They call themselves Bastards of Melody and on Friday, Dec. 7, they will hit the stage at Uncle Joe’s bar in downtown Jersey City with some friends for a show titled "Come as you aren’t."
For more than three years Jersey City resident Paul Crane (vocals, keyboards) has been creating upbeat party pseudo post grunge music with his band mates and friends Bill Zafiros (guitar, keyboards), Pat O’Keefe (bass, background vocals) and Jeff Prosetti (drums, percussion, background vocals). They have recently come out with a new album, Fun Machine, which was produced by Hoboken’s own James Mastro and engineered by Wayne Dorrell at The Pigeon Club on 358 Newark St., in Hoboken last year.
The album features some catchy tunes like "Join Me" and "Not Me," but they succeed in totally capturing the listener on the tracks "Rewind," and "Fascination;" more complex tunes with a crisp sound and strong lyrics. The album has 13 tracks of good music. Despite not receiving lots of radio airplay because they are not signed to a major label, their sound is more like a blend of Green Day and Weezer, but not as aggressive.
"A lot of our fans say we sound like The Replacements," Crane said during an interview last week.
Nevertheless, they put on a good live set, and those who travel to Uncle Joe’s should be ready for some fun. After the show hang around and meet the band.
"We use only the finest musical ingredients, and all of our songs are guaranteed to be absolutely fresh," Crane wrote inside the album’s jacket. "Our commitment to 100 percent customer satisfaction is the basis of our music."
Also on the ticket are Jersey City’s Mexican Elvis and Hoboken’s Walker. The show starts at around 8:30 p.m. and it will be hosted by local sensation Johnny Vague-es. The cover is only $3 and drink specials will be offered throughout the night. Uncle Joe’s is located on 154 First St., between Marin Boulevard and Provost Street. For more information contact Crane at 653-6148 or visit them on the web at www.bastardsofmelody.com.
Mile-Square City
Also on Friday, King Norris, the rock band featuring Howard Stern Radio Show’s soundman Fred Norris, will perform at O’Donoughues in Hoboken at 8 p.m.
For several years Norris (lead guitar), along with Frank Fallon (drums) and Robert Boyd (bass), have been performing nationally, appearing with such notables as Eddie Money, the Jeff Healey Band, and Ozzy Osbourne at Ozz Fest. They were featured acts on the H.O.R.D.E. festival in the ’90s and have played at several 92.3 K-Rock "Dysfunctional Family Picnics" in New York City.
Norris, the band’s front man, has collaborated with Osbourne, Leslie West, Roger Daltrey, and Ray Davies on many musical projects. King Norris plays with an on-the-edge style that is reminiscent of classic rock bands like The Who and Black Sabbath. They prefer small venues, especially bars.
"We are playing a couple of New Jersey dates," Fallon said. "Hoboken is expected to be a great gig."
O’Donoughues is located on 205 First St. For more information call 798-7711.