Motif

Author: Marc Clarkin

  • Subterranean Jungle: Best of 2022

    It’s that time again… when windbag music critics release their “Best Of” lists for the year. Of course, I couldn’t resist chiming in.

    Best Albums of 2022:

    10. The Smashing Pumpkins – ATUM – Not sure how much I like this album but I’ve become addicted to the podcast (Thirty-Three with William Patrick Corgan) that narrates the story of an artist getting canceled from Earth – but it’s also a love story with dancing robots.

    9. Guided By Voices – Tremblers and Goggles By Rank – The best Guided By Voices of the three released this year.

    8. Archers of Loaf – Reason in Decline – The comeback that a million indie rock boys and girls did not find disappointing.

    7. Detroit Rebellion – Fake News – Fake News rolls through the night like a hayride through the Americana apocalypse.

    6. The Smile – A Light For Attraction – This Radiohead side project features Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood leaving their stable of comfort for the sky.

    5. Helen Love – This is My World – After a career of writing songs referencing chewing bubble gum, Ramones, and teenage love, Helen Love suddenly hits middle age. It reminds me a little of ’70s Kinks as far as finding one in a life that they never envisioned.

    4. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Cool It Down – Cool It Down has enough hypnotic grooves to put Frank Santos out of business.

    3. Craig Finn – A Legacy of Rentals – Finn narrates his usual tales of down and out dreamers, hustlers, and pimps in a subdued sphere from his usual place fronting The Hold Steady.

    2. Pixies – Doggerel– Doggerel proves that Blank Francis is still one of the best songwriters in the galaxy.

    1. Gogol Bordello – Solidaritine – Much of the album is set against Russia’s invasion of singer/guitarist Eugene Hutz’s native Ukraine, unfortunately atrocities do inspire great art. Don’t forget that war is still going on and Ukraine needs help.

    Best Tunes of 2022:

    10. Blood Feeder – “Death of Me”

    9. Richie Ramone – “Not Afraid”

    8. Bill Bartholomew – “A Serious Light”

    7. Jesse Malin – “Keep On Burning”

    6. Guided By Voices -”Crystal Nuns Cathedral”

    5. Craig Finn – Jessamine”

    4. PUP – “Totally Fine”

    3. Gogol Bordello – “Take Only What You Can Carry”

    2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Burning”

    1. Jay Allen – and the Archcriminals – “Frying Pan Justice”

    Best Shows (Non-Festivals) of 2022 in Distribution Range:

    10. 7 Seconds and Negative Approach at Alchemy

    9. Nick Lowe at the Narrows Center for the Arts

    8. Bob Mould at Greenwich Odeum

    7. Richie Ramone at Askew

    6. Verbal Assault at the Met

    5. Iceage at Columbus Theatre

    4. The Smile at Vets

    3. The Mummies at Alchemy

    2. Low Cut Connie at the Narrows Center for the Arts

    1. Psychedelic Furs and X at the Strand

    Coming Attractions:

    The Benji’s – “Shimmering” Single Release

    When The Benji’s started recording their forthcoming EP, Kitty Pills, on Jan 13, 2020, nobody foresaw the type of shit that was about to go down. As the pandemic raged, Kitty Pills and everything else got postponed. The finish line is near as The Benji’s are releasing the lead single, “Shimmering,” exactly three years to the date after they began recording. “Shimmering” is an uptempo mesh of new wave meets pop-punk, sure to induce a 90-second dance party. Check out “Shimmering” on Jan 13 and look for the full EP, Kitty Pills, on Feb 14.

    Hope Anchor and Midnight Creeps

    This banger matches the goth new wave of Hope Anchor with the ’70s punk of Midnight Creeps. I used to see Midnight Creeps at all-ages VFW Halls and now they’re playing craft breweries that cater to the 30-andabove. Circle of life, I guess? Union Station Brewery, PVD, Jan 14.

    Cass McCombs

    I caught Cass McCombs once at the Met Cafe, opening for the Meat Puppets, but the unfortunate takeaway was the show getting interrupted by a fire alarm from a bakery a couple of doors down. The good thing about this show: The nearest bakery to the Columbus Theatre is two full blocks away. So expect the singer-songwriter, backed by a full band, to shine! Columbus Theatre, PVD, Jan 14.

    Hey Nineteen – Steely Dan Tribute

    The funny thing is, I used to hate the yacht rock genre in my punk rock adolescence. The catalyst for my disdain was a TV commercial for this compilation called Freedom Rock, that would endlessly feature Steely Dan’s “Reelin’ in the Years.” I now acknowledge the errors of my youth, and even used a DJ name from Steely Dan for several years. I go see Hey Nineteen whenever I can and recommend you do the same. Met Cafe, Pawtucket, Jan 21.

    The Gravel Project

    The Gravel Project kick it to the astral plane with a mix of funky jams sprinkled with soul and old school R&B grooves. The Gravel Project will be releasing a new, live, in-studio album, Live at Wellspring Studios, recorded in front of family and friends on Feb 11. My favorite jam is “Fall Into Grace,” which shines a burst of ’60s soul. No need to wait for the album release, catch them at Askew. Askew, PVD, Jan 21.

    Eric and The Nothing

    It’s been so long since I’ve seen Eric and The Nothing that was starting to wonder if it was all a rockabilly dream. I went from searching show listings to searching milk cartons, wondering what happened. The good news is Eric and The Nothing is back, baby. I haven’t seen Exploding Zones but have written about other projects that have involved members and look forward to catching them in the flesh. Askew, PVD, Jan 27.

    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com.

  • Subterranean Jungle: Interview with Johnny Trama from A Band of Killers

    Subterranean Jungle: Interview with Johnny Trama from A Band of Killers

    A Band of Killers has come up on my radar as a band to watch in the new year. This past year they have been busy, releasing four singles, three of which were collaborations with Toussaint the Liberator, and one featuring Tim Gearan. Guitarist Johnny Trama, who assembled these musical assassins, informed me that they have full length albums with both Gearan and Toussaint set to come out in the new year under A Band of Killers. In addition to his duties with A Band of Killers, Trama is a guitar slinger for a number of Boston bands as well as our hometown heroes, The Silks. If this makes the interwebs in time, you can catch Trama rocking with The Silks on New Year’s Eve at Union Station Brewery. A Band of Killers also are coming to Providence, at Askew on January 6th. Poised for a big year on the horizon, I spoke with Trama to find out more about A Band of Killers.

    Marc Clarkin: You’ve been rocking with many bands including The Silks for years. Has putting your own group together been something you always wanted to do?

