#BandcampRoulette‬

#BandcampRoulette – Chandeliers, “Swim Gym” (Allston, MA). Fun fact this EP was released on my birthday.

Play Bandcamp Roulette.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XIV

Shabu-Zen hot pot in Allston has a beer and wine license only. But they get away with making a mean sake mojito. This got me thinking of additional sake substituting, and then I found the Cherry Sake Cocktail on fancy-edibles.com. Life is about loopholes. And good music. The August Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out playlist features a little bit of surfs up, a little bit of your girlfriend and a little bit of Boston, with local bands Bodega Girls, Guillermo Sexo, The Okay Win and Rebuilder.

Life is about loopholes and good music

You're Invited - Boston Gilt City Warehouse Sale

Gilt City Warehouse Sale is coming to Boston! Buy your tickets now.

Guys, great news. Gilt City Warehouse Sale is coming back to Boston on Friday and Saturday, August 9th and 10th, at Space 57 at The Revere Hotel (200 Stuart Street, Boston, MA). 

Expect to find great deals on men’s and women’s fashion, including brand names such as Zac Posen, Missoni, Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Carolina Herrera, John Varvatos, Paul Smith, and GANT, to home accessories, kids goods and more. The last Boston Gilt City Warehouse Sale sold out FAST, so get your tickets early.

This is your chance to rub elbows with fashionistas (literally). Put your game faces on, this is the day you've been training shopping for. Tickets to this exclusive event allow you to snag designer labels at up to 90% off retail prices, cocktails, snacks and live music provided by Gilt City's in house DJ. 

Remember what I scored last time? So.much.saving.

Buy your tickets today.

Non-stop compliments with these two

 

#BandcampRoulette‬

#‎BandcampRoulette‬ – No Fuzz “Constellations” (Novosibirsk, Russia) features sexy female front woman and free download of the 2011 No Fun Intended EP.



Play Bandcamp Roulette

Masked Intruder - Why Chance it, Narragansett

Masked Intruder steals our stuff, and our hearts. (credit)

I don’t know if these guys have visitation rights, but I had to go home and take a cold shower after this show. (this room was mad hot bro)

Masked Intruder (Red Scare Records) broke into the Middle East in Cambridge on Thursday night during their Boston stop on the Red Scare Across America Tour, promoting their 2012 self-titled full length consisting of convictions and love songs.

#BandcampRoulette‬

#‎BandcampRoulette‬ – The Small Dinosaurs (MD/CA) “Shower Time”, from an album exclusively about household chores.



Play Bandcamp Roulette

A Fine Vinyl Weekend

The most beautiful girl in the room. .... The only girl in the room....
Sometimes you just have to sift through moldy old boxes in a hotel ball room alongside a bunch of dudes.

Between the Newbury Comics buy two get one free special and the New England Record Show on Sunday in Somerville, it was certainly a fine vinyl weekend.

"You mean you have a vinyl player?"

The Nines Festival - Music, Art, Discovery

The NINES takes place Saturday, August 10th, and is a boutique multi-arts, multi-stage festival located 38 miles west of Boston on the bucolic athletic grounds of Willard Field in Devens, MA. The all ages, all day festival presents a diverse lineup of nationally touring and emerging musical performers with no overlapping sets, and showcases the works of established and emerging visual artists with art installations, exhibits, interactive art projects, and unique crafts.

The musical lineup includes Dr. Dog, Delta Spirit, Matt Pond (of Matt Pond PA), and Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys.

A mix of the regions best emerging and established comedians, including former punk rocker, Ken Reid (30 Seconds Over Tokyo), will take up residence under the “Stitch” comedy tent, curated by Harvard Square’s The Comedy Studio and hosted by the Comedy Studio’s impresario Rick Jenkins. The NINES festival is co-produced and presented by 3Rivers Arts and Great Northeast Productions, Inc.

For ticket information and a full list of musical artists, comedians and visual artists, please visit the official NINES website. Follow The NINES on Twitter and Facebook for festival updates.

