Rub Wrongways Records

Friends - A Celebration of the Songs of Lesa Bezo

2012-02-01T09:22:00.001-08:00

Friends - A Celebration of the Songs of Lesa Bezo by Various Artists

Henning Ohlenbusch at Loretta Lynn Tribute 2012 - Two Songs

2012-01-23T07:22:00.001-08:00

Honky Tonk Girl: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn

2012-01-14T09:42:00.001-08:00

Sunday, January 15, 2012
The Iron Horse Music Hall - Northampton, MA

Eilen Jewell Band

Salvation Alley String Band

Rusty Belle

Jim Armenti

The Boxcar Lilies

Heather Maloney

Lesa Bezo

Henning Ohlenbusch

Rocky Roberts and Friends

Valley musicians interpret the music of the legendary coal miner's daughter in our annual January tribute show with proceeds to the Pioneer Valley Red Cross

Praise for Bourgeois Heroes: Olé/Hola

2012-01-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

Here's a nice write-up on the Bourgeois Heroes single Olé/Hola at FensePost.

It’s been a while since we covered Bourgeois Heroes, a little indie pop duo out of Northampton, MA (Jason) and Austin, TX (Elise). Who communicate over that long distance to create the music contained within their releases. At the time, I likened the duo to melodramatic 80s bands like Echo & The Bunnymen. On their latest single, Olé/Hola, the band slips away from those earlier sounds and holds its ground steady in indie pop. In fact, here they side more with modern underground indie pop artists like Afternoon Naps.

Their signature sound remains; there are mopey, melancholy melodies, but they aren’t depressing. There’s substance here that was there before, but now it’s more prominent. “Olé/Hola” is playful and has a chorus that will stick with you for a year and has a Beatles meets Apples in Stereo sound to it. Then there’s “When You’re Dancing”, blends indie pop with hints of 60s psychedelic pop. Jason coos in the latter: You’re beautiful / When you’re dancing on repeat, and it couldn’t be more perfect.

If anything, Olé/Hola is two exceptional tracks from a great band that simply must be heard. This single is why singles are such a great medium for music. My recommendation: add this 7″ to your collection. It’s very much worth it!

Read it all, comment, and see the pictures at FensePost

New Holiday Single by The Salvation Alley String Band

2011-12-06T07:20:00.001-08:00

Join The Salvation Alley String Band at The Basement in Northampton this Friday to celebrate the release of their new single: Little Saint Nick b/w Pretty Paper.The show starts at 8:00 with Waylon Speed.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thesalvationalleystringband.bandcamp.com/album/little-saint-nick-b-w-pretty-paper"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Little Saint Nick b/w Pretty Paper by The Salvation Alley String Band&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

School for the Dead and Lord Russ Together Again

2011-11-26T14:05:00.001-08:00

5 Songs by Brian and Beth

2011-11-21T17:11:00.001-08:00

Interested in getting the secret Brian and Beth EP that you just heard about on the radio?

Right on.

You can download it right here right now:
5 Songs by Brian and Beth

Or if you want a CD sent to you, which, seriously, isn't that way cooler? Just click the PayPal button here. It's only 5 bucks and that includes shipping! (U.S.)

Henning Opens for Bedazzled

2011-11-15T09:41:00.001-08:00

Secret Concert

2011-11-09T08:17:00.001-08:00

There are still tickets available for the secret loft concert in Holyoke, MA this Saturday.

Go here to learn how to get in: Dark Dining Room

Big Show This Friday at Flywheel in Easthampton, MA

2011-11-02T13:07:00.001-07:00

Friday, November 4, 2011 at 8:00 PM Flywheel in Easthampton, MA

DON LENNON
In the early/mid-1990s, Don Lennon served as lead singer of Boston's The Umpteens, who released three cassettes and one single during their brief tenure. Lennon went solo in 1997, knocking out deadpan songs in the tradition of Jonathan Richman or the Magnetic Fields, about topics ranging from standup comics to Dave Matthews to minimum wage employment.

HENNING OHLENBUSCH
Henning Ohlenbusch is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer living in Northampton. He fronts the band School for the Dead and is a member of The Fawns, The Gay Potatoes, The Aloha Steamtrain, The Rub Wrongways Caravan of Stars & Sitting Next To Brian.

ORIGINAL COWARDS
Equal parts garage rock stomp & '80s alternative jangle, with some psych/mod influence for good measure.

JASON BOURGEOIS
Featuring Ken Maiuri, playing the classics.

The Living Rockumentary: An Instant Song - Snowstorm on Halloween.

2011-11-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Living Rockumentary: An Instant Song - Snowstorm on Halloween.: On October 29, 2011, the Northeast United States was hit with a crazy out-of-season snowstorm. The heavy snow combined with trees that still...

Jason Bourgeois - Les Fleur Des Lys & Me

2011-10-24T11:36:00.001-07:00

2011-10-10T12:14:00.001-07:00

Henning and the Monster Robot

2011-09-27T05:12:00.001-07:00

2011-09-22T06:35:00.001-07:00

Thursday - September 22, 2011 at 10:00 PM
School for the Dead, The Fawns, Sitting Next To Brian, and Lord Russ join a large roster of bands celebrating the anniversary of the Reanimate the Baystate concert series at The Sierra Grille in Northampton, MA

Friday - September 23, 2011 at 8:00 PM
Henning joins Adam Greenberg, Rick Murnane, and Seth Adams for a songwriter in the round show at The Basement in Northampton, MA

A Henning and Ray Mason Show

2011-09-15T14:24:00.001-07:00

Shindig! Review of Bourgeois Heroes.

2011-09-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

BOURGEOIS HEROES
Olé-Hola/When You’re Dancing

Not since last year’s self-titled album by The Smiles And Frowns have I been so taken (nay, uncharacteristicallysmitten) with such a random bit of indie- pop. It’s often a dangerous thing letting me listen to this kind of stuff given my innate cynicism and failure to understand why anyone could be so happy they would feel the need to sing about it. Here though? Not the case. Despite having a catchy, if somewhat needlessly Beatles-influenced chorus, the quaint two-person She & Him thing with hints of Belle & Sebastian works. Both Jason Bourgeois and Elise Nacca play a bit of a blinder in all fairness with guitars less fuzzing, more fizzing between moments of genuine-bona-fidey-pleasant-niceties, before the dessert arrives with the needle drop on ‘When You’re Dancing’. A delectable indie release that I’m happy to go on record as saying I love? Yeah. I don’t know what just happened there either. Richard S Jones (Shindig!)

Henning Goes To The Movies is Here!

