Boston Rock Photos And Stuff
Animal Talk kept spirits high at the TT’s Farewell Blowout. How could you not smile during “Mama Was A Teenage Rocker?” Ah, memories.
Thanks to Jed Gottlieb putting together this fine show at Atwood’s, I am reminded that Animal Talk are a ton of fun. It’s not like I forgot about their insanely catchy melodies or undeniable groove. I have the knowledge. Sometimes you just need a little nudge to make it feel more real. Like with “don’t read the comments” or “that milkshake looks delicious but you’re lactose intolerant.” Animal Talk are an excellent band that will make you want to move.
Animal Talk
Kid
2014
Animal Talk makes living, breathing dance music. A year ago, they released Kid, an EP with a pulse as human as it is electronic. Why am I writing about it now? Because, today, the triumphant buzz and thump of songs like “Tie Me Up” and “Mama Was A Teenage Rocker” are keeping me sane. In fact, if I can play “Color Wheel” on repeat for the rest of the day I might just live to post again tomorrow. Guitars and effects blend into a kaleidoscope of sound. These songs get in my head and suddenly the world seems better than it probably is. That’s something.
Where to get it:
Animal Talk never fail to make me forget whatever is going on in the world and just have a good time. Their sets are one shakin’ hookfest after another. Nothin’ but smiles on this guy after their TT’s show.
If Steven Kilgore’s smokin’ jacket doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, perhaps Animal Talk covering “Last Christmas” will. These guys always put on a good show, and this set at Indie Rock Ranger’s Holiday Spectacular is no exception. Let it snow. We’re having a good time downstairs at The Middle East.
The above happens to me a few times a month. Old habits die hard, I guess. This time last year, the folks at Boston Band Crush presented their final show, with Freezepop, Sidewalk Driver, The Field Effect and Emily Peal and The Band of Skinny Men bringing some much needed holiday cheer to a sold out crowd at Brighton Music Hall. It was a fitting send off, put together by Richard Bouchard (AKA Indie Rock Ranger AKA The Biggest Supporter Of The Boston Music Scene Since Billy Ruane).
Over the past year, Richard has put together some of the finest shows in the city under the Indie Rock Ranger Presents banner. Thankfully, he’s readied another humdinger of a bill to fend off the holiday blues. Freezepop and Sidewalk Driver are back. This time they’re joined by Parks, Animal Talk and Harris Hawk. That’s a whole lot of awesome on one bill. The Indie Rock Ranger Holiday Spectacular happens Saturday night at The Middle East Downstairs.
Sounds good, right? Of course it does. You love rock ‘n’ roll and the possibility of a Glamta sighting. I’m going to go out on a limb and wager that you also want to help some kids in need this holiday season. Thank you! You can do so at this very event. Anngelle Wood will be holding her annual toy drive for the DCF Kids Fund at the show. New (unwrapped) toys, gift cards, electronics, books and just about anything else a kid might enjoy will all be collected. Don’t have time to get to the store? Pick up a print of Nicole Anguish’s amazing Empire Strikes Back-inspired poster at the show (it’s at the top of this post, in case you missed it). All of the profits from poster sales will be donated to the cause. Plus, you’ll get to go home with a wampa.
Do good on Saturday night.
Animal Talk closed out The Susan Constant’s EP release show with an indie dance rock flourish. These guys are always a good time.
I’m mildly obsessed with this song. It’s been running through my head on an endless loop since Saturday night. I think I’m OK with this.
Animal Talk brought their dance-infused indie rock cocktail to Radio. That’s a recipe for good times.
After a much needed day of rest, the Rumble returns with Preliminary Night #4 (Cask Mouse, Never Got Caught, Parlour Bells and The Fagettes) tonight at TT’s. Before I head out, here are a few thought on the first half of the week…
Old Favorites
It was great to see strong showings from some old favorites in the 2012 edition of the Rumble. The Rationales and Garvy J. took their nights, so I’ll be catching them again next week. Thick Shakes put on a raucous show to kick off their night. Cooling Towers did the same to close out theirs.
New Faces
One of the best things about The Rumble is being able to check out bands you haven’t see before. I’ve managed to catch 5 new bands so far. Ghosts Of Jupiter took Preliminary Night #3 and left me eager to check them out again next week. The Susan Constant was fantastic. I know they made some new fans on their night. The Tin Thistles brought with them the same devil-may-care attitude Mellow Bravo had last year. In the end, it’s just a big party, right? I also got my first exposure to Letterday and Grey Valley Ghosts. The biggest disappointment of this year’s event was not being able to catch The Grownup Noise. I’ve heard great things about them, but Paul Hansen slipped a disc in his back and they had to withdraw from the competition. Get well soon, Paul!
Lada Vs. Lada
This is my favorite story of this year’s Rumble. With Garvy J. and Ghosts Of Jupiter advancing to the semi-final round, Tommy Lada will be competing against himself on Friday the 13th. How much fun is that going to be to watch?
Fun With Numbers
Play Me Out
Animal Talk’s “Into The Sun” is just too damn catchy. That song, and a few of the other songs that have been stuck in my head after these first few Rumble nights, are below. Check them out, and then come out for the rest of the action. Here’s the schedule. Get thee to TT’s!
* The Rationales were scheduled for the third slot, but moved to the second when The Grownup Noise had to cancel. I’m still going to allow this little “fact” to stand.
** Letterday covered “Holiday” by The Get Up Kids. The Tin Thistles busted out The Misfits’ “Skulls”. Garvy J. had musical references to other songs, but no true covers.
*** Letterday and Garvy J.