Bosstones Are Mightier Than Usual at Axis Show
By: By Sarah Rodman - Boston Herald
December 14th 2001 6:36am
Mighty Mighty Bosstones, with Autopilot Off, at Axis, Wednesday night. It's the most wonderful time of the year. That's right, it's time for the Mighty Mighty Bosstones' annual ``Hometown Throwdown.'' For Boston rock fans the peak of the holiday season isn't marked by shopping, mistletoe or eggnog, it's the chance to skank the night away with Boston's deservedly beloved and unerringly well-dressed ska-punk octet as they celebrate their local roots. The Bosstones kicked off the eighth annual version of this mutual admiration society event with a first-rate performance Wednesday night at Axis, the first of five sold-out shows. With festive holiday lights ringing the stage - which included a smoke-blowing Santa, a menorah and a wintry Bosstones backdrop - the opening ``Throwdown'' show seemed even more meaningful this year. Something about the single-minded joie de vivre of leader Dicky Barrett, as he led his band and his loyal audience through 15 years of horn-driven merriment, felt like a small triumph of rock 'n' roll defiance. Highlights of the 70-minute set included a robust sing-along of ``Hope I Never Lose My Wallet,'' a smoothly saxed-up rendition of Bob Marley's ``Simmer Down,'' the springy grooves of ``1, 2, 8'' and the percolating ska beats of the swinging ``Where'd You Go?'' all led by Barrett's good-natured swagger and gravelly croak. Guitarist Lawrence Katz lashed the crowd all night with his searing metal-edged licks on songs including the slamming crowd favorite ``Someday I Suppose'' and blistered eardrums with a wicked slide during ``Let Me Be.'' As usual, Barrett - natty in black jacket and sunglasses - was a charming master of ceremonies, chatting up stage divers, directing praise toward his bandmates and kicking up his heels with dancer/singer Ben Carr. Barrett made one reference to recent events, saying he was gratified by our nation's unity before dedicating a new ``Throwdown''-related song, ``This Time of Year,'' to the fans and closing with the funny ode to confused Hub tourists, ``They Came to Boston.'' It was obvious that Bosstones fans left Axis with an extra spring in their step this year. Young, fast, loud and attitudinal, punk rockers Autopilot Off satisfied all requirements for a ``Throwdown'' opening act.
 ©2001 Boston Herald. All rights reserved.
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