Rebuilder Debut Self-Titled EP is a Headrush

In between opening for big name acts like The Dropkick Murphys and Dead Milkmen, and touring the festival circuit with appearances at Pouzza Fest (Montreal, CA 5/18), Warped Tour (Boston, 7/11) and the upcoming FEST (Gainsville, FL 11/3), Boston punk rock band, Rebuilder (Refuse Rethink Rebuild Records), found time to record their debut EP. Available now.

Name your price download of the new Rebuilder EP available on Bandcamp

Outside The Box Music Festival

Boston offers free 9-day outdoor performing arts festival

From July 13th – 21st, the first annual performing arts festival will turn public spaces like the Boston Common and City Hall Plaza into performance spaces, with over 200 events on 8 stages showcasing the best of Boston and Massachusetts. In true festival tradition, Outside The Box not only aims to unify the community, but to make art accessible to everyone. While the 9-day festival offers theater to dance, the symphony to the cutting-edge, music enthusiasts will also be able to catch local and well known bands such as The Lemonheads and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, free of charge. 

Punk 'N' Roll BBQ Fundraiser

Boston punk rock show and fundraising event

Local Boston music blog, Boston Bloghead, presents the 1st Annual Punk ‘N’ Roll BBQ, happening August 4th at O’Brien’s Pub, Allston. The event, which kicks off at 3pm, will feature nine local bands including Dead Cats Dead Rats, A Minor Revolution, The Darker Hues and Cult 45. A portion of the ticket proceeds will go to Rawk Stars, Inc., a non-profit organization that designs and sustains programs in order to foster opportunity and develop life skills for kids through music education, creation and participation.

Ticket price includes free BBQ food and is $12 in advance / $15 at doors. This show is 21+. Come out and support local music and important music-centric organizations such as Rawk Stars Inc.

Full event details, including set times.

The Motion Sick Reunite

"Nerd Rock at its finest." - Spin Magazine, April, 2006.

The Motion Sick (“Best Local Rock Band 2009" in the Boston Phoenix's Best Of issue) reunites for one night only during Parks 7” Release Show at the Brighton Music Hall (Allston) on July 13th.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XIII

Happy July to my favorite audiophiles and alcoholics! A playlist made perfect for your backyard grilling pleasure featuring some recent bands I had the pleasure of seeing in person including Count to Four, Crimes and Await Rescue, and some favorite new songs from Marnie Stern, Said the Whale and The Boxer Rebellion. This month's featured cocktail comes courtesy of Somerville Food Blogger, Culinary Colleen. Turn it up and make yourself a pomegranate cosmopolitan. Because we're fancy and antioxidants are good for us.

Sassy and sophisticated and all about the music.

TT The Bear's Cancels Boyd Rice Show...Puts on Benefit Show for Rosie's Place

Local venue cancels show, replaces with benefit show

Vanyaland.com reported on Wednesday, June 26th, that TT The Bear's canceled Friday’s sold-out Cold Cave show. “The Central Square venue’s management have [sic] raised questions and concerns over the opening act, controversial noise artist Boyd Rice.” Rice, who has been associated with Nazi and Satanic groups, has also spoken out against women’s rights.

In an interview with now defunct Misanthrope Magazine, Rice stated, “I don't think women deserve the same rights as men. I don't think women are on an equal footing with men. I think they're totally different creatures. I think the world operated better when they had less say over how the way things went, had less control.”

Canceled Boyd Rice shows have been trending across the country as many venues recognize the contentious nature and potential hazard of hosting such an individual.

On Thursday, June 27th, TT The Bear’s announced that they will be replacing the canceled show with a Benefit show for Rosie’s Place (a Boston sanctuary for poor and homeless women), featuring The Luxury, Cult 45 and Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling. Support local music and local charity this Friday, June 28th, 8:30pm. No set cover - pay what you can at the door.

