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Cass McCombs invades Iron Horse Music Hall for journey to Wit's End
Cass McCombs Wit’s End (Domino) While flipping through the liner notes of the latest release by singer and songwriter Cass McCombs, one immediately notices two things. First, the album’s lyrics are printed twice – once in English and again in German....Alison Krauss and Union Station tour for Paper Airplane glides into Mountain Park
In honor of Alison Krauss and Union Station’s upcoming appearance at the Mountain Park Amphitheater in Holyoke on Sunday, the Underground proudly presents a list consisting of our top five favorite tracks that feature the critically acclaimed bluegrass artist....British songstress Amy Winehouse found dead at age 27
According to U.K. news source the Guardian, the critically-acclaimed soul singer Amy Winehouse was found dead Saturday morning in her London flat. Officials currently list the reason for her death as “unknown,” but the news comes just over a month after...Alison Krauss and Union Station help fans 'beat the heat' at Mountain Park
Sunday was the day the “heat dome” officially broke over the Northeastern U.S. And what better way could there have been to celebrate than to finally venture out from the safety of central air conditioning in order to catch a show at Holyoke’s...Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon pitches in to help the Dropkick Murphys support a good cause
Note to self: when choosing people to hurl tomatoes at you while you’re on stage singing karaoke, be VERY careful who you allow on the firing line. Otherwise you might end up like Dropkick Murphys’ bassist Ken Casey, who during a recent charity event put...Rise of an animal planet: indie rockers Grass Widow play concert for apes at Boston zoo
Science-fiction fans rejoice! After 43 years and despite a critically-maligned 2001 Tim Burton remake starring Mark Wahlberg, the Planet of the Apes franchise gets a long-awaited reboot on Friday. In the new film Rise of the Planet of the Apes, starring James...Beirut ready to pull fans under with new album The Rip Tide
Beirut The Rip Tide (Pompeii Records) Release date: August 30, 2011 The opportunity for Balkan folk music to make an impact on the indie scene does not come often. However, with the release of his debut album Gulag Orkestar in 2006, Zachary Condon the enigmatic young...Dennis Rodman brings musical connection to 2011 Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement
Dennis Rodman (see photo), the eccentric NBA rebounding great who once wrote a book entitled “Bad as I Wanna Be,” apparently found much pathos in the genre of grunge music over the course of his career, at least according to comments he made to the media...Belgium's Pukkelpop festival is latest venue to suffer deadly stage collapse
In what seems to have become a horrifying trend, a concert stage at the Pukkelpop music festival in Belgium collapsed Thursday resulting in injuries to dozens of concertgoers and at least five confirmed deaths. According to the Associated Press, a storm featuring...Out now: Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks team up with Beck on new album Mirror Traffic
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks Mirror Traffic (Matador) Release date: August 23, 2011 When describing the critical-acclaim surrounding his latest release and first-time collaboration with fellow ‘90s fave Beck, Stephen Malkmus is nothing if not puzzled....Tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes oh my!
While this blog normally focuses on music news and other entertainment ephemera, I would be remiss if I did not use today’s post to mention the recent natural disasters that have impacted not only Western Massachusetts, but also various portions of the...21st century breakdown? Green Day singer kicked off aircraft as part of fashion vs. flight debate
For many frequent flyers, the changes made to airport security since the terrorist attacks of 9/11 are no secret. From taking off your shoes during check-in, to packing your liquids in sandwich bags, and even all the way to the current implementation of x-ray machines...10 years gone: 9/11 remembered
Throughout US history there has been a small collection of events that have shaped the course of not only individual lives, but also our national psyche as a whole. The end of World War II, the Kennedy assassination, and the moon landing – these milestones and...Angelo Spencer goes global on new release World Garage
Angelo Spencer et les Hauts Sommets World Garage (K Records) Though summer is quickly coming to a close here in the northeast, the sophomore release by French-born musician Angelo Spencer is ready to play like a welcome soundtrack to the closing of the season. Why?...Country singer Nikki Lane waves goodbye to the south on defiant Walk of Shame
Nikki Lane Walk of Shame (IAMSOUND Records) Release date: September 27, 2011 In recent years, the country music landscape has become harder to traverse than ever before. Increasingly a series of artists, with roots seemingly honed by the history of pop songcraft as...Music news in brief: R.E.M. break-up, “Nevermind” lives again, and Pearl Jam look back
Nostalgia? Must be a catchy disease lately. During the past week alone, a collection of musicians from years past have begun popping up in the news as various anniversaries and events have seemingly started to collide with one another in order to vie for fan’s...Dark Dark Dark bring fall tour to the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton
