Northeast Underground
Western Massachusetts metal band Revenge signs to Eulogy Recordings
Well, it looks like it’s time to put another notch on the belt of the illustrious Western Massachusetts music scene. Though popularly thought of as a hotbed for musical activity, it’s still always a joy when a band from the Pioneer Valley gains more...Perfect time for a “Valley Winter Song”
With recent temperatures hitting the 50 degree mark and higher in the middle of February, the current winter season in the Pioneer Valley hasn’t really felt all that, well, wintery. However, despite many local meteorologists wringing their hands to remind us of...The Oscars 2012: Of Men and Muppets
Well, the verdict is in. Everyone, the Academy included, seems to love The Artist. But during the 2012 Oscars on Sunday, room was also made for winners of a more felt-covered persuasion. No, I’m not talking about actor Sacha Baron Cohen and his carpet-crashing...No more 'Steppin' Stone': The Monkees singer Davy Jones dies at 66
Marcia Brady’s prized prom date has taken the trip to the big dance in the sky. British actor and musician Davy Jones, most popularly known as lead singer of ‘60s pop stars The Monkees, passed away suddenly Wednesday at the age of 66. According to the...Out now: Bowerbirds' The Clearing creates harmony from heartbreak
Bowerbirds The Clearing (Dead Oceans) Release date: March 6, 2012 This third album by couple Beth Tacular and Philip Moore along with producer and multi-instrumentalist Mark Paulson is a pleasant continuation of the same indie folk the band has been turning out since...Sonic Youth's Lee Ranaldo ventures Between the Times and the Tides on solo release
Lee Ranaldo Between the Times and the Tides (Matador) Release date: March 20, 2012 When news first broke regarding musicians Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore’s separation after 27 years of marriage in October, the question on many fan’s mind was – what...Ragin' against the machine: Valley rockers Doug Ratner and the Watchmen banned from returning to “Mass Appeal”
According to valley musician Doug Ratner, everything initially appeared fine during his band’s March 13 appearance on the locally produced television show “Mass Appeal.” His group Doug Ratner and the Watchmen had just finished performing the single...Reflections on an album review: Sharon Van Etten's Tramp
Several weeks ago, my review of the new Sharon Van Etten album Tramp was published in the Valley Advocate. While balanced, my take on the record ended on a slightly negative note by brashly hoping for happier times in Van Etten’s future so listeners...Blogger Nolan Whyte returns with new Ultimate-Guitar tale – “I Sing When You Shut Up.”
Okay, this post is about seven weeks too late. But I’m happy to announce that one of my favorite music fiction authors has returned to action. Writer, blogger and self-proclaimed rock legend Nolan Whyte is back on Ultimate-Guitar.com with a new weekly series...In ‘Over their Heads’: The Fray anger listeners with reworked National Anthem
For those watching the broadcast of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball championship Monday night, there were many questions hanging in the air before tip-off. First and foremost was would former UMass coach John Calipari finally win it all with his young squad...Plants and Animals release retro-themed video for new single “The End of That”
Following in the grand tradition of Nirvana’s “In Bloom,” Montreal-based indie rockers Plants and Animals have released a retro-themed video for the latest single from their new album The End of That. And much like Cobain and company before them, the...The Simpsons' hometown revealed and Green Day plan new album trilogy
Well, it turns out Disco Stu, Bumblebee Man, Ralph Wiggum and Montgomery Burns don’t reside in Western Massachusetts after all. Matt Groening, the creator of the America’s favorite yellow-skinned cartoon family the Simpsons, finally revealed perhaps the...'Writer. Blogger. Provocateur.' An interview with Nolan Whyte part one
For numerous novice and semi-professional guitarists, the number one destination on the Internet is Ultimate-Guitar.com. However, amidst that site’s numerous tabs, chord charts and instrument reviews, there exists another resource responsible for drawing in...'Impresario. Raconteur. Rock Legend.' The Nolan Whyte interview part two
As promised, here is part two of my interview with Canadian writer and blogger Nolan Whyte. To catch up on part one, click here. Underground: I see from your site that you published the series/ novel Comeback Road as an e-book. Have you ever tried publishing any of...Out now: The Dandy Warhols merge science-fiction, goth and grunge on This Machine
