REJOICING OVER PETTY:
Good news for concert fans: The best double bill in ages -- Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and Steve Winwood – is coming to the TD Banknorth Garden on June 13. Petty will be riding high from his Super Bowl halftime-show appearance, but it’s just good to see him back out there. There were reports that he might hang up his performing shoes after his vintage 2006 tour.
Petty’s long history in Boston dates from opening for Al Kooper at the now-defunct Jazz Workshop on Boylston St. back in the ‘70s. He has since made Boston one of his biggest markets, so don’t be surprised if he adds a second Garden show. The only bummer is that June 13 is the same day that R.E.M. plays the Tweeter Center in Mansfield. That will force some tough decisions.
MOVIE ROUNDUP: Gag on a spoon – I just went to see “27 Dresses’’ and there’s not enough syrup in the world to compete with this film. OK, I was the only guy in the theater, since this is quintessentially a “chick flick.’’ But I was persuaded to go because it was done by the same scriptwriter who did the excellent “Devil Wears Prada’’ with Meryl Streep. But “27 Dresses’’ is a long way from that. It’s named for the 27 bridesmaid dresses that a wedding planner has in her closet – the inevitable plot twist, of course, is that she’ll finally get married; it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that – but along the way there are so many contrived high jinks that I was checking my watch about one hour in. When the highlight is the lead characters singing a besotted version of Elton John’s “Bennie & the Jets’’ in a bar, then that says something. Actually, that was a fun moment. Just wish there were more.
And, hey, what happened to the movie “The Honeydripper’’? I see that it’s already left the theaters after a too-brief run. I enjoyed it. Danny Glover plays the owner of a late ‘40s juke joint in Alabama and struggles to stay solvent. Stacy Keach plays a sheriff who frowningly watches his every move, and the direction is done by John Sayles of “Return of the Secacus Seven’’ fame. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a highly watchable film that is both entertaining and instructive. And North Shore resident Mason Daring helps write a bunch of the music, including the song “The Music Keeps Rolling,’’ featuring Boston’s own Barrence Whitfield. Other local musicians who are on the soundtrack include Jerry Portnoy and Duke Levine. Check it out when it comes to DVD.
CRITIC’S TIPS
Lenny Kravitz – at the Orpheum on Thursday, Jan. 31. Lenny brings his latest love revolution with him. Hippie idealism still lives. And Lenny rocks, regardless.
No Static – at Ryles on Thursday, Jan. 31. This Steely Dan tribute act is locally based and ready to please the connoisseurs.
Mika – at the Orpheum Theatre on Friday, Feb. 1. The new British sensation, who was supported early on by WBOS, makes a long-awaited appearance in town.
Richard Thompson – at the Berklee Performance Center on Friday, Feb. 1. The longtime British folk-rock great never fails to startle with his virtuosity.
TAB – at T.T. the Bear’s on Friday, Feb. 1. This free-wheeling hard-rock band features two sons of Aerosmith’s Joe Perry. Joe was there the last time to see them perform, so he might show up again, but he didn’t play last time. He just watched and enjoyed.
Ryan Montbleau – at the Paradise on Friday, Feb. 1. The acclaimed new pop-rocker, who bears some stylistic similarity to Dave Matthews, steps into a Paradise showcase.
Les Sampou – at the Cushing Center in Norwell on Saturday, Feb. 2. Underrated folk-rocker Sampou performs at the Cushing Center in Norwell to benefit teenage students at her Norwell Voice Studio.
Rhett Miller – at the Paradise on Saturday, Feb. 2. The cult-legend singer is known best for his work with seminal alt-country band the Old 97’s. He has released a couple of solo albums that are mighty fine, too.
Charmaine Neville – at Johnny D’s on Saturday, Feb. 2. Charmaine should be a star. She’s the daughter of Neville Brothers sax man Charles Neville and has mostly performed in her home base of New Orleans. It’s party time when she unleashes her jazz-mambo flavors.
Shaun & Suzy’s Mardi Gras Ball – at T.T. the Bear’s on Saturday, Feb. 2. The 15th annual bash by these local stalwarts should once again be a winner.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
U2 to the Max, plus tips
U2 TO THE MAX
I haven’t seen many 3D movies, but I’m a willing learner when it comes to the new concert version of U2’s last tour in South America. Entitled “U2 3D,’’ it’s a true must-see for U2 fans. It is booked into the IMAX Theatres (in Boston, Natick, and Reading) until Feb. 13, so pack up your family and/or friends and treat yourself to a new way of appreciating this increasingly global band.
Can you believe this film is produced by the National Geographic? Neither could I, but no complaints. Any skepticism vanished immediately when I sat down at the Natick IMAX and my seat vibrated from the excellent sound system and I nearly had Bono in my lap during the opening song, “Vertigo.’’
The 3D effects (thanks to oversized yellow glasses that everyone gets at the ticket counter) made it seem as if you could touch Bono as he reached out in his patented, open-hearted way. The band’s LED lights jumped off the screen and twinkled somewhere around your ears, while your face was suddenly greeted with The Edge’s guitar, so close that you felt you could strum a couple of chords with him or sing harmonies into his microphone. The giddy feeling was felt throughout the show, which started in Buenos Aires and incorporated footage from several other stadiums on the Southern hemisphere.
A unique moment came with the scrolling of the Declaration of Human Rights on the LED screen – a staple of the group’s previous American tour – but this time it was in Spanish. A nice touch. And Bono often spoke Spanish within the songs and between them. I didn’t know he was this multi-lingual.
