screams, whispers and songs from planet earth

Category: Reviews Page 5 of 11

The (uber classy) Jaggery CD Release Party with Beat Circus & Incus @ the Church of Boston ~ July 28, 2010

Rachel Jayson and Mali Sastri of Jaggery

Rachel Jayson and Mali Sastri of Jaggery

Sometimes it takes an unexpected glitch to realize how brilliant a band really is. No, not glitch; to lose power two songs into your set at the long-awaited CD release party for your new album is nothing short of a clusterf*ck. This was after having duplication problems with their new release, Upon A Penumbra, with the (somewhat) fixed CDs arriving just the day before. It was, as Jaggery‘s Mali Sastri pointed out the second time we were plunged into total darkness, “fitting.” But being the amazingly talented musicians they are, not only did they persevere; they wrapped their hands tightly around the neck of this debacle and shook it. Hard. What resulted was a powerful and poignant joining of spirits, and the most awe-inspiring set I’ve seen them perform.

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Lawrence Arabia and Crowded House at the House of Blues – July 17, 201

as published on melophobe

Lawrence Arabia, Neil Finn and Nick Seymour of Crowded House

Lawrence Arabia, Neil Finn and Nick Seymour of Crowded House

Crowded House. Seasoned like a fine wine, older and wiser and brimming with genuine warmth and self-effacing humor; they’re one of a small handful of bands that can turn the austere House of Blues into a loving embrace. Despite today’s corporate business of rock shows, it was an evening spent with old friends.

Supporting their new release Intriguer, they brought with them ideal touring companions, fellow New Zealanders Lawrence Arabia, who share their quirky Kiwi charm, insightful songwriting, and a love of the Beatles. As it happens, they’re also “family” — Neil Finn’s son Liam performs on their most recent album, Chant Darling.

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Good, clean family entertainment with the Army of Broken Toys @ Artbeat in Somerville

Madam Edrie, Band Matriarch ~ OFF WITH HER HEAD!!!

Madam Edrie, Band Matriarch ~ OFF WITH HER HEAD!!!

Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys treated a wildly diverse crowd at Somerville’s ArtBeat Festival last Friday to a humorous and sly “PG version” of their bawdy cabaret. As little kids danced in front and blew bubbles, they performed Tipper Gore-approved classics such as “Hole In The Boat,” Johnny Cash’s “Sam Hall,” “Sea Song (Mare Carmen),” “Planet Killer,” and their pop hit from the ’80s, “Ghostbusters.”

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Boozy Revelry with a brilliant soundtrack: the ‘FNX Clambake ~ 06/27/10

Joey and Andy Siara of The Henry Clay People; Eugene Hutz of Gogol Bordello; Nikki Monninger & Brian Aubert of Silversun Pickups.

Joey and Andy Siara of The Henry Clay People; Eugene Hutz of Gogol Bordello; Nikki Monninger & Brian Aubert of Silversun Pickups.

Don’t think of this as a review. Think of it as a commemoration of an unusual event. A last minute change of plans (thanks to my friend Elizabeth, a benefactor of the arts in the truest sense) found me packed in alongside sweaty drunken college students on Lansdowne Street, at WFNX’s Clambake. Which was something of a misnomer, as no one but the giant lobster knew where the heck the clams were, but with an amazing lineup of bands (especially during the outdoor portion), all is forgiven.

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A Sweet Summer Evening with The Happy Hollows (& The Sinbusters, The Dead Marxist Trio) ~ June 21, 2010

The Happy Hollows in serious action at O'Brien's Pub.

The Happy Hollows in serious action at O'Brien's Pub.

It seems unbelievable that one can still see The Happy Hollows in a tiny, low-key establishment like O’Brien’s Pub. Why the hell isn’t this amazing band stupidly huge by now??

