Bradley’s Almanac

Golden Rays Shine Down…

Posted on April 15, 2005 at 1:05 pm | No Comments

Friday, glorious springtime Friday. Another hell week of work nearly behind me, and it’s gonna be nuts right up until quittin’ time. Given that, I’m just gonna dive in and rattle off a bunch of stuff, so hold on there…

Many thanks to RSL over at Swimcommunity for pointing out that Damon from the Swirlies has just posted some live Swirlies tracks. 4 songs buried in 30 minutes of expected aural weirdness on WBCN’s Nocturnal Emissions show back in May of ’95. Grab ’em soon, because they’re gone in early May, hopefully to be replaced by even more free downloads.

Did anyone else catch Sealab 2021 this past Sunday? One of the funniest in awhile, what with Public Enemy’s (and now ex-Air America employee) Chuck D providing the voice of a cancer-stricken, suicidal whale (who had tried beaching himself, but “f’in hippies” kept putting him back in the water). Would have loved to have heard him rap a bit with Hesh (aka MC Chris), though. I’ve been digging the recent, and relatively minor, changes: Tornado Shanks losing the accent, the upped presence of Erik Estrada’s Marco, and ending some shows with bizarre voice-loop outtakes. Gets me laughin’ out loud every single time. Season 3 will be out on DVD July 12th, and damn if the packaging isn’t super-stylin’. Thought they couldn’t top the design of Season 2, but it looks like they may have.

I missed all the (unstoppably overblown) Sox-Yanks shenanigans last night, as I was deep down in a basement for some band practice, but I trust no one more than Surviving Grady to deliver the straight skinny. Red was there, fifteen rows behind the drunken nutjob who slapped Sheffield, and has a good eye for detail on all the replay action. Check out his take… I’m guessin’ it’s the most right-on and reasoned one out there (bookmark him while you’re at it). So is the national sports media so starved for stories that this mess rates constant repitition? Movin’ on…

I’m loving this Google Sightseeing site, a blog that pulls together notable satellite images of random landmarks, buildings, and strangeness all over the world from the new Google Maps feature. Hello, Fenway.

If you missed the live broadcast of that streaming Wedding Present gig over at Fabchannel.com last week (as I did, thanks to work), well, good news. They’ve now got it archived and viewable for all. Gonna check out that sucker this weekend to get even more psyched up for their Boston stop in a couple weeks.

Don’t forget to set the ol’ TiVo: The reunited Dinosaur Jr. is on the Late Late Show tonight (ok, technically tomorrow mornin’). My money’s on Freak Scene. Oh, and their reunion tour dates were just announced, with Boston on July 15th at Avalon. I’m so going.

Summer at Shatter Creek just finished up a little West Coast jaunt, and wrote up some comments in a mini tour diary. Comin’ east yet, Craig?

The nominations for this year’s Eisner awards are out, and there’s comic-book related congrats to pass around. While I highly agree with the inclusion of Bill Willingham’s Fables, Brian K. Vaughan’s books, Warren Ellis’ work, and DC: The New Frontier, I’m most psyched to see Brian Wood & Becky Cloonan’s 12-issue DEMO series get recognized in two categories. I’ve mentioned it a few times here, so my enthusiasm should come as no surprise to regulars. And because everyone is required to whine about something not getting nominated that should have, where is the love for Jock’s striking cover work on The Losers. Love ’em. Hell, I love everything about that book.

For random creator reaction, read this, and as long as I’m mentioning Mr. Wood, head over to his site to check out the newly revealed redesign.

In the “ask and ye shall surprisingly receive” department: For over three years I’ve been silently (and barely) annoyed by the fact that there’s no place to easily pick up a copy of the free Boston Phoenix weekly near my office here on Huntington Ave. Not a big deal, but a couple weeks ago, possibly in a fit of surfing boredom, I dropped the Phoenix an email asking if they might throw a distribution box outside the Copley Mall, across from the Shaws supermarket. Well, much to my surprise… a couple days ago one actually showed up. Hey, they listened! Probably didn’t hurt that I mentioned their competition, The Weekly Dig, already had a box there. Nice to be able to snag a copy of both on my way into work every Thursday morning now.

Speakin’ of my walk to work, on certain days I cut through the mall (if it’s either super-cold, or I’m craving an early-morning coffee… which is lately every day), and on Wednesday I noticed a certain out-of-place-someone standing in the line at Dunkies. Then I noticed another, and another. What made them out of place? Let’s just say they were all dressed up like “ladies of the night”. Working girls, and not the business suit wearin’ kind. Don’t know if they were getting an early start or a late end to their shift, but you rarely see them early at the Copley.

