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Art, Best Of 2012, Burger Records, Cumstain, Fat Creeps, Fat History Month, Goner, Gravys Drop, Honorary KLAYMERS, Hunx and His Punx, Kids Like You and Me, Local Music, Maine Coons, Music, pictures, Punk, The Barbaras, Ty Segall, Yankee Power

Best Of 2012: LPs and More!

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year-end-celebration

In a few hours it will be 2013, but before I enter the new year I have to look back at my favorite releases in 2012. The following are my top ten:

1) The Barbaras- The Barbaras: 2006-2008 (Goner)

2) Fat Creeps- Fat Creeps EP (Self-Released)

3) Black Lips- Black Lips Live @ Third Man Records (Third Man)

4) Cumstain- White People Problems (Burger)- Okay, not officially released, but still, a favorite of mine.

5) Yankee Power- Zoo Traffic (Self-Released)

6) Hunx- Hairdresser Blues (Hardly Art)

7) Ty Segall- Twins (Drag City)

8) Gravys Drop- For the Love of Gravy (Burger)

9) Maine Coons- Maine Coons 7″ (Stencil Trash)

10) Fat History Month- Live at the Bruce Manor (http://fathistorymonth.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-bruce-manor-super-xxx-ebition)

2013 shall be a year of great releases I predict.

Art, Bent Shapes, Best Of 2012, Fat Creeps, Honorary KLAYMERS, Hunx and His Punx, Kids Like You and Me, King Khan, King Khan and the Shrines, Lists, Local Music, Music, New Highway Hymnal, Nice Guys, No Age, Nobunny, pictures, Punk, reviews, SKIMASK, Slimers, Smith Westerns, The Electric Street Queens, The Migs, The Strange Boys, Ty Segall, Ty Segall Band, White Fence, Yankee Power

My Top Shows Of Twenty-Twelve

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I saw more shows this year than any other (47 total) and all of them were FUN . The following is a list of my top ten (most fun) shows all year:

10) The New Highway Hymnal, Creaturos, Leamers, The Migs, Nice Guys @ Big Stink (10/6/12)
Damn, this was a solid night. I mean with the bands on this bill, how could it not be? Going in to this show I only knew NHH and The Migs, but I came out a fan of local stalwurts, Creaturos and Nice Guys, and our neighbors to the North, Montréal’s Leamers. Kids bashing and bopping around like they ought to. I’ll link you up to the KLYAM review: https://klyam.com/2012/10/09/concert-review-nice-guys-the-migs-leamers-creaturos-new-highway-hymnal-big-stink-10612/

9) The Migs, Nice Guys, Cult Fluorescent, Slimers, Chillcity Icon @ Wilder Zangcraft (11/24/12)
Best Migs show I’ve seen! Nice Guys played a sick set of Coachwhips covers and it was great to see the experimental one mon band Cult Fluorescent again. This show was also my introduction to the mighty Migsian two piece, Slimers and the twisted no wave/noise duo, Chillcity Icon. https://klyam.com/2012/12/06/concert-review-the-migs-nice-guys-cult-fluorescent-slimers-chillcity-icon-wilder-zangcraft-112412/


8) Hunx and His Punx, Heavy Cream, Radio Control @ Great Scott (4/2/12)
I’m a Hunx freak, so words can’t describe my excitement for this show. Having missed the past two Hunx Boston gigs :( I’ve waited for two and a half years to see the band live again. The first time back in October ’09 was opening for Jay Reatard and this served as my intro to Hunx. This time around was even better because I actually knew and loved all of the songs. Throw in Infinity Cat noise makers, Heavy Cream and Somerville rockers, Radio Control and you have one of the finest shows all year. https://klyam.com/2012/04/04/concert-review-hunx-and-his-punx-great-scott-4212/


