All posts by G. Gordon Gritty

Music, Nobunny, reviews

It’s Never Too Late: Part 1 – SECRET SONGS [NOBUNNY]

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So it’s the end of the year and I realize, damn I never got a chance to write about some things that are truly the shit – highly deserving of some KLYAMing. That’s where I am right now – screw professional journalism with its timeliness. It’s nice to sit or bop around with stuff for a bit and truly enjoy. It’s too easy to be all key pounding XXXXXXXXXXXXXX after a day of listening. So you’ll be seeing some posts like these – replacing year end lists, for me anyway.
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NOBUNNY – “Secrets Songs” – LP

LABEL: Goner Records

If y’all haven’t noticed over the past four years, we’ve got that perpetual NOBUNNY fever. And we’re hoping it’s contagious! For far longer than our fervor, Nobunny’s graced the world of music with his gold glove of rock ‘n roll – performance and sound recording. Cassettes, CDRs, vinyl singles, full length’s, he’s done it all. Love Visions (2008) is the release that set the underground punk/garage world afire, a powerful enough LP that makes the squarest of triangles rip out a mic, karaoke, and create demented sounds all whilst making Double Bubble salesmen lose their hat. In other words, buy that LP if you haven’t. And then there’s Raw Romance (2009) a grab bag of largely tenderly menacing acoustic recordings from bunnyman who can, yes, do it all. And I fondly remember jotting stuff down about First Blood, almost analyzing it. To be a kid again. Shoulda just wrote ‘FUNNER THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE’ – ’cause a good 40 months later I’m motorheading and blowing dumb like it was new. All the wonderful records have this timeless quality, yup here I say it: Secret Songs is a sweet package deal like its predecessors.

I don’t know why deconstructing Nobunny is a joyous celebration for a guy like me – it is a mystery that I compare to a journey, destination unknown. Secret Songs was recorded by several individuals in various locations spread throughout the land (props to these familiar folks) – all tunes written and performed by the lone Bun man. That alone is more than impressive, but his references sweep in and out of early rock ‘n roll, speedy PUNK, bubblegum garage, you name it. Yet as I say time and time again, there’s nobody like NOBUNNY – that discernible figure screams, whistles, adds a lil Australian vocally, covers The Kids of Widney High. I could go on and on about lil parts here and there in each tune or that fine insert – lyrics, most in pen on ole white lined, these kinda personal touches that make Secret Songs what it is. If ya got a mind and soul congenial for sounds that are everyday, no day, warm, rotten. I’m not much a dude for same ole same ole musically, modern rock ‘n roll’s DIY master Nobunny ain’t about that either. Tell a friend, this is for REAL!

A1. Bye Bye Roxie – Yes!!!!!!
A2. True Vulture – Yes!!!!!
A3. Pretty Girls – YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A4. Trouble In Mind – YES!!!!!
A5. It’s Pathetic – YES!!!!!!!!!!
A6. Lizard Liars – YES!!!!!!!!!!
A7. Rotten Sweet Tooth – YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B1. Do The Stooge – YES!!!!!!!!!!
B2. My Blank Space – YES!!!!!!!!!!!!
B3. Little Bo Bitch – YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B4. Red Light Love – YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B5. The Birthday Girl – YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B6. Buried In A Bong – YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B7. Lovin Lovin You – YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

klyamrecommended

Music, Thee Oh Sees

Thee Oh Sees On Indefinite Hiatus

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Thee Oh Sees @ The Well, NYC
Thee Oh Sees @ The Well, NYC, 9/2012

“This will be the last Oh Sees show for a long while” – John Dwyer, December 18, 2013.

Thee Oh Sees – the name dates back to 1997 when Dwyer first called his work “Orinoka Crush Suite” – have easily built a name for themselves internationally as the lushest of rock ‘n roll bands, releasing literally tons of high quality records and touring nearly non-stop. For fans of the band, especially those who’ve seen them throughout the years in San Francisco, this must be exceptionally difficult; the band’s presence could almost be taken for granted, knowing they were always up to something good.

Dwyer is moving to LA and Brigette Dawson is heading to Santa Cruz. Mike Shoun and Petey Dammit will remain in SF. All four of these talented individuals have put in dizzying efforts in the band and I can’t wait to see what they’ll be doing next!  On a KLYAM level, Chris and I first heard about the extraordinary Oh Sees in October 2009 outside Harpers Ferry [Allston, MA] at the recommendation of Billy Grave, who was drumming for Nobunny at the time. It wouldn’t be long until I was hooked on the band. They ventured into an array of styles whilst carving out an unmistakable Oh Sees sound. 2009’s Help is a personal fave along with 2011’s Castlemania – these being more primitive garage/psych releases in their extensive discography. Their more extended jams of recent days (as seen on Carrion Crawler / The Dream, Putrifiers II, and Floating Coffin) are killer as well – bestial, humming, CATCHY.

