Hey there 2011

New year, old blog no one reads. Not that I mind because its really not much of a concern. So there are things in the works for some shows that will hopefully come to fruition soon. For now I'll briefly talk about the first non work related show I've seen this year.

1/4/11
Movers and Shakers
Get Laid
Dan Webb and the Spiders
Now Denial
Luau

Starlab, Somerville MA

This show was a last second benefit for a friend of everyone's, had a great turn out, and was a success as near as I can tell. Unfortunately I had to leave before seeing Get Laid and Movers but Dan Webb and the Spiders continue to blow me away every time I see them. I've linked to them before and if you've accidentally found this blog I strongly suggest you go check them out. They have a new album coming up titled "Much Obliged" and last year put out one of my favorite records titled "Oh Sure".

Now Denial have been melting faces around Boston and anywhere else they play for a number of years now. I don't really know how else to describe them beyond face meltingly awesome. They came to kick ass and take names and succeeded. In all honesty they made me feel old because they were too loud for me, but I still enjoyed it.

I also missed Luau, but they're one of many up and coming bands in and around Boston and are not to be missed. Yes, I am bummed that I missed them and hopefully this doesn't come across too hypocritical.

Next up is Wolves and the Radio, Jeff Rowe, Brian McPhearson, and Great Lakes at Great Scott in Allston. Its a record release for Wolves and the Radio's new album on Anchorless Records and its going to be awesome. I'll see you there!

Reign of Bunnies

I really was doing well with keeping up to date on shows I've seen this year. Then I got lazy. I'm going to blame Reign of Bunnies (currently my new favorite phrase) and leave it at that. While I can't recall every show I've seen over the last few months, there are some very noteworthy ones.

8/26/10
Jeff Rowe
Movers and Shakers
Joe McMahon

Great Scott, Allston MA.

This was one long awesome drunken friend-fest. The kind of show where everyone knows everyone and it was a celebration of jeff's record release. The date may actually be wrong and I apologize to my 2 readers if it is. Joe McMahon, of Smoke Or Fire, kicked things off by playing original tunes mixed with SoF songs. If you haven't seen Movers and Shakers you either don't live in Boston or we aren't friends. I love this band, and they always amaze me. Then the highlight of the evening, Jeff Rowe came out swinging and the crowd came out singing. Jeff has been in many amazing bands, from Boxingwater to Tomorrow The Gallows to Larcenists. He is truly one of the most talented people I know and I am proud to have been up front for this record release show. If you've found yourself reading this and haven't heard him, go to either Anchorless Records or Jeff's Myspace Page and get in on it.

Speaking of old friends bands, the saturday after Thanksgiving was the gigantic Boxingwater and Lost Cause reunion shows. I only made it to the show at Great Scott and it was one of the best shows I saw this year. Its rare to see the kind of enthusiasm that was on display this night. I'll let some pictures do the talking.





In early December I caught Save Finds, Dan Webb and the Spiders, The Young Leaves, and Lemuria. Its partly because it only happened a few weeks ago, but its mostly because it was one of the best shows I saw all year that made it so memorable. Both the self titled album and this years release "Oh Sure" by Dan Webb and The Spiders have been on constant rotation for me this year. The Young Leaves have been blazing a trail throughout the northeast for a while now and continue to impress every time I see them. Lemuria is easily one of my favorite bands going today. I'm sure you've heard them but if you haven't they play a catchy indie rock with male and female vocals.

Check out the bands:

Lemuria
Dan Webb and the Spiders
The Young Leaves

Those are just a few of the things I saw this year. I'll rack my brain and try to come up with a few more and we'll see what i come up with later.

1 Angry dwarf and 200 solemn faces

Its been a little while since the last update of shows. I definitely need to update more frequently. Anyways, this is another update with the assistance of the day planner.

July 22, 2010
O'briens
Allston MA

Larcenists
Nassy
??????????

I don't actively recall the opening band, Nassy were pretty good. The real highlight, as per usual, was seeing Larcenists. Friendship aside, these guys are just amazing musicians. This show marked the last time Jeff Rowe would be playing with them, and they all certainly played their hearts out (again, like always). I've seen Larcenists numerous times and they have never disappointed me. Word around the gym is they are writing new material and will be back with a vengeance in october.

