Nightcrawler: Heartache

Nightcrawler: Heartache

by | Jan 22, 2009 | Music

Perhaps Fred Knittle had seen all he needed to see when he closed his eyes in eternal slumber New Year's Day. A WWII veteran involved with the highest levels of the YMCA, a member of countless civic organizations and the vice-president for development at the...
Soundcheck: Oh Rio Rio

Soundcheck: Oh Rio Rio

by | Jan 22, 2009 | Music

From Subaru wagon-driving, tofu-eating social workers to booze-swilling, SUV-revving siding contractors, the Pioneer Valley boasts all types of radio listeners. One thing they have in common: an interest in continuous, eclectic programming that isn't arbitrarily...
Buttery Nostalgia

Buttery Nostalgia

by | Jan 22, 2009 | Music

Armed with a sweet cream butter voice and fat archtop guitar tone to spread it on, Boston's Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade bring a swinging party to town. Their vibe is decidedly old-school, but the brio of their delivery and the jumping jive of Miss Tess'...
A Valley Overture

A Valley Overture

by | Jan 22, 2009 | Music

Just as you might turn a corner in some apparently remote end of the Valley and find a quaint coffee shop or an achingly pastoral farmstand, turning up surprising musical talent here is remarkably easy. And the caliber of that talent is often very high. Take, for...

Anti-bodies

by | Jan 22, 2009 | Leisure

War is always somehow much more real when viewing it from the middle, and often uglier and more pointless-seeming when seen as the past. While many a fruitless military engagement has graced the annals of even the greatest countries, few will go down in history as...