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Live Reviews

    Mojo risingMojo rising:  Robby Krieger rocks Berklee
    “So,” I asked, “how annoying was Jim?”
    By: STEVEN LEE BEEBER


    In charactersIn characters:  Tori Amos, Orpheum Theatre, October 19, 2007
    On Friday, the second of a two-night stand at the Orpheum, Tori Amos showed up as “Clyde."
    By: MATT ASHARE


    Arts and craftsmenArts and craftsmen:  Stars and New Buffalo, Berklee Performance Center, October 19, 2007
    The stage at the Berklee Performance Center last Friday was strewn with Stars and bouquets of flowers.
    By: ELLEE DEAN


    Middle of the RoadMiddle of the Road:  Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, Paradise Rock Club, October 18, 2007
    Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers may be a serious band with a full-length debut out on Everfine that features Caitlin Cary, but they don’t take themselves too seriously.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Heavy metal overdriveHeavy metal overdrive:  High on Fire, Middle East Downstairs, October 11, 2007
    Metal can be one of pop’s funniest, loudest, most compelling genre exercises.
    By: RICHARD BECK


    Brighton beach partyBrighton beach party:  Gogol Bordello, Roxy, October 11, 2007
    If Gogol Bordello have the hottest show around right now, maybe it’s because, unlike a lot of everyday spazz and pap, they actually have something to say.
    By: JON GARELICK


    Classic chicClassic chic:  Regina Spektor, Orpheum Theatre, October 14, 2007
    Regina Spektor was of nervous, twitchy mien when she arrived on stage at the Orpheum last Sunday, next to a piano and a disco ball on the floor.
    By: ELLEE DEAN


    Drag cityDrag city:   The return of Traniwreck, Milky Way, October 14, 2007
    “We’re dealing with drag queens here.”
    By: MEGAN BELL


    Subversive chanteuseSubversive chanteuse:  Nellie McKay, Paradise Rock Club, October 2, 2007
    McKay is an odd duck — a true musical eccentric.
    By: MATT AHSARE


    Straight Man Versus JokermanStraight Man Versus Jokerman:  Elvis Costello and Bob Dylan, DCU Center, October 2, 2007
    Those expecting a night of Sinatra-style duets when Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello shared the bill at the DCU in Worcester were sorely disappointed.
    By: STEVEN LEE BEEBER


    Postmodern bluesPostmodern blues:  Office, Harpers Ferry, October 7, 2007
    Whereas the music leans toward the hooky — propulsive and pumped-up — his lyrics twist and turn their way through lust and love.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Snakes and pilgrimsSnakes and pilgrims:  From venom to the Otherside Café
    There’s something classic about a pretty blonde girl in a bikini with a boa constrictor wrapped around her neck.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    In the living roomIn the living room:  Damon + Naomi's house party
    Not that Damon & Naomi have ever been particularly loud.
    By: MATT ASHARE


    Farewell to AvalonFarewell to Avalon:  Dropkick Murphys, Avalon, September 30, 2007
    “I saw the history of rock and roll unfold right here. I’ve snuck in; I’ve been thrown out; Lansdowne Street was a big fuckin’ dugout.”
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Underplaying to the MaxUnderplaying to the Max:  "A Celebration of Jazz & Joyce," Symphony Hall, September 28, 2007
    All-star blowouts at Symphony Hall are fraught with risk.
    By: JON GARELICK


    Unfreaked FolkUnfreaked Folk:  Devendra Banhart, Roxy, September 25, 2007
    Devendra Banhart may have found his true calling at the Roxy last Tuesday as a small-time professional entertainer.
    By: RICHARD BECK


    Rap HashanahRap Hashanah:  An old school new year
    The Boston Jewish Music Connection kicked off the Jewish New Year not with a kegger or kippers but with a freestyle showdown of Jewish rappers.
    By: STEVEN LEE BEEBER


    Man of the PeopleMan of the People:  Stevie Wonder, Bank of America Pavilion, September 20, 2007
    Given the scope of Stevie Wonder’s accomplishments in the ’60s and ’70s, you’d expect him to be writing symphonies by now.
    By: BRETT MILANO


    Seven layers of heavenSeven layers of heaven:  John Coltrane Memorial Concert, Blackman Theatre, September 22, 2007
    Working on the fly, the organizers created an odd layer cake.
    By: JON GARELICK


    In with the newIn with the new:  Mission of Burma, Institute of Contemporary Art, September 23, 2007
    Mission of Burma left the building last Sunday without playing the “hits.”
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Rock-and-roll circusRock-and-roll circus:  Sxip Shirey's 'Hour of Charm'
    “We’ll fuck up a lot, that’s just the way it is,” said the evening’s MC/entertainer, Sxip Shirey, adding that everyone in the crowd should “feel free to fart.”
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Smooth movesSmooth moves:  Underworld and John Digweed, Bank of America Pavilion, September 15, 2007
    The music of Underworld is almost supremely funkless.
    By: MICHAEL FREEDBERG


    Walk this wayWalk this way:  Aerosmith, Tweeter Center, September 14, 2007
    The fans — even the post-ironic ones — found it hard to walk away.