August 12, 2010
Anchors Up!
Haverhill MA

Bane
Ceremony
The Nasty
Beartrap

Maybe I am getting old, or tastes have changed but all of the openers just didn't do it for me. I get the appeal but at the end of the day the general brand of thrash/power violence/etc just isn't my cup of tea anymore. Bane was awesome as usual, although I do wish Aaron would sing more. All in all it was a fun, sweaty, slightly ridiculous night.


So I thought I had gone to more shows since the last update but apparently I'm just working a lot. I'll probably be posting later tonight after Jeff Rowe's cd release show w/Joe McMahon (from Smoke Or Fire) and Movers and Shakers.

Got really lazy...

So here's a massive update covering a lot of shows.

In all fairness I'm writing this out of a combination of drunken memory and my day planner, starting in early april so here we go.

April 18, 2010
Heavy Trash
The Konks
The Cobra-Matics

TT The Bears, Cambridge

I had the priviledge (sp?) of working the door for this momentous occasion of garage rock. The Cobra-Matics and The Konks are long standing garage rock favorites of boston while Heavy Trash is the current, and amazing, band fronted by Jon Spencer of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and a band from the 80's I can't recall at the moment. This was a phenomenal night and if anyone ever has a chance to see these bands, I suggest that you do so.

Now I also feel the need to know that I will not generally include shows that I personally worked at for the sake of my own sanity.

May 17 2010
Horsehands

O'briens, Allston

I recall liking Horsehands a lot. I don't recall anything else about this show.

May 29 2010

The Call Up
Where The Land Meets the Sea
Everyone Everywhere

O'Briens, Allston

Everyone Everywhere play a sorta braid/promise ring kind of rock that I loved and bought a 7 inch of and have lost to the merch band/black hole in the practice space. The Call Up had a reunion show, first of 2, and it was awesome. Where The Land Meets the Sea had their last show and I blogged about it here

Seriously thats all I've got on that one til I watch and edit the video I shot.

June 5th 2010
Jeff Rowe
Coyote Kolb
Tulsa

Harpoon Brewery, Boston

Short and simple, Harpoon Summerfest....got wicked drunk and watched awesome bands. Seriously thats all I've got, again.

June 6th 2010

Lemuria
The Cold Beat
Dan Webb and the Spiders
The Young Leaves

Great Scott, Allston

Atleast I'm pretty sure Dan Webb played this one. I recall The Cold Beat and Dan Webb being their usual awesome selves and Lemuria ruled the friggin earth, as expected. I don't recall much else except I didn't drink this night.

June 19th
Bane
Strike Anywhere
Other bands

Club Hell, Providence

Hardcore is a young mans game but I still loved the hell out of this show. Thats all I can say about it.

June 21 2010
Off With Their Heads
Dear Landlord
The Fake Boys

Great Scott, Allston

Loved it! Seriously all around, had a blast. Got a 7in split with OWTH/Detournement with Care Bears on each side. Great night!

July 19th 2010
Wolves and The Radio
Nothington
Spanish Gamble
Fake Boys

O'briens, Allston

Long story short, left after Spanish Gamble. First half of the show was awesome, second half was said to be awesome too.

So that's all I've got for now, hopefully some new videos and photos will be forthcoming, hopefully.

Got lazy for a moment...

3/21/10
Middle East Upstairs

Guns Up!
Ashers
For The Worse
Watchfire
Word for Word

This was quite the line up to conclude the 3 day Boston Rules, Ok? music festival. I'm not as into hardcore as I used to be but still enjoyed myself over all. Below are a few pictures of Guns Up! with their former roadie on vocal duties.





Moving on...

4/5/10
Great Scott, Allston MA

Smoke or Fire
Dan Webb and the Spiders
Jeff Rowe

This was the 4th show I believe in as many days for Smoke or Fire's return to MA. They certainly did not disappoint. They covered a lot of ground from Above the City to This Sinking Ship, a few cuts from the new 7in on fat wreck chords, and I believe a song from their time as Jericho/Jericho RVA.

Dan Webb and the Spiders are easily one of the best things going today for Allston punk rock. Featuring members of way too many bands, they ripped through songs from their self titled album and new cd "Oh Sure". There really are no words to adequately describe how much fun these guys are live.

