Tag: Six Star General
Live Reviews of Sick Pills and Six Star General in The Noise
6 STAR GENERAL
SICK PILLS
The Parlour, Providence, RI
3/5/16
Winter is winding down but it is still bitter cold as I brave the frozen tundra to ride my sled dogs to Providence to see two great bands for a 75orless records night. Where are all the sunny tundras? The Parlour is a nice place to play a show or see one. I just don’t like the paintings of giant Marshall amps on the rear of the stage. I think it makes the real amps look small and is distracting, it makes it cheesy if you videotape your set or take pictures, but hey, what do I know about sliced bread? 6 Star General have small amps but big sounds. Singer and bassist Mark is ever entertaining as a frontman, with asides, introductions, observations, and conversations between songs. 6 Star General have been winning hearts and minds with their blend of 90’s college rock and punky alternative for over a decade and they have this down to a sweet science. Well placed covers of Daniel Johnston, Grandaddy, and Camper Van Beethoven give you a glimpse of their influences. The night might have been running late, because their set seemed a bit short to me, but that’s rock and roll sometimes.
After a short break Sick Pills storm the stage, like well mannered Vikings. Singer/ guitar player Chris Evil has been playing around New England in Blood Moons and Chris Evil & the Taints for many a year. This band mixes his punk and garage influences with a bit more straight up rock ’n’ or roll. They do a cool version of “Goodbye Horses” from Silence of the Lambs, but rely mainly on their well crafted catchy punk nuggets. This is their first show in a couple of years with their old drummer, but they sound pretty well rehearsed. These two veteran bands of the Providence punk and whatever scene make the frostbite worthwhile. (Eric Baylies)
Set Lathe Cut Singles Package
75OL-238 Lathe Cut Singles Package
$25.00 S&H Included
A set of all three limited clear poly lathe cut singles.
Track Listing
1. Matt Fraza Band – Drugs/I Don’t Want It 6:00
2. Jordan Everett Associates – Moonbeams 6:00
3. Jodie Treloar – Sonic Boom 5:15
4. Six Star General – Christopher Walken 6:00
5. Bob Kendall Band – Stay 2:57
6. Feng Shui Police – Without You 3:00
7. Eric Ott – Free 6:00
Motif Magazine reviews the DVD Release Show for The Final Obsession
What’s the perfect way for a film to ring in its glorious transition to DVD? With live music, of course! That’s what was on tap at The Parlour on North Main in Providence last Saturday. Local musician and comedy whiz Adam Theroux (who you might know as Hank Sinatra Jr. ) recently directed a thrilling suspense film called The Final Obsession and a bunch of The Creative Capital’s finest gathered to celebrate the film’s DVD release. Singer-songwriter Dan White (who also acted in the film), indie fuzz fiends Six Star General, Theroux’s revival of his music project Bi Anal Ham Sandwich and hair metal maniacs Teazer put on a rocking array of riffs and laughs. As the saying goes, if you weren’t here then you weren’t anywhere.
Igniting the festivities with an acoustic guitar and keyboard, Theroux as Bi Anal Ham Sandwich took the stage with heavy doses of hilarity. Spelled wrong but on point, “Hyroglyphics” had Theroux singing about creating drawings of himself in his own image and how cool they’d be. An homage to an essential appliance, “Extension Cord” gave a long neglected outlet some love. Rick-rolling the crowd with a keyboard rendition of Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” as a whistling take on No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak” had everyone chuckling. He ending his performance with a request from the crowd, “Girl With Pink Eyes.”
With an elegant backwoods style, Dan White went up with an acoustic of his own for a soothing array of tunes. White has a booming and soulful voice that comes straight from the heart; it took over the room and it grabbed everyone’s undivided attention. A mix of songs telling stories of evading outlaws, heartbreak and self-doubt made for a magnificent set. It was really good to see White back playing again after a little hiatus. Make sure to catch him next time he plays in your neighborhood.