The songs crunched through the IMAX’s ridiculously powerful speakers – “New Year’s Day,’’ “Sunday Bloody Sunday’’ and “Pride (in the Name of Love),’’ stood out. But another great touch was having cameras placed in the general-admission crowd area in front of the stage, so the view was of the outstretched arms of the fans – and the 3D effects put you right in the middle of it. I’m as big a lover of U2 as anyone, but this gave me a new way to enjoy them and I intend to go back and see it again.
CRITIC’S TIPS
G Love & Special Sauce – at Lupo’s in Providence on Friday, Jan. 25.
Sticky – at Toad on Friday, Jan. 25. A reunion of one of Boston’s most fun-loving roots bands. Member Jonas Kahn also books the up-and-coming Sally O’Brien’s Bar in Somerville.
Miss Tess – at the Plough & Stars on Saturday, Jan. 26. A personal favorite, Miss Tess is a kind of latter-day Bonnie Raitt with colorful doses of New Orleans-steeped festivity.
Age Against the Machine – at T.T. the Bear’s on Saturday, Jan. 26. Hey, cut these guys a break. They’re local veterans paying tribute to Rage Against the Machine and they’re purported to be quite good.
Xavier Rudd – at the Paradise Rock Club on Wednesday, Jan. 30. The singer-songwriter from Australia is a unique talent, to say the least.
Lenny Kravitz – at the Orpheum on Thursday, Jan. 31. Lenny is almost money in the bank when it comes to rocking a crowd with classic-rock style and showmanship.
I haven’t seen many 3D movies, but I’m a willing learner when it comes to the new concert version of U2’s last tour in South America. Entitled “U2 3D,’’ it’s a true must-see for U2 fans. It is booked into the IMAX Theatres (in Boston, Natick, and Reading) until Feb. 13, so pack up your family and/or friends and treat yourself to a new way of appreciating this increasingly global band.
Can you believe this film is produced by the National Geographic? Neither could I, but no complaints. Any skepticism vanished immediately when I sat down at the Natick IMAX and my seat vibrated from the excellent sound system and I nearly had Bono in my lap during the opening song, “Vertigo.’’
The 3D effects (thanks to oversized yellow glasses that everyone gets at the ticket counter) made it seem as if you could touch Bono as he reached out in his patented, open-hearted way. The band’s LED lights jumped off the screen and twinkled somewhere around your ears, while your face was suddenly greeted with The Edge’s guitar, so close that you felt you could strum a couple of chords with him or sing harmonies into his microphone. The giddy feeling was felt throughout the show, which started in Buenos Aires and incorporated footage from several other stadiums on the Southern hemisphere.
A unique moment came with the scrolling of the Declaration of Human Rights on the LED screen – a staple of the group’s previous American tour – but this time it was in Spanish. A nice touch. And Bono often spoke Spanish within the songs and between them. I didn’t know he was this multi-lingual.
The songs crunched through the IMAX’s ridiculously powerful speakers – “New Year’s Day,’’ “Sunday Bloody Sunday’’ and “Pride (in the Name of Love),’’ stood out. But another great touch was having cameras placed in the general-admission crowd area in front of the stage, so the view was of the outstretched arms of the fans – and the 3D effects put you right in the middle of it. I’m as big a lover of U2 as anyone, but this gave me a new way to enjoy them and I intend to go back and see it again.
CRITIC’S TIPS
G Love & Special Sauce – at Lupo’s in Providence on Friday, Jan. 25.
Sticky – at Toad on Friday, Jan. 25. A reunion of one of Boston’s most fun-loving roots bands. Member Jonas Kahn also books the up-and-coming Sally O’Brien’s Bar in Somerville.
Miss Tess – at the Plough & Stars on Saturday, Jan. 26. A personal favorite, Miss Tess is a kind of latter-day Bonnie Raitt with colorful doses of New Orleans-steeped festivity.
Age Against the Machine – at T.T. the Bear’s on Saturday, Jan. 26. Hey, cut these guys a break. They’re local veterans paying tribute to Rage Against the Machine and they’re purported to be quite good.
Xavier Rudd – at the Paradise Rock Club on Wednesday, Jan. 30. The singer-songwriter from Australia is a unique talent, to say the least.
Lenny Kravitz – at the Orpheum on Thursday, Jan. 31. Lenny is almost money in the bank when it comes to rocking a crowd with classic-rock style and showmanship.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Psyched about Shawn, and tips
PSYCHED ABOUT SHAWN
Am excited today because I've been asked to help anchor a Q&A with one of my favorite story song artists, Shawn Mullins, at the Hayden Planetarium next Wednesday (Jan. 23). It's part of the Boston Globe's Arts & Entertainment week and they asked WBOS's Dana Marshall and me to pop the questions to this highly literate songwriter, who also played a show for the station's Copley Square series last summer.
Some people only know Shawn through his original hit, "Lullaby,'' which was huge and had the soothing line of "Everything is gonna be all right.'' But if you've listened deeply to Shawn, you know that his songs tackle situations that aren't always going to be all right. He's a deep thinker and I remember early on he did a groundbreaking tune called "Clarice,'' about falling in love with a woman in the Ku Klux Klan and trying to get her to leave it. He did the song when opening for Chris Isaak at the Orpheum Theatre ten years ago.
I'm also excited to hear Shawn's forthcoming album, "Honeydew,'' which comes out on Vanguard Records on March 11. According to a spokesman, its topics include "railroad workers, traveling salesmen, homeless troubadours, and several generations of family members, living and dead.'' That about sums up Shawn. He's all over the map.
The CD also includes guest appearances from the great Australian singer Kasey Chambers, plus guitarist Peter Stroud of Sheryl Crow's band and Francene Reed of Lyle Lovett's group. I can't wait, but at least I'll get a chance to ask him about it at the Planetarium, where he'll also play some music. Check out WBOS.com for details on how you might attend.