This Is New England - A 100% Benefit Compilation

New England bands come together to create a compilation
to benefit brain cancer research and the One Fund.

Earlier this year, Jeff Bernoth, guitarist for Boston punk band, Yo Ticonderoga, lost his mother to brain cancer. During his last few months with her, Bernoth recounts, “[My Mom's] memory got worse and worse, and her language was very limited, but curiously she was able to sing songs she knew from beginning to end.” While working on a project to benefit brain cancer research, the unfortunate events of the Boston Marathon occurred, and in an effort to focus on something positive, This Is New England was created.

This Is New England is a benefit compilation featuring a stacked representation of local punk and ska bands. Every last penny raised from it will be split between the One Fund and the American Brain Tumor Association.

Stream/Buy This Is New England: A 100% Benefit Comp on Bandcamp today.

The bands on the compilation include:

Big D and The Kids Table, Billy Raygun, Borderlines, Brunt Of It, ChokeUp, The Fake Boys, Great Lakes USA, Have Nots, Mr Fahrenheit, The New Warden, Opposition Rising, Poison Ivy League, Peeple Watchin', The Pomps, The Prozacs, Stray Bullets, Trophy Lungs, Weak Teeth, Yale Massachusetts, Yo Ticonderoga.

Await Rescue - Feel Free to Move Up, We're Not Going to Stab You

Velocity, aggression, strong handshakes, Bonnie Raitt, this is a rock show. TT the Bear’s hosted the second installment of Await Rescue Double Shot on Monday night in Cambridge. Introducing the band’s fourth record, Everyone You Know (released April 2013), Await Rescue has been gaining attention, including an impressive eleven week stint on Boston Emissions with Anngelle Wood.

Boston band, Await Rescue, plays a hardy rock and roll set in Cambridge.

Cut It Off - Denim Vests

What do you call an alligator in a vest? An investigator! Jokes. Among the many styles aboard the 2013 fashion train, sits pretty the totally radical 1980's look. Although denim vests are a staple in the punk scene, most common folk are rocking the resurgence for the first time in a long while. Denim vests are hot right now. Like, white denim hot!

Anarchy in the Nordstrom USA

A Week of Music via Instagram

As always, each week in Boston is a tremendous week for music, featuring both local and touring acts. And as always, I try to make it out to every event saved in my Google Calendar. Swear to Dinosaurs, all your shows are stored in my online calendar of organization. Here are a few that I went to.

Support local music, go to more shows

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XII

It's beginning to feel a lot like sprummer. Sometimes warm, sometimes cold, sometimes butt sweat hot. New England, you are a menopausal woman. While Boston is figuring out if it's a spring or a summer, do the porch life thing and make June's ROWYCO playlist your background music to outdoor fun times. And while you're being a bunch of classy kids listening to this extra groovy mixtape, have a Betty Ford. And drink responsibly.

Betty in Barcelona. It's the irony that makes it delicious. (image credit)

Crimes – A Short Burst of Punk Music

New Jersey punk rockers, Crimes,
start off strong in Boston (image credit)

“Has anyone ever seen Fievel Goes West? This song is about that movie. It’s a concept song."

Having already attracted the attention of Punknews and AbsolutePunk with their April stream of "Out in the West", New Jersey punk band, Crimes (ex-Static Radio NJ, Rescuer, Fierce Brosnan), made their Boston debut (and played the second show of their career) at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston on Sunday night during the Banquets record release show. Playing songs off their self-titled EP, released on Black Numbers, Crimes features a bit of pop-punk Nirvana and Jawbreaker swagger. But it was the band’s dedication to an energetic set and engaging banter that hijacked the show…and made the sting the of the cassette tape only release, tolerable. Here’s hoping a 7” is in the works.

Crimes is definitely a band to keep on your radar in the upcoming months. Follow Crimes on Facebook and Twitter as they solidify future tour dates. And purchase their 2013 self-titled EP on Bandcamp.

