MLS on NBC x Black Flag

I still can't get over how much I love this ad. Black Flag the iconic hardcore band in an MLS ad. I think it's great, maybe its pandering but as a lover of subculture (especially the punk rock subset), and a lover of soccer, which in it's own right is subculture, I really don't care. Worthy of note is the inclusion of New England supporters and especially the inclusion of the logo of our friends the Midnight Riders.

Those of you uninitiated may just be wonder who the hell Black Flag is... guess what here's a primer...








Black Flag is one of the seminal bands of the early punk and hardcore scene in the United States.  The message of Black Flag is one that helped drive the anti-authority punk rock subculture in the US, and inspired many of the earliest punk band hardcore bands. Started in 1976 in California the band is respected and followed world wide. In 1980 Henry Rollins became he lead singer, Rollins now is well known in his own right as a author, television and radio host.

And because we are a New England based blog... here's Black Flag at UMass Amherst in 1984.

The Music Files-Cock Sparrer

This is probably the most excited we've been to do a music post since we started... today we present Cock Sparrer.  If you've never heard of them you're probably laughing at the name. Stop.

Cock Sparrer formed in 1972 in London and is one of the most influential bands in the punk movement.  Bands like the Dropkick Murphys probably wouldn't exist if it were not for this band, they laid the groundwork for that working class style of punk.

Ok so why are we so excited?  Because Cock Sparrer, who rarely play the US will be playing at Club Lido in Revere on May 19th.  This will likely be the biggest punk show in the Boston area this year and quite honestly beyond.  People are still talking about the last time they were here which I believe was close to 10 years ago at this point.  Do yourself a favor, buy a ticket, buy your friend a ticket, do not miss this one.  Tickets go on sale today through Ticketmaster. This will sell out.

The Music Files-How the Godfather of Soul, A White Irish Politician and a PBS Station Saved Boston

The Boston Globe tonight is reporting that former Boston Mayor Kevin White has passed away. We don't normally talk politics or about anything that doesn't have anything to do with music or soccer here but bear with us the connection to one of those is coming.  Growing up in this city I've always had an admiration for the former Mayor after hearing stories from my father and his friends who worked for him and knew him well.  The one that has always stuck with me however is what happened the night after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

The Music Files-Matt and Kim

Ok so today I present one of my guilty pleasure bands... actually you know what fuck it... I like them and think they are awesome... the toe tapping, synth-popping, dance punk Matt & Kim.  They started in New York in 2005 and have released 3 albums.  You may not know the name but they have had songs featured in NBC's Community and my first introduction to them was in a Bacardi commercial.  The commercial got me interested in the band but my interest was peaked after I worked with them at WFNX show a few years ago.  They are some of the nicest and most down to earth musicians I have ever had the privilege of working with, and they put on an amazing show.... Speaking of which, they are playing the House Of Blues this Friday for WFNX's Miracle On Lansdowne series... we highly suggest you check it out.

And now for the YouTubes....

Bacardi Commercial


Live in Boston

The Music Files-Hub City Stompers

Ok they are from Jersey, and NYRB supporters but don't let that get in the way of good music and a good time.  Today we present Hub City Stompers for your listening and viewing pleasure.  HCS is not your average Ska band, no tweed jackets and plaid shorts here folks, just a heavy mix of punk and ska (don't call them Ska-Punk, they're not), They are hare to describe so we'll let the videos do it for us. Hub City Stompers are playing this Saturday at the Midway Cafe in Jamaica Plain, more info here.