Two weeks ago, while I was waiting for The Hold Steady to take the stage in Cambridge, I heard that Ric Ocasek from The Cars passed. The Hold Steady, knowing they were in the hometown of The Cars, handled it with so much class, pumping up the house music to “Since You’re Gone” by The […]
I tried to model this year’s Fall Guide column after a Ramones concert — no frills, just kill. Check out five new releases to pregame with high grade tequila on page XX, and there is also a Spotify playlist called “Motif Keep On Moving Fall 2019” to get you ready for the rock! Much as […]
Happiness — Live The long awaited debut album from Happiness is a demented thrill ride down the rock ‘n’ roll autobahn. For those not familiar, Happiness is a local rock ’n’ roll supergroup consisting of Ian O’Neil, Chris Ryan and Dennis Ryan from Deer Tick combining forces with Rafay Rashid of Ravi Shavi/The Lookers. Despite the […]
I first saw the Rolling Stones in fall 1989 on their Steel Wheels tour. At the time, being an adolescent punk rocker, I didn’t give a shit about “corporate rock” like the Stones. My dad, who loves the Stones, had tickets for the show at the old Foxboro Stadium. Someone had cancelled last minute so […]
Sweet Dreams – How Ya Dune? On their debut EP, How Ya Dune?, Sweet Dreams kick things off with “Heaven Sent,” which has a power pop meets You’re Living Me Over Me-era Dinosaur Jr. vibe, especially with the production. Singer/Guitarist Eric Smith may lack J. Mascis’ guitar pyrotechnics, but he does a good job of capturing […]
J Kelley Band are releasing their debut album Burning Season. Burning Season reminds me of high-energy ’90s rock. “Ransom” sounds like the Gin Blossoms with an added thump. I like the backing vocals on “Drying Out,” which gives a soulful texture to the driving pop that sounds like The Rembrandts meets Black Crowes. The title track […]
Sick Pills — Nothing’s Funny Anymore (75orLess Records) — Take 2 Because They Are Good for You As a hockey junky it is really amazing that I get anything done this time of year. I’ve referenced the debut album of The Blood Moons as one of my favorite local albums many times. Before that, there […]
To lead off, I have to give my support to the workers of Stop & Shop who are forced to forgo their wages while the company tries to replace them with Johnny 5s from Short Circuit. Please do not cross their picket line. Moving on… The first time I wrote about one of Jay Berndt’s bands, […]
There really isn’t anything better than Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son,” but everyone knows that. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Evacuation” — Electric Six “Career Opportunities” — The Clash “Rise” — Public Image Limited “Dreamworld” — Midnight Oil “1933” — Frank Turner
I recently heard Slash say new rock ‘n’ roll was dead till Greta Van Fleet came along. Fair enough, everyone has a right to their opinion. But most don’t have their own column to say that is bullshit. I do. I saw them last Columbus Day weekend and at first it was really amazing — […]