If It's Too Loud...

In what sounds like a dream pairing, ET of Van Buren Records and Haasan Barclay have teamed up for a new project. Bell Biv Barclay is a seven song release that doubles as an homage to fellow Boston greats New Edition, Bell Biv Devoe, and Bobby Brown. The songs have a modern sound and production, and reinterpret the 80's and 90's sound of that trio of artists through a modern lens. It's wildly creative and interesting, but we wouldn't expect anything less from ET and Haasan Barclay. I can't think of another time that anyone has released anything that is this nostalgic while also being this progressive. Bell Biv Barclay is the kind of release that will have you trying to decide between dancing and just listening with your mouth agape. Both are fine choices, and you'll definitely be doing both at various points while listening. By the time you get to "EVEN," this is going to end up one of your favorite listens of the year. ET says of his latest release: “...

Photo by @mark.j.allen81 Nostalgia can be a weird thing. If you had asked me if I was a Stereo MC's fan, I would have said that I knew "Connected" but wasn't really a fan. When the British electro hip hop pioneers announced a short run of US dates, their first in twenty-four years, I instantly wanted to go. When I pulled them up on Spotify before the show, I was floored by how many of their songs I remembered and loved. I was prepared for a fun night of nostalgia, and thought the show would be okay to good. I was wrong. Stereo MC's were phenomenal live. Even the songs I was unfamiliar with hit me with a sense of nostalgia, but even aside of the nostalgia factor, they were great. Somehow these songs that were well over thirty years old didn't sound dated at all. This is a band of people in their sixties, and they attacked the stage with an energy people a third of their age lack. The show was an absolute party, and if you only remember them from "Connected...

As much as I love curated shows, I also love shows that ignore all genres and throw three completely unrelated bands on a bill together. An all ska band show can get boring, same as four or more punk bands. Saturday night was one of the most wildly diverse three band shows I've ever seen, featuring Haasan Barclay, Tysk Tysk Task, and Regals.  According to their Facebook profile, Regals are "New England's finest Country Rock band." Even if they are not the very finest, they are certainly up there. They land smack dab right in the middle of country and rock, which makes them one of the better examples of alt-country in the region. Their sound is between The Deslondes and early Deer Tick. They seem to specialize in mid-tempo ballads that are just a showcase for their sound. It's a great combination of gruff vocals, pedal steel guitar, and rock guitar solos. Seriously, check out their song "Fresh Pack," and you won't be disappointed. Coming up next was t...