The best in local albums of 2013 and the best in January 2014 concerts 2013 was a strong year for local releases. People like these “Best of 2013” lists, but I question if anyone ever goes out and buys a record because of it. I guess the local New England releases that come to […]
Okee dokee folks … I read a quote the other day. “Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” That quote has commonly been attributed to Elvis Costello, but upon further investigation it seems that it actually dates back to the late 70s and was coined by RISD Alumnus, Martin Mull. Even further research shows […]
1. Saturday, January 11th: Rustic Overtones, Grace and The RSO, Viking Jesus; $10 advance / $12 day of; 7:30 pm doors / 9 pm show; 18+; The Spot Underground. Rustic Overtones are a band that I have enjoyed from afar for what feels like forever. While blending rock, funk and soul isn’t exactly what I look for, they do […]
What determines a hit? Obviously nobody really knows for certain, or we’d all be millionaires with our songs saturating the airwaves from sea to shining sea. There are, however, a few timeless concepts in the music world that guide an artist or producer in focusing their project in a certain direction. And in listening to […]
Stars shine and then they fade away, much like people do. Those who once made a mark on the music scene are destined, if lucky, to have their glimmer that once captivated appreciative crowds remembered. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then a cover band should be the greatest form of gratitude. I’ve […]
Rock in RI: Clarkin’s top shows of December Throwing Muses – Purgatory/Paradise It’s been a decade since Newport’s own Throwing Muses have released a record and Purgatory/Paradise shows that it wasn’t spent being idle. Purgatory/Paradise is a 32-track record that comes with a book that includes audio commentary and even more tracks! Because of the […]
Five of the biggest concerts happening in RI this December 1. Saturday, December 7: A Wilhelm Scream (Partycrasher CD release!), Half Hearted Hero, The Holy Mess, The Down and Outs. $12 advance / $14 day of. 7 pm doors / 8 pm show. All ages. The Met, 1005 Main St., Pawtucket, RI. New Bedford’s own A Wilhelm Scream’s new […]
There are many intricate pieces involved in creating a truly memorable live show. You must give credit to everyone involved, from the booker, to the merchandise girl, to the percussionist on stage. It takes the support of many hard working people to create an amazing experience that holds in your memory for a lifetime. Now, I’m […]
So I finally got a Friday off, and decided to go see Melt Banana at AS220 on Empire Street. If you’ve never been to AS220, it’s half art gallery and half bar, with artists lofts upstairs. The bar has a great selection of beers and booze. Enough about their watering hole, and on with the music … […]
It’s getting progressively difficult for a band to make their mark on the local music scene, let alone the national one. Young (and some not so young) ambitious musicians are putting together projects, armed with over a half century’s worth of inspiration, and marching out headlong into the cut-throat world known as the live club […]