Lollipop Magazine

Lycia – at the Rat – Review

July 1, 1997

Vast waves of eerie sound. It was minor, moody, and slow, rather sensual. I began to daydream vividly, picturing a forest, two lovers, a cold spring morning.

L.E.S. Stitches – with Trauma School Dropouts, Blount at the Rat – Review

July 1, 1997

The set improved drastically midway through when Mick Brown (vocals) wailed out “Disgusted,” which exemplifies his repulsion with his life, music, and mind.

Fluffy – The WBCN Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble at The Middle East – Review

July 1, 1997

The singer’s got kinda a Marilyn Monroe thing going on, but it doesn’t take long for the bratty Drew Barrymore sneer to appear to warm the hearts and cockles.

Blount – with Trauma School Dropouts, L.E.S. Stitches at the Rat – Review

July 1, 1997

Blount maintain a very upbeat Screeching Weasel-type sound. They seemed elated with Boston’s knowledge of their lyrics, which far surpassed their own!

Arab on Radar – with The Laurels at Jacque’s Cabaret – Review

July 1, 1997

He wasn’t singing so much as whining in a nasal voice, and having an epileptic fit. “Kind of like Emo Phillips on crack, don’t you think?” the bartender said.

Tugboat Annie – at The Middle East – Review

June 1, 1997

Tugboat Annie comes from a coincidental combination of charisma, melody, musicianship, and an extraordinary adeptness at effectively combining these qualities.

Squirrel Nut Zippers – at The Roxy Ballroom – Review

June 1, 1997

All types of people were there, from the Lounge Hipsters to the neo-Flappers to average punks. The Zippers came on, and the house began to swing.

Swell – with Treble Charger at Bill’s Bar – Review

June 1, 1997

Regular-looking guys playing drums, acoustic and electric guitars, bass, and sometimes keyboards. A little uneasy on stage, but at ease with the music.

Pugs – at The Middle East – Review

June 1, 1997

A Japanese freak-out, nitrous oxide set to music. Two basses, a second noise percussionist plus drums, guitar, and a very pretty transvestite on keyboards.

Canine – at the Hard Rock Cafe – Review

June 1, 1997

While they have hard rock and punk tendencies, their hook is weaving Latin beats, funky rhythms, and vocal harmonies with guitar melodies and mighty vocals.