2011-08-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

The latest album from Henning Ohlenbusch was officially released on August 23, 2011. It's available in CD format right here or for download at Itunes, Emusic, and Bandcamp etc. If you order a CD it'll be shipped first class for free right away.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://henningohlenbusch.bandcamp.com/album/henning-goes-to-the-movies"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Henning Goes To The Movies by Henning Ohlenbusch&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

It's nine songs about nine movies. We hope you enjoy it!

Follow Henning Goes To The Movies on Facebook and Twitter now.

Review of Bourgeois Heroes "Olé/Ola"

2011-08-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

From the Valley Advocate - August 4, 2011

Bourgeois Heroes
Ole/Hola
(Rub Wrongways)

The CD Ol?/Hola was released, says Jason Bourgeois, "in conjunction with a seven-inch record," the au courant name for what used to be a single. The tune "Ole/Hola" is a bubbly slab of almost retro pop, ringing with Beatle-y echoes and synthesizer weirdness. The song is structured in a loopy fashion, its quite different parts coming back around several times, each jammed (to pleasingly strange effect) right up against the other. Very 1970s sounds show up in the groovy bits, while an intentionally disharmonious female vocal part keeps things interesting in between. The other tune, "When You're Dancing," is guitar-driven and unabashedly svelte. It's centered around the repetition of "You're beautiful when you're dancing," and you get the feeling Bourgeois is offering a perfectly heartfelt sentiment. This is solidly delivered and well-constructed pop. —James Heflin

You can listen to or purchase Olé/Ola here.

Pre-Order: Henning Goes To The Movies

2011-07-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

You heard it here first. Rub Wrongways Records is offering the chance to pre-order the long awaited new album by Henning Ohlenbusch. If you order now, when the boxes of CDs arrive at Rub Wrongways Records a disc will be pulled out and placed into an envelope and mailed to you immediately. Be the first on your block to hear "Henning Goes To The Movies."

As always, the album is only ten dollars including shipping.

It's 2011, is it still okay to release a concept album? Celebrated New England songwriter Henning Ohlenbusch thinks so. "Henning Goes To The Movies" consists of nine songs about nine movies. Ohlenbusch describes the album this way: "Like everything in life, movies are experienced differently by each viewer. On this record, I tried to express in music how these nine films impacted me personally. At the outset, I established one rule: I was not allowed to revisit a film until I composed and recorded the song that it inspired me to write. In this way, I hope that each piece genuinely conveys the ways in which each movie has stuck with me throughout the years."

The nine songs on the album are: Joe Vs. The Volcano, The Straight Story, Poltergeist, The Year My Voice Broke, Planes Trains and Automobiles, Logan's Run, Superbad, Amélie, and Meatballs. Though many of these films are widely considered to be comedies, the songs here are mostly gentle and melancholy, touching on the moving aspects of the films, whether they be sympathetic characters or defining moments. It's a relaxed, friendly record. The songs don't try to push the listener, but rather invite them to settle down for the journey. As the chorus of The Straight Story explains, "I don't care how long it takes. I don't mind how slow it seems. I'll get there."

Ohlenbusch sings all the parts and plays all of the instruments (with the exception of the drums on Amélie by Brian Marchese). The album was recorded, during a particularly harsh New England winter, entirely by Ohlenbusch in his small basement studio, buried under the snow, with just him and his instruments. Some songs feature just Ohlenbusch’s voice and his trusted dark red Guild acoustic guitar while others have full arrangements. Listen for melodicas, glockenspiel, warm synthesizers, electric guitars and basses, pianos, organs, and various little percussion instruments. The production, like the rest of the album is personal and intimate with Ohlenbusch's simple and natural voice conversationally riding on top of the carefully selected instruments.

Most noteworthy, perhaps, is how Ohlenbusch's well-crafted lyricism manages to cut to the heart of each film. Poltergeist: "Nobody's acting like they should in the blue-eyed houses of my neighborhood." Amelie: "My apartment might seem real tragic. I’m sitting here scheming secretly, part of me dreaming this magic might find its way back to me." or Superbad, who's song takes place during one escalator ride (a nod to Nicholsson Baker's novel "The Mezzanine"?): "It’s a thought that’s as jarring as the homeroom bells. The next time you see me, I might be someone else."

Though each song is about a movie, the listener need not be familiar with the films to enjoy the album. Ohlenbusch explains, "It was important to me that each of these songs stands on its own merit. For most of them, the listener might have never even known what the inspiration was had the songs not been titled the way that they are." For those that are familiar with the films, Ohlenbusch hopes to "convey the mood and spirit of the films how I experienced and remember them over time." This explains how a movie as goofy seeming as 1979's Meatballs starring Bill Murray could yield a chorus like "To casually and gracefully interact with others, to naturally and easily articulate my thoughts, this seemingly instinctual trait of human nature, confoundingly has evaded me for the better part of my life. Just to have a conversation, what would that be like?"

Guitar Strings Looking Like You Hear Them

2011-07-14T14:22:00.001-07:00

The Living Rockumentary: School for the Dead at the Green River Fest - Satu...

2011-07-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

The Living Rockumentary: School for the Dead at the Green River Fest - Satu...: "School for the Dead (with special guest Lesa Bezo) will be performing at 6:00 on the Meltdown Stage at The Green River Festival on Saturda..."

The Living Rockumentary: Brian and Henning on the Radio

2011-07-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

The Living Rockumentary: Brian and Henning on the Radio: "Tuesday July 12, Brian and Henning will be playing an acoustic set of songs at The Tuesday Market in Northampton, MA at 4:00. There will b..."

The Living Rockumentary: SFTD Recording Journal (Part 2)

2011-07-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

The Living Rockumentary: SFTD Recording Journal (Part 2): "On Sunday July 10, 2011 (Debby Harry's birthday), Brian pulled into my driveway at 9:00. As I was bringing my guitar out to the car, I saw ..."

Pop On The Lawn - A Free Outdoor, Summer, Concert.

2011-06-28T11:08:00.001-07:00

Salvation Alley at Mocha Maya's

2011-06-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

On June 25 at 8 p.m., The Salvation Alley String Band will return to one of our favorite coffee shops, Mocha Maya’s in Shelburne Falls. Mocha Maya’s offers a variety of coffee and tea beverages, as well as a current selection of Berkshire Brewing Company beers and domestic and imported wines. Sal Al's favorite beverage there happens to be their Thai Iced Coffee! The Glacial Potholes and Bridge of Flowers are right around the corner from Mocha Maya’s so you could easily spend the day exploring these Shelburne Falls attractions and top off the day with a cold beer and some honky-tonking music –sounds like the perfect summer Saturday to us!

