Local Rhythms – Upper Valley CATV Adds “Homegrown” Music

Back before I started writing this column, I received my first inklings of the local music scene via videotaped performances from the Orford River Jam, an annual summer event held at the Pastures Campground along the Connecticut River.
The Claremont public access channel played it at odd times – an hour or so of first-rate bluegrass [...]

Aloud – Fan the Fury

The second album from Boston quartet Aloud gives fans of hard-edged harmony plenty to sink their teeth into. As the title suggests, it’s packed with twentysomething rage, but it also brims with flourishes and crescendos.
“Sometimes I Feel Like A Vampire” establishes the record’s mood early on. “I can’t smile with a straight face,” [...]

Mark Erelli Comes To Fred Fest With A Great New CD

Thursday, June 5 will be a return of sorts for Mark Erelli. “It feels like coming back to visit old friends,” says the singer-songwriter, who performed at Oona’s and the Windham when they were both open.
Erelli opens the ninth annual “Fred Fest,” four days of music officially called Roots on the [...]

Local Rhythms – Netflix Shakes Things Up

After spending a few days renting movies from the Internet, I’m no longer convinced that the DVD’s future is any safer than its compact disc cousin. Chapter selection, deleted scenes and commentary – everything’s there, and without the $4.00 a gallon drive to Blockbuster.
Netflix customers already save on fuel costs, but waiting for the [...]

Local Rhythms – Buying Music From A Stolen Car

It’s the ultimate impulse buy, better than candy bars at the supermarket checkout counter.  While barreling down the highway at a healthy clip, I hear a song on the car radio.  It’s so good that I must have it.
With just the push of a button, and a little Internet magic, presto!  The song is mine.
Yep, [...]

Local Rhythms – Record Covers A Lost Art

Music will always touch us, but how will we touch music?
Swearing out loud while attempting to dislodge a CD from the case isn’t the same as tearing the plastic from a new album.
Once, that was a near-holy experience.
I’m as big a fan of MP3s as anyone – my first generation iPod is proof. [...]