Check it!
“You Know, For Kids” Promo On ABC
Here’s a promo vid for Bill Cody’s documentary, “You Know, For Kids,” a film documenting the Black Lips and Lazzy Lung’s recent tour of the Middle East. Can’t wait to see it when it hits the big screen!
“I kind of feel like we’re almost diplomats for the people, like we’re just regular people and we share music”- Cole Alexander
Fat History Month- “Yeayer”/ Live @ GG’s (3/18/10)
“SHYB put this sweet tart together. You can watch it on your TV, way bigger than youtube. Live shit, 20 songs in 74 minutes, snakes eating and backwards slomo clothed humps are some highlights. A nice way to while away a grey day.
In memory of Gay Gardens, a house that was a home to us many days in the last 5 years, here’s a kinda shitty set we played there one time way back in the hoary March of 2010. We’ll miss you big buddy. ”
-Fat History Month
1) Instirmentle
2) Ice Storm
3) Nature
4) Dino
5) Things I Enjoy
Listen here: http://fathistorymonth.bandcamp.com/album/yeayer
Also, here’s a link to their radio appearance on WMBR’s pipeline this past Tuesday (11/13/12): http://pipeline.wmbr.org/
Who Did It Better?! “Bad Man”
“Bad Man” is a personal favorite of mine by the legendary Memphis Blues Punk/Garage band, The Oblivians, whom you should all know by now. Here is the original from their 1996 LP Popular Favorites (Crypt)
and
The first “cover” by Greg Oblivian & The Tip Tops from his 1998 LP Head Shop (Sympathy For the Record Industry). Technically, this isn’t a cover, since Greg Cartwright (Greg Oblivian) was the main songwriter in the original song above, but this is a totally different, mellower, version.
and lastly the second cover by Mister Heavenly with Michael Cera on guitar.
What do y’all think? For my money, the original is the best, but each version is unique in its own way and evokes different emotions. The covers both have almost a sensitive feeling to them, like someone pondering their love life. Whereas the Oblivians’ version is more like “yeah, I fucked her.”
Concert Review: Atlantic Thrills, Ravi Shavi, Nude Beach @ Firehouse (11/10/12)
Bands: Nude Beach, Atlantic Thrills, Ravi Shavi
Date: Saturday, November 10, 2012
Venue: Firehouse No. 13 (Providence, Rhode Island)
Comments:
Preliminary Activities– When I come home from a hard day’s work, I like to treat myself to three things: Pizza, Beer, and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Add a trip to Providence, RI to see one of my favorites, Atlantic Thrills and it’s like Thanksgiving Dinner came early this year. As we make our way into the city of Providence (which, by the way, I believe this is my first time in this city!) our stomachs are still a rumblin’ and the show doesn’t start for a good hour or so. What to do, what to do. Well, thank God (and also thank him for the sinners, since we got our boy Ty Segall’s Twins rollin’ on the radio) Caserta Pizzeria is nearby. Being a connoisseur of pizza myself, I am looking forward to this; I eat pizza 8-10 times a week, I need help. But, at least this is quality pizza, Glen himself heralds it as “New England’s best pizza.” I’ll be the judge of that Mr. Maganzini. So, we get there, take our seats and when we finally ingest the Caserta Pizza, I concur with my co-conspirator on this matter. Damn, this shit is mouthwatering, and I have a Coors Light to wash it all down. I proclaim this to be a perfect moment, well not entirely perfect. I have satisfied 2/3 of the equation, with the only ingredient missing being my beloved rock ‘n’ roll. Off to Firehouse 13 we go! To give y’all a brief history lesson, this place in fact used to be a real firehouse. In general, I dig the architecture and lay out of this place. It reminds me of some of my favorite venues like the Middle East (downstairs) in Cambridge and the Space Gallery in Portland, Maine. It’s a fairly large place- long floorboard leading up to an awesome stage. The surrounding walls are covered with unique, awe inspiring portraits painted by people with mental disorders. And these portraits carry into the restrooms- where one cane see paintings of toilet seats around the walls! I appreciate these features in the Firehouse, gives the venue character that you most likely won’t find elsewhere. Before the show starts, Glen and I chat it up with our buds in Atlantic Thrills and meet some new friendly folks as well, including the bartender, who is a sweetheart :) .
