Search - Various Artists :: Diy: Mass Ave Boston Scene

Boston Sound Suits West Coast Fan

gsherida8502 | Spokane, WA United States | 06/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I first heard Robin Lane's "When Things Go Wrong" in Indiana of all places, I really became a fan of a number Boston punk/new wave bands when I was living in California. Our local college station had the good taste to play The Lyres, Del Fuegos, and Mission of Burma in heavy rotation. This CD picks some really choice selections from these bands. The Thrills and Atlantics both contributed unexpected gems to this CD too. In addition, the incredible, hypnotic, organ driven tune "6" by The Neats is probably one of my all time favorite psychodelic tracks from the 80's. Without the aid the of any illegal substances, this song can project you into other worldly state of mind. While a couple of Boston reviewers were obviously taken with this collection, I want to assure the perspective buyer that this music transcends mere regional interest. Since there are quite a few indispensable songs on this album, you can't afford to miss owning a copy."

One of the best compiliations of Boston punk ever...

Sean D. Reynolds | White Plains, NY USA | 04/26/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Having lived in Boston during this era, and having seen a load of these bands live, I have to congratulate Rhino on putting together a pretty good slice of the important Boston bands of the 80's. The majorityof the tracks have a lot of staying power ("When Things Go Wrong", "Mass Ave",etc.) and some are just fun to rock out to ("Loretta", "I Want To Help You Ann").It always surprised me that so few of these bands got national exposure or recording contracts. (The oddest picks of the lot were the Cars, considering they rarely played the clubs). The disc is missing some good bands as well - the Atlantics, the Sex Execs and the Rings spring to mind - but all in all, a good sampling of what was at the time one of the hottest music scenes in the country.Slap it into the player, kick back, and dream of a time 20 years ago when bands really had talent and weren't backed by huge corporations..."

Nearly Perfect

Charles Cutshall | Dulles, VA United States | 11/02/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In that period shortly after the Rat closed, but before the Channel opened its doors to "new" music, the Paradise was THE showcase spot for Boston's local talent. This collection captures most of the up-and-comers from that golden era. For the most part, it reflects the WBCN local band playlist from those years. The Eaters' "All Except You" was arguabley a bigger local hit than "Loretta". Nevertheless, there are some bigger problems with this collection. Most notable among the MIAs is the Fools' "Night For Beautiful Girls". LaPeste is here, but not Pastiche's "Talk, Talk". The Atlantics are present, but there's not even a hint of Private Lightning's "Physical Speed" (equally pop-ish). But, the most glaring omission (to my ears, at least) is anything by the Rings...and, there was a lot of radio-friendly material to choose from (e.g., Let Me Go, I Need Strange, My Kinda Girl, etc.). But, apart from those complaints, isn't it great to have Mission of Burma back in a digital format? Well, yes it is! Buy this and enjoy."