December 2008 Archives

Maybe it was the snow covered streets downtown. Maybe it was the frosted ice on the Worthen's front window. Maybe it was the Christmas lights and the white linen table cloths that gave Lowell's oldest tavern a warm and comfortable glow. Whatever the reason, Tex-mas Eve at the Worthen was one of those nights that will be remembered for a long time to come. Tex MacNamara was a gracious host and his Bucking Broncos created a loose, casual atmosphere as each act joined in the merry making.

There are many reasons why I love this city: the architecture; the history; the Folk Festival; the rivers. But last Tuesday night I was reminded once again of THE reason...the people. The beer and the cheer kept flowing; nearly $1000.00 raised for the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. As more and more dollars were added to Melanie Driscoll's "gift box" it was hard not to conjure up images of friends and neighbors helping out a desperate George Bailey at the end of It's a Wonderful Life. And by night's end it was impossible NOT to believe the chorus of voices screaming, "Eddie Lyons is Santa Claus."

If asked to name my favorite films of 2008, I wouldn't have to think twice: Slumdog Millionaire; Man on Wire; WALL-E. Ask me to name my favorite CDs of 08 and the list wouldn't come quite as easily. This could largely be due to my obsession with the early 70s... my CD dollars being spent adding 70's classics like Mott the Hoople's Mott, Bowie's Hunky Dory, and Sly and the Family Stone's Stand to my collection. Locally, Melvern Taylor's Love Songs for Losers gets my top pick. A sparkling collection of timeless gems, Love Songs spotlights a gifted songwriter at the top of his game who continually works to refine and polish his craft. Nationally, I loved Jenny Lewis' Acid Tounge and Ron Sexsmith's Exit Stategy of the Soul.

Your favorite 08 album, local or otherwise? Favorite song? Was 08 a good year for music? Memorable concert or live performance? Any dogs or disappointments? Love to hear from you as I continue to make my own year end evaluations. And I swear next year I'm dropping that extra fifteen...a change IS gonna come, dang it!

A few Christmas’ back, when Nixon was president and Three Dog Night’s Joy to the World was #1, the only thing on my list that year was the Partridge Family Album. It never made it under the tree but my Dad packed us all into the Country Squire on Christmas vacation, drove to some hip little record store in Malden and let me buy it with my own money. On the ride home I was overcome with complete joy and happiness; pure childhood ecstasy. My hands were shaking as I thought about watching the album spinning on the fold up, portable stereo in my bedroom. And then it happened. Grinch-like and with a Pall Mall dangling from his lower lip my Dad uttered, “I don’t understand what you’re so excited about; they don’t even play their own instruments.” In a second I was scouring the credits to prove him wrong. A tear trickled down my cheek as I realized he was right. At that very moment there was no more Easter Bunny, no more Tooth Fairy, no more Santa Claus.

Once home I forced myself to listen despite the violation, despite the deceit. Within days nothing else mattered: the songwriting was impeccable, the vocal harmonies were luscious, the musicianship outstanding. (Later I would discover the Partridge Family session players were also laying down tracks with Steely Dan, Paul Simon, Harry Nilsson, Joni Mitchell, John Lennon and Jerry Garcia to name a few; not bad company to keep.)

Digital sampling, loops, editing…keeps getting easier and easier to make music now a days. But one thing hasn’t changed since that fateful Christmas; a great voice is still a great voice and a great song is still a great song. Merry Christmas.

Hard to believe Whiskeytown's critically acclaimed Pneumonia turns ten next month. Even harder to believe alt-country phenom Ryan Adams has just released his 10th full length album in 8 years. And although Cardinology lacks the lyrical intensity of Demolition or Jacksonville City Nights, it's subtle, intimate songwriting displays a grace and delicacy missing on earlier albums. The debate lingers... which Adams will stand the test of time: the drunk, loose cannon or the sober and mature troubador?