Act I: Ravi Shavi– Ravi Shavi is hailed as Providence’s finest by one, Kelly Riley. Well sir, that’s the best damn introduction I could ever hear, let’s go for it! I’d say the Atlantic Thrills (going on next) our Providence’s best, but I don’t know much about the Providence scene. Ravi definitely is a notable act though, and shares a similar aesthetic to the Thrills, and that is an allegiance to pure rock ‘n’ roll fun. Ravi frontman Rafay Rashid is a natural showman/entertainer/performer, call it what you want, he’s got it, and I get the feeling he’s had it for a while, perhaps even on the playground. He has this King Khan quality to him, except he’s all dressed up in a nice suit. It’s like Khan if it was the 1950s, highly sexualized music just squeezing to get outta those suits and spread some love, some evil, and most definitely some rock ‘n’ roll into some fresh, innocent teen blood. I hear a lot of Talking Heads, Clash, and Gentlemen Jesse and His Men. Hard hitting, catchy as fuck, power pop. Well done boys. http://ravishavi.bandcamp.com/
Act II: Atlantic Thrills!– Da Thrillz! It’s been way too long since I’ve seen these gentlemen, April, Fuck! I’m so pumped for the show, it’s glorious when these four dudes arrive on stage. Even more glorious than the pizza I devoured earlier. I see lots of “garage” bands, but the Thrillz seem to just get it more than anyone else around this area. It’s always a blast with the Thrillz. They establish a party atmosphere and simply go nuts without the help of the crowd. Though, there was some fine dancing on display as well. Thrillz just don’t give a fuck, they are going to rock out and have fun no matter what. Of course, they bust out key songs such as “Acid Rain” and “Shotgun,” among other classics. This could be the finest Thrillz set I have experienced, full of all the ass kicking guitar riffs and maniacal howls one could ask for. Just plain fun above all. Spittin’ beer and hurlin’ Naragansett cans. The best thing about these guys is that they’re essentially just like you and me; there’s no divide between fan and musician- fuck all that uptight, pretentious bullshit that often comes with musicians. The Thrillz are in their 30s, but they have more piss and vinegar in em’ than all the teens and twenty something rockers alike. One might think at first that they’re a typical, shitty bar band that plays to the same, boring, older crowd. Don’t be mistaken, it’s quite the opposite. I can’t think of another local act with as much party/fun loving spirit in em’ as the Thrillz. When we say punk slime on this site, they exemplify that. I can’t wait to see the Atlantic Thrills kill it in a packed basement in Lowell, Allston (or anywhere) filled with kids ready to let loose and go wild. Now, that would be a stellar way to close this review, but I can’t forget to note the ending of the band’s performance. Just as it looks like the band is about to the depart, they kick into my favorite Thrillz song, the passionate ballad, “Foreign Lands,” which features guitarist Kelly Riley screaming his heart out on lead vocals. They then transition into their now famous cover of Los Saicos’ wild teen punk classic “Demolicion,” cementing their status as one of KLYAM’s top live bands.
If you dig Atlantic Thrills and Ravi Shavi (and you should), then get yer ass to this show on 11/29 @ the Parlour (Providence, RI) with Yankee Bang Bang and DJ Studs Jerkel. FB Event here: http://www.facebook.com/events/166856466792633/
And don’t forget to check out the Atlantic Thrills’ music here: http://www.reverbnation.com/atlanticthrills
Set List
Act III: Nude Beach– Brooklyn’s Nude Beach headline this amazing show, and they rock pretty damn hard, fitting very well with the first two acts. They are a bit overdressed tonight, what with clothes on and everything. Then again, this isn’t a beach. They close their sweet set with a cover of Foo Fighters’ early hit “Big Me,” one of my favorite FF songs, and Nude Beach does justice to the original. Before tonight, I had never heard of these dudes, but after this performance I will definitely make sure I keep an eye out for them. Send em’ some love: http://nudebeach.bandcamp.com/
Listen: NEW Yankee Power- “State Of Mind”
Remember those dudes I was raving about a couple of weeks back? Well, here’s a new song from dem. Listen to it here: http://theyankeepower.bandcamp.com/album/besides
and why not set you up real nice with a link to their epic LP Zoo Traffic http://theyankeepower.bandcamp.com/album/zoo-traffic-2
Alright, now you’re all set up. All you have to do now is listen, the hard part is done. What else do you want? You want me to wipe your ass for you? Fine…
Watch Hollywood Nailz First Episode!
Featuring the likes of Hunx/Seth Bogart, Brande Bytheway, Nobunny, King Khan, Shannon and the Clams, and Grass Widow!
