The Providence Phoenix   Local Anesthesia     Austin’s powers - SXSW is a bit of heaven in the heart of Texas                       Released: 04.02.04     Source: Providence Phoenix     Author: Bob Gulla     Original source link                 HEY, IT'S WILLIE! you never know who will pop up at SXSW In Austin, experience tells us it’s good to be light on your feet. That is, it’s important to leave room for serendipity, because, in many cases you’ll be rewarded. If you don’t leave room, you’ll be hearing lots from the people who did. Case in point. I was walking into the Four Seasons Hotel for a breakfast appointment during the South by Southwest conference when I ran smack into a hullabaloo in the lobby. There was music, of course, as there always in this town. It was Kris Kristofferson singing "Me and Bobby McGee." Really, in the flesh, unannounced, in front of 50 lucky hotel guests. Willie Nelson followed. He sang "Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys" with Los Lonely Boys backing him. Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals showed up and provided harmony, right there in the lobby of the Four Seasons. The next day, I found myself down on South Congress, a mile or two out of town, at another hotel, hanging out with some music people when I heard a band playing outside. I couldn’t hear them clearly, but damn it sounded good and the reception after each song grew more enthusiastic. Finally, I had to get up and check to see who it was, and hell if it wasn’t the Mavericks, right there in the parking lot of the hotel. So I guess what I’m saying is the obvious: music is everywhere in Austin. You just have to go to where you hear it on the wind. Last year Liz Phair played unannounced at Starbucks, this year it’s Willie and Kris and Lord knows what else I missed because I decided to turn left down a street instead of right. And it’s not like these artists have to get these gigs done. They do them because listening to live music in Austin is just another part of a person’s day, like taking a cab or brushing your teeth. It’s a thread in the tapestry, an hour in the day, a hunger that needs feeding. This year, SXSW served that hunger well. After a year or two of indecision and uncertainty - in which the music industry couldn’t decide whether it was growing or shrinking and so decided not to show up in Texas - the sphere’s population once again jumped on the bandwagon and headed south. Enrollment was up 1000 from the year before, boosted mainly by huge international contingents coming from Australia, Japan, Scotland, Italy, and England. (Donnybrook played the night before I arrived.) There were magazine showcases (Esquire, Tracks, Spin), buzz bands (International Noise Conspiracy, the Thrills, Franz Ferdinand, Battles, the Autumn Defense), and a handful of unusually interesting panels. "The End of the Record Store?" involved the participation of several successful entrepreneurships, including Waterloo (Austin), Twist & Shout (Denver), and Uncle Sam’s (Miami). After an hour of back-patting detailing how these businesses managed to succeed against all of today’s odds, and after audience members regaled the panel with anecdotes of success from Seattle, Portland, DC, and Olympia, I finally got up and said, "Look, that’s all really nice, but I’m from Providence and we’re in danger of losing everything," or something like that. And the next day they quoted me in the daily paper. So much for me opening my big mouth at a panel. Little Richard opened his big mouth, too, as keynote speaker. But the best marquee mouth proved to be Andrew Loog Oldham who, while ably interviewed by former Mojo editor Paul Du Noyer, told endless dirty stories about the British Invasion bands and how he nurtured an otherwise talentless Rolling Stones and made them the talk of the town. Musically, SXSW is about two sides of the same coin. On the one hand, you have an overwhelming indie invasion from all parts, with waves of independent bands old (Mission of Burma, Dumptruck, Chris Stamey, the Silos) and new (see above buzz bands) playing alongside the city’s long-revered roots-rockers and their descendents (including Alejandro Escovedo, Rosie Flores, Los Lobos, Junior Brown, Drive-by Truckers, and the Bottle Rockets.) Both schools of rock are integral to the Austin machine, and both co-exist along Sixth Street and beyond with little conflict, often sharing the same enthusiastic and appreciative audiences. SXSW is heaven for music fans. Whether you go there to make deals, peek in on the next big things, or belly up to the bar and watch the nightlife dance by, it’s really all about the music. And if given the chance to do all of the above for four days in Texas in March, well, a journalist has to do what a journalist’s gotta do. LETDOWN. "We have been good friends with our producer Chuck Ladouceour (Zakk Wylde, Cree 8) for a while," says Letdown’s Dan Pepin, "and when the question came up about our album, the main problem was we didn’t have the money to make the album we wanted. We really wanted to make the best album we could possibly make." When Ladouceour heard the new Letdown tunes, he agreed the time was right. The Woonsocket band had played the Tweeter Center, the Tsongas Arena, and other huge places without a proper CD release. "The greatest thing though," says Dan, "is that people would go to our shows from New York, Maine, Connecticut, and all over." The pressure was on to make an album that would satisfy their flourishing fanbase. With lots of help from Ladouceour, the band emerged from the studio with something they could truly hold high. "We really brought something to the plate. There are some weird things on this album like fretless guitar, Latin percussion, reggae grooves, shreddin’ solos, acoustic guitars, classical guitars. This is not just your basic ‘kick you in the face’ metal fest." But this is Letdown, the same band that opened for firebranding metal thumpers like Godsmack and Mudvayne, so the decibels are there. "Don’t get us wrong," says Dan, "there’s some pretty heavy stuff - all the songs that our hardcore fans have been begging us to put on disc. But this is the album we all wanted to make. This is Letdown’s Sgt. Pepper!" Celebrate the release of Letdown at Cats in Pawtucket on Saturday (the 3rd). Wandering Eye. The Psycads play the Century Lounge on Friday (the 2nd). The same night at Cats, you can catch Seven Levels, Left Behind, and Psycle; only $5 at the door and the show starts at 9:30 p.m. At the Green Room on Friday, the Deterrents shake it up, playing alongside heavy Boston garage sensations the Konks and the West Side’s own Katie Lee Hooker. Fever Dream is putting together another extravaganza at the Green Room, on Saturday (the 3rd), this time called "The Drugs Delaney Big Spring Binger," with special guests Path of Logik and the Blue Collar Boys. Jazz cat Greg Abate hits CAV with his saxophone on Saturday. Showtimes are at 9:30 and 11 p.m.; call 751-9164 for reservations. Also on Saturday at AS220’s Bassis, No Sale Value, a wild hybrid of jazz-fusion and dance floor drum ’n’ bass, brings a high-energy vibe to the club, with live music, DJs, and video projections. Link, TFO, DJ G, and VJ Ray Vox will all do their thang. The show will feature original N$V members Pat Donaher and Independent Music Award-winning trumpeter Matt Shulman, as well as guitarist Sasha Brown, bassist Evan Halloin, and drummer Jason Nazary. Clive Gregson is by many counts the state of the art in British folk-rock. He headed up the much-revered ’80s pop band Any Trouble, and has been named one of Guitar Player’s "1000 Best Guitarists." He is about to make his first visit to Stone Soup on Saturday, and if you haven’t seen him, you really should. He’s superb. The concert, which begins at 8 p.m., is at the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket Arts Center (210 Main Street). Tickets are $12. Also on Saturday, the Blackstone hosts the Schemers, Mark Cutler’s awesome old band (we love the Dino Club too), who are preparing to release Remember, a collection of their best songs. The Marlowes, another of Rhode Island’s best pop bands, open with a mix of roots, power-pop, and good old driving rock. On Sunday (the 4th) at AS220, Vic Thrill, the Blam, the Reputation (ex-Sarge), the Electra Complex, and Persil all play in a super-cool creative rock extravaganza. Only $7 for lots and lots of music.                     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.