Mass Hysteria - 93 Local Bands Contribute to the Terrible Masshole Mashup

Penalty Kill, Viva La Hop and Krill walk into a bar... Listen to the encompassing 'Masshole'.

Roughly a year in the making, NYC transplant mashup artist Terrible (AKA Max Schaffer) has put the finishing touches on his 20 minute mix comprised entirely of local music; 93 bands, 138 sources, and 1 cameo by Frank Oglesby (the voice of the T) to be exact.

Dropkick Murphys Play Final FINAL (we mean it this time) Beachcomber Show

Hometown heroes Dropkick Murphys announced a return to Quincy, MA to play (yet another) final Beachcomber Show. Rumored forever ago to be closing its doors, the longtime beachfront divebar on Quincy Shore Drive finally confirmed back in August that the 56-year old establishment would cease to exist come the fall. Since then, at least three farewell 'comber shows have been scheduled.

The Dropkicks say:

"We are proud to announce that we will be performing a special show in honor of the closing of the world famous Beachcomber - Quincy in Quincy, Mass. The owners, the McGettrick family, are lifelong friends of Ken’s, and we are honored to be playing the final show there. Only 250 tix will be on sale. Here’s how you can get tickets: 150 tickets will be available online, starting at NOON TOMORROW. 100 tickets will be on sale at the Beachcomber starting at NOON SATURDAY. You can purchase a maximum of 2 tickets. The times for Saturday night are as follows: Doors 7pm - Show 9pm."

Tickets go on sale 12noon Friday 10/2/15. Ticket Link.
The Beachcomber is located at 797 Quincy Shore Drive, Quincy, MA. 

World Premier: Bundles' Streams 2 New Tracks – Exclusively on Mutiny on the Microphone

Listen here first - Bundles premiers two new tracks off upcoming EP.

In anticipation of their sophomore EP, Boston’s indie rock trio Bundles is releasing two new songs; “Dead Reckoning” from their 2015 Converse Rubber Tracks session and “Prisoners” off of the forthcoming EP. The songs will debut this Thursday, October 1st exclusively on Mutiny On The Microphone Podcast. Listen to the band's episode below (for those of you who can't wait, try marks 5:58 and 29:25).

Bundles introduced themselves in the spring of 2013 with their debut self-titled EP; a 4-track collection of tight, lo-fi songs, produced within 10 hours of studio time - available to stream and purchase on Bandcamp. After a string of successful shows opening for bands such as A. Sinclair, Cayetana and Beach Slang, the band returned to the studio (for more than 10 hours this time) to produce their 7-track sophomore EP, recorded, mixed and mastered at Phoenix Down (Somerville) with John Scott and David Age (of Favorite Atomic Hero), set to be released as soon as someone will pay for it. You’ll find that these new songs, while still very much a Bundles record, move the band into a tighter and more polished sound.

Follow Bundles on Facebook and Twitter for additional show and release information.

On a mobile device? Listen here. Catch Bundles live in November:

October 23rd // 8PM // Ticket link

Cuisine en Locale // 156 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA

RTT Presents Masked Intruder and Friends

Featuring Masked Intruder (WI // Fat Wreck Chords), The Copyrights (IL // Redscare Records), Not Scientists, The New Warden, New Grenada and Bundles

Full Track Listing:
1. The Dornishman’s Wife
2. The Glow
3. Prisoner’s Dilemma
4. Oh, Brazil
5. In Like a Lion, out on the lam
6. TKC
7. Normans at the Battle of Hastings
8. Dead Reckoning


Related Stories:
Bundles - S/T EP
Masked Intruder and Friends Announced at Cuisine en Locale

Back to School Sale! Save 20% On Your Bishop & Rook Hoodie

"It's like wearing a kitten." Get your Bishop & Rook hoodie now.

For a limited time, save 20% on your Bishop & Rook burgundy zip-up hoodie. As seen in Rebuilder’s ‘Look What You’ve Done’ music video (below). “One of my best purchases of 2015. This is what you want in a sweatshirt. It hugs you. It’s like a kitten on the inside. It’s like wearing a kitten,” Dave Crespo – WEMF Radio.

Available in slim fit style small thru X-large and regular X-large sizes. Screen printed by ACME Band Supply. On sale for $20 (plus shipping).