As I grabbed my medium regular and continued on, I saw a sign that explained it all: “Auditions for America’s Next Top Model Today!”, and a very long line of scantily-clad, overly-made up girls waiting for their shot at so-called stardom. Now, I’ve never seen the show, but can whoring it up really help? Needless to say, once I spread the word at work, lots of my co-workers suddenly got coffee cravings of their own. I think one guy made six or seven trips, and thought about bringing a clipboard for his own ‘personal auditions’. Yikes.

So I’ve got a favor to ask. If anyone in California catches The Album Leaf on tour this coming week, can you pick me up a copy of their new tour-only EP? It’s a must have for me, and I’ll compensate ya accordingly.

Today ain’t just tax day… more importantly it’s my cat’s birthday. Yeah, go ahead and laugh, but I don’t know what I’d do without crazy Hazel around…

She’s 11 now, marking her b-day just a few days after our dog Nina, who turned 2 this past Sunday…


(Just had to mention it, in case either of them reads this, y’know).

Busy weekend ahead, starting this evening when I head straight from another band practice over to PA’s Lounge in Somerville for Shumai, the Icicles, and my Vermont pals in the Smittens. Tomorrow it’s more music making and hopefully a viewing of the South Korean film Oldboy, which I’ve been waiting awhile for. Sunday: more practice, and hopefully some relaxin’.

Why so much practice? Well, we (meaning Charlene) have a couple shows next week, the first on Tuesday night opening up for Mary Timony and Noll at TT the Bears. I’m not sure if I’m more excited just to share a bill with her and her band, or to just hold her new album in my hand when it’s released that day. Cannot wait.

On Wednesday we drive up to Portsmouth, New Hampshire to play a place called Muddy River Smoke House, which I guess was a blues club that’s been trying to change it’s lineup a bit with more alt-indie type stuff. Dunno the details, but I do know that we’re sharing the night with our friend Adam and his Broken River Prophet… which I’m supposedly playing in? Considering it’s a few days away, you’d think I know for sure. I’m just looking forward to playing a place with the words “Smoke House” in it’s name. That’s definitely a first.

Be sure to stop back on Monday for next week’s Mp3s of the Week, which will be… actually, I have no idea. We’ll see if I can dig up something special over the weekend. Enjoy yours …

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  • BOSTON-AREA LIVE SHOW ACTION
    Tuesday, December 3rd
    The Collect Pond
    Astral Bitch
    Sly Fang
    @ Notch, Brighton

    Wednesday, December 4th
    The Ladybug Transistor
    Lightheaded
    Mark Robinson (Unrest/Air Miami)
    @ Deep Cuts

    Thursday, December 5th
    Shawn Colvin
    @ the Cabot, Beverly

    Thursday, December 5th
    The 8th Annual Allman-Betts
    Family Revival featuring...
    Devon Allman, Duane Betts,
    Sierra Hull, Luther Dickinson,
    Cody Dickinson, Jimmy Hall,
    Anders Osborne, Larry McCray,
    Lindsay Lou, Jackie Greene, G. Love,
    Lamar Williams, Jr., Alex Orbison,
    Robert Randolph, & Sierra Green
    @ the Orpheum

    Friday, December 6th
    Jason Narducy
    @ an Allston living room

    Friday, December 6th
    BASIC
    (Chris Forsyth, Douglas McCombs,
    & Mikel Patrick Avery)
    Chris Brokaw Rock Band
    @ the Middle East Upstairs

    Friday, December 6th
    Mike Viola
    The Figgs
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Friday, December 6th
    Past Life Crisis
    The Zip-Ups
    Lonely Leesa & the Lost Cowboys
    Looking For Rocks
    @ the Jungle

    Friday, December 6th
    Tinkertown
    Devotion
    @ the Burren

    Friday, December 6th
    BEAT plays the music
    of 80s King Crimson
    featuring Adrian Belew, Steve Vai,
    Tony Levin, & Danny Carey
    @ the Lynn Auditorium

    Saturday, December 7th
    Ted Leo & Aimee Mann's
    The Christmas Show!
    with Paul F. Tompkins,
    Nellie McKay, Josh Gondelman,
    & "other fun stuff"
    @ the Cabot, Beverly, MA

    Sunday, December 8th
    Footballhead
    New Age Thief
    @ Warehouse XI

    Monday, December 9th
    Joyce Manor celebrating
    10 years of 'Never Hungover Again'
    with Algnernon Cadwallader
    & the Ergs
    @ the Royale

    Tuesday, November 10th
    EARFULL
    Writers reading. Songwriters singing.
    with authors
    Phuc Tran &
    Michael Patrick MacDonald
    and performers
    Carissa Johnson & Joe Gittleman
    with Amy Griffin & Richie Parson
    @ the Burren Back Room

