The Stolen Records

This band definitely takes me by surprise. When I first see them I think they are just a bunch of young college kids who are lucky to get the chance to play at The Middle East. I am completely wrong. Stemming from Tufts, B.U., and Northeastern this is a talented group of kids. They have a very positive upbeat feel, with ska, reggae, and funk influences, along with very energetic moments of punk. They have a good fan base here tonight. Most of the crowd in the front know the lyrics to the songs. I ask Kevin, the lead singer/ guitarist, what the band is looking to accomplish when on stage. He says they want to give the audience their energy. That they do, and it is well worth seeing good musicians playing good music. For more info on the band go to speakeasymusic.net. (Envious Rocker) - The Noise Magazine 2/15/05

THE STOLEN RECORDS
Basement Songs
17-song CD

I really didn’t think it would be possible for a Boston area band to produce a reggae/ dub/ ska album in 2006 that I would enjoy listening to. I was very wrong. I confess I never even heard of them before this CD showed up in my mailbox, but I will definitely be looking for an opportunity to catch their live act. Their songs display a sense of humor and an optimistic outlook on life without being sappy or cute. And they throw in enough rock and punk elements to keep the reggae interesting, without disturbing the grooves. There’s youthfulness and an eagerness in these recordings that refuses to be ignored. You will smile, you will tap your toes, and you will likely sing along. (Brian Mosher) - The Noise September 06

The Slackers/The Stolen Records
Middle East Downstairs 4/19/07

"Local opening band the Stolen Records got the crowd moving with a genre-twisting set and syncopated rhythms. Definitely keep an eye out for them."

The Boston Phoenix 4/23/07 - The Boston Phoenix

The Stolen Records have recently matured into a legitimate force within the New England music scene. Drawing inspiration from reggae/ska legends like Lee “Skratch” Perry and Operation Ivy well as pop mainstays like The Cars and Elvis Costello, TSR is a refreshing change of pace.

This group of five 21-year olds has made a strong name for themselves in Boston, performing multiple sold-out headlining shows and opening shows for bands like The Slackers, State Radio and Westbound Train at venues like The Paradise Rock Club, The Middle East Downstairs and The Cheveliar Theatre. However, they resist the temptation to sit-back in the comfort of their hometown, performing every weekend at colleges and clubs throughout the east coast.

Their new Basement Songs has all the components that make a great album. Featuring 12 original songs and four interlude dubs, the CD creates a soundscape that traverses seamlessly between smooth reggae-and aggressive, upbeat indie-rock. With great press as well as college-radio play on 130 stations across the country, to say this young band has a lot of potential would be an understatement. - Campus Activities Magazine

The Stolen Records - Basement Songs
The Stolen Records - Basement Songs / 2006 Self / 18 Tracks / http://www.thestolenrecords.com / Reviewed 12 January 2006

While the opening track to “Basement Songs” sounds a little emo-influenced during the beginning bars, the track “Vera” moves into a blend of Elvis Costello and ska music. The ultimate style of The Stolen Records during this track is quite like if The Anniversary on an Aquabats record. The energy present on the earlier stagers of “Basement Songs” is something that cannot be denied. The Stolen Records make an album that individuals would kill to be able to bounce around to, and this is done with a style that does not hinge on any one pre-existing music style.

The use of an intricate bass line to lead out “Being Useless is Useful” further increases the band’s tock in many listeners’ eyes. The sped up tempo of “What It Is” is reminiscent of early Screeching Weasel, but the dual vocals of the track have a familiar quality that I cannot easily point my finger on. Still, The Stolen Records are able to crack out track after track that will have listeners up and happy, and desiring to hear more from the band.

The most interesting change to The Stolen Records’ style comes during “Baltimore Dub”, which is a short track that recalls early ska and reggae (as its title may suggest). This is continued during “Tequila Reggae”, a song that meshes better with the rest of the tracks. The tempo may still be different than most of the tracks on the disc, but there is some continuity between “Tequila Reggae” and “Being Useless is Useful”. The reggae groove continues during “Wait for Something to Wait For” (the band likes their punny and goofy song titles), which will remind individuals of a Bob Marley meets 311 mashup. This is as per usual a track that could easily make it onto the highest registers of the CMJ, so here’s to hoping those in the know will be able to find a copy of this album. The band is on fire but does not seem to be at a level fo fame which they deserve. This is as if The Stolen Records of 2017 were able to cull all the recordings they had since 2007 and put them into a greatest hits package. Fun, bouncy, and musically solid, “Basement Songs” uis an album that needs to be purchased out by any true fan of music. Give The Stolen Records and spin and chances are great that one will not be disappointed.

Top Tracks: Being Useless is Useful, Vera

Rating: 8.0/10
- NeuFutur (www.neufutur.com)

THE STOLEN RECORDS – Basement Songs
Vocalist Emily Hulsander, with the help of Kevin Verni (guitar), Jameson Hollis (bass), Steve Patton (drums), Casey Gruttadauria (keys), are bringing back Ska to Boston. With catchy hook laden riffs supported by danceable rhythms that combine reggae and 80 synth rock in an aggressive upbeat manner. There is something for everyone on this album. There are a lot of influences. Sometimes it sounds like Blondie or No Doubt, sometimes like Westbound Train or Less Than Jake but there is only option, you just got to put it in and crank it up. This is the one record even your incessantly complaining neighbors won't tell you to turn it down. - What's Up Magazine

The Stolen Records did incredible, on what was, well, an incredible night at The Middle East.

-Shred (booking agent @ The Middle East, DJ on WBCN, 104.1 FM). 1/16/05 - Shred

There are songs that stick in your brain. "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," by Stevie Wonder, "Rapture" by Blondie and "Don't Stand So Close To Me" by The Police. Right now, I've got "Being Useless Is Useful," by The Stolen Records. Underscore the above artists, and you've got what's in my head currently. People in my classes are telling me to shut up, people at my house are asking me to stop singing, and assorted other people (specifically those that utilize public transportation as a means of entertainment) have been complaining in a less than appropriate way. I don't mind. They don't enjoy life the way they should.

The Stolen Records has a lot going on for them. They've got some of 311's bouncy beach sound, and some of Bob Marley's soul. If you combined Letters To Cleo and Elvis Costello, but kept it low-fi with the ska running rampant, you'd end up with something pretty comparable to Stolen Records. I approve of them.

Basement Sounds starts strong with "Vera," which my best friend and I have enjoyed immensely during drives around town. "College Boy" is a feel good reggae popper that makes me glad to be alive and facing college, and I can't stop cranking up listening to "Divorce Dub," which examines the socio-economic lead-in to a break-up. The "Drinking Song" is a new take on an old theme.

They're not entirely fantastic. But whatever. Who is these days? I'm not in the mood to make analytical observations, because I feel too chill. The Stolen Records are a great party band, and they'd be in good company at any fraternity. So smile, buy the record and bob your head like a good hipster should.

-Caitlin McGuire
http://www.hybridmagazine.com/reviews/0307/stolenrecords.shtml - Hybrid Magazine