Want to avoid shipping costs and experience instant gratification? Head to Charlie’s Kitchen (10 Eliot Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge) this Monday, September 14th during Night #3 of The Boston Scene Party Showcase and purchase your hoodie in person.

►► Shop Now.

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Hometown Throwdown #18 Announced

It's a very Rathskeller Christmas.

“If you weren't there back in the day, here's your chance to get as close to the full Rat experience as we can possibly provide."
-Dicky Barrett

It's officially the end of summer when The Mighty Mighty Bosstones announce the annual Hometown Throwdown. The iconic Boston ska punk band took to Facebook to plug the upcoming 18th edition of the 3-night holiday event taking place at The House of Blues December 26th, 27th and 28th.

The 2015 lineup consists of acts that performed on the stage of Kenmore Square's infamous subterranean Rathskeller club. "We’ll be Throwing Down this year with groups that literally built Boston’s underground music scene while paving the way for future generations and inspiring countless bands including the Bosstones," the band states.

Shows are all ages. Tickets go on sale Saturday, September 12th at 10AM EST via Ticketmaster.

The Lineup:

December 26th

The Mighty Mighty BossToneS
The Neighborhoods
The Upper Crust

December 27th

The Mighty Mighty BossToneS
The Real Kids
The Queers

December 28th

The Mighty Mighty BossToneS
The Outlets
Stranglehold

The Ducky Boys Celebrate 20 Years By Offering Two Special Gifts To Fans

Save 20% on your State Line Records purchase now through 10/31/15 using promo code DUCKYBOYS20.

The Ducky Boys' frontman Mark Lind took to Facebook to announce the 20th anniversary of the Boston-based punk band by offering two special offers for fans. In celebration of two decades of rock, the band is offering a 20% discount on any item in their State Line Records Store. Use promo code DUCKYBOYS20 – offer is good through the end of October 2015.

Secondly, Lind states, “The other thing is a free-bee on me. It's been a decade since the rights to the first two records reverted back to me as owner of the songs and recordings. I had ‘Dark Days’ remastered with bonus tracks and called it ‘Dark Days & Lonely Nights’. I'm never gonna get around to doing anything with it. And if I don't do it then no one will. I think all the guys in that line-up of the band would prefer to know that people are still hearing the music so you can have the remaster [download] for free on our Bandcamp site.” In addition to the remastered version of ‘Dark Days & Lonely Nights’, fans can also score 3 additional B-side digital tracks as a free digital download. The CD version of the record is not free, but again…there’s that 20% off promo code.

Although the band has no plans on a 20th anniversary show, they assure The Ducky Boys are not fading away. “It's been a little over two years since we played a show where we could do a full length set. I suspect it will happen again when the time is right for all of us…Thanks for being there for us all these years. Thanks to all present and past members of the band. You all affected us in one way or another and we're grateful for the piece of the road we shared with you. Mostly.” 

► Head to State Line Records to purchase music and save 20% with promo code DUCKYBOYS20

► Download your free digital copy of the remastered 'Dark Days & Lonely Nights' (does not include CD)

► Download your free digital copy of the 3 additional B-side tracks

Boston Scene Party Showcase - The Scene is in Session This September

Boston music blog networking group, Boston Scene Party, announces the ‘Boston Scene Party Showcase’ – a 3-night, 3-venue event promoting the diverse music in Boston, curated by the people who champion it.

Tied to a Bear, Twin Foxes & Me In Capris at Charlie’s Kitchen 9/14

Bishop & Rook takes over Night #3 of the Boston Scene Party Showcase!

Bishop & Rook is proud to co-host Night #3 of the Boston Scene Party Showcase, happening Monday, September 14th at Charlie’s Kitchen in Harvard Square ($8/21+/9PM). Part of the 3-night, 3-venue affair, Boston Scene Party has collaborated with independent music bloggers, promoters, labels and bands to present a showcase demonstrating our diverse music scene. The scene is in session this September!

Frank Turner is Omnipresent - Will Be at 3 Newbury Comics Locations on 9/26 at 2PM

Where in Boston is Frank Turner?

