Boston Rock Photos And Stuff
Cooling Towers
“Hard Headed Woman”
2014
Cooling Towers have put out a couple of cool NWOBID* tunes in 2014. “Hard Headed Woman” is my favorite of the pair. Cooling Towers cut to the chase on this one, jumping right into the catchy-as-all-hell chorus after a brief mood-setting intro. The song never looks back. The bridge? Please, the intertwining harmonies cloaked in desperation are p‑e‑r‑f‑e‑c‑t. I dig this track.
Where to get it:
* New Wave Of Boston Indie Disco
The Broads
“As Long I Drift”
2014
The Broads offer up dark, brooding indie rock on “As Long I Drift.” A sparse bass line plots the way. The drums ease in. The guitars hang bright in the darkening sky. Everyone keeps a safe distance through swells and lulls. No one wants to get hurt. The slightly desperate vocals make their way forebodingly. Something big is going to happen. It does. At the 2:35 mark, the heavens open and sorrow comes pouring down. Washed away into the night. Alone.
Where to get it:
Airport
“Long Time”
2014
Airport get their twang and swing on with “Long Time.” This is a top shelf number from a top shelf band. Drink in the harmonies. Raise a glass when you hear the honky tonk piano; that’s your cue to get ready for the big sing-along chorus. Think it can’t get any better? Just wait ’til after the breakdown. Airport wraps the whole thing up with a outro that is perfectly desperate. I think I’ll have another.
Where to get it:
Bong Wish
“In The Flesh”
2014
Looking for a retro-blast freakout theme song of the lo-fi nature? Of course you are. Check out “In The Flesh” by Bong Wish and find fulfillment in your life, for once.
Where to get it:
The Rationales
Dream Of Fire
2014
Have I ever mentioned how much I like The Rationales? I think I have. Their latest, Dream Of Fire, is pretty fantastic. The EP opens with live favorites “Drunk All The Time” and “Radio,” a single they released back in 2012. It’s a formidable and familiar one-two punch of hooks and vitality. “This Morning” shakes up its Buffalo Tom-like vibe with fiery, spaced-out guitar solos. “Last Words” buries the dagger with the line “She won’t remember the last thing you said if you’re there.” Man. These songs are reeeeeaaaally good. The whole thing wraps up with “Let It Go.” Here’s a band so gifted in the ways of verse/bridge/chorus blowing it all up with magnificent results.
Like I said, I like The Rationales.
Where to get it:
Eric Salt & The Electric City
Please Say Yes
2013
Eric Salt is one talented guy. 2007’s The Hail Mary hooked me with its depth and breadth of songwriting. His playing with Jenny Dee And The Deelinquents is always inspired. Plus, he can cover Springsteen like nobody’s business. He’s equally at home with his own material or someone else’s. Please Say Yes adds to this impressive body of work. Here we find Eric Salt & The Electric City getting back to their naturally varied ways. Their cover of Dylan’s “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You” is gorgeous. “Women I’ve Loved” is a toe-tapper. “Movie Screen” finds beauty in simplicity. Horns help shape “Last Man Standing” and “Cold Winds Blow.” The band’s cover of Billy Squier’s “Whadda You Want From Me” turns a rocker into a slow burn.* Saving one of the best for last, the record closes with the endearing title track. Play it again. Please Say Yes gets better with every listen.
Where to get it:
* Given the album title and artwork, you had to see that one coming.
The Life Electric
“Gone, Gone, Gone”
2014
Here’s a slab of power pop from The Life Electric ahead of their upcoming appearances at SXSW and the Rock ‘N’ Roll Rumble. It’s catchy. That keyboard thing is permanently lodged in my brain. Listen at your own risk.
Where to get it:
Mellow Bravo
“Don’t You Get Lonely”
2014
Goshdarnit, Mellow Bravo, you’ve done it again. “Don’t You Get Lonely” is a blazed number for the ages. Fuzzed-out riffs. Octave-doubled vocals. Roiling organ. Driving bass. Drums that hit so hard you can’t help but look like a fool doing your best Jarvis impersonation. It’s all there. The kicker? Check out the killer harmonies at 2:10, right before the solo. It’s gonna be so good.
Where to get it:
Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents
“Don’t Tell Me” b/w “Fox On The Run”
2014
The singles format is working out exceedingly well for Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents right now. After breaking the R&B/girl group mold that formed their early work, one of my favorite live acts in town continues to experiment with new sounds in the studio. The impeccable production values on “Don’t Tell Me” reach into ELO territory. The shimmering package contrasts nicely with Jenny’s biting vocal. The songwriting is timeless. The playing is perfect. This is the kind of magic that happens when a band decides to do whatever the hell they want to do.
If that weren’t enough, there’s also a stellar cover of the Sweet classic “Fox On The Run.” I’m one happy fella right now.
Where to get it:
The Field Effect
“Blue Christmas”
2013
Last Christmas, The Field Effect gave us Wham! This year they offer up their take on “Blue Christmas” (complete with a candy cane striped pajamas video). Don’t expect any crooning and swooning, though. The Field Effect play it straight, loud and desperate; just like you hoped they would. Do, however, expect sleigh bells. Always expect sleigh bells.
Where to get it:
