The Providence Phoenix   Local Anesthesia     To the extreme - Dropdead celebrate a lucky 13 years together                       Released: 02.06.04     Source: Providence Phoenix     Author: Bob Gulla     Original source link                 It’s weird. For 13 years, Dropdead has been steadily making a name for itself on the national and international hardcore scenes. They’ve performed in Japan, Eastern Europe, and Australia at hundreds of venues, building their stature mainly on the strength of their convictions and a fantastically healthy (until recently) and innovative art/core scene outta Olneyville. All of this has happened quietly from a local commercial standpoint. You won’t find them groveling to area bookers and bar owners or petitioning audiences. That’s why it seems weird. They’ve quietly erected a massive sonic structure by playing the loudest, most intense anarcho hardcore you’re likely to hear this side of Crass (ca. 1982). Singer/lyricist Bob Otis and songwriter/riff monster Ben Barnett represent the creative side of the band, while drummer Brian Mastrobuono and bassist Devon Cahill take care of the raucous downhill rhythms. "Growing up playing music, you’re taught a certain set of rules," says Otis, "but all those rules went out the window when we got the band together." Drawn collectively to politically-charged anarcho bands back in the early ’90s, Otis, Barnett, and the gang put their music where their mouths were. They set out to write the kind of hardcore that actually meant something. Not just a soundtrack for the pit, they wanted to sing about issues using words that worked together with the vicious intensity of the vibe. "At one point," says Otis, "writing lyrics became clear to me. Animal rights, human rights, all these issues that weren’t discussed on the left or the right." Since forming, the band has recorded a handful of EPs/split projects/ full-lengths, including the incredible debut album released in 1993, a true testament to the atomic power of sonic anarchy. They’re currently contemplating work on their third full CD -- which is even more impressive considering its genuinely humble intentions. "We like extreme music," says Otis. "Playing-wise, energy-wise, it came naturally to play fast and aggressively. Some bands try to sell themselves; we’re trying to sell an ideology. Some hardcore bands want the cover of Spin magazine. But we could care less about that. All we want you to do is list to our music and read our lyrics." It’s hard not to listen when the Dropdead takes the stage. Otis is an absolute animal, and the rest of the band follows suit. But given the effort involved, isn’t it difficult to maintain this level of conviction for 13 long years? "The motivation has changed, yes," agrees Otis. "Now I express it in a different way. I might not be as excited musically, but politically we’re stronger." Then there’s the question of audience. While punk has a wide following, hardcore has a narrower appeal, and political hardcore is virtually buried underground, where the message rarely reaches your average punk fan. "In that respect it’s a little limited," says Bob, "but we chose this path. We chose to live in poverty in order to convey our message. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s a matter of starving for your art. "I always wanted a bigger audience, but you have to draw the line. It’s hard to maintain your ethics and not sell out. Our goal is to get as big as we can get and get our message out there without shaking hands with The Man." Of course, that means doing everything themselves. Political hardcore, at least the radical anarcho school, is founded firmly on a DIY ethos, which Dropdead abides by faithfully. "It gets harder as you get older because you have more responsibilities, but we don’t love it any less. We used to do six-month tours, but with everybody working we try to do more stuff from home." Good news for locals, at least. And that’s a group of people (and a place) for which the band has nothing but good things to say. "I’m so proud to be part of the Providence scene," Otis says. "We have the best music here, so many amazing bands. Being a part of this scene has been one of the high points of our career." Though Otis expresses regret about the recent sabotage of the Olneyville scene, he feels confident that the players involved are strong enough to rise again, in a different location. "The extreme scene here is at its height right now. [The] Armageddon [label] puts on great shows with international talent, and there are so many other great bands. You can’t kill this art, and you’re not gonna kill the music scene." Dropdead plays on Saturday, February 7 at the Living Room with ThoughtCrime, Contempt for Humanity, and legendary UK anarcho pioneers Icons of Filth. The how starts at 9 p.m. and costs $6. AUTO-EROTICA. At the Call on Saturday, the SuicideGirls will careen into town. If you haven’t heard them, seen them on TV, or been to their Website, well, the sexually liberated among you are in for a treat. SuicideGirls, the popular community of women and men that combines the DIY attitude of underground culture with a vibrant, sex-positive community, are taking their pin-up-inspired burlesque act to the Providence masses and they’re gonna make you dig it. Six women perform a punk-inspired take on the traditional pasties-and-feathers shtick using music that ranges from Bjork and Siouxsie to Broadway standards. And if that’s ot enough, on Monday the Sex Workers’ Art Show Tour hits AS220. Like SuicideGirls, this revue is eye-popping but for a slightly different reason. The show features myth-dispelling performance art created by people who work in the sex industry, a mesmerizing cabaret-style event featuring music, spoken word, burlesque, video, and poetry, plus a visual art display that travels with the show. The artwork and performances offer a wide range of perspectives on sex work, from celebration of prostitution and sex-positivity to views from the darker side of the industry. The show starts at 8 p.m. and costs $8. SCREEN TEST. On Saturday at Jarrod’s Place in Attleboro, Massachusetts, you can join Mastamindz as they make a video of their best tune, "Only If You Want It." Admission is $8 at the door. The gig is a continuation of a day that will consist of the band doing some video footage at the State House and throughout the area with LA director Daryl Silva. The final product will feature 11 bands, including Mutha Ugly; the DVD will be ready by April. Wandering Eye. Mark Cutler will be playing solo acoustic at Hail Caesar’s in Cranston this Thursday (the 5th) from 7:30 to 10:30. Keep an eye out for a bunch of music to be released from Cutler over the next few months (in different incarnations). On Friday (the 6th), the folk couple of Anna’s House is at Cafe Arpeggio (139 South Main Street in Fall River, Massachusetts). Opening is another folky couple called Bill and Pam. The show begins at 7. Upstart locals the Swank get a sweet slot this weekend, opening for Blizzard of ’78 at Jake’s on Saturday. The Swank is nearing completion of their debut album. More later. Sasquatch and the Sick-A-Billies play at the Green Room on Saturday. They finally have a Web page (sasquatchandthesickabillys.com/) to check out, and the biggest news is they’re going into Sonalyst Studios in Waterford, Mass. to cut a few sides with Mike Levesque on drums. Radio Wallpaper has a headlining gig on Saturday at the Blackstone. Fred and company are going into the studio at the end of the month with a bunch of new tunes, so check ’em out before they get spun onto aluminum. On Sunday (the 8th), Ryan Fitzsimmons’s Songwriters In the Round Series at AS220 features Brian Webb, Marjorie Thompson, and Dan White. The show starts at 7 p.m. and costs $5. On Tuesday (the 10th) Slugworth’s own Satyr hosts an open mike at Max’s Upstairs at 272 Thayer, which doubles as a wine-tasting -- two really good excuses to get your ass there for the 9:30 p.m. start time. No cover, first Tuesday of every month. Next Thursday (the 12th) at AS220, Cubby Berk (from a band called Lovers from Athens) makes her Providence debut, with Fern Knight and Susie of Snoozer toting her Moog along for a night full of pleasant entertainment.                     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.