Allston Rock City

"The Boston music scene sucks!"

I was sick of hearing it but it seemed like everyone was saying it. I had to admit, things weren't looking good. Bill's Bar ended it's popular Tuesday night series displacing a faithful crowd of beer-swilling freaks. Headlining bands like Stompbox and Only Living Witness were breaking up and it was getting harder for up and coming bands to fill the void. The final blow came when Bunratty's, er, I mean Local 186, closed its doors, only to make way for another slick, high-priced "Euro"-college bar . It was the first time in my recent memory that Allston was without a place for the hundreds of musicians and artists who live there to go.

I could go on and on about how, within that half - mile stretch between the B-line tracks at Marty's Liquor's and the Cambridge St. footbridge leading into L.A., there used to be four nightclubs to choose from: Bunratty's (now Wonderbar) Streets' (now Gay's Flower Shop) Molly's and the Cage downstairs (now the Kells') and my personal favorite, Johnny D's (now Common Ground) but I won't. Because, now, there's this place down at the end of Harvard Ave where the beer is cheap, there's a pinball machine in one corner and a small stage in the other. Who's playing there tonight? Who cares! It's only $3 to get in. Where else can you see good loud rock, drink your face off and stumble safely home?

In April 1996, while the Wonderbar was serving up martinis and over-priced hors d'oeuvres, Juneau and It (collectively known as Jitsu) played a fierce ninety minute set to a packed house at O'Briens, the first show of a series dubbed "Allston Rock City" Sure, the slogan sounded silly, but it was appropriate again. Thank God! Signs of life!!! In the months that followed, things only got better. New bands were playing in front of good crowds and being treated fairly for once. Most importantly, there was a re-newed sense of community.

I'm sure the day will come when someone will say "Remember that place O'Briens?" It could be years from now, it could be months from now. When it does, I hope that this CD serves as a reminder, not only of a good time and great music, but that action is the only cure for inertia. Anything is possible. It's all up to you. - Tim Catz