Get a load of this- talk about a fitting replacement if a replacement need be, for a store that sold hi-fi gear...
I knew the number sounded familiar and I dunno how I spaced on it. I was a bit nervous it was going to be one of those futon stores, or furniture stores that litter Mass Ave between the beginning of Central Square and the end of Harvard square. then I remembered- 472 Mass ave is none other than the home of one of Boston's (or should we say Cambridge's) absolute best music venues, the Middle East. Downstairs was a bowling alley years ago, now it showcases primarily independant rock bands of decent size with a national following, although most often no major radio play (bands like The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Trans Am, the Mr T Experience, Bunny Brains, Dresden Dolls, Reverend Glasseye and His Wooden Legs, all that would see airplay primarily on college stations such as 88.1 WMBR, 88.9 WERS, 90.3 WZBC, and occasionally on larger alt-rock stations like 101.7 WFNX). Upstairs, where the store most likely was, is a restaraunt serving up middleeastern eats and mixed drinks, and usually has live music performances of jazz bands, rockabilly bands, and ethnic music, most often local Boston musicians. The back of the joint houses a separate room where I've seen some great musicians perform- anything from Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers, Holly Golightly, Caged Heat, The Bentmen, The Strangemen) and is one of my favorite places to see a band. There's also a small joint right next door called Zuzu's, also owned by the Middle East, that had been run for years by show promoter and infamous scenester Lilly. This joint features guest djs spinning alt-rock, indie, experimental, you name it. All very eclectic. And bands play there too- latin, world, indie, ect.
Around the corner is another infamous Cambridge club- TT the Bears. No affiliation with the Middle East, but it also hosts many a great music show.
Here's the website if you are interested- it's not working properly at the moment, but here it is anyway-
http://www.mideastclub.com/
And around the corner- TT the Bears (no affiliation with the MidEast)-
http://www.ttthebears.com/
