The Providence Phoenix   Local Anesthesia     Swan song - A Westerly institution gets unplugged                       Released: 05.13.05     Source: Providence Phoenix     Author: Bob Gulla     Original source link                 My grandfather, visiting from Boston, took me to Looney Tunes in my hometown of Westerly to buy me my very first record when I was eight. "Your mother tells me you like rock and roll," he said. "I like music too. Let’s go buy some records!" He lit up a Dunhill and smiled. We jumped into his mauve Cadillac Seville and drove a few miles to the store. At the time, it was filled with pot paraphernalia as well as music, but that didn’t faze Gramps, not one bit. I came away that day with the James Gang’s Newborn record; memory fails me as to why. I do recall that it cost $5.49. My grandfather bought an old Stan Kenton record and we drove home happy. Throughout my formative phase, I’d go on to do all my record shopping at Looney Tunes, as did most other folks in Westerly. Many of those same folks now mourn the closing of the store, which shuttered its doors recently after 31 years in the business of selling records. Jeff Gardiner was the turnkey owner of the place. He opened the store - which was also full of incense, T-shirts, and black light posters - in ’74 during the heyday of FM radio and the rise of corporate rock. Skynyrd, Marley, and the Bee Gees ruled the racks. But whatever it was, you could find the record, and an opinion about it, at Looney Tunes. Nat Sisco took over Looney Tunes from Gardiner 21 years ago and owned it right up until closing. "I remember being real excited about early U2 and old Richard Thompson," he says. "Back then it was vinyl and 45s, of course, and it was a great business to be in." When Sisco took on the store, he remembers music being more uplifting and positive. "Back in the day," he says, "you were so positive about the music you loved. We lived for new records by our favorite bands. Today, how can you get geared up for rap and the negativity of today’s music? It’s awful." Through most of the store’s history, Looney Tunes’ business remained steady. They were free from competition, and the staff, which included Eight Days scribe Jim Macnie and yours truly, knew enough to steer unwitting patrons. The selection, too, was just deep enough to keep you flipping through the stacks. Big albums by supergroups like the Allman Brothers, Little Feat, Pink Floyd, Boston, Led Zeppelin, Heart, Aerosmith, Yes, the Cars, Van Halen, and Guns N’ Roses kept you coming in. Other, lesser-known records - by Lene Lovich, Joy Division, the Minutemen, and Graham Parker - went out with you in the same bag, the purchases inspired by staff recommendations. You ran into people and talked about bands and new records and upcoming shows, often for hours. Music appreciation deepened until the glue set for a lifelong attachment. "The whole town of Westerly ran right through Looney Tunes," says Sisco. "I can’t think of another place like that. At the holidays our customers would bring us cookies and a little pop of Schnapps when they did their shopping. Music joined people together." That spirit culminated one day back in 2001 when, for eight hours on Christmas Eve, the tiny one-stop music store registered $12,000 in sales. "We were meeting and greeting people all day," says Sisco. "I’ll always remember those times." Unfortunately, Looney Tunes in Westerly (there is still Looney Tunes II in Wakefield, independently owned by Peter Dante) has bonded its last customers, having fallen victim like so many mom and pop stores to chain stores and technology. "Basically, the Internet killed us more than anything," says Sisco, predictably. "I saw the slide beginning back in 2002 with downloading. The writing was on the wall." When a Strawberries elbowed in a couple years ago, that provided the second blow in the store’s one-two knockout punch. "I never had a Website so I couldn’t compete that way," says Sisco. "Another thing that really hurt us was that there used to be a music law that stated you couldn’t sell a CD below cost. Then they rescinded that law and stores like Wal-Mart, Target, and Best Buy could throw new releases out there as loss leaders for $8.99. Here we were paying $11.99 and $12.99 for them from our distributor. We couldn’t touch that kind of pricing." Still, Sisco could have remained open; 21 years of business accumulates quite a few loyal customers. But he wasn’t interested "in spinning his wheels," and he certainly wasn’t identifying with the kind of music being made and the records he was forced to sell. "Pretty soon they’re going to be selling songs two for a $1," says Sisco. "I can see it now." Today, he runs a small green grocer in nearby Connecticut with his wife. But before he let Looney Tunes go, he wrote a public farewell in the form of a letter to the editor of the Westerly Sun. Here’s an excerpt: "As I take one last look around my store, I notice the shelves are all but stripped bare, and the posters that once adorned the walls - Springsteen, Beaver Brown, Aimee Mann - have left faded woodwork in their wake. The ancient solid oak countertop is etched with the names of the saddened employees who, throughout the years, carried the store to a level I am so very proud of. But despite all of that, the very soul of Looney Tunes remains . . . In the weeks prior to this last day, I can’t count the number of times I got choked up when an old friend stopped by and relived a memory with me. And that memory would invoke another, then another. One particular friend apologized for not frequenting the store as much as he should have over the years. There are no apologies necessary from anyone. I am the lucky one here!" Over at the green grocer, the folks aren’t exactly lined up out the door for organic vegetables the way they once were for the Led Zeppelin boxed set back in 1990. But Sisco’s not complaining. "What an incredible run. I had visions of slinging records at 70, but at this point at least I can go out with a smile." Wandering Eye. Tonight (Thursday, the 12th) and every Thursday), DJ Brett the Hitman spins from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Moda Lounge on 525 South Water Street in Providence. On Saturday (the 14th), DJ Nailz does the same at UltraLounge on Pine Street from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. That gig’s 19-plus for ladies (free before midnight) and 21-plus for gentlemen. Rising Celtic jammers Rune play twice this weekend - tonight at Ri Ra in Providence and on Saturday at Bovi’s in East Providence. On Friday (the 13th) at the Rocky Point Pub, it’s Fresh Crop and Days Unknown, and on Saturday at the same venue you can hear the Big PayBack and Some Day Providence. Smokestack Lightnin’ will play at Okie’s Bar & Grill in Narragansett on Friday. Also on Friday at Cats in Pawtucket, a really sweet local bill brought together by the informed folks at Rattlehead Records will include Dagnabbit, 44-Wreck, Failed Attempts @ Flying, and Illustrious Day. On Friday at the American Legion Hall in Seekonk beginning at 6 p.m., there’s a great showcase of Fall River area bands, a mix of metal and alt-rock. You can catch Embrance, Kenaz, Reaxis, Thousand Silent, and A Falling View. Check ’em all out at www.myspace.com. And speaking of SE Mass, on Saturday veteran singer-songwriter and New Bedford native Tom Pacheco and New England Weather share the bill at Stone Soup Coffeehouse (at the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket Arts Center, 210 Main Street). Tickets are $10. Black & White plays Saturday at the Common Pub in the lovely seaside town of Bristol. Also on Saturday, Hemlok takes over the Blackstone with Kanerko and the Joe Mazzari Band. E-mail me with music news and maybe you’ll get your name in the paper: big.daddy1@cox.net.                     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.