Originally a 'Google Buzz' reply
@kieran.fallon@gmail.com @timklateriser@gmail.com @clare.bruff@gmail.com @jessierosenstock@gmail.com
OK, so this is worth the re-type.
Right when I first started working here at the Middle East, Kieran and I split the door duties for Jonathan's shows (another 3 night stint) @mideastclub Upstairs.
Jonathan is very private and hates computers and cell phones! God bless him for that, it must be how he maintains his cool!
Before the show, Jonathan hands me a hand written guest list and says "Here's my list...and if someone thinks they are on the list, (but aren't) please don't make them feel uncomfortable...just let them in!"
Show starts, I rip 194 tickets and (all of his shows sell out in advance, he prefers the intimacy and the history of the room at the Middle East Upstairs). By the way, I was also told that The Saters would take care of Jonathan after the shows were over "Next Week". No large checks or cash was being transacted this evening. This is the kind of honest family business that I work for. Very romantic and cool and old school show biz.
The Marquee reads, according to contract:
"LIVE! ON STAGE Jonathan Richman featuring TOMMY LARKINS on the drums!"
The show happens, as it has a thousand times before on stages across the world.
200 people are transported to a vineyard in the south of France for an hour and a half as Jonathan soothes everyone's souls.
After the show, I count and recount the till. I count and recount the door money. I fill out my paperwork (as I will come to do a thousand more times!). I imagine my office a smokey room, like a noir detective novel. There was probably no smoke, but Jonathan had turned on only one light in the room for mood. Here it is happening, as I write this I still cannot believe this to be true! This is a distant dream. A foggy memory, yet I can taste the air. I feel not excitement, in fact, I feel a calm warm spiritual experience as Jonathan Richman was LIVE! in the office playing his guitar and singing. He is playing for himself I am sure, but I was his only audience. I can honestly say this was one of my fondest memories of my life, my job, of music, and of the experiencing something greater than myself.
Yesterday, as I was typing this out (attempt #2!) I got distracted. I had a DJ gig at another bar. Here I was at another desk, 6 years later, putting my required mp3 set list on my iPod. This time in the office, it's before Jonathan's set, and I found myself with my eyes closed, my hands across my stomach, fingertips touching (thumb to thumb, index to index, ect.), breathing, eyes closed. It's just the two of us and it's happening again. The feeling was familiar, welcome, Zen, spiritual, and relaxing.
Then, as I had a thousand times before, I closed my laptop, disconnected my iPod, and slithered out the door. I felt like I was intruding on his warm up time, I had basked in his moment for exactly how long I needed to. I did not say goodbye but my smile is lasting through to this moment. — Clay S. Fernald, February 20, 2010 1:21 AM
Man...or Astro-Clay?
Man...or Astro-Clay?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Middle East Downstairs
A Benefit for the Victims of the Haiti Earthquake
ONCE BELOVED
MONGREL
FERAL CHILDREN (from Seattle)
MEAT HAMMER
DJ CLAY N. FERNO
18+ $10 minimum donation
*NOTE: 7pm Doors
********************
ONCE BELOVED
Escaping from the depths of hell, this five piece metal outfit from Western MA has come to tear out your soul and hurt your feelings. Well crafted songs that range from punishing to melodic will make you want to buy us pizza and beers after the show. Get ready for our full length mixed by (peter wichers, soilwork) coming feb. 2010.
Artist Website: http://www.myspace.com/oncebeloved
********************
MONGREL
Rock n’ roll circa 2009 is becoming an increasingly predictable affair, so, whenever a band comes along refusing to fit the mold, it usually doesn’t go unnoticed. Case in point, Boston’s Mongrel – vocalist Drew Barker, guitarist Adam Savage, bassist Rev, and drummer Ed Loguercio. Formed with the belief that "punk" was more than a fashion requirement, Mongrel was born in 2003 in Eastern Massachusetts, quickly leaving their mark on both the local and national music scene.
They have been included in "5 Bands to Watch" (Hippo Press, March 2005) and "5 Bands to Discover" (Hippo Press, November 2005). Mongrel has also been featured in Revolver magazine’s “Raw Talent” section (Nov. 2005), and was cited in Metal Edge magazine as “the hardest working band in Boston” (Jan. 2006). Feburary 2008 found Mongrel in Metal Edge once again, as well as featured on their monthly sampler cd alongside Ozzy Osbourne and Cradle of Filth. In September 2008, Mongrel was the featured "Underground Buzz" artist on Loudside.com.
Mongrel's first full length album "Fear, Lies, & Propaganda" was re-released by Screaming Ferret Wreckords/ Locomotive Records / Ryko Distribution on April 8th, 2008. The album featured such standout tracks as “Bound to Crash,” “Dyslexic Alchemist (Fucked it all away),” “No Gods, No Masters,” and especially “West Memphis Hell,” the latter of which focuses on the highly controversial West Memphis 3 case.
