Aside from Halloween there’s only one other occasion I can think of where it’s perfectly acceptable to approach a stranger’s home. And what is that occasion you may ask? Somerville Open Studios! Yes, it’s that time of year again where the hundreds of artists scattered about the fine city of Somerville, Massachusetts open their homes to let the general public view their work. This upcoming weekend will be my first time being around for open studios in S-ville and I’m really excited about it. Just within a few blocks of my home there will be a dozen artists to check out. I’m thinking of this as not only an opportunity to show support for the local art scene, but also a chance to really get to know some people I wouldn’t have otherwise met in my community. I’ll probably be doing most of my rounds Saturday early evening and early afternoon on Sunday. Can’t wait!
Lo-Fi Sunshine: Woods – At Echo Lake
Artist: Woods
Title: At Echo Lake
Label: Woodsist
Release Date: May 11, 2010
I had the good fortune of catching Woods open for my favorite psychedelic Swedes, Dungen, last August at Johnny Brenda’s in Fishtown. At first I wasn’t sure what to expect. One band member kneeled on the floor the entire stage with an old cassette tape player and a mic making all sorts of static noise loops while the rest of the band appeared to be playing on equiptment that was swiped out of a 60’s pawn shop. Little did I know I would be getting some sort of wonderful fusion between The Velvet Underground, The Byrds, and Animal Collective. Now upon the heels of glorious SXSW buzz and hype they’re releasing a most anticipated follow up to their very stellar Songs of Shame LP.
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Saw You First: GIVERS on Tour
It’s been a long time since I’ve heard a band with as much fun and energy as Louisiana’s GIVERS. The indie pop group combines tropical and afro-beat rhythms with sugary sweet boy/girl vocal harmonies – a lethal combination for catchiness.
Eye Witness Records New Album
I recently took on the project of managing the Worcester, Massachusetts based husband and wife folk duo Eye Witness. As I write this they’re busy as bees in the recording studio working on tracks for their debut album. After seeing Rainy and Milo Logan perform live on numerous occasions I’m thrilled that they’re finally satisfied enough with their current material to cut their first record.
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