Singer, songwriter and man who defies logic, Frank Turner will apparently be at three Newbury Comics locations on Saturday, September 26th at 2pm. Per bandsintown.com, Turner will be at both the Faneuil Hall and the Newbury Street locations depending on which copy you're looking at. While Newburycomics.com claims he'll be the Harvard Square store. Newbies does love their Scavenger Hunts.

Regardless, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls will be at the House of Blues in Boston on Friday, September 25th and Saturday, September 26th.'Positive Songs For Negative People' is out now on iTunes and in a store near you.

UPDATE 1:01 PM: We have confirmation that Frank Turner will be at the Harvard Square location (36 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA) on Saturday, September 26th at 2PM. #mysterysolved

Masked Intruder and Friends Announced at Cuisine en Locale

The masked pop punks from Fat Wreck Chords, Masked Intruder, have been announced to play Cuisine en Locale in Somerville on October 23rd along with The Copyrights, Not Scientists, Bundles and The New Warden.

►Get on this before it sells out.

$10 presale / $12 door

Related Stories:
Masked Intruder - Why Chance it, Narragansett

3 Straight Nights of Diarrhea (Planet) in Allston this November

DP coming at you this November in Allston.

Boston music blog Allston Pudding presents three nights of wonderful rock and roll with Nashville, Tennessee's Diarrhea Planet (Infinity Cat Records) at Great Scott in Allston on November 13th - 15th. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 24th. Hands down, one (or 3) of the best live shows you'll go to this year.

Related Stories:

Diarrhea Planet - Not Grandfather Approved

Vanyaland's V:List Limits Your Excuses - Easier Than Ever To Find Local Show Information

Vanyaland introduces the V:List Interactive Event Guide.

Vanyaland just limited your excuses by making it easier than ever to find local show information. The premiere Boston music blog introduced the V:List, Vanyaland’s Guide To Events Around Town, yesterday with a kickoff giveaway to three choice events. Fort Lean at T.T. The Bear’s Place on July 8; Kingsley Flood’s Rock And Blues Cruise around Boston Harbor on July 12; and Boston Magazine’s BestFest at City Hall on July 21.

"The V:List [is] a sharpened look at what’s going on around Boston, reflective of the sights and sounds we cover here in the digital pages of Vanyaland. Our events guide serves two major purposes: To keep you in the loop on relevant artists playing around town, both touring acts and the best of New England, across a wealth of local venues and stages; and to give you, the artist, promoter, or tastemaker, a forum to hype your own upcoming events.," states the website.

Customizable to your musical tastes and open to public submissions, The V:List is built to organize and promote music events happening in and around the city. Hop on over to Vanyaland now to test it out and for a chance to enter and win tickets.

How Vancouver's Hawking Survived a Horrific Car Crash & What Other Bands Can Learn From Them

Catch Hawking at TT the Bear's Monday, June 15th.

Roughly a year and a half ago, Vancouver indie rock band Hawking (formally Tommy Alto) experienced a horrific car crash. With a lineup change, a repositioned musical path and some significant life experiences, the quartet is back on a massive 3-month North America tour, supporting the upcoming release of their S/T EP (pre-order here) and stopping at TT the Bear’s tonight (6/15) with local support from I/O, Today Junior and Speed Trials. 18+, $8, 9PM showtime (Facebook event page).

With stories of van crashes littering the pages of music websites annually, we talked with vocalist and guitarist Tom Vanderkam about his experience and what advice he can provide to other touring bands.

A Midsummer Night's Dance Party. The Pill Returns For A Reunion Weekend

Dance your heart out Boston. The Pill returns for a reunion weekend.

Big news. Huge news you guys. The Pill Boston, the city's finest indie dance party, returns this summer for two nights of modern indie bliss. Rejoice in the resurrection Friday, August 14th as DJ Ken & Michael V spin the best in Britpop and beyond, then stick around for a rare Saturday session, August 15th, as The Sons & Heirs (A Tribute to The Smiths & Morrissey) take the Great Scott stage. Dress to impress.

Ticket info to come. RSVP to the Facebook event page to get update notifications.

Related Stories:
The Pill Turns The Lights On For Good

The Underground Railroad to Candyland AND Toys That Kill Come to Allston

June 21st and 22nd at O'Brien's Pub. Tickets available now.