    By: STEVEN BEEBER


    From prog to popFrom prog to pop:  Genesis, TD Banknorth Garden, September 11, 2007
    Much of the set came from the post-Gabriel, pre-Touch era, when Genesis mastered their orchestral soundscapes.
    By: BRETT MILANO


    Disorientation 2007Disorientation 2007:  Guster, Bleu, and Hooray for Earth, Bank of America Pavilion, September 8, 2007
    With unsimple, shiny-synth songs like “Simple Plan,” Hooray for Earth are behemothic.
    By: ELLEE DEAN


    One nation under a grooveOne nation under a groove:  George Clinton, Roxy, September 6
    A Clinton show is a happy genre collision, where the fantasy of one nation under a groove becomes reality for a night.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Three out of four ain't goodThree out of four ain't good:  Animal Collective, Avalon, September 5, 2007
    But that wasn’t enough to offset the incessant, atonal rave-like loops that just kept coming in wave after abrasive wave.
    By: MATT ASHARE


    The big showThe big show:  Exploring the larger side of Burlesque at the Millky Way, September 5, 2007
    There was plenty of flesh, exposed and otherwise, jiggling — most notably, four fat-bottomed girls who sang and danced in front of Gunpowder Gelatine.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Let's just call it emoLet's just call it emo:  Scary Kids Scaring Kids + Dear Hunter, Axis, August 30, 2007
    The scariest thing about Scary Kids Scaring Kids is keyboardist Pouyan Afkary.
    By: MATT ASHARE


    Down down and awayDown down and away:  Spectrum, Middle East Upstairs, August 28, 2007
    Perhaps androids dream of more than just electric sheep.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Finding dignityFinding dignity:  Hilary Duff, Bank of America Pavilion, August 30, 2007
    Of her fans — bespectacled little girls with glow sticks at Bank of America Pavilion — Duff exclaims, “It’s very, like, empowering!”
    By: ELLEE DEAN


    A pair of KingsA pair of Kings:  The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Show
    Elvis loved Elvis tribute acts.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    A disco ballA disco ball:  Rocking the McGrath Underpass
    Eventually, a man moved in from the periphery, the music slowed, and the reluctant crowd prepared to return to more conventional locales.

    By: CAITIN E. CURRAN


    Past, present, and future tensesPast, present, and future tenses:  Soulico + Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, Paradise Rock Club, August 24, 2007
    If Soulico took diversity into the 21st century, SLRAS planted themselves in traditional world-music terrain.
    By: STEVEN BEEBER


    Off camera, on stageOff camera, on stage:  Minnie Driver, Paradise Lounge, August 23, 2007
    “Brian, dump that bitch!” sang Minnie Driver.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    The Legends of SummerThe Legends of Summer:  Hot Stove, Cool Music, Fenway Park, August 24, 2007
    Never mind that no one in Legend’s band wore a Sox cap and that Legend himself may, gasp, be a Yankee fan for all anyone knows.
    By: MATT ASHARE


    ‘Bring us your worst . . . ’‘Bring us your worst . . . ’:  The ‘Anti-Slam’ poets wax erotic
    Mike brought his creation to a climax with high-pitched keening — part orgasm, part death knell — before swooning onto the stage.
    By: JACQUELINE HOUTON


    Modest Mouse, buzzing beesModest Mouse, buzzing bees:  The Download Festival, Tweeter Center, August 18, 2007
    “I think this festival is sponsored by large, stinging insects . . . made by Volkswagen,” quipped Band of Horses frontman Ben Bridwell.
    By: MIKE MILIARD


    Foolproof punkFoolproof punk:  The Bouncing Souls, Lifetime, The Ergs!, Roxy, August 16, 2007
    Let us take a moment to appreciate New Jersey. Pure sweaty Americana: diners, freeways, and the Boss.
    By: JON MEYER


    Okay. Period.Okay. Period.:  Portugal. The Man, Middle East upstairs, August 12, 2007
    Portugal. The Man. As if this Alaska-via-Oregon band’s moniker weren’t confusing enough.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Black lightsBlack lights:  Cold War Kids + Muse, Agganis Arena, August 11, 2007
    Grids pulsed behind them on three screens, and Matthew Bellamy keened softly, “You will burn in Hell.”
    By: ELLEE DEAN


    The band's the thingThe band's the thing:  Jenny Scheinman, Regattabar, August 6, 2007
    Jenny Scheinman has become the go-to gal for mixed-genre violin.
    By: JON GARELICK


