Not Lame Minus

TOAD Tales

2012-01-24T13:15:00.002-05:00

Abbie Barrett & The Last Date have two more shows left in their January residency at Porter Square's landmark live music venue TOAD. Tonight and next Tuesday night at 7:30 pm the band will be playing music from their catalog (both old and new), plus lots of cool covers. So have dinner at the fantastic Christopher's Restaurant next door, and then get yourselves over to TOAD afterward to hear a couple of hours of free live music from one of Boston's best acts.

And if you can't make it to either of these shows (or they are too far away for a weeknight excursion), then catch Abbie solo on February 16th at Mission Bar + Tapas in scenic Pittsfield, MA. Hers is a voice that begs to be heard in person.

Robin Rütenberg - Free EP

2011-11-28T23:33:00.006-05:00

I was looking around Kickstarter for an interesting project to back and I came across Jacksonville, Florida band Robin Rütenberg & Friends and the funding request for their upcoming EP "Sea Legs". When I followed their links I also discovered a 5-song EP of Robin's music from 2009 called "Kitten and a Ferris Wheel", which she is giving away for free.

Check them out, and if you like what you hear, help them fund their little project, and receive some cool rewards depending on how much you contribute. Either way, enjoy some cool local music, and as always, tell us what you think of it.

Travels of a Wooden Nickel

2011-11-08T21:18:00.003-05:00

I climbed Temple Mountain today as #12 in a series of hikes I call "Mountain Quest".

Look what I found in the bottom of my backpack:

Laura K - Free EP

2011-10-16T12:48:00.007-04:00

If you are a fan of: the voice of Zooey Deschanel and her duo She & Him, the sound of the ukulele, or just smart and sweet songs, then you might enjoy the music of London lass Laura K.

Rush on over to Eardrums Pop for her free 3-song EP, and check out the other bands while you are there. Laura also has a ton of other great songs on her Bandcamp page. Check her out!

Added bonus: She & Him have a Christmas album coming out on October 24th, and you can get the first song. "The Christmas Waltz" for free here!

Rainy Thursday Cures

2011-09-29T11:37:00.005-04:00

Ladies and gentlemen, set your DVRs and get out of the house this fine rainy September evening!

Several amazing local musicians have shows tonight all over Massachusetts:

7 pm in Groton (free) - The Rafters will be playing at the Main Street Cafe. Head on over for the sounds of Dave & Miki's original songs & covers while you settle down to the cafe's homemade soups & stews, fresh sandwiches and desserts. And feel free to BYOB.
8 pm in Norwood (free) - Kristin Cifelli is performing at Perks Coffeehouse. She will be playing songs form all across her catalog, including many from her new album, "Middle of Nowhere". So come for the coffee and stay for the music. And if you can't make it tonight, catch her at Berklee's Cafe 939 on October 4th (next week)! For a preview of her sound head over to Kristin's Bandcamp page to hear the fantastic songs "Not Supposed To" and "Better".
9 pm in Jamaica Plain ($7) - Abbie Barrett and her band, The Last Date, will be part of a triple bill at the Milky Way Lounge. You'll get to enjoy their unique sound, as well as the added bonuses of the quirky & frenetic Lauren DeRose, and the original songs and covers of Vanessa Wheeler.

So if you're feeling restless this evening and want to be entertained by high-quality music from some of your talented neighbors, pick one of these places (or another) and support local music. It's always a good thing!

Sunny Seventeenth

2011-09-16T23:26:00.011-04:00

If you are looking for a reason to get into the car and go for a sunny drive this Saturday (it's supposed to be a beautiful autumn day), may I suggest two musical options:

The Rafters will be performing their particular blend of poppy folk at the Pepperell Farmers Market starting at 10 am. Enjoy fresh New England produce and even fresher music with your coffee. And if you can't make it to their show today, you can catch them at the Main Street Cafe in Groton on the 29th...
Christopher Anthony Cote (of Almanac Mountain fame) will be utilizing his decades of guitar skill to bring down the house at Master McGrath's in Seabrook. They will be hosting their annual "Half Way to St. Paddy's Day Celebration", and Christopher will be supplying the traditional Irish music beginning at 7 pm. Why not spend the afternoon at Hampton or Salisbury Beach, and then have an old fashioned Irish evening afterward?

And if for some reason you do not have music on the brain 24/7 (as some of us do), then at least go out and visit your local apple orchard, winery or brewpub. Spend local, and take home a bag of apples, a bottle or two of wine, or a growler of ale. Or go to a state park and hike with friends or family. These sunny, dry and cool days won't be around long, and you'll thank yourself for the memories later!

Minor Tweak

2011-08-28T13:36:00.003-04:00

Due to many other time-consuming activities, we will not be posting very often.

That being said, the live calendar will continue to be updated on a weekly basis, so always look here first for all of your favorite local musicians and Wyman's Pond Music Fest news!

2nd Annual Wyman's Pond Music Fest

2011-07-30T23:13:00.006-04:00

What a day! The sun was out, and it was sunny and pretty dry, with temperatures in the 80's. This year we had about 20 more people than last year's 70, but instead of staying all day, there were early departures and late arrivals, which gave the day a busier feel.

Two big changes from last year were: a) power for microphones (and other things, as you will soon discover), and b) I let the musicians announce themselves. Also, since there were so many more in attendance than last year, the children spent more time in the water and playing games in the upper field, and less time glued to the front of the stage area.

Elizabeth Lorrey began the day, and surprise #1 old high school chum (and local musical wunderkind) Kris Lucander plugged in his bass and accompanied her for her entire set. She ran through songs both old and new, plus a cover or two, and Kris sang Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out With Him?". Also, Pete Rathier (another old friend from high school) sat in on djembe for a few songs.
Next up, married duo The Rafters cruised through an energetic set of their original material and a few covers (U2 and others). And in addition to their organist Glenn Compagnone, they had Elizabeth, Kris and Pete all come up at various times to fill out their crowd-pleasing sound.
In between sets by the pros there was a short "Amateur Hour" wherein several of the girls in attendance (and a couple of the youngest boys) took turns singing at the mic for the crowd. One girl covered Taylor Swift's "Love Story", and later she accompanied one of the twins on an original song. In between, the other twin followed with an original of her own, and the crowd cheered all three of them for their efforts.
(continued later)

A Week of Great Live Music

2011-07-26T09:25:00.005-04:00

"And lo, the sun burst forth from behind the mountain, and the songs of angels danced in mine ears..."

This week has several great chances for you to get out and hear some fantastic local musicians:

Wed 7-27: Abbie Barrett will be at Bloc 11 (Union Square, Somerville). A solo show at 7 pm featuring songs both old and new!
Thu 7-28: Elizabeth Lorrey can be found at the Main Street Cafe in Groton, MA with old pal Kris Lucander sitting in on bass! They will be onstage from 7 - 9 pm.
Sat 7-30: This is the big one! The 2nd Annual Wyman's Pond Music Fest will be sending out soundwaves from 5 New England bands in a day-long extravaganza that should surpass last year's inaugural event. Catch lakeside sets by both Abbie and Elizabeth, plus Almanac Mountain, The Rafters and Vanessa Kafka (her only live show in 2011). Definitely a day not to be missed!

So find your way to one (or all) of these great music venues and enjoy the sounds and company of your local talents - you won't regret it!

Wachusett Green Monsta IPA

2011-06-28T13:54:00.006-04:00

Well, I had a couple of the new Wachusett Green Monsta IPAs down at the lake today, and I have to say I was very disappointed. I am a HUGE fan of India pale ales, and unfortunately this one is just average. It wasn't as hoppy as I expected and I am betting the combination of whatever the "Cascade, Amarillo and Centennial" ingredients are (I've always said I am not an expert, I just know what I like and what I don't like) is responsible.

It's unfortunate, because I am a big fan of my hometown brewery, and I have never had a flavor complaint before. That itself speaks volumes. So I think I will stick with Wachusett's regular IPA (and all of the other fine beers of that type from other microbreweries). However, as I always try to give an unsatisfactory beer a second chance, if I find it on tap somewhere I will definitely give it a another try.

Reload That iPod

2011-06-06T14:29:00.007-04:00

I was doing my frequent local music search (and updating our live shows section- see top of page, as always) when I ran across a few musicians worthy of attention. They each have music available on Bandcamp.com (one for free, the others for the pittance of $5), and I decided that I will add them to my iPod in the days to come. Let's do this alphabetically (links to the music located at each band's name):

Old favorites Dirty Dishes (I saw them live with friends awhile back) have a self-titled 5-song EP available for $5. I would categorize them as 'energetic pop shoegaze' because of their frenetic passion, cheery accessibility, and swirling guitars. Plus, Jenny's voice is hypnotic.
I came across SARALEE on "Night of The Living Deadhead"'s Facebook page (they do a series of Monday night shows at ZuZu in Cambridge). She is giving away 7 short songs of nostalgic bliss. The music conjures up aural visions of sixties surf music mixed with very early Bangles, and each song is smartly succinct in getting its message across. Liven up that mp3 player with these fantastic free songs, and allow SARALEE to contribute to this year's summer's soundtrack.
Só Solis a sweet blend of American folk and Brazilian (and other world) sounds. The married duo of John Garrett and Jessica DaSilva, plus multi-instrumentalist Nick Heys (mandolin, accordion, cavaquinho, etc...) set the mood with five quiet songs of mystery and exotica. English is mixed with Portuguese to set a unique mood that will transport you away from the mundane and into another place. Get their self-titled EP for just $5.

So do yourself a favor and check out these great bands from New England. Upgrade your summer playlist, and at the same time support local music. Plus, tell your friends! And as always, we love the feedback on the musicians we point your way....

Bits of Business

2011-06-06T12:49:00.005-04:00

There have been some 'goings on' lately with a couple of our favorite bands:

Almanac Mountain has a special running for the next few weeks. You can snag the first full-length "So Many Seas" for a mere five dollars now by going here. He will be performing at the 2nd Annual Wyman's Pond Music Fest, and if you haven't already picked it up, now is the best time to prepare your mind for the live music awesomeness by grabbing the studio versions. Eleven great songs in an instant digital download, with a physical copy to follow in the mail. You can't lose. And check out his other music while you're there.
The other bit of business: Sadly, 28 Degrees Taurus bids farewell to singer/bassist Karina. They had a fantastic 6-year run, but she wasn't working out anymore. According to the band she will still play with her other projects. Meanwhile, if you play bass, check out the band's site, see if you might be a good fit, and send them a note if you are interested in trying out for a fun band with a great sound. And if you just want to grab some of their music, you can find it all right here. See below for their new demo!

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://28degreestaurus.bandcamp.com/track/star-crossed-demo"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;star crossed (demo) by 28 degrees taurus&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Short Beer Commentary

2011-05-30T22:28:00.004-04:00

Let me first say that I am not a beer expert, I just know what I like and what I do not like.

I had a Harpoon Celtic Ale (an Irish red ale) Saturday night, and these are my impressions: it poured nicely into the glass a deep amber color, with very little head; it had a full nose and a nice bite. However, after a few sips I was unimpressed, and even a little annoyed at how unsatisfying it was, and only finished half of the pint. As you can tell from my lack of rambling, it was unremarkable. If I come across it on tap somewhere I will give it another chance (perhaps the bottle was bad), but for now I'll stick to trusty old standby Killian's.

I'll try for more in-depth entries on a reasonably regular basis going forward.

Springtime Sounds

2011-04-29T14:46:00.006-04:00

If you have no outdoor barbecue plans, and are looking to be out & about on Saturday (April 30th), why not check out one of two amazing local musicians?

If you enjoy the drive down to Rhode Island, why not check out the full bill at Firehouse No. 13, featuring Abbie Barrett? For ten dollars you get to hear her and another half-dozen quality New England musicians (from across a broad spectrum) all in one place. Located at 41 Central Street in Providence, this venue is going to be abuzz all night, and packed with musical talent.

Or head up to The Press Room in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and check out Almanac Mountain. He will be performing at this Seacoast institution on a split bill with Winterstar for the price of one good pint ($5 at 9 pm), and along with old favorites, you will get to hear some of his new songs for the first time anywhere.

So if you can't wait until July 30th the hear both of these fine folks, hop in your car tomorrow night, and road trip in support of local music at a pair of New England's finest venues. You'll get to hear bands you already love, and with the packed bills, perhaps even discover a few new ones! Either way, you won't regret it.

Moby - Free EP

2011-04-18T11:25:00.004-04:00

Who doesn't love Moby? He's had a huge impact on music for well over a decade now, with his song crafting skills and sampling acumen, and has released many great songs (especially from the iconic album "Play") such as "Bodyrock", "Porcelain", and his memorable duet with Gwen Stefani on "South Side". Now he has teamed up with National Geographic to give away a 3-song EP for free. Grab it here, add it to your MP3 player, and enjoy an international superstar's new music for the low low price of taking in a deep breath. Tell us how you like it, and let us know what cool music you've recently discovered, whether it's local, free or both!

Wachusett Brewery - New IPA

2011-03-18T13:22:00.005-04:00

Being an IPA lover, I was thrilled to hear today that my hometown microbrewery, Wachusett Brewery, will be introducing a new IPA in April called Green Monsta IPA. It will replace the popular Green Monsta Ale, but to my (and I am sure many future beer lovers') delight it will be nice and hoppy.

Behind the Brew: Green Monsta IPA from Wachusett Brewing on Vimeo.

Read the full article here, and stay tuned for a review soon...

Minor Tweak

2011-03-18T13:10:00.006-04:00

We here at Not Lame Minus love music, that should be as plain as the day is long. We also love good beer. If you look back to the early days of this blog, it was about music, beer, travel, and the events that we five (Brian, Gavin, Jay, Rob & me) all shared, revolving around these things. So in the spirit of having more frequent excuses to write here, beer will go back into the rotation.

Look for the usual posts about good local music, free songs, and concerts that we attend together. Scattered throughout will be the occasional news and/or reviews of beers we encounter that we enjoy. And of course, we will continue to update the "Local Musician Dates" section at the top of the page for your live music event convenience! See you at the shows, or at a bar enjoying some great beers.

photo taken 05-17-10 by Ken

Almanac Mountain - Free Live EP

2011-03-14T13:52:00.003-04:00

In case you missed your chance to hear Almanac Mountain perform live on Portsmouth, NH's community radio station WSCA 106.1 on Saturday March 5th, you now have a chance to download it free for your listening convenience and enjoyment. Why not grab theses five songs in their raw 'in-the-moment' glory, ready to be loaded onto your mp3 player of choice in several formats, and spruce up your springtime playlist with some quality local music. You won't regret it! And if you get a chance, stop back again and let us know which versions of the songs you prefer (and why): the live takes, or the studio cuts from the marvelous "So Many Seas" album and the "When in Nature" EP.

Local Music Saturdays

2011-03-09T13:00:00.009-05:00

Spring has sprung, and it's time for great local musicians to come out of hibernation (or in some cases continue the year-round touring). If you are itching to be out and about on Saturday evening, why not take a drive and listen to some of our favorite artists, most of whom will be performing at this year's Wyman's Pond Music Fest!

Shirley, MA - 7 pm: Elizabeth Lorrey and The Rafters will be sharing the bill at Shirley Town Hall (on Seth Chandler Road), also featuring Rhode Island's own Becky Chace. With three bands for ten bucks, and a double dose of music from two of this year's WPMF line-up, attending this show is a no-brainer.
Portsmouth, NH - 8 pm: Almanac Mountain takes the stage at The Blue Mermaid. Hear cuts from his full-length album "So Many Seas", as well as old favorites and new songs. On an additional note, you can also catch Christopher performing traditional Irish music in two places in Seacoast New Hampshire on St. Patrick's Day (Thursday the 17th): mid-day at The Coat of Arms in Portsmouth, and in the evening at Master McGrath's in Seabrook (call ahead for times).

So do yourself a favor and get out and hear some great musical performances, as you enjoy your springtime Saturday night, supporting fantastic local artists, and making some good memories. And as always, please stop back here and tell us how you felt about the event, and to find future dates from the best & brightest of New England's various local music scenes.

Free Music - Eardrums Pop

2011-02-18T20:19:00.005-05:00

As previously reported in "Music Free for All", the music site Eardrums Pop has many fantastic audio offerings for your listening pleasure, for the wonderful price of zero dollars. And each download contains artwork for the single or EP. How cool is that? Here are four recent standouts:

If you enjoy the ukulele and/or dreamy female vocals then check out Early to Bed. The duo has a 3-song download featuring "Til We Arrive", a perfect little wake-up tune, as well as two addtional offerings.
The quiet and playful song "There is Another Sky" by Olafachada suggests laying in the tall grass on a sunny day. Hailing from Portugal and Norway, the duo (Bernardo Fachada and My Little Pony's Ola Innset) are creatively goofy and a whole lot of fun, as evidenced on the other song available, "Tall With Hard Long Eyes".
Alison Eales brings us the triad of songs "Land and Sea", "Vigils", and a cover of The Just Joans' tune "Overblown Gestures". If you enjoy the honesty of a girl, her thoughts and her guitar, then this will fit right into your collection.
And last but not least, if your ears have an affinity for early Go-Go's or Pretenders, or current LA sensations The Like, then Koo Kooo Kitchen's 3-song EP is just the thing for you. "Sweet Caress" has the energy of frantic guitars dueling with the 2 singers' voices, and "Bedsheet" is a late night cab ride from a small club show to an afterparty in the big city.