Opening the show was Jeff Rowe of Larcenist, formerly of Tomorrow The Gallows, Boxingwater, and a few other bands here and there. His set included original songs, TTG songs, Larcenist songs, and a lot of singing along. He's been playing all over town more and more and it would do you a lot of good to go check him out.

Thats all for now, but I promise to update more often, and hopefully with more content.

I go to shows sometimes

3/8/10

Larcenists
Quixote
Look Mexico
Makeout Party

Middle East Upstairs
Cambridge MA

The night before I turned 29 I had the great pleasure of seeing Larcenists continue to kick ass and take names. If you haven't heard this band yet, go find em and get into it now or hear about them a lot later. I missed Quixote due to a quick stop into T.T. The Bears Place next door. Look Mexico was actually kind of disappointing especially since I really enjoyed their recorded work so far. Makeout Party opened and were a lot better than expected. Overall it was a great night and a great time.

3/19/10

Big D and the Kids Table
We Are The Union

Paradise Rock Club
Boston MA

I randomly got myself onto the guest list for this show and had a great time. I realized I haven't seen Big D and The Kids table in well over 10 years. The last time I saw them was in a VFW hall in Long Island in 2000 or so. The band now has expanded to include 2 female back up singers along with a sax and trombone section, base/drums/guitars and the now signature vocal styling. Unfortunately I literally recognized 2 songs they played due to having not really listened to the band in quite some time. The entire set was excellent overall.

We Are The Union opened for them (along with 2 other bands that I missed unfortunately) and played a strong pop punk style with a little bit of a late 90's ska influence. They have a release coming up on the 30th on Paper + Plastick which should be very solid and continue to grow their fan base. All in all this was an enjoyable little night.

Next up is the return of Guns Up! tomorrow and possibly Ted Leo on april 10th. Oh yeah!

Big time fun

Harpers Ferry
Allston MA
03/04/10

Leatherface
Yesterdays Ring
Bridge and Tunnel
Where The Land Meets The Sea

To be honest with you, I kind of ignored this show despite being there for all of it. Everyone sounded great, Leatherface played an extensive set that seemed to cover a lot of ground in terms of all of their albums. Yesterdays Ring brought a distnct alt country with emphasis on the alt part. Bridge and Tunnel came and rocked hard. Where the Land Meets the Sea continued to gain new fans and impress audiences. All in all it was a great time.

I didn't necessarily mean to ignore the show but I found myself entranced by lawn darts/bag toss, bowling, and of course big buck hunter. Some where along the line I developed a decently high aptitude for these arcade machines. At the very least I get really into em. Blame it on a childhood playing video games I suppose. Now if only I could afford one of these systems in my house...

Not so angry anymore

....but I still love hardcore.

3/2/10
Middle East
Downstairs

Crime In Stereo
Transit
Defeater
Make Do and Mend

I've been listening to hardcore for longer than I care to admit. Despite never being straight edge, I do tend to love a lot of straight edge hardcore. I also love hardcore in general, despite no longer feeling the angry/fire that really fuels the genre. Originally this show was supposed to be a matinee show on saturday 2/27 but was postponed due to the awesomely destructive force of winter.

Make Do and Mend opened the show and came out swinging. There was a palpable passion brought forth and I felt moved by the music despite not knowing any of the words. They do what they do (play hardcore) and they do it damn well.

Defeater is a band I've heard a lot about but have not previously had the chance to see. The band includes both Gus and Jay Maas, longtime northshore hardcore stalwarts. They definitely tore the house down playing songs off of their full length and a recently released EP.

Transit was described to me as a group of young guys with a lot of potential who play really well. This was definitely an apt description and the only thing I can add is that they have no where to go from here but up. They reminded me of a more aggressive very early Taking Back Sunday (I promise you thats not an insult). Hopefully you'll be hearing more about them on here and the Rush N Attack blog.

Finally Crime In Stereo came in and blew the roof straight off the place. There are really no words that can do these guys justice. They rock hard and they rule even harder. I haven't met a more sincere and heartfelt band. They truly appreciated everything they've achieved and are even more thankful towards their fan base. I wish I knew more of their songs and could sing a long, but even without that knowledge, there is still the urge to sing or atleast scream along with every sentiment the band puts forth.

