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Words by Andrew Bruss :: Images by Chris Petersson
Dr. Dog :: 10.03.07 :: Paradise Rock Club :: Boston, MA
 Dr. Dog :: 10.03 :: Boston |
While the Sox swept the Angels at Fenway Park, Dr. Dog was grooving out for a crowd of rockers and rollers at Boston's Paradise Rock Club. The Philly-based quintet came to town as the first stop on a co-headlining tour with the psychedelic-country-cock-rock of Boston's own Apollo Sunshine.
Dr. Dog's set was packed full of tunes that utilized the Americana appeal of The Band and the gritty grunge of The Pixies. Unfortunately for both bands, given the events unfolding with the Red Sox, a good chunk of the crowd was distracted by the playoffs. But with feel good tunes, a significant degree of effort and an engaging stage presence, Dr. Dog was able to make the best of a tough crowd.
As soon as the Dog took the stage, the folks in the front row were drawn into their pseudo-'60s attack. They kicked the set off with "Ain't It Strange" from their latest release, We All Belong. Following the opener it was a steady burn of mellow tunes that embodied the hippiedom of The Mamas & the Papas with a taste of Sly and the Family Stone. One of the most noticeable aspects about this group's music is their old school vibe. Dr. Dog maintains a modern sound that's riddled with influences of old. Even the group's look is a mesh of Levon Helm's mountain man style and Kurt Cobain's thrift-shop mess.
While Dr. Dog performed they would stomp and jump around with a rhythmic sense giving them a communal stage presence. This "all for one" attitude lends a kinetic, charming appeal, a significant factor in the way they've managed to win fans over across the country. Beyond their vibe, it's songs like "Old News" with its impressive, multi-layered melodies that have earned the adoration of listeners.
Although Dr. Dog's performance in Boston was far from ideal, they truly made the best of a less-than-stellar situation. They put their all into the show, and in the end, won over some strangers who probably went home as fans. Odds are the next time they come through Beantown, they'll be playing a bigger venue for a less distracted crowd.
JamBase | Massachusetts
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