7) Fat Creeps, Earthquake Party, Fedavees, Fagettes Halloween Show @ Rosebud (10/13/12)
2012 very well could be called the year of the Fat Creeps, especially on this site. We’ve seen a dozen Creeps shows this year, more than any other artist. In fact, I think I’ve seen them more than any other band I’ve seen. Every show has had its own special quality, but for Halloween they played a set of Ramones covers and the crowd ate it up. It was the marriage of two of my favorite bands, and on top of that there were stellar sets from Earthquake Party! (Nirvana), Fedavees (The Wipers), and The Fagettes (Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood).
https://klyam.com/2012/10/16/concert-review-halloween-show-featuring-fat-creeps-earthquake-party-fedavees-fagettes-rosebud-101312/


6) On Broadway Fest 2008 @ Dirty Douglas/Ant Cellar (5/5/12)
I haven’t been to any music festivals, except this one, well and the first On Broadway Fest, but I arrived at night for that one. Therefore, this show was a unique experience. It was a blast seeing 15 or so bands all in one day, especially with memorable performaces from Fat History Month, Big Mess, The New Highway Hymnal (shit water yay!), and Guerilla Toss – I literally felt the Guerilla Toss, woooo. https://klyam.com/2012/06/08/concert-review-onbroadway-fest-2008-5512/


5) No Age, Make It Up @ Chum’s Coffeehouse (3/10/12)
KLYAM and No Age go way back, way back before there even was a KLYAM. The first show we saw at Middle East was No Age, and that took place in 2008. They were one of the first of our beloved, HONORARY KLYAMERS. As popular as No Age is, they still carve out their own DIY aesthetic and playing a little Coffeehouse in Waltham is a testament to that. Some of the best moshing/crowd surfing I’ve seen all year! https://klyam.com/2012/03/12/concert-review-no-age-chums-brandeis/


4) Ty Segall, Thee Oh Sees, K-Holes @ The Well (9/22/12)
This is one of the few shows I have seen outdoors. I need to experience more of these! Outside on a rainy night in Brooklyn with a thousand or more bodies. I usually prefer smaller gigs, but Ty Segall’s music is so gigantic it feels right in this setting. Of course, this show is also special because this marks my first and only experience with Thee Oh Sees, one of America’s greatest live bands. Can’t wait for the next NYC trip and/or Ty/Oh Sees show. K-Holes, stay solid. https://klyam.com/2012/09/23/concert-review-ty-segall-thee-oh-sees-k-holes-the-well-92212/

3) Ty Segall, White Fence, Strange Boys @ Space Gallery (5/14/12)
Ty it is again! You just can’t stop this guy from popping up on our year end lists. Ahh, our first Ty Segall show ever! An event in heavy anticipation for nearly two years. The Space Gallery is one of the finer venues in the New England area that I have attended: larger capacity without that corporate rock feel, art gallery, steady rock ‘n’ roll, and two dollar PBRs! Yeah, so if the show above at the Well felt like a big time House of Blues event, then this Space Gallery show was more akin to a rowdy, packed Black Lips show at the Mid East Downstairs. And of course, Strange Boys were better than ever!
https://klyam.com/2012/05/15/concert-review-ty-segall-white-fence-strange-boys/


2) King Khan & The Shrines, Hector’s Pets @ Brighton Music Hall (7/23/12)
As far as showmen go, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone that competes with King Khan. We were blessed this year to catch Khan and all the classic Shrines at a sweaty, fun filled show this past July. It’s just one big party y’all. https://klyam.com/2012/07/25/concert-review-king-khan-the-shrines-brighton-music-hall/

Who will be number 1?…..

NO NO NO NO NO!!!
NobunnyTyOhSeesNYCSep2012 009
NOBUNNY!!!!

1) Nobunny, Bad Sports, Xray Eyeballs, Liquor Store @ Living Bread (9/21/12)
For the past three years, the almighty Black Lips have filled the number one slot in this category. Alas, we did not see them this year, they had bigger plans – touring the Middle East. Beautiful, those kids need em’ more. Fortunately, we witnessed somebunny else on stage, this bunny we’ve also consistently seen the past 3-4 years, and he’s never let us down. 5 Nobunny shows deep and this was the best. I felt like I was watching Darby Crash or Keith Morris, but singing bubblegum and garage. I love that feeling, when you look up at a bunnyman in his underwear and say to yourself “this is the only kind of rock ‘n’ roll that matters.” https://klyam.com/2012/09/24/concert-review-nobunny-bad-sports-xray-eyeballs-liquor-store-living-bread-92112/

