The BGN News Archive

The Monsieurs

Have you seen The Monsieurs? It’s time if you haven’t. This is an act that could be legendary.
   We first saw them at Radio and then recently at The Midway.
   Blowfish saw them again on Sunday at the Middle East Up: There were about 40 people there. Chris and Mr. B who initially told me about them showed up. John Doherty who has been on to them from the beginning was there also along with Mitch and Henry from Triple Thick.

    Hilken Mancini and Erin King had white shirts with OUI and NON placed on alternate breasts. They lay down their signature swirl of sound; simple beats and raspy distorted guitar sometimes with short riffs. Andy Mc Bain gets in a confrontational stance and snarls out the lyrics. Now the first couple of songs if sung and played straight ahead would almost be bubble gum music with la la la’s and an almost jaunty feel but straight ahead has nothing to do with The Monsieurs. Andy sneers as he snarls the lyrics. He seems to be accusing you of something or he’s mad at you for something. Soon he’s off the stage and singing into a guy and bumping him back…and back…and back and then surprise - the guy hugs Andy and starts singing too. Then Andy’s on the ground, then falling into people, then singing loudly two inches from a woman’s face.

The Monsieurs

   This audience is a great one. They get it. Soon a few start to sort of pogo and others join in. The last song Kerri Ann (Video by John Doherty) is a long one and everyone is dancing and swaying with it. Andy is all over the floor on this while funneling everything he’s got into the heartbreak lyrics.
   I don’t know whether I was happier to hear the group or to be at the gig to see a receptive audience like that. We Boston punkers can be a bunch of stifferinos, not moving – never mind dancing, but this night was different. The Monsieurs turned the Middle East up into a house party.
   That was a fun gig.

Alkaline Trio at Brighton Music Hall

   The Alkaline Trio surprised a lot of people by selling out four nights at the Brighton Music Hall. I got hooked on their emotional punk pop a while ago and grabbed tickets months ago for the first night. They were playing whole CD’s in their sets. I don’t care about any individual CD. For me it’s a combination of the emotion in the singing and the songwriting that threads through all the CD's.
   This is not news- but the BMH is uncomfortable when it’s full. It gets hot, has zero seats and people bump into each other as they move around looking for a good spot. It was all that on Wednesday. The openers Jeff Rosenstock were pleasant but nothing that made much of an impression on me.
   As the Alkaline Trio went through their set the crowd got more and more into it. There was the occasional moshing going on but more than that is was a group sing-along with hands pumping in the air for emphasis.
   I felt left out because I wasn’t hearing what I wanted. I didn’t get the emotional tug from the vocals. I wanted to be swept away and that didn’t happen. I don’t know specifically why. Other people reporting on the concerts are praising them. I thought they were good but to get the fix I want I have to go back to the recordings.

John Cooper Clarke Photo: Miss Lyn

   The next day on Thursday we headed to 921 Boylston St for a small theatre style room run by Berklee where we caught John Cooper Clarke. We have been posting this gig for weeks figuring people would be interested in the Punk Poet who got lots of attention back in the day but there were only 40 people tops there, and only three people we knew: Eric Law, Betsy Sherman and Betsy's brother Paul Sherman. We think he should be filling up the main Berklee Hall but I guess that’s crazy talk, we just don't get it.
   Clarke’s later fame comes from his poem Evidently Chickentown which was heard on a Soprano’s episode. (Hear it here at the 1:45 mark). The Arctic Monkeys made a song out of is poem I Wanna Be Yours. Here’s Clarke talking about it - He talks about the poem and recites it at the end.

   On stage JCC is absolutely hilarious as well as amazingly personable and down to earth. He recited old and new poems, the new material being just as pointed as the older faves. He also did a section on Haikus and one on Limericks. It was a mind tingling time. The accent coupled with the rapid fire delivery was ultra-appealing and the lyric twists would constantly tweak your synapse.
   Now we have to mention his outfit and the way he looks! Coolest of cool with his big dark glasses, stick thin body and skin tight clothes, pink suede ankle boots and black mess of hair. I didn't want it to end. I wanted to hang out with him, go to dinner after the show, hear more jokes and stories. But all good things come to an end and the show was over and an fabulous show it was!!

