Conference napalm::heavy_metal

291.0. "Rings, The" by ICS::BUCKLEY (Night of the Living Duff!) Wed Oct 31 1990 10:13

    Just a tangent here:
    
    The Rings were a Boston-based band, which rooled the club scene as THE
    band in Boston from 1977-1981.  They were signed to MCA records in
    1980, and released two efforts...The Rings, and Rhythm Method.  The
    band consisted of Berklee-trained musicians, so the music was very 
    complex, as well as being catchy.  They had psuedo radio hits with 
    _Let Me Go_ and _Third Generation_ (off The Rings), and with _UH OH
    (here I go again)_ (off of Rhythm Method).  They disbanded in late 1981
    due to pressure from the record company (on poor international sales,
    they wanted them to POP it up more, and have less intricacy in their
    music).  The Rings, not wanting to "go commercial", decided to disband.
    Now THAT twas a sad day in Boston!!!  In the end, the clubs all used
    the Rings popularity for money gains.  Many clubs were touting Rings
    appearances as "the last Rings show EVER"...it turned into a bit of a
    controversy.  Kind of sad to have them go out with that hanging over
    their heads...but the true, LAST Rings show ever was at the Paradise 
    club on Comm Ave.  They did two shows, and after the 2nd show, were
    never to be seen together on a stage again!  (I was there...it was
    incredible!)  They closed with _Take The Chance_, and the song took on
    a whole new meaning!  The bassist and lead guitarist went on to form 
    a new band together, called The Wickermen.  The lead singer, rhythm
    guitarist went into record production, and the drummer went on to play
    in other top-notch Boston bands.
    
    Dats about it.

    
    Good stuff Buck, I'll try and check 'em out.
    
    -Tony

    FYI -- Discography follows:
    
    The Rings (1980)
    Rhythm Method (1981)
    
    Those who've heard em know both albums rool!

    
    
    	Been listening to the Rings (after Buck was kind enough to tape 
    them for me) and they're as Buck put it... "refreshing".
    
    	Their sound reminds me of the days when I started to listening to
    BCN 'cause they were "cutting edge" and into the local scene.  Kinda
    makes sense since the Rings were part of that scene.
    
    	Some songs have a metal feel, some have a reggae feel.... I'm 
    impressed at how they switch styles around without sounding as if
    they're forcing themselves to do something different. 
    
    	Found out the other day one of my favorite tunes from high school 
    is by the Rings and I never knew it.  Glad to hear it again! 
    
    	
    	Paul

    Yeah, that was probably the same one I heard on GRegs "Rings"
    tape...  I forgot the name of the tune but it used to get air play
    in Mass....
    jc