Following up the critically acclaimed "Fear, Lies, & Propaganda" cd, Mongrel has released their new 5 song EP entitled "Revenge" in October 2009, with their new full length CD "This Means War" due out in early 2010. "Revenge" was recorded by Tim Koukos (Nuclear Assault, Meliah Rage) at SFW studios in Manchester, NH and was mixed by Jeff Wallace (Biohazard, Pro-Pain, End of an Era) at Entrolab Studio in Toms River, NJ and is already garnering great reviews from fans and critics alike. Mongrel guitarist Adam Savage states, "the EP is a great way to introduce the steps forward we've taken with the new recordings that we've been working on this year, and gives a taste of what's to come on the new full length album "This Means War". Savage also makes clear that all of the songs on "Revenge" are exclusive to this EP and will not be on the upcoming full length cd, stating, "We wanted to keep the EP as something special for the fans and not make them re-buy the same songs when the new album comes out."
Balancing old school punk intensity, and metal aggression, with hard rock hooks and riffs, Mongrel is a hungry, young rock band ready to take on the world. The recordings are only part of the equation though, as Mongrel live is an equally unforgettable experience. “Once we're on stage, it's no holds barred with the always possible risk of injury with 3 people up front in near constant motion. It's high energy, intense, fun, and interactive. Fans can expect a band that is always willing to hang out and chat, as we are all music fans too, and are always eager to talk to the bands that we love, so it is very important for us to interact with anyone who wants to at our shows or online.”
More extensive touring throughout the US and overseas is in the plans for 2010 to support the release of "Revenge" and the upcoming new album "This Means War".
"If anybody knows about musical car crashes it's me! Mongrel embodies all that is great about punk rock. Their music sweats pure angst, driven by an audible destruction that is in rare form these days. And then there's the live show....wear a helmet!" — Piggy D., bassist, Rob Zombie
“Mongrel is hands down the hardest working punk rock machine in New England. With their aggressive work ethics, high-energy live shows and pure dedication to the mission, Mongrel's latest release "Fear, Lies, and Propaganda" will surely bring them to new levels of much deserved success. Even nuclear war could not stop these guys....check them out!” — Joe O’Brien, Owner, Rat Pak Records
"Mongrel go for the throat quicker than the bastardized canine from which they sequester their Hancock. The sobriquet under which they banner their aural beatings could not be more fitting. Plus, I hear they eat babies." — Argyle Goolsby, Blitzkid
“Mongrel take the DIY ethic of Black Flag, the anthems of the Misfits and throw a low slung Les Paul on it like Gn’R!” — Acey Slade, Trashlight Vision, ex-Dope/Murderdolls
"Mongrel will bite you, then kick your ass musically in a way that you are going to love." — Shred, WBCN, local music director
Artist Website: http://www.MongrelBand.com
********************
FERAL CHILDREN (from Seattle)
"Brand New Blood represents a new chapter in Feral Children's inevitably long career, one that shows them really coming into their own. It's a journey that you'll definitely want to be a part of." — Pop Apocalypse
"Feral Children has always been a band unrestrained. It has allowed them to shine where others would merely crumble or die. Survival of the fittest. In Brand New Blood, Feral Children is integrating into society.
The beast is becoming domesticated, but that wild side is far from gone." — FensePost
"Seattle band Feral Children have been pounding out spooky visions on local stages for a few years now, developing a percussion-heavy repertoire of dark indie rock that I’ve declared on more than on occasion is destined Pitchfork-dom sooner or later. The band’s 2010 effort Brand New Blood via Sarathan Records only strengthens that suspicion and showcases a group that’s had some time to really grow up to their own expectations." — Sound on the Sound
Not long ago, a group of genuinely backwoods dudes from the country moved to Seattle and began playing shows that burned with primal intensity and soared with pop sensibility. They called themselves Feral Children—a wholly appropriate name for a bunch of wild boys from rural Maple Valley, WA—and were ready to stake their claim in Seattle’s celebrated music scene. And when they arrived, they adamantly let it be known they would not be playing any of the following: “fucking California pop”; “classic rock covers”; or “shitty indie pop.”
Instead, Feral Children would be making their music—music from the Pacific Northwest. When they released their 2008 debut LP, Second to the Last Frontier, bassist Jim Cotton proudly stated: “It actually sounds like the first Northwest record that I’ve heard in 10 years.”
And it didn’t take long for them to catch the ear of KEXP FM and the local press, who jumped all over this debut with rare and unanimous praise: "will undoubtedly be heralded as one of [the year's] best" (The Stranger), "the future is now for the Feral Children" (John Richards, KEXP), and even "Perfect, absolutely perfect" (Seattle Sound Magazine).
In a city known for “hey-no-worries” politeness, there are countless interviews in which local indie rockers come off like glad-handing chimps toward their peers, often hiding their real opinions under a veil of niceness. The boys in Feral Children, however, have been ready to separate themselves from the pack and to claw their way to the top if need be, and they don’t seem to care who gets scarred along the way; "Yeah, we live in Seattle, but only because we have to." In fact, they would prefer the soggier and stranger outskirts of town.
Luckily, they haven’t had to claw too hard to get attention; they’ve perked the ears of many on the strength of their music and the visceral ferocity of their live shows. And if Brand New Blood is any inkling, they’re set to garner even more acclaim, well beyond the hemline of the Cascade Mountain range they call home.
Like their last album, Brand New Blood contains music that evokes Feral Children’s home territory—sprawling, chilly, vast, strange, and, at times, violently stormy.