    Living largeLiving large:  Boston’s Hard Rock expands its reach
    The Hard Rock was donating all bar proceeds to the Boston anti-violence charity Peace Games.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Hardcore high jinksHardcore high jinks:  Beastie Boys, Opera House, August 5, 2007
    The instrumentals offered pleasant-enough grooves, dirty fuzz bass from Yauch, and wah-wah guitar from Horovitz.
    By: JON GARELICK


    Back to the futureBack to the future:  Chuck Love, Rise Club, August 3, 2007
    Love’s dancers looked just as discofied as his music sounded.
    By: MICHAEL FREEDBERG


    Head tripHead trip:  Negativland, Middle East Downstairs, August 1, 2007
    Negativland preach “headism” and want to put a “righteous emphasis on common sense.”
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Acting upActing up:   KT Tunstall at First Act
    The slight, dark-haired 32-year-old took the stage smiling and went right into the big hit.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Reaching climaxReaching climax:  Daft Punk, WaMu Theater, Seattle, WA, July 29, 2007
    Ten years after the release of their classic debut, Homework, Daft Punk embark on a long-awaited tour across America with only seven dates on its roster.
    By: VICKI SIOLOS


    Son of a StingSon of a Sting:  Fiction Plane, Paradise, July 27, 2007
    Fiction Plane had worked through angst and anger, alluded to the Police, and darted away.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Maxed-out minimalistsMaxed-out minimalists:  The White Stripes, Agganis Arena, July 23, 2007
    One busty female drummer, one spitfire guitarist, and a deep fondness for raw Motor City rawk reduced to its grittiest garage-punk essence.
    By: MATT ASHARE


    Square dancingSquare dancing:  From ArtBeast to Hogwarts Square
    Somerville’s annual ArtBeat festival operates under the idealistic philosophy that kids and adults can have fun together.
    By: IAN SANDS


    Recapturing the magicRecapturing the magic:  The Police, Fenway Park, July 28, 2007
    Watch a slideshow of the Police at Fenway Park.
    By: BRETT MILANO


    Church of the riffChurch of the riff:  Pelican, Clouds, and Priestbird, Middle East Downstairs, July 23, 2007
    Monday night at the Middle East Downstairs, and a crowd of about 200 gathered for worship.
    By: BEN RICHARDSON


    Country heroCountry hero:  Marty Stuart, Johnny D's, July 18, 2007
    Stuart is the non-showbiz face of country music.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Road warriorRoad warrior:  Erik Friedlander, Lily Pad, July 18, 2007
    Plucked cello and the open road may suggest overly earnest guitar folk, but Friedlander’s music is as tough-minded and original as it is elegiac.
    By: JON GARELICK


    Techno purityTechno purity:  Central Square leaves techno to the purists

    “I have to run to Dunkin’ Donuts,” says Eric McLaughlin (a/k/a DJ Eric Grey) late on a Wednesday night.


    By: DAVID DAY


    Gear headsGear heads:  Battles, Paradise, July 18, 2007
    In May 2005 I went to the Paradise to see Prefuse 73.
    By: WILL SPITZ


    Loud, proudLoud, proud:  Superpower, Milo's Syndicate, Middle East Upstairs, July 16, 2007
    You’ve gotta hand it to the Middle East Upstairs for understanding a little thing called volume
    By: JON MEYER


    Post-punk reduxPost-punk redux:  Maximo Park, Paradise Rock Club, July 11, 2007
    Hyperactive. That’s the best way to describe Maximo Park singer Paul Smith.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Back to the '80sBack to the '80s:  Psychedelic Furs, the Fixx, and the Alarm, Avalon, July 10, 2007
    If one thing’s changed about the Psychedelic Furs since their heyday in the ’80s, it’s frontman Richard Butler’s stage presence.
    By: BRETT MILANO


    Amerindie EchoesAmerindie Echoes:  Deerhunter, Institute of Contemporary Art, July 12, 2007
    There were no frocks or fits of self-abuse on stage.
    By: MATT ASHARE


    Live Earth 2007Live Earth 2007:  Slideshow: backstage at Live Earth New York

    By: CARINA MASTROCOLA


    Modern enchantressModern enchantress:  Last Town Chorus, Lizard Lounge, July 11, 2007
    It’s no wonder producers picked Hickey’s version of “Modern Love” as a soundtrack to aneurysms, scrabble, and heart attacks.
    By: ELLEE DEAN


    Smoke on the waterSmoke on the water:  Forest Hills' Lantern Festival
    People of all stripes spent $10 on a lantern that they then inscribed to their departed loved ones and placed upon the lake.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Rockin' neuroticRockin' neurotic:  Cat Power, Avalon, July 8, 2007
    Nervously pacing the stage in a baggy T-shirt and jeans, Cat Power’s Chan Marshall is about the last performer you’d ever mistake for Tina Turner.
    By: BRETT MILANO


    Meatless magicMeatless magic:  Morrissey returns, Bank of America Pavillion, July 7, 2007
    “No Meat,” read the signs posted at the entrance of Bank of America Pavilion.
    By: MATT ASHARE


