If anyone enjoyed the Atlantic Thrills and Movers & Shakers at the Middle East Downstairs opening for Those Darlins back in October, BRACE ya self because both bands are coming back to the Middle East (Cambridge, Mass) on Friday February 3. Doors open at 8 PM. [CLICK HERE FOR TICKET INFO]
King Khan and the Shrines – “Bite My Tongue” – Bruise Cruise 7″ – You might remember this one from the Shrines Fall 2010 tour. Maybe not. Either way the studio version has just arrived and it’s a nice segue back into some of that real rock’n’soulin KK+Shrines flavor that the KK Experience lacked! LISTEN
Baby Chuck – “Whatever Is Happening” – This is the band of the same named guitarist/songwriter in Orwells. “Whatever” is a rugged rock and roll’r with some slick guitar riffs that bring to mind the Smiff West, and a harmonica solo to finish things off! If you love The Orwells, you’ll be a Baby Chuck fan. Or something’s wrong. LISTEN/WATCH VIDEO, BandCamp
Mind Spiders – “Wait For Us” – Meltdown (Dirtnap) – Mind Spiders put out a really good S/T album last year. It had the supreme “Don’t Let Her Go” on it. This one is addictive from the start. Has that sort of instant garage pop charm that Reatard had down pat.
Life Partner – “King Nothing” – Dogs (Sophomore Lounge) – Dang, how had I missed out on Life Partner. I love the production on this one. The droney vocals and that real upfront drum set really make you PAY ATTENTION. Plus, it’s pretty short, so you can just go back and replay it. LISTEN/WEBSITE
The guy has been on quite a roll appearing as the main man in Suck It and See era videos.
Puerto Rican greats Davila 666 are gaining more recognition — this time via a Taco Bell commercial!!! The song is “Obsesionao,” off Tan Bajo (In The Red, 2011). This isn’t their first audio commercial appearance — you all might recall that Northface one that featured “Basura”. Hopefully 2012 brings some more Davila 666 to this area of the country.
Watch the commercial , listen to the song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ire_n4Nz3uc&feature=youtu.be&hd=1
In honor of my upcoming turning of age:
KLYAM is off to a slow start (post-wise), do not fret or cry, though. Some great content is sure to be coming. Always does.
Box Elders tune from Alice and Friends
(though this version is from a 7″)
Been missing out on Link Wray. Not an old-time musician to miss out on.
Perpetually scary (but more than equally enticing) SKIMASK have some shows lined up. Boston area KLYAMers: check them out if you haven’t done so.
January 13 @ The Western Front (Cambridge) – All Ages w/ Double Nines, Subclinix
January 21 @ Great Scott – 21+ opening for Pissed Jeans w/ Reports, Problem U.
February Tour W/ Diarrhea Planet – Check the Skimask blog for dates/venues.
It looks like another year in concerts has concluded for me. I made it out to 19 shows (22 in 2010) at quite a few different venues around Boston/MA (including more basement/non-traditional club shows than ever) and three non-Massachusetts shows (all Black Lips).
1. Black Lips, Night Beats @ Bowery Ballroom – July
2. Black Lips, Vivian Girls @ Paradise Rock Club – April
3. Black Lips, Davila 666, X-Ray Eyeballs @ Webster Hall – October
4. Nobunny @ Church – June
5. Mark Sultan @ Magic Room Gallery – December
Favorite Bands That I Saw For The First Time In 2011: Atlantic Thrills, White Wires, Peach Kelli Pop, Sara Lee, Night Beats, and Davila 666.