The Interrobang – Aggressive, Alternative, New

“Current pawns seeking attention of Bishop and Rook - The Interrobang have included an espresso cocktail recipe bribe in this email.” A plethora of chess references Creativity and bribes, that’s all I’m asking.

A little over a month since The Self Proclaimed Rockstars played their final show at Radio in Union Square, Somerville; Johnny, Rjan, Mick, James and Stephen will return as the newly formed, The Interrobang (no relation to ska punk band, Interrobang!?), on May 25th, preforming tracks off their new self-titled EP.

Boston's newest rock and roll band, comprised of veterans within
the music scene, hits the stage with focus and power.

PSA - Always Wear Earplugs

No band is worth losing your hearing over. A package of earplugs cost less than $5 and can be found in the first aid isle of pharmacies. Individual pairs are typically sold at venues and bars. Enjoy music responsibly.

Heyrocco Comes to Cambridge - Ticket Giveaway

Charleston, South Carolina indie rock trio, Heyrocco, is about to bestow some melodic charm onto the Bay State. And you can win a pair of tickets.

South Carolina indie rock trio take Boston on a date,
win tickets.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XI

Rock Out With Your (Memorial) Cocktail Out this May.

Boston native and current Denver, Colorado bartender, Matty Durgin, is creating a memorial cocktail effort for those who lost their lives during the events surrounding Boston Marathon Bombings. The effort is called the "Ward 8 Gesture." Durgin states, "I'm inviting bars all over the country to set aside a few hours to serve Ward 8s (a classic cocktail that originated in Boston) to remember the innocent people who were harmed, the scores of emergency, support, and military staff that descended on Boston to help those in need." Read the original story the Denver Westword Blog. So let's support his cause by drinking a Ward 8 and listening to some good music.

Drink up, it's for a good cause.
Ward 8 cocktails. (image credit)

The Color and Sound – The Kids Just Want to Have Fun

I often point out that a huge downside to a band’s overall experience is the lack of energy needed to compliment their sound during a live performance. Not is the case with Boston area indie/folk/pop band, The Color and Sound. In fact, after the Sunday night O’Brien’s show, I’d say they brought enough dynamism for the next five stationary acts to hit Allston Rock City.

Area college kids might just lose their minds,
The Color and Sound bring a riot of indie/folk/pop sound to Boston.

Drinking My Way Thru OPI

Match your manicure to your drink of choice. Perhaps you are oblivious to the Crayola play-on-word names that OPI has given its products, but I have thought numerous times, "Man, it would be great to be the person who gets to name all these nail polishes." Regardless that my most recent creative claim to fame was describing a sweater as "blue blue". When faced with a wall of indistinguishable shades of pink, I chose Strawberry Margarita. Because, well. I like strawberry margaritas. Here are some more alcoholic aliases for your nail art.

Mimosas For Mr. & Mrs.

The Hate My Day Jobs Are Outta Control

These dapper rockers look like they just left their day jobs, which they apparently hate.

Outta Control by New York garage rock band, The Hate My Day Jobs, is a distorted and adrenaline filled nine track LP featuring the right blend of Fuck Yeah by way of gritty guitars and powerhouse procession.

New York's The Hate My Day Jobs just got out of work, and want to rock out

Rebuilder – One More Time for Watertown

“We’re really excited to be here. I’m from Watertown. It’s been a rough couple of days.” Just 24 hours after the Boston Marathon Bomber suspect was caught, Watertown residents Sal Ellington (vox/guitar), Daniel Carswell (bass) and the rest of Rebuilder hit the stage at The Sinclair in Harvard Square, Cambridge as the opener for The Dead Milkmen (Bowery Boston) on Saturday, April 20th.

Boston punk gets a new pillar of support from
seasoned musicians in one of the most energetic bands
to hit the stage since the days of Drexel. (image credit)

Sweating to White Lung

Face.Blown.Off

Comprised of three pretty ladies and one scruffy dude, Vancouver punk band, White Lung, yelled to a packed and perspiring TT the Bear's Wednesday night in Cambridge, MA. Initial thoughts that come to mind when watching lead singer Mish perform are, unstable, disturbed, really fucking angry.

