What's A Girl Gotta Do For A Record Release Show?

From snow storms to shit shows, Atlantic Thrills will finally get to play their Record Release Show.

Man, Atlantic Thrills can't catch a break. First, the Providence, RI garage surf band’s Record Release show was canceled due to the impending February 15th snow storm. Now, in light of the Great Tasty Burger Debacle during a 2/22 Eye Design show, the band’s rescheduled date happening this Friday (2/28) and co-presented by The Boston Hassle, Treat Yo Self and Eye Design, will to need change venues.

OMG IKEA? WTF!? Expedit Discontinued. Internet Explodes

The Mayans were wrong! The end of the world is now!

IKEA's recent announcement sent vinyl message boards, and German Facebook fan pages, into a flurry of OMG-level panic when the some-assembly-required particleboard furniture giant proclaimed the minimalistic shelving unit, EXPEDIT, would be discontinued. The Mayans were wrong! The end of the world is now! With a roughly 13.25" opening, this cubic bookshelf was an ideal storage solution for 12" records, and a much prettier option than milk crates.

Fear not! Per IKEA spokesperson Janice Simonsen and The Huffington Post, a replacement has been promised. The KALLAX (or the Expedit 2.0) "has the same internal sizes and uses the same internal fittings," and features rounded edges presumably to be more child-friendly, if you're into that sort of thing.

However, if you're a purist and a sucker for straight lines, don't worry. Like most IKEA products, the Expedit will likely continue to be found among it's various Swedish cousins in the used furniture section of Craigslist. Fun fact, if you push your driver's seat alllllll the way to the front, one 4X2 section of the Expedit fits PERFECTLY in a 2012 Honda Fit. You know, if death by airbag to the throat isn't a deal breaker.

We hope you like change...

Just for fun, Google "IKEA Expedit Panic"

#BandcampRoulette

If you're in the mood for some instrumental math rock, let us point you in the direction of Newport, Rhode Island band, Maslow. "Blue Above and Below" off their 2014 EP Tangents features the New England duo jamming through the highs and lows of the genre's signature time changes and complexity. The 7-song EP is available for free (at a name your price donation) on Bandcamp now. Head to Facebook to keep up with future Maslow tour dates.

Play Bandcamp Roulette.

Submit Your Band to "A Fat Wreck" Punk-U-Mentary Soundtrack

Via The Dying Scene, Boston's ska punks, Big D and the Kids Table, are among the bands set to feature songs on the upcoming “A Fat Wreck” punk-u-mentary. A contest is now open for you to submit your band to be featured on the physical and digital Fat Wreck Chords Tribute compilations, and one grand prize winning band to be featured in the documentary itself.

Per the official "A Fat Wreck" website, "Pretty much any bands that submit a quality track will be on the digital release of the tribute comp! [within reason]. It will have links to your social and be a great way to showcase your band to the "Fat Wreck" Loving community," while the physical version will be limited to a handful of spots. Voting starts March 1st.

Get full submission details here.

The Dirty Looks at TT the Bear's 2.17.14

February Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out band, The Dirty Looks, (formally Emerson) will be at TT the Bear's in Central Square, Cambridge tonight (2.17.14) along with America Verse and Landing Feet First.

According to a recent interview with Green Line Records, The Burlington, MA indie rock band will be putting a new record sometime in March. Right now, you can download their contribution to the 2013 Fairgrounds / The Dirty Looks split for free on Bandcamp.

Birhday Bash Thank You!

The prettiest O'Brien's Pub has ever looked (image credit)

A blizzard couldn't stop this show! Despite rapid snowfall, the kids came out to O'Brien's Pub in Allston for Bishop And Rook's Flirty Thirty Birthday Bash with Shambles, Rebuilder, Laureate (Montreal) and Save Ends. Click through to the bands' Bandcamp pages to stream and download music.

2014 Rock 'N' Roll Rumble Early Bird Full Boat Tickets Now Available

Get on the boat. 9-night passes for the 35th Annual Rumble are on sale now.

Special Announcement!

The 2014 Rock ‘N’ Roll Rumble Early Bird Full Boat Special! A limited amount of 9-night passes, good for every night of the 2014 Rumble are on sale now.