    Johnny Trama: Let’s just say the concept of A Band of Killers has been around for a long time.  I’m always writing music and trying to collaborate with other singer-songwriters. I’ve been fortunate to play in so many different diverse bands, but because of that, it’s left me with the urge to write things that are truly the music I dig. The seed to A Band of Killers probably started a long time ago. I first collaborated with Toussaint the Liberator, a New England World Artist of the Year winner, before the pandemic. We put together a really amazing song called “Dreamin’ and Schemin’,” for which we did release as a single under our own names. With the soon to be A Band of Killers (Darby Wolf on keys, Tom Arey on drums and Marc Hickox on bass) playing on it, we recorded in western mass with Alan Evans who put out on his label, Vintage League. 

    At the same time, I also was collaborating with a singer-songwriter named Tim Gearan and we put out a single called “Bring it Down.” Then the bomb dropped… the pandemic! The fortunate thing about it, as dark as those days were, I was super productive in writing and inspired by collaborating with these two brilliant artists. Before we knew it, we had written two full albums. I’ve been playing with the musicians in the band for a decade – we just never called it anything. So let’s just say the chemistry was already flowing and before we knew it, A Band of Killers were born!

    MC: You touched on many genres in your playing. Who are the three most inspirational artists to you and why?

    JT: So yeah, I’m kind of all over the map as far as being influenced as a guitarist, artist, and as a songwriter. I’m heavily influenced by classic soul music. There’s such a vast catalog of songs/bands/singers/vibes but if I had to choose one, I’d have to say William Bell. Another huge influence is Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. It’s everything from the songs Tom writes, to the chemistry of the band, them translating that and then turning it into something completely unique, and of course, Mike Campbell’s an incredible guitarist! I’m sure everyone mentions these guys all the time, but the Rolling Stones, especially the Mick Taylor period. It’s just something about how they combine amazing songwriting, personality, and a completely unique vibe when they come together as a band – lightning in a bottle rock ‘n’ roll at its best.

    MC: You put four singles out online (which everyone can check out on your favorite streaming platform) this year, know you have been working on more tunes with Graham Mellor, what ya got cookin’ for 2023?

    JT: So first off, working with Graham has been a blessing. He’s the first guy I’ve worked with that truly gets sonically everything we’re going for without even talking about it – a very talented cat! 2023 is gonna be exciting for A Band of Killers! We will be releasing two full length albums.

    One featuring Toussaint the Liberator and one with Tim Gearan. Also a little special treat on the Tim Gearan record was recording a track with Susan Tedeschi. They should be out sometime in March/April.  We’re doing a small run of shows right off the bat in the new year with a lot more to come. We’re also back into the studio to start recording yet another album, so let’s just say 2023 is gonna be a busy year!

    MC: I believe this is the first Band of Killers show in RI. What should everyone expect on January 6th down at Askew?

    JT: Actually, this is a reschedule. We were supposed to have a show right after the pandemic, but it just didn’t pan out.  I believe everything happens for a reason. We’re much more in tune right now as a band and got a lotta new tunes we’re gonna be trying out on ya. Get ready for a rock & roll circus experience! Also, we’re excited to have our good friend Cody Nilsen warm up the night for us!

    A Band of Killers featuring Tim Gearon, and Johnny Trauma joining forces with Cody Nilsen to rock Askew in Providence on January 6th.  
    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com

  • Subterranean Jungle: Blood Feeder, Deer Tick, and more holi-daze mayhem!

    The holi-daze mayhem is kicking into swing! With that in mind, I figured I’d review a couple of fall releases that have been kicking around inside my speakers for the music lover on your shopping list as well as some upcoming shows that don’t blow.

    Blood Feeder – Self-titled (75OrLessRecords)

    Dr. Chris Evil of Chris Evil & The Taints, Blood Moons, and Sick Pills has a new band called Blood Feeder. They dropped their debut album, which is a collection of punk, hardcore, and heavy metal nuggets. My favorite tune on the record is “Death of Me,” which has a marching rhythm reminiscent of Green Day’s “Holiday.” It is also Omicron level catchy. “Early Grave” is metal in the vein of Danzig’s early solo stuff. “Jucket Metal Superstar” reminds me more of bands like Suicidal Tendencies and later-day Body Count. “Living in Darkness” is a full throttle punk air raid with hooks and a great lead guitar. This is a strong debut and I look forward to catching them loud and live! 

    Deer Tick – Divine Providence 11th Anniversary Edition

    Divine Providence was recorded locally at Machines With Magnets in Pawtucket. At times during recording, members of Deer Tick would stop by and I had the opportunity to hear some of the songs as they were progressing. One such song was “Divine Providence,” which is the rare title track to not make the album, and is (probably) the only black metal song Deer Tick wrote.  The fourth Deer Tick album jumped out of the speakers with an opening trio of stompers in “The Bump,” “Funny Word,” and “Let’s All Go to the Bar.” The rest of Divine Providence was more mellow, even including a ballad that the Twilight movie franchise wanted. I’m going to focus on the new bonus material released for the first time in the 11th Anniversary Edition.

    The Tim EP (which came out around the time of Divine Providence) had some great jams like “Born at Zero” and “She’s Not Spanish,” which are also included with this release. The original Tim cover had the band members faces photoshopped over The Replacements from their Let It Be album. Speaking of The Replacements, there are two versions of the Paul Westerberg penned “Mr. Cigarette,” which appeared on the original CD version of Divine Providence as a hidden bonus track, about 20 minutes after the previous song ended. Thankfully it is much easier to cue on this edition. Other unearthed treasures from the sessions include the tropical pop of “Cake and Eggs,” an early version of “Hope is Big,” and “Bury Deep.” The latter has been performed many times over the years, but I think this is the first time it has ever been released.  

    Besides that, there are a bunch of demos and different versions of songs that did make the album with my favorite being the demo for “Main Street.”

    Coming Attractions

    Orbit (solo)

    Orbit had an alternative radio hit in the late 90’s with “Medicine (Baby Come Back)” featuring the rare tasteful use of a zamboni in its music video. Orbit split up in the early 2000s aside from playing some reunions here and there. Pre-pandemic singer/guitarist Jeff Robbins had been playing and recording with his new band 123 Astronaut, who are well worth checking out. Robbins has come up with a way to bring Orbit sort-of back by beaming up other members via a projector from across the galaxy powered by an app he developed. Only Robbins will be performing in person, but the other musicians will be there via projector. I haven’t seen Robbins do this type of show yet but I am intrigued for a night of sci-fi rock ‘n’ roll. Think of the News Café as the Starship Enterprise, but with a lot less gear to move at the end of the night.

    Orbit (solo) Colebert, and I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying rock the News Cafe in Pawtucket on December 15th.  

    Grinchfest 5.0

    The annual Grinchfest is always a hoot as local musicians play a bunch of Christmas songs and mix in some of their own chestnuts. I’d go see the show just for bands like David Tessier’s All-Star Christmas Stars and Jets Can’t Land but when you throw in the other bands, it is truly a no brainer.