February 21st, Adams and the Cardinals play the Orpheum. And while competing performance spaces like the Patriot Center and the Casinos offer the glitz and the comfort, the haggard and weathered Orpheum has a mystique and aura all it's own. Couldn't think of a better venue to see this show. Not to be missed.

Tuesday night, December 23, Tex MacNamara(pictured) and His Bucking Broncos , host the first annual Tex-mas Eve Christmas Extravaganza at the Worthen. Tex will bookend the show starting the night with a short set of Christmas songs. Sixteen or so other local acts will follow before Tex MacNamara closes things out around midnight. In the spirit of the season, proceeds will go to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank.

This Friday night local favorites The Deliriants, the Cold Pilgrims and The Time Beings crank out the tunes at Club DTS on Market St. Other guests include Jen Kearney, D-Tension and Kevin Stevenson to name a few. The night is being billed as "The Last Safe Christmas Party." Sounds fun.

Saturday night folk rocker Marty Nestor is at Mickey's hosting his own Christmas party. All three shows are stacked with talent. So come down and share the merriment and help raise some $$ for a good cause in the process.

Live music on Middle Street? A glimmer of hope for the rebirth of an original music scene in DTL? At the holy and sacred ground which housed two of the greatest music bars in the city, Smithwicks and Evos? Sure the Village Smokehouse will never capture the spirit of either (the bar is too slick and there's too many TVs) but maybe the timing is right; the twenty somethings are now thirty somethings and the owners have done a great job with the place. And if they're planning on booking live, original music, then kudos to them!

This Thursday night, from 9-12PM, Jen Kearney inaugurates the Smokehouse with her funky mix of latin rhythms, jazz harmonies and dynamic vocals. Jen has been in the studio recording songs for her much anticipated new album and she'll be performing some of those songs Thursday in what promises to be a great night of music.

So pick yourself up and come down to this infamous address and show the new owners what we already know; Lowell is a hotbed for talented songwriters and musicians who just need a place to play.

The album title was simple enough...19. After tearing up the British charts with her sultry phrasing and her powerful voice, Adele, now all of twenty, is rapidly building a devoted following in the States. Unjustly compared to British bad girl Amy Winehouse, Adele is more of a contemporary Dusty Springfield, and though her songs are jazz influenced, they are pure acoustic pop. Nominated for four Grammys including Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Adele's rise to the top was fast and furious. Her first single, the infectious Chasing Pavements , spent three weeks at #2 in Britain before exploding on the Biilboard charts. Appearances on SNL and Letterman have fueled her popularity in the US.

Wednesday, January 14th, Adele plays the Somerville Theater. This may be one of those rare opportunities to catch a glimpse at an artist who, by all accounts, is destined for stardom.

If you read my review of the new ACD album, you know how much I like this band. Saturday night you can find out for yourself. Audrey is hosting their CD release party at Mickey's Bar and Grille. Featuring a new line up, ACD will be performing songs from their new album Waving at Parked Cars as well as songs from their previous two releases. Music starts at 9:00.

Speaking of Mickey's, the place was packed last Saturday night as local musicians and friends celebrated the Reverend JJ's birhday. Jen Kearney and Carl Johnson got things rolling finishing their set with a screaming cover of Zeppelin's What Is and What Never Should Be. I didn't make it to last call but anyone know if the Reverend addressed the masses?

If you've never been to Johnny D's in Somerville, this Friday night should give you plenty of reasons to make the trip. Bringing their legendary show to this ultra cool room in Davis Square is Memphis Rockabilly, one of the most highly touted rockabilly acts across the US. They have shared a stage with Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roomful of Blues, Duke Robillard, The Persuasions, Etta James among many others. Carl Perkins called them, "The best rockabilly band I've ever seen." Together for 30 years, Memphis Rockabilly is known for their killer covers as well as their ability to get the audience swinging on the dance floor. So dust off them dancin' shoes and get ready to "Go cat, Go!"