Hitting the road one last time before disappearing into the studio for the winter, the musicians making up the sextet Dark Dark Dark are ready to bring their unique brand of chamber folk/ pop to their co-headlining stint at the Iron Horse Music Hall on Saturday....Fleet Foxes close impressive 2011 season at Mountain Park
If ever there was a group of musicians destined to play at the renovated Mountain Park in Holyoke, Mass. the northwest’s own Fleet Foxes would have to be near the top of the list. Touring behind the release of their latest studio album “Helplessness...Hank Williams Jr. song pulled from Monday Night Football over controversial comments
Are you ready for some…Mike Tirico? If the above statement confuses you, then you must not have watched ESPN’s broadcast of Monday Night Football this week. Instead of opening the popular sports program with video of country musician Hank Williams Jr....Apple founder Steve Jobs passes away at 56
Deviating once again from our typical musical fair, we at the Northeast Underground would like to take some time to note the passing of Apple founder and technological innovator Steve Jobs. According to a report on CNN.com, Jobs died Wednesday after years spent...Sweet on the inside: the Lemonheads to perform “It's A Shame About Ray” at the Pearl Street Nightclub in Northampton
Where were you in ’92? While most Americans were glued to their television sets watching the summer Olympics and the U.S. men’s basketball “Dream Team” racking up one lopsided victory after another, alternative rocker Evan Dando was on tour...Evan Dando and the Lemonheads highlight uneven night at Pearl Street show
From his first appearance on stage wearing a worn hooded sweatshirt with the words “Grow Local” emblazoned on the back, all the way to his final mumbled thank you at the end of the night, Evan Dando leader of ‘90s alt-rockers the Lemonheads was the...'No socially redeeming value whatsoever.' Comedian Jeff Dunham and his “Controlled Chaos” tour landing in Amherst
America’s favorite ventriloquist is on the road again. And this time he’s bringing the voices in his head to the Pioneer Valley. Jeff Dunham the star of such Comedy Central specials as “Spark of Insanity”, “Arguing with Myself” and...Jeff Dunham and company bring big laughs to the Mullins Center in Amherst
Though the thousands of his fans in attendance didn’t quite fill the venue to capacity, comedian/ ventriloquist Jeff Dunham ably brought the laughs to every corner of the Mullins Center in Amherst, Mass. Thursday. In fact, the crowd’s enthusiasm for the...Music news in brief: Sonic Youth split, Stone Roses reunite, and LMFAO get sexy
First off, it’s official. The ‘90s are truly over. After 27 years of marriage, Northampton natives Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore the first couple of alternative rock icons Sonic Youth have decided to go their separate ways. According to a report by Rolling...Lou Reed and Metallica join forces for “Lulu” album
Lou Reed and Metallica Lulu (Warner Bros.) Released worldwide: October 31, 2011 North America: November 1, 2011 Just in time for the most frightening of holidays, comes the by-product of perhaps one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most bone-chilling...Keep the change: Detroit Lions' fans protest Nickelback Thanksgiving appearance
Well, Mother Nature decided to deal Western Massachusetts another blow Saturday. While forgoing previous disasters like tornados, earthquakes and tropical storms, fall weather in the area turned frigid and snow fell in abundance. Plus, with their limbs still covered...The Vines' “Future Primitive” strains to resurrect past glories
The Vines Future Primitive (Sony Australia) Alright, in the interest of full disclosure, I would be remiss if I did not first admit the fact that I am a big fan of the Vines. Upon the release of the band’s debut album Highly Evolved in 2002, I immediately found...Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds landing at Boston's Wang Theater
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (Sour Mash/ Mercury) Forget about flying south for the winter. Instead, Noel Gallagher former Oasis linchpin and lead songwriter is bringing his act stateside with an appearance at...Noel Gallagher wows Boston crowd with strong Wang Theater show
Even hours before his performance, one didn’t need a detective to deduce that former Oasis songwriter Noel Gallagher was the undisputed king of Boston, Mass. Saturday. Though scheduled to play a concert at the Wang Theater, Gallagher’s name was being...'Clown suit and sock puppets,' Art Alexakis of Everclear brings his less-serious side to the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton
Back in the mid-to late‘90s, alternative rock gems like “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” and “Wonderful” were almost inescapable forces on radio stations across the U.S. Merging the last fading strains of grunge with...Art Alexakis wants to eat your baby, plus other observations from the singer's stop in the Paradise City
Many lessons come with maturity. Some people learn to appreciate the small things. Others learn that control isn’t everything, and that much of life is determined by pure chance. And then there are those who fantasize about infant cannibalism. Though popularly...The Blue Jean Committee brings Paradise City vibe to SNL
Well isn’t life just sometimes like a nice kick in the face? Though freshly back from a well-needed Thanksgiving vacation in Texas, the Northeast Underground may have to curtail any and all future travel plans for the time being. Yes Virginia, spark plugs can...Herman Cain cites Pokemon song during end of 2012 presidential bid
