The Providence Phoenix   Local Anesthesia     The way we were - What’s next for indie rock?                       Released: 01.30.04     Source: Providence Phoenix     Author: Bob Gulla     Original source link                 So I’ve been thinking. There are a lot of people out there who in one way or another enjoy saying that things ain’t like they used to be here in Providence. They say the venues don’t have the same charm or booking policies, the bands aren’t as good, the scene isn’t as enjoyable or as communal, live music fans aren’t the same or as plentiful. Sure, I agree with some of those points. I mean, you know there will always be that half-empty side of the community that feels the scene was truly better way back when. Of course, you have to take that viewpoint with a grain of salt. Back "then," that person was in the thick of things, going out every night, practicing in a band several times a week, writing music, feeling good, hanging with friends. It was all about a good time. Today, that same person might have a serious job, a family, at the very least greater financial responsibility. He or she can’t possibly participate in the scene the way she used to. So obviously it’s not going to be as "good" as when she was in fuller circulation. Anyway, I was going through some old records recently for a project I’m working on and I came across a few discs that brought me back about 10 years in Providence, to what I think was a real turning point in the city’s rock scene and to a time when yours truly was a "half-full" person. The first thing I came across was a Vernon Yard compilation from 1995, simply titled Vernon Yard Records May 1995. On it were 10 songs by the likes of Low, the Verve, Acetone, and These Animal Men. There amid the list of artists, mostly Britsh, was Providence’s own small factory. For the same project, I was reading UK journalist Everett True’s book, Live Through This: American Rock Music in the ’90s, and I came across a sizable passage on our own beloved band Scarce and a reasonably good account of its principals Chick Graning and Joyce Raskin. "Dead sexy motherfuckers," True wrote, "Scarce sounded like all those parts of R.E.M. and Bowie no one is supposed to like. Scarce had such passion and self-belief it hurt." Now, I remember when small factory and Scarce had good things going on in the indie rock scene. The Nirvana-led alt-rock revolution, then still young, had carried over into the indie scene and a few bands actually benefited. A&R men scoured the cities, large and small and everywhere in between, turning up bands. They actually even signed them to labels. At the time Vernon Yard had a distribution deal through Virgin, while Scarce signed with A&M. And they weren’t the only ones reaping rewards around here at the time. Indie rock was thriving. There were possibilities for everyone. Success bred success and things were looking up. Hard to believe, I know, especially considering how difficult it is for so many bands around here right now. But then the indie rock scene crashed. Once the majors grabbed up all the bands, commercially viable or not, and ran them into the ground -- at best demoralizing them, at worst destroying them -- the indie scene had a hard time recovering. Alternative rock had been co-opted by the mainstream and now we were left with nothing: not indie rock because it had been stolen, not alt-rock because it now sucked. Nothing. Even indie labels like Sub Pop and Matador and Slash and a ton of others shook hands with the devil, signing deals with the majors that only provided them with life support, a false sense of security, and that for a very short time. So not only did the majors sign indie bands, they sucked the life out of the best indie labels. Bands broke up. Talented musicians ran scared back to their four-tracks, wishing they’d never taken that free meal from that guy in the weird ponytail. Nothing was as it seemed. Few of the promises had been kept. Now, in the wake of all those bad deals, there was nothing but devastation. Just listen to the radio. You can debate all you like the question of who’s to blame. But there’s really only one question that makes a difference here and now: Will indie rock ever approach the glory of its heyday in the mid-to-late ’80s (when it was called "college rock")? Providence has never really recovered from the crash of the mid-’90s. Will we ever? We’re now faced with what critic Robert Christgau calls "boutique capitalism," the concept of, in this case, a band trying to make it with its own revenue streams on its own terms. Not necessarily a bad thing, but nowhere near a solid bet. The undercurrent of the ’90s is littered with stories of success and failure, ranging from the mega-online success of Natalie Merchant and the like to Joe Blow and the Moes who can’t seem to sell more than a dozen discs and T-shirts besides the 20 they already foisted on relatives. Still, it’s the way of the world. There was a time when indie labels were popping up everywhere, and each one seemed to have a few bands that would help pay the bills, so they could go out and sign even more bands. But the musical landscape has changed radically and it’s every band for itself, a symptom of today’s hyper-Darwinian, outta-my-way society. No more Seattle, no more Chapel Hill, no more Halifax, no more Olympia. Yeah, there might still be scenes in these places, but the indie label machinery isn’t there to foster them, and that really sucks. That’s what I get for trolling through my records. To pay tribute to the great indie rock still being produced out there, I assembled a list of my favorite independent releases of the past year. Kim Fox: Return to Planet Earth (Oglio) Intelligent pop with elastic imagination. South: With the Tides (Kinetic) Adventurous London trio with banjo, mandolin, and depth. Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci: Sleep/Holiday (Sanctuary) Acoustic Welsh-folk that’s difficult to categorize but easy to enjoy. Minibar: Fly Below the Radar (Foodchain) One of the best roots rock records of the year. Fog: Ether Teeth (Ninja Tune) One man band rooted in hip-hop but with a wandering spirit. Salteens: Let Go of Your Bad Days (Drive In) Irresistible Vancouver bubblegum. Lamb of God: As the Palaces Burn (Prosthetic) Believable thrash band since inked with Epic. The Long Winters: When I Pretend to Fall (Barsuk) Vibrant and meaty pop with a courageous heart. Joss Stone: The Soul Sessions (S-Curve) Not over-hyped young blonde soul singer. Darediablo: Feeding Frenzy (Southern) Enigmatic but compelling astro-instro-rock. Pete Droge: Skywatching (United Musicians) Way better even than his work with the Thorns. Beulah: Yoko (Velocette) Darkly brilliant work by one of the country’s best indie bands. Damien Rice: O (Vector) Good stuff from a justifiably acclaimed Irish singer/writer. The Shins: Chutes Too Narrow (Sub Pop) Miraculously met unfair expectations after a 2.5-year layoff. Over the Rhine: Ohio (Back Porch) Oh, for Pete’s sake, why don’t more people know this gifted band? WANDERING EYE. On Saturday (the 31st), Mary Ann Rossoni will be on stage at Stone Soup with her band, on a mission to take the idea of acoustic music to a higher place. Be there to witness it. Opening the show will be fellow RISA folkie Jan Luby. The gig starts at 8 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club Arts Center (210 Main Street in Pawtucket). Tickets are $12. Another great show on Saturday goes down at the Century Lounge, featuring promising openers Without Andy, Fritter (Elizabeth Steen’s band), the StereoBirds (with Heather Rose) and Slik Willy (closing out the night). The music starts at 9 p.m. and the cover is $7. Hypersolid, Junkchief, Cade, G-Soul, and Wicked play a big show on Saturday over at Cats in Pawtucket. Get there early ’cuz it’s gonna be a scene. Doors at 8 p.m., the cover is $7, and the show is 21-plus. Immune gets a big opening slot on a national bill with Finger Eleven and Edgewater, both Wind-Up Records acts. It’s all at the Call on Wednesday (the 4th).                     other items in this group     Local Anesthesia 05.27.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       ’Round town - Westside ARTS, RISA’s men, Radio Kings, and more     Local Anesthesia 05.20.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       A better Day - Jackie O’Brien and company’s Waving in Traffic     Local Anesthesia 05.13.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Swan song - A Westerly institution gets unplugged     Local Anesthesia 05.06.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       New noise - Suicide Liquors, the StereoBirds, and the Gobshites     Local Anesthesia 04.29.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       New tricks (and treats) - The Dino Club’s Oscar-worthy Big Screen Wide     Local Anesthesia 04.22.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       A wealth of talent - Mark Renburke calls on the best for his new disc     Local Anesthesia 03.18.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Around the world - Jo Jo Gator comes home again     Local Anesthesia 03.11.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Fringe benefits - Urdog, the Slip, Fred Kendall Abong, and more     Local Anesthesia 03.04.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Blood simple - Wretched Asylum paint the town red in Prognosis     Local Anesthesia 02.25.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Battle royale - Sasquatch takes the top prize at the Rock Hunt     Local Anesthesia 02.18.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Taking lessons - The second anniversary of the Station fire     Local Anesthesia 02.11.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Rattlin’ all over - RattleHead Records gears up for ’05     Local Anesthesia 02.04.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Lovin’ it live - Richard Thompson, Anders Parker, more     Local Anesthesia 01.28.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Restless records - Grüvis Malt master the art of multitasking     Local Anesthesia 01.21.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Still standing - Roomful of Blues celebrate a new disc — and survival     Local Anesthesia 01.14.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Short stuff - Big sounds in little packages     Local Anesthesia 01.07.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Good acoustics - The best jazz, blues, and folk of ’04     Local Anesthesia 12.31.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Best in show - The top rock, etc. listens in ’04     Local Anesthesia 12.24.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Success story - The big time doesn’t elude the Slip     Local Anesthesia 12.17.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Everyday people - Routine 8’s debut is more than a daily grind     Local Anesthesia 12.10.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Ready for Bedtime - Rebecca Nurse deliver some sweet Stories     Local Anesthesia 12.03.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Funk soul brothers - Fungus Amungus puts the fun back in funky     Local Anesthesia 11.26.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The genuine article - Stefan Couture and company keep it real on Ghost     Local Anesthesia 11.19.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Acoustic café - Stone Soup keeps the folk talent coming     Local Anesthesia 11.12.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       On the verge - M-80 are ready for their close-up with the release of American Road     Local Anesthesia 11.05.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Staying positive - You can learn a lot about living from Randy Hien     Local Anesthesia 10.29.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Getting busy - Becky Chace and Blues Bastard     Local Anesthesia 10.22.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Velver revolving - Menck and Chastain make another great disc     Local Anesthesia 10.15.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Shipping out - Mastamindz’s Matt Moreau is headed to Iraq     Local Anesthesia 10.01.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Miracle men - Greg Hodde’s deep blues; plus, the Sleazies hit 100     Local Anesthesia 09.24.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Remembering Paul - Murphy’s spirit to be celebrated on Sunday     Local Anesthesia 09.17.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Brothers in arms - Remembering Beaver Brown’s Bobby Cotoia     Local Anesthesia 09.10.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Music matters - A revelation at Rhythm & Roots     Local Anesthesia 09.03.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Rhythm and riddims - Whote lotta roots and reggae (and more) going on     Local Anesthesia 08.27.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       R-e-s-p-e-c-t - State of Corruption’s new 3 marks 10 together     Local Anesthesia 08.20.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       From the heart - Dave Howard’s Sure Bet; help for the Station Fund     Local Anesthesia 08.13.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Note-worthy - The Folk Fest, garage rock, and more     Local Anesthesia 08.06.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Mixed bag - The PBRC’s Xxodus Café, Slaughtercore and more     Local Anesthesia 07.30.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Mosh rules - Another Dead Juliet stirs up the hardcore scened     Local Anesthesia 07.23.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Kind of blue - Remembering Rick Mendes     Local Anesthesia 07.16.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Still beating - For the benefit of Russ Camire     Local Anesthesia 07.09.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Block-rockin’ beats - The Cringe and Three Speed Amplifier     Local Anesthesia 07.02.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Urge for going - Can Providence be a greener pasture?     Local Anesthesia 06.25.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Hot stuff - This summer’s festival season sizzles     Local Anesthesia 06.18.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Feelin’ groovy - The Chinese Stars titillate with A Rare Sensation     Local Anesthesia 06.11.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Lock ’em up - Daughters make some noise     Local Anesthesia 06.04.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Surprise party - Katahdin’s Edge isn’t what you’d expect     Local Anesthesia 05.21.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Into the Grüvis - The Malt gets it backwards with the release of Simon     Local Anesthesia 05.14.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The 10-year Itchies - The Fab ones celebrate a decade makin’ the scene     Local Anesthesia 05.07.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Time machine - The Schemers’ Remember, 25 years down the road     Local Anesthesia 04.30.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Latin lovers - Planet Groove embrace a passionate new sound     Porky Cohen 1924-2004 04.24.04 by Bob Bell (Providence Phoenix)       Porky Cohen 1924-2004     Local Anesthesia 04.23.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Seen and heard - A day in the life of Mastermindz     Local Anesthesia 04.16.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Higher ground - Slugworth elevate on 45 Gallup; plus, the Rose Garden turns 15     Local Anesthesia 04.09.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Closing time - In Your Ear is the latest casualty of the changing biz     Local Anesthesia 04.02.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Austin’s powers - SXSW is a bit of heaven in the heart of Texas     Local Anesthesia 03.26.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Catching a Buzz(play) - Four area bands vie for national bragging rights     Local Interview 03.20.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Just do it - Grinding it out with Sage Francis and Joey Beats     Local Anesthesia 03.19.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Staying Power - Paul Geremia pushes the boundaries of the blues     Local Anesthesia 03.12.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Midnight hour - The Creeps celebrate a blistering new disc     Local Anesthesia 03.05.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The parent trap - Mom and pop record stores struggle to stay afloat     Local Anesthesia 02.27.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Post-Radar love - Chinese Stars prepare for international dominance     Whose creative economy is it? 02.14.04 by Ian Donnis (Providence Phoenix)       The vitality of Providence’s artistic underground is weakened by the demise of Olneyville’s fabled music scene     Local Anesthesia 02.13.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Havin’ a Ball - FeverDream; plus, 75orless, Atwater-Donnelly, more!     Local Anesthesia 02.06.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       To the extreme - Dropdead celebrate a lucky 13 years together     Local Anesthesia 01.30.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The way we were - What’s next for indie rock?     Local Anesthesia 01.23.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Getting Serious - Barn Burning brings the house down     City Watch 01.20.04 by Ian Donnis (Providence Phoenix)           Battle For the Night 01.17.04 by Ian Donnis (Providence Phoenix)       The solution that dare not be discussed -- keeping nightclubs open later -- could diminish many of the concerns associated with Providence nightlife     Local Anesthesia 01.16.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Ties That Bind - Almost Homeless’ musical connection run deep     Local Anesthesia 01.09.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Back in Business - Reissues by Arab On Radar, Velvet Crush, and more     Local Anesthesia 01.02.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Reflections -- D.J. Stone sings about the Station fire in "Eddie"     Local Anesthesia 12.12.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Reflections -- D.J. Stone sings about the Station fire in "Eddie"     Local Anesthesia 12.06.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Grand evolution -- Erin McKeown’s songs get ‘bigger and better’     Local Anesthesia 11.28.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Howlin’ wolves -- Smokestack Lightnin’ brings down the house     Local Anesthesia 11.28.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The full Monty -- The Fan Club flirts with the big time     Local Anesthesia 11.21.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       One night only! -- Neutral Nation celebrate 20 years and a new disc     Local Anesthesia 11.14.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Wheat dreams -- Taunton-based crew goes Technicolor     Local Anesthesia 11.07.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The long haul -- Al Copley is in too deep, and likes it that way     Local Anesthesia 10.31.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Ace of clubs? -- Ultra arrives; the Electra Complex; and more     Local Anesthesia 10.17.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Seeking the truth -- Davies and Auchenbach conspire on a new disc     Rhode Island's most influential people in the Arts community 10.11.03 by Phoenix Staff (Providence Phoenix)       The Phoenix profiles Rhode Island's most influential people in the Arts community.     Local Anesthesia 10.10.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Blowin Smoke -- Greg Abate and Channel One tear it up again     Local Anesthesia 10.03.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Cosmic Psychos -- Sasquatch and the Sick-a-Billys get a groove on     Local Anesthesia 09.26.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Knight Moves -- Margie Wienk celebrates a haunting new disc     Local Anesthesia 09.19.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       April Fooled -- An Unsigned Band; plus, Pendragon turns 20     Local Anesthesia 09.12.