Boston Rock Photos And Stuff
The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library was next up on The Motion Sick reunion show under card. I always enjoy this ensemble. Well crafted songs with intelligent lyrics go a long way in my book.
PorchFest! What a beautiful day to head into Somerville and listen to bands play out-of-doors. Big Little One and I jumped in the car after his swimming lesson* to catch some songs from The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library. We camped out on the sidewalk and enjoyed the ample sunshine and harmonies. As we walked away, Big Little One informed me that he had enjoyed himself.
“I like the way they sound. They sound the best.”
* There may have been a quick stop for a donut on the way.
Tonight’s show was advertised as having a vaudeville bent, so seeing an oboe and viola up on stage with Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling doesn’t seem that strange. Then again, their performance was preceded by ukulele confessions, gut-wrenching music-as-therapy, a “ventriloquist”, burlesque and Tad McKitterick. My sense of normal might be a bit off right now.
For Radio’s One Year Anniversary Party, Michael J. Epstein and Sophia Cacciola gave the early crowd a crash course in their varied musical ventures. We were treated to stripped down versions of songs that originated with The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library, Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling, The Motion Sick, Darling Pet Munkee and probably a few others that I’m forgetting. We even got to hear the stories behind some of the songs, despite being promised otherwise. Fun stuff.
Parlour Bells
“Airwaves”
2012
There’s a big show at The Paradise on Saturday night. Some former WFNX DJs are putting together an event to celebrate the WFNX that was.* Parlour Bells are on the bill for good reason. They are a band that has always championed radio as being essential to the local music scene, even in a time of readily available digital downloads and internet streaming. They are tireless supporters of Boston Emissions, Boston Accents and any other radio program devoting time to playing Boston artists. They even performed on the resurrected WBCN rock bus. I believe Glenn DiBenedetto when he sings “now my radio dial is missing two front teeth.” He means it.
“Airwaves” is a sentimental reflection on the state of Boston radio in June of 2012. It strikes a chord by revealing the emotion of a specific time and place. “Airwaves” is a song about how fans of Boston radio feel right now. It’s immediate. You can’t listen to Nate Leavitt’s delay drenched guitars and not be reminded of the countless U2 radio anthems broadcast by both of our recently departed rock radio stations. It’s a consoling echo. I’d be lying if I said the song wasn’t playing in my head last night as I lay in bed. The sound of the Metropolitan Chorale** was ringing in my ears as prepared for a new day.
Where to get it:
You can also watch a mini-documentary on the making of “Airwaves” right here.
* See what I did with the link there? Garvy J And The Secret Pockets Of Hope And Resistance are part of the show, too.
** Kerri-Ann Richard, Richard Bouchard, Anngelle Wood, Michael Marotta, Chris Mulvey, Lisa Libera, Leesa Coyne, Adam Ritchie, Rishava Green, Matt King, Michael J. Epstein, Sophia Cacciola, Jessica Sun Lee, Adam Anderson, Michael Gonzales, Ken Marcou, Tom Roppelt, Joel Edinberg, Rachel Blumenthal, Sarah Rabdau, Peter Moore and Dan Nicklin all lend their voices to the song.
Why am I posting pictures of Space Balloons playing at a birthday party for a three year old? I’m adding some visual spice to some friendly advice. If you are throwing a party for a kid you should hire Space Balloons. Hell, if you’re throwing a party for an adult you should hire Space Balloons.