Punk Rock Karaoke

   Miss Lyn loved the idea of Punk Rock Karaoke at the Church on Friday. Performing the songs was a group of members of famous punk groups play the tunes and YOU sing them. Group members were : Greg Hetson (Bad Religion, Circle Jerks), Stan Lee (The Dickies), Steve Soto (Agent Orange. Adolescents) and Derek O'Brien (Social Distortion, D.I., Agent Orange). It was a hoot to see the wannabes getting up there with a variety of ability. It’s funny when they can’t sing and it’s exciting when someone can nail the tune. But it was also great to see the appreciation the members of the audience had for their heroes. A couple of people hugged Steve Soto. There were lots of handshakes and thank you's. What a great idea! This is ripe for some locals to do. Maybe they have done it at those Misfits nights they had a while back?

Broken Stereo

   The openers were called Broken Stereo whose last song was I’m From Boston, Fuck You sung like an anthem; could be someone’s theme song.
    Again, not a lot of people there; not even a half full club.

And in other news -

As you well know by now TT's will be closing in July. That's some sad sad news. Bonny Bouley and Kevin Patey are keeping quiet for now, we are all waiting to hear what they will say about this. Vanyaland brke the story earlier this week. Here's the article. It was also covered in the Boston Globe.

Thunder Road which used to be the beloved Radio has a few half decent shows coming up...maybe things'll start percolatin' there.

I've been ranting about the Damned doc coming to Boston and it finally IS!!! July 31 at The Regent Theater!!! YAY! (see listing below)

Vanyaland is two years old. Rising from the ashes of the Phoenix – Vanyaland has been getting a higher profile as it goes on. They seem to get the big club stories early. It’s nice to see this success happening. Happy Birthday Vanyaland!

So with that said.....here are some shows that are happening this week....

May 22 (Friday) The Brigands and The Black Souls (that's Kim Ackland and Cam Ackland with band) are at the Tavern at the End of the World. FB event page

May 23 (Saturday) A Crash Course for the Ravers on WMFO 95.1 1-4PM has Richie Parsons as a guest today!! Listen in!

May 23 (Saturday) The I Want You (punchy pop-rock) and The Sharp Shadows (powerpop/punk from NYC) are at STORE 54 (This is a Bob Colby Presents show). In addition, you can contribute to a unique "crowdsourced" video shoot for an upcoming video from The I Want You - just bring your phone or pocket-sized video camera. So come on down and join the party (and bring your own beverages - but no food, please). While you're at it, sign up for the BCP mailing list at http://eepurl.com/2ebMv (link is case-sensitive) and be in the know with our future plans!

May 23 (Saturday) Memphis Rockabilly Band is at The Amvets in Randolph and it is a FREE show from 8:30PM to Midnight
(AMVETS Post 51 9 Amvets Lane off Pleasant St., Randolph, MA) Cheap drinks! Big dance floor. Swing dance, slow dance, twist and stroll! Pizza and more. Lots of free parking.

May 23 (Saturday) There are TWO Disturbing the Peace shows at Middle East Up this day: Matinee Show (doors 1PM) : Chestnut's 40th Birthday Bash!!! with Stray Bullets, Slitstitch, A Minor Revolution, The Black Cheers, and Orphan Killbot. Then an early evening show (Doors at 7) with NOTOX, Yo!Scunt, Neighborhood Shit.

May 24(Sunday) at TT's there's a midday most awesome show...Mike's Monster Guitars Two Year Birthday Bash and this is also a benefit for the MSPCA!! On the roster are The Dogmatics (5:45 ), Triple Thick (5:00 ), The Worried (4:15 ), Andy California (3:30), Axemunkee (2:45 ), Pioneer Valley Pioneers (2:00 ) and Hambone Skinny starts off the show at 1:15.

May 24(Sunday) Cranktones are at Atwood's with DJ Easy Ed setting the tone.

