Sunday, December 16, 2018

Thank you Scituate!!

Photo by Brian Tiernan



















Wow! Scituate! What a show.
Seriously one of the best nights I’ve had playing music in a long time!
Not every day you get to be part of 300 strangers becoming friends.
You guys know how to rock!

Thanks so much to my brothers in The Rationales, to Stephen, Janice and The River Club Music Hall (an amazing venue!) to The Smithereens and Marshall Crenshaw and to all of you!!

Let’s do it again sometime!
Photo by Brian Tiernan


Saturday, December 15, 2018

TONIGHT! The Rationales open for the Smithereens & Marshall Crenshaw in Scituate!

So excited for this - Tonight, 12/15/18 - at the River Club Music Hall in Scituate MA - THE RATIONALES open for THE SMITHEREENS with their special guest vocalist MARSHALL CRENSHAW. We had such a blast the last time we played with the Smithereens! We hit the stage
at 8pm.

Monday, November 26, 2018

Boston! Rationales play early set on Sunday Dec 2 at Thunder Road!

Join THE RATIONALES as we play at Thunder Road for the first time ever as we play their Americana Sunday’s series with our friends Comanchero! It’s an EARLY show so don’t miss us.

Starts at 7pm!

Hope to see you there!

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Atwoods tonight!!

Join us tonight here at Atwoods tavern!! It’s our first gig with our new bassist officially in the band! Come welcome Dino Cattaneo aboard and see us play with our friend BRICK BRISCOE .

Show starts at 10pm

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

August 2018 Update! Treehouse Brewing Show!



Summer greetings!


As the endless heatwave rolls on we have been busy working on new songs, planning for the future and playing a few select tasty shows here and there.



ONE OF THOSE IS THIS SATURDAY!

Join your pals THE RATIONALES at TREEHOUSE BREWING in Charlton MA, Sat Aug 11. We play in the outdoor pavilion there from 2-6. We'll be opening up the set list with lots of hits, deep cuts and new cover tunes. It'll be a laid back afternoon show so bring the dog, bring the kids, bring the beer wallet and line waiting shoes (or don't and just chill in the sun or shade and enjoy a picinic while listening to your pals in the Rationales do their thing!)

We have lots more brewing for the fall so be sure to check the shows page to keep up to date with our travels!

See you soon!

Friday, September 15, 2017

The Rationales Nominated for two BOSTON MUSIC AWARDS!

Founded in 1987, The Boston Music Awards is an annual set of music awards that showcase the very best talent in the Massachusetts area.

The Rationales are very honored to be nominated for the 2017 award for "SONG OF THE YEAR" for Ready to Go off our new release Upstream, as well as the 2017 award for "AMERICANA ACT OF THE YEAR".

The nominations come from a pool of Boston Music Scene insiders, but the voting is up to you.  

Please go to http://bostonmusicawards.com/vote and lend us your vote! We would certainly appreciate it!

  Previous nominees include: Aerosmith, Peter Wolf, Aimee Mann, Amanda Palmer, Josh Ritter, American Hi-Fi, Ray Lamontane and many more.

The 2017 Boston Music Awards will take place at House of Blues on December 7th.

Friday, July 28, 2017

New Upstream Review from The Boston Herald!

Rationales’ evolving sound flows ‘Upstream’

Brett Milano Friday, July 28, 2017
 
When David Mirabella released his first CD with the Rationales 10 years ago, locals thought they had him pegged as a thoughtful power- pop artist in the vein of the sainted band Big Star. The only problem was Mirabella hadn’t even heard much of that band.

“Every review compared me to them, and I wasn’t even a fan,” he said. “Then I tracked down that CD of their first two albums, and I fell madly in love.”

But the Rationales are a lot tougher to pin down nowadays. Their new CD, “Upstream,” still has its share of pure pop, but the songs are generally longer and the arrangements more surprising — with traces of prog rock, epic Americana and even some arena-rock grandeur. What hasn’t changed is the quality of Mirabella’s writing — he can swing a hook and coin a thoughtful phrase with the best.

