The BGN News Archive

RIP Chris Parcellin

Chris Parcellin died this week. To a lot of people his name will always be connected to his film Boys From Nowhere. Chris, like a lot of us, was a long time Boston scene habituate.

He was in a string of bands, his first band was the Bouncers in 1983 when he was 17. There is a video below. he was also in the bands The Dirty Shames, Rough and Ready and the Brigands. Even earlier this year Chris said he was thinking of getting a new band together.

After his bands but before the Boys From Nowhere Chris was part of the D-Filed website. This was a well done site that covered various topics. Chris wrote up the rock. When the site went down around the year 2000 Chris let us post four interviews he had. They were: DMZ, JJ Rassler, Steve Cataldo and Willie Alexander.

The Boys From Nowhere got Chris a lot of attention but there were problems. Like all music films, getting music rights was a big stumbling block. As far as we know that's why the film never had a general release. Then there was a court case involving Lenny Scolletta who co-produced, co-wrote and co-directed the film. We’re not privy to that but Lenny has seen fit to immediately release the film on YouTube this week. It doesn’t seem right and some posters have said so on the page.

We were so glad to become friends with Chris from the taping our interview for the film. We think what everyone else thinks, that he was a pleasure to work with. We are always most comfortable when interacting with others that have Boston punk as a large part of their life and Chris was one.

AND....Billy Ruane!!! It seemed like it would never happen but the documentary Road to Ruane is in the 2024 Boston International Film Festival. It will show at The Somerville Theater on May 4th! Check out the list of interviews the film has on its IMDB page. The Road to Ruane YouTube channel has accumulated loads of videos.

The film, directed by Scott Evans and Mike Gill (who passed away in 2022), has garnered the "Centerpiece–Documentary Spotlight" in the festival.

In other news, you may have hear - the James Ryan/Celebration of Life/Memorial at the Magic Room, Sunday June 6 has been cancelled. But watch for some future news on this.

Nervous Eaters will be playing the The Narrows in Fall River on Saturday April 20. This will be a chance to hear the group with Carissa Johnston on bass. It will also be the first time to see another new member of the band, Jim Sullivan (of the Peacheaters – from Peach to Nervous!) on keyboards.

Steve Cataldo was interviewed on Coolest Conversations with Manfred on the occasion of “Vampire” being the Coolest Song in the World a few weeks ago on the Underground Garage. The interview is on the short side but still interesting. Steve talks about how Steve Van Zant suggested using the line Rock and Roll Your Heart Away as a title rather than “528” (the address of the Rat). Sounds like that song will be on the album. They play “Vampire” and “Knockdown Day” on the show.

Jon Bernhardt is celebrating 40 years on the Breakfast of Champions show on WMBR. Jon, in his unassuming way, has become an institution at WMBR and his name is synonymous with the Breakfast of Champions show. He knows, and has played, a shocking amount of music. Talk about shocking, what about his theremin turn on America's Got Talent?

The celebration show will be at the Crystal Ballroom on June 29th with Versus (from NYC), Halleluiah the Hills, Mick Trouble, FLOF! and Mark Robinson. Facebook event page

VIDEOS......

We came across this extra footage from the All Ages film about Boston Hardcore. First it's interviews that deal with the Flipper show at the Media Workshop. Then there are people talking about other shows like Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, Husker Du and Misfits.

You see familiar faces like Bob Cenci, Steev Ricardo, Katie the Cleaning Lady, Bob White, Shred and Jae Johnson.

RADIO......

Cal Cali’s new group Cal’s Conspiracy, will be doing a live set on A Crash Course for the Ravers WMFO Saturday 1 -3pm on July 6.

Tuesday Skybar had the members of The Spackles in for an interview. They talked up their songs and their record label guru, Lou Mansdorf. They did a song called “Small Pond”, unrecorded now, with bongos replacing drums. Skybar played the latest single released, “The Dotted Line” – that sounded sweet.

Brian the bass player is in Screw Cart too. He talked about the background of Screw Cart members who have been in numerous groups.

Tune in Tuesdays at 8pm on WMFO at 91.5FM. After that go to the WMFO schedule page Hit the Rising show on 8 to 10 pm on Tuesday, then hit the ‘archive’ button.