Comparisons have been made to another great Northwest concern, Modest Mouse, and that comparison is not without merit. But after listening to Brand New Blood, it’s obvious Feral Children share more in common with Modest Mouse philosophically than musically. The fact that they are from Maple Valley, WA, and not the big shitty of Seattle, has cemented their outsider status and shapes every lick of music they play. They also share that band’s mournfulness for nature—as natives of the Washington hills, these Feral Kiddies have watched Mother Earth raped time and again by greedy developers. They don't approve of excessive wealth and would likely have no idea what to do with the wads of cash this album stands to earn them. To some, their perspective may be askew—but they are proud of it and don’t feel like conforming to anyone’s standards. Why should they? They’re from the real Washington State, so fuck you.
Take a listen to the album’s centerpiece, the colossal “Conveyer”, in which the band’s wonderfully wonky perspective of society is on full display. “This world is like a video game controlled by lonely boys with attention deficit disorder,” sings Jeff Keenan in a huffy manner that suggests total exasperation with everyday life. The song eventually erupts into full-throttle Arcade Fire-like pounding with Keenan frothing and barking the lyrics: “The milk calls the coffee black/ and Mother Nature’s getting so fat!”
Scott Colburn produced this album, and his ability to push a band into the stratosphere is all over Brand New Blood. This sucker is all about atmosphere; specifically, the Pacific Northwest woods featured in Twin Peaks or Twilight. In fact, the band doesn’t sound like they are playing in a studio at all. The cold blankets of synthesizer (“Kid Origami”), the tooth-clattering percussion that sounds like the breaking of bones (“Castrato”), the volatile guitars (“Enchanted Parkway”)—this album feels as if it were recorded along the banks of the Green River Gorge at 3 a.m. in the middle of January.
The legion of hyphen-wielding indie rock critics will likely be compelled to draw parallels between Brand New Blood to Lonesome Crowded West. But that would be a lazy comparison based on little more than geography. A deeper listen will reveal that while there are philosophical similarities, Feral Children are on to a whole other trip musically, one that feeds off of isolation and loneliness, the ghosts of their working-class pasts and the awkwardness of trying to fit in to Seattle’s hyper self-aware music scene. Desolate as it may sound, though, it’s obvious they are happy to have each other for company. Fucked up individuals they may be, but they seem to understand each other and speak fluently through their music. Feral Children are proud to stand together as a pack: defiant, dysfunctional, and outsiders to the core.
Artist Website: http://www.myspace.com/feralchildrenseattle
********************
MEAT HAMMER
Artist Website: http://www.myspace.com/meathammer
********************
DJ CLAY N. FERNO
Clay N. Ferno of the punk rock and roll band Wild Zero is steps into the fifth dimension to assemble his playlists. Clay's DJ sets run the gamut from hip hop to punk to 90s rock and roll bands. Ghostface Killah's 'Goner' into Urge Overkill's 'Sister Havana' anyone?
Artist Website: http://www.google.com/profiles/claynferno
********************
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
The Middle East is also on:
http://www.mideastclub.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/themiddleeast
Facebook: FB
Follow us on Twitter for On Sale dates: http://twitter.com/mideastclub
Last dot fm: http://www.mideastclub.com/lastfmportal.htm
Flickr - Join The Pool!: http://flickr.com/groups/mideastclub/pool/
Yelp! - Please leave a review!: http://tinyurl.com/mideastclubyelp
Feedback? Please email: meinfo@mideastclub.com
Our Restaurant Menu: http://www.mideastclub.com/MEmenu/MEmenu.html
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
*Best Rock Venue, Best Hip-Hop Venue, Best Tattooed Bouncers, Best Middle East Restaurant, The Boston Phoenix Best '09
*Best Mid-Sized Music Venue,Boston's Weekly Dig Awards 2008
*2008 Winner, Boston's Best Rock Club, Improper Bostonian
*Best of Citysearch, 2008 Nightlife Winner, Audience Voted Best Music Venue
*Best Live Music Venue 2008, Citysearch
*Best Club for Rock 2004-2007, Boston Phoenix
*Best Hip-Hop Club, Boston Phoenix
*Best Mid-Sized Music Venue 2005-2007, Boston's Weekly Dig
*Best Live Music Venue, WBZ's A-List
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
The Middle East Downstairs
A Benefit for the Victims of the Haiti Earthquake
ONCE BELOVED
MONGREL
FERAL CHILDREN (from Seattle)
MEAT HAMMER
DJ CLAY N. FERNO
18+ $10 minimum donation
*NOTE: 7pm Doors
********************
ONCE BELOVED
Escaping from the depths of hell, this five piece metal outfit from Western MA has come to tear out your soul and hurt your feelings. Well crafted songs that range from punishing to melodic will make you want to buy us pizza and beers after the show. Get ready for our full length mixed by (peter wichers, soilwork) coming feb. 2010.
Artist Website: http://www.myspace.com/oncebeloved
********************
MONGREL
Rock n’ roll circa 2009 is becoming an increasingly predictable affair, so, whenever a band comes along refusing to fit the mold, it usually doesn’t go unnoticed. Case in point, Boston’s Mongrel – vocalist Drew Barker, guitarist Adam Savage, bassist Rev, and drummer Ed Loguercio. Formed with the belief that "punk" was more than a fashion requirement, Mongrel was born in 2003 in Eastern Massachusetts, quickly leaving their mark on both the local and national music scene.