Beginning April 6th, twenty-four local bands will battle it out at TT the Bear’s in Central Square, Cambridge for the crown during the 35th Annual Rock ‘N’ Roll Rumble, hosted by Anngelle Wood and WZLX.

Get your Full Boat pass today!

Have a Crushed Out Valentine's Day

Special 24-hour only free download of Crushed Out's "Sweaty Dress" single.

For 24-hours, the rock n' roll surf blues duo, Crushed Out, will be offering a free download of their single, "Sweaty Dress", on Bandcamp in honor of Valentine's Day. The Brooklyn band will be in the area on March 29th at The Press Room in Portsmith, NH.

Download "Sweaty Dress" now.

Message from the band:

"Happy Valentine's Day! We are celebrating with a FREE DOWNLOAD of our slow dance love song Sweaty Dress. It will be available for the next 24 hours only. Enjoy! XOXO - Franklin & Moselle."

Pre-Order Somos' 'Temple of Plenty' Today

Temple of Plenty will be available March 25th. Pre-order your copy today!

In case you missed it, Boston’s Somos premiered their new single “Dead Wrong” off of Temple of Plenty (Tiny Engines) on Pitchfork yesterday (2.11).

"’Dead Wrong’ literally bounces, its elasticity derived from the drumming, which is deceptively complex and solid, but also the rhythm of Fiorentino's lyrics,” states Tiny Engines. The fluidity of the new single certainly showcases the thoughtful advances in sound, from aggressive, rollercoaster punk on the 2012 Demo EP to the joyriding indie rock previewed on the soon-to-be-released LP.

The debut full length record will be available on March 25th and you can pre-order it over at Tiny Engines on yellow with blue and orange starburst (limited to 105 copies), opaque teal (limited to 130 copies), transparent gold (limited to 150 copies) and traditional black vinyl now (limited to 215 copies).

Swing by Bandcamp to download the band’s 2012 four-song Demo EP for free.

Somos will be on tour with labelmates Save Ends this spring. Follow Somos on Facebook for additional information on the new record and show updates.

Somos / Save Ends Spring Tour
APR 12 - Albany, NY @ The Icehouse
APR 13 - Rochester, NY @ Bug Jar
APR 14 - Cleveland, OH @ Now That’s Class
APR 15 - Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
APR 16 - Flint, MI @ TBA
APR 17 - Pittsburgh, PA @ The Roboto Project
APR 18 - Doylestown, PA @ Siren Records
APR 19 - Copiague, NY @ The Wood Shop

Bishop And Rook at WMBR Cambridge - Hashtag No Swearing

DJ Jeff Breeze working. Kristin creeping. Follow Bishop And Rook on Instagram!

From podcasts in January to FCC regulated radio in February, Bishop And Rook is making the rounds on the airwaves!

Our friend DJ Jeff Breeze over at WMBR's local music show Pipeline! was nice enough to let use hang out Tuesday night, talk shop, promote the Bishop And Rook Flirty Thirty Birthday Show happening February 15th in Allston, and let said Birthday Show band, Save Ends, jam out live on air. Hashtag No Swearing. Hashtag Muffins.

We had a blast playing Rebuilder, Shambles, Choke Up, The Okay Win, M.G. Letterman and not actually knowing what to do in a professional radio station.

Listen to the February 11th show over at the official Pipeline! website, follow them on Facebook and Twitter, and tune into 88.1FM (Cambridge/Boston) or listen online every Tuesday from 8p-10p for the newest music coming out of the New England area.

Bishop And Rook's Flirty 30 Birthday Bash

You have been formally invited...so that pretty much means you have to come.

Big news music fans! Ryan over at RTT Presents was nice enough to let me put my name all over his February 15th show. I couldn't think of a better way than to spend my 30th birthday than at my favorite Allston hang with some of raddest bands in town (and Canada).

#BandcampRoulette

Montreal emo band, Laureate, creates movie soundtrack magic with the title track off their 2013 EP Leave a Light On. Head to Bandcamp for a free digital download or purchase the EP on vinyl for $10 and see them live at O'Brien's Pub in Allston on February 15th.