Also, Tony the Bookie will be opening the show. If you have seen him or the Tony the Bookie Orchestra, you will know how excited we are to be playing with him.

What: Salvation Alley at Mocha Maya’s
When: Saturday, June 25 at 8 p.m.
Where: 47 Bridge Street Shelburne Falls, MA 01370-1102
Cost: FREE

More Press for Bourgeois Heroes

2011-06-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

There's a nice little review of the new single from Bourgeois Heroes here at Russell's Reviews.
You can pick up or download a copy of the single here.

.Henning and Ken on WRSI - Listen Now.

2011-05-26T13:29:00.001-07:00

Remember back when School for the Dead turned ten? We did a few radio appearances in celebration of that momentous day. One of them from WRSI is available for listening.

We played a couple of songs and talked a bit to Joan Holliday. You can hear it all right here: WRSI - Riversound Cafe.

Scroll down a bit and you'll see this picture. It will guide you to the podcast.

Enjoy.

The Salvation Alley String Band and Dawes at The Iron Horse - May 25 at 7:00.

2011-05-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

You can buy tickets to the Salvation Alley String Band show at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, MA with Dawes on May 25, 2011, right here on their website. Just click the “Buy Now” button to check out with PayPal or a credit card, and we will send you the tickets.

Or, you can email Ryan at ryan@salvationalleystringband.com if you don’t like using PayPal. Buying tickets directly fromus at face value will save you $4 a ticket compared to the box office price, and $2.50 compared to buying them at the door. It also helps us show the Iron Horse that they should keep choosing us to open shows.

Get your tickets now here.

The Fawns and Ribboncandy Bring You: Friday the 13th

2011-05-11T07:13:00.001-07:00

Salvation Alley String Band at Flywheel - May 7

2011-05-03T15:45:00.000-07:00

At The Flywheel May 7, 2011 - 8:00 $6

The Salvation Alley String Band
Country-folk-rock from Northampton, Massachusetts. Now with more theremin.

This Frontier Needs Heroes
This Frontier Needs Heroes sounds like My Morning Jacket playing stripped down folk tunes on a camping trip.

Last Good Tooth

Lesa and Henning Duet Show

2011-04-27T16:12:00.001-07:00

Salvation Alley String Band at Rendezvous

2011-04-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

The Salvation Alley String Band is playing at The Rendezvous this Friday with Sweet Soubrette.

Friday 22 at 9:30PM
The Rendezvous
78 Third St.
Turners Falls, MA

The Salvation Alley String Band

School for the Dead's Tenth Anniversary Special

2011-04-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

A Shout for Sheehan Benefit Concert

2011-04-09T10:12:00.001-07:00

Tonight there's a big benefit show at The Elevens in Northampton, MA

Jason Bourgeois says: Chances are that if you live in the Valley and also happen to be a musician, you know Mark Sheehan pretty well. If you've been going to local shows in recent years, it is likely you have gone to a show that Mark has organized. If you know Mark Sheehan on a personal level, it’s quite possible that he’s shown you inappropriate photos via his telephone… sorry that list bit was from my monologue for the Mark Sheehan Celebrity Comic Roast. Date and time TBA.

About five years ago, Mark was the ID checker at the Basement and slowly worked his way up to booking acts on Saturday nights. These weekly concerts, which quickly became the meeting grounds for musicians in what some considered a burgeoning local scene, garnered some electrifying performances. He later moved his talents to the Elevens (in which he still hosts the friendly “Happy Valley Showdown” battle of the bands series) and also began a very popular Thursday music night at the Sierra Grille with the slogan “re-animate the Bay State”.

Mr. Sheehan has opened the doors for countless groups and solo acts with original material. Many can attest that he granted their inexperienced band their very first gig. He’s always booked music that he loves and has not been necessarily concerned with what’s a guaranteed draw. What we have is a man with an enormous heart and one of the few people I’ve met in my life who possesses a bottomless supply enthusiasm.

Mark was recently in a serious car accident that will leave him out of work for an indefinite amount of time. Various musicians and colleagues that he’s supported over the years are currently rallying to put on a special fundraiser this Saturday April 9th at the Elevens (located at 140 Pleasant St. in Northampton) called "A Shout For Sheehan". The admission charge is $5 (or more), doors are at 8:00 with music starting at 9:00 and with a line-up featuring (and subject to some fluctuation):

Paper Piano
Erik Allan
Ribboncandy
The Lay Jains
Fancy Trash
Whistle Jacket
Sore Eros
Crescent Hill
Fawns, School for the Dead & Sitting Next To Brian
Claudia Malibu
Spouse

Also starring deejay Amanda Freeman
And Hosted by Xtian Perfection

Hope to see you there and please pass this on.

Elise and Bourgeois Heroes in the News

2011-04-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

There's a nice interview with Elise from Bourgeois Heroes about their latest single in this week's Valley Advocate.

Nacca took time out recently to discuss the duo's early days, the challenges of remote collaboration, and the release of its latest single, "Ol?/Hola."

"It was so long ago now," says Nacca about the birth of BH. "The events seem less important than the memories of being young and adventurous and excited about everything; carrying drums on the train to Manhattan to play a show, drawing posters, being snotty, making 200 copies of our band's first album cover because the copier counter at Kinko's broke, practicing in Jason's tiny efficiency with towels on the drum heads, driving through the night to Memphis listening to Elvis's Aloha from Hawaii over and over.

"I think it just comes down to two people who are good friends."

Read the entire article here: Bourgeois Heroes in The Advocate

Bourgeois Heroes Olé/Hola in the News

2011-04-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a nice little snippet about the new Bourgeois Heroes single Olé/Hola in the Hartford Courant. The vinyl version of the single is brought to you by February Records while the CD is here on Rub Wrongways.

Article Link

Your One Stop Wrongways Blog Location

2011-03-30T09:40:00.001-07:00

We've added blog feeds from our artists right there in the right column. You can just stop here all the time and see what's happening. You know, if you want to.

Beer and Bands Reviews New Bourgeois Heroes Single Olé/Hola

2011-03-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

Nice review of the new Bourgeois Heroes single:

"This is a single that does everything you want a single to do. Two short sharp songs that are both excellent, and that as soon as they finish you want to put them right back on again." ...read more

Bourgeois Heroes- Olé/Hola

2011-03-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday, the new Bourgeois Heroes single Ole/Hola is being released. But you can get it here early.

SFTD's Official April Fools Concert

2011-03-25T09:42:00.001-07:00

We are hosting the Official April Fools Day Concert.