Humble, local music hub, O’Brien’s Pub, has some excellent news. The Underground Railroad to Candyland AND Toys That Kill will be playing back to back nights in Allston Rock City’s premier dive bar venue thanks to the mad booking skills of Ryan Agate.

Converse Rubber Tracks Contest: Enter to Win a Chance to Record at One of Twelve Iconic Studios

Register for your chance to win. Deadline is 6/24/15.

Converse Rubber Tracks is providing emerging artists, bands, and musicians of all genres the rare opportunity to record at the some of the most iconic recording studios across the globe.

Scruffy the Cat Announced as Part of TT the Bear's Farewell Blowout Showcase

1980’s staple rock ‘n’ roll Boston band Scruffy the Cat has been announced for final night of TT the Bear’s 8-night Farewell Blowout showcase on July 25th. Tickets to be released soon. Event details. Visit TT's concert calendar for up-to-date show information.

Scruffy the Cat played out from 1984 through 1990. The band reunited in 2011 for a few shows in the Boston area, with the initial show being arranged as a benefit concert for cancer-stricken lead singer, Charlie Chesterman*. Chesterman passed away in November of 2013 after losing his battle with colon cancer, he was 53.

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scruffy_The_Cat

Regina Pizzeria Parent Company Files For Bankruptcy

Historic Regina Pizzerias files for bankruptcy (image credit)

Earlier this afternoon, Boston Globe* dropped a bomb that Regina Pizzeria parent company (Boston Restaurant Associates Inc.) filed for bankruptcy in federal court Wednesday (5/20).

In addition to 17 Regina Pizzerias, including the historic North End location (established in 1926), Boston Restaurant Associates also owns two Polcari’s Italian Restaurant locations in Saugus and Woburn.

The decision was said to have been made based on changes in sales, high leases and operating costs.

It is reported that the Regina Pizzeria locations in Allston and at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut are operated by other companies that license the Regina name, and are not expected to be affected by the bankruptcy.

Read the full story at www.bostonglobe.com

*Originally reported by Dan Adams

#BandcampRoulette – Your American Math

Bandcamp Roulette, the radio edition.

That time when you turned on the radio to catch the bridge of a song you’ve never heard before. Shazam could not help you, the internet vaguely knew what you were talking about, but your perseverance uncovered one, lonely and borderline defunct MySpace page. With just two tracks to entertain your new obsession, your success was bittersweet and you began to mentally sift through your list of college radio station connections who could possibly burn a copy of your new favorite record of songs you haven’t listened to yet.

Athens, Georgia 5-piecee Your American Math made a record 'Motors Into The Drink' in 2003. That record has a 10:04 song called “Annual Headache Drive”. 88.1FM WMBR has been playing it sporadically since its release date twelve years ago. And we now know what love is.

“Your American Math delve into Radiohead tunefulness as much as they do the Slint workouts. Intermittent traces of Omaha folk are juxtaposed with the jazzy weirdness of Karate…On a track like the stunning, exhausting "Annual Headache Drive," the band's careful craftsmanship truly pays off,” Stein Haukland – www.ink19.com

  anual headache drive from your american math on Myspace.

Gone Punk Rocking, Be Back Never - Converse Presents Free All Ages Residency at The Sinclair

Enter for a chance to win tickets. Registration starts Monday 4/20/15.

For five nights, Converse Rubber Tracks Live is taking over The Sinclair in Cambridge. Each night, local Boston bands who have recorded at a Converse Rubber Tracks recording studio will open for a line-up of internally recognized artists including The Replacements, The Descendents and Slayer.

“In anticipation of Converse’s momentous move from North Andover to Boston, we wanted to bring our Converse Rubber Tracks music platform to the city in the most incredible way possible,” said Jed Lewis, Converse Global Music Marketing Director. “The city of Boston has always supported us and this free, five-day concert series featuring local artists is our way of showing our gratitude and appreciation to the residents who continue to embrace Converse as part of the community.”

You can register for a chance to win tickets to one of the five shows. (We're rooting for Night #1 with The Replacements, Dinosaur Jr. and local favs The Young Leaves.) Tickets will be distributed at random. Starting noon, Monday April 20th, pick your two favorite nights, cross your fingers and think positive thoughts by registering at www.converse-music.com/boston. Winners will be notified via email by Wednesday, April 22nd.

► View the full lineup.