This column marks 20 years at the Motif for me so without further adieu, let’s get through as many things ‘till I hit my word limit and hit send.
SUMMER JAMS: Throwing Muses — Moonlight Concessions (Fire Records)
RI Music Hall of Fame inductees Throwing Muses are celebrating their 44th year with a new album, Moonlight Concessions. The biscuit has an added sparseness to Kristin Hersh’s signature haunted lullabies. Tunes like “Drugstore Drastic” and “Summer of Love” hit raw. My favorite is “Albatross,” where the first half has a hypnotizing, droning folk vibe before twisting into a ballad seeped in beautiful desperation.
Craig Finn — Always Been
On his 7th solo album, The Hold Steady frontman serves tales of lost souls refusing to give up. “Bethany” tells the story of a former preacher who never felt a calling so much as a “desire to be the one who stood up in the room.” Finn made the record with Adam Granduciel from The War on Drugs, who adds a distinct sonic palette. “People of Substance” and “Fletcher” are my favorites on this one. Don’t miss Finn opening for The Mountain Goats at Fête on August 10.
COMING ATTRACTIONS:
Aimee Mann
I saw that Mann recently reunited with Til Tuesday for the first time in over 30 years at the Cruel World festival. Don’t expect those tunes, as I’ve caught Mann solo a few times and she focuses on her solo material. It’s been a couple of years since the last album but she does have a new single with her husband, Michael Penn, covering “Hallelujah! I’m a Bum” to benefit the Sweet Relief charity. Aimee Mann will play Park Theater in Cranston on June 5.
Soul Rebels
Soul Rebels brings the heartbeat of New Orleans with a rousing mix of R&B, jazz, and soul that will have you dancing for days. Soul Rebels will rock the house at The United Theatre in Westerly on June 5.
The Winehouse Project
I’ve caught The Winehouse Project a few times and can vouch that they faithfully resurrect the magic of Amy Winehouse. Get there early though for Dred Buffalo who released a scorcher of a single, “Real,” late last year. The tune is a banger and available on streaming services. It has been streamed over 33,00 times on Spotify alone. The Winehouse Project, Dred Buffalo, and Midnight Riders will get the party started at Alchemy in PVD on June 6.
Whitestake
I saw this listing and I thought it was Whitesnake because the lettering was so similar. I even texted a friend who pointed out I was an idiot as it clearly said Whitestake. Still, the idea of a Whitesnake cover band sounds like a hoot! They are one of the few hair metal bands I remember fondly. I wonder if they’ll have someone dancing the Tawny Kitaen moves. Whitestake rock the Met Café in Pawtucket on June 7.
Olivia Dolphin
Last fall Olivia Dolphin released an excellent album, Better, and the momentum hasn’t stopped. They recently won a battle of the bands on a stacked local bill at the Met Café. Dolphin and her band have been described as witchy pop, which is on the mark. I hear elements of Tori Amos, which I guess could be called witchy pop too. Dolphin and her band really go into an extra gear live! Olivia Dolphin, Zaq Baker, and Space Cowboy Next play Myrtle in East Providence on June 11.
Mark Cutler
It is always exciting when we get some new jams from Mark Cutler. I haven’t heard the new biscuit, but Cutler’s albums, for the uninitiated, are usually rock ‘n’ roll in the tradition of Tom Petty, Lou Reed, the Stones, and way too many other influences to name. Mark Cutler’s Murder of Crow album release show goes down at Myrtle on June 13. If you miss that, Mark Cutler & The Men of Great Courage will be at Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River on July 16.
Sunday Girl
I’ve caught Sunday Girl a few times and they do a great job of paying homage to the incredible catalog of Blondie. Sunday Girl will play the hits, deep cuts, and even throw in some Pretenders tunes on occasion. Paranoid Android covers all your favorite bangers from the 90’s! Sunday Girl and Paranoid Android will rock the Lounge at Fête Music Hall in PVD on June 14.
Mark Mulcahy
I used to play Mark Mulcahy’s ’90s band Miracle Legion on WDOM way back in the day. I’m still not certain if I’ve ever seen him live, but hopefully I’ll be able to rectify that. Mulcahy will have a full band and will be playing music from his career, including his other band, Polaris. Mark Mulcahy and Band will rock the Met Café on June 14.
R.I.P. Jill Sobule •
Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com