They have been included in "5 Bands to Watch" (Hippo Press, March 2005) and "5 Bands to Discover" (Hippo Press, November 2005). Mongrel has also been featured in Revolver magazine’s “Raw Talent” section (Nov. 2005), and was cited in Metal Edge magazine as “the hardest working band in Boston” (Jan. 2006). Feburary 2008 found Mongrel in Metal Edge once again, as well as featured on their monthly sampler cd alongside Ozzy Osbourne and Cradle of Filth. In September 2008, Mongrel was the featured "Underground Buzz" artist on Loudside.com.
Mongrel's first full length album "Fear, Lies, & Propaganda" was re-released by Screaming Ferret Wreckords/ Locomotive Records / Ryko Distribution on April 8th, 2008. The album featured such standout tracks as “Bound to Crash,” “Dyslexic Alchemist (Fucked it all away),” “No Gods, No Masters,” and especially “West Memphis Hell,” the latter of which focuses on the highly controversial West Memphis 3 case.
Following up the critically acclaimed "Fear, Lies, & Propaganda" cd, Mongrel has released their new 5 song EP entitled "Revenge" in October 2009, with their new full length CD "This Means War" due out in early 2010. "Revenge" was recorded by Tim Koukos (Nuclear Assault, Meliah Rage) at SFW studios in Manchester, NH and was mixed by Jeff Wallace (Biohazard, Pro-Pain, End of an Era) at Entrolab Studio in Toms River, NJ and is already garnering great reviews from fans and critics alike. Mongrel guitarist Adam Savage states, "the EP is a great way to introduce the steps forward we've taken with the new recordings that we've been working on this year, and gives a taste of what's to come on the new full length album "This Means War". Savage also makes clear that all of the songs on "Revenge" are exclusive to this EP and will not be on the upcoming full length cd, stating, "We wanted to keep the EP as something special for the fans and not make them re-buy the same songs when the new album comes out."
Balancing old school punk intensity, and metal aggression, with hard rock hooks and riffs, Mongrel is a hungry, young rock band ready to take on the world. The recordings are only part of the equation though, as Mongrel live is an equally unforgettable experience. “Once we're on stage, it's no holds barred with the always possible risk of injury with 3 people up front in near constant motion. It's high energy, intense, fun, and interactive. Fans can expect a band that is always willing to hang out and chat, as we are all music fans too, and are always eager to talk to the bands that we love, so it is very important for us to interact with anyone who wants to at our shows or online.”
More extensive touring throughout the US and overseas is in the plans for 2010 to support the release of "Revenge" and the upcoming new album "This Means War".
"If anybody knows about musical car crashes it's me! Mongrel embodies all that is great about punk rock. Their music sweats pure angst, driven by an audible destruction that is in rare form these days. And then there's the live show....wear a helmet!" — Piggy D., bassist, Rob Zombie
“Mongrel is hands down the hardest working punk rock machine in New England. With their aggressive work ethics, high-energy live shows and pure dedication to the mission, Mongrel's latest release "Fear, Lies, and Propaganda" will surely bring them to new levels of much deserved success. Even nuclear war could not stop these guys....check them out!” — Joe O’Brien, Owner, Rat Pak Records
"Mongrel go for the throat quicker than the bastardized canine from which they sequester their Hancock. The sobriquet under which they banner their aural beatings could not be more fitting. Plus, I hear they eat babies." — Argyle Goolsby, Blitzkid
“Mongrel take the DIY ethic of Black Flag, the anthems of the Misfits and throw a low slung Les Paul on it like Gn’R!” — Acey Slade, Trashlight Vision, ex-Dope/Murderdolls
"Mongrel will bite you, then kick your ass musically in a way that you are going to love." — Shred, WBCN, local music director
Artist Website: http://www.MongrelBand.com
********************
FERAL CHILDREN (from Seattle)
"Brand New Blood represents a new chapter in Feral Children's inevitably long career, one that shows them really coming into their own. It's a journey that you'll definitely want to be a part of." — Pop Apocalypse
"Feral Children has always been a band unrestrained. It has allowed them to shine where others would merely crumble or die. Survival of the fittest. In Brand New Blood, Feral Children is integrating into society.
The beast is becoming domesticated, but that wild side is far from gone." — FensePost
"Seattle band Feral Children have been pounding out spooky visions on local stages for a few years now, developing a percussion-heavy repertoire of dark indie rock that I’ve declared on more than on occasion is destined Pitchfork-dom sooner or later. The band’s 2010 effort Brand New Blood via Sarathan Records only strengthens that suspicion and showcases a group that’s had some time to really grow up to their own expectations." — Sound on the Sound
Not long ago, a group of genuinely backwoods dudes from the country moved to Seattle and began playing shows that burned with primal intensity and soared with pop sensibility. They called themselves Feral Children—a wholly appropriate name for a bunch of wild boys from rural Maple Valley, WA—and were ready to stake their claim in Seattle’s celebrated music scene. And when they arrived, they adamantly let it be known they would not be playing any of the following: “fucking California pop”; “classic rock covers”; or “shitty indie pop.”
Instead, Feral Children would be making their music—music from the Pacific Northwest. When they released their 2008 debut LP, Second to the Last Frontier, bassist Jim Cotton proudly stated: “It actually sounds like the first Northwest record that I’ve heard in 10 years.”
