An Opinionated Guide to the BMC '98
With over 150 bands swooping down on Burlington for this year's Burlington Music Conference, we thought we'd help you figure out which bands you absolutely HAVE to see, hear, meet. We know some of these bands better than others, so we decided to pick out some of our favorites and tell you why WE'LL be at these shows. See you there!
Let's say that you aren't an A+R guy from some big ass major label or a hotshot manager from New York City looking for the "next big thing" and you just want to see some great performances over the weekend . . . fear not. Here are some bands from our hometown and beyond that we guarantee to deliver a good show. And we know what we're talking about. This time. Really.
Wednesday, July 29
Kathy Compton at Higher Ground (9:00-9:45) Kathy Compton has quite a buzz in New York City and she'll make her Vermont debut at Higher Ground. Her band includes people who have played with Suzanne Vega, Jewel, Shawn Colvin, Jane Siberry, the Blue Nile, The Bee Gees, Bette Midler and John Cale. We kid you not. (w/ Jamie Notarthomas, Rustic Overtones, Everything and Percy Hill)
Chris Whitley at Metronome (9:10-10:40): A singer and songwriter from New York City, Chris Whitley has toured with Tom Petty and released a handful of CD's on Messenger Records. He will be hosting a songwriter workshop earlier at Border's. (w/ Katherine Quinn, Aaron Flinn, Kathy Wilhoite, Billings Brew Band and The Bailey Bros.)
Psycho Serious at The Rhombus Gallery (10:30-11:30): Boston's own "don't call us art-rock" group. A great live show with visuals . . . not to be missed. (w/ Nocturnal Emissions and Squagmyre)
Rustic Overtones at Higher Ground (11:30-12:30): Portland, Maine's own groove rock. Funk, rock and groove mixed perfectly into pop hits. See why Arista Records scooped these super nice guys up last month. (w/ Jamie Notarthomas, Kathy Compton, Everything, and Percy Hill)
Thursday, July 30
Canine at Club Toast (8:40-9:10): Boston's manic rockers will trash Club Toast. Check why their Boston shows just keep getting bigger and bigger.
Pistola at 242 Main (8:55-9:40): Boston's alt-rock heroes have received rave reviews from all the Beantown rags, and the band is a pretty big hit in the Good Citizen office, too.
Skamaphrodites at Club Toast (9:20-9:50): Skank up a storm with Burlington's own ska-sters. With a track coming out on the national Moon Ska Records upcoming release "Skamaggeddon VI" compilation...this young band just might shock you. Yes, they're that good.
Motorplant at 242 Main (11:40-12:25): Hailing from Lebanon, New Hampshire, the Motorplant guys have built up a strong New England following with their radio-ready rock. (w/ Blinder, Vodka Sonics, Binge, Tokyo Storm Warning and Twilight Idols)
Orange 9mm at Club Toast (11:45-1:00): If you have to ask... a definate "must see". (w/ Chillum, Down Low Connection, Dysfunkshun and J-base)
Barbacoa at The Red Square (12:00-1:30): Wax up your boards and get ready to party with Burlington's own surf rockers. Red Square's Barbacoa Lounge has become the place to be on Thursday nights . . . and this one will be no different. (w/ Lee Totten, D. Jarvis Band and Thomas Covenant)
Friday, July 31
Missing Joe at Club Metronome (8:55-9:40): One of the catchiest songs we've heard in a while has to be "Martini" off the Missing Joe CD Never Been to California. We've seen 'em live before and we highly recommend 'em. Tell 'em, we said so.
Minimus at 242 Main (9:20-10:00): This long awaited debut features the members of Five Seconds Expired in their new outfit. Locals have been waiting for a long time to see this moment . . . not to be missed.
Chainsaws and Children at 242 Main (10:00-10:50): They bring children and chainsaws on stage and unite them in bloody harmony. Burlington's loud, chaotic industrial rock boys always pack the kids in...come angry.
(sic) at Halvorsen's Upstreet Cafe (10:15-11:15): Burlington's own "supergroup" features members of Cranial Perch, Dysfunkshun, Chin Ho!, Motel Brown and Rina Bijou. Think Dave Matthews with horns. (w/ John Brown's Body, Jaina Sky, Two Ton Shoe and Yolk)
Invisible Jet at Club Metronome (10:50-11:45): The Jet certainly have been turning heads in "the industry" and there is no wonder why. Check out their arena rock sound and excellent song-craftsmanship. (w/ The Migrants, Kathy Compton, Deep Banana Blackout and Mighty Purple)
The Implants at Club Toast (11:00-11:45): From Essex, Vermont, the winners of WBTZ High School Band Competition will show the "grown ups" how to get the job done. The Implants have been making fans out of everyone they meet. Find out why.
Chin Ho! at Club Toast (12:00-12:45): With four albums to their credit, this hard working Burlington group has recently attracted the attention of label honchos on both coasts . . . even legendary label "big guy" Seymour Stein checked them out recently at CBGB's. Come and see/hear why.
Velvet Ovum Band at Rhombus (12:15-2:00): Wolcott's art-rock extravaganza returns to the scene after a short hiatus with a new line-up and a whole bunch of enthusiasm. Singer Peg Tassey-Ayer has been involved in some of Vermont's finest modern rock music over the years and one of her rare shows should not be missed. Check out Peg, husband Trevor and their new line-up in the intimate Rhombus gallery. (with Cranial Perch and the Emily Rock Group)
Zola Turn at Club Toast (1:00-2:00): Burlington's only all female alt-rock group continues to gather larger and larger crowds all over the northeast. With two singles added to WBTZ rotation . . . these ladies will impress. (w/ Shifter and Dr. Hadley)
Saturday, August 01
Betty Goo at 242 Main (8:45-9:30): This band has quickly become one of the greatest exports this year from Boston. Their CD Gooicide is a must listen to by anyone who loves aggressive pop rock.
Battershell at 242 Main (9:40-10:25): New York City's NG Records recording artists who tour the eastern United States spreading their luv-punk-ness everywhere. Ask the drummer why his nickname is "lil' twelve toes". (w/ Sugarhigh, Kallit Molly, The Capones, Mold, Delvic and Doombuggy)
The Elevator Drops at Club Toast (9:45-10:30): This Boston band's latest CD People Mover, on Time Bomb Records, has received rave reviews across the country. Mixing electric sounds with live instruments...these guys are a big favorite up here at the Good Citizen office.
Superdrag at Club Toast (12:00-1:00): Elektra Entertainment recording Artists whose first CD Regretfully Yours stayed in our CD player for two months straight. This show should be a high point at this year's conference. (w/ Muckafurgason and the Whereabouts)
Sunday, August 2
The Woman's Rape Crisis Center Benefit at Higher Ground (8:30-1:30): Regional artists gather to raise money for the WRCC and celebrate the release of Big Heavy World's No Secrets CD, a WRCC benefit compilation. Come see Burlington's Aaron Flinn, and Chin Ho! (w/special guest Katherine Quinn) rock out with Boston's Mistle Thrush and Work Recording Artist Mary Lou Lord.