    Orchestral maneuversOrchestral maneuvers:  Paul Oakenfold and Hem with the Boston Pops
    On stage, Paul had saluted scratching in early hip-hop culture by manipulating a 12-inch record briefly and then holding it up for the crowd to see.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Morrissey interruptsMorrissey interrupts:  Morrissey, Bank of America Pavilion, June 26, 2007
    Morrissey was playing his first Boston show in three years, and erotic revelation was at hand.
    By: JAMES PARKER


    The essence of RushThe essence of Rush:  Rush, Tweeter Center, June 27, 2007
    As Frank Zappa once said, you can’t do that on stage anymore.
    By: BRETT MILANO


    Long JourneymanLong Journeyman:  Willie Nile, Club Passim, June 22, 2007
    Willie Nile may not be a household name, even among serious musos.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    More than just 'Abel'More than just 'Abel':  The National, Middle East Downstairs, June 21-22, 2007
    Berninger, eyes still closed, let the music overtake him as he led the audience in frenzied shouts of “I won’t fuck us over."
    By: CAITLIN E. CURRAN


    Home sweet homeHome sweet home:  Rose Polenzani and Sharon Lewis, Loring-Greenough House, June 20, 2007
    Front row means you can reach out and kick the performer without even standing.
    By: MICAH C. BELLIEU


    Auto didactsAuto didacts:  Car Talk turns 20
    Is Car Talk the most-listened-to program on National Public Radio?
    By: JEFFREY GANTZ


    An old poetAn old poet:  Willie Nelson, Meadowbrook US Cellular Pavilion, Gilford, NH, June 15, 2007
    Sometime after the lights went out, Willie Nelson walked on stage.
    By: ELLEE DEAN


    Slouching toward irrelevanceSlouching toward irrelevance:  Albert Hammond Jr., Paradise Rock Club, June 14, 2007
    Albert Hammond Jr. may come from money, but he also comes from music.
    By: MATT ASHARE


    Panoramic popPanoramic pop:  Cyndi Lauper and "True Colors," Bank of America Pavilion, June, 16, 2007
    The Pavilion was P-town for a night.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Chaos, controlChaos, control:  Melt-Banana, Neptune, and Doomriders, Middle East Downstairs, June 11, 2007
    There’s really no point in reviewing a show like this. 
    By: JON MEYER


    Packin' 'em in on Lansdowne StreetPackin' 'em in on Lansdowne Street:  Best Music Poll Party, Lansdowne Street, June 6, 2007
    Whoever told you that the post-punk revival is on the wane was wrong.
    By: WILL SPITZ


    Jandek’s lonesome howlJandek’s lonesome howl:  Jandek, Institute of Contemporary Art, June 8, 2007
    Jandek sang in a descending baritone moan as the clattering of avant-noise fluttered around him.
    By: DAVID DAY


    Still watersStill waters:  Great Lake Swimmers, Middle East Upstairs, June 5, 2007

    On record, Toronto’s Great Lake Swimmers trot between the countrified rock of the Cowboy Junkies and the somber folk of latter-day Neil Young.


    By: JON MEYER


    I'm like a boreI'm like a bore:  Nelly Furtado, Agganis Arena, June 5, 2007
    The Nelly Furtado concert was off to a fine, Lite-Brite sort of start.
    By: ELLEE DEAN


    McCartneymaniaMcCartneymania:  Celebrating Paul at the Hard Rock, May 31, 2007
    Forget, for a moment, the ugliness concerning Heather Mills and her impending divorce from Paul McCartney.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    No sweatNo sweat:  Steely Dan, Bank of America Pavilion, May 29, 2007
    Age seems to agree with Steely Dan, whose leaders are looking more like the kind of jazz musicians they used to idolize.
    By: BRETT MILANO


    Pretty and slowPretty and slow:  Keren Ann, Somerville Theatre, June 2, 2007
    It’s difficult to say what we gained by seeing Keren Ann live at the Somerville Theatre last Saturday night as opposed to listening to her on record.
    By: JON GARELICK


    Rock against rockRock against rock:  Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Middle East Downstairs, June 3, 2007
    Once on stage, SGM launched into a much-ado-about-everything set — a collision of prog-rock, thrash metal, free jazz, punk, off-kilter funk, and more.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Dishing on a starDishing on a star:  Perez Hilton and Lady Sov, Mansion, May 23, 2007
    “There are so many hot chicks here in Boston, I wish I was straight!”
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    I think I have the vaporsI think I have the vapors:  Dennis Brennan CD release bash, Lizard Lounge, May 19, 2007
    Listen and learn, people.
    By: JON GARELICK


    Sound effectsSound effects:  Keiji Haino, MIT's List Visual Arts Center, through July 8, 2007
    Indie-music fans in hoodies and beards were waiting to get into the subterranean theater.
    By: GREG COOK