The Dandy Warhols This Machine (The End) Release date: April 24, 1012 “We’ve been told that it’s our gothiest. I thought it was our grungiest. So I’m really hoping it’s a hit with goths who are, um, really outdoorsy?” Though meant...'413' music video causing a stir in Western Massachusetts
As many of you have no doubt already heard, there’s been a certain viral video gathering quite a bit of attention in Western Mass. lately. The title of the video is “413,” and as the name suggests it has more than a little to do with that particular...Celebrate May Day 2012 OWS style
Happy May Day everyone! Though the current weather in Western Massachusetts is less than ideal for engaging in any outdoor activity like Maypole dancing, the coronation of the May Queen or other traditional festivities, one movement is calling for people to take to...Noho rockers Orange Television cover Led Zeppelin for Cinco de Mayo
Not content to let the song remain the same, Northampton rock band Orange Television is planning a special performance to coincide with the group’s Saturday appearance at the Iron Horse Music Hall. Though taking the stage on Cinco de Mayo there is no...Beastie Boys co-founder Adam Yauch dies at 47
As reported by Rolling Stone magazine, Adam “MCA” Yauch one of the founding members of iconic hip-hop group the Beastie Boys passed away Friday at the age of 47. Yauch, who had been diagnosed in 2009 with a tumor in his salivary gland, had been in...Staind and Godsmack teaming up for tour of Mass Chaos
The state of Massachusetts has long been a home to a virtual who’s-who of rock legends and underground icons. “America’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band” Aerosmith formed in Boston in 1970. The indie stars of Dinosaur Jr. got their...'Can't be wrong,' Doug Ratner and the Watchmen opening for Spin Doctors
Fans of ‘90s nostalgia and local music are in luck this Friday. Springfield rockers Doug Ratner and the Watchmen (see photo) have landed a prime spot opening for alternative favorites the Spin Doctors at the Pearl Street Nightclub in Northampton, and the recipe...Check your head: Masaki Batoh goes cranial on Brain Pulse Music
Masaki Batoh Brain Pulse Music (Drag City) While “earworms” like “It’s a Small World” and the Mission Impossible them have been branded as songs you can’t get out of your head, the latest release by guitarist Batoh (of Ghost) began...Uneven electronica: Lindstrom and Mouse On Mars craft new releases
Lindstrom Six Cups of Rebel (Smalltown Supersound) Though popularly known for his barrage of remixes and 12” singles, Norwegian electronic artist Hans-Peter Lindstrom shoots for the stars on his fourth solo album. And inevitably, many listeners may find the end...The Dandy Warhols invade Boston for This Machine tour
When the Dandy Warhols burst on to the Portland music scene in the early ‘90s, some saw the group as saviors, heralding the second coming of rock ‘n’ roll. Then, amidst problems with its major label (Capitol Records), disappointing record sales and a...“The Legend of Zelda Symphony of the Goddesses” brings video game music to life
Whether you are a video game fan or a music fan, the following news should at least make you a little curious. Currently touring the country and coming to Boston this October, “The Legend of Zelda Symphony of the Goddesses” is a live video game themed...Don't you wish you could Bonnaroo too?
For those of us who couldn’t make the trip down to Manchester, Tenn. this past weekend for the 2012 edition of the Bonnaroo Music Festival, don’t worry, relief can still be found online. Video-sharing giant YouTube broadcast the entire festival live June...Bowerbirds fly into Iron Horse in Northampton
If you like your folk music with a rural tinge, then get ready to get back to nature. North Carolina folk rockers the Bowerbirds are returning to the Paradise City Monday as part of the tour for the group’s new album The Clearing. In a recent blog post, I...Halestorm blows into Pearl Street ballroom
Fresh off a successful run of dates on the Mass Chaos tour with Bay State natives Staind and Godsmack, Pennsylvania band Halestorm brings its exciting live show to the Pearl Street ballroom in Northampton Tuesday. Touring behind the release of its sophomore album The...SutureSelf, Plan B showcase “Docs Who Rock” at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield
After the final notes of a jam-heavy version of “Mustang Sally” rang out through the Majestic Theater Friday, two bands stood together on stage – many members drenched in sweat, smiling, and listening to the cheers of the crowd. However, only one of...The man and the band: Patrick Watson comes to Mass Moca in North Adams
Patrick Watson is more than a man. Such an unassuming moniker belongs not only to the critically-acclaimed Canadian musician, but also to his eponymous band, which stops by the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams Saturday. And listeners are in for...Bonnie 'Prince' Billy looks back and moves forward on Now Here's My Plan