    Grinchfest 5.0 featuring performances by Annalise Ford, Jets Can’t Land, Alex Laverde, Karma Rocket, and David Tessier’s All-Star Christmas Stars will go down at Askew in Providence on December 17th.  

    Punk X-MAS

    We all know that Santa Claus has a Black Flag tattoo and a pierced nipple, so it’s only appropriate we celebrate his arrival with a banger punk rock show. I like the idea of putting The Pourmen and The Paraplegics together because they have decidedly different spins on punk. The Pourmen have a Irish pub-punk slant while The Paraplegics sort of go down the hardcore rabbit hole. The Paraplegics have a new album out, Ramp It Up, that you should pick up at the show!

    Punk XMAS featuring performances by Gnarnia, The Pourmen, The Paraplegics, D.O.P. and more goes down at Alchemy on December 22nd.

    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com.

  • Subterranean Jungle: Welp, got tired of waiting for the rapture so…I’m back!!!

    Subterranean Jungle: Welp, got tired of waiting for the rapture so…I’m back!!!

    Blood on the Tracks

    Detroit Rebellion – Fake News

    Detroit Rebellion returns with their third album, Fake News, that rolls through the night like a hayride through the Americana apocalypse. Detroit Rebellion has always been about fuzzed-out blues, somewhere between Robert Johnson and The Gun Club. That carries on with Fake News, but they also added ’60s psychedelic, garage, and stoner rock to a beatnik poetry slam and poured it into the party blender. Take the tune “Doom and Gloom,” for example. It sounds like John Lee Hooker meets no wave with machete-esque lyrics like: “I love your perfume, it smells like doom and gloom.” To me, Fake News is more of a commentary on the past couple of years than a “political” record. It’s a world of mass shootings, corruption, and batshit conspiracies that birthed Fake News and those themes echo through the melody and angst. The title track turned out to be one of my favorites, managing to be ridiculously infectious while the lyrics are all about conspiracies. “Yellow Teeth” bursts with ’60s psychedelia while “They Ate All Your Pie” is so damn menacing. Another one of my favorites is “How Long Before You Turn on Me,” which reminds me of the MC5 jamming with The Birthday Party. Check out Detroit Rebellion for yourself on Bandcamp and the other streaming services. The video for “Laws of Attraction” is also up online at: detroitrebellion.com

    Coming Attractions:

    9th Annual Holiday Benefit Cover Shows 

    An annual tradition returns to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. These benefit shows are holiday staples. Where else can one go to hear a set of Fugazi followed by a set of Abba? Likely only Askew on Dec 10, baby! In the past, I feel like they’ve announced which bands were performing the cover sets. They haven’t this year, but I have heard an informed rumor that the Brother Kite are doing the Tom Petty set, which is perfect – because they sound nothing like Tom Petty. Maybe it’s mostly “supergroups” of musicians coming together for a one-off set or maybe they just ran out of room on the poster – guess we’ll all have to go to find out! 

    Night One goes down at Askew in PVD on Dec 10 with local musicians performing  Abba, Fugazi, Green Day, and Goo Goo Dolls cover sets. 

    Night Two is at Alchemy in PVD on Dec 16 and features local musicians doing covers of No Doubt, Tom Petty, Alanis Morisette, and The Killers. There will be raffles with prizes donated by local businesses to add to the festivities and it is all for a great cause!

    The Smithereens with Marshall Crenshaw

    The Smithereens have reigned as sultans of power pop for over 40 years. I can still remember hearing “Only a Memory” on the radio coming home from middle school. While the entire world has changed, when you listen to a Smithereens record, it doesn’t seem all so different. Of course, there are some changes: Sadly, singer Pat DiNizio passed several years ago, but Marshall Crenshaw has stepped up to fill the void. Expect a mix of Crenshaw’s material with The Smithereens bangers in what promises to be a great night of rock ‘n’ roll hoochie koo.

    The Smithereens with Marshall Crenshaw rock the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich on Dec 10.

    Lightning Bolt

    Local noise gods Lightning Bolt return what promises to be a romp through clandestine rhythm-powered feedback. Seeing Lightning Bolt live is an intense trip. It’s like watching a band rip through the wilds of urban wastelands in one giant sonic boom. It always seems like they are hunting down something that is just out of reach. I never know how much or how little to say about Lightning Bolt. If you’ve seen them or know the whole Fort Thunder legend, you don’t need my words. I’m just here to tell you it is happening. 

    Lightning Bolt and babybaby_explores will rock the Met Cafe in Pawtucket on Dec 14. 

    They Might Be Giants

    The Johns in They Might Be Giants return to the Strand with their quirky indie rock to get you ready to kiss this miserable year adieu. They Might Be Giants have a fascinating discography. They have released over twenty albums throughout their 40 years as a band. I’ve always been partial to their earlier stuff like “Alienation’s for the Rich,” “Rhythm Section Want Ad, We’re The Replacements, ” and of course their smash hit, “Birdhouse in your Soul.” They’ll probably only play the latter but there isn’t such a thing as a bad They Might Be Giants record. They put on a great show and will have your New Year’s Eve’s Eve poppin’!

    They Might Be Giants return to The Strand Theatre in Providence on Dec 30 to get you ready to ring in the New Year.

    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com.

  • April Showers Us: Memorials and shows to cheer you

    “If there is a Rock ‘N’ Roll Heaven, You Know They’ve Got One Hell of a Band” 

    The local music scene has been battered this year with the passing of local musicians Mike Schiavone, Pete McClanahan, and Nick Iddon. I didn’t know Mike but his passing was a jarring blow to the music community coming just hours after he played a Nirvana tribute night. I had met Pete a few times but never really knew him. What struck me about Pete was the sheer power and passion he had as both a songwriter and performer. Pete was a punk rock superhero on stage with the way he attacked his bass. He blasted through songs like a locomotive steamrolling through a starfield night. I was lucky enough to catch Pete many times with his band The Worried. Some of Pete’s other bands over the years included The Buzzards, 32-20’s, and The Yuhboys. Mike and Pete will live on forever in the music and memories they created and all the hearts they touched. 

    Then there is Nick… whose passing I’m still processing. Nick Iddon had a personality that could light up the darkest mine. He was so warm. He made everyone feel like family, even if you just met him. Sure, Nick was one hell of a drummer. He could play anything. Hard rock with Donnybrook and Kanerko, smooth grooves with Viking Jesus, conjuring the ghost of Gram Parsons with The Quahogs, or just rocking the hell out with Ravi Shavi – Nick poured his soul into every performance, looking like the happiest person in the room the whole time. He probably was. When he told me several months ago about his illness, which would ultimately take him, he said it so calmly and confidently – like it was no big deal, “I got this.” Every time our paths crossed after, he was so energetic and vivacious that I forgot he had cancer. That was just Nick. I’m sending love and light to all Nick’s family and friends. When times get tough, just close your eyes and picture Nick banging out the beat, hair blowing like he’s in a hurricane with that big smile beaming like a sunrise. 