And it didn’t take long for them to catch the ear of KEXP FM and the local press, who jumped all over this debut with rare and unanimous praise: "will undoubtedly be heralded as one of [the year's] best" (The Stranger), "the future is now for the Feral Children" (John Richards, KEXP), and even "Perfect, absolutely perfect" (Seattle Sound Magazine).
In a city known for “hey-no-worries” politeness, there are countless interviews in which local indie rockers come off like glad-handing chimps toward their peers, often hiding their real opinions under a veil of niceness. The boys in Feral Children, however, have been ready to separate themselves from the pack and to claw their way to the top if need be, and they don’t seem to care who gets scarred along the way; "Yeah, we live in Seattle, but only because we have to." In fact, they would prefer the soggier and stranger outskirts of town.
Luckily, they haven’t had to claw too hard to get attention; they’ve perked the ears of many on the strength of their music and the visceral ferocity of their live shows. And if Brand New Blood is any inkling, they’re set to garner even more acclaim, well beyond the hemline of the Cascade Mountain range they call home.
Like their last album, Brand New Blood contains music that evokes Feral Children’s home territory—sprawling, chilly, vast, strange, and, at times, violently stormy.
Comparisons have been made to another great Northwest concern, Modest Mouse, and that comparison is not without merit. But after listening to Brand New Blood, it’s obvious Feral Children share more in common with Modest Mouse philosophically than musically. The fact that they are from Maple Valley, WA, and not the big shitty of Seattle, has cemented their outsider status and shapes every lick of music they play. They also share that band’s mournfulness for nature—as natives of the Washington hills, these Feral Kiddies have watched Mother Earth raped time and again by greedy developers. They don't approve of excessive wealth and would likely have no idea what to do with the wads of cash this album stands to earn them. To some, their perspective may be askew—but they are proud of it and don’t feel like conforming to anyone’s standards. Why should they? They’re from the real Washington State, so fuck you.
Take a listen to the album’s centerpiece, the colossal “Conveyer”, in which the band’s wonderfully wonky perspective of society is on full display. “This world is like a video game controlled by lonely boys with attention deficit disorder,” sings Jeff Keenan in a huffy manner that suggests total exasperation with everyday life. The song eventually erupts into full-throttle Arcade Fire-like pounding with Keenan frothing and barking the lyrics: “The milk calls the coffee black/ and Mother Nature’s getting so fat!”
Scott Colburn produced this album, and his ability to push a band into the stratosphere is all over Brand New Blood. This sucker is all about atmosphere; specifically, the Pacific Northwest woods featured in Twin Peaks or Twilight. In fact, the band doesn’t sound like they are playing in a studio at all. The cold blankets of synthesizer (“Kid Origami”), the tooth-clattering percussion that sounds like the breaking of bones (“Castrato”), the volatile guitars (“Enchanted Parkway”)—this album feels as if it were recorded along the banks of the Green River Gorge at 3 a.m. in the middle of January.
The legion of hyphen-wielding indie rock critics will likely be compelled to draw parallels between Brand New Blood to Lonesome Crowded West. But that would be a lazy comparison based on little more than geography. A deeper listen will reveal that while there are philosophical similarities, Feral Children are on to a whole other trip musically, one that feeds off of isolation and loneliness, the ghosts of their working-class pasts and the awkwardness of trying to fit in to Seattle’s hyper self-aware music scene. Desolate as it may sound, though, it’s obvious they are happy to have each other for company. Fucked up individuals they may be, but they seem to understand each other and speak fluently through their music. Feral Children are proud to stand together as a pack: defiant, dysfunctional, and outsiders to the core.
Artist Website: http://www.myspace.com/feralchildrenseattle
********************
MEAT HAMMER
Artist Website: http://www.myspace.com/meathammer
********************
DJ CLAY N. FERNO
Clay N. Ferno of the punk rock and roll band Wild Zero is steps into the fifth dimension to assemble his playlists. Clay's DJ sets run the gamut from hip hop to punk to 90s rock and roll bands. Ghostface Killah's 'Goner' into Urge Overkill's 'Sister Havana' anyone?
Artist Website: http://www.google.com/profiles/claynferno
********************
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
The Middle East is also on:
http://www.mideastclub.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/themiddleeast
Facebook: FB
Follow us on Twitter for On Sale dates: http://twitter.com/mideastclub
Last dot fm: http://www.mideastclub.com/lastfmportal.htm
Flickr - Join The Pool!: http://flickr.com/groups/mideastclub/pool/
Yelp! - Please leave a review!: http://tinyurl.com/mideastclubyelp
Feedback? Please email: meinfo@mideastclub.com
Our Restaurant Menu: http://www.mideastclub.com/MEmenu/MEmenu.html
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
*Best Rock Venue, Best Hip-Hop Venue, Best Tattooed Bouncers, Best Middle East Restaurant, The Boston Phoenix Best '09
*Best Mid-Sized Music Venue,Boston's Weekly Dig Awards 2008
*2008 Winner, Boston's Best Rock Club, Improper Bostonian
*Best of Citysearch, 2008 Nightlife Winner, Audience Voted Best Music Venue
*Best Live Music Venue 2008, Citysearch
*Best Club for Rock 2004-2007, Boston Phoenix
*Best Hip-Hop Club, Boston Phoenix
*Best Mid-Sized Music Venue 2005-2007, Boston's Weekly Dig
*Best Live Music Venue, WBZ's A-List
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Duncan Wilder Johnson podcast interview, The Noise November 06
Duncan Wilder Johnson Podcast interview! The Noise 11/06
My first podcast and magazine feature!