Sal Al featured in “Headliners” in the Daily Hampshire Gazette

2011-03-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

By DAN DENICOLA
Friday, February 25, 2011

‘Putting the Western back into Western Mass since 2006′ …

… boasts the website of Northampton’s The Salvation Alley String Band, a group which, with its devotion to Western swing, honky-tonk and rockabilly, is not really a string band, and which can claim to have played in an alley only once (and even then it wasn’t really an alley). No matter – this septet is indeed a band (as opposed, say, to musicians backing a lead singer); a well-rehearsed, well-arranged band that makes great use of piano and banjo (Jason Bourgeois), upright bass and theremin (Andy Goulet), organ and accordion (Ella Longpre), autoharp and saw (Brandee Simone), along with mandolin (Matt Silberstein) and drums (Matt Jugenheimer).

The group was founded by Ryan Quinn (fiddle and a pedal steel guitar), a North Shore native who converted from punk to ’60s-style country after discovering some old Buck Owens LPs and set out in search of “musicians who also wanted to make fun but wildly unpopular music with absolutely no radio or sales potential.” Their recent album, ” ‘Pioneer Valley Rose’ and Other Favorites” was recorded live in one day on old-fashioned tape (no computers) and features as its title track a rousing tribute by Quinn to his Northampton bride-to-be (“The Rose of Tralee/ She means nothing to me/ And I’ve never been to San Antone/ Well, the Yellow Rose of Texas/ Is all right, I guess…But the girl I love best [is] my Pioneer Valley Rose”).
The band has played the Silk City Tap Room in Florence, The Elevens in Northampton and the Red Fire Farm Tomato Festival, among other local venues.

Where's That Sound Coming From?: Anatomy of 'Trains'

2011-03-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

Where's That Sound Coming From?: Anatomy of 'Trains': The other day, a song of mine, "People On Trains", from 2007's POLITE came on the iPod and I listened with fresh ears. I enjoyed it, and remembered how recently...

Where's That Sound Coming From?: Ships. Fools. Discuss.

2011-03-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

Where's That Sound Coming From?: Ships. Fools. Discuss.: "From Wikipedia: 'Ship of Fools (painted c. 1490–1500) is a painting by Hieronymus Bosch which shows prodigal humans wasting their liv..."

Where's That Sound Coming From?: XTC were the best live band from 1979-82 and that'...

2011-03-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

Where's That Sound Coming From?: XTC were the best live band from 1979-82 and that'...: "At the bottom of this blog will be a link to a (very enjoyable) 20-song file of live XTC songs I've lovingly compiled from various online..."

School for the Dead and the Chandler Travis Philharmonic

2011-03-07T14:21:00.000-08:00

The Rub Wrongways Caravan of Stars at The Sierra Grille - Northampton, MA

2011-02-22T15:14:00.000-08:00

The Caravan pulls in at the Sierra Grille - Northampton, MA - February 24, 2011.

Mitch Easter, School for the Dead, Boy Genius, Ribboncandy - Feb 18

2011-02-14T06:18:00.000-08:00

Salvation Alley String Band in Noise Tope Ten of 2010

2011-02-08T10:13:00.000-08:00

Boston's favorite music magazine The Noise include the The Salvation Alley String Band's
“The Pioneer Valley Rose” and Other Favorites on one of their top ten lists of 2010.

FRANCIS DIMENNO
Eclectia: 2010 Top Ten Releases
1. Walter Sickert & the army of Broken Toys--—28 Seeds: The Last Radio
Show and Steam Ship Killers
2. Mascara—Fountain of Tears
3. The Mitchells—The Secret Sounds
4, Bacchus King—Bacchus King
5. Kenny Chambers—Under the Tracks
6. The Freeways—The Freeways
7. Lovewhip—Love Electric
8. The Salvation Allet String Band—
“The Pioneer Valley Rose” and Other Favorites
9. Symbion Project—Misery in Soliloquy
10. Dan King—Time Move Over

Jason Bourgeois Hosts Open Mic - Sunday January 23

2011-01-20T09:39:00.000-08:00

Special Announcement: Jason Bourgeois will be hosting the Open Mic Night at The World War II Club on Sunday the 23rd of January. The event is free and Jason plays a half hour set at 8:00 followed by whoever signs up to perform.

The Great Mix-CD Mix-Up Disc 3

2011-01-03T19:30:00.000-08:00

Wait, Senator can't play. Matt Silberstein is playing instead!

School for the Dead's Free New Year Party with The Gay Potatoes!

2010-12-27T09:14:00.001-08:00

New Holiday Single from The Salvation Alley String Band

2010-12-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

Look! The Salvation Alley String Band just made a holiday single for you!

This holiday single features “Mele Kalikimaka”, popularized by Bing Crosby, and “Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy”, written by Buck Owens and Don Rich for the Buck Owens Christmas album.

The Salvation Alley String Band learned and recorded the tunes one night in November at their Massachusetts studio, which is in a converted old mill building with high ceilings and creaky floors. They had them mastered by Dan Richardson, had Andy draw wintry portraits of the band, and printed up a handful of discs.

Merry Christmas, and enjoy!

The Salvation Alley String Band Live In Florence

2010-12-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

Time	Thursday December 9 at 9:00pm

Location	The Silk City Tap Room 99 Main St. Florence, MA



More Info	The Salvation Alley String Band and the 61 Ramblers play a free show in beautiful Florence MA.

Meet Goldwater

2010-11-29T10:45:00.000-08:00

Who is this Goldwater?

A personal note about the band Goldwater. In the years that I've lived in and been an active musician in Northampton, Massachusetts, one man's music has been constantly a part of my life. Thane Thomsen's band The Figments (which also features Trace Meek, Matthew Zapruder, and our very own Brian Marchese) likely hold the record for the band I've seen live the most (rivaled only maybe by Spouse). The Figments, early-on, provided the soundtrack to my life in this town. Thane's songwriting influenced me greatly over the years, in fact, his songs shut me down for a little while and pushed me into a rut of writer's block. His lyrical content and easy way with rich words, made me feel like my songs were just dumb. I've gotten over that, but I still listen to Figments records regularly and I hang on every word and every crazy twisted phrase.

Thane also put out an incredibly poignant album called Rehab Massachusetts, which takes a sobering journey through the twelve step program. It doesn't fall on cliches or manipulate the listener with schmaltz or preaching. The songs just simply tell a story. I recommend it for late autumn drives through wooded areas. I guess that's just because that's where I was the first time I heard it. I was driving through the Shutesbury, MA area of route 202. If you can remember where you were the first time you heard a record, chances are that the record is pretty great.

When members of the Figments found themselves on opposite ends of the country, the albums started arriving slower than before. Thane has a never-ending well of great material, so he began a new project as an outlet for some of it. This is Goldwater. Thane plucked its members from various other acts that he admired. The band behind Thane in Goldwater is Scott Hall, Matt Cullen, Brian Marchese, and me, Henning Ohlenbusch.