    David Tessier’s All-Star Stars – “Tough Face Girl” single release

    The new single, “Tough Face Girl,” from David Tesssier’s All-Star Stars is a burst of ’60s power pop that reminds me of Tommy-era The Who meets The Monkees at the sock hop. Tessier said: “Tough Face Girl was a power pop song which I had written to be part of a short Rock Opera based on the Native American Folk Story ‘The Rough-Face Girl’.” “The song’s chorus was stuck in my head for years, so I decided to rearrange the music and rewrite the lyrics. “It’s about that certain someone you can’t help but love, even if they are, shall we say, a bit curmudgeonly, because you can still see the sweetness deep beneath the exterior.” The single will be available online at BandCamp and through 75OrLess Records on April 1. 

    David Tessier’s All-Stars Stars, Haunting Titans, and Death Pesos will rock The Parlour in PVD on April 9. 

    Fozzy

    Fozzy might be best known as wrestling legend’s Chris Jericho’s heavy metal band. That said, they have been making records and touring the world for over twenty years. I can’t deny the infectiousness of some of their tunes, notably “Judas.” I can’t remember the last time Fozzy was in town so this is a rare chance to catch a legend, in Jericho, doing something he’s not a legend at, while hearing some kick ass hard rock! 

    Fozzy, GFM, KrashKarma, and The Nocturnal Affair will rock Fete in PVD on April 10. 

    7Seconds

    During my teenage punk rock alienation years, bands like 7Seconds gave me hope with their songs of unity. 7Seconds were different from most of ’80s punk and hardcore of the day in that the vocals were actually sung and the songs generally had positive messages. Plus they did a killer cover of Nena’s “99 Red Balloons!” 

    7Seconds, Negative Approach, Catalyst, Bullet Proof Backpack bring the old school punk rock vibes to Alchemy on April 13. 

    The Schizophonics

    I caught The Schizophonics a few months before the pandemic and they blew my mind! They were a mess of high octane psych-garage with power pop hooks throwing down like space invaders from another dimension. Fitteningly, they were touring behind an album called People In The Sky which sounds like The Sonics jamming with the MC5. This show is going to be a testamentment to the evil powers of rock ‘n’ roll! 

    The Schizophonics, Artist Jackie and The Wizard, Salem Wolves will rock Askew in PVD on April 15. 

    Digital – Dreams Of Leaving EP Release

    When all Civility is lost, there is only one option: Digital. Civility was a local post-punk band that recently underwent a lineup change and decided to write all new songs and be born again as DIgital. It is a cool name because it flies in the face of the current vinyl revival and you’ll probably never find the band if you try to Google them. As for the tunes, “Spectres” reminds me of the Sisters of Mercy meets Head On The Door-era Cure. I guess Echo & The Bunnymen could be added as a reference point for “With You” along with the above. In other words despite the rebranding, Digital still embodies the ’80s post-punk. This show will be bananas! 

    Digital will celebrate the release of Dreams Of Leaving with Trigger Discipline, Pilgrims of Yearning, and Video Shoppe at Dusk in PVD on April 16. 

    Askew 4th Anniversary Party with The Silks with The Low Cards 

    Askew is a melting pot of a venue featuring exciting music of all genres, comedy shows, and great vibes. For their anniversary, the blues will reign supreme! The Silks will bring it with big-time early ’70s style rocking riffs and booty shaking groove. The Low Cards will rip it up and throw it down with some high-voltage shredding. 

    The Silks and The Low Cards will celebrate Askew’s 4th Anniversary on April 23. 

    Bonus Bangers!

    • The Soul Rebels rock the Narrows Center of the Arts in Fall River on April 7.
    • Julie Rhodes & The Electric Co. with Ali McGuirk and Mary-Elaine Jenkins bring the soulful grooves to Askew on April 16.
    • Melissa Etheridge will be at Bally’s Event Center at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln on April 22. 
    • Clutch, The Sword, Nate Bergman will rock The Strand in Providence on April 30.
    • The Zombies bring their legendary sound to the Narrows Center of the Arts on May 1.

    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com

  • Let’s Get Weird: Rad times with Richie Ramone

    Let’s Get Weird: Rad times with Richie Ramone

    Sadly the original lineup of the Ramones is deceased. Despite that, there are a couple of Ramones still rocking and building up the legend. Two are coming to town this spring, so for this issue, we’re going to focus on Richie Ramone, who will be bringing his band to Askew on Mar 25. Richie really got the Ramones to their roots, wielding the heaviest stick of the three drummers. After a couple of albums where they tried for the elusive hit, Richie’s first album with the band Too Tough To Die immediately righted the ship. He continued writing, recording and touring through the albums Animal Boy and Halfway To Sanity. Richie has since released two solo records, written his autobiography I Know Better Now: My Life Before, During, and After the Ramones and even written a children’s book about the band. I talked to Richie about his time in the Ramones, coming out of the pandemic with new music, and going back on tour.

    Marc Clarkin (Motif): So it has been a couple of years since we’ve gotten any new music from you, any plans to release anything?

    Richie Ramone: Yeah, this will be the first announcement right now! March 4th we’re releasing a 7-inch with an A side of “Not Afraid” and the B side is “Cry Little Sister” from The Lost Boys movie, which I covered for a movie called Protege Moi and play a vampire in. The movie comes out in the fall but the single comes out March 4th on translucent orange vinyl limited to 300 pressing. There will be more available as black pressing, you know, like we’ve had for 100 years. The vinyl just came; it took eight months to make it. That is how backlogged they are. The single is coming out on Outro Records (outrorecords.com) and they’ll have some signed versions available on their site as well. Anyway, that’s the new release and it is exciting to have some new music out. It’s been a really rough two years, it hasn’t been fun, but hopefully the best is yet to come. 

    MC: You wrote the Ramones classic, “Somebody Put Something in My Drink.” Isn’t that song based on a true story?

    RR: Yeah, they didn’t put it in my drink. We used to go to the clubs and when people got up to dance or went to the bathroom we took their drinks. It was someone’s drink on the table by accident. It wasn’t like somebody slipped it in my personal drink: We had no money back then, so me and friends would go and when people left the table we’d grab their beer or whatever. 

    One night I started to feel funny. I didn’t know what it was. At first I was really scared, you know it felt like dying because it is different if you know you took something. You have to go through this 15 – 20 minutes of weirdness before you figure out what happened. That’s a scary moment. Then after that it was fun. So I told Dee Dee (Ramone) that story when I was in the Ramones, it happened before I joined, it happened when I moved to New York City in 1980. Dee Dee said, “You should write that song,” and I did. The song stayed in their set till their very last show which is a pretty cool thing. 

