Straw dogs The Haymakers’ Why We Can’t Have Nice Things BY BOB GULLA

The Haymakers: Why We Can’t Have Nice Things (www.thehaymakers.net)

Why can’t the Haymakers, one of Providence’s best and most boisterous bands, have nice things? The answer is in your hands. That is, if you have their CD in hand. They can’t have nice things, apparently, because they spent all their money making this CD. But damn1 if it ain’t worth twice what they paid.

Part Tom Waits, part Rockpile, part Oingo Boingo, part Madness, part Clash, part — oh, forget it — too many parts. The fact is, the Haymakers have a mosaic of influences that, when squeezed through a mental Play-Doh mold, turns into some supremely colorful listening.

The Haymakers — Damian Puerini, Jeff Bright, Shaun Chevalier, and Rob Gore — have managed to convey their sense of manic fun on a shiny disc — no easy feat when the studio can often seem as sterile as a hospital corridor. But songs like the warped, punky "Millionaire," the Cramps-ish "You Sound Awful in Red," and the randy romp of "Our Little Outlaw" feature smart lyrics, bravura singing, zesty guitars and genuine promise. The band obviously kicks it live, and these songs reflect that. Not nearly as rootsy as their name would lead you to believe, Why We Can’t Have Nice Things is a solid pop/rock/punk record that has set the new standard for local music releases in 2003.

The Haymakers’ CD release party will be held on Saturday, July 26 at the Living Room. Sasquatch & the Sick-A-Billies, the Young Ones, and Radio Wallpaper share the bill. Music starts at 8.

AS220 Indie Film Night. On Sunday at 8 p.m. at AS220, you can view a slew of sharp cinematic offerings. Films include the Rich Lupo-produced Cobra Snake For a Necktie starring the Young Adults and Bo Diddley. Directed by Jim Wolpaw (who earned an Academy Award nomination for the film Keats and His Nightingale: A Blind Date), this will be the first screening of this bad boy in a full 20 years. Also on the screen will be Big Nazo: Creatures In the Streets, directed by Erminio Pinque and Richard Goulis; Diane Norte’s Young Neal & the Vipers Live At Chan’s; The Home Team Video comedy compilation featuring The Long-Lost Lionel Richie Jello Commercial, and a host of others; plus student videos and other indie productions. Bring an open mind. The AS220 Indie Film Night is presented on the last Sunday of every month as a forum for independent filmmakers. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. and admission is free. Call 831-9327, or go to www.as220.org.

NEW BAND. Let’s welcome Torn (www.tornband.com). They’re new to the scene, having moved to Providence from Seattle/Spokane a few months ago. According to singer Nathaniel Byers, the band relocated because the music scene in Washington was less than favorable to their "arena rock style. Also the geographic limitations of the cities made it difficult to play in different markets." Since arriving in New England, the band has gotten on its horse, having played Providence, Boston, Cape Cod, New Bedford, Haverhill, and Worcester. Patterned after melodic hard rock bands like Fuel and Alice In Chains, Torn started gigging in May of 2002. While they made inroads out west, the long hours of travel proved too much, and the band decided to head east. After arriving Nate, Caleb Renish (guitar), and Jason Dougless (bass) found drummer Matt Cayer in the Phoenix, and off they went. They’ll begin recording in August as they continue their push for national notoriety. You can catch Torn at Cats in Pawtucket tonight (the 24th) and Wednesday (the 30th). Welcome, boys, and may the good vibes be upon ye.

Wandering Eye. There’s a ton of stuff happening this weekend, so let’s get right to it. On Friday, there’s an awesome show of force at the Safari Lounge featuring the Cringe, Premonition, and Saturday Night Palsy. It’s not only a can’t-miss night of rawk, it’s free and sponsored by the Local Mix, Decibel mag, and No Positive Radio, where Paul Hullabaloo holds court. Check it out at www.thecringe.com.

It’s a big weekend in Itchies land. On Friday (the 25th), the town’s best house party continues at the Custom House with the Wild Card DJs — approaching their third year there on Fridays. On Saturday (the 26th), the Itchies proper play at Jake’s with special guests the Preacher Kids, blues punks from Mississippi who arrive highly recommended.

If garage guitar insanity ain’t your deal, well, you can dig some electronic sounds at AS220 on Friday. The gig starts at 9 p.m. and costs a fin, which is a good deal when you consider you’re getting four acts. DJ Giedrius with MCs Lokey + Exile (2step, d’n’b), DJ Full Frequency (d’n’b, hip-hop), Temple aka Algorythm (live PA), and DJ Vipat vs. DJ Confucion (d’n’b, breaks) all happen in that order.

Also on Friday, State of Corruption will blow the roof off of Cats in Pawtucket. Tung, Room With a View, Crumble, and Sulfer are along for what should be a very wild ride. The over is $6. Go to www.stateofcorruption.com for more details.

The rockin’ duo of Lisa and Suekey, aka Firda, hit Celtica down on Long Wharf in Newport on Saturday. They start at 9 or so and close the place. Best yet, there’s no cover. Call 847-4770 or go to www.firdamusic.com for more information.

Barn Burning, the Providence roots-rock set that just signed with Nashville indie Catamount, will play a free acoustic show at the Atlas Bower Bookstore on Saturday. The store’s on Meeting Street on the East Side of Providence, and the show begins at 8 p.m. Incidentally, Weatheredbound, Barn Burning’s debut full-length, is a real find. Recorded in late 2002 with Robert Fisher and Peter Linnane of Willard Grant Conspiracy co-producing, the disc has BB making hay across the country.

The Rockats, that legendary rockabilly act from NYC, plays at Sal’s on Saturday with the Gamma Rays opening.

On Tuesday (the 29th), Transparent will open for Senses Fail and Boys Night Out at the Met Café.

Hear in Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Songwriters Association present "An Evening of Ocean State Songwriters" on Tuesday at the Towers in Narragansett. Admission is $10 and all proceeds will benefit the Rhode Island Songwriters Association, Hear In RI, and Friends of the Towers, all non-profit groups. On the bill for this show are original singer-songwriters Ed McGuirl of Jamestown, Marcy Lang of Johnston, John Fuzek of Greenville, Big Blue Sky (duo) of Riverside, Deb DoVale of Cranston, Mary Ann Rossoni of Providence, and Chukulla Smith of Providence. This will be the first of a planned series of concerts around the state to showcase local artists. For more information, contact Hear In Rhode Island/RI Songwriters Association at 949-0757 or hearinri@ids.net.

Please contact me if you have any gig or related music info you’d like publicized at big.daddy1@cox.net