Vancouver punk band, White Lung, gets fierce during Cambridge show (image credit)

American Thread - Music For A Heavy Heart

American Thread offers middle America folk rock with
Boston area influences

Whether you've lost that one person who was able to steal a piece of your heart or just found yourself sitting at the end of a lonely bar, the songs from American Thread's 2013 album, Killing Days, define the emotional life experiences of the everyman. Like that of Bob Dylan, Billy Bragg and fellow New England singer/song writer Tristan Omand, this Boston folk rock band utilizes the story telling-style of Middle American music and brings it home by including regional landmarks. With poetic lyrics, American Thread emulates that gritty atmosphere of callous covered disparity we associate so well with blue colored communities, and depicts the heavy heart of a worn down soul and the resilience of the working class.

Notable tracks: 4. Wedding Day, 6. Fisherman's Lullabye, 8. Parade, 10. Directions to Heaven

Killing Days is available to stream and as a free download on Bandcamp. Follow American Thread on Facebook and Twitter for upcoming show dates, including Friday, April 12th  at The Tinker's Son in Norwell, MA and May 18th at All Asia Cafe, Cambridge, MA.

Office Whimsy - Color Pop and Block

Whimsy in the office. Color blocking plus contrasting teal and red equals a popping boardroom wardrobe. A dress with a bold color block hem will draw the eyes directly to your thigh area. Balance out your outfit by adding a chunky accent to the neck like this candy inspired statement necklace found on Boston-based online marketplace, Wicked Peacock.

Whimsy at the Office by bishopandrook featuring Jack By BB Dakota Nash Striped Dress at Urban Outfitters

Wicked Peacock The Coral Necklace / Wicked Peacock Turquoise Snakeskin Cuff Bracelet / Jack BB Dakota Nash at Urban Outfitters Striped Dress / ALDO Ina High Heels in Teal / Essie Lollipop Nail Polish / Urban Outfitters Sparkle & Fade Ponte Knit Blazer in Ivory

Fashion Advice For Your Instincts

It's not me, it's you. Letting our viscous lady sides out
to better our wardrobe.

Proud to announce this post won the 2013 20sb Speakeasy Fashion Award!

I heard one of the best pieces of fashion advice while in, of all places, a Forever 21 dressing room. "Look in the mirror and pretend some other girl is wearing this outfit. What is the first thought that comes to mind?"

"Cute."

"Well, there you go."

Huh. Using the innate judgmental and competitive nature of a female to pick out clothes? Genius.

Although lately, "pirate" has been my initial thought when trying new looks (stripes are hard man), I think this instinctual approach is most beneficial in avoiding some potential fashion faux pas.

Human Kitten Articulates Your Feelings in Self-Titled Full Length

I'm a sucker for cover art. Whenever I see an album with a kitten on it, I secretly whisper, "Please be good, please be good", despite the complete disassociation between adorable animals and good music. However, we know not all cat cover art works out. Am I right Fake Asian Rolex? Thankfully I also like Bright Eyes, acoustic guitars and brutal honesty, so naturally I gravitated towards folk punk artist, Human Kitten. 

Human Kitten's 2013 self-titled full length. Adorable and awesome.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol X

It's the big 1-0! Volume X. Special thanks to all featured artists and our livers. In a completely coincidental turn of events, this playlist also probably features the most local area bands including The Stereo State, Nick and the Adversaries, Twin Berlin, Gozu, a throw back with Ringer and some sound bites from Big D and the Kids Table. Sound bites? This chick just got all artsy on your playlist! Oh and we're also drinking Jacked Up Shirleys compliments of Vermont Food Blog, Eat Me.