We got together at Slaughterhouse Studios one snowy day last winter and with Mark Allan Miller behind the recording console, we recorded live drums, bass, keyboards, and two guitars. We all set up and played together in one room (with Brian behind some glass). Later, a few other parts were over-dubbed, but most of the music that you hear on this record was recorded during that wintery session where we were all together. I think you can hear it in the playing.

Sometime later Thane and I worked out a whole mess of harmonies and recorded my singing parts at Rub Wrongways Records. Thane's process is thoughtful and thorough and detailed. He's a bit of a perfectionist, but a perfectionist who delights on developing accidental or inspired moments. The album came out officially in the fall of 2010. We added it to the Rub Wrongways catalog not long after and now here it is, folks.

You can order a copy here at Rub Wrongways and we'll pay for shipping and send it out to you first class right away. It's only $7.00. If you prefer digital copies you can stream the thing for free here or download it in multiple different formats from mp3 to .wav files.

I hope you love it.

Meet The Salvation Alley String Band

2010-11-22T10:07:00.000-08:00

The Salvation Alley String Band

Who is this new Rub Wrongways Records artist called The Salvation Alley String Band? That's them right there in that picture. Don't they look nice? They are.

There's Brandee, Matt, Matt, Andy, Ryan and Jason (left to right). They are your new friends.

You can learn a lot about them by exploring their website right here: Salvation Alley Web Site. You'll learn a lot about other stuff too, particularly classic country music if you read Ryan Quinn's detailed posts. His obvious love for music comes through in that writing almost as much as it does on their debut album ""The Pioneer Valley Rose" and Other Favorites".

You can also keep up to the minute with them by following them on Twitter and by "liking" their official Facebook Band Page. I think you should do it.

Two New Releases From Rub Wrongways Records

2010-11-09T13:04:00.001-08:00

Rub Wrongways Records is excited to announce the addition of two new artists and two new albums to our catalog. Say hello to Goldwater and The Salvation Alley String Band!

Halloween - Frankenconcert - FREE - Prizes - Music

2010-10-30T07:25:00.001-07:00

Halloween Party - School for the Dead, Spouse, The Fawns, Paper Piano

2010-10-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

The Fawns, Ribboncandy, More - Flywheel - Tuesday October 19

2010-10-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

Fountains of Wayne, School for the Dead, Jill Sobule - October 9 - Pearl St. - Northampton, MA

2010-09-30T06:20:00.000-07:00

Get your tickets now

Your Requests Are Needed

2010-09-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is a repost from The Living Rockumentary of School for the Dead:

Here's a picture from the last Rub Wrongways Caravan of Stars Show at The Montague Bookmill. While reading our crowd-fueled Madlib, we invited some friends form the audience up to play with us. You can see Brian Akey from Winterpills, for instance, there on guitar.

The Montague Bookmill shows are always kind of special. On this upcoming Saturday, School for the Dead is playing a concert there. Opener is Linda Draper, the show starts at 8:00 PM, but come early for the Nutella sandwiches.

This show is a particularly unusual and special show, not only because any Bookmill show automatically becomes a special memorable night, the book-lined room and the sound of the water-fall out the window make sure of that. Will some of the leaves have gone autumn by then? It's likely.

But this is also an extra special show because we have an unusual line-up planned.

Max is unable to attend, and the room is very quiet, so we have a different arrangement in store.

Henning Ohlenbusch on acoustic guitar and vocals
Brian Marchese on brushed drums and vocals
Tony Westcott on electric guitar and vocals
Ken Maiuri on keyboards and vocals

We're hoping for a loungey, intimate concert.

Of course, we'll have other distractions and surprises, I'm sure. You can count on a crowd-fueled MadLib.

Bonus: We'd love to honor any requests. Please if you have any, leave a comment.

Hope you can make it.

Carpet The Basement With Fawns.

2010-08-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Northampton, Massachusetts:

The Aloha Steamtrain & Tasha Yar Comeback Special

2010-07-27T06:22:00.000-07:00

Free, Outdoor, All-Ages Show

2010-07-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

We're playing a free, outdoor, all-ages show right at the spot pictured here on Saturday (July 24). The Northampton Sidewalk Sales are happening this weekend and we are going to be a part of them. This is the line-up:

5:00 - The Fawns6:00 - School for the Dead

What do you think? Wouldn't Saturday evening be a nice time to take a stroll through Northampton? Maybe get an ice-cream or a slice and hang out a bit with us?

The Caravan of Stars Is Walkin' Here!

2010-07-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

Pop On The Lawn

2010-07-02T09:19:00.001-07:00

School for the Dead at The Taste of Amherst

2010-06-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

School for the Dead is playing a free, all-ages concert at The Taste of Amherst in Amherst, MA. It is at 3:00 this Sunday (June 20). They are closing the four-day event as the last band on the stage. You should come and eat a whole bunch of snacks from different Amherst restaurants while watching us out under the beautiful blue skies.

More details here: Taste of Amherst

Bourgeois Heroes Press

2010-05-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

Press for the latest Bourgeois Heroes release:
Brill Dream
Fense Post
Valley Advocate
and a few funny mentions
New Haven Advocate
Beer and Bands
Dig Station

Have you picked up your copy yet? Bourgeois Heroes - Musical Postcards

The Caravan of Stars Eats a Nutella Sandwich

2010-05-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

Review of The Wrong Tree

2010-05-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

This review just came in for The Wrong Tree by Sitting Next To Brian. It was published in the Valley Advocate - Massachusetts.

Sitting Next to Brian
The Wrong Tree EP
(Rub Wrongways)

Back again at the helm of his mystic, swirling ship, Brian Marchese sometimes seems adrift in the doldrums of identity on his latest, The Wrong Tree. Remaining are his psychedelic Brit-pop and California surf influences, but SNTB also now occasionally turns the ship's bow into hooves—and its sails into reins—with a twist of country and Western. The usual stable of lovable misfits from the Rub Wrongways co-op (including Henning Ohlenbusch, Jason Bourgeois, Thane Thomsen and Lesa Bezo) provides the sugary icing for Marchese's honest if oddball offerings, and the use of 12-string guitars and Farfisa organs keeps most of the production value still in the realm where The Byrds or The Zombies do dwell. The last track, "Imaginary Audience" is a bit of a rocker, and hence my personal fave on the release. —Tom Sturm

The Secret Show - Rub Wrongways Caravan of Stars, Sunday.

2010-04-29T12:38:00.001-07:00

Again, the following is lifted straight from www.bourgeoisheroes.com. It's about a secret, tiny, and quiet show this Sunday. To attend or for more details, please email Jason.