Throughout history politicians and other public figures have often used dramatic quotes to enrich their messages to the world at large. Whether it has been John F. Kennedy citing Dante or Abraham Lincoln openly reciting Shakespeare, many famous lines have been used to...Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers conjure “Gift Horse” of a different color
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers Gift Horse (Vanguard) Some of the greatest moments in music history have been the product of tragedy. Australian rockers AC/DC recorded their seminal album Back in Black after the death of original lead singer Bon Scott in 1980....Grammy winners Lady Antebellum coming to Amherst
First bursting on to the scene in 2007, country music stars Lady Antebellum make a stop in the Pioneer Valley Thursday at the Mullins Center in Amherst. Touring behind the release of their third album Own the Night, which topped the Billboard 200 chart during the week...Lady Antebellum 'own the night' during Mullins Center appearance
Traffic, usually the bane of inhabitants in more urban areas, was almost the story of the night Thursday in Amherst. With delays lengthening the trip from I-91 to the Mullins Center almost to a full hour, much could be written about the often stop-and-go conditions on...Tales from the other side: Captain Beefheart meets the Northeast Underground
Ah, the Internet is a strange place for beings both alive and dead. You see, back before the Northeast Underground joined forces with the Valley Advocate in January, my blogging persona already existed via wordpress.com. And before changing locations, one of the last...'Wanted dead or alive' The Bon Jovi death hoax continues
Pardon the obvious title pun, but Jon Bon Jovi is alive and well thank you, Not that many people are listening. You see, according to the Los Angeles Times the lead singer of arguably New Jersey’s biggest band has recently found himself embroiled in a persistent...'Majestic scavengers:' The Coyote Choir interview uncut
Several weeks ago the Northeast Underground had the distinct pleasure of speaking with local musician Paul Gelineau, who is a member of Northampton band The Coyote Choir. While our conversation at the time was to be the basis for another article on his group, Gelineau...Buy these now: the NE Underground's top albums of 2011
If you’ve read the headline, then you know the drill. Presented here in no particular order are the Northeast Underground’s picks for the best albums of 2011. Some you might know, others may have flown below your radar. Pick them all up now to ring in 2012...Happy New Year and happy birthday!
Happy belated New Year everyone. And happy birthday to me. That’s right. One year ago today, the Northeast Underground launched its first post via the Valley Advocate’s website. And what a subsequent 12 months it has been. Did you know that in just the...Alive she cried: The Doors release first new song in 40 years
Fans of ‘60s rockers the Doors must be feeling their mojo risin’ these days. What else could explain the announcement on Monday that the band has just released their first new song (“She Smells So Nice” – listen to it here) featuring all...No more 'Stormy Weather,' singer Etta James passes away at 73
And we’re back! After spending the last few days getting to the root of some various technological problems, the Northeast Underground is back online. However, I only wish it was under better circumstances. Sadly, the Underground has returned to note the passing...Me so…happy? – '90s rap group 2 Live Crew reunite
2 Live Crew, the rap group famously known for its battles with the law over obscenity charges as well as the popularity of its controversial song “Me So Horny,” is returning to the stage this summer. And don’t worry kids, the individual members are...Not your mother's MTV: American Sign Language meets music videos
The music video starts like any other. A lone figure appears silhouetted in the rain, and then the scene is quickly cut to a view of a couple locked in a loving embrace. Next the light changes and the singer is isolated, looking straight at the camera and the first...Bringing the rage to the stage: American Idiot the musical hits Boston
Sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll – what’s a poor boy to do with such problems? The answer, apparently, is sing. Having kicked off the 2012 Broadway season in Boston, Mass. American Idiot! the musical closed its weeklong run at the Boston Opera House...Dropkick Murphys' frontman bets big
No Samuel Adams on Super Bowl Sunday? For one New York City sports bar such a drought will be the order of the day during the big game, and the reason behind the lack of suds rests squarely on the shoulders of Dropkick Murphys’ frontman Ken Casey (see picture,...Vigilant media outraged by middle finger almost no one saw
Sorry New England. The Patriots lost on Sunday, bested by the New York Giants 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI. But that’s not the only game story that’s been making headlines this week. Popularly known for over two decades’ worth of trendsetting and...Whitney Houston dead at 48 and Abraham Lincoln's kinky birthday video
It is with great sadness that the Northeast Underground reports the death of singer Whitney Houston, who passed away Saturday night at the age of 48. Though responsible for such hits as “How Will I Know,” “I Will Always Love You,” and an...Lou Barlow keeps Valentine's Day indie with “Brand New Love” and more
Saint Valentine can smash his head on some punk rock this holiday. Instead of cute candy hearts, boxes of chocolate or a bouquet of flowers, former Western Massachusetts native Lou Barlow (Dinosaur Jr, Sebadoh, etc.) is giving his fans a real gift for February 14...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...E-Edition
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