Play Bandcamp Roulette.

Patrick Simas - Sweaty Acoustic Folk Punk From Southeastern, MA

Patrick screams punk songs at bars and in basements and we like him.

From the depths of the South Shore comes the lion-hearted, iron-willed Patrick Simas, a one-man show of oi, punk and acoustic bar songs, and he’s ready to bleed and break some strings.

The Okay Win Release New Single, "Reaction"

Stream The Okay Win's new track, "Reaction" on Soundcloud

Boston's The Okay Win is back on the scene and excited to share the first track off Nothing’s Not Moving, the anticipated follow up to the 2012 EP, Leveled, scheduled to be released early this spring.

“Reaction” continues the band’s emotional, indie rock sound into the New Year. Follow The Okay Win on Facebook for additional release details and show dates.

Keep the Boston Compass Alive

For $2 a month, you can help keep the Boston Compass alive.

The relatively viral and low cost nature of the internets may have snuffed out the Zine Era, but in true Boston underdog fashion, independent music newspaper, The Boston Compass (a monthly newspaper navigating you to underground, above ground and all around awesome happenings in the Greater Boston area), continues to supply the masses with local music news and events. However, tied to a shoestring budget, the Compass needs your help.

Boston's Whiskey Soaked Honky Tonkers, Civil Warblers

Yee haw.

Leave your studded denim jacket at the door, As Built PR presents the whiskey soaked honky tonk of Civil Warblers at O’Brien’s Pub on Thursday, February 6th along with Old Soul (ME), Vundabar and Derek Teichert.

From the depths of the hipster-saturated streets of Boston comes the Americana twang of Civil Warblers, a folk punk country quartet that has as much internet obscurity as a cowboy hat in Allston.

Mosey on over to Bandcamp for a free download of their 2011 Songbirds of Northern Aggression record and then pull up a stool at OBs for a taste of something different. You need a little rockabilly every now and then. *Note. Drinking whiskey not mandatory but highly suggested. Doors at 8PM, 21+, $7.

We Love Us Some Record Release Shows!

You want some records with that shake?

Boston bands are bestowing onto the town a whole mess of new records this month. Like a debutant’s Bar Mitzvah covered in cheap beer, there’s a rock and roll coming out party almost every week.

#BandcampRoulette

Vermont's July 26 Movement turns you inside out with their experiment noise rock via the 9 minute and fifteen second track "Who Becomes A Terrorist And Why" off of their 2013 S/T EP (State & Main Records). You can grab the 5-song record on Bandcamp for free at a 'name your price' download.

Play Bandcamp Roulette.

M.G. Lederman Has a Story to Tell With 'I'm Ghosts'

M.G. Lederman's I'm Ghosts record release show happens February 19 at TT the Bear's.

Driven by penetrating piano chords and gruff vocals, M.G. Lederman’s I’m Ghosts (Midriff Records) is a composition of confessions and memories, injected with wry humor, resulting in a seemingly hopeless narrative by way of Tom Waits fashion.

February Record A Day #Instagram

Hashtag fun times. Record A Day continues into February.

The vinyl community came together for thirty-one days to show off the best-of-the-best in categories like “Compilation/Soundtrack”, “Collection of an artist” and “More than two colors”, allowing people some serious bragging rights on Instagram. Part enlightening camaraderie, part daily one-upmanship, record collectors filled the photo sharing social network with prized wax possessions. And it's happening all over again beginning February 1st.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XX

We're spritzing in the month of love with cocktails, playlists and self promotions.

We can count up to made it to XX! We ❤ music, especially local tracks from bands like The Appreciation Post, The Dirty Looks, Vundabar and Old Gray. And to prove our undying affection, we are tri-hosting a show on February 15th with RTT Presents and Refuse Rethink Rebuild Records featuring Shambles, Rebuilder, Save Ends and Save Ends' Canadian counterpart, Laureate from Montreal.

To toast the fresh tracks on this February playlist AND the upcoming Bishop And Rook’s Flirty Thirty Birthday Show, try an Aperol Spritz submitted by Jay over at Boston music blog, Clicky Clicky Music.

