Street Dogs / The Unseen / Stars and Stripes / The Fenian Sons
House Of Blues, Boston 12/21/13
The Street Dogs; one of the more successful punk bands out of Boston, never forgot where they came from. And to show it, they return every year around Christmas time to play a few shows. Usually it’s been two nights at the Paradise, but this time it’s the House of Blues. And they always have an up and coming local band like BarRoom Heroes or Penalty Kill open up for them.
We were pleased to be asked to interview them and to take in the show, which besides being great musically (what we’ve come to expect), is a really great representation of the punk community and what it means and should mean to all. During the show, a young singer in a local punk band mentioned to me what an older punk musician said, “there is no punk scene in Boston anymore, not like in the eighties.”
Well, that’s where Andy and I are from and we can honestly say- the bands are better now. If any of today’s bands could be transported back in time they would immediately become a favorite. There’s more venues to play in, and sure, it’s a struggle, but it was a struggle back then, too. Whenever you put forth something of value it’s not gonna be accepted as easily as the crap. That’s just a fact of life.
It’s also a fact that we still have a vibrant, thriving group of bands and fans. That was evident in tonight’s turnout and I would say to this older musician, “You say there’s no punk scene anymore? Well, have a look around.”
Slimedog- Well here we are at the House of Blues. Which is a good name for it since this place depresses me. It has as much personality as a B.J. Warehouse.
Andy- Oh, are we here to listen to music tonight? I thought, since it’s my birthday, this was the B.J. Warehouse.
Slimedog- No, while that is true, according to my notes we’re here to see the reunion of The Straw Dogs.
Andy- Really? That’s awesome. “Fast, Young Iranians” is a great tune. Hey, wait a minute, the marquise says, The Street Dogs.
Slimedog- Yeah, that makes more sense seeing as The F.U.’s were The Straw Dogs and they’re still a band. Now correct me if I’m wrong, but I think I’m doing an interview tonight?
Andy- First I’ve heard of it, but let’s go in and see what turns up.
Slimedog- My infallible notes say it’s with Miley Cyrus and I’m supposed to ask why do all the pop tarts like herself adopt underground fashion while they, themselves, play the same old tripe.
Andy- Ah huh. Cool. Hey there’s Lenny. Maybe he can shed some light on why we are here.
Slimedog- Yeah, I’m gonna ask if it’s true that Lemmy from Motorhead is the new guitarist for The Street Dogs.
Andy- Good idea. Also ask him why there so many acoustic instruments like accordions and banjos on stage.
Slimedog- I believe it’s for the opening band who, according to my notes, play brutal, Scandinavian death metal and are called Penny’s Rain Hat.
Andy- Hmm, that sounds pretty cool. So I take it they throw the instruments at the moshers in the pit?
Slimedog- Ah, I may be wrong. What’s the name of the first band?
Andy- It says they’re called The Fenian Sons. (The Fenian Son’s take the stage)
Slimedog- Wow, I really like these guys and if my notes are right they’re from Morocco.
Andy- Ya, Morocco by way of Roslindale. They’re a traditional Irish band. Well, that explains the various acoustic instruments.
Slimedog- They’ve brought back warm memories of watching the John Denver Christmas Special.
Andy- I know they’re not quite what we cover on TNB, but they do what they do quite well. And the music goes very well with beer. I believe the next band is more up out alley. They’re an old Boston Oi band called Stars And Stripes. (Stars and Stripes take the stage)
Slimedog- Oh, and I see one of the largest and best drummers I know playing. It’s Jack Kelley from Slapshot- one huge talent.
Andy- Yes very Walter-esque (a reference to Walter Gustafason, drummer for Scrapes, Ganggreen, Outlets). I like their sound and energy. They conjure up sounds of Stiff Little Fingers and The Clash.
Slimedog- A true Oi band and a style I’ve really come to like with its link to early punk. And yes, Jack’s style is much like Walters. (The Unseen takes the stage) The Unseen can be seen taking the stage.
Andy- This should be very interesting since The Unseen hasn’t been seen for quite a while.
Slimedog- Yeah I guess there’s some controversy about them being too commercial, but they sound good to me.
Andy- Ya, they still sound like hardcore street punks to me. Very exciting.
Slimedog- Darkbuster had a song called “I Hate The Unseen” but it was all in fun, I thought the set was too long but they delivered the goods. Now it’s time for the Slime Dogs, I mean The Street Dogs!
Andy- Agreed. I think this is our third straight year seeing The Street Dogs. (The Street Dogs take the stage)
Slimedog- I know that they’re our favorite of the bigger bands out of Boston and we do appreciate them having local bands on their bills each Christmas.
Andy- Definitely. They always put on a great show and now with Lenny on board you know it’s going to be amazing.
Slimedog- They just played my favorite song by them, “Punk Rock’N’Roll” and now Mike, the singer, is talking about how Boston has the best scene. Looks like Lenny is going to sing a few songs. (The joint explodes as Lenny starts with “Trying To Make It Right” and ends with “Skinhead.”)
Andy- Yah Lenny brings a whole new dimension of goodness to the Dogs lineup. (Pandemonium has just broken loose as everybody in the audience has jumping up on the stage)
Slimedog- Mike has invited everyone onto the stage and it looks like most of the crowd is up there. What a great show and what a great representation of the Boston punk community.
Andy- Awesome show. I can hardly wait for next year.
Slimedog- Let’s go backstage and see if we can do that interview. You better act as my bodyguard as I gotta feeling things could get rough.
Andy- Don’t worry. We’re heavily medicated. We won’t feel a thing.
Slimedog- True, but you see I only have the Miley Cyrus questions prepared so if I ask him those; things could get a bit dicey…