Ahh what a year, 2012, the best I’d say. In this year I saw the following exceptional/favorite bands for the first time (some of which I noted above): SKIMASK, Bleached, Smith Westerns, Dirty Virgins,  Fat Creeps, The Migs,  Ty Segall, Beach Boys,  Bent Shapes (as Bent Shapes), Colleen Green (two nights in a row!), Thee Oh Sees, Nice Guys, The Fagettes, The Electric Street Queens, Yankee Power.

And now I’m off to bring in 2013 with Fat Creeps,  The New Highway Hymnal, Color Channel, and Yale, MA at Great Scott. Peace.

Art, concert review, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews

Concert Review: Dirty Virgins, Slimers, Krill, ABADABAD @ Great Scott (12/18/12)

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Eye Design Presents: Treat Yo Self Christmas Edition With Music From:
Dirty Virgins, Abadabad, Krill and Slimers
Date: Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Venue: Great Scott (Allston, MA)

December2012Show 028
Act I: Slimers– Ahh, it’s good to be back in ye olde Great Scott. Tonight, the place is looking festive, decked out in various Christmas decorations. For those that don’t know (you oughta be ashamed of yourselves), Slimers is Lukas Goudreault (vocals, guitar) and Keven Lareau (vocals and drums/percussion) of The Migs and MMOSS  and they are dressed in equally festive raiment: some badass Cosby looking Christmas sweaters. Da Slimers start their sound checkin’ and for a few brief moments I feel like we’re at some house show. No, I don’t mean house as in a basement, living room, DIY sorta thang. I mean house as in electronic, trance, dubstep, etc. It’s trippy, loud and intense brah, where are the glowsticks and euphoric blockbusters? Nowhere to be found, because  Slimers aren’t a hair cut band and more importantly this is just their sound check.  Christ, why am I reviewing sound checks? That would be pretty funny though if we at KLYAM  just reviewed sound checks from here on out. Fuck the set tonight, I just want to hear a killer sound check, man. Good lord. In all seriousness though, when Slimers are sound checking, they start playing for a little bit and I’m fucking immersed in all their sliminess. I look to my right at Glen and I can see in his eyes that he feels the same way. Then I look behind me and I notice that we’re the only ones in front of the stage. I’m thinking “what is a matter with all of these jokers?” Then the band immediately stops like a car going 90 slamming on the breaks. They walk off the stage, and Glen and I look at each other, both thinking the same thing: “fuck, we’re idiots!”  We were both thinking that that was the beginning of their actual set, not just a sound check.  Aww man, this sound check is like the pre-cum that cums out before the real cum. No worries, the real cum arrives shortly and better than I expected.  Slimers produce a blast of noise, psych, and the kind of  rock ‘n’ roll we consistently champion here, the only kind.  It’s a fun, loud set and in fact the best of the night. I’m still acclimating myself to their songs, but I find it hard not to sing along to “SPAGHETTIANN,” a catchy number that draws comparisons to early Ty Segall.  The duo close their set with a cover of “Louie,  Louie.” YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH!  Get  yer ya-ya’s out with Slimers here: http://slimerz.bandcamp.com/

December2012Show 031
Act II: Krill– Krill is a three piece from Somerville that I am not particularly fond of, but it appears as though others in attendance are digging them. They seem to have some noisy garage vibes like  the other bands on the bill this evening, but they don’t diddle my twat the way Slimers diddled my twat. This is just my first impression, sometimes I change my mind, so I plan on giving them more listens. Here’s their bandcamp page, check it out : http://wheretheresakrilltheresaway.bandcamp.com/

December2012Show 035
Act III: ABADABAD– At this point in the evening, the Great Scott is pretty packed. I mean actually throughout the whole show, the turn out for a Tuesday night has been spectacular. ABADABAD, what a name for these dudes! ABADABAD is a band I have never heard of until now.  I enjoy their set for it’s mellow, danceable, power pop quality. And yes indeed some dancing emerges during their peformance, which is always positive.  Click on their bandcamp page, they have plenty of releases you can dance your ass off to: http://abadabad.bandcamp.com/

