The BGN News Archive

December 14,2015

Rocket From the Tombs
Brighton Music Hall

We have learned the sad news just today, Sunday, that Richard J. Rooney, who we know as Chet of Chet's Last Call, 61 years of age. Of Charlestown died suddenly December 10, 2015. Chet loved the scene and the music and the musician's. Went out of his way to help bands and was friend to many, not just an owner of a club. RIP Chet!! You can read more here.

Now on to music we've seen this past week......

Back when we saw and loved The Dead Boys and Pere Ubu we had no idea of Rocket From The Tombs. Only later did we get the picture that this early transitional group was the source of songs, and band members, for them.
Hitting the Tombs gig at the Brighton Music Hall was a no brainer. It was a disappointment to see the club only half full. What, no sense of history? Disappointment that original member Cheetah Chrome would not be there? Thinking this line up couldn't cut it? Whatever.

Township

We saw some of Township; tightly woven instrumentation, well written songs and effective vocals all to the service of early 70's style music. Some of the tandem leads gave me Wishbone Ash flashbacks. But this isn't really our style of music. Though very well done we waited for the set to finish. This is the music that moved us to rebel musically! It's the stuff that spawned RFTT and other bands back then.
RFTT was the first step towards punk and the music they played was bumping against that more tidy rock that Township celebrates. There is anger and a canopy of doom that covers all the RFTT material that is just not part of the language of earlier mainstream rock.

Rocket From The Tombs

We saw David Thomas walking around with a cane. Then saw the other original member Craig Bell who was also in X__X that played the Midway a year ago. The other three members are newer (probably not born when RFTT formed). The band started with the cover of Shapes of Things to Come by Max Frost and the Troopers . It's a cheesy song but immediately gave you an idea of what the group could do.

We could see the new guys were a perfect fit because the overall sound was exciting and full of energy. For the first three songs David Thomas was standing with his cane and bellowing out in that odd constrained yelp that is his trademark. As the songs rolled out they showed that Thomas and Bell gave the authenticity to the RFTT, if that was an issue, and the new members, Gary Siperko and Buddy Akita on dueling guitars were more than capable of playing in the style of the originals but still being loose enough to throw in their own contributions.

David Thomas
Photo: Miss Lyn

Thomas cannot be denied as a singer, a presence and a raconteur. He scrambles his words as he gesticulates wildly. He did the rest of the set in a chair and it was the most energetic seated performance I ever saw or could have imagined. His in between song patter was always funny. Some of it is tinged in his legendary irascibility but this night it all had humor in it.
Craig Bell sang a few songs and his bass work was up front and important to shaping the songs. The drummer, Steve Mehlman, who has played with them before, and has been with Pere Ubu since 1995, was playing with Herculean force. He played fast and heavy without getting winded. Even at the end of the set we were amazed to see he was singing calm background vocals - how? At the absolute end he jumped off the front of the stage ran to the back and manned the merch table! What a guy!

David Thomas

One vital component of the whole show was the interplay between guitarists Siperko and Akita. They recreated the sonic palate of the original RFTT. We watched Siperko all night and loved every minute of his playing. He did lots of effects type of playing with harmonics, every whammy bar trick out there, playing over the nut and behind the bridge and on and on. Treble high he played dissonant chords and let them ring. Meanwhile the other guitarist was more rote and scripted with the written song. Combined it was glorious. We approached Siperko after the set, asking if he was influenced by guitarist Rowland S. Howard. His reply: "I can't believe you picked up on that! Yes! He is my favorite guitarist right now!" That spaghetti western whammy sound added a new level of atmosphere to the songs, especially Spooky. Just great stuff! The set was one of those pin-you-against-the-wall and go sets. SET LIST They did What Love Is and Ten Seconds Over Tokyo. The first encore was Final Solution (video of Final Solution) and that was as epic as you would wish. The final song was Sonic Reducer. Video of Sonic Reducer
In the end it was not just a peek into rock history but a powerful and rocking good show. This was their last show in the U.S. leg of their tour. They're now touring Europe.

This past weekend had mucho going on. We just had to pick. We went to the comfortable Once at Cuisine en Locale. They called the show the Pre-Christmas Punk Pop Party which had five bands. We missed Sprained Ankles who we like a lot. We'll catch 'em soon.