Straight out of Warren is a band very much loved by a certain columnist who writes for Motif — Six Star General got highly amplified. Old school punk in the vein of Husker Du and Built To Spill resonated throughout The Parlour with thunderous authority. The trio of Mark “Slick” MacDougall on bass, Kyle Jackson on guitar and Daniel Ulmschneider on drums kicked total musical ass. Slick’s bass has that raw, fuzzy tone you have to fall in love with. Jackson nailed the solos on his red hot rod fashioned guitar with precision. Ulmschneider proved he’s one of the most underrated drummers in The Ocean State by how powerful he is with his sticks. Six Star General should be putting out something new in the near future; keep track of MacDougall’s label 75orLess Records at 75orLess.com
Finishing the night off was a band that’s always a treat to see live. One of the best metal bands in Rhode Island, Teazer have a distinct habit of bringing the house down and on Saturday, they brought an epic amount of scorching guitar riffs and sheer, unadulterated intensity. There are few quartets as talented as Ray Manzera on guitar, Bobbi Deluca on bass, Bobbi’s brother Scotti “The Hammer” Deluca on drums and frontman Denny Palmari. These guys always bring the goods on stage, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden fans take notice. You’re guaranteed to have a good time when Teazer is playing, so go out and see them live to get rocked.
Overall, a very fun night. Fantastic music all around and for something equally fantastic, get a DVD copy of The Final Obsession. It features a few local celebrities showing their acting chops and it’s bound to send chills up your spine. Also, head over to The Parlour if you haven’t yet. They have something happening every night, and they have all the whiskey and beer you can ask for along with some fantastic food.
Order Your Copy Of The Final Obsession Here: http://thefinalobsession.weebly.com
The Parlour’s Website: http://theparlourri.com
Bi Anal Ham Sandwich On Last.Fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Bi+Anal+Ham+Sandwich
Six Star General’s Website: http://sixstargeneral.com
Teazer on BandCamp: https://teazerrocksyourfaceri.bandcamp.com
Six Star General Live on WBRU
Mike Mountain and Six Star General make Boston’s The Noise Top 10 of 2014
Top 10 New England Rock ’n’ Roll Things of 2014 (in no real order)
10. MIKE MOUNTAIN playing live all over New England, sermonizing and destroying basements and clubs.
9. GUERILLA TOSS creating a post rock disco dance party.
8. SIX STAR GENERAL bringing the party like its 1989.
7. MINIBEAST bringing together the master maniacs of Mission of Burma, Six Finger Satellite, and the Eyesores.
6. DOOMSDAY STUDENT for keeping it real.
5. SEDIMENT CLUB for waving the Captain Beefheart flag high.
4. EXTINCTION MACHINE for coagulating Lolita Black, Dropdead, and Onleyville Sound System.
3. OUTLAW IN PERU for keeping it insane.
2. 28 DEGREES TAURUS for blowing our minds.
1. THE BOSTON HASSLE for pulling it all together.
Till the Dirt, Plant the Home, Watch it Grow
75OL-198 Various – Till the Dirt, Plant the Home, Watch it Grow CD
[sold out]
Limited to two copies per customer. Compilations are printed on a white or brown colored jacket with various ink colors. There will NOT be a digital release for this compilation. All tracks are exclusive to this release.