    MC: Do you have a favorite memory from being in the band?

    RR: No, every day was a favorite memory. Please, it’s the Ramones right? Night after night, five hundred something shows looking at Joey’s back, it was pretty intense! To have found your way into that band after playing in horn bands and studying all kinds of music, reading music and winning awards as a kid in orchestras. To come down to that simple beat and I played it better than anybody. It was really aggressive and I stayed there on it and let those guys rumble around me. As long as I stayed there they never got lost. People play the Ramones so tight these days that it sounds like a machine gun. Ramones weren’t like that. We were loose around a good solid foundation of the drums. You only got three instruments and they have to be just a little off a bit and that is what makes it sound really full. 

    MC: After you left the Ramones, didn’t you give up music for years?

    RR: I came to LA right after leaving and played in some bands like Mail Order Brides; played for maybe a year or two. Then I was done and didn’t pick up a drumstick for like eight to ten years. I was just burnt out. 

    MC: What brought you back? 

    RR: Around 2004 or 2005, Mickey (Leigh) called me to come and play one of the Joey Ramone Birthday Bashes. I did that and then the next year things started to change in my mind. I started thinking about making a solo record, which I’ve never done. So I made a record, I had no plans to do any of that. Sometimes it takes something unexpected like that to lead you down a whole new path. It’s been working out good and I’m having fun with all of this. I then fell into acting a little bit over COVID thing, which is a whole new experience, and also a lot of fun!

    Richie Ramone, Public Nature, Shore City, and Joy Boys will rock Askew in Providence on Mar 25. 

    This Month’s Bangers:

    Lucy Dacus, touring behind her latest album, Home Video, comes to The Strand with Indigo Desouza providing support on Mar 3.

    Midnight Creeps, Diablogato, Sugar Cones, and Ruin The Nite will rock Dusk in PVD like a punk rock tsunami on Mar 4. 

    Viking Jesus Providence Vinyl Release Show featuring sets by Animal Face, Ravi Shavi, The Chops, and Viking Jesus goes down Mar 4 at The Parlour in PVD. The show starts at 9 pm sharp and also be sure to wish Tara and Nick from Viking Jesus a happy Birthday. 

    The Schemers rock the Met Cafe in Pawtucket on Mar 4.

    Iceage with Sloppy Joe rock the Columbus Theatre in PVD on Mar 8. 

    Crash Test Dummies are at the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich on Mar 10. 

    The Tossers, Crazy and the Brains, and The Pourmen rock Askew Mar 10.

    The Void Union featuring Dave Hillyard of The Slackers and The Hempsteadys at Askew on 

    Mar 11.

    Start Making Sense A Tribute to the Talking Heads is back at the Met Cafe on Mar 11 with Ruby Dear opening. 

    Verbal Assault, The FU’s, Peace Test, Bullet Proof Backpack, and Holy Hands bring punk rock back to the Met Cafe on Mar 12. 

    Damn The Torpedoes: A Tom Petty Tribute is at the Greenwich Odeum on Mar 19. 

    Henry Rollins brings his Good To See You 2022 Tour to the Met Cafe on Mar 22. 

    The Fairview, Strip Mall, Never Coming Home, Sue’s Garage, and Radio Compass rock Alchemy in PVD on Mar 26. This is an early show with doors at 5:30pm.

    Soccer Mommy and Peel Dream Magazine will be at FMH on Mar 27. 

    Brian Jonestown Massacre and Mercury Rev make a rare visit to town to rip it at the Columbus Theatre on Mar 31.

    RIP Pete McClanahan

    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com

  • Rock Your Holiday Socks Off: December Music News & Shows

    Rock Your Holiday Socks Off: December Music News & Shows

    Corinne Southern & The Constellations – Celestial Body EP

    On Celestial Body, Corinne Southern & The Celestials mix it up stylistically across three tracks. The cheeky opener, “Polaroid Picture (Of My Ass),” has a funk-fueled party vibe with hardcore gang vocals for the chorus of “my ass.” “Raise The Dead” is a blues romp in the vein of The Cramps. “Rhode Island Rock Star” is probably the best song I’ve heard about aspirations meeting the reality of being a local musician, set to a driving Americana stomp. Celestial Body is available now on your streaming service of choice.  

    Glowing Cloud – In Over My Mind EP

    The second EP this year from Glowing Cloud offers up three new intergalactic toe tappers.  Glowing Cloud is local musician Eric Smith (Sweet Dreams, The Cold War) who plays all the instruments and records everything in his home studio. From the opening spacey synths to the Joy Division-like guitars at the end, “Bonfire, NY” simmers into the ether. “Glocester Space Boy” is the rocker here dressed up with a fresh coat of shoegaze hooks. My favorite jam “I Dreamt I Was a Cloud” sounds like 90’s Brit-pop played by aliens. In Over My Mind is available on all the streaming services. 

    Sonny Vincent – Snake Pit Therapy (Svart Records) 

    Over fifty years into his career, Sonny Vincent is still making urgent music that burns as hot as ever. Vincent is best known for coming to prominence in the 1970s New York City punk scene with his band The Testors. Over the years the list of his collaborators reads like a punk rock hall of fame that includes members of the Velvet Underground, The Damned, The Stooges, Rocket From The Crypt, Sex Pistols, Replacements, and Pentagram among others. On Snake Pit Therapy, Vincent has plenty of rockers like “Ruby Diamond” and “Japan Mofo” to shred on but it’s his storytelling that makes it special. The thrash is dialed back in favor of harmonies on about half of Snake Pit Therapy. Tunes like “Can’t Absorb” and “Messed Up In Blue” aren’t for the mosh pit but they’re on heavy rotation on my stereo. The closing “Forest” has a ’60s psychedelic vibe with a comforting message that “you are not alone in the forest of the broken hearts.” Snake Pit Therapy is on all the streaming services as well as being available on vinyl and CD.

    Department of Teleportation – Self-Titled

    From the opening crunch of “Spatial Forces,” Department of Teleportation reminds me of the band Helmet. The general elements of noise and punk are there in “Bento’s Kingdom” and “Horseshit Bravo.” “Slow Soft Wind” leans more to the experimental noise side without losing passion. My favorite tunes on here are the ones that tend to conform to traditional song structures like “Spatial Forces” and “Can We Leave Now?” but I also realize that isn’t what Department of Teleportation is trying to accomplish on the pure noise numbers. It’s an interesting listen and worth checking out for fans of noise, punk and metal. Department of Teleportation’s Self Titled EP is available on Bandcamp.