This Sunday the Rub Wrongways Caravan of Stars are playing a mellowish, byob, acoustic-eee, semi-secret show in Easthampton, MA. It's going to start at 7pm, there will be cheese & crackers and there will be wine. We have two wonderful opening acts scheduled:

You & Yourn

The Accident That Led Me to the World

If you would like to attend, please send me an RSVP via email: bourgeoisheroes@gmail.com. Directions and other info will come your way.

-jason

Thank You Friends: A Celebration of Alex Chilton of Big Star and the Box Tops

2010-04-20T12:08:00.001-07:00

This week is all about Alex Chilton and Big Star. Musicians all around the area are memorizing words and figuring out chords.

On Saturday (April 24) The Iron Horse Music Hall presents:
Thank You Friends: A Celebration of Alex Chilton of Big Star and the Box Tops
7:00 PM - Adv: $10.00 - Door: $13.00
In their words: "Some of the Valley's best musicians pay musical tribute to the late Alex Chilton, teenage singer for the Box Tops in the '60s and leader of seminal Memphis pop quartet Big Star in the 70s. As is said of the Velvet Underground, not many people heard Big Star in their prime but everyone who did started a band. Chilton led a reformed Big Star (original drummer Jody Stephens, Jon Auer and Ken Stringellow of the Posies) since the early 90s, playing rare and much ballyhooed live shows and recording one new album, "In Space." News of his passing last month one day before a scheduled Big Star show at Austin's SXSW Festival put a damper on the mood of the weekend for anyone who had ever become a Chilton devotee, and very few who heard his music did not."

The following folks are doing songs, likely joined by others in make shift one-off band arrangements.
Matt Silberstein, Dave Houghton, Thane Thomsen, Rick Murnane, Claudia Malibu, Henning Ohlenbusch, Lesa Bezo, Brian Marchese, Paper Piano, Winterpills, Mark Mulcahy, and Chris Collingwood, also expect to see Peyton Pinkerton, Ray Mason, Dave Trenholm, and others grace the stage.

It's going to be a real nice night. I can tell by the excitement and enthusiasm of those preparing to really pay justice to Chilton.

Five New Live Videos from School for the Dead

2010-04-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

We've just added five live School for the Dead videos to the Rub Wrongways You Tube Channel.

This first one is a cover of "Freeze" by Robyn Hitchcock which goes straight into Omnivore. It was filmed on March 9, 2007. Just three years ago.

If you were at that show, perhaps you filled out the very first School for the Dead Instant Survey. It was about soup. Here they are doing Soup of the Moment with your survey responses included: Soup of the Moment Live and here is Disgruntled Lover from that same show.

Also, here are two songs from our more recent show at the Kresge Theater in Hardwick, MA. Photobooth Curtain and Save My Place.

The Rub Wrongways Caravan of Stars Hits A Pothole!

2010-04-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

Ah, Shelburne Falls, that tiny charming town nestled in the hills. They have glacial potholes, a bridge of flowers, excellent restaurants, and this Saturday, a super intimate night of music with the Caravan.

Expect short sets by School for the Dead, The Fawns, Jason Bourgeois, and Sitting Next To Brian followed by a full set with the whole Caravan.

Mocha Maya's is the coziest little coffee shop you've seen. It's right on the strip and offers excellent soothing beverages and delightful snacking treats. The lights dim and the Caravan hits the small window-front stage and you sit back take a sip and feel like you're somewhere far away.

EXPECT a Crowd Fueled MAD-LIB.
EXPECT a variety of instruments shining in the lights.
EXPECT another splendid evening with Rub Wrongways.

Please spread the word. Invite your friends. Tell your neighbors.

The Fawns at The Brass Cat on Saturday April 3 - Easthampton, MA

2010-04-01T12:59:00.001-07:00

Bourgeois Heroes - Musical Postcards - Available Now!

2010-03-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

Rub Wrongways Records presents a brand new record from Bourgeois Heroes! Here is a private message from Jason Bourgeois:

"I'm happy to announce that the new BH ep is available now from Rub Wrongways Records for a mere $7 (which includes postage). It's called "Musical Postcards" and it celebrates the band's long distance musical relationship.

I began recording these songs on my four track cassette machine some time ago and then presented the tracks to Justin Pizzoferrato. The two of us worked together at Bank Row Recording with some fabulous guests (Andy Goulet, Mike McLellan and Ryan McGovern Quinn) to create these tracks. Correspondence between Elise and I throughout this recording volleyed between Northampton, MA and Austin, TX. Feedback was often sent via postcard.

I then moved over to Rub Wrongways Studio where Henning Ohlenbusch recorded and arranged string parts with Eric Lee (violin) and Candace Hope (cello). While we were at Wrongways, some of the Caravan of Stars (Hen, Lesa & Brian) gathered around a microphone and provided wonderful background vocals. Brian also broke out a broken saxophone.

By last summer, Elise was in town and we recorded her drums and vocals with Justin. We had long discussions on how things should sound. These conversations continued when she got back to Austin, too. Justin later mixed all of this business together.

****My I have a side bar with you for a moment? At this point I can't go any further without thanking Justin for his input and patience with the project on the whole. I can't wait to work with him again.****

The very talented Ian Dingman designed the cover (featuring Elise's handwriting) and our newest friend, Carl Saff, mastered all of the music.

To celebrate, I've opted for something more exciting that the typical release party. Fridays in April (the 9th-30th) is "The Bourgeois Residency" at the Elevens in Northampton, MA. There will be four musically themed evenings. The Novels, Death To New England, the Claudia Malibu, ALOTTLE and Glitter Gorilla are just some of the acts who will be appearing at these shows. You'll also be in store for an interesting mathematics lecture by Dr. Penny Ridgdill. More specific details will become available from bourgeoisheroes.com while each show date nears... but for now, have a look at the flyer designed by Luke Cavagnac."

School for the Dead - Super Hero - The Video

2010-02-17T12:04:00.001-08:00

School for the Dead and V66

2010-02-09T08:20:00.001-08:00

Next Thursday, February 11th, School for the Dead is playing a crazy one-song set at this huge V66 Reunion Concert in Boston. V66 was an independent music video station on the east coast of Massachusetts in the 80's.

You may be aware that we happen to have a song called V66. We'll be playing that song somewhere during the night between all these great reuniting bands that used to grace the TV screen in my basement.

Press Release:

"Legendary Boston Music TV Channel V66 To Hold Reunion Concert at The House of Blues on Thursday, February 11, 2010. 7PM. ALL AGES!

