Boston Rock Photos And Stuff
Where ya been, Parlour Bells? Haven’t seen you around much lately. Oh, you’ve been writing some new tunes like “Celebrities On Ice?” In that case, take as much time as you need.
It’s good to have you back, though…
Parlour Bells dazzled the crowd at The Daykamp Poster & Photo Show with their always entertaining mix of glam and grit.
It was a gorgeous day in Cambridge for Make Music Harvard Square. Of the nine or so acts I really would have liked to catch, I managed to see two. Instead of focusing on all of the bands I missed, I will bask in the glory of my boy referring to Goddamn Glenn as “Shiny Pants Guy” when we were talking later about the fun we that afternoon. I’m feeling pretty lucky.
The Lights Out aren’t afraid to take chances. This is a band that covered Queen this past Halloween and did “Bohemian Rhapsody” in its entirety. Stripping back their usual big rock aesthetic into a compelling semi-acoustic set probably seemed like a walk in the park after that. Good stuff at Radio last Friday…
Richard Bouchard has been putting together some pretty great shows over at TT’s lately. This particular Thursday night kicked off with Parlour Bells filling the club with charisma, wit and moody pop tunes. Their tactful mix of songs and showmanship never gets old.
It can be tough having a late slot on a school night. You have to dig a little deeper to keep yourself going. It ain’t glamorous loading out late and getting up early. Some bands can’t cut it. They pack up and go home. Other bands put on their shiny jackets and step onto that stage like there’s no place else they’d rather be.
Parlour Bells…
Ruby Rose Fox with Glenn di Benedetto and Nate Leavitt
“What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”
2012
This is why I love this city. Ruby Rose Fox and Parlour Bells shared a bill at the debut of Lounge Act. The next thing you know they’re collaborating on an old holiday standard. Ruby Rose Fox, Glenn di Benedetto and Nate Leavitt’s rendition of “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” drives home some of the reasons I find them so enchanting. Ruby Rose Fox has one of those timeless voices that would sound good singing the instructions to program your VCR. It should come as no surprise that it sounds even better here. She and Glenn play well off each other while Nate provides the perfect guitar accompaniment. The ease with which the Parlour Bells gentlemen pull this off proves that their remarkable cover of “Get Thee Behind Me Satan” was no fluke. These guys have standards in their souls.
There’s even a nicely done video here.
Where to get it:
Parlour Bells had a big year in 2012. Their Rumble set was one of the highlights at this year’s event. They opened the first ever show presented by Daykamp Music.* The most dapper band in Boston did the same for the last show presented by WFNX while they were still on terrestrial radio. When fall rolled around, they showed off their versatility with a show-stopping performance at the debut of Lounge Act. Well, add one more biggie to the list. With their opening set at OldJack’s Holiday Homage, Parlour Bells became the first Boston act to grace the stage of the newly-opened Sinclair.
I can’t wait to see what they have in store for 2013.
* I’m sure they will consider this a watershed moment in their rock n’ roll careers.
Have you ever wanted to hear the history of Parlour Bells told by a martini-sipping Goddamn Glenn over a stylish rendition of “Pet Names?” Today is your lucky day. Look past the haphazard camera work and marvel at the band’s closing Lounge Act number.