For those who know Thee Oh Sees well indeed, you know all this and have your own favorites. If for whatever reason you haven’t had a chance to really check out Thee Oh Sees [you probably haven’t been on KLYAM before!], do so. It’ll be a lengthy pursuit but totally worth every second. On one final note, I’m grateful to have seen Thee Oh Sees for the first and only time in New York last September playing with Ty Segall no less. Like all the greatest shows I’ve been to, this one was non-stop movement; long time fans, new ones, probably would have knocked the band down if it wasn’t for the tall stage acting as a barrier. This is what it was like at most Oh Sees shows, I imagine!

Best of luck to Thee Oh Sees, see you guys soon

Band Recommendation, Local Music, Music, The TeleVibes

Band Recommendation: The TeleVibes

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I could tell you about The TeleVibes, but I say you should just go see them. Chris tried telling me about the Salisbury Mass threesome a few months back after catchin them at Wilder Zangcraft, but per the ole usual he was a bit shithaused!! Anyway, I caught TeleVibes last night playing alongside Nice Guys (so sick, you know this) and Gymshorts (Providence band so sick) at Zuzu and damn these guys rock ‘n roll straight top of the tot pole style. I mean TVs are more unusual than a lot of stuff passing as Surf Rock these days – and I mean this assuredly. The drums pound harder and wilder, guitar playing like a constant barrage of twisty leads. All very pop. Though there wasn’t much chaos amongst the crowd last night, I’d say that’s probably coming any day now with these dudes on the ]no[ stage.

They’ve got a tape coming soon – January 22, 2014 – and a release show that same night at Middle East Upstairs. Playing with them will be our fave Providence dudes The Atlantic Thrills, Vundabar, and The Guru.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/TeleVibes
BC: http://thetelevibesofficial.bandcamp.com/

klyamrecommended

concert review, Music, reviews, The Beets

Review: The Beets @ The Whitehaus

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Bands: Ronnie Nordac, Dylan Ewen & The Sulk Scouts, The Beets
Date: November 26, 2013
Venue: The Whitehaus

THE BEETS of QUEENS performing in Boston, two times in about a three week span. I’ll take it. You’ll take it. Let’s make this a regular occurrence – why not? Thanks to Dylan and Ben (of BUFU Records, pictured above) and B.O.W. Shows, The Beets came through, full band/full visuals, to play the illustrious Whitehaus. Opening for the trio was the man himself Ronnie Nordac as well as Dylan and the Sulk Scouts. Now, a legitimate show reviewer might just omit the following, but I won’t: train delays and bus shuttles and all of that kinda crazy shit meant that we KLYAM were running a bit behind. We missed Ronnie and Dylan. And I’m still pretty pissed. But we ran as fast as we could, got pointed in the right direction by Naked Man Simon, and descended into a dark, crowded underground. The Beets were all set up, flash forward exactly one minute. They start playing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE BEETS – guitar/vocals Juan Wauters, bass/vocals Tall Juan Zaballa, and Chie Mori drums/vocals – are without any second guessing, simply one of my favorite bands to listen to – live, recorded, on YouTube, whatever. It was back in April 2009 that this band came into my life. Wellesley College opening for No Age. There weren’t many of us there, but you can ask Nick and he’ll tell ya all about it. I remember thinking Beets’ sound was a bit like Black Lips, like Beat Happening, two juggernauts themselves right there. Well whatever the case maybe, a couple years passed by, and we heard they were playing the Problem House. That was something else. I remember Chris begging for some “Broken English” and he did indeed get his wish. Then there was Hassle Fest, still very fresh in my mind. Their set was a highlight, a passionate affair. Ben Katz and Chris Collins going ape shit, singing along.

I will say…………..last night was maybe even more special! People were itching for more Beets, perhaps feeling like they’ve been missing something from their life these past 17 days. It was awesome to be surrounded by several people that may have been turned onto this show from Hassle Fest. Well anyway, with flags draped behind them, lights attached to microphones, The Beets went along. Jumping up and down at the hit of a drum, the pluck of the guitars, head bobbing. Most of the dozen or so songs that THE BEETS played are characteristically short, but characteristically oh so memorable for those of us obsessed. “Happy But On My Way,” “Why Should I Live If I Don’t Fit,” my top dawg “What Did I Do?, and the ultimate lil teaser, shout-along “The Devil” from Spit On The Face; 90 second clanger “Cold Lips,” “Watching T.V,” “Knock On Wood,” and “Flight 14” which they did as an encore (yo if they played more after this, don’t even tell me!!!!!!!!!!!!!) from Stay Home; and from their most recent LP Let The Poison Out, we got “Let Clock Work”, “Doing As I Do,” “I Think I Might Have Built A Horse,” “Friends of Friends”; a pair of covers — Beatles “Day Tripper” and Howard Sterns “Silver Nickles and Golden Dimes”; and a really really really cool song sung by Chie. Am I forgetting some???? Maybe.

The bottom line right here is that The Beets are a must-see/must-hear group. Their minimalist rock ‘n roll ways go deep in that the experience is always like very few I’ve encountered in the many shows I go to. If the Beets were from around here, you’d be reading review after review, and honestly we’d never tire of writing about them. No exaggeration.