So download away, tell your friends about the songs you enjoy, and catch the bands live if they come to a venue near you. Grassroots is where much of the best music is to be found these days, and finding it can be half the fun!

Abbie Barrett - Free Song

2011-02-16T18:58:00.002-05:00

Somerville, MA sensation Abbie Barrett has put out a brand new song for free for all of her fans, both long-time and new. Head on over to her Reverb Nation page and grab "Marry Me (The Wedding Song)" for your computer, iPod, or other digital music player. And don't forget to check the top of our page for all of her New England shows, including this year's Wyman's Pond Music Fest. Tell your friends about the new song, and please let us know how you like it!

Love and Live Music

2011-02-13T09:17:00.010-05:00

Okay, everyone knows that Valentine's Day is tomorrow. Flowers, a box of candy, dinner, blah blah blah... We humbly suggest an additional way to make the evening memorable - live music!

By taking that special someone to see a great local band or soloist, you are cementing the night into his or her memory forever. There is nothing like a fantastic song or three to add to the overall experience of a night of fun and romance. Here are some free (or inexpensive, where noted) options at interesting venues for several of our favorite cities:

Boston, MA:

At TOAD (Porter Square) you will find roots rock by The White Owls at 8 pm, and then the Americana sounds of The Gilded Splinters at 10 pm.
The Beehive at the Boston Center for the Arts will feature the vocal stylings of Panayota Chaloulakou, a sensual blend of jazz, World Music, Greek, and her own unique flavors - 8 pm.
There is great jazz to be found at Les Zygomates Wine Bar South Street. Yoko Miwa will be performing solo piano from 6 - 9 pm.

Portsmouth, NH:

Sharon Jones is performing a solo set at The Press Room's Jazz Grill - 8 pm.
Irish music duo Oran Mor is at RiRa - 7 pm.
A triple bill for The Red Door's "Hush Hush Sweet Harlot" series: Brian McGee, Woody Pines and Melvern Taylor and his Fabulous Meltones ($5 suggested donation) - 7 pm.

Elsewhere:

Gardner Ale House (Gardner, MA) - Danielle Miraglia performs from 6 - 9 pm. And if you haven't made plans yet, check out their $45 Dinner for Two (reservations recommended).
Fratello's (Manchester, NH) has Tim Cannon performing from 6 - 9 pm.

So if you don't have plans, or have something going on in the vicinity of these shows, why not add a musical accompaniment to your already uncommon evening you have planned for that special someone. Who knows? You might just come away with a new favorite band or song that the two of you can share for a lifetime.

Just Can't Wait

2011-01-21T19:27:00.011-05:00

We've had three blizzards in the span of ten days here in New England, which means a lot of downtime. Now I don't know about you, but it's given me a chance to do some thinking about music. In addition to signing up five of this year's acts to (and designing a new website for) 2011's Wyman's Pond Music Fest, I've also done a lot of reading about the national music scene, my favorite musicians, and the new albums that many of them are releasing this year.

Which of your favorite bands and/or singers have albums coming out that you are just dying to hear? We would like to know. Do this music-loving community a favor, and leave a recommendation or two for all to see. We want your enthusiasm to ooze through this site. We beg of you to favor us with your ideas of 'good' sounds for the upcoming seasons. Share with us the names of artists whose new songs you think deserve space in iPods other than your own. We want to see tons of comments on this topic. If we get twenty or more responses by Valentine's Day (as good a cut-off as any), one person will be randomly selected to win a ten dollar iTunes gift card as a thank you, so that he or she may acquire the anticipated album of his or her choice, merely for spreading the word to friends!

I personally am excited for the following:

R.E.M. - "Collapse Into Now" - Due out in early March. I have rarely been disappointed by an R.E.M. album, and this one looks to be a real rocker. From the songs I have been able to hear so far, it is as if they took the hard edge of "Monster" and blended it with the very early jangle of their first few records. I'm sure there will be many surprises too. For example: "Oh My Heart" sounds like it could have been lifted from "Automatic for the People". Check out "Mine Smell Like Honey" below...
Fleet Foxes - Title TBD - Due out in the spring. The first album from these Seattle songmakers was so amazing, I still have several of their songs popping into my head at random times, and the album is on my iPod to this day. They are still working on a title for the new disc, but if the songs are as memorable as their debut, then the title really won't matter in the long run.
Lykke Li - "Wounded Rhymes" - Due out 02/28 - I find this songstress' catalog to be a mixed bag. Some songs are brilliant, and others truly grate. But when she succeeds (in my mind, as music is a subjective experience), it's truly memorable. For example, 2010's "Paris Blue" is hauntingly beautiful, and yet the upcoming "I Follow Rivers" is a jolt of eighties-ish oddness. Perhaps this is a good thing...

I am also looking forward to upcoming releases from local favorites Elizabeth Lorrey (EP: due March/April), Lee Villaire (6th album: date TBD), and Endless Wave (1st full-length: spring). And I have my fingers crossed for some new songs by Vanessa Kafka. So get to scanning the music sites, stations and channels, and let us know in the comments section what we should be keeping an ear out for in 2011. You'll be helping your favorites and your friends. ♫♪♫♪

Elizabeth Lorrey at Cafe Verde

2011-01-08T13:44:00.015-05:00

Last night I made the drive up to Cafe Verde in Lawrence, MA to see Elizabeth Lorrey's first show of the new year. And as I knew it would be, it was totally worth the trip.

I met Erik at the cafe around 7:30, and Brian & Nikki and her friend Caitlin walked in right behind me. We got a table near the performer's windowfront area (behind a couple of strategically placed couches), and then I went over to talk to Elizabeth for a little while. After sweetly greeting me like an old friend she told me that in addition to all the great songs on her album "Awakening", she was going to perform a few new tunes, with a handful of covers mixed in. And on a cool side note, she threw her hat into the ring for the 2nd Annual Wyman's Pond Music Fest, and gave me some leads for 'new blood' to add to this year's lakeside day of music.

Her performance was full of energy and humor, and hearing her songs live again (but this time indoors and with a sound system) was amazing. The show was two hours of music, from 9 pm 'til 11 or so, with a short break after the first hour. She spread out her album songs over the two sets, and included a magical version of "Frozen", an emotionally-charged "She", and a raucous run-through of "Blood on the Statehouse Floor". As promised, she debuted several new songs, such as the fantastic "Invisible", "Eleanor", and "Bittersweet", which should all appear in some form on her new EP, coming in March or April. And blended throughout, she bestowed upon the thoroughly engaged crowd a whole slew of covers, including:

"You're So Vain" - Carly Simon
"Back on the Chain Gang" - The Pretenders
"I'm a Believer" - The Monkees
"Closer to Fine" - Indigo Girls
"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Eurythmics
Love is a Battlefield" - Pat Benetar

She also played songs by U2, Janis Ian, Coldplay, and several more (I lost count). So much for 'just a few covers mixed in'! Her energy was off the charts, she had the crowd singing along (especially Caitlin and Nikki, they seemed to know the words to every cover Elizabeth threw out at us), and even when she couldn't quite see a few lyrics on the page, she bluffed her way through with great humor, to no one's disappointment. She is so versatile! I swear I felt Aimee Mann in the house during her powerful rendition of 'Til Tuesday's "Welcome Home". What a phenomenal show.

The staff at Cafe Verde was fantastic too. The beer was good (I had 2 bottles of Harpoon UFO), everyone enjoyed their salads and sandwiches, and the waiter willingly made several 'adjustments' to Nikki's martini-esque drink with good humor. Add in an amused and patient cashier when we needed the tab split in four (no one brought cash except me) and an immaculate rest room, and it was a great experience all around. If you ever find yourself on Essex Street in Lawrence, I highly recommend this hip and homey place.

So: if you get a chance, don't wait until July to see Elizabeth Lorrey live. She already has a few shows booked in February and March. We always post them here at the top of our page, but check out her website and join her mailing list. You won't regret it!

Post One Hundred

2011-01-01T15:13:00.013-05:00

Welcome to the one hundredth post on Not Lame Minus.

In 2011 we will to continue to:

Provide you (at the top of the page) with an up to the minute list of local (New England, and occasionally NYC) music dates from a handful of our favorite musicians. As always, artist links can be found on the sidebar to the right. January is shaping up to be a busy month for our talented friends!
Regale you with tales of our concert experiences (including this year's 2nd Annual WPMF on July 30th) featuring shows we see all over, both big and small.
Point out links to free music! Take a chance on songs you might not have heard before, or had been interested in but couldn't find (or didn't want to drop the $1.29 for) on other sites. And click on our 'Free Music' label to the right for all the songs you may have missed over the past year.
Feature a random contest from time to time (cds! t-shirts!).
Scribble the occasional review of a new (or new to us) band or musician that moves us in some way.

Thanks for all of your support, check out the links above for current live dates, and tell your friends! And as always, we love your comments, feedback, shared experiences and other input.

Music Free for All

2010-12-09T18:59:00.008-05:00

I got an e-mail from old pals Insect Guide letting me know about their new free music release coming up on 12/20. When I went to the Eardrums Pop website to look around, I found a few other cool freebies, and immediately snagged them for my iPod.

First I came across Baffin Island, a band led by Melanie Whittle of The Hermit Crabs, and including members of The Very Most. Their sound reminds me of groups I listened to a lot back in the mid-90's when I lived in Boston (Roslindale), with my co-contributor Jay: bands like Velocity Girl, Letters to Cleo and Jale. Their 3-song offering is spunky and upbeat, and should be perfect for upcoming dreary winter days.

Then I opted for the 4-song EP by Sometimes Always. The music reminds me of My Bloody Valentine mixed with R.E.M., way back when both bands were first starting to form their signature sounds. It's a cool blend, and I was surprised to find that the band is just one dude from Indonesia. My music catalog is generally dominated by female singers and instrumentals, so it's always nice to find acts with a decent male voice.

Next up was Tiny Fireflies. It was the first music that caught my eye (and ear) on the site, but I tried to download it twice to no avail. Luckily there was another download option (further down the page), and I was finally able to make the EP mine. Kristine's ethereal voice is right in the bullseye of my personal taste, and I was thrilled to find out she heads another pair of projects, Tiny Microphone and Very Truly Yours, both out of Chicago. These songs will fit seamlessly into any mix of Ivy, Olive, Mazzy Star, and An April March.

And last but not least, three songs by the aforementioned Insect Guide. And amazingly, track 2 features Graeme Naysmith of Pale Saints (one of my all-time favorite bands) on guitar! The band does a great job with their e-mails of keeping me up to date on great new music in the genres I am partial to, as well as giving me "blog fuel" for this music journal. Check out their earlier free songs (including cool covers of Lady Gaga and Simple Minds) that we told you about here and here! So if you want some cool music, click the link of each band above, and be swept away to their respective pages at Eardrums Pop for some free audio magic, and check out the other bands (under "Releases: singles" for the free stuff) while you're there...

Free Holiday Tunes

2010-12-01T13:17:00.010-05:00

If you are looking for some new festive tunes to change up your holiday routine, check out Target's page here. They are giving away 13 genre-spanning 'holiday season' song downloads, all for free. You can listen to each song beforehand, pick and choose the ones you like best, or just go ahead and grab all 13 at once with one click! Let us know what your favorites are, and have a great holiday season with fresh new music!

The Science Teacher - Free EP

2010-11-30T08:05:00.006-05:00

Ryan Coseboom of Stripmall Architecture has released a couple of songs on the side under the moniker The Science Teacher while the band works on their next full-length. If you enjoy the soundtracks to "Blade Runner" or the original "Tron", or just good indie electronic instrumentals, then go grab the 2-song freebie here.

If you like what you hear, check out SA's Kickstarter page, for info on their next project, and how they succeeded in getting it funded. Very cool stuff for fans of the shoegaze genre.

Friday Music Slate

2010-11-12T18:29:00.010-05:00

If you are looking for something to do tonight, and you live in the eastern part of New England, why not check out an unusually-packed list of local music performances?

Abbie Barrett is in week two of her month long Friday night residency at Bull McCabe's in Somerville. She goes onstage at 10 pm. Check out her great voice, and while you're there, why not try the best burger in town? And if you can't get there this week, you still have two other chances to head on over: on the 19th and the 26th...
Also in Somerville, Endless Wave is taking part in the two-day Deep Heaven Now 2- Ambient/Psych Rock Festival. They go onstage just after midnight, but for your ten bucks, you get admission to two venues (Precinct and P.A.'s Lounge) and TEN bands! Show up at 8 pm if you want to maximize your evening. Or if you so choose, go tomorrow instead (beginning at 3 pm), and get a mind-boggling 18 bands for that day's ten bucks (may we recommend Dirty Dishes @ 7 pm and 28 Degrees Taurus @ 12:30 am, both at Precinct).
Elizabeth Lorrey is sharing the bill with Ocean Born Muse and Daniel Ouellette at Speakeasy Under 121 in Providence, RI. Three sets for five bucks. And whether you can make it there or not, grab Elizabeth's song demo "Eleanor" for free here!
And last (but never least), old pal Christopher Cote is hosting the fourth in a series of his Goodnight, John Boy shows at The New Studio up in Rollinsford, NH. There is a $5 suggested donation, and it is BYOB. head on over and check out Dover, NH's own Winterstar in this intimate venue.

And as always, we'd love to hear where you went, who you saw, how the food was, and which songs are your favorites...

Almanac Mountain - So Many Seas

2010-11-09T11:33:00.009-05:00

Seacoast NH's one-man outfit Almanac Mountain has released his first full-length album "So Many Seas" today, to much anticipation. You can get it at the artist's page here. For $9.99 you get an immediate digital download of 11 songs and a high-quality 13-page PDF of photos (they are spectacular), lyrics, and more. Later on (early December), a physical copy of the music will arrive at your door.

After a first listen (and having heard a few of the songs in raw form during live shows and in other places), here is a song-by-song set of initial impressions (note: I did not read through any lyrics before writing this):

"Rapunzel by the Sea" starts the music off well featuring the familiar Cote sound, along with a great story, and well-timed falsettos sprinkled throughout to good effect.
"Boris & Natasha" is an old song that appears to have been freshened up for this disc. It tells an interesting tale, and the new coat of varnish allows it to fit in with AM's current style.
"Thomas & Ursula" is a sad and thoughtful piano tune.
"Battery Park" is overpowered by the synthesizer and the other tech effects, and feels a bit out of place on this album. I was too distracted to listen to the lyrics properly. That being said, after a few listens, it is definitely an interesting song. It could drop rather seamlessly into a mix of Flock of Seagulls and Psychedelic Furs tunes.
"My Girl" reminds me of early Liz Phair in meter and tone. A silly little sing-a-long that is well-suited for fireside gatherings.
"Eurydice" is a haunting piano song with some interesting background effects. Very heartfelt and moody.
"Manzanita" is a carryover that links this summer's EP with the new album. It sounds like a pretty upbeat song by the music, but it is deceptively dark. Dig those harmonies!
"Lessons in Laughing" is an epic that wanders all over, but in a pleasing way. It is very ambitious, is interspersed with odd instrumentation, features an interlude with the vocal stylings of one Hannah Bailey, and yet it all meshes together to form an unforgettable song. After several listens I still can't pin down the tale being told, but the images of a frantic cross-country horse race haven't left my mind.
"An Emerald Parisian Evening" is perfect for watching the sun set, or for drifting off to sleep on a cold winter's night. Still my favorite after several hours of listening to the album.
"Hans & Ursula" - Boy that gal Ursula gets around! A moody piano & organ song that spirals downward a bit melodramatically, and then inexplicably reaches for cacophony. I didn't quite get it the first time through, but it actually works.
"My Love is a Lighting Rod" ends the album with a sweet melancholy ditty.

If you enjoy singer/songwriters, you will enjoy this album. There are definite Simon & Garfunkle vibes (without being derivative) on a few tunes, and interesting quirks throughout. You won't be disappointed. And if you missed Almanac Mountain's earlier June EP release "When in Nature", you can get that fantastic five song set here, in either digital form, or a limited edition (only 100 made!) CD-R.

Let us know which songs you like best and why!

Elizabeth Lorrey - Video and Shows

2010-10-02T16:43:00.006-04:00

If you haven't gotten enough Elizabeth Lorrey lately (and who has!), here is the video she shot for the title track of her album "Awakening", back in April. Featuring Bob Murphy on keyboard and old pal Kris Lucander on bass.

