Times Square

Recalling the fun and humorous side of punk rock, Times Square drew on such influences as the Ramones and the Buzzcocks when it hit the Manhattan club scene in 1996. Clearly, Times Square isn't a band with an angry socio-political agenda--its lyrics ranged from the goofy to the lighthearted. The trio consists of lead singer/guitarist Jill Matthews, bassist Bobby Steele (formerly of the Misfits) and drummer Dave Turetsky, all of whom were approaching the band as a part-time venture. Matthews, in fact, is a professional boxer who, in 1995, became the first woman to win a "Golden Gloves" title. By 1998, Matthews (who calls boxing "the punk rock of sports") had moved up to the "junior flyweight" level in the boxing weight. And Turetsky, her husband, is an attorney. Times Square's debut album, Learn It, was released on the Peep Show label in 1996. ~ Alex Henderson