CRITIC’S TIPS
Dennis Brennan & the Iodine Brothers – at Atwood’s Tavern on Thursday, Jan. 17. Another of Dennis Brennan’s side projects, this one usually features guitarists Duke Levine and Kevin Barry on backup (no drummer). It ventures into more cover tunes, but it’s still great.
Johnny Winter and James Montgomery – at Kowloon’s in Saugus on Thursday, Jan. 17. This is a blues brothers night with the legendary Johnny Winter sharing a bill with New England legend James Montgomery.
Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles – at the Lizard Lounge on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 18-19. Continuing to make her stamp as a country-rocker who is earning national attention, Borges delves back into the clubs for two nights of bliss. Diane Miraglia opens up Friday, and the Teenage Prayers do the same on Saturday.
Girls, Guns & Glory – at the Paradise Rock Club on Friday, Jan. 18. One of the best new bands in Boston, this group is moving up quickly. They’re on an exciting bill with Three Day Threshold and Cassavettes.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo – at Sanders Theatre on Friday, Jan. 18. Paul Simon used them on “Graceland,’’ and Ladysmith has been on a roll ever since. Beautiful Afro-pop melodies.
The Editors, Hot Hot Heat and Louis XIV – at the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 19. Three international breakout rock acts together on the same night. Talk about bang for your buck.
Von Bondies – at Great Scott on Tuesday, Jan. 22. The garage-rocking Von Bondies were helped early by Jack White of the White Stripes, but then the Bondies’ Jason Stollsteimer and White got in a brawl in a Detroit club four years ago. It hasn’t stopped the Von Bondies from still rocking hard.
(Steve Morse can be reached at spmorse@gmail.com)
Am excited today because I've been asked to help anchor a Q&A with one of my favorite story song artists, Shawn Mullins, at the Hayden Planetarium next Wednesday (Jan. 23). It's part of the Boston Globe's Arts & Entertainment week and they asked WBOS's Dana Marshall and me to pop the questions to this highly literate songwriter, who also played a show for the station's Copley Square series last summer.
Some people only know Shawn through his original hit, "Lullaby,'' which was huge and had the soothing line of "Everything is gonna be all right.'' But if you've listened deeply to Shawn, you know that his songs tackle situations that aren't always going to be all right. He's a deep thinker and I remember early on he did a groundbreaking tune called "Clarice,'' about falling in love with a woman in the Ku Klux Klan and trying to get her to leave it. He did the song when opening for Chris Isaak at the Orpheum Theatre ten years ago.
I'm also excited to hear Shawn's forthcoming album, "Honeydew,'' which comes out on Vanguard Records on March 11. According to a spokesman, its topics include "railroad workers, traveling salesmen, homeless troubadours, and several generations of family members, living and dead.'' That about sums up Shawn. He's all over the map.
The CD also includes guest appearances from the great Australian singer Kasey Chambers, plus guitarist Peter Stroud of Sheryl Crow's band and Francene Reed of Lyle Lovett's group. I can't wait, but at least I'll get a chance to ask him about it at the Planetarium, where he'll also play some music. Check out WBOS.com for details on how you might attend.
CRITIC’S TIPS
Dennis Brennan & the Iodine Brothers – at Atwood’s Tavern on Thursday, Jan. 17. Another of Dennis Brennan’s side projects, this one usually features guitarists Duke Levine and Kevin Barry on backup (no drummer). It ventures into more cover tunes, but it’s still great.
Johnny Winter and James Montgomery – at Kowloon’s in Saugus on Thursday, Jan. 17. This is a blues brothers night with the legendary Johnny Winter sharing a bill with New England legend James Montgomery.
Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles – at the Lizard Lounge on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 18-19. Continuing to make her stamp as a country-rocker who is earning national attention, Borges delves back into the clubs for two nights of bliss. Diane Miraglia opens up Friday, and the Teenage Prayers do the same on Saturday.
Girls, Guns & Glory – at the Paradise Rock Club on Friday, Jan. 18. One of the best new bands in Boston, this group is moving up quickly. They’re on an exciting bill with Three Day Threshold and Cassavettes.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo – at Sanders Theatre on Friday, Jan. 18. Paul Simon used them on “Graceland,’’ and Ladysmith has been on a roll ever since. Beautiful Afro-pop melodies.
The Editors, Hot Hot Heat and Louis XIV – at the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 19. Three international breakout rock acts together on the same night. Talk about bang for your buck.
Von Bondies – at Great Scott on Tuesday, Jan. 22. The garage-rocking Von Bondies were helped early by Jack White of the White Stripes, but then the Bondies’ Jason Stollsteimer and White got in a brawl in a Detroit club four years ago. It hasn’t stopped the Von Bondies from still rocking hard.
(Steve Morse can be reached at spmorse@gmail.com)
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Club 47, Viva the Hot Stove, and tips
CLUB 47 LIVES ON, AND VIVA THE HOT STOVE
Two marathon shows took place this past Sunday – the 50th anniversary gig of Club 47 (now Club Passim) at the Brattle Theatre, and the Theo Epstein/Peter Gammons extravaganza, Hot Stove, Cool Music, at the Paradise Theatre. Both featured a seeming cast of thousands and lasted in the vicinity of five hours or more, testing one’s patience but also going beyond one’s expectations.
Timing made it impossible to complete each show, so I opted for the first three hours of the Club 47 reunion, then nearly the same time at Hot Stove. Nary a dull moment was felt at either, but I’ll admit to musical overkill at the end of it.