Track Listing
1. Allysen Callery – Tuesday Morning
2. Gravenhurst – There are No Claims on You
3. Haunt the House – Jesus Christ
4. Joe Fletcher – Say What You Will (acoustic demo)
5. What Cheer? Brigade – Iahabibi
6. Alec K. Redfearn & the Eyesores – Tramadoliday
7. The Kitchen Cynics – Make of Me Your Mask
8. Kid Dakota – Phantom pain (alternate acoustic version)
9. JOHN 3:16 – The Fountain of Life
10. Brown Bird – Winter
11. Dreamend – If Only for a Day (piano demo)
12. Dan Baker – Crazy Broad
13. Dan Blakeslee – Begone Sadness
14. I Love You & I Miss You with Sharron Kraus – Hope
15. Will Sheff – A Girl in Port (alternate version)
16. Swearing at Motorists – Time and Distance (alternate acoustic version)
17. The Iditarod – Sparrow
18. Six Star General – Christopher Walken (Dinner Dog Mix)
19. The Sentimental Favorites – Gravestones
20. Noel the Coward – Darwinian
“Originally created as part of the “Hold Down the Fort“ campaign, this album collects tracks unique to this release by artists I have worked with over the years. Made available exclusively through 75orLess Records, who also inhabit space in Fort Foreclosure.” – William Schaff
Campaign supporters will receive copies featuring unique hand-painted stencils, while the versions purchased through the label website are limited to a one color print on either white or brown jackets. See below for some examples of one vs. two color prints.
Dan Baker, Six Star General reviews in December issue of Motif
Along with coverage of upcoming shows with The McGunks and Northern Lands.
You can read the article here.
Six Star General – Hair Supply (75orLess Records)
Six Star General has had a difficult year that forced them to be on the sidelines for several months due to various medical maladies. In the meantime, they managed to finish another album, Hair Supply. In addition to being my motto, “I Don’t Know Where We’re Going (But I Know That It’s Not Good)” is a return to form noisy rocker that has been missing from the last couple of Six Star records. “Christopher Walken” and “I’m Expanding Slowly” are like stoner indie rock powered by hypnotic grooves. “Way Out of Control” is a noisy fun punk romp. “Life in Vain” is an infectious ditty powered by a cool hook and probably the closest thing to a single on Hair Supply. I look forward to hearing the new tunes live at the CD Release for Hair Supply at The Parlour on January 4.
Dan Baker – Pistol in My Pocket (75orLess Records)
I didn’t know what to make of Dan Baker at first on the title track of Pistol in My Pocket that comes off as a howling Beck imitation on one of his independent albums. Then things started to get good. “Threw Me Down the Well” is a blues number that comes across as an Americanized version of Nick Cave, thanks to the violin from Rob Flax. “Never Alone” and “Up On the Roof” are winners as spacey piano ballads that remind me of sitting out on my porch staring up at the stars. “Down in the Canyon” has kind of a later-day Dylan feel at times. On “She’s Not Going To Call,” Baker channels his inner Tom Waits with an added Americana touch on the outro. Baker’s best material is so raw it hits you straight in the gut on tracks like “Coming Home.” I didn’t know anything about Dan Baker before, but after listening to Pistol in My Pocket, I certainly want to know more!
– See more at: http://motifri.com/alt-nation-some-new-discs-and-shows-to-bid-2013-goodbye/#sthash.mdmZLpMf.dpuf
Six Star General – Hair Supply (75orLess Records)
Six Star General has had a difficult year that forced them to be on the sidelines for several months due to various medical maladies. In the meantime, they managed to finish another album, Hair Supply. In addition to being my motto, “I Don’t Know Where We’re Going (But I Know That It’s Not Good)” is a return to form noisy rocker that has been missing from the last couple of Six Star records. “Christopher Walken” and “I’m Expanding Slowly” are like stoner indie rock powered by hypnotic grooves. “Way Out of Control” is a noisy fun punk romp. “Life in Vain” is an infectious ditty powered by a cool hook and probably the closest thing to a single on Hair Supply. I look forward to hearing the new tunes live at the CD Release for Hair Supply at The Parlour on January 4.
Dan Baker – Pistol in My Pocket (75orLess Records)
I didn’t know what to make of Dan Baker at first on the title track of Pistol in My Pocket that comes off as a howling Beck imitation on one of his independent albums. Then things started to get good. “Threw Me Down the Well” is a blues number that comes across as an Americanized version of Nick Cave, thanks to the violin from Rob Flax. “Never Alone” and “Up On the Roof” are winners as spacey piano ballads that remind me of sitting out on my porch staring up at the stars. “Down in the Canyon” has kind of a later-day Dylan feel at times. On “She’s Not Going To Call,” Baker channels his inner Tom Waits with an added Americana touch on the outro. Baker’s best material is so raw it hits you straight in the gut on tracks like “Coming Home.” I didn’t know anything about Dan Baker before, but after listening to Pistol in My Pocket, I certainly want to know more!
