Also this issue: From Genesis to Revelation Peter Gabriel looks down with Up. -Larry Blumenfeld Kelly Willis -Sam Adams The Capitol Years -Patrick Rapa Rhett Miller -M.J. Fine Peace in Our Time -Peter Burwasser The Blasters -Sam Adams The Slip -A.D. Amorosi CD Reviews -A.D. Amorosi, Peter Burwasser, M.J. Fine and John Vettese

November 14-20, 2002

musicpicks

The Explosion

Listening to Boston's The Explosion takes me back to those salad days of my skateboarding youth (that never was). Though I was a conscientious objector to grinding the board, I could always count on a good, heavy-on-the-old-school soundtrack whenever I watched my friends. The Misfits, some Black Flag, a little two-shoot of Social Distortion and Suicidal Tendencies were all commonplace. But every generation needs something to call its own and The Explosion does give of that same high-energy, adrenalinized, extreme sport, commercial vibe that has become every research marketer's wet dream (but don't hold that against the band). They have a pedigree that includes former members of In My Eyes, and they've got the hip factor covered, having opened at the Mission of Burma reunion show in Boston. Of course, all this has led to some major label interest (a man can't live on The Distillers alone), but The Explosion seems content with Jade Tree, churning out the sort of sing-along, catchy punk rock that works like an anthem when shouted, but is just as good listened to while peacefully sitting around watching skaters skin their knees.

Mon., Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m., $8, with One Man Army and Madcap, The North Star, 27th and Poplar sts., 215-922-LIVE.

—Paul Burress