All in all this was an amazing way to spend a tuesday night and if anyone reads this and sees this tour coming through, it would be in your best interest to check em out.

Next up:
Leatherface, Bridge and Tunnel, Yesterdays Ring, Where the Land Meets the Sea......stay tuned!

Still have a pop punk heart

House Of Blues
Boston MA
2/21/10
New Found Glory
Saves the Day
HelloGoodbye
Fireworks

Unbelieveable as it may seem, this year marks the ten year anniversary of New Found Glory's self titled album. A lot of people like to use the term "guilty pleasure" but I certainly don't. I have genuinely loved every album that NFG has put out. I remember exactly where and when I bought the self titled album (Newbury Comics in Salem NH while on my way to work at Not Your Average Joes). I've certainly seen them play more times than I can recall. Last night was easily one of the best performances I've ever seen.

As for the openers...well Fireworks does what they do very well and what they do is sound a lot like NFG. We missed the first half of their set but the last few songs were pretty good and seemed very inspired. HelloGoodbye has never really done much for me, but a lot of people also enjoyed them.

Now Saves the Day were once one of my favorite bands in the world. Something last night didn't quite feel right to me and I couldn't put my finger on it until I was discussing the show later. All of the songs after the album Stay What You Are have been significantly slower and the older songs were played in the same vein. This all lead to a very awkward listening experience to anyone who saw them 10 or even 5 years ago. The song selection was pretty incredible regardless with longtime favorites Sell My Old Clothes, Firefly, Shoulder to the Wheel, and Freakish all being enjoyable.

NFG came out and absolutely ripped through all 12 tracks of their self titled album. The album itself is certainly not flawless, but each song was brought to life even bigger and with more excitement in the live setting. The encore was almost like an additional show with an almost greatest hits selection covering almost all of the bands previous albums including No Reason Why (Gorilla Biscuits cover), All Downhill From Here, Head on Collission, Understatement, and closing with My Friends Over You. All in all this was an amazing night and the kind of night that included everything I love about music.

First Show of the New Year

Great Scott
Allston MA
1/7/10

End of A Year
Tigers Jaw
Crooked Ways
Afficianado
Where The Land Meets The Sea
Zlam Dunk

The term "better than I could've hoped for" was tailor made for this show. I went into it without any expectations and wound up having an awesome time. A whole lot of indie rock greatness from start to finish. Picked up the Crooked Ways 7inch and the Tigers Jaw lp. I also managed to take a few pics of WTLMTS before my camera died. D'oh.



Ian on the drums, Jit slappin the bass, and Nikki banging on the keys



Vera on guitar and singing, Jit on the Bass

There are some very cool things coming up over the course of the spring, more news on them as it develops. The next show for 2010 will be the last Stretch Armstrong show in Jacksonville with support from Bane and Evergreen Terrace, of course pictures and a small write up will be forthcoming.

New Years Resolutions

A lot of things can happen in a year. A lot of things can be forgotten in a year. This year I am committing myself to a few simple resolutions:

1. Get Rush N Attack productions off the ground with multiple shows, a blog, atleast our first 3 releases, a webstore, and some awesome times.

2. Show reviews or atleast acknowledgements on the blog here.

3. Album reviews or atleast acknowledgements of what I've been buying and whats been coming out this year.

4. Do whatever I can to make this year better than the last.

Sure it sounds simple but we'll see how it goes. Friday will see the first show review featuring Where The Land Meets The Sea, End of a Year, and Tigers Jaw.

What are your resolutions?

Best of 2009

A month later, a new post.

A few years ago I started keeping track of my favorite shows, events, movies, and music of that particular year. Somewhere along the way I started to mix up when things came out but 2009 has been a very fun year overall. So without further opening rambling I present to you The Best of 2009!

AUSTIN LUCAS Somebody Loves You

I first heard a single demo from Austin Lucas late last year and wound up playing it non stop on a drive from Phoenix to Tuscon. This whole album is just unbelieveable. While the idea of "alt country" may be a worn out catchphrase, it does a serviceable job explaining the sound of this album. Listen below if you haven't heard Mr. Lucas just yet.