And if you missed her set at the Wyman's Pond Music Fest on July 31st, or just need another fix, catch her at several upcoming fall shows:

October 19th at the Westford Farmer's Market on the Westford Common for a 2-hour set beginning at 4 pm. FREE!
November 6th as part of the Girls @ Work benefit show in Concord, NH at 4 pm. $25.
November 12th in Providence, RI at The Speakeasy under Local 121 (also featuring Daniel Oullette and Ocean Born Muse). Six bucks for 3 bands, beginning at 8 pm.

New Hampshire Fridays

2010-09-16T13:58:00.009-04:00

If you are going to be in the Seacoast New Hampshire area on Friday, why not check out a great local musician or two?

At 7 pm Almanac Mountain (along with The Tyrant Love) will be performing at new hotspot Kaleo Coffee on Main Street in Dover. Bring your friends, and come hear songs both familiar and new, while enjoying some of the best coffee in downtown Dover.

And at 9 pm renowned musician and artist Dan Blakeslee has a cd release at The Press Room on Daniel Street in Portsmouth. Check out his new disc "Tatnic Tales", and listen to him play selections from the album, as well as some old favorites, in the Seacoast's most famous music venue.

Better yet, try to hit both shows! They are only 10 minutes apart by car, so grab a cup of certified fair trade, organic coffee at Kaleo's, and then head over to The Press Room for a late sandwich and a local beer, all to the accompaniment of live sounds from the Seacoast's best & brightest musicians. And finally, as always, feel free to share your stories with us after the show(s)...

22-20s - Free Live EP

2010-08-26T15:00:00.005-04:00

UK indie rock band 22-20s have a new album out called "shake/shiver/moan", and they are also giving away a free 4-song live EP! You can get the free EP several ways: it's included free with purchase of the high quality digital download of their new album, or just go here and snag the live EP as an appetizer for their performance September 8th at The Middle East Downstairs. They are opening for Hot Hot Heat (along with Canada's Hey Rosetta!), and it should be amazing. So check out 22-20s for some fast, fun loud music. It'll send you back to school in style.

The Tumbled Sea - Free Album

2010-08-16T00:12:00.005-04:00

A one-man ambient project out of Boston, The Tumbled Sea has a free album available for download.

If you are a fan of Harold Budd, Brian Eno, or other ambient and/or instrumental musicians, I highly recommend snagging this album, "Melody Summer", while you can. It is a quiet collection of songs that would be great to write, wake up or draw to; or to have dancing through the back of your mind as you read a book or look out at the ocean. A soothing, creative blend of piano/organ and strings, with the occasional woodwind intertwined makes for a truly magical listening experience. And check out his other music (and the other bands) on the Future Recordings page.

Goodnight, John Boy II

2010-08-15T20:22:00.005-04:00

If you weren't able to make it up to Rollinsford, NH last night for the second in a series of "Goodnight, John Boy" shows, here is a good chunk of Almanac Mountain's performance, including the classic "Surry Hospitality", the mesmerizing "Spiral Onion Shoots", and some new songs:

Chris Cote of Almanac Mountain Performs at the New Studio from Alan Ammann on Vimeo.

WPMF: Alumni Shows This Weekend

2010-08-13T14:52:00.009-04:00

If you were at July 31st's Wyman's Pond Music Fest, you got to hear stripped down versions of some fine musicians' work. If you'd like to hear them in a different setting this weekend, here are some dates:

Tonight (8/13) @ Lidio's in Leominster: Lee Villaire and Elizabeth Lorrey will be trading sets from 6- 10 pm as they perform outdoors on the patio of this fine local restaurant. Grab a good meal, have a few drinks, and enjoy a four hour mix of rousing and thoughtful songs during Lidio's “Acoustics Under The Stars”. And best of all it's free!
Tomorrow (8/14) @ The New Studio in Rollinsford, NH: Almanac Mountain will be headlining the 2nd "Goodnight, John Boy" show at The Upper Mill at 8 pm. For $8 you get to hear him fully-plugged with backing musicians, plus hear a few new songs! And FYI, it's BYOB.

Let us know if you went, and how the shows were. When we cannot attend, we always enjoy hearing about what we've missed!

"Goodnight, John Boy" image by Christopher A Cote

Octo Octa

2010-08-08T11:09:00.015-04:00

A few months ago when I first heard a handful of songs from Brooklyn's (formerly of Dover, NH) Octo Octa, I walked away feeling a bit underwhelmed. His being a fan of Aphex Twin and Squarepusher, as well as being a label mate of the amazing Almanac Mountain, seemed to bode well for the listening experience, but alas, I initially found the music to be cold and tinny.

Fast-forward to this weekend when the head of Spiragraph sent me a pair of new songs to listen to. Now this was more like it. After listening to "Let Me See You", I was instantly transported in my mind to a friendly non-pretentious club, with smiling people all around me, the sun shining down through a hole in the roof, and everyone having a joyous time moving on the dance floor. It's four minutes of pure happiness.

The other new song I heard was "I'm Trying". In a dark room, freshly-scrubbed bodies packed in on all sides, and multi-colored lights flashing on the other side of closed eyelids, the crowd moves to the entrancing beats. Six strong minutes of electronic togetherness. Every time the song ends I want to hear more, and that is always a good thing. I'd go to that party.

After hearing these fantastic new offerings, I went back to listen to Octo Octa's older stuff. I can now see where the artist was coming from. A person needs to be in the mindset of having just spent several hours playing old Nintendo games, and having to burn off some nervous energy after sitting on his/her backside all day. I had to transport myself back to a time when the bleeps, blips, and 'doodle-dee-dadas' of Pac-Man and Donkey Kong and Super Mario Brothers filled my head to truly appreciate songs like "Kid Wobble", which I have a new respect for, and especially the 'Peek Into The Future Version' of "Game Over", which can be found on Soundcloud.

Overall I like the direction Octo Octa is going. I missed his appearance at the first "Goodnight, John Boy" series, and am not sure if he is performing at the next one on August 14th (see "Upcoming Events" at the top of the page), but if you care to see him live, check his Reverb Nation homepage from time to time for gigs. And check out this early performance of his from the Ello Gallery in Portsmouth, NH:

Wyman's Pond Music Fest - Wrap Up

2010-08-03T07:19:00.006-04:00

On Saturday July 31st, 2010 several local New England musicians gathered down at scenic Niemi Cove on Wyman's Pond in Westminster, MA for a day of unplugged music. The Wyman's Pond Music Fest began at noon on the sunny lakefront (it was a perfect day, blue skies, 78 degrees and dry), and the music ran from 2 pm to just before 8. The artists played anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour each for the crowd of 60-plus (of whom 20 were kids), who spent the day swimming, eating grilled meats, and listening to the finest gathering of local talent on the East Coast. And best of all, admission was free!

The roster included (in order of performance):

Seacoast NH - Almanac Mountain
Groton, MA - Elizabeth Lorrey
Central MA (via Montreal) - Lee Villaire
Brighton, MA - Vanessa Kafka
Dover, NH - James McGarvey III
Boston, MA - Kenneth Budka

The kids all had a blast, sitting in the front row, and asking the musicians for autographs. Vanessa even let some of the girls sign their names on her guitar case! The artists could be seen chatting with each other, and several of them did a cd swap amongst themselves. One copy of each performer's cd was given away in a simple raffle at the end of their set, as well as a t-shirt with the event roster, which was a welcome surprise. After nearly six fantastic hours of original music (and a few covers), the incredible day ended with new friends made, new fans found, new music connections, and happy people all around.

Pictured (l to r, bottom): Almanac Mountain, Elizabeth Lorrey, Lee Villaire, Vanessa Kafka (and bandmates). Photos by Ken M.

Aloha Sarcophagus - Free Album

2010-07-30T06:56:00.006-04:00

I was looking around randomly online, and I found a free album from local boys Aloha Sarcophagus. These guys hail from Somerville, and their 7-song debut is full of energy and noise. If you're looking to add some verve to your mp3 player, click on this link, and you'll be well on your way to increasing your local music catalog with these seven short, tight songs, all for free!

And if you absolutely love them, catch them tonight at 9 pm at The Milky Way Lounge at Bella Luna in Jamaica Plain. Also on tonight's $5 bill: Thief Thief and Hangman's Alphabet.

Saturday Music Getaways

2010-07-21T10:43:00.006-04:00

If you are scratching your head for something to do this Saturday, and you are a fan of long summer drives, being outdoors and local music, then may we suggest two fantastic options:

Lee Villaire (full band show) will be playing outside at the Honora Winery & Vineyard in scenic Jacksonville, VT from 2 - 4 pm. A scenic afternoon drive will find you in the lush hills of Vermont, with fine wines, cheeses, and a free concert. We think it's a great way to spend a Saturday.
Elizabeth Lorrey will be taking part in the Lowell Folk Fest Weekend by performing a set at The Worthen House, Lowell's oldest tavern. She will be playing at 7 pm, but get there before six so you can check out The Rafters too, all for free!

And in case you've forgotten, both Lee and Elizabeth will be performing at the 1st Annual Wyman's Pond Music Fest the following Saturday, July 31st. But check them out a week early if you can - we just might see you there!

Stuff To Do On A Saturday

2010-07-08T12:14:00.010-04:00

So, you say you've got no plans for this Saturday evening. May I humbly suggest stepping out to a local music event?

By a freak coincidence, nearly all of the bands/musicians who will be appearing at the Wyman's Pond Music Fest on Saturday July 31st also have gigs this Saturday July 10th:

5 pm @ Church of Boston: Vanessa Kafka will be playing her amazing songs, both old and new, at this hip entertainment & fine food venue, just a few blocks from Fenway Park. With pool tables, plasma screens for the 1 pm Red Sox game, and a wide variety of beer, it's a great place to escape the heat, and make a day of it. And while Vanessa goes on at five, the music starts at three (bonus!). $8 cover.
8 pm @ Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA: Lee Villaire and the boys are launching her latest cd, "Curious". Plus you get the added value of experiencing the sounds of both the esteemed Elizabeth Lorrey, and young Rhode Islander Jack Babineau as well! So come spend the evening listening to three quality local acts, and eating some fine food. $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
8 pm @ "Goodnight, John Boy!": Almanac Mountain is performing at his rustic home base in Exeter, NH. It's an intimate show in an old Victorian house with label mate Octo Octo. If you live nearby and have time to stop in, or if you feel a road trip coming on, you won't regret experiencing Almanac Mountain's infectious brand of 'trip-folk', with a few acoustic numbers and other good stuff mixed in. $5 suggested donation.

As always, show times with links are at the top of the page, or just click the ones in this post. And if you can't make it to one of the events this Saturday, check out each musician's artist page for future dates. Plus, don't forget to respond to the e-vite for Wyman's Pond Music Fest on Saturday July 31st, where you'll get to see Vanessa, Lee, Elizabeth, Almanac Mountain and more, all in one beautiful lakeside place!

Almanac Mountain - EP Update

2010-06-29T13:13:00.006-04:00

Now you can get Almanac Mountain's EP "When in Nature" in hard copy. For only five dollars you get five great songs on CD-R, packaged with homemade artwork (in a limited edition of 100). And though you have to wait a few days for it to be shipped, you get it in digital form immediately, for instant gratification! No waiting, plus a cool physical copy, equals fantastic music that you'll want to keep forever. Or share with a friend. Or both!

Click here to get yours, and immediately increase the value of your summer leisure time. And keep an eye on Almanac Mountain's website for live dates (find two listed above in the 'Upcoming Events' section) and more.

And if you are a true A.M. fan like we are, snag "Canopus: Outtakes and Bagatelles" for free! A collection of stuff left on the cutting room floor during the "When in Nature" sessions, with random fun bits mixed in. Six more songs at no cost. How can that be anything but good?

Levi's Pioneer Sessions - Free Songs

2010-06-24T08:34:00.004-04:00

I just happen to be on Colbie Caillat's mailing list, and I got a message that her cover of Blondie's "Maria" was available for free download. Imagine my surprise when I found out that there were several other free songs at the site as well!

Go to Levi's Pioneer Sessions, and you will find free song downloads (just provide your e-mail address, like most online offers) from She & Him, Raphael Saadiq, The Swell Season, The Shins and more. It's a great way to get cool cover songs from some of your favorite artists, or to discover some musicians that are new to you.

Note: There may be an easier way, but I had to enter my info separately for each of the five songs I chose to download. Mildly annoying perhaps, but free definitely! ☺

Insect Guide - Free Song and New EP

2010-06-22T09:19:00.008-04:00

Insect Guide is offering up another free song today! The last time around, they gave away their cover of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi". This time, it's their version of "Don't You Forget About Me", Simple Minds' theme song from "The Breakfast Club". Get it here from the Bandcamp site for free in multiple formats. And while you're there, check out their latest EP "Wasted". Any fan of the shoegaze genre or noise-pop will be glad they have these songs at hand.

Vanessa Kafka: Free Song & NYC Gig

2010-06-17T08:14:00.004-04:00

Vanessa Kafka is offering another song from her show at The University of Connecticut's Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. For the next two weeks, you can get an mp3 of the live version of "Til August" by clicking here.

And if you want to see her live (you really should!), you can catch her several times in June and July:

This Friday night at The National Underground (downstairs) in New York City at 10 pm.
July 10th at Church Boston at 3 pm.
And on Saturday July 31st at the Wyman's Pond Music Fest (invite only, check the festival site for details) at 5 pm.

So grab the free song, see one of her shows, and tell us all about how much you enjoyed either or both!

Dan Blakeslee: Live

2010-06-02T13:35:00.005-04:00

Longtime Seacoast New Hampshire musician Dan Blakeslee has a few 'goings on' for us to report:

He will be performing live at the Nave Gallery in Somerville on Saturday, June 12th @ 8 pm (shared bill with Mark Mandeville, Raianne Richards and Chris Bell on the trio's "Walking Tour 2010" - check them out).

His new album "Tatnic Tales" hits on June 15th - seek it out, and let us know how you liked it!

And last but not least, here is some live Dan (a song called "Sirens and the Oxbow"), recorded in Harvard Square this past weekend by his old chum Tony Lovell:

Kurt Vile - Free EP

2010-05-25T18:37:00.004-04:00

For the next 24 hours Matador Records is giving away a digital version of Kurt Vile's new EP "Square Shells" for free!

Listen to his song “Invisibility : Nonexistent” first, and if you like it, all you have to do is type in your e-mail address on this page, and the EP is yours. Not bad for seven free songs! Also, you can catch him live in Boston at Harper's Ferry on July 23rd.

Let us know whether you like it, and as we've been doing for most of 2010 to date, keep an eye out for future free music notices from us here at Not Lame Minus.

Vanessa Kafka - Free Song & NYC Live Date

2010-05-13T14:18:00.003-04:00

Vanessa Kafka, one of our favorite local New England musicians, is playing live in New York City at The National Underground Downstairs on June 18th. She will be sharing the bill with three other bands, and will be onstage at 10 pm.

And for the next two weeks, you can get a live performance of her song "Don't Believe Me" from her March 2009 show at the University of Connecticut's Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. It was written after her "Into Place" album was released, so if you want more VK, find the free download here. And if you enjoy your music stripped down, look for her 2005 EP "From The Backroom" on iTunes for early versions of several songs, as well as early gems "Box of Matches" and "Gold".

Almanac Mountain - "Boris & Natasha"

2010-05-02T19:37:00.002-04:00

The latest video by Almanac Mountain, old favorite "Boris & Natasha", filmed at New Melones Lake in Sonora, California. And don't forget to snag his fantastic new EP "When in Nature" here...

Almanac Mountain - EP Release

2010-04-20T11:24:00.008-04:00

Christopher Anthony Cote (under the name Almanac Mountain) has just released his latest EP - "When in Nature". A departure from his primarily acoustic string repertoire, the songs on this new offering feature the artist on percussion and synthesizer as well. This smooth blending of Christopher's signature lyrical skill & stringwork with clever studio tweaks and vocal overlays makes for a trippy mellow sound that will surely liven up many a campfire this summer. And for only five bucks, it's a must-add to one's digital music library. Get it here, and let us know how much you love it! And check out the video for "Surry Hospitality" in last week's post.

Christopher Anthony Cote - EP Release

2010-04-15T12:01:00.003-04:00

Here is the fantastic new video for a song called "Surry Hospitality", from Christopher Anthony Cote's April 20th release "When in Nature", under the name Almanac Mountain.

Endless Wave - Free Song & Live Dates

2010-04-11T17:12:00.010-04:00

Cambridge-based pop shoegaze band Endless Wave is giving away a song from their first recording sessions for free. Their song "Last Phase" has been played often on both WFNX's "New England Product" and WZBC's "Flyweight" shows, and you can hear it on SoundCloud.com along with several other songs from their initial creative output. Plus, you can download the fantastic "City Walls" for free.

