The Chelsea Curve want to make you move—and how you do it is entirely up to you. Inspired by both Boston grit and British mod culture, the punchy trio of Linda Pardee (bass/vocals), Tim Gillis (guitar/vocals), and Bruce Caporal (drums/vocals) have been crafting infectious, sing-along rock and roll since 2020, earning global attention with their debut album All The Things (Red on Red Records) and high-energy performances from Boston Calling to Mods Mayday in London. With a love of ‘70s punk, sharp style courtesy of 66 Clothing and Mod Shoes, and a new record on the way via Rum Bar Records, the band is sharper than ever—so as they keep forging their own rock and roll path, The Chelsea Curve are taking a moment to share the top ten records that shaped and inspired them. (Photo Credit: Trebmal Photography)
Album 1:
Name: Blondie
Title: Parallel Lines
Submitted by: Linda Pardee
Man, this album is always my “desert island pick.” Debbie Harry’s vocals floored me when I first heard them; I was totally hooked and still am. This album greatly influenced the way I sing.
Fave track is “Hanging On The Telephone”, a cover of The Nerves.
Album 2:
Name: The Clash
Title: Give Em enough Rope
Submitted by: Tim Gillis
I loved all things Clash but this one is my favorite. It’s got it all: raw but melodic intensity; amazing, unique guitar work everywhere by Mick Jones; classics like “Safe European Home” and “Tommy Gun”; and some great obscurities like “Drug Stabbing Time,” which is relentless, and “Cheapskate.” I also have a thing for bands that write their own origin songs and “All The Young Punks” is one of the very best.
Album 3:
Name: Elvis Costello & the Attractions
Title: This Year’s Model
Submitted by: Bruce Caporal
I snuck in to see Elvis Costello at The Orpheum in high school. Probably saw him more than anyone. I believe Squeeze opened – another fave.
Album 4:
Name: The Jam
Title: Snap!
Submitted by: Linda Pardee
I know this might be cheating to include compilation albums in this list, but this is an album I played til I wore it out. I was learning to play the bass and Bruce Foxton’s basslines hit me just right and I wanted to play like him. This album greatly influenced the way I play.
Fave track is “Town Called Malice.”
Album 5:
Name: The Reducers
Title: The Reducers
Submitted by: Tim Gillis
The first album by underground legends that, if there were any justice in the music world, should have made it big. Honest, straight-ahead rock by four guys who each had their own style and were all great songwriters. Great people, too. Faves are “Small Talk,” “No Ambition,” “Life In The Neighborhood,” and “All About You.”
Album 6:
Name: Joe Jackson
Title: Look Sharp!
Submitted by: Bruce Caporal
I just love all the songs! His band is so f’n talented!!!!
Album 7:
Name: Buzzcocks
Title: Singles Going Steady
Submitted by: Linda Pardee
Another compilation that I played the heck out of. The songwriting is genius in its simplicity -- I noted that a song doesn’t have to be overcomplicated to be great. This album greatly influenced the way I approach writing. Fave track is “Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't’ve).”
Album 8:
Name: Nirvana
Title: Nevermind
Submitted by: Tim Gillis
To me, this one re-introduced a new era of hyper-aggressive but melodic music. It wasn’t too far off from what Husker Du and The Replacements were doing but it was recorded well – which the others unfortunately weren’t - and it almost seemed to give that genre permission to sound OK on a studio album.
Album 9:
Name: Rush
Title: Moving Pictures
Submitted by: Bruce Caporal
Masterpiece! Can’t trust any drummer who doesn’t have this record in their Top 10.
Album 10:
Name: The Cavedogs
Title: Joy Rides for Shut-ins
Submitted by: Linda, Tim, and Bruce
It’s no secret that we all love a power-pop trio with super hooky tunes and a keen sense of humor, and Boston’s The Cavedogs are one of the best ever! Great songs, vocals, and playing that totally stands the test of time.