    Five Shows That Don’t Blow:

    Hope Anchor / Kurt Baker / The Fatal Flaw will rock Askew on December 4. 

    It’s been too long since I’ve caught Hope Anchor’s post-punk collage of sonic melody. This is for fans of Echo & the Bunnymen, Jesus & Mary Chain and ’80’s goth rock. 

    Start Making Sense (Talking Heads cover band) and Baylies Band will rock the Met Cafe on December 4. 

    This is the only show people from my hockey league ever want to go to. Talking Heads cover band sums up the description but I will add that Start Making Sense are really good at being that.

    Max Creek’s 50th anniversary at the Met Cafe on December 10.

    I usually don’t write about hippy bands but it feels like 50 years deserves a tip of the hat. Cheers to Max Creek, they still kick out the (very long) jams that hippies tend to enjoy. Max Creek shows are also some of the best people-watching experiences anywhere. 

    The Figgs and The Benji’s rock The Parlour on December 11. 

    The Figgs are always money for turbo charged power pop thrills and spills. They formed over thirty years ago so there is no shortage of material, they usually play at least a couple of hours. Definitely get there early for one of my favorite local bands, The Benji’s! The Benji’s are more electronic but still have a sleigh full of infectious jams. 

    The 7th Ugly Sweater Party featuring Minibeast / The Moodrunners / Sugar Cones / a Dead Bird rock The Parlour on December 18.

    Dress up in an ugly sweater or don’t, either way a serious racket will be kicked up at this show. Minibeast is a noise trio featuring Peter Prescott of Mission of Burma fame. The Moodrunners are pure power pop. Sugar Cones are basically punk rock. Dead Bird have a dumb name and I can’t speak to their music.

    Other Rad Shows This Month: 

    Steve Smith & The Nakeds rock the Met Cafe on December 5. 

    Outer Heaven / Churchburn (Record Release Party) / Come To Grief / Edict / New Hell will put the pedal to the metal at Alchemy on December 10.

    Miss Tess and The Talkbacks are at Askew on December 10. 

    Hey Nineteen Steely Dan Tribute will have the Met Cafe’s dancefloor hopping on December 11. 

    Jesse Dayton and Sarah Borges are at Askew on December 12. 

    GA-20 / The National Reserve / Smith & Weeden will rock the Met Cafe on December 16.  

    Larry’s Lounge Variety Show comes to the Met Cafe on December 23. 

    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com

  • Let’s Get Weird: Keep On Moving

    Let’s Get Weird: Keep On Moving

    Finally… there’s a month with a full calendar of upcoming dates listed in advance to preview. Anyways just a quick heads up to those sending me your shows and releases, because of recent deadlines changes, I need to know AT LEAST a month and a half in advance when it comes to plugging stuff. Thanks and the email address to send stuff is, as always, at the bottom. So now, let’s get weird!

    GrandEvolution — Glow

    GrandEvolution has had a remarkable run as a band. In the last fifteen years they’ve put out six full-length albums (I’m not sure there is anyone locally that can match that) and probably played hundreds of shows around New England. Their latest and greatest album, Glow, is more delicate and introspective compared to the 90’s grunge rock superkicks of their first few albums. Singer/guitarist Sarah Kenyon is really great at weaving different elements into her songwriting. A tune like the opening “Finding Beauty” the rails down the heartbreak hill of learning to accept some dreams disintegrate with a crazy “Freebird” like guitar solo.  “Shattered,” “In Ruins,” and “Nightmare” are all dreamcore rockers. My favorite is the title track, for both the message of overcoming gossip shysters and the hook swaying in the reverb. Glow is available on all streaming services as well as CDs and vinyl at www.grandevolution.com.

    Charlie Greene — Talk To The Old Man EP

    The frontman of Less Than A Felony, Charlie Greene, has released his solo debut, Talk to the Old Man, which is available now on all streaming services. The EP kicks off with the title track and about minute long blues intro before hitting its stride somewhere between the riffing of the Stones and the bounce of The Undertones. I was disappointed that “Open Your Heart” wasn’t a cover of the Madonna song but I’ll live — also it’s a sweet folk ballad. My favorite here, “Never Made It to Graceland,” comes off as an underdog western ballad that somehow still rocks thanks to Greene’s guitar work. More Than A Felony, on Talk To The Old Man, Greene goes off on a full on sonic crimewave. 

    Jesse Malin — Sad and Beautiful World (Wicked Cool Records)

    Go big or go home in an alternative universe could be the story of Jesse Malin’s new double album, Sad and Beautiful World. In truth, the followup to Malin’s Lucinda Williams-produced breakthrough, Sunset Kids, is a double album because Malin, like the rest of us, had to go home last year. The first record, called the “roots rock” album, showcases his mellower singer-songwriter material. The second album is “radicals” showcasing Malin’s rock ‘n’ roll heart. I guess it isn’t all that different from what Deer Tick did a few years ago when they entered their condiment era.  My favorites on the “roots rock” side are “Before You Go” and “State of the Art.” “State of The Art” could really have been on either side tempo wise and has a great lyric in the chorus with “living in the state of the art, while everything is falling apart.” Some of my favorites on the “radical” side are “A Little Death”, a homage to Blondie’s disco era, and “Dance with the System” which is like Goat’s Head Soup era Stones rearranging Cheap Trick’s “Taxman, Mr. Thief.” My favorite tune from both albums comes from the “radical” side in the waltzing stomp “The Way We Used To Roll,” with lyrics like “I wrote a great story about all I could be, Tony Montana has nothing on me” showcasing the influence films have on Malin’s tunes. 

    Guided By Voices — It’s Not Them. It Couldn’t Be Them. It Is Them! (Rockathon Records) 

    Depending on how you count side projects (with the same members just recording under a different name), It’s Not Them. It Could Be Them. It Is Them is either Guided By Voices fifth or sixth full length album since the dawn of the pandemic. Technology and the fact that singer/songwriter Robert Pollard is the most prolific writer in the history of rock ‘n’ roll makes this possible. On the new album, “Flying Without A License”is like stoner rock for aliens. “High In The Rain” doesn’t sound anything like stoner rock as it rocks like a classic GBV pop with a touch of prog with the keyboards. “I Wanna Monkey” is an indie rock dance epidemic complete with horns. “Black And White Eyes In A Prism” and “I Share a Rhythm,” like much of the album, apparently have some magic power which grow on you the more they’re played — the louder, the more severe the condition. 

    5 Shows that Don’t Blow

    Titus Andronicus 

    It feels like things are getting back to normal when Titus Andronicus bring their inventive indie rock stomp back to town.

    Titus Andronicus will rock The Met Cafe on November 4th. 

    Chuck Prophet and the Mission Express

    Chuck Prophet is one of my favorite modern day songwriters with gems like “Bad Year for Rock and Roll” and “High as Johnny Thunders.” This is going to be a special night! 