The Middle East Is Not Ready To Retire

Co-owner Joseph Sater explains the family’s idea to keep the Middle East Nightclub open. (image credit)

The Boston Metro reported today that the fine folks at the Middle East Nightclub “aren’t ready to retire and close the Middle East.”

The Middle East co-owner Joseph Sater discusses the club’s positive plans to develop a 100-unit residential expansion atop the Central Square complex, including a sound-buffering gallery floor, rooftop common space and a possible deal with the city to provide scooters or bikes to reduce the additional traffic these units could bring.

The fate of the Middle East has been up in the air since the property owner passed away late last year. The potential loss for this historic music venue that houses three night clubs, two-family style restaurants and a restaurant/lounge sent the local scene into a frenzy and community sounding boards such as the Facebook group Save Our Scene began to organize in an attempt to support the club's ongoing existence.

Read the full story reported by Linda Clarke of the Boston Metro on page 9. Visit the official Middle East website for upcoming shows and information about its restaurants.

The Appreciation Post Comes Back With 'Slip Away'

Worth the wait. The Appreciation Post comes back with Slip Away EP

Boston's power-pop-punk band, The Appreciation Post, is celebrating the release of their highly anticipated 6-song EP Slip Away on Friday January 31st at TT the Bear’s in Cambridge and you’re invited!

Things Are Starting To Get Real

Follow Bishop And Rook on Instagram so we can get love notifications!

Oh man, things are starting to get real around here! Our very first show is happening on February 15th at O'Brien's Pub in Allston and features some of our very favorite Boston bands including Shambles, Rebuilder and Save Ends as well as an international guest band, Laureate from Montreal. Check out these cool flyers we made!

Who knows, if this show goes over well, RTT Presents and Refuse Rethink Rebuild Records might let us have another three way tri-host another show and feature EVEN MORE BANDS. Think about it.

It's my birthday man, come hang out! View the official Facebook event page for show details!

Boston Calling Announces 2014 Lineup

Someone found the golden ticket! (image credit - Twitter user @brandnewrockfan)

Boston Calling got all interactive with Bostonians last night as the three-day, two-stage festival planted hidden vinyl records around town that would reveal the highly anticipated lineup of the May 2014 event. Music lovers deciphered a list of riddles including "Don’t pound the pavement too hard, just go where you can find a few beans and there is bound to be a hipster scene" and "Follow the flavors and the beats of the east and your hunt can come to a cease. Watch that clock and think indie rock".

After the official Boston Calling website waved the flag last night, alerting the masses to begin braving the 16 degree weather in search of vinyl, social media notifications of lineup announcements began buzzing and an official announcement video was tweeted from the event's account around 8:40 this morning. Tickets for the event will go on sale January 31st.

The May 2014 lineup includes Jack Johnson, Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Brand New, The Head & The Heart, Tegan & Sara, Bastille, Jenny Lewis, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, The Neighbourhood, Phosphorescent, Built To Spill, Kurt Vile, Walk Off The Earth, Warpaint, Cass McCombs, The District, Tigerman Woah!, and Magic Man.

New Music - Salita Hits the Scene with Vibratious Force

Assaulting audiences with organic, loud and epic rock anthems.

For many locals, the moniker, “Kicked in the Head”, brings back nostalgic feelings and miscellaneous shenanigans of the young, wild and evolving Boston music scene of the late 90's and early 2000's.

After three records and a nine-year hiatus, KITH singer, Gary Hedrick, has returned to front the new rock outfit, Salita, with the help of bassist Peet Golan (Waltham), guitarist Rich Crimlisk (The Morgan Knockers) and drummer Eric Taranto (Dysentery). This four-piece reaches back to the old school punk/post-hardcore sounds of the DC era while assaulting audiences with organic, loud and epic rock anthems that turn the senses inside out.

Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling Premieres "Episode 15: The Girl Who Was Death" Video

Moral of the story, don't go out drinking with Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling

Boston’s Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling released a new music video last week for "Episode 15: The Girl Who Was Death” (originally premiered on boingboing.net). If you’re new to the game, DNFMOMD has been on a quest to write and record 17 songs, each one based on and inspired by an episode of the '60s cult sci-fi TV series, The Prisoner.