If after listening (and grabbing the free song), you enjoy Endless Wave's music and need to hear more, keep an ear on WMBR 88.1 on April 20th at 8pm. Or better yet: check them out live at The Pill on April 16th, and Upstairs at The Middle East on May 11th (links in calendar at top of page). Band photo by Justin Keena

In-Blog Play:
Last Phase by Endless Wave

RECORD STORE DAY - Saturday April 17th

2010-04-10T14:00:00.006-04:00

Record Store Day is celebrated every year on the third Saturday of April. It is a day-long celebration of independent record stores: places that used to be the backbone of musical discourse, as well as a weekly destination for new stuff. This year it takes place next Saturday, April 17th at a local independent record store near you. Visit the site for a store finder with participating locations all over the US, and the rest of the world.

When I was a kid in my hometown of Westminster, MA I was fortunate enough to have a store right on Main Street called Stop and Cop. I bought nearly all of my 45's there as a little kid, my first of many cassettes (REO Speedwagon's "Hi Infidelity"), and my first import CDs (several by Cocteau Twins) in college. Whenever I had extra money, I'd walk or ride my bike down to the store either alone or with friends, and figure out what favorite songs I could afford, and talk to the owner (the supremely knowledgeable Ray C.) about what he thought was good. Several of my friends worked there during and after high school, so it was a great place to hang out when the owner wasn't around, and talk about music, girls, or where the next party was. And it was conveniently sandwiched between Cumberland Farms and the local pizza place (Mike & T's Pizza, now called Town House of Pizza). Sadly, Stop and Cop is no longer there (r.i.p. 2005), as Ray decided to focus on his eBay store. I can't imagine what my musical exposure would have been like without such a convenient place and friendly atmosphere so close at hand.

Once I was in college, stores such as Nuggets on Commonwealth Ave, Mystery Train in Harvard Square (now in Gloucester), Planet Records in Kenmore Square, and Newbury Comics in several places drew my friends & me in anytime we were on walkabout in the Greater Boston area. To be honest, I loved the big Tower Records on Newbury Street as well (for their selection), but their staff wasn't as knowledgeable (or nearly as friendly) as any of the indies, and I always felt like I had to rush (and was being watched) when I was in there.

As an adult I've always opted to patronize an indie store over a chain when I can. Newbury Comics is still going strong; Bull Moose Music in Portsmouth, NH was a frequent destination during my 6 years on the Seacoast; and anytime I go on vacation, I always seek out the local record store. In fact, last spring Brian, Gavin & I were at Aboveground Records in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard during last year's Record Store Day! There was a festive vibe, tons of people, lots of music chatter, and I walked out with 3 CDs that I got for 99¢ each! Sweet.

So if you have some free time next Saturday, stop in at your local participating independent record store and take advantage of the atmosphere, exclusive promos, live performances by acts both local and national, and other fun stuff, and talk to the educated staff & fellow music-loving customers you run across. Bring the kids!

In-Blog Play:

Life Boat - Miranda Lee Richar...

Evil Men Have No Songs - Free EP

2010-04-06T16:03:00.006-04:00

European shoegaze artist Evil Men Have No Songs has a 4-song EP available for free download! Calling his music 'shoe-wop', and drawing inspiration far & wide from such influences as My Bloody Valentine, Love, Syd Barrett, and Cocteau Twins, the artist has put together a nostalgic set of tunes for your enjoyment. Go here for the page, and download away!

And for even more great stuff from the artist, check out his 2 latest songs "Home Tonight" and "Superstill" (among others) on the French label Beko DSL. And while you're there, check out the previous 39 artist releases - a new one every Monday!

In-Blog Play:

Language Of Flowers - Pale Sai...

Newbury Comics 32nd Anniversary - SALE

2010-04-05T22:24:00.005-04:00

Newbury Comics turns 32 tomorrow, and to celebrate, everything in the store is 32% off!

According to the e-mail bulletin: "Discount will be applied to all original (non-sale) prices. Does not apply to previous purchases. Does not apply to purchase of Gift Cards. No coupon required. Discount is valid for one day on 4/6/10 at store locations only. Not valid at newburycomics.com"

So if you have the time and the inclination to visit New England's premiere 'music & more' store, head on over to the nearest location, and save a ton on new releases and/or classic stuff you were going to buy sometime soon anyway. You'll have a wicked good time! And then come back here, and tell us what you got! ☺

In-Blog Play:

Away In India - The Doors

Insect Guide - Free EP

2010-03-26T11:56:00.005-04:00

UK shoegaze/experimental musicians Insect Guide are giving away their latest EP "Dark Days & Nights" for free! Or if you believe in supporting talented small-label artists, after you download it, you can pay whatever amount you think is fair for this interesting 3-song offering. Follow this link for some cool new music, in any number of listening formats, and enjoy. And check out their site for UK tour dates and other info.

And check out their free cover of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi" - A unique take on a massive Top-40 hit, with dark undertones and a Cure-like vibe. ♫

Angels & Airwaves - Free Album

2010-03-20T18:22:00.010-04:00

I have both of the previous albums by this side project of Blink-182's Tom DeLonge, and I played the hell out of them. I can't believe Angels & Airwaves are offering their new full-lengther "Love" as a "pay only if you want" mp3 download! If you enjoy Mr. DeLonge's voice, and feel-good rock music, or just want to be taken back to the fun days when Blink-182 ruled the airwaves (but with a slightly more mature & sophisticated sound), I highly recommend "Love". So download it for free, pay whatever you feel is a fair price, and check out the band's 2010 tour dates. ♫

In-Blog Play:

Everything's Magic (Final Albu...

Volcano Playground - Free EP

2010-03-18T19:29:00.005-04:00

If you are looking for some cool new music, check out Volcano Playground. And if you like their sound, you can get their 5-song EP "Waiting" for free!

Go here to find the songs and the album artwork. You don't need to be a member of the MediaFire site to download the songs, and it's a snap to transfer them to your MP3 player once you're done.

Tell us whether you like Volcano Playground, and let us know what new music you've recently come across that you think we might like too. ♫

Christopher Anthony Cote - Album Release

2010-03-16T10:08:00.006-04:00

Today our old pal Christopher Anthony Cote (of The Johnnies and other fame) has released 2 albums of his fantastic early (2004-2007) recordings.

From his MySpace bio: "Award winning composer Christopher Anthony Cote began his career in music as a musical theatre composer. After several years as resident composer and music director for Seacoast Repertory Theatre's youth stage, he left to start his own company, Dinosaur In A Dish Youth Theatre, with his girlfriend, playwright Adi Rule. After eight years, the small but successful company went out of business after Christopher & Adi's long relationship ended. In the wake all this, he began writing introspective pop songs, which began a gradual move way from stage music, to cultivating a deeper understanding of popular song. Christopher was a believer in the artistic potential of musical theatre, and now focuses his creative energy on contemporary pop. As might be expected, his songs, both musically and lyrically, have a theatrical and classical influence, but with a restraint that is often lacking in most contemporary musical theatre performance. He is currently working on recording his debut full-length album, to be issued on his private label Hippo Posthumous Records."

We have heard Christopher play these songs live many times over the years, in venues both public and private, and think that many of you would enjoy them as well.

Here are links to the download pages for each album:

This Bleeding Business - Ten tracks for $4 (multiple formats)
Slapdash EP - Six tracks for $3 (multiple formats)

So if you love local music, supporting the arts, or the man himself, rush on over and get Christopher's music while it's hot off the digital presses! And check out his current stuff on his page.

And see him live on St Patrick's Day at The Coat of Arms in Portsmouth, NH from 12:30 - 3pm and Master McGrath's in Seabrook, NH from 5 - 10 pm!

Streamlining

2010-03-09T13:28:00.011-05:00

There is going to be a change to how we do business around here at Not Lame Minus.

While we've enjoyed providing links to nationwide family fun, as well as relating our travel tales, nights on the town, and other musings & rambles about things like beer & coffee, the main focus has always been music. So starting today, Not Lame Minus will focus on being a music blog.

Rob and Jay both have their own blogs, Christopher has relinquished his music review guest spot here to focus more on his own group and solo endeavors (and with much success!), and Brian does the bulk of his writing about the Boston Bruins & movies on his Facebook page. I also have been keeping an individual blog for both music and non-music related stuff, so with all of that mayhem going on, Not Lame Minus will be our group place to promote and talk about the music we love.

The local music listings section will continue with up to the minute live music dates, because I truly believe in doing what I can to assist in the success of the music I love, even if it is merely listing and pointing out the times & places where others can experience it. Also in the mix you will find the occasional concert we will be attending by more familiar acts. We will continue to feature and talk about (and provide links to) our friends who perform music, to make it easy for you to 'find the good stuff'. And of course, we will recap our experiences whenever we attend a show or festival.

Thanks for the occasional drop-in, and we hope you approve of the spring cleaning that has hopefully resulted in a less scattered and more satisfying destination for some light reading and musical nudges.

In-Blog Play:

Spring - Saint Etienne

Cambridge & Somerville Nights

2010-03-06T14:57:00.007-05:00

Last night all five (Brian, Gavin, Jay, Rob and I) Not Lame Minus guys got together in the Boston area for dinner and a few beers...

I hopped in my car at 4:35, sped north up 495, banged a right onto Route 2 East, and pulled into Alewife around 5:30. Then, one quick Charlie Card charge-up & a short Red Line ride to Harvard Square found me on a bar stool next to Jay at John Harvard's Brewhouse.

I had one of their house Pale Ales (which is always good), and then on Jay's recommendation I tried the cask conditioned session ale they were featuring. A session ale is one that has a lower alcohol content so as to be fully experienced and enjoyed over a leisurely evening. This particular beer tasted like an exotic chocolate dessert, and even had a pleasant aftertaste, but it didn't quite fit in how an ale that is being imbibed during a night out with the guys should, so I only drank half of it. If I could remember the name of it, I'd love to have it down at the lake sometime.

Gavin arrived soon after, and as we caught up on things (I hadn't seen him since our group trip to Oak Bluffs last April with Brian) I happily returned to the house ale. A bit later Brian & Rob walked in after their trip down from New Hampshire seacoast, the five of us had one beer as a group, and then Jay headed home. The rest of us moved to a table and had dinner. Our waitress was a tiny elfin blonde with a big smile. I was instantly smitten (it's times like these when I wish I still lived in Boston). She was very friendly, and I couldn't stop smiling whenever she was around. What a fine enhancement to the convivial atmosphere! Anyway, I had the always excellent fish and chips with another ale, and the four of us fell into a comfortable eat & gab session, talking mostly about our jobs (or lack thereof), the economy, and the possibility of renting a house for a week this summer on either Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard. It was great to just hang out like that for the first time in ages, with no time constrictions.

Then it was off to nearby Tommy Doyle's for another beer. We walked in, headed up to our relatively familiar haunt on the top floor (The Loft), but it was mostly a dinner crowd, so we headed down to the basement. The experience in this part of the bar was mixed: We scored a central circular booth and all slid in, and got served a round by a spunky wavy-haired brunette. I had a Harpoon IPA, but after the superior John Harvard Pale Ale, it seemed rather low-quality, which is odd, because I usually love that particular beer. The beer may have been lacking, but the view from our table was spectacular - a group of four thin yet curvy girls who had a hypnotic tendency to do a lot of animated posing and stretching as they talked to their goofy male companions. However the place was far too loud to truly enjoy the atmosphere, so we left after that one round. Gavin bid us good evening and headed home, while Rob & I hiked with Brian to the latter's car for a quick ride over to Davis Square.

We went right to Joshua Tree, a bright airy bar with many televisions showing sports and a very attractive bartending staff. We got seats at the door side of the bar, and alternated between rounds of beer and water (reflecting the ambivalence we felt about how long to continue the evening at that point). Our friend Erik popped in with a couple of friends after a bit (him having called me while we were in the car to see where I was in the city), and he split his time between us and his chums. He must have been in heaven (while we were all in hell): it was 80's Night in the dj booth... *UGH* The last thing I want to do while hanging in a bar in 2010 with friends, is hear the soundtrack of my junior high years. That being said, there were a lot of the better songs of the era, and Brian & I each got to observe and interact with our personal favorite bartenders from a previous visit. Alas gentlemen, no matter how intriguing, I think a "City Duck" is not allowed... (haha).

Anyway, after a last rally it was off to Redbones. We made a beeline for downstairs, and *shock of shocks* there were empty seats at the bar! I have been going there for nearly fifteen years, and this was only the 2nd time I'd been able to actually sit at the bar and interact with one of their cute bartenders. They had the delicious Opa Opa IPA on tap, so I ended the drinking portion of the evening with one of those fine ales and a mild flirtation with the brown curly haired bartender (a sexy 30-something with curves & a smile that matched her engaging personality). Finally, just before 1 am there was one last glass of ice water all around before we left, and then after we piled into his car again, Brian was nice enough to drop me at Alewife, saving me a tedious T ride before my long drive home. A fine ending to a laid-back yet kick-ass night with all of the Not Lame Minus crew!

The Gathering...

2010-03-01T12:17:00.005-05:00

Friday will be the first 2010 gathering
of all five Not Lame Minus members!

Brian, Rob, Jay, Gavin & I are going to meet in Boston (or more accurately, Cambridge) for dinner, beer, catching up, and whatever minor mayhem a handful of buddies care to get into on a Friday night in The Big City. If you are in the neighborhood and care to raise a glass with us, or want to cash in a wooden nickel (to make that glass even lighter - haha), give us a call that night, and we'll tell you where we are at any given moment!

Recap of the revels to follow on Saturday...

:::Cricket Noises:::

2010-02-22T13:28:00.005-05:00

It's been a pretty quiet month here at Not Lame Minus.

I had posted a music survey, but life being what it is (folks just getting through the winter, hunkering down with family, the economy), there was very little interest, so I deleted it. Money has been tight all around, so there were no NLM group adventures (though not for lack of trying). Thus there really hasn't been much to write about.

That being said, here are a few notes:

Rob has opened up a "solo shop" of his own over at "The Amazing Adventures of Mediocre Man!". Check him (and his writing) out, but be warned: his musings are usually rated PG-13, and sometimes veer beyond R (haha). he has a sharp wit, and a keen eye for the absurd.
There have been some cool musician additions for the music festival I am producing this summer. Keep an eye on them at "Wyman's Pond Music Fest". And save the date of Saturday July 31st for an amazing day of local musicians and fun in the sun.
Speaking of "solo shops", I have been keeping a more personal blog since last October at "Kendar Keep" for when I feel like babbling about non-NLM stuff. Feel free to poke around and comment. There are more photos than there usually are here, and I end each entry with a playable song from whatever cd I am spinning as I write (thanks Lala).
Spring is nearly upon us! When it's warm enough to sit around outdoors for a few hours at a time, the LakeFest season for 2010 will launch.
And as always, keep an eye on the top of our page for local live music dates (updated weekly) and outdoor activity links sections for fun stuff to do.

In-Blog Play:

10 Mile Stereo - Beach House

Wyman's Pond Music Fest

2010-01-22T20:11:00.006-05:00

Instead of just being incredibly supportive of our local musician friends by listing their live dates and attending many of their shows, I have taken it upon myself to produce a one-day music festival this summer!

So Saturday July 31st will be a day-long lakeside live music event. Some of the artists you see listed in the live dates above, and in the Local Musicians section on the right will be playing acoustic sets that day.

Further details and updates are posted as they occur at the official site. Become a follower to stay in the loop! And if you play guitar or percussion of some sort, and would like a slot in our "Amateur Hour", drop me a line at NotLameMinus@gmail.com for consideration. There is limited space for both performers and attendees, so save the date!

Made in Massachusetts

2010-01-21T11:55:00.006-05:00

It has been proven many times over that if you spend locally, your dollar spends more time in your community, and works harder for everyone. If you are as much a fan of helping local businesses as I am, then you may want to check out the following links to companies in Massachusetts that I learned about on Wednesday night's Chronicle on ABC Channel 5 Boston. Each company listed below started small, puts a lot of care and handiwork into their products, and provides jobs which are a boon to the folks of the region.

Sterlingwear - High quality winter wear. They make the peacoats for the US Navy.
Vanson Leathers - For all of you motorcycle riders, and all-around fans of leather clothing.
Best Friends Cocoa - Hot cocoa in four spectacular flavors! It's not just for winter (think fireside, after dark down at your lake/beach/camp, or for quiet backyard sunsets).
Bay Shore Chowders - A variety of seafood chowders and bisques, both old favorites and exotic recipes.
Aunt Sadie's Candles - If you're tired of your usual candle company, try this one. In addition to many standards and old favorites, they have several unique scents I've never seen before (iced tea! pipe tobacco! leather! beer!), and a $16 candle burns for 75 hours in a classy designer tin. The company even turned down bigger accounts to avoid having to ship the labor overseas!
Wachusett Brewing Company - Sure, they weren't on the show, but how could I pass up a chance to plug my hometown brewery! Whether you are skiing at Mt. Wachusett, or dining at any number of restaurants all over New England, you have to try their beers if you get a chance. I recommend the Nut Brown, and the award-winning Blueberry Ale ("#9 Best Beer in America" - Stuff Magazine, 2005).

