Shoney’s reputation as a lunatic/enigmatic frontman preceded him: Though we’ve never had the chance to catch Shoney Lamar and the Equal Rights in person before meeting them backstage at Cafe 939 about a month ago, we’ve heard their music and have learned through word of mouth that they put on a show that few on [...]

Amidst the singers and songwriters and banjo pickers of the thriving Somerville/Cambridge music scene, we can say one thing for sure: Though each musician hailing from Davis to Union to Central possesses a noteworthy trait setting them apart from other artists in the community, not one of them uses the jaw of a donkey in their percussion section like the David Wax Museum.

As they took the stage of the Comcast Center on Friday night, the Followill boys, known to the world as explosive rock powerhouse Kings of Leon, ambled from the wings to the solemn, soaring crescendoes of “Lacrimosa” from Mozart’s Requiem.  The shadows remained as the Kings grabbed their guitars and swung the straps over their [...]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people collectively try to light a cigar as I did the night that Jessie and I wound up talking with MEandJOANCOLLINS in a deserted parking lot in Central Square. Jessie, Bo, Jen, Jen’s girlfriend, Kathleen, and I tried to assist at various points in the lighting [...]

Few things are better than watching a group of talented, guitar and tambourine-wielding friends share their music and hometown pride on stages across the country, and for that reason few bands are more invigorating at the moment than Chapel Hill seven-man (and woman!) indie act The Love Language.  Back in April, The Love Language somehow [...]

Day 2 of the Newport Folk Festival- August 2, 2009
(for our thoughts on Day 1 of Folk Festival 50, click here.)
Josh Ritter’s Contagious Glee, 11:30am:
There couldn’t have been a more appropriate kick-off for the second day of the Newport Folk Festival than with Josh Ritter’s morning set.  The singer/songwriter, who hails from Idaho, was [...]

“So, where are we going, Matt? What’s going on?”

As the fog rolled in off of Narragansett Bay and onto the main stage of the Newport Folk Festival, Jessie and I found ourselves scurrying up one of the hills contained within the walls of Fort Adams in hot pursuit of Deer Tick and the Ice Cream Man…

The past year has been a good one for the Luxury. Between playing for a packed house at the BankNorth Garden last August while opening for Coldplay, snagging the spotlight and the coveted title at WBCN’S reputable Rock N’ Roll Rumble and putting the finishing touches on In the Wake of What Won’t Change, their highly anticipated sophomore album, this Boston-based Brit pop quintet is in a prime position for musical prowess of epic proportions.

What’s not to like about a band that brings their own “stage monsters” on tour? While getting their gear ready for their set at TT the Bear’s in April, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down had a slew of propped up imaginary creatures, painted on plywood, with shaggy fur, horns and toothy smiles nestled amongst their cables, amps and kick drum. The whimsical touch was a fitting one for the fiercely talented threesome, who has solidified their place in the hearts of indie rock lovers across the country with their sing-songy melodies, uplifted beats and lesson-teachin’ lyrics.