WMBR's Pipeline Has A Special Announcement to Make

WMBR's Pipeline scheduled to play a special broadcast at a special time

WMBR’s Pipeline, a weekly two-hour broadcast dedicated to unearthing the “newest and localest” tunes New England has to offer, broadcasted from the MIT campus and hosted by the man, the myth, the legend, DJ Jeff Breeze, has a special announcement to make.

#BandcampRoulette

Here's a little jam by Boston's Só Sol that's as quaint as the snow on your windowsill. "A Good Place" off the band's 2012 Bereavement EP is as coffeehouse as we can get. For the love of wax, someone put them on vinyl! Catch Só Sol with Somerville's horror-surf rock outfit, Beware the Dangers of a Ghost Scorpion, next Monday (1/27) at Zuzu for a free Monday night show.

Play Bandcamp Roulette.

Dressing for the Scene 101

Turn off your computer right now.

It has come to my attention that this article is in desperate need of being written. Ladies, consider this an intervention.You’re doing it wrong.

Blackbutton Premieres New Single "AM Clouds PM Sun"

Blackbutton at TT the Bear's during their Single Release show 1.17.14 (image credit)

Boston rock trio, Blackbutton, thrashed the stage (figuratively and literally) with their distorted set of originals and a nearly indistinguishable cover of Nirvana's "Breed" last night during their Single Release Show at TT the Bear's in Cambridge. As part of the Stripper Series, a set of singles corresponding with 1960's stripper Polaroids, the band premiered a turbo boost of adrenaline via "AM Clouds PM Sun".

The guys plan to release at least five songs in the series according to drummer, Justin Emile, but like any creative process, the project depends on inspiration. "AM Clouds PM Sun" first premiered on Boston music blog, Vanyaland, the morning of the show and is an addition to Blackbutton's diverse musical portfolio.

Sign up for the Blackbutton mailing list to gain VIP access to new singles as they are released, and head to the band's Facebook page to download their first two singles in the Stripper Series, "Still Kids" and "Canopy" for free.

Day Drinkers & Parents Rejoice! There's A Show For You!

All ages matinee punk show = No excuse to miss this show

There are a few matinee shows happening in Boston the next few Saturdays for all you earlier risers / day drinkers, including an all ages punk show on 1/18 and a family friendly Rock n Romp on 1/25.

Blackbutton Single Release Show - January 17th

Blackbutton Single Release Show. We're dying to see who the next stripper is.

In mid-December, Blackbutton spent a day at Q Division Studios for Converse Rubber Tracks Boston and recorded their third single from the Stripper Series. To celebrate its release, the band is putting on a show with friends The Year Million, Jessica Prouty Band, and A Wish For Fire. Join in and get your free copy of the single :Friday, Janu:ary 17th at TT The Bear's Place in Central Square, Cambridge. (Set times can be found on TT's website). This show is $10, 18+, 8:30pm doors. For additional details, view the official Facebook event page.

Taking Back Sunday Releases New Song "Flicker, Fade"

Taking Back Sunday has released the first single, "Flicker, Fade," off their anticipated sixth studio album, Happiness Is (Hopeless Records), which will be available for purchase on March 18th. "Flicker, Fade" can purchase on iTunes today. Happiness Is will be the band's first record in three years. After several lineup changes, the band reprised the original Tell All Your Friends lineup of Adam Lazzara, John Nolan, Eddie Reyes, Shaun Cooper and Mark O'Connell in 2011 to record their self titled album. 

#BandcampRoulette

The beautiful and haunting sounds of Center of the Sun (NC), a band rumored to be on permanent hiatus via the abundance of exaggerated Facebook finale posts, lives on in the Bandcamp directory. “Cease” off of their 2012 record, Machine Gun, is a melancholy mixture of Metric and Mazzy Star. The entire record is reminiscent of Julee Cruise (Twin Peaks) and the beautiful multicolored splatter vinyl is still available for purchase at Self Aware Records.

Play Bandcamp Roulette.