Sometimes looking back can help chart a course for a better future. With the above thought in mind, welcome back readers. The Underground took a little break to celebrate the July 4 holiday (by working, of all things). But now this blog is back. And it’s back...Silver Jews show band infancy with video for Early Times
With all the hype that surrounded Pavement’s reunion in 2010 and the subsequent release of the latest Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks album Mirror Traffic in 2011, it’s easy to forget that the quintessential ‘90s slacker guru was in another band back...Feels like home: a conversation with Death Cab For Cutie drummer Jason McGerr
There’s an old joke that goes as follows, “What do you call a drummer who breaks up with his girlfriend?” The answer: Homeless. While Death Cab For Cutie drummer Jason McGerr is far from homeless, he is, after all, still a drummer. And this Friday he...Springfield College graduate Adam Sickler competing in Hudson Valley Voice Competition
While some college students spend their school days filling their dorm rooms with pictures, posters and assorted bottles of liquor, Springfield College graduate Adam Sickler spent his undergraduate years filling his room with music. Before graduating from SC this past...Posse in Effect: Beastie Boys, Adam Yauch say no to advertisers with will and lawsuit
Even in death, the Beastie Boys’ Adam “MCA” Yauch is refusing to sell out to advertisers. According to a Thursday report by Rolling Stone magazine, the iconic rapper included a provision in his recently filed will that prohibits the use of his music...Mash-up maestro Girl Talk shifts his party to the Calvin Theatre in Northampton
Even though a forecast of inclement weather has moved his August 18 show from the wooded surroundings of Mountain Park in Holyoke to the stately confines of the Calvin Theatre in Northampton, pop music sampler and DJ extraordinaire Gregg Gillis (aka Girl Talk) is...'Are you with me now?' Girl Talk and Home Body kick start raucous dance party in Northampton
Watching someone kick over a laptop will never be as visceral or exciting as watching someone smash a guitar on stage. However, that being said, one would be hard-pressed to find an audience member from Girl Talk’s recent show at the Calvin Theatre who would...Ground control to will.i.am: Black Eyed Peas musician broadcasts new single from Mars
When one ponders the idea of music being broadcast from outer space, the next logical thought is typically what would such a thing sound like? Would aliens ever try to reach out to us by beaming John Williams’ theme from Star Wars? That might seem a little...Escaping the mainstream sewer with Anton Newcombe of the Brian Jonestown Massacre
“I think Henry Kissinger is a fucking asshole.” Why Anton Newcombe, (see photo, fourth from left) leader of the psychedelic rock band the Brian Jonestown Massacre, chose to share this particular statement with me I still do not know. Then again, over the...Uncut conversation with Brian Jonestown Massacre leader Anton Newcombe
In a blog post last week, I showcased a feature-length piece I wrote concerning Anton Newcombe, the leader of the band the Brian Jonestown Massacre. I have long been fascinated by Newcombe and his music, so when the opportunity came up for me to see his band live as...Green Day releases new album amidst onstage outburst and trip to rehab
When Green Day announced this past April it was planning to release an album trilogy, few expected the days preceding the first record ¡Uno!’s release to be clouded by another band-related story. Though the exact details surrounding lead singer/ guitarist...Music review Tuesday: Laetitia Sadier turns political and Django Django get remixed
Laetitia Sadier Silencio (Drag City) Best known as the singer for ‘90s indie band Stereolab, Sadier sticks to her guns on her second solo album. Where her 2010 solo debut The Trip focused on more personal issues, most notably her sister’s suicide, which...With Arms Shut Tight: Creed singer Scott Stapp “abandons” President Obama
For those of you who’ve been wondering where Creed singer Scott Stapp has been since his band’s heyday in the late ‘90s, your wait is over. Sure the platinum-selling post-grunge rockers did reunite in 2009, and even released the perfunctory comeback...There's a Riot Grrrl Going On: Tobi Vail of Bikini Kill releases “Free Pussy Riot” MP3
As one of the original members of the early ‘90s Riot Grrrl movement, Tobi Vail has never been afraid to speak her mind. Whether via her zine/ journal Jigsaw or as part of the all-female rock band Bikini Kill, Vail has given voice to a multitude of topics over...“Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody” brings 'afternoon delight' to CityStage in Springfield