If there were any justice in the world some A&R rep (do they even exist anymore?), some DJ, or some indie movie director would take one listen to the latest offering from Audrey Can’t Die, pick up the phone and start getting this band the national recognition they deserve. Waving at Parked Cars, the band’s third album IS that good. At a time when rhythm reigns on the radio, we sometimes forget the subtle power of a great melody. Until we hear one. Throw in the lush guitar work of John Kolakowski, Rob Pierce’s poignant and poetic lyrics and pleading vocals, and you get a rock album that seduces, grabs and holds on long after the first listen. From the hook laden opening Silent to the closing drinking anthem Please Don’t, the songs are laced with a suburban disconnect that is both comforting and disquieting. At the heart of the album though are the three songs that should catapult Audrey into the limelight: Dig; Killing Time; and Beebe Gun. Listen to Rob Pierce’s wounded falsetto in Beebe Gun followed by the reflective lyric “Regret is the best I can do” and you’ll see why. Audrey fans have had to wait three years for a new record. But one thing’s for certain; she’s never been more alive.

Melvern at Nick's was one to remember. First of all, oil paintings of naked ladies all over wood paneled walls beneath tin ceilings in a neighborhood that only a drunken mother could love are a setting that money just can't buy... (The art reminds me of Lewis's in Norwood, which is always a good thing where I'm concerned). The dimensions of the stage were such than Melvern had to stand on the floor in front, and Johnny couldn't swing his bass without banging into the wall, but what the setup lacked in elbow room it sure made up for in ambiance. (Where else can you order bratwurst with your beer and see a show like this one?)

The highlights for everyone so familiar with MT&TFM that they normally know all the words to every song were the covers (Tiny Bubbles was my favorite, just cuz my date hadn't realized I knew the words and she almost laughed her vodka and soda back through her nose to realize it, but "Hello Marylou, Goodbye Heart" and ESPECIALLY "Tonight you belong to me", for which props are also due to my date for knowing it was first recorded for a hit by Patience and Prudence, were remarkable) but for the folks most into Melvern and his Meltones at their fabulous best it was the full three-set treatment that set the heart aflutter. Everything from all the records, and soft pretzels too.

If you've never been to a show where the fifty-somethings at the BACK of the room start banging their tankards on the tables in demand for ONE MORE, then you haven't seen Melvern rock a house, and I'm here to say it was one of a one of a kind evening. Finestkind!

And a good time was had by all.

She was the voice of Josie in Josie and the Pussycats. She grew up across the street from Mark and Donnie Wahlberg in Dorchester. Most recently she was a back-up singer for Miley Cyrus. But on Monday and Tuesday night at the Paradise, Kay Hanley will be back doing what she does best: fronting the much loved and missed alt-rock band Letters to Cleo. From a whisper to a scream, Kay will be delivering all the LTC favorites like Here and Now from 1993's Aurora Gory Alice. The band is only playing three US cities: LA; New York; and Boston. Don't miss it!

This year the 21st Boston Music Awards takes place at the Roxy on Dec. 7th and several acts with ties to Lowell have been nominated:

Outstanding Americana Act, Frank Morey
Outstanding Hip Hop Act, Los Wunder Twins
Outstanding Blues Act, Evan Goodrow
Best Hip Hop Producer, D-Tension

Local favorite Frank Morey, the Tom Waits of Lowell, has been crafting timeless, gritty and bluesy gems that capture the spirit and essence of the Mill City more than any other artist I've heard. Check him out every Sunday night in December at the Plough in Cambridge.

Place your vote by December 5th.

For out door music venues throughout New England, Boarding House Park ranks near the very top. Where else can you see national acts like the Indigo Girls, Daryl Hall, and Bruce Hornsby at a fraction of the standard ticket price? Factor in the possibility of catching a fiery sky as the sun sets behind the mills and you have all the ingredients for a perfect summer night.

For a limited time, you can purchase a season pass to all shows for $225.00. That's roughly $11.00 a show! The line up won't be announced till February, but if the past few years are any indication, 2009 promises to be another fabulous season. Click the link above for more info.