A Shirley Temple for adults and drunks (credit)

Office Glam - Bold Studs

Glam it up in your work place by mixing season must haves like neon, studs and metallics with classic neutrals. And keep it professional with a 3/4" sleeve blazer and a box pleated skirt.

Glam Rock Office Attire by bishopandrook featuring a Studded Metallic Linen-Blend Blazer

ASOS Ruffle Front Blouse / Forever 21 Studded Metallic Linen-Blend Blazer / Forever 21 Essential Pleated Striped Skirt / Zara Studded Court Shoe with Ankle Strap / OPI Euros Euro / Wet Seal Rhinestone Triangle Epoxy Earring

Warming Up With The Screw-ups

Things I've learned this winter. My neighbors are allergic to shovels, the state of Massachusetts owes me at least $300 in pothole damages, and although drinking a Corona in the snow won't encourage summer to magically appear, it can make you feel warmer. Similar to when you listen to a reggae band like The Screw-ups.

The Screw-ups, Danbury, CT
warm you up during winter months (image credit)

In the Meantime - Those Damn Spacehog Fuckers

"Thank you, we're In the Meantime. From Peabody...up North." A few things. In the Meantime is not named after an early 90's alt-rock song, they hail from the great north(shore), and as their full length album title and trademark mic stand drink holders suggest, this band gets down to business, with zero spillage.

North Shore punk Rock gets down to business

Crossing the Border: Boston Bands Head to Canada for Pouzza Fest

Festival Punk de Montréal 2013! Canadian booking service, L'Écurie (The Stable) will host punk rock in all its poutine covered, French Canadian glory during the 2013 Pouzza Fest, May 17th-19th in downtown Montreal, which features over 150 bands, including several from the Bay State. Along with big name hometown bands such as Big D and the Kids Table and A Wilhelm Scream, several more modest bands will be heading up to the land of hockey and bacon this spring.

Canadian Pouzza Fest to host several
Boston area bands this May

My Vote For State Rock Song

If you haven't heard, Massachusetts is in line for an official rock song. The battle began after fans of The Modern Lovers' ‘‘Roadrunner,’’ a 1970s ode to the joys of driving along Route 128 late at night, launched a social media campaign. Which then prompted a backlash from Aerosmith fans to unfortunately vote in "Dream On". State Rep. James Cantwell has even taken time out of his schedule to be a co-sponsor of the "Dream On" bill. Mr. Cantwell represents Marshfield, MA. Ironically Steven Tyler, Joey Kramer and Brad Whitford own / have owned property in Marshfield. Small world. Like most Julie Kramer fans, I've been walking around thinking "Roadrunner" has been the unofficial state rock song for years. But if we're really going to vote on it, I'd like a few write ins. 

It's a good old fashion battle of the bands! Image Credit

Gilt City Boston Warehouse Sale

It’s time again for the Gilt City Boston Warehouse Sale on Friday, March 8th and Saturday, March 9th at Artists for Humanity. This legendary two-day event features Gilt’s top designer brands—from men’s and women’s fashion to home accessories—at up to 90% off retail prices! Tickets are selling out fast!

Gilt City Boston Warehouse Sale, every fashionista's dream

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. IX

I had a very, 'Why didn't I think of that?' moment while at Thelonious Monkfish in Central Square, Cambridge last weekend. Pomegranate juice and moscato wine. I'm sure it has a name that I can't recall at the moment, so we're just going to go with The Pommo Cocktail. It's 8am, that's as creative as I'm going to get. Rock out with your Pommo cocktail out to the March Playlist.

Office Snacks

While eating trail mix today, a kamikaze peanut went to a place of no return. Doing the truffle shuffle at my desk in hopes I'd start raining snack food didn't help. I'm sure it will reappear at the most inappropriate moment.

Follow me on Instagram

Mod About Kate Spade

I like Kate Spade's flirty, fun style. Regardless if you can afford the brand or not, you can always take a style note from this season's "Well placed bows and sassy-yet sentimental side." See how I've sassed up this little black dress with mod pieces and retro colors.