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Elegance and decadance: The Evelyn Evelyn Afterparty at The House of Blues ~ June 19, 2010

Mali Sastri of Jaggery; Walter Sickert and (a soldier of) the Army of Broken Toys

Mali Sastri of Jaggery; Walter Sickert and (a soldier of) the Army of Broken Toys

It was a wondrous and hilarious clashing of cultures in the House of Blues restaurant on Lansdowne Street after Evelyn Evelyn’s tour finale in the big room. Jaggery brought a huge helping of class to this section of town best known for baseball, burgers and beer. And Walter Sickert and The Army of Broken Toys, with a wicked gleam in their eyes, tried to see just how far they could go before having the plug pulled. Pretty damn far, I’m happy to report. Jaggery harpist extraordinaire Petaluma Vale commented after their classical and gothic-inspired ethereal set, “I think I’m overdressed for this place,” as she glanced down at her elegant long skirt, appearing for all the world like a fairy princess lost in Walmart. I argued that the Lansdowne Street eatery was lucky to have such a classy event grace their establishment.

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Les Shelleys with Shelley Short @ Club Passim ~ June 10, 2010

Angela Correa and Tom Brosseau of Les Shelleys

Angela Correa and Tom Brosseau of Les Shelleys

Sometimes it’s nice to ditch the loud rock club in favor of something a bit more low-key and relaxed, and spend an evening focusing on the songs and heartfelt singing accompanied very simply by acoustic guitar. Such was the case Thursday night at the legendary and venerable Club Passim, in the company of Portland, Oregon singer-songwriter Shelley Short and from L.A., aficionados of American songwriting – both traditional and modern, Les Shelleys.

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Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys CD Release Soiree with Jaggery @ Cafe 939 ~ June 04, 2010

During an evening of much invoking, Walter Sickert channels an Indian shaman.

During an evening of much invoking, Walter Sickert channels an Indian shaman.

On the cover of their brand new CD, Steam Ship Killers, there is a portrait of a multi-tentacled sea creature, ominous and threatening. But the curiously inviting keyholes at its base suggest that if one has the necessary fortitude, one might unlock its secrets. The same could be said of its protectors, Walter Sickert & The Army Of Broken Toys. A ‘Toys’ virgin might well be confounded and overwhelmed at first – what to make of this motley gathering? Marionette and puppetmaster, musicians and dancers, a bawdy and boisterous mistress, the uke player with the filthy mouth… At the center, the master of ceremonies himself, Walter Sickert, who, on this special night, took us on a shamanistic journey. It was an inspired extravaganza. It was also my opportunity to finally see Jaggery, and they were every bit as marvelous as I thought they would be. With their orchestral gothic brilliance, Singer Mali’s ethereal and acerbic vocals, and a dark, extra menacing rendition of “O Scorpio”… what’s not to love?

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The Boston Rock BBQ at The Bridge Sound and Stage ~ May 30, 2010

RockBBQ08

I’m not usually in the habit of reviewing parties, but I must make an exception in this case and say a few words. It was a ridiculously cool event put on by Boston-area bloggers – Boston Band Crush, Bradley’s Almanac, Exploit Boston!, Playground Boston, Ryan’s Smashing Life, Tea Party Boston, Zed Equals Zee, and Agent Bishop Productions – and hosted by the fine folks at the extremely classy production facility The Bridge Sound and Stage (formerly home to the legendary Fort Apache Studios).

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Club D’Elf with special guests Randy Roos and Reeves Gabrels @ the Lizard Lounge ~ May 28, 2010

Club D'Elf - Reeves Gabrels, Tom Hall, and Yaure Muniz.

Club D'Elf - Reeves Gabrels, Tom Hall, and Yaure Muniz.

How exactly is it that it took me 14 years to see these guys live? That was the question looming in my head at the cozy Lizard Lounge, as Club D’Elf‘s adventurous jazz/dub/fusion excursions ran rampant and unchecked through my electrified, buzzing brain. This was a special occasion – part of a Memorial Weekend ‘guitar orgy’ which, on this particular night, was presided over by special guests Randy Roos and Reeves Gabrels. Reeves I have seen before, and it was good to see him again. Mr. Roos I wasn’t familiar with, but he’s a wildly impressive guitarist as well, and there was some good-natured ‘sparring’ (and at times delightful interplay between the two) which added even more enjoyment to a heaping helping of aural ecstacy.

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