
Paul--are you in a band? Lolita was asking me about you. I think she'd like to contact you.

8 Written by Paul, on 10-06-2010 16:17
I've secretly been in love with Rita and Lolita since I started reading the Noise in the ’90s. I was kina hoping to be a super rock star by now so they'd write cool stuff about me. haha, guess not! Hugs ladies!

9 the article on the vibrations
Written by michael mcgehee, on 11-11-2009 00:38
Man, the Vibrations were one great group who would come on stage and bring the house down. I have seen many groups at the Apollo Theater but there was no group like the Vibrations. These guys are truly the most under-rated group that I ever saw, period. These guys were show stoppers. If you don't believe me, ask anyone who saw this group live. I hope that one day the vibrations will get the respect that they deserve. Sincerely yours, Michael McGehee

10 Noise 28th (anniversary issue)
Written by Walter Gustafson, on 28-10-2009 23:43
Sorry, but it's SCRAPES, just SCRAPES not the Scraps, thank you. Also we feature members of Ganggreen, not "former" members. An honest error I trust. Thanks, W

11 RIP WBCN
Written by Michael J. Andrade, on 21-10-2009 11:27
Check Out the shows on my Podcast –

http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/category/rockroll360

Also along with my 360 Format.
I been posting the final 4 days of WBCN Special.

Especially the 1st two shows - Tribute To WBCN - 20th Anniversary -
Most of other shows has BCN clips from the past.

My first two episodes

http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1343 Ep. 1

http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1345 Ep. 2

For Updates - E-Mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Befriend on FaceBook
Thx Mike Andrade

12 new/old
Written by andwon, on 10-09-2009 00:02
1994 Boston Hemp Festival on YouTube.
ooooooooooo!
www.youtube.com/mirhq

Orangutang,
360s,
David Peel,
Sam Black Church,
Letters to Cleo

13 NEW Sounds
Written by Starky, on 01-09-2009 23:53
If you like good alternative rock check Far Above The Ground new EP recorded at Galaxie Park Studios by Richard Marr
Myspace.com/FarAboveTheGround
playing live tonight (September 1) @ Great Scott 9:45pm

14 Eric Bettencourt-Fine Old World
Written by Joel Simches, on 09-06-2009 13:35
This review seems to be a case of the man not living up to his own hype. That's what the review is about. If Track 10 is the song "people who have listened to the CD rave about," maybe he should have put that earlier in the album, so the reviewer wouldn't have to wade through all the mediocrity to get there.

15 Eric Bettencourt, Fine Old World - revie
Written by Butch Brooks, on 09-06-2009 01:41
Was this a comment about the CD or the website. The music on this CD was worth more than filler for a review. It was painfully obvious that the reviewer spent more time on the website than actually listening to the music. Track 10 is the track that people who have listened to the CD rave about.

16 Mr Max's Message
Written by T Max, on 01-04-2009 20:55
Eleanor,
I'm not actually carving--it's just building it out of wood, adding a roof shingle, and painting a design on it. I just hung two more smaller bird houses this week.

17 Mr Max Message 4/09
Written by eleanor, on 01-04-2009 20:13
I dig that bird house! Glad to see you are carving again.

18 Erinn Brown
Written by Mrs. Slimedog, on 21-03-2009 22:00
I am definitely going to check out Erinn Brown live. I do live in Sacramento now so I will have to wait from her West Coast tour.

19 Erinn Brown's CD review
Written by Joel Simches, on 04-03-2009 19:17
I could never understand why when someone gets an unfavourable review, that someone almost invariably feels the need to suggest that the reviewer then should drop $8-10 to go see them live.

Listening to music on CD or online is usually the way people determine who they want to see and what music to spend money on.

I would put forth the concept that people need to put more time and energy into making good music and better recordings.

With fewer and fewer people willing to spend their hard earned dollar on going to clubs and hearing live music, recorded music is, now more than ever, the all important calling card of musicians and songwriters everywhere.

If people aren't impressed with a song on Myspace or on a disc, why would they bother shlepping out to a club to see them play??

20 Erinn Brown's CD review
Written by Katy B., on 04-03-2009 16:39
Just here to post that I'm a big fan of Erinn Brown's, and I guess Mrs. Slimedog is not... but Mrs. S. is missing out on a true talent, and should check her out live. Even Mrs. Slimedog would approve... Now lets try not to be so nasty... Erinn rocks.

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Got a rant or rave? Your comments are welcome

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