The Club 47 show was flush with lifelong hippies whose talents, remarkably, were still often intact. Singer-songwriter Chris Smither was his standout self (calling himself a “new kid’’ compared to the elders) and his easygoing grace on guitar continues to amaze. So did the duo of Jim Rooney and Bill Keith on a vital version of the Rolling Stones’ “No Expectations.’’ And let’s not forget the modest talent but great spirit of Carolyn Hester, the winsomeness of Banana (who went on to back Mimi Farina at the Newport Folk Festival), the ageless gospel of the Silver Leaf Gospel Singers, and the crusty Al Kooper’s ever-deepening blues brilliance.
The Hot Stove event was more of a madhouse. Where you could hear a pin drop at the Brattle, you were thrust into a giant party at the Paradise. Highlights included Lori McKenna’s thrilling set (does she ever have an off night?) and Bill Janovitz singing The Band’s “It Makes No Difference.’’ And Peter Gammons’ Allstars were a far-reaching gang this time, including Little Feat’s Paul Barrere, J. Geils Band keyboardist Seth Justman, singer Kay Hanley, Mighty Mighty Bosstone Dicky Barrett (blasting out a hot version of the Geils tune “Give It to Me’’), Epstein on guitar. and Elan Trotman (who normally backs Bronson Arroyo, who played before I arrived) on rocketing sax solos.
The energy kept right on coming with Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck’s hard-rock cover band, French Lick. They opened with a Georgia Satellites tune and never turned back. I slipped out around this time, but was encouraged to hear that the Hot Stove experience this time raised $250,000 for Epstein’s A Foundation to Be Named Later. A good job by all.
ROYAL CROWN REVUE: The neo-swing era was revived earlier this decade and you have to put the Royal Crown Revue right at the top of it. I caught their recent show at Scullers Jazz Club and it kept building in excitement throughout, even if there was no dance floor for fans to expend energy. Led by cool-cat singer Ed Nichols, the Royals ripped up the room with a virtuoso display of fast-charging swing, enhanced by a three-piece horn section. The repertoire was handsomely varied, from the opening strut of “Walking Like Brando’’ to Dizzy Dillespie’s “Salt Peanuts’’ and a newer tune, “El Toro,’’ that charged with a polyrhythmic frenzy that marks this excellent band. Catch them next time through.
CRITIC’S TIPS
Edwin McCain – at the Paradise Rock Club on Thursday, Jan. 10. The Southern rocker fronts an acoustic trio this time around.
Radio Kings – at Toad on Thursday, Jan. 10. One of Boston’s best blues-rock groups has reunited, so be primed for a high-octane night.
Casey Desmond – at the Lizard Lounge on Friday, Jan. 11. Desmond is the new It Girl around town, witness her cover story in a recent issue of Improper Bostonian. Come see what the fuss is about. She’ll play the middle set and rising talent Sarah RabDAU (yes, that’s her spelling) performs afterward.
Laura Vecchione – at Johnny D’s on Friday, Jan. 11. It’s not everyday that a great country-rock talent tries to emerge from Boston, but Vecchione is doing an outstanding job of it.
Laurie Lewis – at the National Heritage Museum on Saturday, Jan. 12. Lewis is a connoisseur’s bluegrass star. Worth the trek to this museum in Lexington to see her.
Soulgrass – at the Regattabar on Saturday, Jan. 12. Soulgrass not the coolest name in the world, but it’s aptly descriptive of this fusion jazz-bluegrass act, starring Bill Evans and all-world picker Sam Bush.
Spider John Koerner – at the Plough & Stars on Monday, Jan. 14. The legendary acoustic folk-bluesman used to play the Plough all the time. He no longer lives in town, but it’s great to see him back at his familiar haunt.
Two marathon shows took place this past Sunday – the 50th anniversary gig of Club 47 (now Club Passim) at the Brattle Theatre, and the Theo Epstein/Peter Gammons extravaganza, Hot Stove, Cool Music, at the Paradise Theatre. Both featured a seeming cast of thousands and lasted in the vicinity of five hours or more, testing one’s patience but also going beyond one’s expectations.
Timing made it impossible to complete each show, so I opted for the first three hours of the Club 47 reunion, then nearly the same time at Hot Stove. Nary a dull moment was felt at either, but I’ll admit to musical overkill at the end of it.
The Club 47 show was flush with lifelong hippies whose talents, remarkably, were still often intact. Singer-songwriter Chris Smither was his standout self (calling himself a “new kid’’ compared to the elders) and his easygoing grace on guitar continues to amaze. So did the duo of Jim Rooney and Bill Keith on a vital version of the Rolling Stones’ “No Expectations.’’ And let’s not forget the modest talent but great spirit of Carolyn Hester, the winsomeness of Banana (who went on to back Mimi Farina at the Newport Folk Festival), the ageless gospel of the Silver Leaf Gospel Singers, and the crusty Al Kooper’s ever-deepening blues brilliance.
The Hot Stove event was more of a madhouse. Where you could hear a pin drop at the Brattle, you were thrust into a giant party at the Paradise. Highlights included Lori McKenna’s thrilling set (does she ever have an off night?) and Bill Janovitz singing The Band’s “It Makes No Difference.’’ And Peter Gammons’ Allstars were a far-reaching gang this time, including Little Feat’s Paul Barrere, J. Geils Band keyboardist Seth Justman, singer Kay Hanley, Mighty Mighty Bosstone Dicky Barrett (blasting out a hot version of the Geils tune “Give It to Me’’), Epstein on guitar. and Elan Trotman (who normally backs Bronson Arroyo, who played before I arrived) on rocketing sax solos.