Boston, MA, December 17, 2009--Boston, 1985: a new television station is discovered by the cable-deprived citizens of southern New England as they channel-surf the higher ranges of local UHF. Passing through Channel 66 they suddenly find one of their favorite music videos, hosted by a VJ they’ve never seen before. They do a double take: “Isn’t MTV only on cable?”. As they sit back and watch the action unfold, the answer is revealed. It’s not MTV: it’s V66.

While on the air for only 18 months, V66 made an undeniable impact on the Boston rock scene. This was cooler than MTV. It introduced a potential 2 million viewers to local bands in a way no local magazine or radio station ever could. V66 shaped and defined an era of Boston rock.

25 years later, Cruising In The Van Productions is wrapping production on the documentary “Life on the V: The Story of V66”. In celebration of the film and the 25th anniversary of V66, Cruising In The Van is proud to announce: The V66 Reunion Concert.

Taking place at Boston's House of Blues, the anniversary show features live performances from Rods & Cones, The Fools, Animotion, O Positive, Lizzie Borden & The Axes, Woody Geissmann of The Del Fuegos, Digney Fingus and Big City Rockers featuring Fred Pineau & Tom Hauk performing the music of The Atlantics. In addition to live performers, which are a who's who of V66 era Boston Rock, special guests include Ernie Boch Jr., School For The Dead, and many former V66 VJ's including John Garabedian, David O’Leary, Bill Stephens, Tank and many more."

Doors open at 7pm, tickets are only $20 and it's an18-plus event on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at The House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne Street, Boston, MA .

Tickets are on sale now through Live Nation right here.

The Great Mix-CD Mix-Up (disc 2)

2010-01-27T08:38:00.000-08:00

New Video - The Fawns - Snow Day

2010-01-23T10:48:00.001-08:00

Sitting Next To Brian presents "The Wrong Tree"

2010-01-20T08:33:00.001-08:00

Arson Victims Benefit Concert Flyer. Saturday Jan 9, 2010. The Elevens in Northampton, MA

2010-01-08T10:05:00.000-08:00

Flyer by: anja schutz: fruitandsugar.com

Tom Petty Tribute Benefit

2010-01-06T09:36:00.001-08:00

There is only one day to get your tickets to the huge Tom Petty Tribute Night at The Iron Horse this Thursday. All proceeds are being donated to the local Red Cross. The show very well might sell-out so get your tickets and arrive early to get a good seat.

The Rub Wrongways Caravan is ready and excited to be closing out the night with our six song set. Each of our Petty covers will be sung by a different member of the Caravan. I'm not going to tell you what songs they are or sings what, that'd ruin the surprise, but I will say that we'll be using three electric guitars (one of them is a twelve string) a bass, drums, we'll possibly have a percussionist, piano and organ, banjo, and a lot of voices.

In addition to that, Brian and I will be playing with two other acts; Brian Akey and Golden Bloom.

Performing will be: Jim Armenti, Ray Mason, F. Alex Johnson, Rocky Roberts, Jason Bourgeois, Ryan Quinn, Golden Bloom, Orange Crush, Matthew Carefully, Henning Ohlenbusch, Brian Akey, Sitting Next to Brian, Thane Thomsen (The Figments), The Fawns, Group Deville, Rusty Belle, SwillMerchants, Levin Schwartz of the Amity Front, Spouse, National Carpet, Frank Manzi , Ben Demerath, Erik Alan (The Amity Front), Fancy Trash, The Grownup Noise, Bob Hennessy and Carrie Olson.

I hope you can make it. I think it'll be a real nice night of singalongs and it's for a good cause.

Tickets and more info here: Iron Horse Music Hall

Girl Planet - The Aloha Steamtrain - Available Online

2009-12-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

Girl Planet was the debut record by The Aloha Steamtrain. It has been unavailable for many years now due to contractual obligations.

However, we have just put it back online for download.

No matter where you are in the world, you just need to push a few buttons and you'll own this classic collection of songs from The Aloha Steamtrain.

Listen to samples and get your copy today: Girl Planet Download

Two Events This Weekend

2009-12-18T09:43:00.000-08:00

Friday December 18: Sitting Next To Brian participates in a Velvet Underground Tribute show at The Rendezvous in Turner's Falls, MA. Starts at 9:00, entry is FREE. SNTB plays three songs near the end of the night.

Saturday December 19: School for the Dead performs outside in the snow on Main Street Northampton, MA. 5:00 - 6:00. Free. Right in front of the First Church in the center of town. Just listen for the sound of guitars and chattering teeth.

Huge Mark Mulcahy Tribute Concert - Friday Dec. 10

2009-12-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

Snow Shmow, The Show Must Go On.

2009-12-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

This is pretty much the scene as it'll be tonight at The Calvin Coolidge Museum in Forbes Library, Northampton. We'll probably be dressed a little nicer and looking a bit happier. Our cheeks will be rosy from the snowy outdoors. You'll be cozy and warm in the wooden room surrounded by artifacts and banners and paintings and display cases.

Jason, is currently working on getting a hot chocolate and peppermint tea thing going on for after the show. No promises.

The show starts at 7:00 and is totally free for any all who would like to attend. We'll be playing a myriad of instruments and songs from School for the Dead, The Fawns, Bourgeois Heroes, Sitting Next To Brian, and The Salvation Alley String Band.

I think it'll be a nice memorable night for all of us to gather in this strange room after the crazy first snowstorm of the year. I hope you can make it.

Here are the "venue" details: Forbes Library

SShhhhhh... Preparing For The Rub Wrongways Caravan Library Show

2009-12-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

We had an interesting practice last night. The Rub Wrongways Caravan was in the studio preparing for our Sssshhhhhh Show at Forbes Library next Wednesday. We added six songs to the Caravan catalog including a brand new School for the Dead song.

This concert is going to be an adventure for us. The room is wooden and historic and we have to be very quiet because, well, because it's in a library. It's in a library and the library will be open. People in other rooms will be reading and doing whatever it is that people do in libraries. Sucking on cough drops? Browsing the stacks? Eyeing each other suspiciously?

We will not be entirely acoustic and we will have a tiny PA set up but the volume will be way way down. Last night we played around with arrangements of these songs to see how they felt at low volumes. Here are some of the instruments that we plan on playing at the show:

Acoustic guitar
Ukulele
Electric guitar
Pedal steel guitar
Wurlitzer Electric Piano
Pared down drum set
Banjo
Glackenspiel
Electric bass
Harmonica
Melodica
Various percussion instruments

We'll be playing songs by School for the Dead, The Fawns, Sitting Next To Brian, Bourgeois Heroes, and the Salvation Alley String Band. The show is set on shuffle. You never know which band you will get, who will sing, who will play what.

