PLAYGROUND BOSTON

Gotta love shows at Charlie’s. Trashy distortion, tons of energy, a packed hallway of a room, watching the band through the mirrors since there’s 100 people between you and the ’stage’ – almost has the feel of a basement show, except a) it’s on the 2nd floor and b) you can get cheap-ass burgers and WAFFLE FRIES to go along with your cheap-ass beer. Charlie’s does live music every Monday, and they’ve got a great lineup tonight of some of the best psych-garage-rockers in town. Former PGB Track Of The Week honorees Thick Shakes will be joined by local garage legends Triple Thick, seriously spaced out space cadets Sister Spaceman, and psychedelic relics MMOSS (fresh off an appearance at last weekend’s wildly successful Deep Heaven Now festival out in Union Square). All lo-fi, all psychedelic, and all the reverb and distortion you could possibly ask for – what better way to cap off the weekend and ease back into the week?

Thick Shakes – “Baby, You’re A Starfish” – Ooh Mommy
(Full album available for free download here!)

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Thick Shakes

Triple Thick

MMOSS

Sister Spaceman

Charlie’s Kitchen

Didn’t get enough rock in this weekend? Don’t worry, Charlie’s Kitchen up in Harvard Square has you covered! Every band in tonight’s lineup has a serious sneer going on – some punk rock, some metal, some garage madness, but all pissed-the-fuck-off. Tijuana Sweetheart (formerly VAGIANT) made their mark across the country by getting their song “Seven” on the Rock Band video game, and have since put out a few more on the Rock Band Network. TS specializes in catchy hooks and harmonies with attitude, and plays songs with themes ranging from restraining orders to bastions of Allston Douchebaggery to The Karate Kid. This will be their final show with lead guitarist Smokey – a staple in their lineup for 3 years – and they’re sure to send her off right by tearing the roof off the place!

Tijuana Sweetheart - Photo by Lesley Arak

Tijuana Sweetheart will be joined on the bill by the crunchy crusty crude and crass rock mayhem of Tenafly Vipers, who’ll be celebrating the birthday of guitarist Johnny Viper. The ‘Vipers have been making every show they play a party for years, so you know they’ll be ripping it up when they actually DO have something to celebrate! Also playing tonight are The Furiousity, the perfect female-fronted garage angst to get the night rolling. The entire show’s only 5 bucks and you can get dirt cheap cheeseburgers and tall boys at the bar – so even if you spent a little too much money this weekend, you can rock out on a budget tonight! See you down there!

9pm – The Furiousity

10pm – Tenafly Vipers

11pm – Tijuana Sweetheart

Major Stars @ TT's 1/19/10 - Photo by Tim Bugbee

I was fortunate enough to catch Major Stars at their show at TT’s last month (click here to check out Tim Bugbee’s AMAZING photos from that show), and as a result I can honestly say that I’ve resolved to never miss another one of their local shows. These guys put on an intense performance of psychedelic insanity – hair flying everywhere, more wahs and shreds than the ears can handle, dueling guitar solos, and general face-meltery all around. Ever seen two guitars, a bass, and a drummer all soloing at the same time and have it actually WORK? Come down to Charlie’s in Harvard Square tonight and see for yourself! Joining Major Stars on this bill are Fat Worm of Error and Vile Bodies.

Here’s a video to give you an idea what to expect. The lineup’s a little different, but the sound is the same. Entire band plays the song through, singer sings the lyrics, then she gets outta the way and lets the rest of the band jam out for 4 minutes or so. That’s how they did it at TT’s, that’s how I’m expecting them to do it at Charlie’s – don’t miss out!

Major Stars

Charlie’s Kitchen

Tim Bugbee @ Tinnitus Photography