No ipod needed. A computer will do.
This link has a player!
http://claynferno.podomatic.com
Promoting his new record(s)
RSS:
http://claynferno.podomatic.com
http://www.thenoiseboard.com/podcasts/podcast.rss
From the NOISE magazine, November :
Workaholica:
An Interview with Duncan Wilder Johnson
about His 3 CD set with Destruct-a-thon, Kill It All Away, and Spoken Word
Destruct-A-Thon: Es Muerto
Kill It All Away
Duncan Wilder Johnson has a Short Guy Complex: Spoken Word IV
by Clay N. Ferno
Duncan Wilder Johnson is a hyper-motivated writer, performer, musician, and photographer. He is releasing a brand new 3-CD set this month that encompasses and celebrates his many talents. The first CD is his fourth spoken word CD, the second is his sophomore effort with his heavy metal outfit Destruct-a-thon, and the last CD is his other band, a two piece, Kill it All Away which features special guest vocals from such notable local and national super throats Jet from Sam Black Church, Keith Smith of C60, Jonah Jenkins from Only Living Witness, and Chico of Closed Casket.
Releasing a new record is a daunting enough task. Duncan is releasing 3 records, all with never before heard material. He's outdoing himself and inspiring others in the process. Every box set has been hand assembled by the artist, as it is an unusual package. The DIY ethos is strong with this one, but the presentation is as professional as a major label production.
It's a labor of love. The box looks great, and what is inside is what really counts.
I spoke with Duncan the other day, and we recorded this interview that appears as a podcast on http://thenoiseboard.com.
The podcast includes tracks off of each record......
My first podcast and magazine feature!
No ipod needed. A computer will do.
This link has a player!
http://claynferno.podomatic.com
Promoting his new record(s)
RSS:
http://claynferno.podomatic.com
http://www.thenoiseboard.com/podcasts/podcast.rss
From the NOISE magazine, November :
Workaholica:
An Interview with Duncan Wilder Johnson
about His 3 CD set with Destruct-a-thon, Kill It All Away, and Spoken Word
Destruct-A-Thon: Es Muerto
Kill It All Away
Duncan Wilder Johnson has a Short Guy Complex: Spoken Word IV
by Clay N. Ferno
Duncan Wilder Johnson is a hyper-motivated writer, performer, musician, and photographer. He is releasing a brand new 3-CD set this month that encompasses and celebrates his many talents. The first CD is his fourth spoken word CD, the second is his sophomore effort with his heavy metal outfit Destruct-a-thon, and the last CD is his other band, a two piece, Kill it All Away which features special guest vocals from such notable local and national super throats Jet from Sam Black Church, Keith Smith of C60, Jonah Jenkins from Only Living Witness, and Chico of Closed Casket.
Releasing a new record is a daunting enough task. Duncan is releasing 3 records, all with never before heard material. He's outdoing himself and inspiring others in the process. Every box set has been hand assembled by the artist, as it is an unusual package. The DIY ethos is strong with this one, but the presentation is as professional as a major label production.
It's a labor of love. The box looks great, and what is inside is what really counts.
I spoke with Duncan the other day, and we recorded this interview that appears as a podcast on http://thenoiseboard.com.
The podcast includes tracks off of each record......
CMJ!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD
THE MIDDLE EAST SHOWCASE at CMJ
with special guests to be announced!
12:00 Pilot to Gunner (fr. NYC)
http://www.myspace.com/pilottogunner
11:00 Frank Smith (fr. Boston)
http://www.myspace.com/franksmith
10:00 Nous Non Plus (fr. NYC)
http://www.myspace.com/nousnonplus
9:00 Faces On Film (fr. Boston)
http://www.myspace.com/facesonfilm
8:00 Wild Zero (fr. Boston)
http://www.myspace.com/wildzero
Doors 7:30pm.
Ticket Price: $10 (CMJ badge-holders get in free)
UNION POOL
484 Union Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 609-0484
http://www.myspace.com/unionpool
http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&hs=Dgy&lr=&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=union+pool&near=Brooklyn,+NY&cid=0,0,15502105343305389038&ll=40.714946,-73.951772&spn=0,.02&iwstate1=form:to&iwloc=A&f=d&daddr=484+Union+Ave,+Brooklyn,+NY+11211,+USA&sa=X&oi=local&ct=directions-to&iwloc=A
Parking is on-street only and under the BQE. (Please pay attention to the signs as we don't want anyone to get towed.
OR take the L train to Lorimer
THE MIDDLE EAST SHOWCASE at CMJ
with special guests to be announced!
12:00 Pilot to Gunner (fr. NYC)
http://www.myspace.com/pilottogunner
11:00 Frank Smith (fr. Boston)
http://www.myspace.com/franksmith
10:00 Nous Non Plus (fr. NYC)
http://www.myspace.com/nousnonplus
9:00 Faces On Film (fr. Boston)
http://www.myspace.com/facesonfilm
8:00 Wild Zero (fr. Boston)
http://www.myspace.com/wildzero
Doors 7:30pm.
