America is home to a bevy of music cities that don’t need mentioning here. The capital of Massachusetts however isn’t considered in the same breathe as the New Orleans’ and Austin’s of the USA.
The city may not be home to the biggest buzz acts, the most raved about festivals or popular music attractions, but there are moments where Boston stands tall in the country’s music history.
The story of James Brown using his soulful voice to calm a Boston crowd in 1968 comes to mind first. Riots broke out across the country when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and Brown’s Boston Garden show was expected to be shut down after police involvement, but the man’s onstage presence allowed for racial tensions to simmer in the light of his voice.
However the city’s homegrown acts gained notoriety throughout the 80s and 90s through waves of college rock, indie and post punk. Names like The Cars, Pixies, ‘Til Tuesday, The Lemonheads and Human Sexual Response gave Boston a music scene worth mentioning.
What has sustained the metropolis’ currency in modern times though is its hip-hop scene. Rappers like Guru of legendary duo Gang Starr, Big Shug, Mr. Lif, The Perceptionists and Special Teamz have allowed Boston to find fame through Urban music.
The city’s strong indie rock, jazz and urban scenes are what make this area of over 600,000 inhabitants a music destination to visit.
There are other names though that demonstrates Boston has the roots to cultivate musicians that go on to to find audiences across the globe.
Pop fans might mention New Kids On The Block but we’re talking the likes of rockers Aerosmith and disco queen Donna Summer.
More recently synth-pop outfit Passion Pit have achieved success with their two albums, while Amanda Palmer has championed the crowd funding movement in her post Dresden Dolls career.
Dropkick Murphy’s are another who have continued to make waves since their formation in the late 90s.
With Boston’s vast array of venues favouring live music over dance clubs the aforementioned bands have made their way to success through these integral platforms.
While what separates the city from its more well known counterparts might just be a scene that cultivates bigger names don’t discount the vibrant underground scenes.
If the past has taught us anything it’s that Boston is always home to a music act that comes to the fore. In that sense the metropolis will continue to surprise as its underdog status remains.
Shop
Cheapo Records, 538 Massachusetts Avenue
Opened sometime in the 50s as the Cambridge Music Box this establishment has stuck to its vinyl guns with CDs found in bins on the floor. You’ll find music divided into sections such as ‘experimental/avant garde’ and ‘Easy, Sleazy, Exotic’. Motown and Funk fans will be especially happy with Cheapo Records overflowing with vintage stocks of this genre. And as the store’s name suggests most shoppers should be happy with the relatively low price tags.
In Your Ear Records, 957 Commonwealth Avenue
What looks like thousands of CDs and records are scattered in crates throughout this store and even extend to In Your Ear’s front porch. Needless to say this one is for the diggers. The $3 bin and large 8-track selection are popular amongst the old record faithful, while old issues of music magazines should sufficiently blast you into the past.
Weirdo Records, 844 Massachusetts Ave
Started out of the owner’s tiny flat Weirdo Records has found a niche in providing – as its name points towards – experimental and foreign releases that you won’t find at many other record stores. You’ll know the store by the bobble-head dolls lining the shelves and sky-printed fabrics covering the walls. Every price tag has its own dedicated slogan and rare in store performances stretch the term ‘intimate’ in the best way possible.
Listen
When this festival overtook City Hall Plaza for the first time in May in 2013 critics lauded the event’s ability to turn the site into something other than the architectural wasteland that it is. With a lineup including the likes of The National, The Shins and Youth Lagoon the festival was hailed a success and a second event was quickly held in September featuring Vampire Weekend, Local Natives, Passion Pit and Kendrick Lamar. A third event is planned for May 2014.
Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Ave
Formerley a frat bar 10 years of roaring indie rock nights have seen its reputation as a brilliant small-sized rock club quickly grow. With only a 240-person capacity its mix of live shows and dance parties sees the venue filled quickly. Great Scott is Boston’s talent unearthing establishment where you might just catch the next big thing.
The Middle East, 472-480 Massachusetts Ave
Unsurprisingly labelled by many locals as one of the best rock club’s in Cambridge and Boston the bar restaurant and two levels that encompass this venue have seen numerous sweat rock filled evenings. While the downstairs area caters for a larger audience, both levels host acts of all genres with local and touring bands stopping by frequently.
See
Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Avenue
Home to Boston’s entire arts history this museum showcases the best that the city’s artistic talents have crafted over the years. Music wise the Gospel Choir program and series of music events are not to be missed. While its collection of over 1,100 instruments from around the world can also provide insights via talks, live demonstrations, concerts, publications and recorded audio samples.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 280 The Fenway
With a reputation for visual beauty supplemented not just by the various galleries, but the courtyard gardens the music component of the museum could be seen as more of sideshow to this establishment’s attributes. However, as the home of the nation’s longest-running museum music program you can be assured that it’s not. The museum features concerts in its intimate and atmospheric Tapestry Room. Its own Gardner Chamber Orchestra of world-renowned musicians perform here on a regular basis.
Boston Acts You Should Check Out
You Won’t – Soundcloud
Nominated as ‘Folk Artist of the Year’ in 2013 at the Boston Music Awards, the duo’s rising status only continues to grow. Formed in early 2011 their 2012 debut album, Skeptic Goodbye, garnered critical acclaim across the America. They have toured with the likes of The Lumineers, The Antlers and The Joy Formidable in the past.
Millyz – Soundcloud
A member of Boston’s proud underground urban scene the rapper has recently released his Future Memories Mixtape. The release details different stories and time periods of Millyz life. Listen to his track ‘Self Medicate’ below.
Camden – Facebook
Highlighted by The Phoenix as one of Boston’s best new bands in 2012, this four-piece are well and truly on the rise and they’re bringing their guitar fuelled pop rock with them. With tinges of garage littered throughout their DNA Camden have enough of an infectious touch to keep you wanting for more.