    DJ JazzDJ Jazz:  Mark Knight, Underbar, May 17, 2007
    We’ve become accustomed to thinking of jazz as delicate sounds played by iconic wise men (and women) in museum-like settings.
    By: MICHAEL FREEDBERG


    A long goodbyeA long goodbye:  Pretty Girls Make Graves, Middle East Downstairs, May 17, 2007
    Could Pretty Girls Make Graves be the first band ever to break up because the drummer is exiting?
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Chemical imbalanceChemical imbalance:  Velvet Revolver, Avalon, May 16, 2007
    “We’re Velvet Revolver . . . and we still play motherfucking rock ’n’ roll!”
    By: JAMES PARKER


    Hallelejuh!Hallelejuh!:  Arcade Fire, Orpheum Theatre, May 10, 2007
    One would be hard pressed to find a review of an Arcade Fire show that doesn’t include the word “big.”
    By: WILL SPITZ


    Putting the pop into the PopsPutting the pop into the Pops:  Boston Pops! Opening Night, Symphony Hall, May 9, 2007
    The screams came from the second balcony at Symphony Hall on Wednesday.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Personality plusPersonality plus:  Amy Winehouse, Avalon, May 7, 2007
    Any number of soul divas could blow the doors off retro-soul upstart Amy Winehouse.
    By: JON GARELICK


    Porn againPorn again:  Kim Airs returns for some ‘SmorgasPORN,’ Coolidge Corner Theatre, May 5, 2007
    The sound of loud, breathy faux orgasms ricocheted upstairs at the Coolidge Corner Theatre.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Flowing forwardFlowing forward:  EL-P, Middle East Downstairs, May 1, 2007
    There were just a few holdouts from the backpack era for last Tuesday's El-P’s Middle East show.
    By: MATTHEW GASTEIER


    X + 2 = funX + 2 = fun:  The Knitters, Paradise Rock Club, May 3, 2007
    When Knitters guitarists John Doe and Dave Alvin took the Paradise stage a week ago Thursday, Doe promised the house an evening of sad, “miserable” songs.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Power-surge popPower-surge pop:  Peter Bjorn and John, Paradise Rock Club, May 4, 2007
    I was expecting a restrained, polite set from the super-hyped Swedish band Peter Bjorn and John.
    By: WILL SPITZ


    Trials and trailsTrials and trails:  Surviving Urban Dare, April 28, 2007
    A swarm of people in powder-blue T-shirts have taken over Charlestown’s City Square Park, shouting out “S!” or “Z!” like alphabet assassins.
    By: CAITLIN E. CURRAN


    Big-theater bluesBig-theater blues:  Modest Mouse, the Orpheum, April 27, 2007
    It was an intense, chaotic moment, one that probably would’ve felt sublime at, say, the Middle East downstairs.
    By: WILL SPITZ


    Gender bentGender bent:  The Cliks, T.T. the Bear's Place, April 26, 2007
    Okay, so maybe I’m not totally clear on the differences among cross-dressing, transgendered, and, well, just plain old androgyny.
    By: MATT ASHARE


    Jamaica via VermontJamaica via Vermont:  Casual Fiasco, Paradise, April 27, 2007
    It's a strange state of affairs when white guys in guitar bands start purposely mispronouncing the words of their songs to sound Jamaican.
    By: MELISSA POCEK


    Celtic EverlandCeltic Everland:  Loreena McKennit, Wang Theatre, April 21, 2007
    “We missed you, baby!”
    By: JEFFREY GANTZ


    Buffy lustBuffy lust:  Buffy the Vampire Sing-a-long, Coolidge Corner Theatre, April 14, 2007
    What was I thinking, showing up to a Buffy the Vampire Slayer Sing-Along and Senior Prom in street clothes?

    By: SHARON STEEL


    It's TownshipIt's Township:  The Rumble, Harpers Ferry, April 20, 2007
    Ah, the WBCN Rock ’n’ Roll Rumble, the battle of the bands that stokes the local music scene into a conflagration of puerile mudslinging, blind favoritism, and ill-informed conspiracy theory.
    By: WILL SPITZ


    The man and the bandThe man and the band:  Aqualung, Paradise Rock Club, April 17, 2007
    Just as Bright Eyes is a vehicle for Conor Oberst, Aqualung is the name under which Matt Hales records.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Ode on melancholyOde on melancholy:  Calla, the Middle East, April 13, 2007
    Friday the 13th was a fitting date for Calla to play at the Middle East.
    By: MELISSA POCEK


    No stuffed shirts, pleaseNo stuffed shirts, please:  Haydn's Die Jahreszeiten, Symphony Hall, April 15, 2007
    “Winter, winter, spring, and winter.”
    By: JEFFREY GANTZ


    Eye of the stormEye of the storm:  The Slackers, Middle East, April 19, 2007
    Ska shows are incongruous affairs.
    By: I-HSIEN SHERWOOD