Joanie Lindstrom found a new garage tune that is worth hearing on her Thursday Late Risers Club show. The On and Ons are an Australian group and the song was just posted on Bandcamp. “Looking Out of a Mirror” has a snappy guitar riff that they get the most out of. They don’t try to overpower the song they take it more measured. It works for the song as well as the other side of the single “Hey, What’s Going On”.

Joannie followed that with The Loons doing a psychedelic pop tune “Daffodils or Despair”. The lead singer is Mike Stax who is part of Ugly Things magazine.

Then it was The Boomtown Rats with “Do The Rat.” Joanie said she never remembered that song but we used to play it often enough on WMBR at the time. Then she wrapped it up with “One Way Ticket” that’s on the new Cock Sparrer album Hand on Head. That was a good set.

She also played a new song by Shiny Beasts, we review that below in the New Music section.

To hear Joanie’s show go to the WMBR archive page and hit the Late Risers Show for Thursday 4/11.

Right after Joanie’s Late Risers Club, she stayed put and did two hours on Lost and Found. That allowed her to play Lou Reed’s 1965 song “You’re Driving Me Insane” by the Roughnecks that he did for his Pickwick job.

The hear Joanie’s Lost and Found show go to the WMBR archive page and hit the Lost and Found Show for Thursday 4/11.

NEW MUSIC/CDs......

Shiny Beasts are back with the album Can’t Sleep! Life is good. Mitch and the inimitable Henry have recruited Andy Excuse from Hammered Saint and drummer J. Screnci. The new guitarist is Greg2. He was a good pick. He works hand in glove with Mitch. Mitch lays down the primo garage chording and Greg2 gets in there and revs up the excitement with some blistering leads.

That’s the way most of this EP works. We like the whole EP. We have “On a Roll” in our Top Ten Songs.

That main riff of “On a Roll” seems so simple but the group plays it for all it’s worth and then guitarist Greg2 solos in and blasts it out of the park. At the end to top it off you get some sizzling electric amp hum. We love it, anyone and everyone else would have edited that hum out but here it says so much. It’s a seal of authenticity.

There’s a change of pace with “”Blood from the Eye” which has an unsettled feel to it. This is Shiny Beasts when they get serious.

The song “”Hits the Fan” is a cover song of Phil Haynen’s of the Dawgs.

Nick and the Adversaries cover a wide range of styles they list reggae, punk, ska, mod, and pub rock sounds. Their new single easily covers all that. “Boss Soundsystem” evokes the awesomeness of being in the presence of that experience. The group nails the reggae/ska part and also puts some rock in there. They make it a mix that is a Nick and the Adversaries trademark.

“This Time” is the reverse of “Boss Soundsystem” rather than start with the ska and add the rock, they start with some fast rock and then add a tasty ska section.

All of this is good songwriting and great musicianship.

Speedfossil just released their new five song EP Room with a VU. All the songs were recorded at Woolly Mammoth with David Minehan.

Two of the songs released already. “Sweetheart” which has the wonderful video with Linda Bean Pardee of The Chelsea Curve and “Magic Trick” which is reflections on a friend’s death. That song digs deep. Garret Vandermolen’s lyrics are well thought out and contribute a lot to the songs successes.

Like in “irl” which stands for 'In Real Life,' it’s not just a problem with a woman but the complications of computer reality vs. real life that the dilemma is drawn out.

In “Frozen Drops of Fire” he tells his secrets to his loved one and then she leaves – with his secrets. He feels even he doesn’t have them anymore. “She’s Doing Fine” is when she leaves him and he’s a wreck but she’s getting along just fine.

All this is aside of the tuneful melodicism and comfortable groove that the group always displays.

Here's some good shows coming up .....

April 15, 2024 (Monday) Lake Over Fire, Orange Peel, Mystic, Linnea's Garden at O'Brien's

April 15, 2024 (Monday) Rockin Bob Punk Band, Some Kind of Nightmare, Super Beef at Koto Salem.

April 16, 2024 (Tuesday) Mallcops, Invisible Rays, Luddites, Modern Faces at Notch Brewing Brighton

April 19, 2024 (Friday) Wreckless Wreck Chords presents Spring Stampede With WORM, C.O.B., Witches Tears, The Woods, Jobber at The C Note, Hull - FB page

April 19, 2024 (Friday) Quattracenta, Thalia Zedek Band, Rip Room - at The Midway - 9:30 show.