And coming up after this week we have.......

May 28 (Thursday) OK it's officially summer when Cal Cali gigs start popping up around town! The Cal Cali Band and Randy Black & the Heathcroppers are at Sally O'Brien’s in Union Sq Somerville.

May 28 (Thursday) Butterscott is having a CD Release Show With special guests Viva Gina, My Own Worst Enemy and Mick Mondo at Cuisine en Locale . Doors are at 7, music actually starts at 8PM!!

May 30 (Saturday) A Crash Course for the Ravers WMFO 95.1 1-4PM has The Forz today plus great music and stuff.

May 30 (Saturday) LOVE LOVE celebrates the release of their debut album (recorded at Q Division Studios and Squid Hell) with special guests Tanya Donelly, The Needy Sons (with Bill Janovitz) and Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents at the Lizard Lounge. Music actually starts at 8:30. (FB event page)

May 30 (Saturday) Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys, Zip-Tie Handcuffs, Weird Womb, Cask Mouse and DJ Panda are at Great Scott's

May 30 (Saturday) Mars, Horse Mode and Sue's Guitar are at the Greek American Club in Union Sq Somerville

May 30 (Saturday) Reddy Teddy are at the Rhumbline up in Gloucester.

May 31 (Sunday) Roy Sludge Trio is at State Park in Kendall Sq- this is a evening show.

May 31 (Sunday) Wow Peter Greenberg is joining our pal Max Demata and his band Sonic Daze at the Pelican Pub in Bari, Italy! That is SO cool!!

June 4 (Thursday) Motobunny, The Charms, Watts and Greg Allen's Fringe Religion are at TT's. Enjoy the TT's shows while you can!!

June 6 (Saturday) Fox Pass is at Club Bohemia at The Cantab.

June 6 (Saturday) At Tavern at the End of the World you can get MOTO, Fireking and Even Twice.

June 6 (Saturday) Muck and The Mires, The Forz and The Woggles are at The Middle East. Doors are at 7pm- its an early evening show - and its $10 at the door! FB Event page ...buy tix here

June 7 (Sunday) The Wrong Chaneys In Residency Night #1 with special guests The Knock Ups, Night Slice at the Midway

June 13 (Saturday) Taxi Driver, Honest John, The Pink Parts and SPO are at The Middle east Up and this is an early evening show starting at 6PM. $10.

June 13 (Saturday) at The Midway - The Kurt Baker Band (from Barcelona - 1 of only 2 US appearances), Jay Allen and The Archcriminals, The Connection and Kris Rodgers and The Dirty Gems...wow now that's a great show!! (FB event page)

June 18 (Thurs day) Vivi'D Presents : GBH along with Total Chaos, The Welch Boys and Urban Waste at The Middle East down. GBH ruled when they played the ME Down last year!!! (Check out our review b)

June 19 & 20 (Friday & Saturday) it's the Girls in the Garage Music Fest with you guessed it bands with females in them, all at the Lizard Lounge!! For both nights doors are at 7, Music starts at 8PM Check the FB page for set times and to (eventually) buy tix. Check out the particulars below, that's a whole lot of amazing bands!!!

June 19 (Friday) Stars Like Ours (feat. Michelle Paulhus and Kristen Edmonston), The Black Souls (feat. the fabulous Kim Ackland!), The Charms, Petty Morals, The Evil Streaks and The Dents

June 19 (Friday) Gymnasium, The Titanics and Devil On Horseback are at The Midway

June 20 (Saturday) Cujo, Drab, Axemunkee, Andrea Gillis Band, The Downbeat 5 and The Other Girls

June 20 (Saturday) Bob Colby teams eclectic multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Audrey Ryan with Thick Wild (his favorite discovery of last year) at Store 54.

June 20 (Saturday) Rockabilly original Sleepy La Beef played a few punk clubs back in the day. He’s turning 80 and having a birthday party gig at Johnny D’s , also on the bill are Roy Sludge, Andrea Gillis and Marc Panasky along with DJ Easy Ed spinning discs and setting the mood for the celebratory evening. Check it out and buy tix here. Music starts at 7:30 folks!

