Widener

M-Th 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

F-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sun. closed

Lamont

M-F 8:45 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sun. 4-10 p.m.

Cabot

M-Th 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

F-Sat. 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Sun. 2-10 p.m.

Punk

Boston rock and roll is reeling. Critics call it "new wave" but the musicians and their devotees uniformly say it's "punk." Whatever you prefer to call it, it's Boston's genuine sound, some of the most exciting music around, branded by a particular rancor, commenting on everything from politics to love to disco.

Of all the bars, The Rat (beneath the Rathskellar in Kenmore Square) still stands as Boston's rock and roll armpit. Patti Smith, J. Geils, the Cars all played gigs at The Rat during their more petulant days, and the bar continues to attract the best rock and roll talent around, due mostly to its history and undeniable atmosphere-distinguished by a symbiotic crowd, acid-worn rug, resourceful dressers, peaceful crowd and fearless bouncers. Go there. Songs have been written about the Rat. ("Le's Go to the Rat"-Willie Loco Alexander and the Boom Boom Band).

Cantone's (15 Broad St. in Boston) is another interesting place: it is a family-style Italian restaurant by day, a punk rock stage by night. The Space is worth mentioning only because of the talent it occasionally features, but it used to be a gay disco, and the floor isn't particularly useful for anything else.

The Paradise (969 Commonwealth Ave.) is Boston's chic club, often featuring the same bands you will hear at The Rat. The difference is largely a matter of style-the admission is $7.50. the patrons call it "new wave" and refuse to try phenobarbital.

Boston's best bands-judged by popular demand and the consensus of many auteurs-are [in no particular order]: The Neighborhoods, La Peste, Thrills, The Girls, The Nervous Eaters, Unnatural Axe, Robin Lane and the Chartbusters. The Real Kids [now in L.A.] and Human Sexual Response, Look for them.