April 20, 2024 (Saturday) the record store Vinyl Index celebrates Record Store Day at Bow Market Somerville -Vinyl Index will be stocking over 250 exclusive titles for you to pick from! and The Bow Market courtyard will be in full effect all day with the amazing Soulelujah DJs along with music-inspired food, drinks and other specials. 9AM-11PM, FB page

April 20, 2024 (Saturday) Deep Cuts & Light of Day Records has your vinyl fix covered for Record Store Day! Dig, sip, eat, and soak up the vibes with us. Let's make this RSD a blast – see you there! - New RSD Exclusives in stock, - 25% OFF all vintage vinyl, - 10% OFF all new vinyl (non-exclusives), - Tons of $1 records - Plus sandwiches, beer, & pinball! 12pm-5pm

April 20, 2024 (Saturday) The Downhauls, Tim McCoy Rock Quartet, The Steamies (w Tim & Ron of Chelsea Curve), Jay Allen & The Archcriminals at The Midway for a 3PM matinee

April 20, 2024 (Saturday) Wreckless Wreck Chords Presents WORM, Dirty Walter And the SmellTones, Pint Killers, Mitch Kramer, C.O.B. at Ralph's Rock Diner Worcester- FB page

April 20, 2024 (Saturday) Hard in the Head II with The F.U.'s, Cuidado, The Modern faces, Couch Sex, at the Gerry 5 VFA Marblehead, MA

April 20, 2024 (Saturday) The Long Wait, Sonic Bomb, Tj Welch And The Wasted at Thirsty First Lowell

April 20, 2024 (Saturday) Mach Bell (MBE), The Cynz (Record Release Party), Muck and the Mires, The Hi-End. at The Square Root, Roslindale Sq.

April 20, 2024 (Saturday) Nervous Eaters are at The Narrows in Fall River - FB event page

April 22, 2024 (Monday) Hopeless Otis, Bad Idea USA, K.C.U.F, Latch at The Silhouette Lounge

April 23, 2024 (Tuesday) Score Cone, Galaxy Cake, Blazers Over Turtlenecks at Notch Brewing Brighton

April 23, 2024 (Tuesday) Blame It on Whitman, In the Meantime, Pissed, Knockover City at O'Briens

April 24, 2024 (Wednesday) Kids Like You & Me will be spinning records at the coolest bar, State Park in Kendall Square, Cambridge! They'll be playing weird punk and the golden oldies with a frequent lean on Dangerous Doo Wop. If you want to hear Connie Francis and Connie Lingus, cum here! 9 P.M. FREE!

April 26, 2024 (Friday) Lions Law, Nothing But Enemies, Young Ones, Neuroot, Bad Terms, At the Middle east Up All Ages, $20, 7pm doors

April 27, 2024 (Saturday) The Crank-Tones at The Midway for a 3PM Matinee

April 27, 2024 (Saturday) Cran, Battery March, Hammered Saint, Rejekts, The Minor Inconveniences - Cambridge Community Center all ages [6PM]

April 27, 2024 (Saturday) Midway Calling - A whole night of The Clash! Featuring members of Dark Crushes, Richie Parsons, Jason Bennett & more! FB page

April 27, 2024 (Saturday) Stop Calling Me Frank, Diablogato and Dogmatics at The New World Tavern in Plymouth. FB page.

April 28, 2024 (Sunrday) Hassle Flea & Art Market with Minibeast and Goon Platoon and over 100 cool vendors - 12:30 - 3:30 at The Cambridge Commiunity Center, 5 Calendar St...outside of Central Square check out the FB event page for updates. …..

May 1, 2024 (Wednesday) Stiff Little Fingers at The Paradise

May 3, 2024 (Friday) The I Want You, Crow Follow at The Midway 9:30 show

May 4, 2024 (Saturday) The Lights Out, Gretchen Shae & The Middle Eight, Brain K & The Parkway at Faces Malden

May 5, 2024 (Sunday) The Chisel, Home Front at The Middle East All Ages 7PM doors.

May 9, 2024 (Thursday) Today Junior, Blame Shifters (LP Release!), Cheer Camp - at Deep Cuts, Medford.