“Courtesy Moans” Makes My Lady Bones Tingle

Allston's Lady Bones is the next band to put on your radar.

See what I did there? Back in September, Allston indie rock band Lady Bones collaborated with local experimental rock band, Horsehands, to release a 4-song split. Side note, if gremlins made music, I’m certain it would sound something like Horsehands’ contribution.

Hold/Transfer Premier Music Video for “Spoken For”

Boston shoegaze dreampop band Hold/Transfer, side project of American Thread's Michael Taggart, premiered a new music video for single, "Spoken For". The haunting song serves as a soundtrack to this homemade-style video of the quintessential dream girl next-door. Check out more tracks from Hold/Transfer on Soundcloud and follow the band on Facebook for information on the upcoming release of the band's first full-length and release show.

The Hotelier Announce 2014 US Tour with osoosooso

Boston It Band, The Hotelier, recently announced a 2014 US Tour with osoosooso to support the release of their upcoming full-length record, Home, Like No Place Is There (available for pre-order on Tiny Engines). The indie record label recently released two tracks off the anticipated February album.

Bishop And Rook on Nick Burka On The Music

Bishop And Rook featured on Nick Burka On The Music

Bishop And Rook recently infiltrated the folk, soul and bluegrass Boston music blog, Nick Burka On The Music, to bring the influence of indie rock! Hashtag networking. Read about the upcoming The Color And Sound show happening January 31st with The Appreciation Post and get educated on Nick's adventures on his side of the Boston music scene.

Bishop And Rook Guest DJs the 'Break Out Bands of 2014' Podcast For Mutiny on the Microphone

Tune into Boston podcast, Mutiny on the Microphone, for music
and informative tidbits about the local scene.

Oh geeze, someone let us talk on the radio.

Kristin discusses her predictions for breakout Boston bands of 2014 in this week’s Mutiny on the Microphone podcast!

We must be doing something right because Adam over at Mutiny and the Microphone was nice enough to let me stumble my way through a list of eleven bands that blew my mind in 2013 and can only get bigger in the New Year. I promise, only one kitten tangent. Not too shabby for our first podcast appearance.

Boston Bands Announced for 2014 SXSW Festival

The SXSW Festival rocks Austin, Texas March 6-17

Bent Shapes, Gentlemen Hall and Mean Creek among the Boston bands announced for the 2014 SXSW Festival happening March 6-17 in Austin, Texas.

Visit the official SXSW site for additional event details.

South by Southwest (SXSW) Music and Media Conference, the world's leading music industry event, offers attendees the opportunity to explore the future of the music industry during the day at panels, talks, the Trade Show, Music Gear Expo and other conference activities at the Austin Convention Center. At night, the absolute best mix of musical performances from over 2,200 regional, national and international acts take place at the SXSW Music Festival. Altogether, SXSW presents unmatched networking opportunities, career-building conference programming and over 100 stages of music for showcasing bands and conference attendees. SXSW Music is now in its 28th year.

We're Featured on Blog Better Boston's {hub}LINKS Roundup!

What What! Bishop And Rook's January Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Playlist is featured on Blog Better Boston's 2014 {hub}LINKS Roundup. This month's theme is "everything new", including the new songs of Boston bands such as Kurt Von Stetten, Sarah Rabdau & The Self Employed Assassins, Slowdim and Rebuilder. Plus a deserving Chamboard Mimosa.

Calling All Ruffians. Rough Francis to Shoot Video for "Not a Nice Guy"

So you wanna be in a music video? Vermont soul punks, Rough Francis, put out an all call for extras to fill the room during an upcoming video shoot for "Not a Nice Guy" off of their 2013 LP, Maximum Soul Power. Director Mark Covino (A Band Called Death) will be behind the camera at North End Stuido, Burlington, VT, on Saturday, February 15th.

The Objective: To pack the space with as many people as possible and have a wild rock show. "We encourage crowd surfing and friendly slam dancing throughout the set. We also want to encourage people to wear their favorite punk band tees, especially local band tees. This will be our opportunity to show the rest of the world that there is a thriving underground scene in Burlington VT. Please join us."

