Boobs For Boobs- Breast Cancer Charity Show
The Dolls Eyes / The McGunks / Smithfield and the Peats / The Frenzy of the Tongs / Phil McCafferty
Midway Cafe, Jamaica Plain, MA 1/21/12
So, today we’re at the “Boobs For Boobs” punk show, a benefit for Breast Cancer set up by Mike O’Shea, bass player for The Doll Eyes, and Shawna Hoban . Besides this bill having my two favorite Rhode Island punk bands (Doll Eyes and McGunks), and taking place at my favorite club (The Midway); I’m especially happy to be here because a couple of members of my immediate family have dealt with breast cancer successfully, so I’m glad to aid the cause.
Up first is the singer/guitarist of The Doll Eyes, Phil McCaffery, doing a solo acoustic set. He starts off with “Leaving On A Jet Plane,” which he makes sure I know that it was a John Denver song first, not a Peter, Paul and Mary or maybe I got it backwards. All I know is he dedicates the song to me and maybe I wish I asked for “Ace Of Spades,” instead. He does do an interesting version, though, where he intersperses another tune, I think, or maybe I got that backwards, too. Anyways, he keeps my interest throughout the set and when you take into account that listening to a guy with an acoustic is comparable,for me, as getting my scrotum nailed to a tree, then job well done I say. He also does, “Trying To Make It Right,” my favorite tune by Lenny Lashley and “Ain’t Never Gonna Happen,” my favorite by The Doll Eyes. Lucky me.
Earlier today they had a very well attended show at the Midway featuring The F.U’s, The Welch Boys, Red Line Rebels and others. Some of the folks are still here for the evening show and some of the people returning to the club, I figure, used the break to go scuba diving as there are a few who appear to be suffering from “the bends.” These include a young girl who I was going to admonish for stealing my beer last time I saw her but now she’s trying to do it again, pesky beer bandits!
Anyways, The Frenzy Of Tongs are next and we’re informed that their guitar player couldn’t make it so the singer will attempt to do both. He gives up after a song or two so at first it’s just bass, drums and vocals. Then “guest” guitarists start coming up such as Phil McCafferty, Bob McGunk and others. As the musical mayhem goes on, the people are moshing, tossing Jay Genoa in the air like a bag of chips, the scuba divers are staggering, milkmaids are milking. At one point I mention to Mr. Bang, “Not exactly like one of our metal shows, is it?” And he can only agree.
Smithfield and the Peats play next and are fronted by a man named Shawn. Before they played we talked to Shawn and his friend who are both involved in a great charity called A Wish Come True at awish.org that helps children with medical issues out and are involved through that with the Punks For Princess folks. They’re a really big time organization that does really big time good deeds so check them out and get involved if you can. Anyways, the band plays pretty good (they actually have guitar players) and they keep the moshing going. I’d describe them as a classic punk in the style of The Clash at their most raw and garage-y. Definitely a band I wouldn’t mind catching again soon and would like to see the Tongs on a better night for them.
The McGunks are next playing their “drunk punk” music, a label I wish I made up but they themselves did. Always a great live act as they are also, tonight. A trio, Bob McGunk handles the vocals/guitar quite well as Peter McGunk mans the bass. Besides filling up the musical space with his bass notes, Peter also does a great job rousing the crowd by bouncing his bass off his body, raising his fist while playing, letting the sonic boom notes ring out. And back on drums, Bobby McGunk ably wails away. Strangely enough, though all three guys have the same last name none are related! Always a fun band to drink along with.
Now, it’s time for The Doll Eyes and though I’m starting to feel the bends coming on I’m clear enough to know what a great band I’m seeing. Odd that I would feel this way as I’m almost certain I haven’t been scuba diving. The Doll Eyes are mainly a kick ass rock band with a lot of punk and hardcore influences and great lyrics, to boot. They play a lot of new tunes along with the ones from their great cd of last year and the new one should be out for by the summer. (Their cd was my favorite of last year). From their usual opener “Tell Me” to their very last tune, an excellent show, that leaves me speechless unable to utter another.
(Slimedog)