Stranglehold

We were greeted by Stranglehold just about to start their set. They've been doing the same thing on and off since 1982 and that is catchy punk. The songwriting is simple but they always manage to have that one phrase or lick that sticks with you.
The drummer sounded like rolling thunder. You could see where he got some of his technique when they covered the Who’s Substitute. Either of the guitarists would have been sufficient but with the two it was primo. The lead singer was belting it out. On some of the choruses he wraps his voice around a repeated phrase and drives it home.
I think I like Stranglehold even more now then back in the day. Back then they were one of many but now the straight up punk bands are getting sparser. They wanted to do this gig to get their chops for the upcoming Mighty Bosstones punk oriented Throwdown show they are doing on Dec 28th. (see below in gig oistings)

Jay Allen and the Archcriminals

   The same goes with Jay Allen and the Archcriminals. You can always count on Jay to deliver a fast punky set. With him it pays to listen to the lyrics because they are acerbic, sarcastic and funny. The Archcriminals seem to do it all effortlessly. Even when the drummer Larry Litagot had a problem and couldn’t play, Jay and the bass player just played the first two songs. No big deal.
   With Jay you have cover songs you know, cover songs you don’t know, and originals that sound like cover songs. He started with a song that I’m sure was his but nope it was a cover. The metaphor for a broken heart was Gerry Cheevers… (I Feel Like) (Gerry) Cheevers (Stitch Marks On My Heart) by the very cool Chixdiggit, a Canadian group who's played Boston a few times and Jay did see them every time.
   The Archcriminals have a new album on Rum Bar Records They played Chopped Liver from that is representative of his style.
   We've seen Jay lots of times and every time it’s very cool. He’s one of the people that makes the Boston scene a nice place and a musician that keeps it going. As an additional note Jay was walking with a crutch -we asked him why - Jay was so excited about playing with the Sprained Ankles that he indeed sprained his ankle!!! He did play without it however.
    We caught an odd and unintended effect of the lights on Jay Allen. They caused a psychedelic backdrop. You can see it to the left of Jay in this video.

Muck and the Mires

   Then it was Muck the Machine, taking over. We saw them twice in a week just two weeks ago. Would that be enough? No, you never can have too much Muck and the Mires. They proved then that they have two complete sets of songs. This night they combined the two and it was a hook laden festival.
   Every time you hear Muck you can’t believe how lucky you are to have this around all the time. That was the feeling for the whole night. We caught three sets full of well-crafted material by veteran musicians that cranked it out. The friendly scene added to that.
   The next day Cuisine en Locale was having the Punk Rock Fleamarket, it has officially moved from TT's to Once. There was also the Boston Hassle Black Market. The scene is thriving at the moment. We LUV it!!

In other news.....

We talked to Chris from Duck and Cover this weekend. They had a good year and some rewards from the Rock and Roll Rumble. Now the song Knock ‘em Down is included on the latest Rock Band 4 game by Harmonix and that's opening up a whole new fan base. They are getting more attention on social media, emails from fans across the world (some asking for the chords to the song) and hits on the videos for it. Those are examples on how to get attention in the busy music world. He's looking forward to a great show coming up soon at Opus in Salem on the 21st (see listings below)

Women in Rock Andrew Szava-Kovats never sleeps. He’s released a book from his documentary Women Who Rocked Boston which he released just two weeks ago. There’s extra material in the book - including a playable reprinting of the Clubland game the BGN published in 1982. The book is available at Amazon.com Purchase here!

And don't forget the Documentary! (You can purchase the DVD here!) It's a portrait of women who helped shape the Boston Rock Music Scene, from the 1970s to the 1990s. Includes Live clips from the Bristols, Jen Trynin, Tracy Bonham, Juliana Hatfield and more... Miss Lyn is in there of course as well as some of our faves: Laurel Blanchard from Lou Miami, Lilith , Misscarriage editor and bass player Carmen Wiseman, the great Jane Hudson of Jeff & Jane/Rentals, the active again Melodye Buskin of Phobia/Lou Miami and the beautiful and articulate Linda Viens.

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

Gig10 December 16 (Wednesday) at Once Lounge in Somerville there's a festive night of music and merriment. They are collecting unwrapped gifts for children currently in foster care. They're looking for range from toys, books, art supplies, sporting goods, electronics, personal care items, clothing, coats, gloves, hats, and gift cards. Please enjoy the bands and bring a gift: Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys, Lemon Merchant Allstars, Goddamn Glenn and His Red Cup Ensemble, Parlour Bells, Johnny Blazes and the Pretty Boys, The Static Dynamic, Los Texicanos, Axemunkee and The Knock Ups

December 17 (Thursday) Mr. Airplane Man is playing at The Plough and Stars

December 18 (Friday) The Downbeat 5 are opening for Tim Gearan at Atwood's.