Somewhere around 2:54 p.m. on October 6, I started to become very aware of my masculinity. All around me, crowded into the seats at the CityStage theater in Springfield, Mass. were women – young women wearing bright clothes and sipping drinks from plastic...Sarah Smith, Daniel Hales, and the frost heaves bring down-home sound to pair of local releases
Sarah Smith/ Hoonah Sneak (DIY) Delicate and powerful – two words to describe both singer/songwriter Sarah Smith (aka Hoonah) and the unique sound found on the PVPA grad’s first full-length release. Though musically the album consists largely of soft...Full Circle Moment: A conversation with The Wallflowers' bassist Greg Richling
Less than 24 hours after Superstorm Sandy left a trail of destruction across the northeastern United States, Wallflowers’ bassist Greg Richling (see photo, second from left) was still holed up in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The longtime friend of group frontman Jakob...Florence singer Lisa Palumbo washes over listeners with music on new album River
For Florence resident and realtor Lisa Palumbo, music has always been a part of her life. From growing up with a mother, Violet, who is an accomplished classical pianist and retired music teacher, to even teaching middle and high school choruses herself for 10 years...Get your turkey on with a pair of tracks to help celebrate Thanksgiving 2012
Well, it’s that time of year again – time for tryptophan-induced food comas, marathons of football coverage on TV, and enough Turducken leftovers to last until Christmas. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and here at the Northeast Underground I’m celebrating...Lou Barlow talks Dinosaur Jr, making a new album, and what it's like to return to Western Mass
Back in March of 2011, I sat down for a conversation with alternative musician Lou Barlow (see photo, middle) prior to an appearance by his group Sebadoh at the Pearl Street Nightclub in Northampton. Since that time, Barlow has returned to the Pioneer Valley on...The best albums of 2012 A-Z part 2
Hope you enjoyed part one of the Underground’s alphabetical round-up of the top albums of 2012. So let’s jump right in to part two. N is for the Nothing Came First EP by best new Valley band And The Kids First appearing on the Valley music scene back over...Music review Tuesday: John Cale gets the last laugh and Dark Dark Dark tests its boundaries
John Cale Shifty Adventures in Nookie Wood (Double Six Records) On his first studio album since 2005’s blackAcetate, former Velvet Underground member Cale crafts perhaps the most inviting avant-garde record listeners will hear all year. The opener “I Wanna...The Wallflowers, Frank Black, Trapper Schoepp and the Shades ring in the New Year early at the Calvin Theatre
Friday’s concert at the Calvin Theatre in Northampton was a story of two bands. Sure, you say. There was of course one opening act (Trapper Schoepp and the Shades) and one headlining act (The Wallflowers), but the story of the night went much deeper than simple...The top albums of 2012 A-Z part 1
Well, it’s that time of year again. It’s time for every music blog, website, and magazine worth its salt to come up with highly divisive best-of lists for readers to argue over, deride, and generally fault for not being the same as their own. Still, with...Welcome To The Terrible Twos
Whew. Two years gone. It’s hard to believe that as of today the Northeast Underground has been officially active for 24 months. But you know what that means don’t you? Bring on the terrible twos. Since launching in 2011, the Northeast Underground has tried...The Thundergod Goes Acoustic: A Conversation with Guster drummer Brian Rosenworcel
First formed as a trio consisting of founding members Adam Gardner (guitar, vocals), Ryan Miller (guitar, vocals) and Brian Rosenworcel (drummer), the alternative rock band Guster has become a Massachusetts institution, releasing six studio albums and multiple...Guster practices acoustic group therapy at the Calvin Theatre
Back when the Medford, Massachusetts-born band Guster first announced its plan to embark on an acoustic tour in 2012, not everyone (fans and media included) was sure what to expect. Sure the group was bringing along comedian Jeff Garlin (from “Curb Your...The Ambiguities dance out the end of days on latest EP
The Ambiguities Everything Rhymes With The End Times (Algorhythm Records) Release date: 12/21/12 Over a month has passed since the expiration of the Mayan calendar was supposed to signal our imminent demise. And while fortunately that particular event never came to...“Girls” soundtrack just wants to have fun
Various Artists Girls – Volume 1: Music From The HBO Original Series (Fueled By Ramen) In the interest of full disclosure, I must reveal that I have not watched a single episode of the popular HBO series “Girls.” I’m aware of the show’s...E-Edition
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