    Batter upBatter up:  Peter Gammons, Game On!, April 9, 2007
    Peter Gammons has something of a perfect life.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    ’S no joke’S no joke:  A Best Music Poll pre-party, Paradise, April 4, 2007
    A roomful of local nominees and friends made it to the Paradise last Wednesday.
    By: BRETT MILANO


    An other RamoneAn other Ramone:  Uncle Monk, Club Passim, April 6, 2007
    “It’s home-brewed stuff,” Ramone explained pre-set.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Marathon manMarathon man:  Sonny Rollins, Symphony Hall, April 6, 2007
    Sonny Rollins has said that when he plays long solos, it isn’t necessarily because he’s inspired but because he’s looking for inspiration.
    By: JON GARELICK


    Fun houseFun house:  The Stooges, Orpheum Theatre, April 7, 2007
    A full house of cave dwellers and recidivists welcomed the Stooges to the Orpheum on Saturday.
    By: JAMES PARKER


    So much, so fastSo much, so fast:  Battles, Great Scott, April 5, 2007
    Angular, mathy bands run the risk of boring their audience live.
    By: JOE BERNARDI


    Young gunsYoung guns:  Battle of the High School Bands, Harpers Ferry, March 31, 2007
    The windows at the front of Harpers Ferry are disorienting when a concert starts at 1 in the afternoon.
    By: JEFF BREEZE


    Symmetric unitiesSymmetric unities:  Toumani Diabaté, Somerville Theater, March 29, 2007
    Toumani Diabaté is not just on tour, he’s on a mission.
    By: DAMON KRUKOWSKI


    Not quite phenomenalNot quite phenomenal:  Ruthie Foster, Johnny D's, March 28, 2007
    Fans of deep-roots blues and soul are always looking for new heroes and heroines.
    By: TED DROZDOWSKI


    A bit of funA bit of fun:  Bloc Party, Orpheum Theatre, March 8, 2007
    The Orpheum turned into a sweatbox a week ago Wednesday.
    By: DAVID DAY


    Party peopleParty people:  Toots and the Maytals, Avalon, March 28, 2007
    Though the crowd skewed more preppie and hippie than rudie, they knew their shit, screaming the words to "Reggae Got Soul" and "Monkey Man."
    By: I-HSIEN SHERWOOD


    Dexterous featsDexterous feats:  Menomena + Field Music + Land of Talk, Great Scott, March 27, 2007
    Those of us too poor to make it down to Austin for last week’s SxSW festival were treated to a mini-showcase of some of indie rock’s strongest up-and-coming bands.
    By: CHRISTOPHER GRAY


    British inflationBritish inflation:  Young Knives, Harpers Ferry, March 21, 2007
    The buzzed-about British trio Young Knives took the stage to introduce themselves to Boston.
    By: DAVID DAY


    The Singing StatesmanThe Singing Statesman:  Gilberto Gil, Zeiterion Theatre, March 21, 2007
    It’s hard to imagine a better setting for a two-hour solo performance by one of Brazil’s greatest singer-songwriters.
    By: DAMON KRUKOWSKI


    Still going strongStill going strong:  Lucinda Williams, Orpheum Theatre, March 24, 2007
    “It’s not that often that a 54-year-old woman achieves her greatest success,’’ said Lucinda Williams from the Orpheum stage last Saturday.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Porn in the USAPorn in the USA:  Boston Underground Film Festival, Brattle Theatre, March 22, 2007
    What’s the last time you went to a theater to see a porn movie?
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Rowing across the River StyxRowing across the River Styx:  Explosions in the Sky + the Paper Chase + Eluvium, Middle East Downstairs, March 21, 2007
    Explosions in the Sky write what they’ve referred to as “cathartic mini-symphonies,” epic, tribal, and enormous.
    By: VICKI G. SIOLOS


    After school specialAfter school special:  Scary Monsters + Perennials, Great Scott, March 20, 2007
    Scary Monsters looked like skinny monsters.
    By: ELLEE DEAN


    Star for a nightStar for a night:  ‘Guitar Hero’ Wednesdays at Common Ground
    Some self-described Guitar Hero phenoms seek e-recognition by posting videos of their video-guitar heroics on YouTube.
    By: TIM JOHNSON


    Soul metalSoul metal:  Jesu, Middle East Downstairs, March 17, 2007
    “Some religious music,” wrote the late, great Whitney Balliett, jazz critic for the New Yorker, “shines with evil.”
    By: JAMES PARKER


    Keepin' it realKeepin' it real:  The Roots, Avalon, March 13, 2007
    As I was walking up to Avalon a week ago Tuesday to see the Roots, a group of college kids crossed the street in front of me sporting backwards hats and puffy vests.
    By: MATTHEW GASTEIER


    Ratatattle taleRatatattle tale:  Ratatat, Paradise, March 15, 2007
    Indie kids aren’t known for their dance moves.
    By: JULIA KAGANSKIY