Also, check out this cool article about experiments where creating and utilizing a local currency could actually help the economy where you live. Creative and fascinating stuff.

Tell us about YOUR favorite local business (either in MA, or where you currently reside), and you could win a sampler of Best Friends Cocoa! Either leave an interesting plug in the comments section of this article, or send us a note at NotLameMinus@gmail.com We will choose a winner at the end of the month!

Porter Square and Beyond

2010-01-14T10:41:00.004-05:00

Tuesday night was the first live show in 2010 for us guys in Not Lame Minus.

After an eventful ride on the Red Line (the train stopped and the power went out for half a minute between Alewife and Davis Square), and a long trudge up ten flights of stairs at the Porter Square stop (thank god for the escalator saving me from the other 7 flights), I met Jay at 5 pm across the street from our destination: Toad. A local musician named Tom Thumb was making his only New England appearance this spring (and Toad never has a cover charge), so I wanted to hear his show while catching up with the guys.

Toad is a small, yet very cool and well-kept bar. As you walk in the door, you're immediately greeted warmly by the bartender (Jeremy in this case). The bar itself takes up the entire right hand side of the place, seating about 20 people, and the right hand side of the room is lined by a long bench and six or seven cafe tables, with the beer list printed out neatly on a big chalkboard above the bench. The stage takes up two thirds of the rear of the joint, and a door to the left leads to three unisex bathrooms. Finally, the bay window at the front of the bar gives a fantastic view of a brightly-lit Porter Square.

Toad has a convenient relationship with Christopher's next door. I walked over and ordered the English Burger* with hand cut fries and a pickle ($8.95), which was delivered to me at the bar less than 15 minutes later! It was fantastic, and went well with the beer, and the stereo's cool college radio spins.

As Jay & I caught up on the fall and the holidays, he enjoyed a few Fuller's ESBs, and I decided to try the Opa-Opa IPA from Southampton, MA. It had a great scent, and a light fresh taste, but lacked a certain bite. It was a bit dull for an IPA, but still delicious. I switched over to good old dependable Smuttynose IPA for my next two beers, and was quite happy with the richer flavor. When Brian arrived around 7:15 or so, he had a Guinness, I gave the Opa-Opa another try (yep, not quite as good as Smutty, but serviceable), and Jay headed home a bit later.

While the music didn't start until after eight (despite a posted time of 7 pm), Tom Thumb was worth the wait. He played guitar on several quiet songs (the place was oddly and reverentially silent as he played), and then moved over to his little electronic piano. I am glad I got to see him perform. After nearly an hour of good music Brian was getting restless, and I'd heard enough to be satisfied, so we headed out into the Arctic cold to find another place to check out.

We were going to hit the Lizard Lounge, but the walk was so freezing and windy that when we spotted Cambridge Common, we ducked in there instead. What a great place! Several tv's were located strategically yet unobtrusively around the place, a HUGE rectangular bar took up the center of the room, and a very friendly staff was attentive all evening. We spent a couple of hours catching up while Brian ate some sirloin tips (surrounded by a mountain of green beans - yikes!) with a Cambridge Amber, and I had a couple of Lost Sailor IPAs from the Berkshire Brewing Company. Lost Sailor was the best of the IPAs I'd been drinking all night - full-flavored with a good bite and a bold hoppy aroma. I'd recommend the beer and the bar to anyone wandering down Mass Ave.

Overall it was a fantastic evening in Cambridge with two of my best friends, some good live music, and several great local beers. It was the best Tuesday of 2010 to date! ☺

*English Burger: Coleman natural beef burger marinated in ale and grilled, with cheddar and Applewood smoked bacon, served on a large English muffin.

10 Bands I've Been Listening To Lately

2010-01-11T07:19:00.003-05:00

Hello readers. Ken asked (a while ago actually) to list some of the music we've been listening to. Thought I'd chime in with 10 8 groups I've been listening to with some frequency.

They are (in no particular order):

The Decemberists
The Black Keys
Kings of Leon
Peter Gabriel
Adventureland (Original Soundtrack)*
The Raconteurs
Cake
Goldfish

* Being a soundtrack, it has various artists on it but it's filled with some good stuff. If you haven't seen the movie, I highly recommend that too.

So that's what I've been listening to. Share and enjoy.

J

New Year Resolutions (Social)

2010-01-07T12:45:00.006-05:00

Everyone has self-improvement resolutions that he or she makes at the beginning of each year, and I am no different. I make several each year (and last year I kept them all!), but I also make several social resolutions as well. It's important to get out and see the world up close and personal, whether it's faraway travel (nationwide or international), or closer to home. This allows for broadening of the mind, stimulation of the imagination, and accumulation of interesting stories to share with friends and family. Plus it's just plain fun!

Here are my social resolutions for 2010:

See ten live music acts. I made this resolution last year as well, and managed to go to eight shows. The Cranberries and Mute Math were as amazing as always, but I enjoyed seeing my friends Jay & Luc, and The Johnnies more. I always feel a great pride in seeing my extremely talented friends do so well. There are so many great local bands all over the country, who are inexpensive to see, yet pour their hearts into every note. Do your local music and business communities a solid, and check out a local band or two. You may just find a sound you suddenly can't live without, while helping promote talent and assisting the local economy, all just by going out to have a great time! And we always have fun dates listed here at Not Lame Minus. So please take advantage, however you can ☺
Average one new place for a beer or coffee per week. For many of the same reasons I listed above, I plan to patronize a coffee shop or bar per week, in order to see what is good, and to help the locals. Sure, Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks are dependable, but they lack a certain charm, a certain je ne sais quoi if you will. And okay, I will admit, I am a beer snob, but I know what I like, and if a beer needs a commercial to keep its sales up, it's probably not that interesting in the first place. Basically, for less than five bucks, I'll be able to enjoy either a good cup of coffee and a fresh pastry, or a microbrewed beer that just might knock my socks off. Plus having the satisfaction of being a small part of helping the local economy.
Visit ten states. Last year I made it to California (to visit my youngest bro & his family), upstate New York (to stay overnight at a college chum's house), and Vermont (a day trip, to break up the monotony of my fruitless-to-date job search). I also saw The Johnnies in Maine for Brian's birthday (it was only for a few hours, but hey, I wasn't in MA). Being in New England, I can hit any one of five of the planned ten states in my car between sunrise and sunset on any given day. I want to get back to Cali to see my brother again, and hit four others (NYC is high on my list) just to see more of the country.
Use my passport. Pretty self-explanatory. I've only been to Canada a few times, and I would love to spend some time in a country or two where I didn't speak the native tongue.
Host a music festival. I would LOVE to get a bunch of my musically-inclined friends down to the lake for a day of music performance and sunshine. I haven't brought it up to any of them yet, and I know scheduling could be difficult, but my goal is to get several of them down to the family lot on Wyman's Pond, provide a keg or two of the local beer, with grill and firepit going, and just have a heck of a time. I envision several short sets throughout the day, with a jam or two in between (performers willing, maybe even with audience members), with an opportunity to aquire their respective recordings should one desire. And maybe even free t-shirts for MusicFest 2010!

My year would be pretty darn exciting if even half of the above happen, with the occasional Red Sox game and a trip to Nantucket and/or Martha's Vineyard thrown in for good measure. There is nothing better than experiencing travel and music with friends and family. What plans do you have for 2010? We would love to know. And we hope to see many of you over the course of the year at the above events!

2010 Plans

2009-12-30T12:17:00.004-05:00

We here at Not Lame Minus would like to thank everyone who has stopped by, both casual readers and steady followers alike, to see what we have been babbling about, reviewing, or recommending since our debut in early June. And a heartfelt "Aw, shucks, it was nothin'..." to those of you who have found us to be a useful source for local music dates and links to outdoor (and some indoor, during the cold of winter) family fun.

With all of the holiday mayhem, lack of funds, and the dearth of local music performances, there hasn't been much to babble about in the last month or so, but in 2010 we will hit the ground running with some "Best of" columns, more frequent reviews, another contest or three, and hopefully, so much music stuff that you'll want to track us down to receive and/or cash in those wooden nickels!

And from Ken, Brian, Jay and Rob:

Happy New Year
Feliz año nuevo
Bonne année
Hyvää uuttavuotta
كل عام وأنتم بخير
Ευτυχισμένο το νέο έτος
あけましておめでとう

REAL Snow is Coming

2009-12-19T14:44:00.004-05:00

Last week's snowstorm was apparently nothing compared to what is in store for the east coast this weekend. As of 2:30 pm EST, there is 16+" on the ground in Maryland (thanks Heather B), Philly and NYC are being hit hard, and Massachusetts has at least a foot coming this evening, with less snow expected the further north and west one lives (New Hampshire and Maine may even escape untouched)...

Let us know how much snow you wound up with, any personal "Tales From the Blizzard" you'd care to share, or even what activities/music/movies got you through your weekend!

Snow 12-09-09

2009-12-12T10:12:00.005-05:00

How did the first major storm of 2009's winter treat you? I read, wrapped gifts, and watched movies all day (after getting up early to move my car for the plow). Here are pictures aimed outside of two of my windows:

Web Comics

2009-12-04T11:27:00.013-05:00

Over the last decade or so, there has been a slow move to the internet and online comics. The vast variety of writing styles, artwork and subject matter is truly astounding. Personally, I will never relinquish my love for having the story and art in my hands (I still buy around ten comics a month), and being able to take them with me anywhere. That being said, there is a lot of excellent and varied work for all tastes being done online. Below, I have listed a variety of the ones I am currently enjoying for anyone who might like an occasional brainful of amazing illustrated serial entertainment, updated on various semi-regular schedules. The title links should bring you to the first installment of each series.

If you've ever played a role playing game like Dungeons & Dragons, read sci-fi and/or fantasy novels, or seen movies in either genre, "Order of the Stick" might be your thing. Don't let the seemingly simple illustration style fool you. The story is hilarious, the characters are engaging, and there are tons of in-jokes and references to outside stuff, not limited to the two genres. I've been reading this series the longest to date (several years), and wish it was updated more frequently.
Skottie Young is a comic book artist of no little talent, having illustrated various X-Men titles for Marvel Comics, as well as the phenomenal "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" graphic novel (which I bought for my 10-year-old niece Ryan, who absolutely loved it). He just began a short series entitled "The Adventures of Bernard the World Destroyer". It's pretty darn funny, turning a few of sci-fi's 'first contact' cliches on their collective ears. He plans to update it daily for at least one month, and longer as whimsy dictates.
Karl Kerschl, illustrator of The Flash, Teen Titans, and other series from DC Comics has been putting out a weekly snippet of his charming "The Abominable Charles Christopher", a tale of a wandering yeti, and his sometimes humorous, sometimes serious encounters in the forest and beyond. The strip began in June of 2007, and hasn't missed a Wednesday installment since!
I just today discovered Ramon Perez's twice-weekly (Tuesdays & Thursdays) series "Kukuburi". I've read the first 29 installments (up to late October of '07), and so far it is a trippy tale of a girl and her talking chameleon who wander into a Seussian dimension of wierdness, surrealism and danger. The colors pop, (many of the strips are wall-print worthy), the creatures are imaginative, and each day's vignette makes me want to click "next"!
And last but not least, another funny strip I discovered today: "Girls With Slingshots", a "slice of life", relationshippy 5-times-weekly comic that has been running since 2004, about two girls, Jamie and Hazel, and their friends in the city (I haven't figured out which city yet, but that may not matter). It is definitely not for kids, and my initial impression is that it reads like a Showtime/HBO version (read: Rated R) of "How I Met Your Mother" or "Friends" (please forgive me longtime readers of "GWS", if this offends your sensibilities - haha!). So far, very funny!

Go forth, read on, and please let me (and the creators!) know how you feel about their creations! Some of them even have collected print editions of their work available for purchase (no one told me to say that :Þ) for those of you who might prefer the heft and scent of the printed work.

So Live = SO Good

2009-11-15T00:28:00.008-05:00

Thanks to some Mute Math tickets I bought way back in July, and my friend Erik getting two last-minute passes to The Cranberries up at The Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, I was able to see two of my favorite bands live this past week.

I had three tickets for Mute Math on Thursday the 12th, but only Brian could go (thankfully, he's always down for a trip into Boston!). So I rode the T in to Lansdowne Street, and parked myself at the bar at The Cask N' Flagon to wait for him. After he got there, I had a couple of Sam Adams Octoberfest drafts (always good), and a turkey club (with hand-cut fries), and he got a pizza ("not very good") for dinner. Then it was down the street to The House of Blues for the show.

As Tall As Lions were the openers, which was a nice surprise. I had tickets to see them in San Francisco back in February when I went to visit my brother Jason, but we wound up not going, so it was cool to have a second chance. They were pretty good, if a bit gimicky at times, though every song that featured the trumpet turned out to be a cool jam that should be heard in person.

Then Mute Math came out. They were almost as amazing as they had been in September of '07, when Jay, Gavin & I went to see them for the first time. I say almost, because that first show kicked such ass, that it couldn't be matched for pure enthusiasm and power. That being said, this night's show was fantastic because they had two full albums (and an ep) of material to pull from. The songs were great (sometimes it's better when the live version isn't performed "note for note" to the studio version), their energy was consistently high, and the light show added nicely to the experience. Totally worth the drive, T ride, T ride, and drive (haha).

On Saturday the 14th, I drove up to Hampton Beach in the rain to see one of my all-time favorite bands. I thought I would have to miss them this time around (on their first tour in seven years) due to lack of disposable income, but Erik came through out of the blue with a pair of tickets he got on eBay! I was PSYCHED. The opening act was a dude with his guitar named Griffin House, He was pretty good, and funny (apparently his wife was on tour with him as an extended honeymoon), and made the settling in at our table (with several Longhammer IPAs - great scent, better flavor!) beforehand quite pleasant.

Then it was The Cranberries. I've seen them live on three other occasions (05/03/99, 08/21/99, and 05/14/02), as well as Dolores solo back in July of '07 with Jay, and they are absolutely in my Top 3 Bands of All Time to See Live. Every show has been amazing, and this one was no exception. Dolores had released her second solo album back in August, and was going to embark on a solo tour, but amazingly, she got to talking with her bandmates, and they agreed to do a Cranberries tour instead! They would play a bunch of their greatest hits, and sprinkle in some of her solo tunes. They did not disappoint.

The first few songs included "Animal Instinct" and "Linger" (two of my all-time favorites), and except for a couple of quiet moments (including her solo tune "Lunatic"), the energy never let up. Twenty-two songs flew by, with barely any time to breathe in between the music and banter. Amazing. The playlist was very "No Need to Argue" heavy, which happily took me back to my two years in Boston ('93-'95) and hearing them on the jukebox of every bar Jay & I used to hang out at with friends. There is nothing better than driving home from a kick-ass show, ears still ringing from your favorite songs being blasted at you by the people who created them, and reminiscing about the people & places you first heard them with/at. Well done, Erik, well done. Thanks, buddy, I appreciate the effort you put forth to get these tickets!

ABC's (Alpacas, Beer and Chocolate)

2009-11-06T10:10:00.011-05:00

Back in September, I had a Grand Plan to visit brew pubs and microbreweries in each of the other five New England states within a two-week span, just to get out & about for a bit. While that fell by the wayside due to economic circumstances, I kept a couple of the day trips' plans on my desk, and this past Monday, with my list of things to do & a hand-drawn map, I made the drive northwest to Bennington, VT.

After a quick stop at my parents' house to drop off their share of my homemade seafood chowder, I headed down Route 2 West. The 60-mile stretch of highway had little traffic at 11 am, so it was a stress-free drive up and down the hilly highway, and I made it to 91 North in no time at all. Fifteen minutes later (and 18 miles gone), I was on the final leg of the 2-hour drive: Route 9 West (Exit 2 Brattleboro/Bennington) in Vermont. Up and down the mountain roads I drove, with the early afternoon sun shining through the multicolored leaves, and the occasional stream or pond off to the side. I stopped twice, once at a farm where the grass was shockingly green, and also at Hogback Mountain, where the view was too amazing to pass by. I took a few pictures, and headed into town, onto Main Street in Bennington.One of the purposes for this particular destination was the local brewpub, Madison Brewing Company (no website available). I had one of their IPAs (Crowtown Pale Ale) as I waited for my swiss burger. It had that delicious hoppy smell that I love so much, and was above average for the style. The burger was great too, though the roll it came on was frighteningly powdery (haha). I also had one of their signature Old 76 English Strong Ales, which was passably good, but otherwise unremarkable. The best part of the meal though, was being seated in front of the bay windows and being able to watch the town pass by on its daily routine. People of all ages walking by in the sun, chatting each other up, and trucks of all sizes driving by with local business logos and phone numbers on their sides. And there is nothing quite like having a pretty girl flash you a winning smile through the window as you stare off into space... Moments like this enhanced the vista of a quintessential small-town Main Street, with its coffee houses, craft stores and other shops.