Kate Spade Mod About You by bishopandrook featuring kate spade

Kate Spade Kiki Shoes / Kate Spade Radio Samira Clutch / Kate Spade Skinny Mini Bow Bangle / Kate Spade Pop Silk Square Scarf / OPI Mod About You

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. VIII

This month I'm celebrating KSAW 2013! KSAW, pronounced (kay-saw), meaning Kristin's Super Awesome Weekend. Having a birthday the day after any holiday is a drag, let alone national date night, Valentine's Day. Never a fan of the impracticality of stale boxed chocolates, I decided to act like a carnivorous celestial star and took over that half of the week, creating my own person Mardi Gras. And no party is complete without a signature cocktail and a phenomenal playlist! Read on to get both.

The New Warden – Crotch Science!

Still Life, The New Warden - Boston, MA

Despite it being cold as fuck at TT The Bear’s in Cambridge, MA on Friday night, the guys of The New Warden collectively brought it during the January 25th RTT Presents show.

Bandcamp Roulette

Discover new music! Most every band has at least one song, if not an EP, on Bandcamp. With a hefty community of unheard / unsigned artists, you can discover a few tracks and sound super trendy cool when talking about a mega obscure garage band from New Brunswick.

Bandcamp Roulette is a game of chance

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. VII

Excuse me, my eyes are up here. I will give you a dollar if you say no one stared at your slimmer green cocktail while you sat at the bar, sipping a Pearl Harbor. I like to order this drink because 8 out 10 bartenders don't know what I'm talking about. Try the Midori melon concoction while you're listening to my January playlist.

Image credit

Alternative Gym Albums

In anticipation of everyone failing at their new year's resolutions mid January, I thought I'd better get this out sooner than later. Aside from my guilty pleasure downloads that I cannot purchase in face to face transactions for fear I will lose all creditability if any were to exist in the first place, I prefer to bust it out at the gym to songs sans Jay-Z and Justin Bieber. Here are my top seven alternative albums for the gym.

Pump up the jam. Pump it up. (image credit)

Boom Said Thunder - Sexy In Person

Front woman, Abby Bickel, of Boom Said Thunder
- Boston Image Credit

An orgy of luxurious vocals, solid base and methodical drumming created a delicious set of lustful adrenaline last night at McGann's Irish Pub in Boston. A cross between Karen O, Grace Slick, and a wet dream, Abby Bickel is a seductively spunky front woman with a set of lungs that would not match such a small frame in any line up. I liked her style, I'm pretty sure we own the same shoes. Performed exclusively in the dark, the audience witnessed a pre climactic buffering of intensity by the self-proclaimed fuzz rock band. A faster, harder, deeper presentation; on the cusp of culmination, the room was drawn into a 'give it all we’ve got' mentality of this truly talented trio. With sultry strutting, sweating drums and the occasional giggle, Boston band, Boom Said Thunder, is a sexy bedroom animal with a microphone. An appropriate band hug, which became infectious with the crowd, completed the forceful set.

As one fan said, "That shit was tight."

"Boom!" EP is available for download on bandcamp. Debut full length, "EXIST", is set to release March 1st, 2013.

Catch Abby, John and Will of Boom Said Thunder, January 11th at Lit Lounge (NYC) and January 23rd at TT The Bears (Cambridge).

The 30 Day Challenge

You know what I don’t do? New Year’s resolutions. I set myself up for failure enough in one day, I don’t need to voluntarily recognize all the things I should accomplish / change / be better at in one year and then make false promises to myself that said improvements will happen in a timely manner. I resolve to not eat this entire bag of trail mix. Fail, every time. Guaranteed disappointment.
I made one resolution a few years ago that I just carry over each January 1^st. Say yes more. It’s so easy to become a reclusive hermit, but if you pound that Red Bull and get out in the world, you’ll be more interesting, meet cool people and realize that you want ticker tape falling from the sky wherever you go.

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