The McGunks Holiday Party
Truth be told, The McGunks really don’t need much of an excuse to throw a party, as anyone who has been to one of their shows can attest. The McGunks are straight-on pub punk with bits of bands like the Supersuckers mixed in. Check out their recent CD, Highlights for Lowlifes for even more sweaty, booze-drenched rock & roll hi-jinks!
The McGunks and The O’Tooles will throw a punk rock Holiday Bash at Broad Street Tap in Cumberland on December 21.
– See more at: http://motifri.com/alt-nation-some-new-discs-and-shows-to-bid-2013-goodbye/#sthash.mdmZLpMf.dpuf
The McGunks Holiday Party
Truth be told, The McGunks really don’t need much of an excuse to throw a party, as anyone who has been to one of their shows can attest. The McGunks are straight-on pub punk with bits of bands like the Supersuckers mixed in. Check out their recent CD, Highlights for Lowlifes for even more sweaty, booze-drenched rock & roll hi-jinks! The McGunks and The O’Tooles will throw a punk rock Holiday Bash at Broad Street Tap in Cumberland on December 21.
Northern Lands
Narragansett Beer put together a beast of a party to celebrate their 123rd anniversary. Of course, I’d contest the year because they should have to subtract all the years the brand was dormant, but nobody listens to me anyway. This show has something for almost everyone. You want straight-out rock? Northern Lands and the slightly country tinged Jay Berndt & The Orphans will be there. Want something acoustic? Brian McKenzie will be there to deliver. Jazz? Michelle Lewis for the win! The only thing missing is metal, which is odd considering Berndt and McKenzie were in the ‘90s local juggernaut, Kilgore. In addition this will be the annual unveiling of the Gansett Girl Calendar. Narragansett Beer 123rd Anniversary Party featuring live performances by Northern Lands, Jay Berndt & The Orphans, Brian McKenzie Michelle Lewis and Jeff Byrd hits The Met Café on December 27.
Six Star General – Hair Supply
75OL-180 Six Star General – Hair Supply CD
$10.00 S&H Included
Digital download is available here
Track Listing
1. Christopher Walken
2. I Don’t Know Where We’re Going (But I Know That It’s Not Good)
3. Trans Am Hands
4. Shaking Fists
5. I’m Expanding Slowly
6. Way Out of Control
7. Life in Vain
8. Breathe at Different Speeds
Hair Supply was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Plan of a Boy by Kraig Jordan in Providence, RI Dec 2012 – June 2013.
Dan Ulmschneider – drums, percussion
Kyle Jackson – guitars
Mark MacDougall – vocals, bass
also appearing
Stan Sobczak – moog synthesizer
Kraig Jordan – acoustic guitar
backing vocals by Jodie Treloar, Suicide Bill, Mark Cutler, Dan Ulmschneider
Artwork by William Schaff
All songs copyright Six Star General, except Life in Vain by Daniel Johnston.
Motif Magazine Announces 2013 Music Nominations
Motif Magazine has announced their nominations for the 2013 Music Awards. 75orLess related acts with nominations include:
Americana Singer Songwriter – Mark Cutler
Male Americana Vocalist – Bob Kendall
Americana Album – Bob Kendall ‘Midnight Flower’
Live Rock Act – Vertical Twin
Male Rock Vocalist – Mark Cutler
Rock Album (4 of 7) –
Vertical Twin ‘ElectroSonicMotherPhonic”
Six Star General ‘Splinter’
Mark Cutler ‘Sweet Pain’
The Masons ‘Warm Days, Long Shadows’