December2012Show 037
Act IV: Dirty Virgins– It’s been an excellent year in music, each year seems to get better, but what makes this year so special for KLYAM is the fact that we have had more exposure and experience with local- Boston/ New England based music more than ever before. Dirty Virgins are certainly a part of the Boston underground music scene and definitely one of the best local bands I’ve seen all year. I saw them before at the Dirty Douglas and that was a bastard of a show. Good times.  Tonight, the Dirty Virgins are just as fun as before, if not more. The crowd dances and moshes (a little bit) and in general all are in high spirits. They deliver a ball busting, rocking set filled with several great tunes. I especially dig the headbanging inducing anthemic rocker, “Cheap Talk” as well as the country droolin’ ballads in “Bar Rot” and “Company Store,” two jams that make the band earn the description in the first half of their moniker. The latter number in particular is a terrific sing-a-long. Listen to all their punk slime here: http://dirtyvirgins.bandcamp.com/

Adam Green, Art, Atlantic Thrills, Bent Shapes, Best Coast, Best Of 2012, Black Lips, Bradford Cox, Cole Alexander, Cumstain, Dangeresque, Diamond Rugs, Entertainment, Fat Creeps, Gangbang Gordon, Ghetto Cross, Gravys Drop, Honorary KLAYMERS, Ian St. Pe, King Khan, King Khan and the Shrines, Lists, Maine Coons, Music, Natural Child, New Highway Hymnal, Nobunny, Peach Kelli Pop, pictures, Punk, Saba Lou, Shannon and The Clams, SKIMASK, The Barbaras, The Electric Street Queens, The Fagettes, The Migs, The Orwells, Ty Segall, Yankee Power

Chris’s Top Songs Of Twenty-Twelve

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The Barbaras – these dudes created some of my favorite songs released in 2012

As with every year, I’m listing off my favorite songs (in alphabetical order) and keeping to a three song maximum per band, because there’s just way too many to list all of them! And we’re off.

A:

Adam Green & Binki Shapiro– “Here I Am”
Atlantic Thrills– “Foreign Lands” “Acid Rain” “Give It Back”

B:

The Barbaras– “Breathing Underwater” “How Many Times” “Only One”
Bent Shapes– “Bites and Scratches” “Leave It Till You Need It”
Best Coast– “The Only Place”

C:

Cumstain– “Ghost Love” “Rollin Wrong” “Sit and Twist”

D:

Dangeresque– “Walking Dead”
Diamond Rugs– “Blue Mountains”
Dirty Virgins– “Cheap Talk”

E:

The Electric Street Queens– “Beefcake Baby” “She’s Gotta Bruise” “Doncha Wanna Work At the Brewary”

F:

Fagettes– “If I See Him Again” “On Drugs”
Fat Creeps– “700 Parts” “Nancy Drew” “Secrets”

G:

Gangbang Gordon– “Life At the ABC” “QMI Fatties”
Ghetto Cross– “Still”
Gravys Drop– “Made to Love” “Runaway” “Happy Birthday”

H:

Hunx– “Private Room” “Always Forever” “I’m Not The One You’re Looking For”

J:

Jacques Le Coque– “Grow Up”

K:

King Khan & The Shrines– “Bite My Tongue”

M:

Maine Coons– “Ghetto Queen” “Tired and Inspired” “Uniform Choice”
The Migs– “You and Me” “Fuzzy Son” “Take Take Take”

N:

Natural Child– “Faces of Death”
The New Highway Hymnal– “Hey Kid (Gotta Run)” “More” “Blackend Hands”
Nobunny– “Assholes” “At the Mall”

O:

The Orwells– “Halloween All Year” “Mallrats (La La La)”

P

Peach Kelli Pop– “Panchito Blues II” “Dreamphone”

S:

Saba Lou– “Until The End”
Shannon and the Clams– “Angel Baby”
SKIMASK– “Get U Back” “Fine China”
Slimers– “Spaghetti Ann”
Squall– “Repulsor” “No Life Here”