According to the official Facebook event page, Rough Francis will not mime to their own music, they will actually play live (you might just hear the same song a few times).

This event is all ages and BYOB (because VT is awesome). Show time is at 9pm, Free 294 North Winooski Ave. Burlington, VT.

Old Gray Premieres Acoustic Version of "I Still Remember Who I Was Last Summer"

In late December, New Hampshire post hardcore screamo band, Old Gray, premiered a stripped down, acoustic version of "I Still Remember Who I Was Last Summer", off of the 2013 record An autobiography, available on Bandcamp as a name your price download. The band is currently on tour Boston punks Lovechild. Follow Old Gray on Facebook and Twitter for additional information.

24 Bands. 9 Nights. 1 Crown. The 2014 Rock 'n' Roll Rumble Dates Announced

2014 dates for the 35th Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble have been announced! Soon to be revealed bands will be invited to compete for the coveted Champion title at TT the Bear’s in Central Square, Cambridge on Sunday, April 6, with six preliminary nights to follow. 24 bands from Boston and New England will take part. Band selection has been underway and invitations go out in January.

#BandcampRoulette

From the band that gives us the killer line, "Broken hearts under flannels," brother/sister duo Great Thunder's (PA) Can't Turn Her Head is your Sunday morning Bandcamp Roulette pick. Stream/purchase their whopping 23-track avant-garde record, Groovy Kinda Love, today.

Play Bandcamp Roulette.

Record Store Score - NKOTB

Total score at Armageddon Records in Harvard Square (image credit)

We may have waited 15 minutes in the snow for a bus to drive us to a record store...but it was obviously worth it. New Kids on the Block 'You Got It (The Right Stuff)' 12" version, 7" version AND the instrumental track for all you karaoke fans out there. Follow Bishop And Rook on Instagram for more pictures of vinyl as we participate in the #JanuaryRecordADay post-a-thon.

Studio 52's Capital Idea - Allston Rock City Hall

Allston's premiere practice space announces capital idea with future venue space, Allston Rock City Hall.

Studio 52, Allston’s warehouse-turned-artist-space, known to house some of today’s best and brightest bands including Mellow Bravo, The Field Effect, Big D and the Kids Table, and over 100 more, is just about a few months out from getting that much more in tune with the Boston music scene with the addition of an in-house performance space called Allston Rock City Hall (ARCH).

Positioned as a facility that is an inspiring, clean, and positive environment for artists and musicians to perfect their craft, Studio 52 is run by artists, for artists.

General Manager and Owner Rich Anton, and Director of Operations Glenn Michael decided upon the idea, the way so many of us achieve epic epiphanies, over drinks. Initially, ARCH will operate as a private event hall, sans the sale alcohol or public admission, in hopes to someday acquire a state liquor license. In the meantime, Studio 52’s Allston Rock City Hall is the ideal setting for private parties to art galleries, rock shows to sponsored events.

Bands interested in renting spaces at Studio 52 can swing by their website. Follow the organization on Facebook and Twitter for ARCH updates.

Read the original article written by Steph Hiltz of the Boston Globe (1.2.14).

Faces In The Floor - Self

Local independent label Electric Lighthouse Recordings releases the hard rock sounds of Faces In The Floor with the new EP, Self. Recorded over a two-day period in the now defunct Rosebud Bar & Grill, Self is the most recent recording from Electric Lighthouse.

Boston-based Faces In The Floor is a hard rock quartet, formed in 2009. In 2010, the band recorded and released a 5 song EP, A Conflict Of Time, and wrote and recorded their debut full-length album, Bones, at Lionsgate Studio in Boulder, Colorado in 2011.

Self is available for purchase on Bandcamp for $3. Check out other releases from Electric Lighthouse at electriclighthouserecordings.com. Follow Faces In The Floor on Twitter and Facebook for additional information including show dates.

31 Days of Vinly on Instagram

Show off your vinyl

Like most fake internet challenges, I said no to this until I started reading the list and thinking of all the records I'd pick. So needless to say, my #1 is up. What are you listening to? The best part of this Instagram post session is reading all of the narratives from the other vinyl lovers using the hashtag #JanuaryRecordADay.