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The 300 Shows -- Midnight Creeps celebrate a milestone     Local Anesthesia 09.05.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Floodstock -- The welcome return of Summerfest     Local Anesthesia 08.29.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Summer’s not over -- Rhythm & Roots tops a busy Labor Day weekend     Local Anesthesia 08.22.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Go, Cat, Go! -- Rockabilly picks up steam on the scene     Local Anesthesia 08.15.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Just for fun -- Cracking wise with Katie Lee Hooker     Local Anesthesia 08.08.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Have Mercy! The return of Mike Dinallo and company     Local Anesthesia 08.01.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Lotsa Hats, Big Shoes -- Eric Fontana Finally Gets His Disc Out     Local Anesthesia 07.18.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Straw Dogs -- The Haymakers' Why We Can’t Have Nice Things     Local Anesthesia 07.18.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Sound Defects -- Blues Bastard And Other Awesome Aberrations     Local Anesthesia 07.11.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Growing Painz -- Mastamindz Hatch Fiendish Plot     Local Anesthesia 07.04.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: The Best Goes On -- Music Pollapalooza comes to the Ocean Mist     Local Anesthesia 06.27.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Break out -- Letdown, Chinese Stars, Fuses rev it up     Local Anesthesia 06.13.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Answering the call -- The healing power of the Call for Action DVD     Local Anesthesia 06.06.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's Esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Newport news -- No Means Yes and the Philtres make headlines     Local Anesthesia 05.30.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's Esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Freakin’ out -- Mike Hamel and company head west     Local Anesthesia 05.23.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's Esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Demo derby -- Emery Vesch, Sibling Rivalry, and Flav Martin     Local Anesthesia 05.16.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's Esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Soundcheck -- Donnybrook, the Cringe, Illustrious Day, and more     Local Anesthesia 05.09.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's Esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Arabs off radar -- The avant act calls it quits; plus, an Invasion update     Local Anesthesia 05.02.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's Esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Healing sounds -- The Call’s energetic and heartfelt benefit CD     Local Anesthesia 04.18.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's Esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Musing again -- A winning Throwback, Benny Sizzler, and more     Local Anesthesia 02.27.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Hole in our soul -- The music community's devastating loss     Local Anesthesia 02.20.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week:     Local Anesthesia 02.13.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Wonderful world -- Cheryl Wheeler loves her job; plus, V for Vendetta     Local Anesthesia 02.07.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Story hour -- Dan Moretti and Once Through lay it down     Local Anesthesia 01.31.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Love you live -- Planet Groove lays it down at the Ocean Mist     Local Anesthesia 01.24.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Consolation prize -- Ricky Valente grows up     Local Anesthesia 01.17.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Whistle stop -- Otis Read, Phil Edmonds, and Friends     Local Anesthesia 01.10.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Lights, camera... Century Productions is where the action is     Local Anesthesia 01.03.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week:The big picture -- Best in show, pt. 2               Filed Under...   becky chace band (36) beyond blonde (183) black and white (12) CD Reviews (4) complaints (2) Crazed Rock Fan (3) Dirk Diggla (6) Decibel Magazine (12) ellis ashbrook (13) grandevolution (15) hawkins rise (102) Headlines (85) jazz bastards (4) J Hunter (1) frank martyn (24) mastamindz (27) owen mcgonigle (4) Misc. Items (2) Opinions (10) Pele (5) The Providence Phoenix (115) the radionics (9) RattleHead News (8) (2) rossoni (1) santa mamba (41) sasquatch and the sick-a-billys (121) sexcoffee (16) Satyr's Local Rock Report (23) Spock's Brain (3) terri g and the band (2) ultra plush (17) vulgarrity (2)             The Providence Phoenix is the God of local music in the area. Bob Gulla is an excellent music reporter, and they provide the only weekly local music coverage that is accessible to the masses.