T:

Ty Segall– “Thank God For Sinners” “You’re The Doctor”
Ty Segall Band– “Wave Goodbye”

Y:

Yankee Power– “Stray” “Adopted Love Doll” “Real Folk”

Art, Black Lips, Cole Alexander, Honorary KLAYMERS, Music, pictures, Punk, Tours

Read USA Today Article On Black Lips’ Middle East Tour

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blacklips-pyramid-4_3_r560

USA Today

Check out this article  in USA Today “The Power of Positive Punks” by Nathan Matisse here: http://www.usatoday.com/story/popcandy/2012/12/14/the-power-of-positive-punks/1770461/ and read a review of one of the Black Lips’ intimate shows (50-100 people in attendance) in Erbil, Iraq by J. Levkowitz: http://inparenthesesmag.com/2012/10/02/the-black-lips-bring-rock-and-roll-to-mesopotamia/

Art, concert review, Honorary KLAYMERS, Mark Sultan, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews

Review: Mark Sultan, Future Spa, Headband, Squall @ Starlab (12/8/12)

Sultan Starlab
Bands: Mark Sultan/BBQ, Future Spa, Headband, Squall
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2012
Venue: Starlab (Somerville, MA)

Act I: Squall – Last time I heard this name was at a Mark Sultan show in Boston almost exactly a year ago tonight. Squall (along with The Sinbusters) opened for Sultan at the Magic Gallery last December. Twas a great show, here’s the review: https://klyam.com/2011/12/16/concert-review-mark-sultan-magic-room-gallery/ and here’s a clip of Squall’s set:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGXGZcFDeWg&feature=related. Alas, we actually missed Squall that night. Fortunately, this time around we arrive early and are able to catch all four bands on the bill. Squall plays first and it is a pleasant experience. Going into shows, I don’t anticipate anything from bands I have never seen before, other than that I hope I will like them of course. I was asked earlier in the evening that very question: “Do you predict what the bands will sound like before the show?” No, not at all. It is better that way. I like to get a sonic punch in the face from every new band I see.  I want that to be our little moment.  If I had sat around dreaming up the possible sounds of Squall, it would have less of an effect on me.  Anyway, the band is a three piece consisting of one dude on vocals and a “1970s electonics set up” to quote one attendee, another on guitar, and the last on drums. Together they create a cacophonous, deafening blast of noise pop that reminds me of Jesus and Mary Chain but with a Nick Cave/ Glenn Danzig combined beast on vocals. This performance is solid and I am intrigued by Squall, but tonight I can only hear hints of their talent as songwriters. I feel like if the sound is just a smidgen better than the songs would be more effective. Listen to their BandCamp, the songs are sick and even better than I imagined. http://squall.bandcamp.com/

Set List: 

“Repulsor”
“No Life Here”
“The Vessel”
“Tiny Hammers”
“Imperialized”
“Black Marks”

Act II: Headband– Headband is a cool band that I’ve never ever come across in all my years on this planet. Which is funny because they have existed since I was in Kindergarten! But, I am pleased to have made their sonic acquaintance tonight. Speaking of the 90s, I definitely get a lot of 90s “indie rock” vibes, chiefly Pavement, Dinosaur Jr, and Sebadoh. I mean I’d be shocked if one didn’t. Headband even display that mellow, laid back demeanor often attributed to those bands or that style/era. The dudes casually switch instruments during their set, which is always fun. After the performance, I briefly chat with members Brad and Matt, solid dudes! http://buzzardrock.bandcamp.com/

Act III: Future Spa–  Tonight’s host, D.J. Murray and crew kick it in Future Spa, a noisy, hardcore punk drenched out fit, fresh on the scene. D.J. feverishly belts out the vocals with the classiness of  G.G. Allin. Is it me or did I just hear Gibby Haynes. Nope, I’m not going insane, a clip of Ministry’s “Jesus Built My Hotrod” plays in the middle of their set, specifically the part with Gibby Haynes on guest vocals, y’all know the part! One of the last songs the band performs is a cover of KLYAM fave, No Age’s “Everybody’s Down.” I’m down, are you? https://soundcloud.com/futurespa/sets/starlab-demos

