Black Taxi at Tommy Doyle’s, 96 Winthrop Street, Cambridge (Harvard Square)
TONIGHT (Friday, January 20)
21+ / 8pm / $5 or FREE before 9:30pm
Late notice on this one, but infectiously poppy and danceable Black Taxi, hailing from Brooklyn, New York, are at Tommy Doyle’s tonight. They just released their second album, We Don’t Know Any Better. Check out their video below.
On their debut EP Noisemaker (released Dec 13 of last year), Boston band The Dirty Hit give a very nice sampling of their eclectic and far-reaching sound. There’s the noisy garage fun of “Romero” and “Back To You” (though both have melodic elements), the folky social commentary of “All Seeing Eye,” and some really nice psychedelic ambiance of “Days End” and “Bring Light,” which have little experimental touches including a a slight aroma of reggae rhythm. “Renovator,” which closes the EP, is just a nice, tight pop song. There’s something about the writing (I’m a lyrics girl, remember), the tasteful guitar licks and the delightful harmonies that makes these guys stand out. It’ll be cool to see what they do next – there’s plans for a full-length this year.
Three of the four amazing bands to be gracing the 'stage' (such as it is) at the Lizard Lounge tonight - Black Fortress of Opium, Marc Pinansky, and The Fatal Flaw.
Black Fortress of Opium with St. Helena, The Fatal Flaw, and Marc Pinansky (of Township) at the Lizard Lounge
Saturday, January 14, 2012
$8 | 18+ | doors at 8pm | facebook event
Here’s an absolutely ridiculous line-up of bands at the cozy little Lizard Lounge tomorrow night (or rather *tonight*, but the time I get this posted..). And speaking of my tardiness, apologies for this ‘quick and dirty’ preview, but this is seriously worthy of a mention, despite its hastiness. This may well sell out, so get there early. See you there. (more…)
Levon Helm, Crooked Fingers, Toyah Willcox with The Humans
Ok, so last year I had a ‘Top 10′ list. What can I say; 2011 was kind of a struggle. But I did discover a common theme for this year’s favorites: delivering a stellar performance in the face of adversity. Whether it was a legendary performer who had overcome personal struggles to come back, absolutely blazing (Toyah Wilcox, Levon Helm, and Eric Bachmann with his band Crooked Fingers); or just a rough night (lead singer Evan Way of The Parson Red Heads being really sick but soldiering on anyway, and The Drowning Men and their ‘road trip from hell’); my soaring admiration combined with musical prowess to create these special evenings. (more…)
Happy final day of 2011. Here’s my favorite performance at the BMAs – a scorching set courtesy of The Wandas. So wonderful! Definitely see these guys, if you have the chance.
That would be Church of Boston back on September 25, when they supported The Humans, not your usual Sunday service – though could you imagine that? I uploaded this recently, but never mentioned it, so as I recover from my band resources and prep my ‘Favorite Shows of 2011′, here’s a little video treat for you.
Take Note! If you’re doing First Night, they’ll be bringing their “posse” once again to the Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street, starting at 7:30 and going until 11pm.
UPDATE… IT’S DONE! (or at least, for the time being). Check It Out.
In a sudden burst of ambition and enthusiasm (we’ll see how long it lasts), I’ve decided to continue something I started last year – a Resource Guide for touring musicians passing through the Boston area, and for those who live here as well. For now, you’ll find a list of area venues, capacity and booking info., and just added, a list of local promoters. Coming soon (I have, what, seven more days left?) I’ll have radio and press, rehearsal space and recording studios, and much more. Have a look. And very happy holidays, everyone. Stay tuned for my ‘Favorite Shows of 2011′, and also some ‘end of year angst’. I’m sure I’ll be able to summon some up for ya.
Here’s something a little different from me, in amongst all the existential angst and bitter regrets. Well ok, it’s a song about a lost love, but it’s sung in such a sweetly reminiscent way, you almost don’t feel so bad for him.
Randall Kromm, lawyer by day, folk singer by night; it seems like a strange dichotomy, but his songs are about real life experiences and everyday challenges, and what can be more real and challenging than balancing the life of a musician with another life as a lawyer, husband and father of four? He’s performed at coffeehouses, open mikes, and clubs in the Boston area, including a sold-out show at the legendary Club Passim, and released his debut album, Water Wheel, earlier this year. He also has a collection of seasonal songs called Holidays and Homecomings. He counts among his fans seasoned performers Christine Lavin and Don White.
Randall has two shows coming up – a performance of holiday songs with other local musicians at Main Streets Market and Cafe in Concord on December 22 at 7pm, and at an open mic at Emerson Umbrella on January 9, 2012, along with songwriter Laura Gold.
If you’re sitting there thinking, “how can I be so much cooler than everyone else around me, so that my Boston music scene street cred is forever secured?” , you need to know about this awesome new music compilation. It is in honor of the Boston underground music scene, fearlessly supported by the folks at Body Of Water (B.O.W.) and Boston Compass, who regularly promote shows within a wide range of ‘outside the mainstream’ genres in alternative venues. For this unusual new release, they’ve partnered with The Boston Hassle, a music blog and events guide that specializes in “Psych, punk, weird, pop, electronic, experimental, and awesome music… high and low brow smashed to pieces and forever mixed together.” Attention hipsters: you can now (quite literally) wear your love of underground music on your sleeve. (more…)
The Lowbred Watts is the homespun project of Ryan Stapler, who recorded his debut EP, Get Home, on a trusty cassette Portastudio in his basement. But have no fear… it’s really good! His folk & country blues tunes have a warm, front-porch charm. Accompanying himself on acoustic and electric guitars, slide and foot drums, the lo-fi vibe works beautifully with his Dylanesque vocals.
The Lowbred Watts will be performing at McGann’s Pub tomorrow night, during a fine evening of folk, Americana and country-blues (see set times above). It seems like a well-thought-out lineup of kindred spirits, presented by F Nice Records, who handle all of the live music at McGann’s, and who regularly offer discounted tickets for these shows on their site. F Nice is an indie music company that offers merchandising, show bookings and promotion, rehearsal space, production and distribution, in service to local musicians. “F Nice is here to reclaim the local music scene from those who let it down.” Amen.