The energy kept right on coming with Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck’s hard-rock cover band, French Lick. They opened with a Georgia Satellites tune and never turned back. I slipped out around this time, but was encouraged to hear that the Hot Stove experience this time raised $250,000 for Epstein’s A Foundation to Be Named Later. A good job by all.
ROYAL CROWN REVUE: The neo-swing era was revived earlier this decade and you have to put the Royal Crown Revue right at the top of it. I caught their recent show at Scullers Jazz Club and it kept building in excitement throughout, even if there was no dance floor for fans to expend energy. Led by cool-cat singer Ed Nichols, the Royals ripped up the room with a virtuoso display of fast-charging swing, enhanced by a three-piece horn section. The repertoire was handsomely varied, from the opening strut of “Walking Like Brando’’ to Dizzy Dillespie’s “Salt Peanuts’’ and a newer tune, “El Toro,’’ that charged with a polyrhythmic frenzy that marks this excellent band. Catch them next time through.
CRITIC’S TIPS
Edwin McCain – at the Paradise Rock Club on Thursday, Jan. 10. The Southern rocker fronts an acoustic trio this time around.
Radio Kings – at Toad on Thursday, Jan. 10. One of Boston’s best blues-rock groups has reunited, so be primed for a high-octane night.
Casey Desmond – at the Lizard Lounge on Friday, Jan. 11. Desmond is the new It Girl around town, witness her cover story in a recent issue of Improper Bostonian. Come see what the fuss is about. She’ll play the middle set and rising talent Sarah RabDAU (yes, that’s her spelling) performs afterward.
Laura Vecchione – at Johnny D’s on Friday, Jan. 11. It’s not everyday that a great country-rock talent tries to emerge from Boston, but Vecchione is doing an outstanding job of it.
Laurie Lewis – at the National Heritage Museum on Saturday, Jan. 12. Lewis is a connoisseur’s bluegrass star. Worth the trek to this museum in Lexington to see her.
Soulgrass – at the Regattabar on Saturday, Jan. 12. Soulgrass not the coolest name in the world, but it’s aptly descriptive of this fusion jazz-bluegrass act, starring Bill Evans and all-world picker Sam Bush.
Spider John Koerner – at the Plough & Stars on Monday, Jan. 14. The legendary acoustic folk-bluesman used to play the Plough all the time. He no longer lives in town, but it’s great to see him back at his familiar haunt.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Music Movies: Highs & Lows, and more tips
MUSIC MOVIES: HIGHS & LOWS
Over the holidays, I stepped out to see the two new ballyhooed music films, “I’m Not There’’ (an entertainingly warped biopic on Bob Dylan) and “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story,’’ about which the less said, the better.
The Dylan pic was an eye-opening march through multiple actors (and actress Cate Blanchett) playing Dylan at different points of his life. I loved it, especially Blanchett’s steely portrayal of Dylan’s bohemian days and Richard Gere’s sage portrayal of the older-and-wiser (and yes, grizzled) Dylan. The movie is imaginative, fanciful, often revelatory but sometimes full of baloney – a fitting juxtaposition to Dylan’s wildly mixed-bag songs.
The two-disc soundtrack is worth picking up – some great songs there by Calexico, Wilco and others – but many don’t end up in the movie. But a lot of great tunes by Dylan himself do end up in it, so any Dylan lover will dig it. Some of the history in the movie gets a little sketchy, but overall, this ambitious project delivers far more than I expected. Don’t go thinking you’re going to see “Citizen Kane.’’ Just go with an open mind and enjoy.
As for “Dewey Cox,’’ it’s an out-and-out mess. Billed as a rock satire, it might be fine for people with a tangential interest to the music, but to anyone who takes the genre seriously, it’s an offensive mishmash. It is cartoony throughout. It starts by making fun of Johnny Cash, then ends up poking fun at everyone from the Beatles to the Maharishi. There are laughs here and there, but mostly this is a grade B movie that ultimately denigrates rock ‘n’ roll and makes it look completely foolish. Give me “Spinal Tap’’ anytime. That’s a real satire.
CRITIC’S TIPS
Big Brothers & the Holding Company – at Harpers Ferry on Thursday, Jan. 3. Janis Joplin’s band is still soldiering on. I’m not sure who is singing Janis’ parts these days, but the last time I saw them a few years ago, they succeeded quite admirably.
Watts – at the Abbey Lounge on Friday, Jan. 4. Any garage-rock band that names itself Watts – after Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts – has an immediate leg up on the competition, right? They deliver the goods.
Hot Stove, Cool Music – at the Paradise Rock Club on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 5-6. Theo Epstein and Peter Gammons return with their annual benefit gigs for Theo’s Foundation to Be Named Later (catchy phrase, that). The Saturday event includes WBOS faves deSol and Eli “Paperboy’’ Reed & the True Loves. And Sunday is a whopping night with Lori McKenna, Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys, Dicky Barrett of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Kay Hanley, Bill Janovitz, Paul Barrere of Little Feat, and the list goes on.
50th Anniversary Hootenanny – at the Brattle Theatre on Sunday, Jan. 6. It will be 50 years to the day this Sunday that Club 47, which later became Club Passim, opened. To mark the occasion, some star-studded folk alumni from Tom Rush and Jim Kweskin, to Al Kooper, Bill Keith and Geoff Muldaur, perform a celebratory hoot at the Brattle, starting at 4 p.m.
Over the holidays, I stepped out to see the two new ballyhooed music films, “I’m Not There’’ (an entertainingly warped biopic on Bob Dylan) and “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story,’’ about which the less said, the better.