The Rationales (Mirabella, his brother Mike on drums, guitarist Chad Raleigh, steel guitarist Adam J. Hand, keyboardist Dave Lieb and bassist Sean Black) celebrate their album release downstairs at the Middle East Thursday. Joining them will be a handpicked roster of inventive pop/rock outfits: OldJack, the Curtis Mayflower, Red Red Rockit and the debut of Unreliable Narrators, featuring ex-Scamper guitarist Nate Rogers.

Mirabella credits the band’s evolution to having a consistent lineup and his willingness to cut the band members in on the writing and arrangements.

“The new album is probably our most collaborative. Our guitarist comes from a Southern rock, jam band sort of background. We didn’t used to have too much room for that, but he’s so good at stretched-out jamming that it would be a shame to leave that out.”
Adding a pedal steel player also tilted the band toward Americana.

“That wasn’t even intentional — Adam was originally a drummer, but he learned to play steel to play along to one of our albums. So we said, ‘Since you know our songs, you should come along to practice.’ And he never left.

“It’s hard to pigeonhole us to any one thing now. We just put it under rock ’n’ roll and hope that covers everything.”

The new album’s best track is actually its furthest stretch from straight pop: “Dulcinea” is a moody, six-minute track with a floating Pink Floyd feel.

“That song’s based on the fact that I moved all over the country for years after college and wound up living a couple of miles from where I grew up. So I thought, ‘Let’s embrace that nostalgia with all the regret and sadness that implies, and write from the perspective of someone really wallowing in that.’

“A lot of my songs come from just finding a melody and chasing it down,” he said. “It’s like the Keith Richards adage of pulling songs out of the air. I get a lot of mine that way.”
The Rationales CD release show, with OldJack, the Curtis Mayflower, Red Red Rockit and Unreliable Narrators, at Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, Thursday. Tickets: $10; ticketweb.com.
 

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Tickets Onsale for Aug 3 Upstream CD Release Show! First Reviews coming in!

We are about a week away from the release of UPSTREAM. The CD Release show at the Middle East Downstairs is onsale now: ( http://www.ticketmaster.com/the-rationales-the-curtis-mayflower-middle-east-downstairs-cambridge-ma/venueartist/337303/2387594 ) Be Sure to grab your tickets and don't miss your chance to see this great show: OldJack, Red Red Rockit, The Curtis Mayflower and Nate Rogers Join us for what promises to be a night to remember.

Speaking of upstream - the first couple of reviews are in.  Check out some highlights:

"The Rationales have burst through the summer of 2017 with their latest, and in the eyes of this music fan their best-to-date release, Upstream." "electrifying guitar work and summer day anthems" "a genuinely independent sound that nods to the forerunners while maintaining a strong presence in their own skin. Fresh assemblies of a truly American sound, hinting off and on at moments of great 90s alt-rock, combined with shredding breaks and truly energetic, unrestrained releases. Upstream amounts to one hell of a record." "Upstream solidifies The Rationales. It feels as though everything they’ve worked for leading up to this album has, in retrospect, been a struggle to find themselves. Well, here they are. This is The Rationales I’ve been waiting for. This is The Rationales I wanted. This is The Rationales I didn’t know I needed in my life."