I hope you can make it. It's totally FREE and it's from 7:00 to 8:00, so it's nice and early on a weekday. It's all-ages. It's going to be a strange event and I think we'll need your help to make it a magical evening.

Rub Wrongways Caravan of Stars - Sssssssssh Show.

2009-12-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

Rub Wrongways Caravan of Stars at The Rendezvous, Turner's Falls, MA - 11/28/2009

2009-11-23T10:01:00.000-08:00

Rub Wrongways On Facebook

2009-11-20T12:31:00.000-08:00

Are you on Facebook? Come on over and join us there, too!

Rub Wrongways Records on Facebook

Jason and Henning Brief Duet Set - The Rendezvous - Turner's Fall - Thursday Nov. 19.

2009-11-17T10:52:00.000-08:00

The Campbell Apartment Needs Your Help

2009-10-30T09:05:00.001-07:00

Our friends in The Campbell Apartment need your vote.

Ari Vais' band is The Campbell Apartment. You may recall that Ari, Tony, Brian, and I used to have a band called Humbert. Ari is now living in San Francisco and New York City and he's still knocking out one hit after another.

The Campbell Apartment made a wonderful video for their song "St. Louis" and it is in the running for some regular rotation on MTVu (That's the MTV station that is broadcast on college campuses all across the country. They actually play music videos on it.)

If their video gets more votes than this other video that they are up against, then they will be added to the regular rotation, which would be great, and justly deserved.

Go here to watch the video and cast your vote. When you are finished, vote again, and again, and again. It's silly, but that's the way the powers that be have set things up. So, if you have a few moments, please click the link and cast your vote (you don't have to sign in or anything).

It's a really good video and song anyway, so please enjoy it. We'll keep you updated on what happens. Thanks.

Halloween Party at Florence VFW Thursday, Octoboer 29.

2009-10-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

The Rub Wrongways Records Caravan of Stars Super Group has been asked to partake in a Halloween Party this up coming Thursday at the Florence VFW (18 Meadow St. Florence, MA). It starts at 8:00 and I think it is all ages (but I'm not sure).

We'll be doing a set with a couple song from School for the Dead, The Fawns, Sitting Next To Brian, and Bourgeois Heroes. I think we're also planning a Halloween appropriate cover by The Kinks.

Also on the bill are Problem With Dragons, Conduit, Kill D. Stroy, and your hosts, Alottle. It's only 5 clams and 4 if you are in costume. We're told there will be prizes. Maybe I'll show up dressed as a prize. Then I win no matter what.

The Rub Wrongways Caravan of Stars (New York Edition)

2009-10-06T13:04:00.001-07:00

This groovy picture was taken by Ari Vais with his phone. It's of School for the Dead at The Parkside Lounge in New York.

That was a fun show. This Saturday, we are going back but this time it is with the Rub Wrongways Caravan of Stars Super Group. That means that Lesa Bezo, Max Germer, Brian Marchese, Jason Bourgeois, Ryan Quinn, and Henning Ohlenbusch will all be performing as one unit. They'll be playing the music of The Fawns, Sitting Next to Brian, School For the Dead, and Bourgeois Heroes.

It's at The Parkside Lounge
Saturday, October 10 at 9:00.

Also on the bill, Brooklyn popsters Boy Genius and more.

Season Finale - Wrongways Tuesdays

2009-09-29T09:16:00.001-07:00

Remember the last episode of M.A.S.H.? No? How about Newhart? Cheers? Friends? Come on! What about Seinfeld! OK. Well that's what tonight will be kind of like at The Elevens. The season finale happens with Lesa and Henning, Jason Bourgeois, and Matt Silberstein.

The Tuesdays have been pretty great. It was an experiment for us. We wanted to see if we could successfully put on shows at an early hour in Northampton. Certainly we were inspired by Jose Ayerve and his Spouse residency in the beginning of the summer. I really enjoyed going to those shows and when he stopped doing them, Jason Bourgeois suggested that we take over.

We altered the set-up somewhat in that we had all the shows end by 9:00. The nights have been really nice. Because it happens so early, there is no conflict with the general loud bar crowd. The only people present are there specifically to see the bands and listen to the music and take part in the festivities. Each week we have set up tables and chairs and kept the volume at a listenable level so that attendees can move closer to the stage and get more immersed in the music.

We can keep the volume a little lower because there is generally no drunken chatter at the bar and there is no thumping dance-bass from the club next door. The music is not quiet, mind you. It's just not painful. We've had the great fortune of havign Dan Richardson a staunch supporter of these Tuesdays sit in on the soundboard for us.

Each Tuesday has presented three brief acts. The first act, generally an acoustic duo, plays only three songs. The second act plays roughly a half hour and the third act plays about the same. It's just the perfect length. At the end of each night, as people are milling about and figuring out what to do now, I've overheard many folks who are very surprised that it is only nine o'clock. It's like those rare weekend days when, for some reason or another, you wake up really early and you've done all this stuff and you realize it's not even noon yet. Or it's like a Sunday night when you suddenly remember that Monday is a holiday. It's a joyful reprieve.

The nights are so early that Lesa and I have been getting dinner after the show.

Another part of our experiment was to see if it was possible to consistently have shows that start on time and follow a set schedule. So far, so good. Last week, the order did switch around a little when Nuclear Waste needed to go second rather than third because of a health issue. Not a big deal, since the sets are so short. But we have consistently begun the music at exactly 7:30 and ended very close to 9:00 each night. It's not difficult if it's planned ahead.

But, hey who cares about all this crap? Let's talk about the music. That's all that really matters right? Here's who we have had perform: Henning and Max, Sitting Next To Brian, Tasha Yar, Brian and Thane, Salvation Alley String Band, Josh Crane, Jason and Ryan, The Fawns, Goldwater, Rick Murnane, School for the Dead, Nuclear Waste Management Club, and tonight: Lesa and Henning, Jason Bourgeois, Matt Silberstein. It's been really nice.

Thank you so much to all of you who came out to these shows. I hope you enjoyed them. I think you did since so many of you returned weekly. I'm hoping we'll do this again sometime, maybe in the winter or spring.

I hope you can come out tonight for the season finale. Remember, it's free. And its friendly.

Wrongways Tuesdays in September

2009-08-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

Wrongways Tuesday #1

2009-08-19T09:18:00.001-07:00

Henning and Brian with Winterpills and St. Vincent

2009-08-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

On Thursday August 6, Brian and Henning are sitting in with Winterpills for a show at Pearl Street in Northampton, MA. We'll be playing on a bill with St. Vincent. Do you know St. Vincent? I think it's going to be a good show.