The Dylan pic was an eye-opening march through multiple actors (and actress Cate Blanchett) playing Dylan at different points of his life. I loved it, especially Blanchett’s steely portrayal of Dylan’s bohemian days and Richard Gere’s sage portrayal of the older-and-wiser (and yes, grizzled) Dylan. The movie is imaginative, fanciful, often revelatory but sometimes full of baloney – a fitting juxtaposition to Dylan’s wildly mixed-bag songs.
The two-disc soundtrack is worth picking up – some great songs there by Calexico, Wilco and others – but many don’t end up in the movie. But a lot of great tunes by Dylan himself do end up in it, so any Dylan lover will dig it. Some of the history in the movie gets a little sketchy, but overall, this ambitious project delivers far more than I expected. Don’t go thinking you’re going to see “Citizen Kane.’’ Just go with an open mind and enjoy.
As for “Dewey Cox,’’ it’s an out-and-out mess. Billed as a rock satire, it might be fine for people with a tangential interest to the music, but to anyone who takes the genre seriously, it’s an offensive mishmash. It is cartoony throughout. It starts by making fun of Johnny Cash, then ends up poking fun at everyone from the Beatles to the Maharishi. There are laughs here and there, but mostly this is a grade B movie that ultimately denigrates rock ‘n’ roll and makes it look completely foolish. Give me “Spinal Tap’’ anytime. That’s a real satire.
CRITIC’S TIPS
Big Brothers & the Holding Company – at Harpers Ferry on Thursday, Jan. 3. Janis Joplin’s band is still soldiering on. I’m not sure who is singing Janis’ parts these days, but the last time I saw them a few years ago, they succeeded quite admirably.
Watts – at the Abbey Lounge on Friday, Jan. 4. Any garage-rock band that names itself Watts – after Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts – has an immediate leg up on the competition, right? They deliver the goods.
Hot Stove, Cool Music – at the Paradise Rock Club on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 5-6. Theo Epstein and Peter Gammons return with their annual benefit gigs for Theo’s Foundation to Be Named Later (catchy phrase, that). The Saturday event includes WBOS faves deSol and Eli “Paperboy’’ Reed & the True Loves. And Sunday is a whopping night with Lori McKenna, Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys, Dicky Barrett of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Kay Hanley, Bill Janovitz, Paul Barrere of Little Feat, and the list goes on.
50th Anniversary Hootenanny – at the Brattle Theatre on Sunday, Jan. 6. It will be 50 years to the day this Sunday that Club 47, which later became Club Passim, opened. To mark the occasion, some star-studded folk alumni from Tom Rush and Jim Kweskin, to Al Kooper, Bill Keith and Geoff Muldaur, perform a celebratory hoot at the Brattle, starting at 4 p.m.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Top Ten shows, New Year's Eve options, crit tips
TOP TEN CONCERTS
Time for another list, this time the Top Ten shows of the year. The one I’m kicking myself for missing was Stevie Wonder at the Bank of America Pavilion, but I tried to catch most of the biggies this year. So here goes: (Oh, and WBOS jock John Laurenti and I both discuss our Top Tens for records and concerts in podcasts that you can call up through WBOS.com. Happy holidays!)
1. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & the E Street Band at TD Banknorth Garden. His second night there was celestial, filled with early classics like “Kitty’s Back’’ and “Candy’s Room.’’
2. NEIL YOUNG at the Orpheum. Caught the second night and was completely blown away by his acoustic set, especially, with “Cowgirl in the Sand’’ and “Journey Through the Past’’ (on solo piano). His electric set also mesmerized, but not to the extent of the acoustic one, where Neil’s soul really shone through.
3. VAN HALEN at the TD Banknorth Garden. Who knew that David Lee Roth would come back so strongly? He nearly made you forget all about the Sammy Hagar years.
4. PAULO NUTINI at the Paradise. The newcomer showed that he’s not just a teen idol with a pretty face. He is making music to justify a long career.
5. BRAD DELP TRIBUTE at the Bank of America Pavilion. Brad’s suicide was one of the year’s saddest stories, but at least his friends in the band Boston reunited on his behalf. Also nice sets by Godsmack, Extreme, and Farrenheit.
6. RYAN SHAW at the Copley Square series this summer. Ryan is bringing soul music back with a bang. And openers Eli “Paperboy’’ Reed & the True Loves were perfect for the occasion.
7. THE POLICE at Fenway Park. The Brit trio had been absent for more than 20 years, but they picked up right where they left off. Chemistry is everything.
8. WOLFMOTHER at Avalon. The Aussie hard-rockers seem the logical successors to AC/DC. Turn it up loud.
9. RATDOG at Bank of American Pavilion. Former Grateful Dead singer Bob Weir had one of his best Ratdog lineups yet, with Steve Kimock filling in the guitar chair. A psychedelic night on the harbor.
10. AUGUSTANA at TD Banknorth Garden. They played after a Celtics game this year and were anything but an anticlimax. Their song “Boston’’ is an instant classic, but they’ve got more going on than just that.
NEW YEAR’S EVE: Here are some possibilities – Soulive at the Paradise, Bang Camaro at the Hard Rock Café, Roomful of Blues and David Maxwell at the Regattabar, Superhoney at T.T. the Bear’s, and Ellis Paul at Club Passim.
CRITIC’S TIPS
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn – at the Cutler Majestic Theatre Thursday, Dec. 20-Saturday, Dec. 22. I caught the show last week and loved it. The group Solas anchors this Celtic-themed musical revue, with special guests Dougie MacLean and Aoife O’Donovan (from the band Crooked Still).