    Thursday, December 12th
    Squirrel Nut Zipper
    @ the Cabot, Beverly, MA

    Thursday, December 12th
    Wednesday (solo)
    Cryogeyser (solo)
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Thursday, December 12th
    The Jesus Lizard
    Pile
    @ Roadrunner

    Friday, December 13th
    Suki Waterhouse
    Bully
    @ Roadrunner

    Saturday & Sunday
    December 14th & 15th
    They Might Be Giants
    @ the Orpheum

    Sunday, December 15th
    Piebald
    30th Anniversary Show!
    with Mallcops
    @ Deep Cuts

    Sunday, December 15th
    Tiny Moving Parts
    Action/Adventure
    Greywind
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Friday, December 20th
    Arto Vaun (record release show!)
    MK Naomi
    Sun Urchins
    @ Deep Cuts

    Saturday, December 21st
    The Del Fuegos
    Holiday Shows!
    2 shows @ City Winery

    Friday, December 27th
    Will Dailey
    full album performance
    @ the Burren

    Tuesday, December 31st
    Aerosmith (farewell tour)
    with the Black Crowes
    @ TD Garden

    Saturday, January 4th
    The Sheila Divine
    Baabes
    Teardrops
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, January 17th
    Lake Saint Daniel
    Stefan Webster
    Noble Dust
    @ the Lizard Lounge

    Friday, January 17th
    Speedy Ortiz
    Grass Is Green
    & a surprise guest
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Saturday, January 18th
    Thus Love
    The Vaccines
    @ the Royale

    Saturday, January 18th
    Bill Janovitz (Buffalo Tom)
    a benefit for the Trevor Project
    @ the Burren back room

    Saturday, January 18th
    Tugboat Annie
    Arto Vaun
    Drew O'Doherty
    @ Faces Brewing

    Sunday, January 19th
    Cracker
    @ the Middle East

    Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday
    January 19th, 20th, & 21st
    Robert Glasper
    two shows each day
    @ City Winery

    Tuesday, January 21st
    This Is Lorelei
    Youbet
    @ the Rockwell

    Saturday, January 25th
    Stereo MC's
    @ the Sinclair

    Wednesday, January 29th
    Matt Pond PA
    Anya Marina
    Bathtub Cig
    @ the Rockwell

    Friday, January 31st
    Half Waif
    See You At The Maypole
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Friday, January 31st
    Jamie XX
    @ Roadrunner

    Friday, January 31st
    Frank Black & his band
    play "Teenager of the Year"
    @ the House of Blues

    Saturday, February 1st
    Stuart Murdoch
    (Belle & Sebastian)
    "Nobody's Empire" book tour
    @ the Rockwell

    Saturday & Sunday
    February 1st & 2nd
    The Bowery Presents &
    Run For Cover Records
    present "Something In The Way"
    with
    Slowdive, Balance & Composure,
    Soccer Mommy, American Football,
    Fiddlehead, Mannequin Pussy,
    Militarie Gun, Sweet Pill, Anxious,
    One Step Closer, Ovlov, Glare,
    Enumclaw, Sadurn, Gouge Away,
    Mini Trees, Great Grandpa, Dazy,
    Wishy, My Fictions, Women in Peril,
    & more TBA
    @ Roadrunner

    Tuesday, February 4th
    Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains)
    Filter
    @ the House of Blues

    Friday, February 7th
    Rubblebucket
    Hannah Mohan
    @ Big Night Live

    Monday, February 10th
    Tim Heidecker
    DJ Douggpound
    @ the Royale

    Tuesday, February 11th
    Lauren Mayberry (Chvrches)
    @ the Royale

    Wednesday, February 12th
    Tobin Sprout & Bevel Web
    with the Moles/Richard Davies
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Thursday, February 13th
    Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)
    @ the Cabot, Beverly

    Thursday, February 13th
    J Mascis
    @ the Sinclair

    Saturday, February 15th
    Travis
    @ the Royale

    Monday & Tuesday
    February 17th & 18th
    Jack White
    @ Roadrunner

    Saturday, February 22nd
    Father John Misty
    Destroyer
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Sunday, February 23rd
    Jenny Owens Young
    @ Club Passim

    Thursday, February 27th
    Pom Pom Squad
    Caroline Kingsbury
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, February 28th
    The Bevis Frond
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Saturday, March 1st
    Elvis Costello & Steve Nieve
    @ the Cabot, Beverly

    Friday, March 7th
    Michael Shannon, Jason Narducy,
    & friends mark the 40th anniversary of
    R.E.M.'s "Fables of the Reconstruction"
    (and more) with opener Dave Hill
    @ the Royale

