I'm not sure they live up to their name sake: Portland, OR's Nice Boys don't really play rock 'n' roll, at least not in the Rose Tattoo sense. They're purely power pop and they really have the retro sound (and even look) down pat. I guess it's worth mentioning that lead guitarist/vocalist Terry Six's was a member of punk/power pop Exploding Hearts (RIP), but the 'Hearts were more Undertones/Buzzcocks while the Nice Boys are more Cheap Trick/Boomtown Rats/Records. One thing that they 'Hearts and 'Boys have in common though is that they're both basically really hooky and catchy and their songs are damn infectious.

I was late catching the Nice Boys virus; they only really gained my attention last month at Brooklyn's Radio Heartbeat Power Pop Festival. They played the first night, opening for Nikki Corvette & 20/20. My 'Boys fix was delayed however since I was unable to buy their self-titled debut at the 'fest due to a lack of merch person at their table each of the five times I went there.

To tell you the truth though, I was kinda disappointed with Nice Boys the album. Don't get me wrong, the songs on there are killer, but the production is kinda... eh. It gets really slow and draggy at times and the vocals sound kinda dead - really different from the Nice Boys I saw at Southpaw. The record doesn't really live up to the band.

With that said, I'm still gonna give you guys a couple of my personal favorites from that album.

From Nice Boys: * Johnny Guitar * Teenage Nights

Find the Nice Boys on Myspace and get their album from Birdman Records!

Labels: 2006, Exploding Hearts, Nice Boys, Portland, power pop, USA

Hey kids,

I've been busy making a couple new sections on the blog - upcoming shows & show photos!

The links are up above (in the header), so I had to change the site up a bit. If there are any broken links, please let me know!

Also, if you know of any cool shows going on or want me to promote your show, just shoot me an email: puremaniablog(at)gmail.com

Life is hectic right now, what with finals and all.. but it'll be over soon next week, so expect more posts soon! It's almost summer. Anyone in NYC can attest to that!

Cheerios,
Anna

Labels: photos, pure mania, shows, Site updates

May 12th is the Second Annual Punk & Underground Record Fair!



From their Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/nyundergroundrecordfair):

2ND ANNUAL NEW YORK PUNK & UNDERGROUND RECORD FAIR
Saturday, MAY 12, 2007
@ SOUTHPAW in Brooklyn NY

confirmed:

Hyped to Death/Messthetics - Chuck Warner
Chris Plummer - London
CollectorScum.com
Double Decker Records
Incas Records
Welfare Records / Mike Schneider
Underground Medicine/Rapid Pulse
TroubleMan LTD.
Noiseville
Bruce Cantley
Anthill Mob-Mike Rep
Trash American Style - Malcolm Tent
Curmudgeon
Fat Rich
Eat records
Bleeker Bobs
Armageddon Shop

Write for info, graphics, links & contracts: recordfairnyc@gmail.com
For tables or promotion info, please write us at: recordfairnyc@gmail.com
Or write us a note through myspace mail

Labels: NYC, punk, record fairs, records, vinyl

Okay, if you don't know Screamin' Jay, well watch this video and I won't have to say any more.



Really amazing late 50's, early 60's blues. What a voice! Think of any awesome stage act you've ever seen and chances are this guy will be the inspiration for it. He went there, shocking mid century audiences by jumping out of coffins with his flaming skull named Henry during his performances.

Here are 3 songs from the Rhino comp, Voodoo Jive: Hawkins' biggest hit, the classic "I Put A Spell On You", the equally great B-side to that, "Little Demon" and the amazingly funny "Consipation Blues".

*I Put A Spell On You *Little Demon *Constipation Blues

Get that shit from Rhino!

The man also managed to father over 70 kids in his lifetime. Now that's legendary!

Labels: 1950s, 1960s, blues, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, USA, voodoo