Reload That iPod

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....

Friday Music Slate

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...