    Chuck Prophet and the Mission Express will rock the Narrows Center For The Arts in Fall River on November 4th. 

    Vapors of Morphine 

    Vapors of Morphine performs the music of “low rock” pioneers Morphine, utilizing the ethereal, hypnotic and expansive sounds popularized by the group in the nineties. 

    Vapors of Morphine will perform at the Columbus Theatre on November 5th. 

    John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown Band

    Rhode Island Rock Royalty with this show, get out those old Eddie and The Cruisers soundtracks to pre-game!

    John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown Band rock The Met Cafe on November 6th. 

    Jets Can’t Land, Tall Teenagers, Joy Boys, and Jesse The Tree

    This is the perfect local rock show for people that grew up listening to WBRU in the 80’s and early 90’s while taping 120 Minutes every Sunday night.

    Jets Can’t Land, Tall Teenagers, Joy Boys, and Jesse The Tree will rock Askew on November 13th.

    Even More Great Shows This Month!

    The Mallett Brothers Band play The Met Cafe on November 5th. 

    The FIXX and Fastball play the Narrows Center For The Arts on November 5th. 

    The Wallflowers will be at the Greenwich Odeum on November 7th.

    Dustbowl Revival are at the Narrows Center For The Arts on November 11th. 

    Cheap Trick will rock the Providence Performing Arts Center on November 13th. 

    Greg Hawkes (from The Cars) and Eddie Japan perform the music of The Cars at The Met Cafe on November 13th. 

    Vanessa Carleton plays the Columbus Theatre on November 19th. 

    The Mummies and Thee Fabulous Itchies will rock Askew in a garage rock show for the ages on November 21st.

    The Schemers rock The Met Cafe on November 24th. 

    Deer Tick will play the Columbus Theatre on November 24th and 26th.

    The Silks and The Z-Boys at Askew on November 26th.

    Anthony Green will rock The Met Cafe on November 26th. 

    Bob Dylan brings the Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour to the Providence Performing Arts Center on November 26th. 

    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com

  • Happy Days Are Here Again: The return of the Newport Folk Festival

    Happy Days Are Here Again: The return of the Newport Folk Festival

    After a year off for something obscure called COVID, the Newport Folk Festival returned to Fort Adams to rage again. The festival started inauspiciously Friday, as I could see lightning flashing in the horizon driving in. There was a shelter-in-place warning in effect when I arrived, which is odd when there is no place to shelter. The first act I caught was The Marcus King Band, which thundered out of the speakers like a burst of ’60s soul with some old school blues chops thrown into the storm. King is a white guy in a cowboy hat who pulls off covering Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman.” On his own original, “Wildflowers & Wine,” King channels Otis Redding. On “Goodbye Carolina,” King and the band add some roots Americana blues into the mix.  

    Other highlights from Friday were Margo Price with the Resistance Revival Chorus, which had a powerful Carly Simon by campfire stripped-down vibe on the main stage. I then caught Maggie Rose at the Busking Tent singing a soulful number, “Saint,”  from her upcoming album. Rose and her band got down with a funky ditty called “Do It.”  After Rose finished, it was announced that the festival was called for the day because of ominous approaching clouds with 40 mph winds and hail. The storm never actually hit the Fort, but better safe than sorry. I still couldn’t help wondering if this year’s festival, like last, was doomed.

    Saturday started with Grace Potter being the hero for agreeing to kick off the festival at the un-rock ‘n’ roll hour of 11am after her set got cancelled by the phantom storm of the day before. She has her own freaking festival in Burlington, Vermont, but she wanted to rock in Newport, so that is what she and her band did. Margo Price would be all over the place at this year’s festival. On Saturday, she performed a set with Jeremy Ivey as a duo doing each other’s tunes. I was struck by how much Ivey is influenced by Tom Petty. Certainly not a bad thing, one would have to be a pencil-necked geek not to like Tom Petty. Petty’s influence reverberates in Ivey’s tunes, especially “Diamonds Back to Coal” and “All Kinds of Blue.” Price closed out the set solo with a topical ballad, “American Made,” which was just beautiful.  

    The highlight of Saturday, in a day of highlights, was without question Randy Newman. Newman performed solo on piano, occasionally accompanied by a crying child at the side of the stage and a foghorn from the bay that seemed to annoy him more and more as the set went on. Newman did most of his hits from the opening “It’s a Jungle Out There,” through “You Got a Friend in Me” and “Short People” — pretty much everything but “I Love LA.” My favorite was the audience participation number “I’m Dead (But I Don’t Know It)” which just amped up Newman’s ongoing hysterical stage banter.

    Jason Isabell and Amanda Shires closed out the day as a stripped-down three-piece. It was good, but I missed the power of Isabell’s backing band, The 400 Unit. I do love Isabell’s lyrics. “Heaven is wasted on the dead” was one that stood out. They closed out the day with a lovely rendition of “If We Were Vampires.”

    I heard plenty of people around the festival talking about the Caamp, so I checked them out Sunday. My first impression was they came off as a midwest version of Mumford & Sons — remarkable for how unremarkable they were. I warmed up a little by the third song, but in general, it wasn’t my thing. Billy Strings, on the other hand, was a badass mix of eccentric bluegrass and folk. I don’t even like bluegrass all that much, but Strings was electric and seemed to be a consensus fav for the day in the crosstalk throughout the festival. Even Governor McKee was rocking out to Strings’ set on the Quad stage.  

    It was a good thing Nathaniel Rateliff booked two sets after that elusive storm cancelled his set Friday. His set Sunday was a stripped-down version instead of the usual high energy R&B of his work with the Night Sweats that I personally love. Rateliff did eventually do a surprise set with The Night Sweats on Monday, but of course, that was my day off from the festival. Rateliff brought up Tommy Prine and the ever-present (and wonderful) Margo Price for a John Prine tribute to close his set.

    Allison Russell closed out Sunday with set chock full of guests galore, R&B, jazz, poetry and really a little of everything. One moment Russell is playing trumpet, the next she is doing a gospel style duet of “Help” by the Beatles with (of course) Margo Price. Russell also brought up Yola, Brandi Carlile and oh, Chaka (freaking) Khan to close out the day with renditions of “Ain’t Nobody” and “I’m Every Woman.”     

    Tuesday was another stacked day with killer sets early from Vagabon, Melissa Chapman and Langhorne Slim.  Bleachers did a stripped-down set of their quirky brand of pop. Fred Armison had a hilarious set of music-centered comedy using guitars and drums. Sharon Van Etten performed solo on the main stage. I dug her new song, “Darkness Fades.” My favorite Scientologist, Beck, was hysterical with his banter and performed both solo and accompanied by guitarist Smokey Hormel, Jack Antonoff (Bleachers) and Armison on drums. Beck dipped deep into his songbook to do renditions of “Asshole,” “One Foot in the Grave” and “Debra” as well as covers of “I Am the Cosmos”(Chris Bell) and “Raspberry Beret” (Prince).      

