OK, VW’s style of yuppy infused, ivy league brand of indie rock can be a bit irritating to the blue collar masses. I don’t really identify with summering in Cape Cod and can be a little put-off by world music influences for the sake of seeming culturally aware, but for a brief moment Vampire offered [...]
I was never into M. Ward. I never understood what he was all about, but I never really took the time to investigate. He keeps company with all the right people: Yo La Tango, Jenny Lewis, My Morning Jacket and Neko Case, to name a few collaborators. Enter: Zooey Deschanel. I wasn’t sure who she [...]
Incredible band, great show, dazzling lights, and a craptacular venue. Plopped next to I-4 like a highway restroom and situated between scattered rural housing, it took only one concert at The Ford Amphitheater before locals complained about  noise.  In response, the venue turned it down. Way down. If you are not on the floor the [...]
Langerado was not in the cards for me this year so I took solace in the fact I could see Vampire Weekend and the new Blind Melon in intimate venues.  As reported here, VW cancels to play to a captive audience of millions…jerks, but the better band was to crush the tiny Back Booth in [...]
Possibly the most overlooked band of the ‘90s has made its triumphant return. The Elevator Drops are back with the release of OK Commuter, a flexing, grooving, power pop gem. True to form, TED create a swirling haze of sonic joy that is both classic and innovative and, as with previous releases, completely beneath the radar. [...]
I am continually blown away by The Pumpkin’s (Billy and Jimmy) prolific nature. Shortly after the release of Zeitgeist comes American Gothic, an EP Corgan refers to as Zeitgeist +. Gothic is a short, but wonderful collection of acoustic music that continues the themes of Zeitgeist in contrast to the near neo-metal pummeling of the parent record. When I learned [...]
“Is There a Ghost?” “Older” “Funeral” “No One’s Gonna Love You”
The night began with troubles at the door. I guess my press credentials are somewhat suspect because my name apparently was not on the list. Now I don’t want to point any fingers – huh-hum cough REAX cough! Whoo! -Excuse me. Finally, thanks to the superior customer service of Club Firestone’s stellar managing partner, Mike [...]
“100 Days 100 Nights” “There’s a Fish in my Dish” This bitch knows how to exit the stage!
There are times when music can change your life, change the world even. The Beatles played the rooftop of the Apple Building, then there was Woodstock, and for a while … nothing. Then, on December 19th 2007, the world gaped in amazement as the last walls between the past and the future, between enslavement and [...]