December 18 (Friday) The Rationales, When Particles Collide, The Static Dynamic and Stars Like Ours are at Great Scott

December 18 (Friday) Diablogato's CD Release Party at Opus Underground Salem also on the bill The Devil's Twins and Salem Wolves - and its FREE!

December 19 (Saturday) A Crash Course For The Ravers featuring DiabloGato. That's 1-4PM WMFO 95.1 on your radio dial.

Thrash December 19 (Saturday) There's a "Rockin' Winter Party" at O'Brien's with Jittery Jack, Diablogato and Easy Ed's Record Hop between sets.

December 19 (Saturday) The Figgs and The Upper Crust are at Great Scott

December 20 (Sunday) It's Thrash 'n' Bang s 5th Annual Holiday Party at The Midway with The Pity Whores, Fast Time, Honest John, Lucky United, Bad Movies and Unlisted!! Also FREE pizza. Only $5. Starts at 4PM!!

And out in the the future we have.....

December 21 (Monday) Chanticlear, Duck and Cover, Quiggs, Oh The Humanity and The Offwhites are at Opus Underground in Salem. (FB Page)

December 22 (Tuesday) Duke Levine is playing at Atwood's and Wayne Viens is celebrating his birthday there!! Happy Bday WAYNE!!!

This year the Might Mighty Bosstones have decided their shows should feature all old school Boston garage and punk bands!! This is a AWESOME and most wonderful idea!! Here are the line ups:

December 26 (Saturday) Hometown Throw Down with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Neighborhoods and The Upper Crust at the House of Blues
December 27 (Sunday) Hometown Throw Down with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Real Kids and The Queers at the House of Blues

December 28 (Monday) Hometown Throw Down with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Outlets and Stranglehold at the House of Blues

December 28 (Monday) Shiny Beasts, Dippin' Sauce and Classic Ruins are at The Midway

December 31 (Thursday) New Year's Eve Party at The Plough and Stars with Today Junior

December 31 (Thursday) New Year's Eve at O'Briens with The Scrooges, Quiggs and Gaskco.

December 31 (Thursday) New Years Eve Celebration with Hallelujah The Hills, The Barbazons and Milk at Great Scott

December 31 (Thursday) At The Midway they are staying true to their QUEERAOKE!!! Women's Dance Night - All are welcome - ring in the new year with The Midway folks!

January 2 (Saturday) The Petty Morals celebrate their newly released EP Marked Women at Great Scott along with The Organ Beats, Watts, and Stars Like Ours

January 2 (Saturday) Tsunami of Sound, Black Souls and Shiny Beasts are at Sally O'Brien's

January 3 (Sunday) Roy Sludge is at State Park in Kendall Square this is a regular evening show.

Cover January 7 (Thursday) It's a Book Release Party for Brett Milano's Don't Thank Me All at Once (The Lost Pop Genius of Scott Miller), at Store 54. If you'd like to grab a copy beforehand you can do so here Amazon.com

January 8 (Friday) My Own Worst Enemy, When Particles Collide, Overlake and Gene Dante and The Future Starlets are at the Midway

January 9 (Saturday) Mr Airplane Man and Vapors of Morphine are at Atwood's

January 15(Friday) Thee Sonomatics and The Black Souls are at Beatnik's, Worcester (433 Park Ave)

January 16 (Saturday) The Fathoms, Tsunami of Sound and Richie Parsons at the Midway

Lyres January 16 (Saturday) Roy Sludge is at Sally O'Brien's - this is a 6PM show.

January 16 (Saturday) OC45, Point Blank, Meat Depressed, The FUs at Koto in Salem.

January 22 (Friday) Goddamn Draculas, Red Sky Mary and Watts are at Johnny D's

January 29 (Friday) The Dictators - NATUR - Neutral Nation are at The Parlor Newport, Newport RI (FB page for more info)

January 30 (Saturday) The Dictators - Lenny Lashley's Gang of One - Nick and the Adversaries - Neutral Nation are at Great Scotts

January 30 (Saturday) Lyres, The Paul Collins Beat and the modifierS are at The Middle East Up. BUY TIX here

January 30 (Saturday) Reddy Teddy is playing at a 10 Jam for Ink Jam Tattoo in Arlington . 6-10 PM at the Knights of Columbus, Arlington MA. Check otu the FB page for more info.

February 17 (Wednesday) Poison Idea, Child Bite, The FUs, LIVVER and Profit Margin at The Midway