Act IV: Mark Sultan– Damn, KLYAM is four Mark Sultan shows deep. If you read this site, then you know Sultan has played a pivotal role in shaping our tastes in music with his various bands: Spaceshits,  Les Sexareenos, The King Khan & BBQ Show, and his solo work. I feel like if you enjoy any of these bands you would dig Mark Sultan/BBQ as is. It’s all straight up,  rock ‘n’ roll as it always has been. It is thrilling to see Sultan in a basement, to be so close to such pure,  rock ‘n’ roll. It’s crazy.  I almost feel vulnerable in a way. Here is rock ‘n’ roll as it should be done and despite unfortunate illness, this is the best set I have seen from Mark Sultan. As countless, including myself,  have stated before, the vocals are mesmerizing in general, but live is insane. As usual, classic after classic is unleashed – virtually all beloved songs during my youth. Yet, it’s really just like one giant song, one take. The War On Rock ‘n’ Roll. Honestly, that’s the best way to appreciate it. I recommend you see Mark Sultan live when he comes to your town. http://marksultan.com/

Art, Bent Shapes, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, reviews

Single Review: Bent Shapes – “Panel of Experts”/ “Bites and Scratches”

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Band: Bent Shapes
Songs: “Panel of Experts” and “Bites and Scratches”
Release Date: 12/12/12

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Bent Shapes live a couple of times this fall and in both instances nearly every song had at least one memorable quality. In fact, their Bandcamp page (http://bentshapes.bandcamp.com/album/demo) contains some of these fine pop tunes. With this release, the trio further this reputation, adding two more catchy, jangly numbers to their catalog.  The first song “Panel of Experts” kicks off with some simple, steady drumming from Andy Sadoway and soon vocalist/guitarist Ben Potrykus and vocalist/bassist Supriya Gunda chime in with sunny guitar riffs that remind me of Weezer. I know I’ve compared Bent Shapes to Weezer before, and believe me they extend beyond that comparison, but I can’t help but note the easy on the ears, direct hooks that both bands possess. “Panel” is a catchy song, for sure, but I prefer the second half of this single – “Bites and Scratches.” This is a really killer tune. I distinctly remember this song sticking out during the live performances, so it is exciting to hear the final version. “Bites” is instantaneous, wrapping you in from the first few seconds – and Lord knows I’m a sucker for such pop songs. I hear a lot of pop songs about couples holding hands, but the words usually don’t mean much to me. And I’ll be honest, I don’t pay attention to lyrics that much anyway, but in this song Ben’s vocals are so strong I can easily picture him (or the character in this song) grabbing a girl’s hand and sharing in their mutual feeling of self-disgust or “damaged goods” as they call it. “Bites” exemplifies what I love about Bent Shapes: fun, but not the kind of fun you would have with Black Lips or The Migs. More along the lines of feeling sad, frustrated, and moody (don’t worry I’m getting to my point) – but not in an emo, stay alone in your room and listen to sad music sort of thing. More like, I feel like shit, but I’ll go to this party anyway, and stay up to watch the sun rise. And a hazy feeling of euphoria, “it will be alright,” takes over. I guess that means fun to me. If you can evoke those emotions in me in less than two minutes, then you get an A in my book.

klyamrecommended

Art, Band of the Week, Local Music, Music, pictures, Punk, The Electric Street Queens

Band of the Week: The Electric Street Queens!

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ESQ

Our current Band of the Week is the notorious Electric Street Queens!  This ain’t your grandaddy’s dry music, this is the real shit, “Sweaty, salty, never dry.” ESQ are a brutal two piece that roam the (electric) streets of Boston and features Melanie of The Fagettes. Ya dig them too if  you don’t already.  For fans of  scum, puke, and roadkill, check out The Electric Street Queens.
http://electricstreetqueens.tumblr.com/


Shot by Avi Paul Weinstein, you can find all of his videos from that night on You Tube as well!