    Future pastFuture past:  Ute Lemper, Berklee Performance Center, March 10, 2007
    Why not sing the past as if it were the future and not the past?
    By: MICHAEL FREEDBERG


    A call to armsA call to arms:  Anti-Flag, Roxy, March 10, 2007
    Anti-Flag may look like fiery anarchists — but really they’re big softies.
    By: I-HSIEN SHERWOOD


    Ladies' nightLadies' night:  'Pure,' downstairs at the Roxy, March 9, 2007
    I tiptoe down Warrenton Street to number 75, the back-alley entrance to the monstrosity housed underneath the Roxy, formerly Matrix, now home to “Pure” Friday nights.
    By: MICAH BELLIEU


    In the momentIn the moment:  The Pogues, Avalon, March 8, 2007
    The Pogues live in the moment, and last Thursday that moment lasted two hours at Avalon.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Do you remember alt-rock radio?Do you remember alt-rock radio?:  Gomez, Avalon, March 6, 2007
    For the first half-hour of their set last night at Avalon, Gomez failed to bring a song in under the five-minute mark. Which wasn’t such a bad thing.
    By: ANDREW FIRESTONE


    Pajama partyPajama party:  Tommy Lee, Gypsy Bar, March 1, 2007
    Tommy Lee may be one of rock’s best-known drummers, but drumming isn’t really what he’s known best for. No, Tommy Lee’s best known for being Tommy Lee.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Rock grrls ruleRock grrls rule:  Barnicle and the Ettes, Middle East Upstairs, March 4, 2007
    Karen Barnicle stood, Gibson Explorer in hand, and addressed the audience with full feline tenacity last Sunday upstairs at the Middle East.
    By: DAVID DAY


    Slingin' itSlingin' it:  Clipse, The Middle East, February 26, 2007
    They at once cemented their status as hip-hop rhyme pushers.
    By: MATTHEW GASTEIER


    Four chords and frustrationFour chords and frustration:  The Thermals, T.T. the Bear's, March 3, 2007
    Testament to how commanding the Thermals are live is how they managed to get a crowd at T.T. the Bear’s moving to the point of stage dives.
    By: JOE BERNARDI


    Rockin' out!Rockin' out!:  Bright Eyes, Somerville Theatre, February 28, 2007
    Conor Oberst's come a long way from being an introverted solitary performer with an acoustic guitar.
    By: MELISSA POCEK


    That kind of prettyThat kind of pretty:  Elvis Perkins, Great Scott, February 27, 2007
    I hop a curb, and — in the middle of Comm Ave — introduce myself to Elvis Perkins before his show.
    By: ELLEE DEAN


    False endingsFalse endings:  Frank Smith, Great Scott, February 24, 2007
    It was an evening of false endings at Great Scott.
    By: CAITLIN E. CURRAN


    From Bono to BlakeFrom Bono to Blake:  Patti Smith, Institute of Contemporary Art, February 21, 2007
    At 60, Patti Smith remains something of an elder punk stateswoman.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    To jam or not to jamTo jam or not to jam:  The Slip, the Paradise, February 23, 2007
    Ah, the power of Guitar Hero.
    By: CAITLIN E. CURRAN


    Hometown throw upHometown throw up:  Darkbuster, Abbey Lounge, February 21, 2007
    For years, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones celebrated the holiday season and their Boston roots with a week of club gigs they dubbed the “Hometown Throwdown.”
    By: JEFF BREEZE


    Skulls and heartthrobsSkulls and heartthrobs:  My Chemical Romance, Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester, NH, February 22, 2007
    Gerard Way rose from beneath a white sheet on a prop hospital bed. “I want your body! I want your heart!” a teen screamed.
    By: ELLEE DEAN


    Marx in SomervilleMarx in Somerville:  Marx in Soho, Jimmy Tingle's Off Broadway, February 15, 2007
    Howard Zinn meets Jimmy Tingle Who would brave Arctic weather to watch Karl Marx pontificate?
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    Do the mathDo the math:  The Vandermark 5, Johnny D's, February 13, 2007
    There is plenty of free blowing in this band.
    By: JON GARELICK


    Caught in a jamCaught in a jam:  Akron/Family, Middle East Upstairs, February 13, 2007
    I have an odd soft spot for bands that have occasional fun at the audience’s expense.
    By: JOE BERNARDI


    School assemblySchool assembly:  Heavy Rotation Record's Annual Epic Event, Berklee Performance Center, February 7, 2007
    Beatboxing is overrated.
    By: CAITLIN E. CURRAN


    Frighteningly goodFrighteningly good:  The Walsh Bros., Jimmy Tingle's Off Broadway, February 9, 2007
    Charlestown comedy team the Walsh Bros. are ready for prime time.