Ticket Price: $10 (CMJ badge-holders get in free)
UNION POOL
484 Union Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 609-0484
http://www.myspace.com/unionpool
http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&hs=Dgy&lr=&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=union+pool&near=Brooklyn,+NY&cid=0,0,15502105343305389038&ll=40.714946,-73.951772&spn=0,.02&iwstate1=form:to&iwloc=A&f=d&daddr=484+Union+Ave,+Brooklyn,+NY+11211,+USA&sa=X&oi=local&ct=directions-to&iwloc=A
Parking is on-street only and under the BQE. (Please pay attention to the signs as we don't want anyone to get towed.
OR take the L train to Lorimer
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Life is Great!
It was a pleasure to see the Hazzards yesterday!Hazzards myspace
So, Work is good, the band is awesome, we have the lineup situated to just the 4 of us now. We haev so many shows I dunno where to start!
First show in NYC this month! YAY!
Not much of an update, but things are going smoothly, now if I can only figure out how to pay my rent on time!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Thursday, April 27, 2006
I hope I never loose MY wallet!
KEATON ROCKS!! KEATON
So, I was all like "People forget that I am THE MOST POPULAR GUY IN BOSTON." and then I saw this post!
When Eric took that picture, it was late at night and after a couple of tequila shots, I wondered how my hair would "hold up." Stealing my roommate's products aside, the wallet is FANTASTIC. Now, if and when you see some boozebag douchebag with HIS OWN FACE sticking outta the back pocket of his black Dickies, ask yourself..."Is that him, the most popular guy in Boston?" or "How do I get myself on the cover of Boston's premier weekly?" Your answer might be..."Gotta go add some friends," or, alternatively, "I'm glad I didn't have to go to that friend adding extreme for some cheapo press coverage!"
If you enjoy THE PHOENIX, or local 'celebrites' or any one of the bands the Pheonix features regularly, I suggest BUYING a wallet from this true sweetheart in Arlington, MA for 8 Bucks (cheap!). Your ego pays you back for it, in the long run!
BUY YOUR OWN!
Friday, April 21, 2006
STITCHES! Briefly Returns!
STITCHES!
STITCHES! returns with
IRONHEAD [ Rock and Roll from West Virginia and ex-CANDY SNATCHERS! ]
THRILLRIDE ( Boston Rock and Roll Damnations! )
CAPITAL RADIO ( Punk and Rock From a TOWER IN THE HEART OF BOSTON! )
My PERSONAL email is claynferno A T NO SPAM GMAIL DOT COM
Web/Profile/Resume AT NOSPAM!: claynferno.com
DJ CLAYNFERNO + STITCHES! With IYAD
STITCHES! returns with
IRONHEAD [ Rock and Roll from West Virginia and ex-CANDY SNATCHERS! ]
THRILLRIDE ( Boston Rock and Roll Damnations! )
CAPITAL RADIO ( Punk and Rock From a TOWER IN THE HEART OF BOSTON! )
My PERSONAL email is claynferno A T NO SPAM GMAIL DOT COM
Web/Profile/Resume AT NOSPAM!: claynferno.com
DJ CLAYNFERNO + STITCHES! With IYAD
Friday, April 14, 2006
Wild Zero Review on SLEAZEGRINDER.com!
Wild Zero (link) : "WILD ZERO
Wild Zero
Curve of the Earth
__
A furnace blast of motorcycle punk from this gang of Boston rabblerousers. Wild Zero (named after a Japanese zombie flick starring Guitar Wolf) consists of ex-Humanoids howler Clay N’ Ferno upfront, and a bunch of other tightly-wound dudes who are probably ex-somethings, too. To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if the floorboards under the Wild Zero rehearsal space weren’t stuffed with the wormy corpses of ex-bandmates who were getting a little too soft for these punk n’ roll bruisers. After all, the chorus on opener “Battle Royale” goes “This is how I killed my best friend!” But it’s not all Japanese splatter flicks and revving, cycle-psycho guitars, there’s a real wild beast throb to these tunes, and Clay – when he’s not belting the shit out full-tilt boogie – even injects some honest to Christ melody into his vocals.
Only a little bit, though. Because melody is mostly for pussies.
-Sleazegrinder"
Wild Zero
Curve of the Earth
__
A furnace blast of motorcycle punk from this gang of Boston rabblerousers. Wild Zero (named after a Japanese zombie flick starring Guitar Wolf) consists of ex-Humanoids howler Clay N’ Ferno upfront, and a bunch of other tightly-wound dudes who are probably ex-somethings, too. To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if the floorboards under the Wild Zero rehearsal space weren’t stuffed with the wormy corpses of ex-bandmates who were getting a little too soft for these punk n’ roll bruisers. After all, the chorus on opener “Battle Royale” goes “This is how I killed my best friend!” But it’s not all Japanese splatter flicks and revving, cycle-psycho guitars, there’s a real wild beast throb to these tunes, and Clay – when he’s not belting the shit out full-tilt boogie – even injects some honest to Christ melody into his vocals.
Only a little bit, though. Because melody is mostly for pussies.
-Sleazegrinder"
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
StonerRock.com - Wild Zero - Self Titled
StonerRock.com - Wild Zero - Self Titled: Wild Zero – Self Titled
Review by John Pegoraro (StonerRock.com)
Curve of the Earth Records
Release date: April 1, 2006
If someone were to ask me what a typical Boston rock band sounds like, I'd probably point in the direction of Wild Zero.
