Keep on Moving: Forever: Talkin’ ‘bout the smiling deathporn immortality blues

The election came and I am proud of Rhode Islanders for voting for change — by re-electing almost everybody. Yeah, take that Trump!  Now that we are done showing them, things can go back to normal — with an endless stream of insurance, erectile dysfunction and ambulance chaser commercials warping sedated minds. The mere thought of the newly available commercial time from the election cycle completing probably has The Heavy Hitter pissing his pants. I probably won’t get to sleep tonight, so let’s continue our dreams in hyperspace and the nothing.

David Tessier – Dreams in Hyperspace

I first saw David Tessier and his backing band when they staged a production of the rock opera Hedwig and The Angry Inch. Since then they’ve done everything from tackling Jesus Christ Superstar to doing a run of shows as a Monkees cover band. On Dreams in Hyperspace, Tessier and his band, The All-Stars Stars, move somewhere between and intergalactic hybrid of Radiohead meets E.L.O. with a nod to ’70s Pink Floyd. Dreams in Hyperspace has a lost-in-space concept feel, but I guess hence the title, right? “The Good Afternoons” reminds me of Pink Floyd meets Spacehog. “Hey Mary” starts like Radiohead’s “Creep” before blasting off into something more operatic, which was how E.L.O. came to mind. The instrumentals between songs serve to move the narration of long and can vary from old school video game vibes (“The Dream Begins”) to spacey noise (“The Colder Still”). The closing “Edge of Contact” wraps on the story where unlike Ziggy Stardust, Tessier and The All-Stars Stars seem to find a home in space.

75orLess Records presents The Low Cards, David Tessier All-Stars Stars, and Karma Rocket will be Askew in Providence on Fri, Nov 16. 

Eric and the Nothing – Self-titled

On their Self-titled debut album, Eric and the Nothing keep the spirit of Buddy Holly alive and swinging with an ample serving of stripped-down rock ‘n’ roll. I often hear Eric and the Nothing mentioned as being garage rock, but to me they’re more of a ’50s rock ‘n’ roll band that knows how to groove. Tunes like “Little Things” and “Watch You Go” are the soundtracks of high school proms from yesteryears. “Run Around” injects some doo-wop for another dance party-ready bopper. Eric and the Nothing push down on the throttle on “One Last Try,” where it is like the fast song at the dance that everyone jumps around to. On “Holes,” the boys sound like greasers playing the Pixies. This makes sense because drummer Bob Giusti has recorded with Black Francis. Eric and the Nothing will be having a special vinyl release for the album the day before Thanksgiving at Askew. Come on down and shake off some calories to make room for Thanksgiving dinner.

Eric And The Nothing celebrate their debut release with a show at Askew on Wed, Nov 21 with The Benji’s, 123 Astronaut and Charlie Dollard’s Rare Coin Collection.

Cool Shit

Dom Flemo (from The Carolina Chocolate Drops)

Dom Flemo is known as The American Songster, an artist who plays original songs, folk songs, blues, jazz, New Orleans music, gospel and ragtime. His most recent project is a fascinating focus on Black Cowboys for Smithsonian Folkways; it’s made up of cowboys songs (traditional and original), poetry and blues. The first album of its kind, Black Cowboys takes the listener on an illuminating journey “from the trails to the rails” of the Old West. The 18-song set traverses a varied soundscape featuring string blues, old-time square dance music and cowboy poetry. Flemons is joined by a celebrated group of backing musicians throughout the record, such as Grammy-winning bluesman Alvin “Youngblood” Hart, Jimbo Mathus (Squirrel Nut Zippers) and decorated folklorist and Folkways’ director emeritus Dan Sheehy, who co-produced the album.

Dom Flemo (The Carolina Chocolate Drops) will be at Askew on Mon, Nov 26.

More Cool Shit

Minibeast, Black Helicopter, Andy Cohen (from Silkworm) and Gold Muse rock Alchemy on Thu, Nov 15.

Northeast Traffic celebrate the release of their new album with a show with The Z-Boys and Lee Ross at Fete in the lounge on Fri, Nov 16.

Robyn Hitchcock will be at the Columbus Theatre on Sat, Nov 17.

The Wailers will be at The Knickerbocker Cafe in Westerly on Sat, Nov 17.

The Smithereens with Marshall Crenshaw are at the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich on Sat, Nov 17.

The Silks and These Wild Plains rock The Met Cafe on Sat, Nov 17.

Killswitch Engage, Born Osiris, Crowbar, and Death Ray Vision will rock The Strand Theatre on Sat, Nov 24.

B-Hive a tribute to the B-52’s gets the party started early at Alchemy on Sat, Nov 24 with a show starting at 7pm.

Downtown Boys, Algiers, Lovesick will rock the Columbus Theatre on Tue, Nov 27.

Spocka Summa and The Green will be at Fete in the lounge on Fri, Nov 30. The Green will be celebrating the release of their new EP.

Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes will be at The Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River on Fri, Nov 30.

Ted Leo does a special acoustic show with EDT featuring Adrienne Berry at POP on 219 W Park St in Providence on Sat, Dec 1. The show also serves as the opening for the art exhibit titled “Get To The Gig: and doors are at 7pm. Advance tickets can be purchased at stores.emporiumofpopularculture.com

The Mavericks bring their “Hey!  Merry Christmas Tour!” to The Strand Theatre on Tue, Dec 4.

Bayside bring their acoustic tour to The Met Cafe on Wed, Dec 5. Golds will open the show.

Darlene Love Holiday Show comes to the Greenwich Odeum on Thu, Dec 6. Love also provided the lead vocals on The Crystals smash, “He’s a Rebel.”

Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com