"a lush rock sound" "electrifying riffs and solos that are just jaw dropping. " "With songs of loss, regret, nostalgia, and longing... you feel like you’re riding shotgun with Mirabella on the back roads in New England as he tells his stories." "the electrifying guitar opener, “Ready to Go” is driving, swirling with electronic sounds and heavy beats... the ripping guitar solo gets the adrenaline pumped up for the rest of the album." ““Trade You” takes the rhythm into Dire Straits territory. That infectious groove takes hold and refuses to let go. It’s easily my favorite off the album." “All the While” kicks things up a notch again. David Lieb shines on this track with his saloon piano styling. " "Another highlight was “Climb the Ladder,” The song starts with an Americana sound as it segues into a piano breakdown. Mike Mirabella’s vocals layered over the piano chords gives it a haunting touch. It’s slow moving, but that changes as it gradually intensifies into a screaming guitar solo"
- On the Flipside Music (Full Review)

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

New Album: UPSTREAM. Out August 3 with Middle East Cambridge Release Party!

The Rationales UPSTREAM will be released at the Middle East Downstairs on August 3 with a release party bill to write home about - The Rationales (CD release), OldJack, The Curtis Mayflower, Red Red Rockit and Nate Rogers & the Unreliable Narrators (debut show) will play an early show (730 doors, 8pm Show).

The show is also Mike Mirabella's birthday show! (he asks that shots be saved for after our set!).

We are SO excited to share UPSTREAM with you. Grab tickets early. Its $10 advance, $12 at door.
ticket link: http://www.ticketmaster.com/the-rationales-the-curtis-mayflower-middle-east-downstairs-cambridge-ma/venueartist/337303/2387594

UPSTREAM is the most collaborative and diverse collection of songs The Rationales have recorded yet, the record marks the debut of newest Rationale Adam Hand on Pedal Steel, features songwriting contributions from several members of the band reinforcing singer-songwriter David Mirabella's anthemic material.

New Songs include album centerpieces such as the 'Big Star meets Greg Dulli' rock of "Trade You," the seven minute "Climb the Ladder," (featuring lead vocals by drummer Mike Mirabella during a sprawling breakdown penned by Mirabella, Lieb, and Mirabella) and the epic "Dulcinea", (a song exploring the location of the line between regret and fantasy), the quiet urgency of "Under the Gun" and the R.E.M. meets Cheap Trick rock of "Ready to Go" - along with the previously digital-only released advance singles "All the While" and "Take a Ride with me" both of which feature additional recording and remixing.  

The Rationales will release UPSTREAM on August 3 at Boston's storied Middle East Downstairs Club.  Advance tickets are onsale now.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Big Spring/Summer Ahead for The Rationales! Plus: Cambridge Show 4/28

Been a while. How's it all treating you?

We had an amazing end to the year last year with festival dates in Nashville, New York and Toronto and some amazing shows here in the Northeast as well.

2017 is off to a great start. We are finished with our new record which will be out in the coming months, and we have some great shows on tap.

April 28 we are joining our good friends AIRPORT and MILL POND FALLS for a show at THE LIZARD LOUNGE. We're sure you know what a great room the Lizard is. Amazing sound, amazing beer list, great food and all around comfortable vibe. We love playing there and have had some of our favorite shows there. This one promises to be amazing. If you haven't seen Joe McMahon and Mill Pond Falls yet you are in for a treat. Airport will be playing a ton of new music as will we. Grab tickets early for this one as the Lizard's capacity gets smaller every week.

Stay tuned for more. We are in gear and so excited for the new record. We are also working up a batch of about 20 new songs to record very soon after this record is out so expect lots of new music coming from us soon.

Friday, September 9, 2016

THE RATIONALES are coming to NASHVILLE


Just announced: THE RATIONALES will play THE MERCY LOUNGE Friday, September 16 as part of THE OUTLAW ROADSHOW! 

Boston's The Rationales, a band trafficking in American ROCK of the Songwriting and passion first variety,  fresh off a stellar show with fellow outlaws and Nashville natives Buffalo Rodeo, will make their first Nashville appearance as part of THE OUTLAW ROADSHOW. A roving music revue (founded by Ryan Spaulding of Ryan's Smashing Life, and Adam Duritz, of counting crowes) that puts people, and music, first. The roadshow will hit the road this autumn for shows in Nashville, New York and Toronto, and the Rationales are excited to be a part of it!
Stay tuned for more details!



Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Two Great Shows this weekend!

Following last month's great two nighter at Nightshift Brewery and Arlene's Grocery in NY, we've got another great weekend coming up This Sat and Sun (May 21 and 22). Both are beer events but also are family friendly and will have a great lineup of food, music and fun.

This Saturday, May 21, The RATIONALES are psyched to be a part of the BENT WATER BREWING BLAST OFF - GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION. If you haven't been or heard of them - Bent Water Brewing are a great new craft beer brewery right here in our own backyard - specifically Lynn, MA. A great new Brewery and taproom is open on the Lynnway (corner of commercial street) and they're throwing a party to remember. Runs noon to 9pm and we play a TWO HOUR set (lots of rare originals, some fun covers, and a chance to see us with our newest member - Adam J. Hand on Pedal Steel Guitar!) We play at 5pm and are followed by OldJack. Tickets and Info Here.





On SUNDAY May 22, THE RATIONALES are kicking of the day at the LEXINGTON BATTLE GREEN BBQ FESTIVAL. I went as an attendee last year and i can not tell you how much fun i had. An all day family friendly outdoor festival featuring lots of the area's best BBQ, Live music and an amazing selection of Craft Beers. (Last year selections included Heady Topper, Sip of Sunshine, Trillium, Bissell Brothers and more. This year the featured beer for the day sunday is Other Half from Brooklyn. Great Stuff!)

The day is packed full of great music of all styles and we kick it all off with a Two Hour set at Noon. Click here for more info.

Saturday, February 20, 2016

The Rationales at the Lizard Lounge TONIGHT! Plus Outlaw Roadshow Radio Today!

Tonight is here! Saturday Feb 20 - join us The Rationales at the lizard Lounge as we play with our good pals The Summer Villains and Glenn Yoder. Glenn is swinging thru town on a short tour - returning to boston after having moved to DC. It's going to be a great show. We are on first so get there early!

Also - tune into the OUTLAW ROADSHOW on WEMF radio at 4pm to hear us in studio hanging with Ryan, talking music, whiskey and the show tonight.

Monday, December 14, 2015

New Single and Video "Take a Ride with Me" NOW AVAILABLE!

A little while ago we went into Transference Audio in Arlington to cut a new single with out pal Matthew Girard (Parks, Golden Bloom).

The result is out today - our new tune "Take a Ride with Me"

See the new video here
 
and stream or download the song here (or at iTunes): 

Saturday, October 3, 2015

CMJ Week - The Rationales at the Outlaw Roadshow New York Oct 16!

The Rationales are so psyched to be a part of the Outlaw Roadshow at the Bowery Electric on Oct 16.



RSVP here: http://www.theoutlawroadshow.com/

Here's what the Boston Herald has to say about it:


In 2012, Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz and Boston music blogger Ryan Spaulding of Ryan's Smashing Life created the Outlaw Roadshow. The free showcase at Austin's SXSW festival highlighted up-and-coming bands, like so many other showcases.
But unlike other events, the Roadshow had legs. Instead of flashing for a year or two, the project expanded to New York's College Music Journal festival and, last month, to Nashville. Now it looks to expand internationally with a trip to Israel in November...