Next up was the local bookstore. It had a musty smell, but not the good one you'd expect from a bookstore. More of a 'we rarely clean the carpets' understench. And it was pretty generic in layout and selection. After that entirely underwhelming experience (all five minutes of it), I headed up the street to The Village Chocolate Shoppe. Whooooo! I was so entranced by the immense selection of chocolate and other homemade candies, that I think I lost a half-hour of my life just looking around and drooling. Everything is locally made, and most of it on the spot. I snagged some malted milk balls, chocolate covered blueberries, a white chocolate "Snowman on a Stick", four big homemade jawbreakers, a few peanut butter fudge Santas, and four big chocolate initials (HCHG) for my sister's kids. All for under fifteen bucks! (note: it's Friday as I write this, and all but 2 of the jawbreakers have since left this mortal coil...). I highly recommend this place if you're ever in the area.

Then it was down the street and up a flight of stairs to Now And Then Books, a used bookstore that had the good kind of musty smell: old dry books! Pachelbel's Canon was playing in the background as I searched through the tall stacks of rare, out of print, amazing 1st editions, and just plain old books. I got two lessons in that place: a) old books can be expensive (sometimes inexplicably so); and b) one can lose an ear when being talked at by a lonely clerk. I asked the kid behind the desk (after he finished his loud cell phone conversation) if he had to keep that specific music on all day, and this poor Missouri transplant launched into a fifteen minute 'conversation' (quotes because I was only able to get the occasional "uh-huh" or "wow, really?" in edgewise) about various aspects of his life. I felt bad for the lonely guy, but it made for a quirky (and somewhat charming) shopping experience. I excused myself, headed back to the car, and drove west out of town to my next destination......Shaftsbury Alpacas! I nearly drove right by the farm, as it's located on a left-turn bend in the road on Route 67, but I pulled in, and waited in the gravel drive for someone to notice me. The woman in the far pen saw me, and came over. Sandy Harder has been raising and breeding alpacas (and attending shows) for eight years now. She has 24 alpacas (and a llama!), and I got to hang out with some of them (including one adorable recently newborn boy) as she told me about the business. She is truly passionate about the alpaca wool industry in America. I learned about the various grades of wool, the ups & downs of breeding, pesky recessive traits that pop up unexpectedly (the white-wooled baby was "show perfect", except for a streak of blue in his left brown eye), and I got to pet a few of them. Her lesson was so engrossing and passionate that I didn't have the heart to interrupt at all to ask for a picture or two with the animals! She showed me the shop where she sells the yarn she spins herself, and a wide selection of scarves, blankets, hats, socks, scrunchies and teddy bears. The quality and softness of the processed wool is amazing. I've never felt the like. I thanked her for her time (she needed to finish mucking out the stalls before sundown, and it was already 5 pm), and headed back east into town.

Once back on Main Street, I made a quick dash into the quaint Nova Mae Cafe to get a coffee for the road home. *POW!* The woman behind the glass pastry counter had the face of an angel. I gave her a hearty big-grinned hello, and she pushed her light brown hair back over her ear, poured my coffee, gave me a few blushing smiles, and wished me a good evening. Wow. There is nothing like one of those rare "insignificant except for in the moment" romantic interludes to put a spring into a guy's step. I know I had a stupid grin plastered across my face as I walked back to my car! ☺ Most of the day had a certain dreamlike quality, and the drive home was no different. The full moon loomed humongous above the mountains as I headed out of town at sunset. Seriously, it was so bright, that a few times I thought cars were approaching from the opposite direction just from the moon's reflected light off the guard rails. I even stopped to take a few pictures of it to demonstrate how huge it appeared, but the stupid flash on my camera prevented my obtaining any good shots. Up and down the mountainous roads I drove, the moon appearing and hiding over and over until it set. It was awesome. And the lack of traffic (even at what is normally rush hour everywhere else) made it even better. Beautiful autumn scenery, good coffee, friendly locals, and a long but enjoyable drive all combined into a perfect day.

It was truly a fantastic day. I can't recommend Bennington, VT enough. Someday I want to go back, and spend the night so I can hit more of the local shops, visit the museums and a few of the crafters, and get a picture or two with the alpacas! Plus: more chocolate! ☺

NLM Turns 50!

2009-10-21T23:04:00.010-04:00

...Well, not quite. But this is the 50th post!

Here is a breakdown of contributor activity:

Ken - 40 posts (including this one) = 80%
Jay - 3 posts (last activity: 9/28) = 6%
Brian - 3 posts (last activity: 7/11) = 6%
Rob - 1 post (July 1st) = 2%
Christopher - 3 guest music reviews (thanks man!) = 6%
Gavin - 0 posts (he still hasn't even accepted the author invitation!) = 0%

Most of the blogs have focused on music (shocker!), though lately beer and coffee reviews have been popping up, plus the occasional "This Day in NLM History" lookback.

There are several ironies that should be pointed out about the blog to date. Gavin & I are the two who came up with the expression "Not Lame Minus", yet he isn't really a writer, and lately has no time to hang out (he was MIA all summer), let alone scribble things down here. Also, the main point of the blog was for us to post our travel adventures (mini vacations, concerts, pub crawls, etc...), and to look back on past events. But this year we haven't really spent much time together as a group (Brian has a new ladyfriend, and Rob went back to school), the June rain cut down on the LakeFests, and our annual fall road trip fell through for the first time in half a decade. It's been an odd year...

The phenomenal news is that we've had people view our blog from all around the world (15 countries, some with multiple unique visitors!) as well as over 300 unique visitors from the United States alone! To be fair, my brother Jason hit us up on a recent business trip to a few European nations (Sweden, England and Switzerland), but still, Not Lame Minus has circled the globe! ☺ And reader participation in "Beatles Week" was greater than I had hoped (thanks again to all who sent in memories and/or poll responses).

Finally, with all of the fall & winter holidays lined up in a row, plus a trio of MuteMath tickets yet to be put into play (and maybe a Bruins game, if Brian throws a group together), plus the inevitable "cabin fever" once the snow begins to fall in earnest (but not too soon!), and we should reach 100 posts in no time! ☺

Currently listening to:

Who Do You Love - Mojave 3

This Day in NLM History

2009-10-17T17:21:00.008-04:00

A year ago today the Not Lame Minus crew (Gavin, Rob, Brian & I) were in the middle of our annual fall trip. We had decided upon Burlington, Vermont for two reasons: 1) it took the others too long to decide where to go (The Chestnut House on Nantucket, one of our favorite "off-season rate" places to stay, had already filled up); and 2) we'd never been there, and felt like going somewhere different than our customary island trips (plus: no ferry cost!).

Since we were coming from two different directions that Friday, and because Brian & Rob had gotten out of work hours earlier than Gavin was able to, they went to the UVM vs UMBC hockey game, had dinner & a few beers, and awaited our arrival at the local RiRa. After a 3-hour drive Gavin & I arrived at the Shelburne Super 8 around ten pm, checked in, then headed out to meet the others. The four of us had a couple more beers, Gavin & I ate, and we headed back to the motel to crash.

Saturday morning we took our time getting started, and then we pigged out at the local Denny's for a cheap breakfast before heading downtown to wander around the cool shops of Church Street Marketplace. The weather was brisk, but clear and sunny, so armed with either sweatshirts or jackets, and coffee from Uncommon Grounds, we walked down the hill to the shore of Lake Champlain. We wandered all over the place: Rob & Brian took many pictures (funny statues, cool rooftop ironworks, fall foliage, lakefront vistas, etc...); we walked through a couple of parks; hung out on the water (the docks); goofed around in a nearby train yard; and I stopped at the Local Motion bicycle shop, where I bought a flying disc for us to throw around (which we didn't), and made a donation to their bike trail preservation cause.Back to Church Street to split a large at Ken's Pizza (we were all mesmerized by our waitress, a spunky athletic brunette who had a husky voice, an angelic face, and charm enough for all four of us!), and then it was back to the motel to chill, change, and (re)charge for the evening.

We walked around downtown to find a place to watch the Red Sox game, and settled on a place called Finnigan's Pub. They were having technical difficulties, but when the game finally came on, we had a few beers, surrendered our table to an older couple looking for a place to sit in the crowded bar, and then headed to The Vermont Pub & Brewery for dinner. Wow! What great food. I had one of their Dogbite Bitter Classic ESB's (fantastic!) with some kick-ass fried oysters, and a humongous fish & chips platter. I was SO stuffed, that I only had one more beer the entire night! Our gorgeous waitress even turned on the restaurant's projection tv especially for us, so we could watch the rest of the Red Sox game ☺ After wandering around fruitlessly to find a promising place for more beer, we finished the night back at RiRa, where it was packed like a sardine can, but a cool Irish band was playing, and it was worth it to see the Red Sox win Game 6 of the ALCS, making the series 3-3 and forcing a Game 7 (they would ultimately lose the series the next day, but hey, it was a good way to cap the evening).Sunday morning we packed and headed out. We had breakfast at The Burlington Bagel Bakery & Cafe, where I've never had such an amazing sausage, egg & cheese bagel in my LIFE. Seriously, I had a dream recently about how delicious that sandwich was, and it's a big part of why I am still kind of sad that we couldn't afford to go back this weekend (haha)... But I digress. The drive back home was so picturesque, I will never forget it: fall foliage in New England at it's best - driving up & down winding mountain roads, multicolored trees on all sides, and that glorious smell of crisp dry autumn air filling my nose and lungs. Sure, it was a 3-hour drive, and there was a 20-minute hold-up during construction at a narrow switchback, but it was the perfect end to a fun weekend in Vermont.

All photos by Brian!

First Snow

2009-10-16T07:24:00.002-04:00

Yeah, that's right! I took these just after 7 am this morning (from the window in my apartment's home office). It's not much (check out the van's roof), but it's not a beach day either:

Joe's Coffee House

2009-10-14T14:09:00.012-04:00

The fine folks at Groupon had a deal a few weeks ago for $35 of coffee for $15 (plus free shipping for Groupon customers!) at Joe's Coffee House. I couldn't pass it up, so I bought two, one for my mom's birthday gift (today - happy birthday, Ma!), and one for myself. I chose to spend it on one-pound bags of whole-bean Guatemala Antigua ($11.95) and Costa Rican Tarrazu Dota ($11.95), as well as a 2 oz. burlap bag of Jamaica Blue Mountain ($8.95), plus a Wicked Jack Tavern rum cake (caramel - $15.95) that I have yet to taste. Now, for the record, I would never spend twelve bucks for a one-pound bag, and certainly not nine bucks for two measly ounces. But the Groupon made it a very reasonable deal, and a chance to experience several coffee styles for which I might otherwise not feel justified in shelling out the dough...

I had the Jamaican Blue with breakfast. It had a fresh aroma coming out of the bag, and filled the room with a nice scent while it brewed. It was probably the smoothest cup of coffee I have had in years, reminiscent of many of the finer diners I have had breakfast in, and the taste was decent, but overall it was rather boring. There was no character, no uniqueness, or anything to really deserve the write-up on the website: "Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee from Wallenford is known worldwide as one of the most rare and most expensive of all Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffees. This unique Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee presents an intense aroma combined with the perfect balance of acidity and body. This premium Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee is medium roasted. Although the rarity of Blue Mountain has contributed to great mystique surrounding this fine gourmet coffee, it is the rich taste, distinct aroma and consistent quality that produces the truly unique Wallenford Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee experience." Now, I suppose if 'middle of the road' (a medium roast with no remarkable characteristics), and consistency across every pot brewed are what you are looking for, this may be the coffee for you. But at $29.95 for an 8 oz. bag, it is SO not worth the price.

I'm drinking a cup of the Guatemala Antigua as I write this, and let me tell you, what a find! When I broke the seal on the bag, a cloud of deep 'coffeeish' aroma, but with a strong component of chocolate brought my nose to attention. Once I had ground the beans, a sharp smoky tang was evident. And when the pot was done brewing, the coffee was a rich dark brown, with a light brown froth around the rim. It's hard to describe the aroma - almost like some freshly-sawed exotic hardwood. The taste is bold yet smooth, but with no real hint of the chocolate found in the unground beans. A pleasing aftertaste that doesn't coat the tongue finishes the cup. I find it leagues ahead of the Jamaican, and it's nearly 2/3 less in price!

I look forward to trying the Costa Rican tomorrow, as well as hearing what my mom thinks of the ones she eventually tries (shipping takes an eternal two weeks!). Check out Joe's if you get the chance, and Groupon as well (they have fantastic deals in most major metropolitan areas on all kinds of things: restaurants, spas, outdoor activities, etc...). And if any of you would like to review a coffee or beer or wine, please send a note to NotLameMinus@gmail.com - we would love to have a guest reviewer from time to time!

UPDATE 10/15: I had the Costa Rican Tarrazu Dota with breakfast this morning. It had a light woody aroma out of the bag, which was more intense once ground. It brewed to a medium dark color with no froth. I was pretty shocked to discover it to be the most mild coffee I have ever had. It has a pleasant, if unassuming flavor. Quite delicious, but it almost felt like I was drinking a kids' version of what coffee should be. Serviceable, but I'd only recommend it for people who prefer no mystery or exotic 'non-flavored' flavor in their cup, or as an occasional change from the wide variety of bolder beans out there.

Beer Review: Pumpkin Ales

2009-10-04T19:57:00.006-04:00

I was at my brother's house Sunday to watch football all day, and I brought with me a trio of pumpkin ales for a taste-test. Now let me say first, neither Kevin nor I care much for pumpkin ale, so you know we were both going into this unbiased. Here are the results:

Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale - According to the Shipyard website, their Pumpkinhead Ale has "delightful aromatics and subtle spiced flavor". While the latter is true, the former is not. Poured out of the bottle, the beer is the pale watery color of a cheap mass-marketed US beer (*cough* Bud/Miller/Coors *cough*), and has a not-so-pleasant reek to it. This is unfortunate, for I have had the pleasure of many a snootful direct from the tap (good friend Jen M. is a big fan of this beer), so it may just be the result of being cooped up in glass. The taste is quite good though. The nutmeg is pronounced but not overpowering, and the traces of cinnamon and an almost 'gingersnap cookie' flavor, make for a decent brew.
Post Road Pumpkin Ale - This beer from the Brooklyn Brewery poured out of the bottle a nice medium-brown color. The trace scent detectable was a bit flowery, and didn't represent the strength of the spices once tasted. A good ale flavor, with a healthy dose of a nutmeg/cinnamon blend (but a surprisingly small amount of pumpkin flavor) made for a very enjoyable experience. Kevin and I both preferred it immensely over the Shipyard's offering on every level (smell, color, taste). It was a fantastic complement to the giant cheesesteak sandwiches he seasoned from his own home recipe. For a couple of guys who don't care much for fruit-flavored beers, it was a nice surprise.
Gritty's Halloween Ale - Imagine our surprise when we discovered that this beer wasn't a pumpkin ale at all, just another autumn beer that happened to have a Halloween theme (my oversight when I selected a few brands to review). Dark brown out of the bottle, it had little scent, but the flavor was the perfect blend of Newcastle Brown Ale and Sam Adams Octoberfest. A typical October beer, with a dependable taste.

All in all, it was a fun experiment, and it was cool looking for places to photograph the bottles in Kevin's Halloween-themed backyard (he has three small kids). I plan on grabbing a few more brands in the next week or so to add to the list, so please check back for updates, and I hope this has helped you in choosing a decent pumpkin ale.This one is my current wallpaper!

Feeling Low?

2009-09-28T07:36:00.004-04:00

Check these guys out. I don't know anything about them, I'd never heard of them before, but I came across this video, and now I'm hooked.

Sir Renegade of the Damned

October Events

2009-09-26T15:10:00.005-04:00

October is going to be a busy month here at Not Lame Minus.

☻ After an abortive attempt to participate in Kevin Youkilis' book drive for kids back in June (cancelled due to lack of interest, partly due to our little blog being so new, as well as the relatively short notice), we here at NLM are looking to do something of True Importance - contribute to a charity or cause of worth. We have posted a poll for all of our readers to help select which of several great organizations we will support. Below the poll there is a list of links, so that you can check out each option if you can't decide which you would most like to help. Once the chosen cause is determined (on October 20th), we will be asking that you readers please contribute at least a dollar out of the goodness of your hearts, and a willingness affect positive change in the world, no matter how small it might seem. Details will follow, but each person who sends in at least a dollar will receive a wooden nickel and an NLM magnet just for helping! There will also be a prize (hint: wearable) for the largest donor, and depending on how many readers participate, at least one other random winner.