Under the Influence

Last year Suburban Home Records started a series they called "Under The Influence". The series revolved around current artists covering bands that have greatly influenced them. Some of my favorite songs of the year have come from this series. Lemuria covering The Pixies, Frank Turner covering Bruce Springsteen, Austin Lucas covering Dolly Parton, and more have opened my ears to many great bands and great songs. Take a shot with any of the tracks below, some may not be to your liking and some may be a little rough but all of them have been great.





Chuck Ragan - Gold Country
Not all of my favorite releases came from Suburban Home/Vinyl Collective, but Chuck Ragan's "Gold Country" sure sounds like it could have. From doing solo shows to the Revival Tour, ChucK Ragan has covered a lot of ground this year, much like he has the last 15 or so. "Good Enough For Rock n Roll", while not the best track on the album, gets stuck in my head atleast once a day. Don't have anything to stream so I'll throw out the myspace page http://www.myspace.com/chuckragan and this:



New Found Glory
New Found Glory: Everyone's favorite guilty pleasure and legitimately one of my favorite bands of all time put out the alleged comeback album: Not Without A Fight. This album from top to bottom is awesome. I won't go so far as to say its my absolute favorite, but it is really close. I honestly can't say enough about it, but I'll try and show you some of it here:



Thursday - Common Existence

A number of years ago I saw Thursday and was blown out of the water. They became one of my favorite bands within seconds of hearing them. Their newest album "Common Existence" was a continuation, not a return to, form for this band. While many still bemoaned that it isn't like their first few albums, I have to disagree. This album shreds from start to finish. Check some of it out here:



Lemuria - Ozzy 7in

A year without a release from Lemuria wouldn't be a good year at all. As it is, 3 new songs is still better than nothing. This album has some of the best packaging of any album in recent memory with a cardboard fold over encasement housing the vinyl itself. The songs themselves further push into indie rock territories continuing to balance the female/male vocal dynamic the band has come to be known for. You can check out the release here (scroll down for artwork of the Lemuria record) http://hanginghex.blogspot.com and you can check out Lemuria themselves here http://www.myspace.com/lemuria. Here's a live taste of Ozzy:



There will definitely be more labels, artists, shows and Best of 2009 over the next few days so feel free to come back and check it all out. Also be sure to come back for a potential Best of 2000 to 2009 if I can remember to write it up in a timely fashion.

Thanks for reading, and remember the sage like wisdom of Bill S Preston Esq and Ted Theodore Logan "Be excellent to each other!"

Everyone blogs

I am not very good at updating this blog, and anyone reading would probably say i'm not that great at blogging in general. Regardless, I wanted to take a moment and point out some truly excellent blogs for anyone interested.

First is one from the mysterious "Aicram". This is one exciting read with a witty, insightful point of view (its almost christmas, so ignore the brown nosing). In all honesty this is a great blog.

I am an unashamed fan of DC Comics and the DC Comics Animated Universe. I once considered doing reviews of their shows/dvd's until I found Justice League Revisited. This is one of the most thorough episode by episode deconstructions of any series you could hope for.

That is actually the only two I've got for the moment but you should definitely be following both. Tomorrow, or maybe later tonight, some short reviews for the massive amount of new music I've gotten since going on tour. I will also detail some of the fun of spending two weeks in a cramped van with four other people :).

My favorite moment

Tonight in a moment that reminded me why I love technology, I downloaded the movie "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist". I am not going to go through any of the reasons I really enjoy this movie (most of it involves kat denning) but it did make me think of one moment of most weekends that I love above all else: The moment before the night begins. Whether it involves prepping the band/loading the van, or making calls and scheduling, or just meeting with some friends for a few drinks, my favorite part of any night out is the beginning. There is a degree of hope, anticipation, and expectation that combines into something. Whether that something is fun or horrible is up to what the night brings you and the choices you make. I just love those beginning moments of the night.

Now to reflect on my previous post. Hanna Barbera has been putting out collections of cartoons from the 60's and 70's. I recently purchased the 1960's collection vol 1, and the complete Space Ghost. Some of these cartoons have not aged well but some of them are truly awesome. I'm a big fan of the aforementioned space ghost, along with the impossibles,top cat, the herculoids, and a host of others. I won't call this a review so much, but trust me when I say the dvd's are worth it. Here's a taste of the herculoids and the impossibles. (thank you Youtube)





You know you want it.