Best Of Cheap Time Cassette Out Now On Burger Records
Great Times, Good Oldies @ Foodmaster
It is sad to see Johnnie’s Foodmaster close. The Boston area supermarket chain was my first work place beginning shortly after I turned 15 and ending yesterday. I didn’t know it then, but those first days and months would eventually go on to help shape my musical tastes. ‘Oldies’ never meant much, until I began hearing them every weekend I worked for hours at a time. The average customer might spend an hour at the most in the store, but the worker dwells far longer and develops either an aversion, interest, or nonchalance about the musical situation. I developed an interest early, but it’s been within the last two years that I’ve found myself really appreciating the old stuff, the Maltshop Memories, the doo-wop, the R&B, the garage. It is more than likely that the artists and bands that are constantly posted about on this very site are/were fascinated by the following half-century old gems. This post can serve as a reminder of the great music that crossed Foodmaster airwaves and made it a trademark of the shopping experience for customers and employees alike. I compiled this list in the dull moments of my final shift:
Patsy Cline – “You Belong To Me” (LINK)
The Hollies – “Pay You Back With Interest” (LINK)
The Orlons – “Wah-Watusi” (LINK)
The Beatles – “I Feel Fine” (LINK)
Peter and Gordon – “I Go To Pieces” (LINK)
The Hollywood Flames – “Buzz Buzz Buzz” (LINK)
Jerry Lee Lewis – “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” (LINK)
Sam Cooke – “Wonderful World” (LINK)
Elvis Presley – “Suspicious Minds” (LINK)
The Marvelettes – “Please Mr. Postman” (LINK)
Jay and the Techniques – “Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie” (LINK)
Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas – “Bad To Me” (LINK)
The Beach Boys – “California Girls” (LINK)
Tommy James & Shondells – “Hanky Panky” (LINK)
The Searchers – “Needles and Pins” (LINK)
Dion & The Delsatins – “Lovers Who Wander” (LINK)
The Coasters – “Yakety Yak” (LINK)
Bobby Rydell – “Wild One” (LINK)
Petula Clark – “A Sign Of The Times” (LINK)
Tommy Roe – “Sweet Pea” (LINK)
Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs – “Stay” (LINK)
The Shirelles – “Dedicated To The One I Love” (LINK)
Paul Revere and the Raiders – “(I’m Not Your) Stepping Stone” (LINK)
Four Tops – “It’s The Same Old Song” (LINK)
Randy & The Rainbows – “Denise” (LINK)
The Impalas – “Sorry (I Ran All The Way Home)” (LINK)
The Box Tops – “Soul Deep” (LINK)
The Turtles – “You Baby” (LINK)
The Supremes – “Baby Love” (LINK)
Johnny Kidd & The Pirates – “Shakin’ All Over” (LINK)
Righteous Brothers – “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” (LINK)
The Human Beinz – “Nobody But Me” (LINK)
Mickey & Sylvia – “Love Is Strange” (LINK)
Review: Big Mess, Pissbath, Slurred Speech, Haldol, Regret, the Informer, Districts @ Wilder Zangcraft (11/9/12)
Bands: Big Mess, Pissbath, Slurred Speech, Haldol, Regret, the Informer/Districts (12 inch release)
Date: Friday, November 9, 2012
Venue: Wilder Zangcraft (Lowell, MA)
Comments:
Act I: Big Mess- I’ve never been huge on strictly instrumental music, but in the past year, my ears have had the pleasure of being jostled by Boston behemoths, Big Mess. As I’ve said before, this here is a band you need to experience live. Sometimes I fall in love with a band’s studio (or bedroom) work, but when I see them in person, the songs don’t translate as well. This isn’t the case with Big Mess; quite the opposite. Live, they are a sonic beast, a total wall of headbanging inducing noise. Much of their music is heavy, but there’s also a quiet, intimate quality to the band that can be best appreciated at a nice, little basement spot like Wilder Zangcraft. I can honestly say tonight’s show is one of the best I’ve seen, with the band sounding as fierce and intense as ever. In particular, I want to note the drumming of Nick Egersheim, which is one of the first things that struck me about the band. There’s an undeniable frenetic character to his style; he smacks the drums so hard, it’s as if his sticks are his fists and the drums are a body, like a fistfight and each smack is another punch. I don’t know why I always conjure up violent images when I listen to Big Mess, I guess I am just a sick guy. In any case, they’re a badass band and I heavily recommend them to all of y’all. http://bigmessma.bandcamp.com/album/big-mess
Act II: Pissbath– I love this name, especially coming after Big Mess. Well, I can imagine the pissbath would come first and then it would be a big mess, for sure. But, not tonight. This Nashville quartet plays fast, hardore punk inspired jams. In the traditions of old school hardcore, this group blasts through each cut in a matter of seconds, keeping it short, but sweet. You can listen to their demo tape here: http://funkyfrankenstein.bandcamp.com/album/pissbath-demo-tape
Act III: Haldol– Unfortunately, we missed these fellow Nashville punkers, but you can check out their bandcamp here: http://haldol.bandcamp.com/releases
Act IV: Slurred Speech– Slurred Speech is one man powerhouse Josh Tracy. Tracy’s music consists of one man, one guitar, and a fine set of pipes. He sings with a lot of emotion and is able to get a crowded, sweaty basement full of drunken students to sing along with him. Slurred Speech may not be my cup of tea, but I genuinely enjoy the intimate, interactive charm of Tracy’s performance/music and overall sense of humor. I especially love when he mentions feeling badass about listening to System Of A Down and how everyone else most likely had the same reaction as a youngster. Well, I felt badass listening to System Of A Down, I still do. Check out Josh’s jams here: http://slurredspeech.bandcamp.com/
Act V: Regret, The Informer– Regret, The Informer has embarked on tour all the way from Missouri and tonight they are here alongside Districts (the band up next) in honor of the release of their split 12″. Regret shares the same hardcore sound as some of the other bands on the bill tonight, but they seem to permeate a slower, more melodic sound. If you want hear Regret, The Informer, click here: http://regrettheinformer.bandcamp.com/
Act V: Districts– Lowell’s own, Districts close this fun filled evening of diverse local and national music. Districts play energetic screamo/hardcore and it looks like they have some dedicated fans in attendance singing along to their impassioned vocals. It seems like Districts have made a name for themselves around town and beyond, catch em’ if you can or start by listening to them here: http://districts.bandcamp.com/
Kids Like You & Me (KLYAM) 