As their two releases, ‘Gorgeous’ and ‘Victor,’ from this past January make vividly clear, Boston’s The Heavies intrigue in reflectively freewheeling country-rock. The drum-thudded third song from the former, “The Jailbreak Blues” (streaming below), for example, details a man’s escape from prison with the kind of gruff warmth that Johnny Cash made his own. “Take Me Back” from the latter effort, a keys-backed song that is delightfully honky-tonk, similarly tells of longing for home but in such a way that is more raw than sappy, more real than fake, yet still allows for pure warmth. The Heavies play at Midway Café in Jamaica Plains, Massachussetts on Tuesday (2/16). – Zach Weg

Jonesin & The Hurt started off as 2 street musicians who decided to throw together a lil band to complete their Party Folk Rock! Anyone who likes to party is cool with me. They released a record last year called Why Not?....cuz why not right? Right off the bat you can tell they are taking folk tracks and turning the party wayyy up. Duel vocals comin’ at ya nicely in the opening track “Please Give Me”. Up next is “Cucumbers” and as the title would suggest...it’s kind of madness. There is some interesting changes of pace in this tune and the lyrics are a bit goofy too but what would you expect from a track called “Cucumbers”. A Nova Scotian and an Ajaxian (is that right?) started this group and they now call Toronto home. You can catch Jonesin’ & The Hurt at The Central on Saturday along with Bare Claws. - Kris Gies

3 piece indie rock from Toronto...Ready the Prince. They just released their debut self titled EP last August. The EP opens with “Your Way Or Mine”...a good introduction to the band...solid rhythm section and nice guitars laying nicely over top. I catch some Kings of Leon vibes right away. The track has some interesting dynamics which give guitarist Daniel Prada the opportunity to show off his fast fingers...almost throwing in some flamenco licks. The next track is called “Drunk Without A Drug” and I’m not sure if that is supposed to be a good thing or a bad thing. This track is a bit more relaxed to start with a bit of an atmospheric feel to the verses. Again the dynamics in the pre-chorus take you through a sonic tunnel leading to a bit of an epic chorus. It’s a well recorded and well played EP. I would have to think they know what to do live as well. So go see them on Friday February 12th at the Rivoli in Toronto! - Kris Gies

Pete and his crew of blues rockers from Hamilton have been lying in the weeds for the last few months. I started to wonder if they were soon to be relegated to the “Where Are They Now?” category....just kidding...but I havn’t heard much from the Second Hand Band lately. Just last April they released their self titled record. 7 tracks engineered and mixed by bass player/vocalist JD Norwood. The album opens up with “It Just Keeps On Comin’”...a straight ahead rock track setting the tone for what’s to come on this album. The fellas pick up the pace on the next track “Talk Of The Town” which was their lead single of the album and came with a video to boot. They chill out for the chorus though and lead shredder Eddie Van Dyk gets to soothe your weary bones with some sweet licks. I really dig the tune “Bad Scene”. A true blues track that’ll make you head straight for the bar for another whiskey. Pete’s howlin at the moon in this one and it adds a nice spicy mustard to this bluesy rock n’ roll sandwich. The sustain of the guitars will make you weep. By the way this record is available for any price you want at their bandcamp page. Pete Van Dyk & The Second Hand Band return to Homegrown Hamilton on Saturday! -Kris Gies

Editor's Note: "AHH...THE NAME IS EMOTIONAL, BABY!" is a play on the Bootsy Collins and Bootsy's Rubber Band album and album cover...just in case you didn't catch it! -je

Emotional is the lovechild of Death Records founder and long-time Bay Area music community leader, Brian Wakefield. Brian has been a part of the Bay Area music scene since early ‘00s, and has worked with numerous bands in the SF music scene.

Emotional’s LP "Ahh…The Name Is Emotional, Baby!” floats us away into a hazy, yellow daydream of synthy, easy-going guitar chords and genuine vocals that narrate your most treasured nostalgic days. The heavy layering of slow, synth sounds beats upon aching melodies and raw lyricism and are the pieces of this album that make it one beautiful, progressive oxymoron. Heartbreaking sentiments with carefree beats, songs like “Hand 4 Hire” will make you want to press repeat and lay in a perpetual state of stoney thoughtfulness.

In support of their upcoming LP release of "Ahh...The Name Is Emotional, Baby!", in perfect timely fashion, Emotional will be playing a live set in San Francisco at Amnesia on February 14th alongside The Memories and Idiot Glee. Whether it’s a time of celebration for your and your lover, or a single night out with your beloved friends, Emotional is there to hold our hand this Valentine’s day, share their new sounds, and remind us that it’s ok to get emotional sometimes. -Lindsay Stickney

TOUR DATES
02.14 - Amnesia - San Francisco, CA w/ The Memories,Idiot Glee
02.21 - Amnesia - San Francisco, CA w/ Magic Trick, Grace Sings Sludge, The She's
02.26 - The New Parish - Oakland, CA w/ Parquet Courts, Chris Cohen, The World
02.28 - Amnesia - San Francisco, CA w/ Sam Flax, Friendless Summer, Cole Lodge