CHECK OUT THE BEETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ACLU Benefit, BUFU Records, Music, reviews

ACLU Benefit ‘Love and Fame’ Out Now On BUFU

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ACLU Benefit – Noah Britton – has a new album called Love and Fame out now on beloved BUFU Records. That sentence might sound generic, but the tape is anything but – I assure you. For those unfamiliar with ACLU Benefit (I’m included with you), you may be like hmm. But after listening to this anti-folk charmer, I think I have a better idea about the man behind the music. It’s heart-felt and even if there are some “beautiful lies,” you’d hardly know. The stripped down acoustics paired with Benefit’s deep voice is Adam Green-like, but I’d say ACLU is easier to follow, more straightforward. He touches you. Opener “It’s a Lonely, Lonely World” affects even the most pitiless. I’d hope. The songs that stand out the most to me…hit home the most, if you will: “There’s No Wrong Way To Beat A Drum” which offers inspiration in shunning ‘conventional’ music playing and instruction and from a similar ethos is “Why Aren’t I Famous?” with these two choice lines (among many): ‘Or ‘cuz I don’t believe in marketing I think it’s evil/mental rape forcing you to ruin whats beautiful?’ ACLU Benefit is just doing what he’s doing and, to my ears, carrying along a realistic, necessary message open to whateva you fancy.

Side note: Noah will be playing in a soul band called HOT as part of the BUFU Holiday Quasi-Semi-Formal happening at that ill spot in JP! Y’all know where I mean. FRIDAY DECEMBER 6. Check it out!

Bandcamp: http://aclubenefit.bandcamp.com/album/love-and-fame
BUFU Store: http://bufurecords.bigcartel.com/product/aclu-benefit-love-and-fame-cassette

Arctic Monkeys, Deerhunter, Show Alert

Show Alert: Arctic Monkeys/Deerhunter @ Agganis Arena

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Arctic Monkeys @ HOB In 2009. We went. HOB sux.
Arctic Monkeys @ HOB In 2009. We went. HOB sux.


Thursday, February 6th, 2014, will your ass be planted in the balcony section of an arena looking downward at Bradford Cox? Cox’s Deerhunter – who’ve done the whole Massachusetts arena thing – will be opening for Arctic Monkeys at a venue with the same name sake as Chris’ favorite drivers’ ed – Agganis Arena.

concert review, Creaturos, FUZZ, Local Music, reviews, Ty Segall

Review: FUZZ, CCR Headcleaner, CreaturoS @ Great Scott

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OCT_2013 001

Date: Monday, October 14

CreaturoS: People arrived early and in large numbers to see locals CreaturoS on what would, of course, be a fun night of rock ‘n roll entertainment. I’ve seen CreaturoS on a few occasions, in a lil ole Allston shimmy, at the MidEast Upstairs, at Fuzzstival. At O’Briens. At Great Scott on this night – I can say I had my most enjoyable CreaturoS experience. They were loud, they were proud, and the songs just had a certain meat to them that seemed to be previously lacking. The guitar solos were virtuoso quality, one after another it seemed. You’d have to be stiffer than stiffs not to groove around. Maybe I was just not in a moving mood at the previous gigs or something. While the crowd didn’t flood the stage during “James Days’ Milkshake” as they did @ FUZZSTIVAL, I got the feeling that that could have happened at any point. This was an opening set to remember.

Set- List:
“James”
“Love Corner”
“Sunrise”
“Last Summer”
“Always Mind”
“Know I’m Wrong”
“Charlie Brown”
“Short Shorts”
“Ruff Puke”
“Beach”

CCR Headcleaner: I think the only way I could describe CCR Headcleaner is transcendent. With their own light show and a relentless flurry of noise, pounding, squall, I haven’t seen a group serve up a psychedelic sludge stage show quite like CCR. This wasn’t really for me, though, call me a wussie all you want. I kind of like the fact that they never relented and just went full force through their whole set, which felt like it was at least an hour long. Oatmeal crackers can do that to you, kids. I checked these dawgs out before and after the show and I’m diggin on their recorded stuff. I may not be physically prepared for a Headcleaner show. Someday I hope.

FUZZ: For a dude who hadn’t been to Boston in years, Ty must have felt a little comfort playing among a dense, sold out crowd. I’ve praised the dude on this very cyberformat countless times since being swept away with Melted in ’10. So to finally see him perform in Boston with FUZZ …what can I say. You might fall into two camps, if you’re reading this review: you either went to this show or you didn’t. If you did, your mind was blown, you were deeply staring at the stage with a smile, nodding your head. Or you were in on the action, shaking around like a nut. I’m not even sure what songs FUZZ played or didn’t play, there was some differentiation, but it was hard not to get absolutely lost in Charlie Mootheart’s tormenting axing. Keep singing Ty and banging hard, but check out that solo! WTF!!!!!!!!!! I’m into the whole FUZZ thing – though metal and hard rock aren’t my go-to styles – but if you are really into those things, you probably walked away from this show, thinking to yourself, damn this might have been the greatest thing I’ve seen in a while. And I didn’t have to go to the DCU Center. wait, what. I feel you people. I know what that’s like. Loose Sutures, What’s In My Head, This Time I Got A Reason, ya ya ya you know them all.