☻ Also, we are going to have a Halloween Costume Contest! After all of the parties & celebrations have ended, please send a 'fit to print' (nothing x-rated please) photo of you in your costume to NotLameMinus@gmail.com so that we can choose the best (and probably a few other categories like Scariest, Sexiest and Most Original). The winner(s) will get something cool in the mail, and possibly a post about the event(s) at which it was worn. Finally, as a cool link to the charitable project listed above, NLM will donate one dollar per photo we receive!

☻ And lastly, if anyone has the urge to taste-test various fall beers (Octoberfests, pumpkin-based, etc...), feel free to submit a review and/or full-length story for publication to the e-mail address in the previous paragraph. We would love to hear voices other than our own, as well as be directed toward the best autumn grain-based potables!

Thanks in advance to all who dive into the shared fun here at Not Lame Minus. It's turning out to be what we imagined: a place for our friends & families to find local fun stuff easily, promote our friends' bands, and relate the random antics of a few guys most of you know. Let's make October the best month yet, and don't forget to check out the links at the top of NLM for all of your Outdoor Fall Fun searches!

Halloween Countdowns

Album Review: Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson "Break Up"

2009-09-19T10:30:00.006-04:00

*sigh*

I really have a problem with actors/actresses who decide they want to put out an album. For example: I enjoyed Zooey Deschanel's singing in the movie "Elf", but the cd she did under the name "She & Him" was uneven at best, and actually not enjoyable to me (I wound up giving the cd away after a few listens). When I found out that Pete Yorn had a new cd coming out on the heels of the recently-released "Back & Fourth", I was elated! Until I heard that it was a shared bill with Scarlett Johansson.

I saw the video for the first song, "Relator", on VH1 a week or so ago, and it validated my suspicions: while the music was good (as Pete's almost always is), the female voice sounded like it was being phoned in to a vanity project. Still, it had a catchy beat.

Break Up - Scarlett Johansson,...

Fast-forward (flash back?) to this past Tuesday: I caved and bought the cd when I found a Newbury Comics coupon in my e-mail ($8.99), figuring that Mr. Yorn's music might outweigh what I imagined would be a car-crash of sorry singing by yet another amateur actress. After ten listens (I played it four times straight through while I was sketching the day I bought it, and at least once a day since), it's actually Not (completely) Lame Minus (I couldn't resist). There are a few good songs, and a few annoying ones. It would be MUCH better if Scarlett hadn't overlain her bored and nasally "yes, I am an actor, but music is my first love" vocal dabblings on Pete's songs. But she is good on a few.

I recommend the disc as a whole for background music at a casual get-together, or as a palate-cleanser between cds you really love (haha), say Pete's other cd's, Mojave 3, or John Mayer. Or if you are a fan of Jack Johnson (I am not), Scarlett's singing is just as bored and lazy, and it would fit right in. My official review:

"Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson's 'Break Up' is a pleasantly bland aural cracker, whose main purpose seems to be to help you enjoy the finer vintages of music you listen to on either side of it. Though there are a few tasty crumbs within."

Now tell me how you liked it! ☺

Sunset at NLM Central

2009-09-14T21:17:00.002-04:00

Taken through my open home office window earlier tonight...

The "Big Beatles Poll" Results

2009-09-12T23:34:00.004-04:00

After a week's worth of hype, various levels of excitement & participation, and a surprising number of submissions, the results are in! Some people couldn't pick just one album or song, so the only '1-vote-per-person tally' will be for 'Favorite Beatle', while 'Favorite Album' will be the top three vote-getters, and the 'Favorite Song' section has so many ties, I'll just list the ones that appeared in the most submissions, and also had reasons why and/or memories alongside...

Favorite Albums (in order):

Rubber Soul
Abbey Road
Let It Be

Favorite Songs (random order):

"Norwegian Wood"
"I Wanna Hold Your Hand"
"Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds"
"She Loves You"
"Ticket to Ride"
"Here Comes the Sun"
"Twist and Shout"

Favorite Band Member:

Paul - 14 votes
John - 9 votes
George - 6 votes
Ringo - 4 votes

There you have it! The people have spoken. Worthy choices all. And as a thank you, one lucky contributor chosen at random will receive the remastered cd of his/her choice! Thanks to everyone who took the time to add their votes or send a few words. And a HUMONGOUS thanks to those of you who sent longer pieces, with permission to print them. You folks made this a lot of fun for us here at Not Lame Minus.

And for those of you who didn't get a chance (or opted not) to participate this time, have no fear! There will be a pair of chances to be heard (and seen!) amidst the Not Lame Minus community towards the end of October, when we will have an R.E.M.-based event (smaller than "Beatles Week"), as well as a Halloween costume contest!

"Beatles Week" Unfinished Business

2009-09-12T22:30:00.005-04:00

Since I was born in ‘68, I was too young to be a part of Beatlemania. I was never consciously a Beatles fan while I was growing up, even though they were played on the radio or in the car all the time. When I first began recognizing artists as I was getting into music, I’d actually thought of The Beatles as a more serious version of The Monkees, since I’d watched the latters’ tv show religiously, and my mom had several Monkees records sitting in her album stack to mess around with. And the only song of the Fab Four I really knew and liked was "The Beatles Movie Medley” that came out around ‘82. It had a lot going on in it, with many catchy parts. And as bizarre as 'Monkees over Beatles' might sound, as an added bit of irony, my friend Steve L. and I used to buy every John Lennon’s 45 ("[Just Like] Starting Over", "Beautiful Boy [Darling Boy]", "Watching the Wheels", and "Woman") we could get our hands on at the local downtown record store when we had a spare dollar or two. So: The Beatles were ‘too serious’, yet the most serious Beatle of them all had a big place in our record collections! Oh well, what the heck did I know? I wasn’t even a teenager yet… ☺

Once I reached college, my friend Keith B. was a humongous Beatles fan, so I heard a lot of their stuff in his dorm room. However, I was all caught up in the 4AD and Sub Pop record labels, R.E.M., and ‘alternative’ bands with female lead singers, so again, they didn‘t make a very big overt impression on my musical taste or preferences.

Fast-forward to 2009: I spent the last few days listening to the remasters of "Rubber Soul", "Revolver" and "Abbey Road", as well as "Let It Be...Naked" (and the last 3 Wednesday nights watching the "Beatles: Anthology" documentary). Since I'd never really been into The Beatles growing up (as I said above, they were all over the radio, and I enjoyed their songs, but never felt like I needed to own the albums), it was very cool to immerse myself fully into this greatest of rock bands.

I could listen to "Rubber Soul" every day for a long time and not get bored or annoyed. The first three songs are amazing - 8 minutes of nostalgia. However, after several days of repeat listenings, I have had quite enough of "The Word", "Michelle", and "Girl". Perhaps that will change in time, but they are just a little too 'ditty-ish' for me. The rest of the album rocks. I won't bore you with run-downs of the other three discs ("Abbey Road" is my favorite), but to sum up: there are so many great songs scattered throughout that were never released as singles, that I feel like I've discovered an amazing new band, because so much of the music is new to me (over 40 years after they were released!), yet they don't sound dated. Not to mention the fantastic remastering making them fill my home office with a clear and deep sound unmatched by the original cd offerings back in the late 80's. It's been a pleasure spending so much time with The Fab Four this past week or so. I am glad I took the trip. A few of my favorite songs from the four albums I listed above:

Rubber Soul: "Norwegian Wood" & "Drive My Car"
Revolver: "Tomorrow Never Knows" & "She Said She Said"
Abbey Road: "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" & "Sun King"
Let It Be...Naked: "Get Back" & "Dig A Pony"

Here are some reminisces of other folks my age, children of the Beatlemania generation:

Heather B says: "The Beatles' music is some of the most prominent music I remember from when I was a kid. My parents turned me on to it, and it was music the family could all agree on to listen to in the car. I remember being so excited to get my very own Beatles albums on cassette! I listened to them all the time when I was in grade school. Then I stopped. Of course, I still heard them because they get played all the time. Somehow, whenever I hear a Beatles song, I seem to know all the words - which is saying something because I rarely remember the words to sing along with a song. The Beatles reappeared in my life 3 years ago when my housemate Nan moved in. She had The Beatles on her ipod! We played them really loud when we had chores. Most recently, I listened to their "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album on repeat for the days & days it took my to redo my front hall walls. I would have to say that over time, my favorite Beatles song is "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". "Dear Prudence" would have to be second."

Katie A says: "The best part of this Beatles revival is that my 15 year old is finally listening to some great music. His favorite is "Strawberry Fields". I have to go with "All My Loving", because when my son was little we use to sing it together before he went to sleep. "Revolution" is a close second."

Thanks for the words! The results of the poll (favorite album, song and band member) is coming soon...

Remasters

2009-09-09T19:38:00.004-04:00

I went to Newbury Comics this morning expecting a mob of sexagenarians pushing and shoving in a long line, waiting to refresh their childhood memories with cds from the newly remastered Beatles catalog. However, when I arrived it took me all of three minutes in the near-empty store to grab copies of "Rubber Soul", "Revolver" and "Abbey Road". Also (and the reason for my being there right after the store opened at 10 am), since I bought more than one album, I received a limited edition black & white lithograph of the Fab Four as a bonus. Say 'hello' to the proud owner of #1935/10000. Now I just need a nice frame to- But I digress...

Anyway, when I got home, I listened to them in chronological order, and had myself a nice 2½-hour musical trip. Since I'd never owned any Beatles albums before this year, it was fantastic to discover many songs that were new to me. And hearing them in stereo is amazing. These don't sound like songs that have been around for over 40 years. They are going right onto my iPod, and will carry me through many weeks of heavy rotation (alongside "Let it Be... Naked", which has been in there for a few weeks now), subtly altering my musical taste along the way, in what I am sure will be interesting ways.

How do you like the new remasters? Are they better than what you expected, or is their very existence sacrilege to your memories? We want to know!

They Were There

2009-09-08T19:33:00.005-04:00

I sent out a Beatles survey to as many people as I thought might be interested in participating, and reminiscing a bit about what the Fab Four and their msuic meant to them growing up. There has been a decent turn out so far, and there will be a full tally of sorts at the end of "Beatles Week", but this first story is about The Ones Who Were There...

Michaelene M (my mom) says: "My first memory of the Beatles is hearing their first famous (I think) song playing on the car radio as I was riding to Oakmont. "She Loves You [yeah yeah yeah]". It was so catchy! Or it could have been "I Wanna Hold Your Hand." Then along came the others from their first (U.S.) album. I still have the original album that I bought in 1964. I was so captivated by their music and them, that I would stare at their faces on the album cover and try to decide who was my favorite! It turned out to be George (always), with Paul a close second, though I thought he looked a bit too feminine! John creeped me out for some reason, and poor Ringo was always overlooked..."

"As for how they shaped my music appreciation? I think their lyrics were clean and simple, while the incredible beat set the stage for all other (albums) to come. They are the Elvis of my generation. Even now, when I hear one of those originals, my heart leaps. "

June J says: "I went to one of the Beatles' very first USA concerts (Atlantic City) back in the day, and it was awesome. If you've ever seen clips of their concerts with women fainting, that wasn't fake! I was in the 15th row and had great views, but could hardly hear them playing due to the screaming (yeah, I think I was screaming too). I have loved Ringo ever since (which is why I love drummers). I still love listening to them…"

Jean Marie N's favorites are: (Song) "I Wanna Hold Your Hand"; (Album) "Rubber Soul", especially the song "Norwegian Wood"; and (Band member) George.

Thanks ladies, it's great to get input from the people who experienced Beatlemania first hand, something the rest of us can only imagine (or pretend to know) from all of the footage we've seen over the decades. It's not too late for the rest of you to get in on the survey! Follow this link, and then follow the instructions if you'd like your voice heard during "Beatles Week" on Not Lame Minus. We'll even throw a thank-you pack in the mail for any contributor who wants some goofy stuff, if you include your mailing address.

Just a heads up: all of the remastered albums come out on cd tomorrow, 9/9/09, and many places (including Newbury Comics, Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc...) have cool promotional giveaways if you buy more than one album.

9-9-09 = "Beatles Week" on NLM

2009-09-06T00:38:00.004-04:00

In honor of The Fab Four's entire cd catalog of remasters coming out on 9-9-09 (this Wednesday), and because the entire world of entertainment (and a lot of other media) will be focused heavily on this, we have decided to throw our hats into the ring and make this "Beatles Week" on Not Lame Minus.

If anyone would like to contribute stories about how the Beatles affected their lives, or how their songs shaped their musical sensibilities, we would be most grateful if you'd send them to NotLameMinus@gmail , and we will post any quotes you mark 'okay to print' in one of several Beatles-themed blogs over the next week!

Also, for a poll we are doing, please let us know what your all-time favorite Beatles song (or songs, if you can't choose just one) and album are. Results will be posted at the end of the week!

And please become a 'follower' of our blog (see the "Followers" section in the right hand column). If you have Yahoo or GMail it takes a few seconds. If you use any other e-mail provider, it takes only a minute or two. Look around the site (May I recommend the "Links to Fun Outdoor Places for the Whole Family" and "Local Music Dates" sections?), and decide if we are worth the effort! Followers who leave the occasional observation or comment are eligible for freebies and our upcoming contests (with t-shirts, cds and other cool stuff as prizes!). Even if you decide not to become a follower, comments on our writings are always welcome & appreciated. Thanks for your help with the Beatles survey, and for reading all the way through this!

Mt. Wachusett

2009-09-02T10:08:00.014-04:00

Mt. Wachusett, located next door to my hometown of Westminster, in Princeton, MA. I drove up the mountain yesterday on my way to the lake for some reading and peace, but instead of a long-winded ramble on the "glory of nature's majesty" (yadda yadda yadda...), I'll just let the views speak for themselves (click on each image to enlarge!)...

Farewell, Number 54

2009-08-31T17:20:00.003-04:00

Today Tedy Bruschi, stalwart linebacker for the New England Patriots, retired after 13 years of service to one NFL team.

He was drafted as defensive end in the 3rd round in 1996 out of Arizona, but was switched to linebacker when he became a Patriot. Over his NFL career he tallied 30½ sacks, intercepted 12 passes (running four of them back for touchdowns*), and went to the 2005 Pro Bowl. While he was with the Patriots he helped the team to 8 AFC East titles, 5 AFC titles, and 3 Superbowl wins. Eight months after what should have been a career-ending stroke in February of 2005, Bruschi returned to the field. Not only did he become the 2005 Comeback Player of the Year, but he went on to lead the team in tackles twice ('06 and '07), something he'd never done before the stroke.

He was a leader on the field and off, playing with heart, dignity, and determination. He never took his spot on the roster for granted, and he never complained. He truly knew that there is no "I" in "team", and did his best to motivate and lead by example (with a smile).

Here's to a long and happy retirement with your wife and kids, Mister Bruschi. Thanks for the Superbowl Rings, and thanks for the memories!

*Bruschi is the only player in NFL history to return four consecutive interceptions for touchdowns!

Free Products Overload!

2009-08-27T10:47:00.010-04:00

I just received a box of free promotional items that I had made at VistaPrint for our contributors and readers.

The box included a couple of t-shirts (see 'carpenter' image below, and stake your claim!), a bunch of small refrigerator magnets, a pair of window clings, and a notepad for any rambling I care to include into any envelopes getting sent out to deserving contest winners and/or frequent comment-leavers. Plus I made a free cap for myself with "Nantucket '98" on it, because that's when our annual week-long trips began, and thus it's an important date for me.

I am going to mail out the magnets when I get a moment. If you would like one (see 'microphone' image below), so you will always be able to find something fun outdoors to do, or never miss a local live music date, just send your mailing address to NotLameMinus@gmail.com and I will zip it on out to you!

And stay tuned this weekend for a recap of Saturday's "One Night in Cambridge", where most (if not all five) of us will be watching Jay's friends in Air Traffic Controller rock Tommy Doyle's!

Album Review - thenewno2: "You Are Here"

2009-08-23T06:56:00.008-04:00

Hello readers. Apologies in advance for the brevity and clumsiness of this review. You see, when Our Fearless Leader asked us all to do an album review, I realized two very important things:

1) I don't know how to write an album review
2) I can't remember the last time I sat down and actually listened to a complete album.

That being said, I have made a couple of musical discoveries recently. One of them has been around for a while, and if you like interesting music that stands the test of time, check out some early Peter Gabriel. He is best known for a couple of catchy tunes, and of course "In Your Eyes", from the boom-box scene in the quintessential "Hey, I can relate to Lloyd Dobler but I'm just not as cool" movie "Say Anything". But to stop there would be an injustice to a fine aural and lyrical artist.