    Black Pumas absolutely tore it up as the surprise guest on the main stage with a crazy set of psychedelic soul Wednesday. They just oozed joy and energy. Lake Street Dive continued the vibes, performing standouts like “Hypotheticals,” “Hush Money” and “Know That I Know” from their latest album, Obviously.  

    Then it was time for Rhode Island’s own Deer Tick to close out the festival, and what a glorious ending it was to six day of transcendental music. I’ve seen Deer Tick over 50 times, and this set easily ranks in the top 5. They covered ZZ Top’s “Cheap Sunglasses” in honor of the recently passed Dusty Hill. They did standards like “Baltimore Blues,” “Ashamed” and “Hope is Big.” They brought Vanessa Carlton up to duet with husband, John McCauley, on “In Our Time.” They dug deep into their archives to pull out “Cake and Eggs,” an unreleased song from the Divine Providence album. They also did a new song called “If She Could Only See Me Now” from their new live album, Live From Fort Adams, recorded last year in an empty Fort Adams. The contrast between this year and last couldn’t be greater for Deer Tick. The joy of 2021 made the bleakness and fear of 2020 seem like a nightmare that one half remembers as the final refrain of “Goodnight Irene” drifted over the bay.  

    R.I.P. Dusty Hill

    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com

  • Keep on Moving: Blunt Narratives: Rock photographer makes it look like child’s play

    Keep on Moving: Blunt Narratives: Rock photographer makes it look like child’s play

    Richard’s Rock & Roll Alphabet 

    Like most good and bad ideas, the genesis of the new book Richard’s Rock & Roll Alphabet happened in a bar — Patrick’s Pub to be exact. It was there that Robert Blunt asked renowned photographer Richard McCaffrey if he had photographs of musicians that spanned the entire alphabet  Blunt’s idea was to use the photographs as a teaching tool for his young niece, Isabelle, to learn the alphabet and associate letters with amazing artists. One drink led to another photograph and the next thing you know, Blunt and McCaffrey had the ingredients to compile a pretty sweet book. Blunt designed and wrote the descriptions while McCaffrey unearthed the goods taken from his years freelancing for Rolling Stone, Billboard, Creem and others outlets in the 1970s and ’80s. The photos appear alphabetically in the book with a few different artists for each letter. Some of my favorite photos in the book are Stevie Nicks in 1976, B.B. King at San Quentin Prison with a guard patrolling the prison wall in the background, The Kinks in 1976, Thin Lizzy in 1977, Sly Stone at the then Palace Theater (now Providence Performing Arts Center) in 1973 and the Ramones in 1978. There are some serious gems here, and the music historian in me appreciates Blunt’s narratives.   

    The book is out now as a limited edition release. Blunt and McCaffrey are having a couple of book signings where you can get your signed copy and ask McCaffrey what it was like seeing Aerosmith in Newport in 1973 or about the last “ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated” Sex Pistols show at Winterland in 1978.  Here are those deets!    

    July 8: Muldowney’s Pub, 121 Empire St, PVD. 7 – 9pm

    July 9: Patrick’s Pub, 381 Smith St, PVD. 7 – 9pm 

    July 10: Round Again Records, 278 Wickenden St, PVD. 2 – 4pm

    July 10: POP Emporium of Popular Culture, 219 W Park St, PVD. 5 – 7pm

    Healing Arts in the Park: Making Music with Mark Cutler

    Rhode Island Music Hall of Famer Mark Cutler is hosting a free collaborative songwriting project throughout July and August at 7pm. Much like Cutler’s The Same Thing Project, this is open to all. People are encouraged to bring instruments, but it is by no means required. The July sessions will take place on Thursdays at Roger Williams National Memorial, 282 N. Main St, in downtown Providence. Register by emailing sparkle_bryant@nps.cov or visit www.thesamethingproject.com for more information. In August the sessions will remain on Thursdays at 7pm, but will move to Slater Mill, 67 Roosevelt Ave, in Pawtucket. I’m excited to give this a try!

    Upcoming Rockers:

    The Autocrats bring the funk-fueled dance party every Wednesday till the apocalypse and/or the next plague at Askew in Providence.  

    The McGunks Album Release Show at Alchemy featuring sets by The McGunks, Stubborn Hearts, COB and The Paraplegics on July 9. Doors are at 8pm, post-plague new location is 171 Chestnut St, PVD.

    Electric Six, Volk, & The Smoke Breaks will rock Alchemy on July 15 — holy shit it’s like a second Bastille Day!  Doors are at 7pm.

    Deer Tick and Ravi Shavi will rock the Ocean Mist on July 16 & 17. Doors are at 8pm.

    Scurvy Dog Mega Parking Lot Mega Show will take place (shockingly) in the parking lot of the Scurvy Dog in PVD on July 18. The fun kicks off at 1pm and runs until all 11 bands play or the cops shut it down. Some of the acts I’m stoked to see on this bill include Pony Boy, Midnight Creeps, Gamma Rage and The David Tessier All-Star Stars (A.S.S.).

    Record Review Mailbag:

    Kris Hansen’s Viking Jesus — Before The Mutation

    It may have taken 15 years or so of reviewing Kris Hansen’s releases, but I finally found one that I love! That’s not to say the previous ones sucked, there were cool songs sprinkled here and there. I just never felt like the rawness of Hansen’s best live performances was ever captured. Before The Mutation showcases the rock, funk, folk and electro atoms that Viking Jesus fuse together to construct their wall of sound. “Hideaway Boxes” reminds me of The Police with the harmonies of the early Pixies as Hansen duets with his wife Tara Hansen. Tara takes the lead vocal on “For A Dying Scene,” which just floats into a sphere of haunted wistfulness. “Same Killer,” on the other hand, kicks somewhere between post-punk and mid-’90s rock ‘n’ roll. I’m guessing “Boston Marathon ” is about the bombing in 2013, but I don’t have the lyric sheets. What I do know is the way the song goes from the jazzy funk of the verse to the roll in the chorus is just damn hypnotizing. Before The Mutation is available now! It’s on the internet, kid! 

    Bill Bartholomew — Bats

    What I like about this three song EP is the imagery of bats on the highway in the title track because it reminds me of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. I also dig the spacey parts on “(A Lot To Be) Free For,” but the rest of it is annoying as the title. The musicianship is certainly competent and I like the lo-fi clarity in the production, but I have no desire to ever listen to this again. Maybe that’s just me, though, so check it out on the streaming service of your choice.  

    Email music news, records, and night swimming spots to mclarkin33@gmail.com