    By: TED DROZDOWSKI


    Let the bad times rollLet the bad times roll:  Dave Alvin and James McMurtry, Paradise Rock Club, January 25, 2007
    It was a night of workingman’s blues at the Paradise last Thursday.
    By: JIM SULLIVAN


    AfterglowAfterglow:  Justin Timberlake, TD BankNorth Garden, February 6, 2007
    When Justin Timberlake says he’s in love with you, what is there to do but believe him?
    Slideshow: Justin Timberlake with special guest Pink at TD BankNorth Garden, February 6, 2007

    By: SHARON STEEL


    Ennio MorriconeEnnio Morricone:  Ennio Morricone, Radio City Music Hall, February 3, 2007
    Some years ago in these pages Mark Moses wrote that he couldn’t imagine there was ever a time when “My Girl” didn’t exist — even though he was born before the song was recorded.
    By: CHARLES TAYLOR


    Whiskey and songWhiskey and song:  Camera Obscura, the Paradise, January 27, 2007
    Lovelorn songs with sorrowful lyrics are key ingredients for any respectable emo band.
    By: MELISSA POCEK


    Covering all the basesCovering all the bases:  Anais Mitchell and Mike Merenda, Club Passim, January 5, 2007
    Anais Mitchell took the Club Passim stage with hair freshly cut at Cambridge’s Judy Jetson salon and polled the crowd as to whether it was okay to switch hairdressers within the same establishment.
    By: JEFF BREEZE


    Gum for everyoneGum for everyone:  BJ Snowden, the Middle East Corner, January 23, 2007
    BJ Snowden’s mom pelted me with sticks of chewing gum last Tuesday inside the Middle East corner.
    By: IAN SANDS


    The boys won't leave the girls aloneThe boys won't leave the girls alone:  Varttina, Somerville Theatre, January 19, 2007
    From Finland with love, not to mention attitude.
    By: JEFFREY GANTZ


    Rock schoolRock school:  Fall Out Boy, Avalon, January 13, 2007
    Pete Wentz wanted the kids to curse along with the chorus.
    By: CAMILLE DODERO


    Yummy!Yummy!:  Earl Greyhound, the Middle East Downstairs, January 16, 2007
    The last time we saw our heroes they were playing in the blazing October sun on an outdoor stage facing the Harvard Coop.
    By: JON GARELICK


    Everybody dance nowEverybody dance now:   Girl Talk, the Middle East Downstairs, January 20, 2007
    Girl Talk is a party architect.
    Slideshow: Girl Talk at the Middle East Downstairs, January 21, 2007

    By: MAC CARROLL


    Roll with itRoll with it:  The Figgs, T.T. The Bear’s Place, December 1-2, 2006
    Mike Gent may be best known around these parts as the singer/songwriter/guitarist in the Gentlemen, a band who’ve been headlining clubs for the better part of a decade now.
    By: TOM KIELTY


    Long live rockLong live rock:  The Who, TD Banknorth Garden, December 2, 2006  
    Pete Townshend — slightly hunched and dripping sweat, the words “teenage wasteland” projected on a screen behind him — hit the last guitar chord of the Who’s anthem of unrepentant youthful rebellion and pride, “Baba O’Riley,” and stepped to the microphone.
    Slideshow: The Who at TD Banknorth Garden, December 2, 2006

    By: TED DROZDOWSKI


    Psych wardsPsych wards:  Dead Meadow, Middle East Upstairs, November 20, 2006
    No band, as far as I can tell, more perfectly marries the mediævalist echoes of the neo-folkies to the low-end wallop of bong metal, the ballad to the blood mountain.
    By: JAMES PARKER


    A house dividedA house divided:  Peter Rauhofer, Rise, November 17, 2006  
    As he began his opening set at Rise two Fridays back, Craig Mitchell said to me, “This is gonna be a great night!”
    By: MICHAEL FREEDBERG


    Rock and roleRock and role:  The Twilight Singers, Paradise Rock Club, November 14, 2006
    Greg Dulli may wear his tender heart on his suave, stylish sleeve, but it’s just bait — a lure for unwitting romantics who enjoy having their hearts broken.
    Slideshow: Twilight Singers at Avalon, November 14, 2006

    By: MATT ASHARE


    Smoove operatorSmoove operator:  John Legend, Avalon, November 4, 2006
    A capacity crowd was to be expected for John Legend at Avalon last Saturday night.
    By: MATTHEW GASTEIER


* *
BLOGS
  2007 Boston Music Award Nominations Announced
posted at 1:23 PM / 10.24.2007
  Playlist: Michael Potvin of Fantasy Mirrors and the Campaign for Real-Time
posted at 12:54 PM / 10.23.2007
  OINK.CD SMASHED BY INTERNATIONAL PIGS
posted at 7:48 AM / 10.23.2007
  OTD Alive: Queens of the Stone Age (video, mp3s)
posted at 8:32 PM / 10.21.2007
  Mp3 of the Week: Esoteric
posted at 9:58 AM / 10.19.2007
  A day of Spooning
posted at 6:34 PM / 10.18.2007


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