I watch terrible movies

I'm not sure when it happened exactly but I've become a fan of some truly terrible cinema. There is a certain cost effectivenes to it. Generally for the price of a rental you can buy one to two movies that will be a combination of terrifying, hilarious, and enjoyable if you look at them in the right way. So it was when I purchased the 1957 epic The Monster That Challenged the World (tagline: Instant TERROR...just add WATER!).



A rift is discovered off the pacific coast and in a shocking turn of events, its radioactive. The overall story involves a new naval sargent assigned to the area trying to make sense of giant irradiated sea slugs. There's a single mother involved also. Throw in the cute kid who happens to make one small mistake that leads to mass destruction and you have a winner! No its not within the same realm of Beast from 20,000 Fathoms or Them! (the one with the ants, not the remake) but it has a definite charm all its own. Unlike a number of these movies, you get sea slug death and destruction pretty much right from the get go.

Go get yourself some giant sea slugs :)

and now........ACTION SHOTS! (all pictures are screen captures taken from the movie and are not intended to violate any copyright laws or any laws in general)


Now I know I left it down here somewhere...


There really are no words...


Even less words...


As she stared at the monster her only thought was "man I bet shirley temple never had to deal with this"

Thats all for now. Big weekend coming up but nothing I'll write about here. Next week we'll discuss cartoons from the 60's and why its not necessary to do drugs to enjoy them.

Oops, sort of forgot about the blog

I kind of forgot about keeping a blog but I'll try and keep up a bit more and maybe someone will actually read this.

One of the original reasons I started this was to keep track of shows I've been to this year. Seems a little silly but they all tend to run together after a while. I don't remember all dates but here's the short list:

Cave Singers, Lightning Dust, Mean Creek, Old Abram Brown - TT the Bears
Cursive, Where The Land Meets the Sea - Middle East Down Stairs
Jon Snodgrass, Austin Lucas, Two Cow Garage - Middle East Up Stairs
Landmines, The Guts, Pretty Boy Thorson and the Fallen Angels, The New Warden - O'Briens Pub
The Appleseed Cast, Where The Land Meets the Sea - Middle East Down Stairs
Super Time Pilot, Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys - TT the Bears

sadly thats all thats coming to me at the moment, so this list will be added to eventually.

The other new goal of this blog will be to document the impending Where The Land Meets The Sea tour in October/November hopefully with excellent stories and potential videos. We'll see how that all goes.

Thats all for now, we'll see what the weekend and the next week bring us.

A little music for the morning

Over the past two years the combination of Suburban Home Records and Vinyl Collective have helped me expand and refine my taste in music. Over the last year or so they came out with the "Under The Influence" series. Each 7in single features two artist covering music that has influenced them. As if this wasn't enough, each release comes with Mitch Clem's take on the original artists cover art. Listen and enjoy!

The (other) Rise of the Fallen

Totally stole this from superheroes-r-us.com and you can pick one up in september from bigbadtoystore.com but really, HOW AWESOME IS THIS? A few years ago there was an MP3 player that looked like Soundwave (the cassette player Decepticon below) but now this is just too much. The only downside would be the 2gig capacity but still this is such a perfect combination of technology and nostalgia.

That's all I have for now but it needed to be shared. If anyone sees this and wonders what to get me for christmas, there it is. I'd even take more than one and make a small Ravage/USB army.

Wound up at a basement show tonight with the Fake Boys, Frogball, TKC, and a few others from the burgeoning pop punk mecha of Boston (did you ever think you'd hear a phrase like that?). For those not in the know, Fake Boys are awesome in a "misfits/crimpshine/descendents/riverdales" kind of pop punk and I remembered to actually take some photos but didn't bother to resize them below. http://www.myspace.com/thefakeboys for more info

First!

First post. New blog. Content to follow soon, possibly including music, existential thoughts on giant monster movies, day to day operations of an unemployed audio engineer, and thoughts on the time travel conundrum established and discarded by the new Star Trek movie. For now, a little video of Jim from The Fake Boys having some fun in 07 ish. Enjoy!