June 20 (Saturday) The Knock Ups, Thalia Zedek Band, plume and Andrew Scandal are at The Midway (a night show)

June 20 (Saturday) You folks in RI check out this show!: The Monsieurs (12), Thee Itchies (at 11PM) Party Pigs (10 PM) and The Neutrinos (9:30) at Dusk in Provi. (FB event page)

June 24 (Wednesday) The Adolescents and The Weirdos with Laughing Stock are at The Brighton Music Hall.

June 27 (Saturday) It's a Spectacular Birthday party at Cuisine en Locale for GRCB- Girls Rock Campaing Boston. It's their 5th Birthday and they are doing it up in style with an ALL AGES carnival themed party 6-10PM --Birthday Cake (a real one!), Carnival Games & Creative Activities, Trivia and Raffles, Temporary Tattoo Station, Photo Booth, DJ SIT N SPIN dance party, Local female rock celebrities playing covers of GRCB band's original songs and tons more cool stuff. Here the FB page so you can stay up to date an all the happenings.

July 5 (Sunday) Caged Heat (yup with Chilly Kurstz, they're back!) , Greg Allen's Fringe Religion, The Low Babies and Lady Pilot are at The Midway. This is an afternoon show at 4PM! Here's a recent interview with Chilly on Blowing Smoke.

July 11 (Saturday) Mudhoney along with White Dynomite will be at The Brighton Music Hall

July 11 (Saturday) it's official The Gizmos (and a TON of other bands) are playing Mutant Fest II at the Blockhouse in Bloomington IN. FB event page

July 14 (Tuesday) - WHAT a great show this will be The Rezillos with Petty Morals and Casanovas in Heat at Johnny D's. And the Rezillos have a new full length CD out. There will be a CD and a limited edition vinyl album available at the shows !! Get tix here.

July 17 (Friday) at Club Bohemia - Greg Allen's Fringe Religion, Caged Heat, and the Black Souls.

July 18 (Saturday) Mission of Burma opens for The Foo Fighters and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones at Fenway Park

July 22 (Wednesday) Jaz Coleman founding member of Killing Joke is doing a Spoken Word performance at The Middle East Down. its al about his new book: "Letters from Cythera". Jaz will delve into his many experiences that have influenced his philosophical outlook on life and also discuss, Supersynthesis, a principle which has facilitated his many accomplishments including acting, conducting, singing, composing, geometry, architecture, and occult history. Tix available here. This one will be different, there's seating and VIP seating tix for this show.

July 26 (Sunday) Screeching Weasel, plus The Queers and The Mr. T. Experience are at The Royale. You can get tix here. This is a 6PM show!!

July 31 (Friday) “THE DAMNED: Don’t You Wish That We Were Dead” documentary is FINALLY playing in Boston!! It's at the Regent Theater at 7:30. You can buy tix here. Watch the trailer here.

August 3 & 4 (Monday and Tuesday) Darkbuster returns!! at The Sinclair. Get your tix here but act fast friends!!

August 3 (Monday) Tsunami of Sound and The Vista Cruisers are at Opus Underground, Salem.

August 6-8 (Thursday - Saturday) Boston Fuzzstival 2015 is at The Middle East Down. The Fuzztival highlights "the best bands in the region that make psychedelic/fuzz/garage/surf rock" and its goal is "to build bridges within the local music community." Stay tuned for the lineup and more info keep checking their FB page!

August 8 (Saturday) - Head over to Store 54 to help Bob Colby celebrate his birthday (two days early) with The Rationales and My Own Worst Enemy!

August 22 (Saturday) Memphis Rockabilly Band is at the Marshfield Fair. check out the particulars here

and of course The New England Shake-Up! September 25,26,27 2015! Keep yourself updated at their FB page

CONTACT US AT…….misslynbgn @ yahoo.con Send us your gig listings, your news and anything else ya got!!

Monsieurs

Punk Rock Karaoke

Punk Rock Karaoke

Punk Rock Karaoke