They're part rock, part punk, and sort of poppy. 'Anthemic' is the name of their game, and they devote all their energy to being just that. Based on songs like 'Battle Royale,' 'Curse of the Red Tiger,' 'Terror on the High Seas,' and 'Sex Tarp,' they're got a seemingly unlimited source of get up and go. At times they reminded me of a snarkier Cracktorch (go figure – it was recorded and mixed by Marc Schleicher of Cracktorch/Quintaine Americana/Antler fame). They've got the same good time peppy sound, even if the lyrics run closer to the juvenile (exhibit A: 'I got a lady/tough and mean/in the shower we never get clean/I said are you ready, hun/for my water gun, yeah!').
For a debut, this is pretty solid, even if that part rock, part punk, and sort of pop style doesn't always sit well with me.
URL: http://wildzerorock.com/
Review by John Pegoraro (StonerRock.com)
Curve of the Earth Records
Release date: April 1, 2006
If someone were to ask me what a typical Boston rock band sounds like, I'd probably point in the direction of Wild Zero.
They're part rock, part punk, and sort of poppy. 'Anthemic' is the name of their game, and they devote all their energy to being just that. Based on songs like 'Battle Royale,' 'Curse of the Red Tiger,' 'Terror on the High Seas,' and 'Sex Tarp,' they're got a seemingly unlimited source of get up and go. At times they reminded me of a snarkier Cracktorch (go figure – it was recorded and mixed by Marc Schleicher of Cracktorch/Quintaine Americana/Antler fame). They've got the same good time peppy sound, even if the lyrics run closer to the juvenile (exhibit A: 'I got a lady/tough and mean/in the shower we never get clean/I said are you ready, hun/for my water gun, yeah!').
For a debut, this is pretty solid, even if that part rock, part punk, and sort of pop style doesn't always sit well with me.
URL: http://wildzerorock.com/
Friday, March 31, 2006
Happy Friday!
: Mar 31, 2006 2:52 PM
Happy Friday Everyone!
Hopefully we'll see you at the show on Saturday.
Weather is beautiful today in Boston.
The WILD ZERO stream song for today is "Terror on the High Seas" and one more tomorrow!
The Stream isn't working today from some WONKY myspace Glitch! But should be up. If not by tonite, you'll have an extera song tomorrow.
WILD ZERO is really psyched about our CD Release. Of course you know about it, I haven't been able to shut up about it. But we're proud, excited, and READY TO ROCK.
Thanks for all the help so far!
Konichiwa,
CLAY AND WILD ZERO
FREE BEER if you come early to the show. For Serious. NOT AN APRIL FOOL's JOKE!
Happy Friday Everyone!
Hopefully we'll see you at the show on Saturday.
Weather is beautiful today in Boston.
The WILD ZERO stream song for today is "Terror on the High Seas" and one more tomorrow!
The Stream isn't working today from some WONKY myspace Glitch! But should be up. If not by tonite, you'll have an extera song tomorrow.
WILD ZERO is really psyched about our CD Release. Of course you know about it, I haven't been able to shut up about it. But we're proud, excited, and READY TO ROCK.
Thanks for all the help so far!
Konichiwa,
CLAY AND WILD ZERO
FREE BEER if you come early to the show. For Serious. NOT AN APRIL FOOL's JOKE!
Monday, March 27, 2006
SPIN.com: Guns N' Roses Chinese Democracy (Interscope)
SPIN.com: Guns N' Roses Chinese Democracy (Interscope)
Guns N' Roses
Chinese Democracy
(Interscope)
By: Chuck Klosterman
March 27, 2006
The endless wait is over.
It's been a long time since Guns N' Roses have released an album of new material. Everybody knows this, but it's a fact that bears repeating.....
Guns N' Roses
Chinese Democracy
(Interscope)
By: Chuck Klosterman
March 27, 2006
The endless wait is over.
It's been a long time since Guns N' Roses have released an album of new material. Everybody knows this, but it's a fact that bears repeating.....
WILD ZERO CD Preview
blog.myspace.com/wildzero: "
CD PREVIEW! Stream a new song, every day this week as a preview to our album, Monday, 3/27/06 : 'CURSE OF THE RED TIGER' Streams today."
Interesting thoughts on iTunes
iTunes iSbogus: "
People are paying for songs on the iTunes Music Store because they think it's a good way to support musicians. But iTunes misses a huge opportunity. Instead of creating a system that gets virtually all of fans' money directly to artists-- finally possible with the internet-- iTunes takes a big step backwards. Apple calls iTunes 'revolutionary' but record companies are using the service to force the same exploitive and unfair business model onto a new medium.It's too expensiveLet's start simple: the iTunes Music Store is not a good value for customers. Apple says many users are buying whole 'albums' for $8-$12 each. That's less than the $16 store price, but used CDs at Amazon or ebay cost $5, and those come with liner notes. If you don't care about liner notes, you can burn the CD from a friend for 25 cents and send the musician a buck. In both cases, you end up with a real CD, and you can always use iTunes to rip it onto your computer or mp3 player. And you don't have to deal with restrictions on how you use it.Lossy."
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