Of course, Outlaw will continue in NYC this fall too. For three nights: Oct. 15, 16 and 17, The Roadshow NY will offer free showcases with 36 live acts at the Bowery Electric. Fans can RSVP to attend the event via the Outlaw Roadshow app, available for IOS/Apple and Android.
Artists included in this year’s New York lineup include Buffalo Rodeo, These Wild Plains, K Phillips, Jill Andrews, Diana DeMuth, Ninet Tayeb, The Quaildogs, Mobley, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Cheyenne Medders, The Longwalls, Ryan Hamilton, Golden Bloom, Skunkmello, Matt Sucich, Seth Adam, Alan Semerdjian, INFJ, Lauren Marsh, Daniel Thomas Phipps, Town Meeting, Daniel Blue (of Motopony), Avid Jacob, Butch Parnell, Sean Barna, Tyler Stenson, Julie Rhodes, and Allysen Callery.
Also on the bill will be Boston acts OldJack, Zip-Tie Handcuffs, Nate Leavitt, The Rationales and Aloud.
And Duritz will likely be in the front row — literally — for all of it.
“He watches almost every band while standing right up front," Boston guitarist Nate Leavitt said after playing the Nashville party. “He's a huge supporter of all the Outlaws."
For Duritz, the project is all pleasure, no work.
“Seeing the music up-close is kind of the point, so why wouldn't I be up there next to the bands?" he asked. “I love seeing music. I love these Roadshow bands. They're the best time."

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Happy Summer!

Cheers! Lets raise one to summer. Enjoyed the longest day of the year and hunkered down for our first tornado watch of the season (we had like 1 in 4 decades, now we have them every year), I thought it'd be a good time to check in about what THE RATIONALES have coming up for the next little while.

We are taking it a bit easy on Boston shows in the coming months - we need to get geared up for our next record and so decided to play a couple of big shows rather than lots of times....

If you haven't seen us lately we've revamped our set quite a bit - playing a bunch of unrecorded songs and really having a great time playing. Our latest single "ALL THE WHILE" is a summer song if ever there was one. (Love by porchlight, among other things...) and in a few short weeks we'll drop our new single "TAKE A RIDE" another burner about roads and humid nights, all the good stuff.


Check out these and other new tunes (READY TO GO is another new favorite) at our upcoming show JULY 14 at T.T. The Bear's Place. Sadly as you know TTs is closing its doors a mere two weeks after our show and we couldn't be more upset to be losing what has truly been our Boston area home-base. From our first EP release show for THE GOING AND THE GONE in 2008, to our semi's run in the 2012 RUMBLE, -- and the other two dozen times we've played there... we love it like its not possible to explain. We want to do it proud and plan to play a send off show for the ages. Also on the bill are the amazing Zerobot, The Susan Constant, and Await Rescue. It's-a gunna be a good'un.

Then in August we return to Allston for a show with our long-time pals MY OWN WORST ENEMY. It'll be Bob Colby's Birthday show and we know it'll be a fun night. That one is on August 8.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Free Show This Saturday in Harvard Sq!

Join The Rationales at Make Music Harvard Sq, Cambridge this Saturday! We play a free, all ages set at 2pm at Brattle Corner.

It's always at good time and there are a ton of awesome acts also playing all over the square all day long. We hope to see you there!




Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Show Tomorrow night at TT The Bear's

Join us as we return to TTs for the first time in a while to open for two amazing bands... The silks and Low cut Connie! We are on first so come out early! We love playing at TTs and hope you'll come hang with us!

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Awesome night w the Smithereens!

A big Thanks to everyone who made it out last night to our show at Johnny D's with Watts and The Smithereens. One of our favorite shows ever. Just a blast of a night. Thanks to Johnny D's and the great staff there... to the great guys in Watts and to The Smithereens. But most of all to the people who packed the club and rocked with us!
The Rationales opening for the Smithereens, Johnny D's, Somerville
Photo by Selene Angier









We'll be back in the area with a show at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge on April 28 with the amazing Abby Barrett. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

THE RATIONALES w/The SMITHEREENS and WATTS Mar 20!

We are very pumped for this show - we've been friends and fans of Watts since forever and it goes without saying that we've been Huge fans of The SMITHEREENS since a long time ago!

We open this amazing night of rock at Johnny D's Place on Friday March 20 - its an early show at 6pm. You probably don't want to miss this!

Advance Tickets are almost sold out already so if you're thinking of coming - def grab them ahead of time. 

http://johnnyds.tunestub.com/event.cfm?id=191813