But I digress.

thenewno2 is a duo consisting of Dhani Harrison and Oliver Hecks. The album has a consistent tone throughout, and that tone is moody. A little melancholy, a little rebellious, with maybe a twinge of anger and some hidden uncertainty. It's definitely not going to rock the masses at the next LakeFest, and you shouldn't use it as a conversation starter with the goth girl you've been trying to find an excuse to talk to, but it's good.

No, this album is what you put on when you need to turn the lights down low and get some serious thinking done. It's best enjoyed in a quiet environment. A journal, a pen, and something hot to drink would also be advised. There is the usual social commentary, and in truth, if "You Are Here" were a muffin it would be fair to say that I've removed and eaten the easily consumed top, but haven't digested the spongy, crumbly contents within yet.

The short of this short review is that I like this debut album. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

You Are Here - Thenewno2

Yours,
DamnRenegade

Tee Shirts

2009-08-20T11:12:00.012-04:00

Two t-shirts have been printed!

I have been wearing one of the "King Tiki" tees for a few months now, and I just had a handful of them made up for the Not Lame Minus crew. I also had a womens tee made up with a cute "I ♥ Local Music" logo on the front, and the names of the bands/artists we feature on the back. There are only a few available, so they will go to whoever reads the blog most frequently, and who doesn't mind wearing such a 'busy'-looking tee shirt (haha). If you are a frequent reader (please leave comments on the posts when you stop by!), and would like a pink tee shirt, please send your shirt size and mailing address to NotLameMinus@gmail.com and I will send it out a.s.a.p.!

Thanks again to everyone who stops by to read our rambles. It is much appreciated! And please keep supporting the local bands and artists you love. They help our economy (and enrich our lives) by getting people out, and spreading the fun!

Wachusett "Larry" Imperial IPA

2009-08-16T09:15:00.010-04:00

After having been a fan of my hometown's brewery & beer from its founding in 1994, I finally joined the Wachusett Brewery's 'Growler Guild' last Saturday, because I really wanted to try their new double IPA, which is available only on tap. I brought a full growler down to a family gathering at our lot on Wyman's Pond, shared the half-gallon out, and enjoyed my four pints immensely. And on the way down to a small LakeFest yesterday, I stopped by the brewery (located in scenic Westminster, MA) and happily got my jug refilled for $8.50.

It's funny, I sat down to write a serious beer review, but I realize I don't have a proper grasp of the terminology to describe things in the 'official' language of beer. All I know is that if you love the hoppy aroma and taste of a good IPA, the Larry ramps it up a few notches. It has a fruity-bready smell that I can't get enough of. Be warned: the 7.10% ABV (alcohol by volume) sneaks up on you rather quickly though, so make sure you eat as you drink, or at least pace yourself. Due to the weather down at Wyman's Pond being so exceptional, and the beer being so amazingly delicious, I downed that growler pretty rapidly (except for the pint I poured for my friend Jim C)... I also had a few bottles of the Wachusett Nut Brown, a perennial favorite of mine.

If anyone out there has the knack for writing about beer (and/or wine), and a hankerin' to see yourself in print, feel free to submit a beer review to NotLameMinus@gmail.com. If we like what we read, we will publish it with full credit to you, the author, and would consider allowing space for a regular column for you, as Christopher has for his weekly album reviews. Plus, I will personally send you the "NLM Brew Reviewer" cap for you to be photographed in with each beer you write about! ☺

Wachusett Larry Imperial IPA - get it on tap at the Wachusett Brewery while it lasts! Open Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5pm (6pm on Thu & Fri). 175 State Road East Westminster, MA 01473

Photo: Rob, Brian & his new friend Nikki.

Lots of New Stuff!

2009-08-13T13:12:00.007-04:00

It's been a busy week here at Not Lame Minus:

I've added nationwide links for locating golf courses and miniature golf courses to the SUMMER FUN section.
Christopher has added this week's album review (see previous post, with Lala music player, below).
Please welcome The Kreellers to our LOCAL MUSIC DATES and LOCAL BANDS sections! I've known bassist Christopher Wall since high school, and he & his bandmates crank out some fantastic Irish music!
I've been busy this week designing a couple of t-shirts for any 'followers' who would like to show their appreciation for our favorite local musicians (and/or love of this site), and there are other goodies on the way!
Plus: new live dates for Air Traffic Controller and The Kreellers.

And, if you are a 'follower', please send your mailing address to NotLameMinus@gmail.com for a couple of 'we are grateful for your support' items!

Thanks to all of our readers, and especially to our 'followers'. Just by joining the ranks, you are helping us grow, keeping our enthusiasm fueled, and aiding us in assisting our friends & families in finding useful links to outdoor fun & live music! An aside to our frequent readers: why haven't you joined yet? It's easy, and you become eligible for all kinds of cool stuff once we hit 20 'followers'! Yahoo & G-Mail users can sign up in seconds, and other e-mailers need only take a minute or two longer. ☺

See you all at a live show or LakeFest sometime soon, and remember to check out Christopher's weekly album reviews (scroll down, or type 'music review' into our SEARCH PAST POSTS feature). There is some great music in there!

Album Review - Lightning Dust: "Infinite Light"

2009-08-12T22:15:00.002-04:00

About a third of the way through Infinite Light, you realize that you aren't going to be able to pin down Lightning Dust to any one prevailing style or influence. The composer(s) are resourceful and seem to draw from a number of popular influences, including (but by no means limited to) electro-pop, musical theatre, lovelorn pop auteurs like (albeit less cynical than) Stephin Merritt, even Saucerful of Secrets era Pink Floyd, as on the last track "Take It Home." The lean orchestrations of chamber pop collide noticeably with a dramatic ambition worthy of thicker instrumentation--but this isn't a let down at all, it actually works wonderfully. The singer's voice is ghostlike with it's tense and rapidfire vibrato, which contributes to the sense of emotional urgency prevalent throughout the album. Infinite Light is a grandly modest work, and well worth checking out. 8/10

Infinite Light - Lightning Dus...

Album Month: Ken

2009-08-05T13:51:00.010-04:00

Whenever I make a new friend, after some time has passed I try to immerse myself in the music he/she loves, in order to get to know him/her a little bit better.

Back in the fall of 1989 when I was resuming my college education at UMass-Dartmouth (known back then as Southeastern Massachusetts University) after a year off, I was hanging out with five guys who would go on to become life-long friends. Keith & I had similar musical tastes (R.E.M., U2, Tears for Fears, B-52's, Depeche Mode, etc...); Bob was a Led Zeppelin/Jimi Hendrix fanatic; Darren blasted Jane's Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Sugarcubes from his room; and Jeff loved Madonna & Tina Turner. I had heard of all of these bands/singers, and enjoyed songs by all of them, but as I got to know John, and listened to the vast collection of cassettes* he had atop his minifridge, a whole new world was opened to my ears. There were all kinds of strange bands with names like Bauhaus and New Order. My Bloody Valentine and Dead Can Dance. Brian Eno and Joy Division. I had just gotten through reading "Hammer of the Gods" and listening to all of Bob's Led Zeppelin tapes in chronological order, and wanting to do something similar with John's catalog, I asked if I could borrow all of his Cocteau Twins cassettes (the band I had chosen randomly from the stacks, mostly because I liked the album artwork, and the songs all had such mysterious names). He readily agreed, and I took them to my off-campus room in New Bedford, to listen to them while I worked on my various art projects, thus knocking over the first domino in a life-long chain of aural love for most things "shoegaze" and the 4AD record label.

I played the cassettes in order (6 albums and 8 eps, but I won't bore you with that info), and it was interesting to see how the band transformed from aggressive to mellow over the course of their then 6-year career, losing Will Heggie very early on, immediately adding Simon Raymonde, and finally, recording a whole album with Harold Budd in '86. I enjoyed each to varying degrees (preferring the later stuff), but their latest album, 1988's "Blue Bell Knoll" was the crowning achievement that sent me down the path to musical nirvana.

Blue Bell Knoll (Remastered) -...

I played his copy of "Blue Bell Knoll" to death, and as soon as I could, I bought my own. My exposure to the band caused me to seek out other bands with similar sounds, and many of them were on the same 4AD label, to my great joy. Over the next few years, by scouring used record stores every time I went up to Boston, I filled my shelves with Pale Saints, Dead Can Dance, Lush, This Mortal Coil, Swallow, Throwing Muses and other non-4AD bands like Chapterhouse, Bleach (who John got to interview for our college radio station), Ride, Curve and Slowdive. But I always came back to the Cocteau Twins, and especially "Blue Bell Knoll".

There was just something about the soaring soundscapes, and Liz Fraser's indecipherable lyrics. Her voice was integral to each song's sound (unlike many bands, where in my opinion, the music is fantastic, but the voice is somehow 'wrong' to me, for example: The Cure), and they wouldn't be the same with another voice. During the school year I had an art project where we had to 'illustrate' a song with color, and I chose "Suckling the Mender", to this day one of my personal Top 50 Songs of All Time. I still have no idea what Liz was singing, but my imagination found the words "beauty and the perfect girl" in the chorus, and that always makes everything all right in my world. The way the music rose and fell with just the right drama, and the 'glide' through the middle transition, both uplifted me, and the song ended with a satisfying resolution. There is no overall message or single phrase hitting one over the head in any of the songs on the album, which I heartily approve of. Looking back to that time, I think it is where my love of voice & music over lyrical content originated. While I do love a good story set to music from time to time, I prefer to overlay my own thoughts, emotions and memories onto the music I listen to.

I was fortunate enough to see the band live twice before they broke up for good in late 1996:

The first time, on 03/10/94 at the Orpheum Theater in Boston, wasn't as good as I'd hoped. I was there with John & his girlfriend, and this hot Russian girl I used to work with, and I was wrapped up in the excitement of being able to see my favorite band live after a four-year wait. However, Liz was experimenting with new vocal stylings (which, to my horror sounded like shrieking, perhaps due to the psychotherapy she was undergoing at the time), and Robin Guthrie was coming off a drug & alcohol addiction. Add in the super-stressful 'big event' of the two of them splitting up after 11 years (with a 4 year old daughter between them), and the performance was rife with negative energy. So to sum up: it was magical to see them in person (and to hang out with Sasha outside of work), but the music itself was underwhelming, and I went home disappointed.
The second time was SO much better! I had bought two tickets (one for me and one for John) to their 06/10/96 show at the Avalon Ballroom (now the House of Blues Boston), but on the day of the event, John couldn't make it. So I sold his ticket for ten bucks (face value: $16), and happily entered the venue. When I got inside, it was dark & cozy, and was set up as a round floor with the stage at the far end (flanked by huge speaker stacks), and a bar on either side. I had $35 with me to spend on whatever. T-shirts were an insane thirty dollars each, so I opted for seven five-dollar beers over the course of the show. The minute the band took the stage, I was entranced. The amazing light show, the dark interior of the club, the beer, and most of all, the incredible music had me happily mesmerized for two hours of uninterrupted bliss. Nothing against any of my concert-going friends, but sometimes being alone in a crowd of strangers is the best way to enable your favorite music to carry you away. And this time, when the lights finally came up, I was only slightly disappointed (but only because it was over). I'd been fully-immersed in the music (and bedazzled by the performance) of my favorite band, and left feeling that rare euphoria that only a true love's kiss, or the satisfying ending to an amazing story can surpass...

Subsequent albums have only deepened my appreciation for this amazing band, but if I were ever to be stranded on an island somewhere, "Blue Bell Knoll" is definitely one of my ten 'Desert Island Discs'.** The Cocteau Twins' sound has shaped my musical taste for twenty years now. Female singers will win out over their male counterparts nine times out of ten. Melody is more important than beat. And 'chill' trumps 'aggressive' 99% of the time in my world (though even I need to kick ass once in awhile!). Because of this creative and influential group of musicians, I have a lifelong love for The Sundays, The Cranberries, Lush, Saint Etienne, Pale Saints, and My Bloody Valentine. They caused me to search out similar-sounding latter-day bands like Rose Chronicles, An April March (and the entire Bedazzled Records label - 1999 was a good year!), Moose, Autumn's Grey Solace, and Silver Screen. And to branch out into trance, ambient, and other genres of music, both with voice and instrumental. I humbly suggest you check them out, though I will agree they may be an acquired taste!

* Remember, this was 1989, when cd players cost upwards of $500 for a decent basic model.
** Desert Island Discs: the ten albums you'd want with you if you were ever to be stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean for the rest of your life with (magically) a music player of some sort.

"Album Month" on NLM

2009-08-02T13:48:00.012-04:00

August is Album Month on Not Lame Minus!

At some point in the next few weeks, each of us (one hopes) will post a 'reminisce' about an influential album, cassette or cd that has affected our life and/or musical taste. We will each pick one of our all-time favorite albums, and then write about when we discovered it; what it reminds us of; anecdotes and/or recaps of any of the band's live dates we've attended; and how the music changed us (if at all). It'll give each of us a chance to expose the others (and you readers) to a band that no one had an inkling was of importance to us. And if needed, I'll go back and embed a LaLa music player of the album into each blog (like Chris does with his weekly cd review), to ensure maximum exposure.

So keep checking back this month for some great music!

Image created by Plard Yoann

Lesson Learned...

2009-07-31T14:26:00.004-04:00

Back in early April, I did as I have done many times for over a decade: I found info on a live show that I wanted to attend, I bought tickets way ahead of time (and on this occasion, also paid for a hotel room with room for me + 3), and then let all my concert-going friends know, so they would (hopefully) join me.

The tickets were for the All Points West Music & Arts Festival in Liberty State Park, across the harbor from New York City, and the hotel room was in a Doubletree Hotel, a one-mile walk from the park. We wouldn't have had to worry about parking or public transport (subway and/or ferry), and we'd have been spending each night in luxury! An advantage over my Woodstock '99 experience is that for this 3-day festival, each day begins at noon and ends at 11 pm sharp (no sleepover mayhem to worry about, and plenty of time each morning to enjoy breakfast, not to mention a shower), featuring each night's headliner: Beastie Boys, Tool and Coldplay.

Now, I have no interest in Tool, and I was planning on leaving before Coldplay's set on Sunday night to beat all the traffic, but the rest of the festival's line-up is amazing. If I had been able to go, today was going to be unreal. Granted, Beastie Boys sadly wouldn't be able to play after all (Jay-Z stepped up graciously to replace them, which was cool, and is probably going to be fantastic), but I would still have been able to see Fleet Foxes, The National, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Carolina Liar.

On Day 2 (tomorrow), seeing one of my all-time favorite bands, My Bloody Valentine would have fulfilled a dream I've had since college. Plus, I would have been able to hear a lot of current bands live that I might normally not have any (or just a passing) interest in (Gogol Bordello, Arctic Monkeys, The Ting Tings). And on Day 3 (Sunday), I would have gotten to see minor 80's icons Echo & The Bunnymen, current favorite Ghostland Observatory, and (I hadn't even noticed until today), a band from one of Christopher's recent album reviews, Akron/Family. How cool would that have been?

Anyway, the point of this story is this: I will never again shell out money for concert tickets, no matter how excited I am, until I have travelling companions already lined up. Unfortunately for this ill-fated excursion, Brian didn't like enough of the line-up, Gavin has Depeche Mode tickets for tonight (and has been travelling nearly every weekend this summer to boot), Rob is renovating a house, and Jay is too busy with work. All very good reasons not to go. And for the record, while I am disappointed, I would never be ridiculous enough to carry any ill-will toward my NLM bretheren. Thankfully in this case, I was fortunate enough to get my money back for the $360 hotel room (which was non-refundable, because it was booked so soon at a "locked-in" price). A girl who needed a last-minute room took it off of my hands (thanks Monica!) in an amazing "overnighted money-order" and "transfer the reservation name" operation. Sadly, as you can see by the photo, I was not able to recoup the $222 for the tickets. An expensive lesson, but one well-learned.

Hopefully, next year's line-up will have more appeal to (and better timing for) my Not Lame Minus cronies, and I'll be able to enjoy a 3-Day revel once again!

Album Review - Blind Pilot : "3 Rounds and a Sound"

2009-07-29T00:38:00.004-04:00

Blind Pilot reminds me of Page France who reminds me of Neutral Milk Hotel who DON'T remind me of Blind Pilot. Funny how that works. '3 Rounds and a Sound' is a nice sounding, simple and agreeable indie-acoustic effort. The music, however seems slightly fettered by an unwillingness on the part of its creator to let it reach heights of expression that it so seems to want to. Where a melody could (and perhaps should) extend its motive, it often withdraws and resorts to heavy phrasal repetition. It's certainly worth a listen or two, and the recording sounds great, but there isn't a whole lot to entice much repeat listening. Obviously, simple music is often the best kind, but this is not simple music at heart, and it is not content to be simple; it has loftier ambitions that it can't quite reach. 5/10

3 Rounds and a Sound - Blind P...