    Sunday, March 9th
    an acoustic evening with
    Trey Anastasio
    @ the Wang

    Monday, March 10th
    Kim Deal
    @ the Wilbur

    Tuesday, March 11th
    Peter Wolf (J Geils Band)
    presents his new memoir
    "Waiting on the Moon"
    @ Cambridge Public Library

    Friday, March 14th
    Dropkick Murphys
    Menzingers
    Kilograms

    Saturday, March 15th
    Hovvdy
    Video Age
    @ the Middle East Downstairs

    Saturday, March 15th
    Dream Theater
    40th Anniversary Tour
    @ the Wang

    Saturday, March 15th
    Dropkick Murphys
    Menzingers
    Teenage Bottlerocket
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Sunday, March 16th
    Dropkick Murphys
    Bouncing Souls
    Hot Water Music
    Rebuilder
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Monday, March 17th
    Dropkick Murphys
    Bouncing Souls
    Hot Water Music
    Cody Nilson
    @ House of Blues

    Wednesday, March 19th
    Quicksand
    @ the Paradise

    Thursday, March 20th
    Neil Degrasse Tyson
    @ the Wilbur

    Sunday, March 23rd
    Ida & Tsunami!
    the Coin-Flip tour!
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Thursday, March 27th
    Horsegirl
    Free Range
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Thursday, March 27th
    José González
    @ the Cabot in Beverly

    Friday, March 28th
    The Weather Station
    @ the Sinclair

    Saturday, March 29th
    Maya Hawke
    Katy Kirby
    @ Roadrunner

    Sunday, March 30th
    The Hard Quartet
    Sharp Pins
    @ the Paradise

    Saturday, April 5th
    Snow Patrol
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Saturday, April 5th
    Franz Ferdinand
    @ the Orpheum

    Tuesday, April 8th
    Deftones
    The Mars Volta
    Fleshwater
    @ TD Garden

    Wednesday, April 9th
    Kylie Minogue
    @ the Garden

    Thursday, April 10th
    FACS
    @ Deep Cuts

    Friday, April 11th
    Mogwai
    @ the Paradise

    Saturday, April 12th
    Franz Ferdinand
    @ the Orpheum

    Sunday, April 13th
    EXTC
    (Terry Chambers & friends)
    @ City Winery

    Sunday, April 13th
    Heart
    @ Agganis Arena

    Tuesday, April 15th
    Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
    St. Vincent
    @ Agganis Arena

    Thursday, April 17th
    Mercury Rev
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Friday, April 18th
    Mount Eerie
    Hana Stretton
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, April 18th
    Bright Eyes
    Cursive
    @ House of Blues

    Sunday, April 20th
    Gang of Four
    "The Long Goodbye" farewell tour
    playing "Entertainment!" & more
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Wednesday, April 23rd
    Dweezil Zappa
    @ the Cabot, Beverly, MA

    Wednesday, April 23rd
    The Linda Lindas
    Pinkshift
    @ the Paradise

    Friday & Saturday
    April 25th & 26th
    The Town and the City Festival!
    @ various venues in Lowell

    Sunday, May 4th
    AC/DC
    @ Gillette Stadium

    Thursday, May 8th
    Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Monday, May 12th
    Kendrick Lamar
    SZA
    @ Gillette Stadium

    Saturday, May 17th
    Amyl & the Sniffers
    Sheer Mag
    @ Roadrunner

    Saturday, May 24th
    The Wedding Present
    "Bizarro" 35th Anniversary Tour
    with The Tubs
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, May 30th
    Teddy Swims
    @ Suffolk Downs

    Friday, June 6th
    The Ocean Blue
    playing their self-titled LP
    and their "Cerulean" LP
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Tuesday & Wednesday
    June 10th & 11th
    Queens of the Stone Age
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Monday, July 7th
    OMD
    @ House of Blues

    Tuesday, July 15th
    Weird Al Yankovic
    @ the Wang

    Wednesday, July 16th
    Mekons
    Johnny Dowd
    @ City Winery

    Friday, July 18th
    Samantha Crain
    @ Warehouse XI

    Friday & Saturday
    July 18th & 19th
    PIXIES
    performing "Bossanova"
    & "Trompe Le Monde" (18th)
    and a set of classics (19th)
    with Kurt Vile & the Violators
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Monday, July 21st
    Ghost
    @ TD Garden

    Saturday, July 26th
    Rod Stewart
    Cheap Trick
    @ the Xfinity Center

    Tuesday, July 29th
    Goo Goo Dolls
    Dashboard Confessional
    @ the Pavilion

    Sunday, September 7th
    My Chemical Romance
    Idles
    @ Fenway Park

    Wednesday, September 17th
    Alison Krauss & Union Station
    Willie Watson
    @ the Pavilion