Benefit for Jeanne – at T.T. the Bear’s on Friday, Dec. 21. Bartender Jeanne Sheehy (who is fighting cancer) gets more support from the local community as the Shods, the Pills, and Jules Verdone raise money for her medical bills.
Lemonheads – at the Middle East Downstairs on Saturday, Dec. 22. Enfant terrible Evan Dando returns with his latest incarnation of the alt-rocking Lemonheads.
Wheelers and Dealers – at the Plough & Stars on Saturday, Dec. 22. Fun country/rock-roots music with a comic edge.
Sub Rosa – at the Lizard Lounge on Saturday, Dec. 22. Rose Polenzani teams up with an exciting cast including Dennis Brennan, Sam Bigelow, and Dave Godowsky.
Aine Minogue – at Club Passim on Sunday, Dec. 23. The local harpist is a folk music wonder. Her concerts are often spellbinding events.
Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers – at Club Passim on Thursday, Dec. 27. I’ve often thought of Kellogg as a latter-day Tom Petty. Great songs, great band, great time.
Mary Lou Lord – at the Plough & Stars on Thursday, Dec. 27. The ever-intriguing Ms. Lord returns to the Plough, where she recently did an acclaimed residency.
(Steve Morse can be reached at spmorse@gmail.com.)
Time for another list, this time the Top Ten shows of the year. The one I’m kicking myself for missing was Stevie Wonder at the Bank of America Pavilion, but I tried to catch most of the biggies this year. So here goes: (Oh, and WBOS jock John Laurenti and I both discuss our Top Tens for records and concerts in podcasts that you can call up through WBOS.com. Happy holidays!)
1. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & the E Street Band at TD Banknorth Garden. His second night there was celestial, filled with early classics like “Kitty’s Back’’ and “Candy’s Room.’’
2. NEIL YOUNG at the Orpheum. Caught the second night and was completely blown away by his acoustic set, especially, with “Cowgirl in the Sand’’ and “Journey Through the Past’’ (on solo piano). His electric set also mesmerized, but not to the extent of the acoustic one, where Neil’s soul really shone through.
3. VAN HALEN at the TD Banknorth Garden. Who knew that David Lee Roth would come back so strongly? He nearly made you forget all about the Sammy Hagar years.
4. PAULO NUTINI at the Paradise. The newcomer showed that he’s not just a teen idol with a pretty face. He is making music to justify a long career.
5. BRAD DELP TRIBUTE at the Bank of America Pavilion. Brad’s suicide was one of the year’s saddest stories, but at least his friends in the band Boston reunited on his behalf. Also nice sets by Godsmack, Extreme, and Farrenheit.
6. RYAN SHAW at the Copley Square series this summer. Ryan is bringing soul music back with a bang. And openers Eli “Paperboy’’ Reed & the True Loves were perfect for the occasion.
7. THE POLICE at Fenway Park. The Brit trio had been absent for more than 20 years, but they picked up right where they left off. Chemistry is everything.
8. WOLFMOTHER at Avalon. The Aussie hard-rockers seem the logical successors to AC/DC. Turn it up loud.
9. RATDOG at Bank of American Pavilion. Former Grateful Dead singer Bob Weir had one of his best Ratdog lineups yet, with Steve Kimock filling in the guitar chair. A psychedelic night on the harbor.
10. AUGUSTANA at TD Banknorth Garden. They played after a Celtics game this year and were anything but an anticlimax. Their song “Boston’’ is an instant classic, but they’ve got more going on than just that.
NEW YEAR’S EVE: Here are some possibilities – Soulive at the Paradise, Bang Camaro at the Hard Rock Café, Roomful of Blues and David Maxwell at the Regattabar, Superhoney at T.T. the Bear’s, and Ellis Paul at Club Passim.
CRITIC’S TIPS
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn – at the Cutler Majestic Theatre Thursday, Dec. 20-Saturday, Dec. 22. I caught the show last week and loved it. The group Solas anchors this Celtic-themed musical revue, with special guests Dougie MacLean and Aoife O’Donovan (from the band Crooked Still).
Benefit for Jeanne – at T.T. the Bear’s on Friday, Dec. 21. Bartender Jeanne Sheehy (who is fighting cancer) gets more support from the local community as the Shods, the Pills, and Jules Verdone raise money for her medical bills.
Lemonheads – at the Middle East Downstairs on Saturday, Dec. 22. Enfant terrible Evan Dando returns with his latest incarnation of the alt-rocking Lemonheads.
Wheelers and Dealers – at the Plough & Stars on Saturday, Dec. 22. Fun country/rock-roots music with a comic edge.
Sub Rosa – at the Lizard Lounge on Saturday, Dec. 22. Rose Polenzani teams up with an exciting cast including Dennis Brennan, Sam Bigelow, and Dave Godowsky.
Aine Minogue – at Club Passim on Sunday, Dec. 23. The local harpist is a folk music wonder. Her concerts are often spellbinding events.
Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers – at Club Passim on Thursday, Dec. 27. I’ve often thought of Kellogg as a latter-day Tom Petty. Great songs, great band, great time.
Mary Lou Lord – at the Plough & Stars on Thursday, Dec. 27. The ever-intriguing Ms. Lord returns to the Plough, where she recently did an acclaimed residency.
(Steve Morse can be reached at spmorse@gmail.com.)
Friday, December 14, 2007
Top Ten CDs, crit tips
TOP TEN CDs for 2007
Ben Harper, “Lifeline.’’ Ben comes back strong with a soul album. Memphis soul great Al Green would likely approve.
Eddie Vedder, “Into the Wild’’ soundtrack. Eddie does the one-man band thing and sounds as natural as ever. Spare production, powerful vocals.