May 11, 2024 (Saturday) Somerville Porch Fest!!! PF website Linnea's Garden and Happy Little Clouds are already registered: 32 Stone Ave Somerville (Union Sq) 4-6 pm

May 11, 2024 (Saturday) Anti-Fascist Vol 2- with Actor|Observer, Jealous Mind, Pretty Ugly, and others at Sammy's Patio - FB page.

May 11, 2024 (Saturday) Johnny Plankton & TSMS, Hands Of Spite, FastTracks, Richard Mirsky & A.M.P at The Midway for a 3PM matinee

May 11, 2024 (Saturday) Alfred Be Loud and Acrylic Killers at Barrel House Z, Weymouth. Advance tickets here

May 14, 2024 (Tuesday) Blame It On Whitman, Jude Ivy, Tatooine Punk Scene at Notch Brewing Brighton- music at 10PM

May 14, 2024 (Tuesday) Swans at The Paradise

May 15, 2024 (Wednesday) Billy Liar, Loser's Circle, Jeff Rowe at Faces in Malden

May 16, 2024 (Thursday) The Dead Boys, Nervous Eaters, The Plimsouls at Sonia this is a 7PM show.

May 16, 2024 (Thursday) Helmet and Cro-Mags at The Middle East All Ages 6PM doors. FB page

May 17, 2024 (Friday) Worshipper, Sundrifter, Earthlore at Koto Salem

May 17, 2024 (Friday) Sharp Class are back! Also on the bill The Chelsea Curve and Muck & The Mires - at The Burren FB page

May 18, 2024 (Saturday) DnA's Evolution, Trading Tombstones. The Spackles, The Mighty Suicide Squirrels at The Midway for a 3 PM matinee

May 18, 2024 (Saturday) Joan Jett covers night with Andrea Gillis & Friends, CE Skidmore & Friends, Brooke Feinberg & Friends At faces malden

May 25, 2024 (Saturday) Mach Bell Experience (MBE), David Hull and the Dirty Angels. Magic Room, Norwood MA

May 28, 2024 (Tuesday) Thrust Club, Phantom Ocean, Honey Cassette at Notch Brewing Brighton

May 31, 2024 (Friday) Wreckless Wreck Chords Presents Memorial Day Bash With WORM, Working Poor USA, Kermitsfinger HagglersBoston, Scumbari at The C Note - 7:30PM door- FB event page

June 1, 2024 (Saturday) Plymouth Punk Rock Market - Noon- 5PM - FB page

June 1, 2024 (Saturday) The Wynotts, The Black Cheers, Spillers, Fur Coat Judy at New World Tavern Plymouth.

June 3, 2024 (Saturday) Subhumans, FEA, Drop Dead at Alchemy in Provi RI - FB page.

June 4, 2024 (Tuesday) The Subhumans, FEA at The Middle East Down - 6PM show

June 8, 2024 (Saturday) Tiger Bomb, Galaxy Cake, Clean Girl & The Dirty Dishes at Marshall Wharf Brewing in Belfast, ME - FB page.

June 9, 2024 (Sunday) James Ryan Memorial show at The Magic Room, Norwood CANCELLED

June 14, 2024 (Friday) The Cherry Fog, The Double Takes, Wildfeuer, Force Us To Stop at The Union Tavern Unin Sq Somerville

June 14, 2024 (Friday) Jason Bennett and The Resistance, Als Highway 50, Nick and the Adversaries at The MIddle east Up TIX

June 29, 2024 (Saturday) TREE is at the Brighton Music Hall for an all ages early show at 6PM. TIX

July 13, 2024 (Saturday) The Fleshtones, Cal's Conspiracy, Tiger Bomb at The Magic Room, Norwood FB event page

July 13, 2024 (Saturday) Bim Skala Bim 40th Anniversary Show with Void Union, Duppy Conquerors, Some Ska Band, and Brunt of It -8:00 PM | Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre. Two shows! Special guests, FB page.

August 9, 2024 (Friday) Barrence Whitfield & Sal Baglio’s Giant Rocket Roll Show! at The Bull Run in Shirley - FB page.

September 6, 2024 (Friday) Sharp Class, Muck and the Mires, The Chelsea Curve at The Burren - FB page

CONTACT US AT....misslynbgn@yahoo.com Send us your gig listings, your anything else you've got!! You want your CD reviewed?? Contact us for that too.