Salem 66, a prominent art-rock band that left a mark on Boston’s underground music scene in the 1980s, is finally gaining recognition in the digital age.
After years of their discography remaining unavailable for streaming, founders Judy Grunwald and Beth Kaplan have collaborated with Don Giovanni Records to reissue their entire catalog and introduce a new compilation titled ‘SALT’.
This exciting release is set for June 6 and features a selection of their most cherished tracks, marking a significant chapter in the band’s legacy.
Grunwald, 67, and Kaplan, 63, shared their story during a Zoom call from their homes in Essex and Providence.
Their journey began with a musical blind date that brought them together, where they sifted through each other’s notebooks filled with lyrics, despite not having instruments to play.
Reflecting on that first meeting, Grunwald recalls, “It’s kind of funny in retrospect. We liked each other’s lyrics… I think both of us had a broken plate as a metaphor for something internally broken, and I remember I thought that was significant.”
Kaplan laughed and added, “A sign.”
Founded in 1982, Salem 66 quickly made their mark, releasing four albums and an EP through the indie label Homestead Records between 1984 and 1990.
After their formation, they recruited drummer Susan Merriam, who eventually left to pursue painting, leading to various musicians cycling in and out over the band’s career.
Salem 66’s music often delves into themes of romance and intense emotions, blending poetic pop melodies with grungy rock and electrifying guitar riffs.
Their sound, often compared to notable bands like R.E.M. and Talking Heads, strategically employed minor keys and a degree of angsty dissonance that resonated with their audience.
Kaplan and Grunwald vividly remember the vibrant music scene in Boston during the 1980s.
“Almost any night you could go see an interesting band or go to two clubs in one night,” said Kaplan, emphasizing the energy and excitement of the time.
The duo performed at iconic local venues such as The Rathskeller, affectionately known as The Rat, and Paradise Rock Club, where they enjoyed the support from new clubs and coverage from college radio stations and alternative publications.
Kaplan noted, “All the infrastructure was there to support a scene. It was all on a shoestring [budget], so mostly running on a lot of dedication from people bringing whatever their interests and resources and talents were.”
As one of the few women-led rock bands of that era, Salem 66 faced significant challenges.
Grunwald described the rampant sexism they encountered, with persistent catcalling and inappropriate comments.
“Club owners treated us like perhaps we were available for a date later or something,” she said, reflecting on the hurdles they faced.
She also shared a painful memory of when their manager shared a demo with a recording company, which returned it with a discouraging note.
“They wrote something to the effect of, ‘We feel that women in bands is a trend that has crested and is on the downswing now, so we’re gonna pass, but keep us abreast of any further developments,’” Grunwald recalled with visible frustration.
The commentary from critics also mirrored the sexism in the music industry, with one 1987 review from The WARD Report suggesting that dating a member of Salem 66 may not be wise, humorously warning, “they might write a song about you.”
Grunwald reflects on the rarity of women touring as musicians during that time, and how encountering other female musicians on the road felt like an instant connection.
“It was like an instant bonding thing,” she said.
The band disbanded in 1989, never managing to tour with their final album, “Down the Primrose Path.”
However, Grunwald and Kaplan regarded the breakup as a natural conclusion to their journey.
“It’s difficult traveling as a group and having your destiny tied to this little, small group of people. It’s exhausting,” Kaplan remarked.
Reflecting on their past, Kaplan expressed in an interview with the Boston Phoenix back in October 1990 that they felt they had a “long, weird career,” noting how they missed key opportunities for a major breakthrough.
The duo subsequently chose different paths: Kaplan became an archivist while Grunwald pursued culinary school, effectively putting their musical chapter on hold.
Throughout the years, fans continued to reach out, requesting copies of their beloved Salem 66 tracks, prompting a rekindling of interest in their legacy.
During the pandemic, like many others, Grunwald and Kaplan reevaluated their past and began considering how to make their music more accessible again.
Kaplan took the initiative to connect with various labels, eventually partnering with Don Giovanni Records to embark on this reissue project.
The compilation album ‘SALT’ will make its debut 41 years after the release of Salem 66’s first record, featuring ten tracks arranged chronologically.
Kaplan feels that a common thread runs through their work: the poignant “intensity of youth.”
“Everything’s so deeply felt,” she said, recognizing the emotional rawness of their early compositions.
Grunwald echoes this sentiment, stating, “We both felt like we were kind of a ghost, and now we’re not a ghost.”
The release of ‘SALT’ not only celebrates the music of Salem 66 but also symbolizes a resurgence of their identity in the music scene, reclaiming their place and legacy.
image source from：https://www.wbur.org/news/2025/06/05/salem-66-boston-rock-band