John Fogerty, “Revival.’’ Finally, an album that Fogerty can put up against the best work from his seminal Creedence Clearwater Revival days.
Kaiser Chiefs, “Yours Truly.’’ These Brit-rockers scored a chart hit from this with the driving “Ruby, Ruby,’’ but there’s plenty to like throughout.
John Lennon tribute “Instant Karma’’ to save Darfur. An important social statement from many of today’s rockers. Lennon would have appreciated the sentiments.
Martin Sexton, “Seeds.’’ Beautifully singing that spans the spectrum from folk to R&B. And a great cover of Billy Preston’s “Will It Go Round in Circles.’’
Anoushka Shankar and Karsh Kale, “breathing Under Water.’’ Ravi Shankar’s daughter teams up for a ravishing mix of Indian music and techno-ambient production.
Serj Tankian, “Elect the Dead.’’ The System of a Down singer goes solo with a punk-metal swipe at the status quo. Most biting song: “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition.’’
Uncle Earl, “Waterloo, Tennessee.’’ The young, all-female vocal group takes on old-timey music and makes it sound new again.
Fountains of Wayne, “Traffic and Weather.’’ Named for a lawn ornament store in New Jersey, Fountains of Wayne continue to release ultra-witty pop-rock music.
(Steve Morse can be reached at spmorse@gmail.com.)
CRITIC’S TIPS
Mr. Lif – at the Middle East Downstairs on Friday, Dec. 14. The Boston hip-hopper is building a national audience brick by brick. He deserves one.
Gretel and Temper – at the Lizard Lounge on Friday, Dec. 14. Gretel is a fast-emerging local rock group, while Temper is a more reflective, but still noteworthy, experience.
Dop-Wop everywhere – Saturday, Dec. 15. No shortage of the vintage harmony singing known as doo-wop this weekend. The Royalty of Rock ‘n’ Roll and Doo-wopp show is at the Somerville Theatre with Gene Chandler (“Duke of Earl’’), Shirley Reeves (Shirelles) and Boston’s own Little Joe Cook. And another is at the Berklee Performance Center with Earl Speedo Carroll & the Cadillacs, the original Chantels, Frankie Ford, and more.
Session Americana holiday concert – at Club Passim on Saturday, Dec. 15. The rotating, local troupe, which sings into a single, omni-directional microphone, sheds new light on the holidays.
Sally O’Brien’s Xmas show – at Sally O’Brien’s on Sunday, Dec. 16. Cambridge country-rock legend John Lincoln Wright comes out of the woodwork to perform at Sally’s Xmas party, which runs from 5 to 9 p.m. And the White Owls (Dennis Brennan’s blues band) perform the rest of the night.
Ben Harper, “Lifeline.’’ Ben comes back strong with a soul album. Memphis soul great Al Green would likely approve.
Eddie Vedder, “Into the Wild’’ soundtrack. Eddie does the one-man band thing and sounds as natural as ever. Spare production, powerful vocals.
John Fogerty, “Revival.’’ Finally, an album that Fogerty can put up against the best work from his seminal Creedence Clearwater Revival days.
Kaiser Chiefs, “Yours Truly.’’ These Brit-rockers scored a chart hit from this with the driving “Ruby, Ruby,’’ but there’s plenty to like throughout.
John Lennon tribute “Instant Karma’’ to save Darfur. An important social statement from many of today’s rockers. Lennon would have appreciated the sentiments.
Martin Sexton, “Seeds.’’ Beautifully singing that spans the spectrum from folk to R&B. And a great cover of Billy Preston’s “Will It Go Round in Circles.’’
Anoushka Shankar and Karsh Kale, “breathing Under Water.’’ Ravi Shankar’s daughter teams up for a ravishing mix of Indian music and techno-ambient production.
Serj Tankian, “Elect the Dead.’’ The System of a Down singer goes solo with a punk-metal swipe at the status quo. Most biting song: “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition.’’
Uncle Earl, “Waterloo, Tennessee.’’ The young, all-female vocal group takes on old-timey music and makes it sound new again.
Fountains of Wayne, “Traffic and Weather.’’ Named for a lawn ornament store in New Jersey, Fountains of Wayne continue to release ultra-witty pop-rock music.
(Steve Morse can be reached at spmorse@gmail.com.)
CRITIC’S TIPS
Mr. Lif – at the Middle East Downstairs on Friday, Dec. 14. The Boston hip-hopper is building a national audience brick by brick. He deserves one.
Gretel and Temper – at the Lizard Lounge on Friday, Dec. 14. Gretel is a fast-emerging local rock group, while Temper is a more reflective, but still noteworthy, experience.
Dop-Wop everywhere – Saturday, Dec. 15. No shortage of the vintage harmony singing known as doo-wop this weekend. The Royalty of Rock ‘n’ Roll and Doo-wopp show is at the Somerville Theatre with Gene Chandler (“Duke of Earl’’), Shirley Reeves (Shirelles) and Boston’s own Little Joe Cook. And another is at the Berklee Performance Center with Earl Speedo Carroll & the Cadillacs, the original Chantels, Frankie Ford, and more.
Session Americana holiday concert – at Club Passim on Saturday, Dec. 15. The rotating, local troupe, which sings into a single, omni-directional microphone, sheds new light on the holidays.
Sally O’Brien’s Xmas show – at Sally O’Brien’s on Sunday, Dec. 16. Cambridge country-rock legend John Lincoln Wright comes out of the woodwork to perform at Sally’s Xmas party, which runs from 5 to 9 p.m. And the White Owls (Dennis Brennan’s blues band) perform the rest of the night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)