AltWeeklies Wire
With its Fourth Album, Story of the Year Stays the Coursenew

Four albums into its career, the St. Louis quintet continues to defy critics – and resist pigeonholing. Exhibit A: The Constant, the band's second LP for Epitaph Records and fourth album overall, which it recorded last summer with producer Elvis Baskette
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
02-19-2010 |
Reviews
Tags: The Constant, Story of the Year
Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs Chat About the Second Volume in Their Covers Seriesnew
In June, power-pop darlings Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs released Under the Covers, Vol. 2, which focuses on the '70s. The album spans prog, sappy folk, power-pop and rock royalty.
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
08-28-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Soul Sister: Teresajenee Debuts Her New Album, 'The Ecklectic'new
What anchors The Ecklectic is Teresajenee's expressive voice, which can coo like a new mother or wail like a church soloist. Think Lauryn Hill or Erykah Badu -- and that just scratches the surface.
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
07-31-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: Teresajenee, The Ecklectic
Son Volt's New LP Has Deep Reverence for — And Curiosity About — Historynew
Son Volt's latest is notable for incorporating curls of pedal-steel, wistful strings and multiple nods to St. Louis' regional history.
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
07-10-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Jam On It: Phish and DMB Fans Sound Off -- About Each Othernew
Never ask Phish fans the following question: "After Phish went on hiatus, how well do you feel that the Dave Matthews Band carried on and preserved Phish's musical traditions and legacy?"
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
06-12-2009 |
Music
How the Blind Eyes Evolved from Metalhead Kids and Orchestral Geeks to the City's Tightest Rock Trionew
As its snappy name implies, the Blind Eyes' Modernity is sleek and to-the-point, and full of the trio's shuffling rock tunes — which combine power-pop melodies, punk tenacity and mod-rock precision.
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
03-05-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Steve Wynn Heads to the Other Side of the World for His Latest Solo Albumnew
For his latest solo effort, Crossing Dragon Bridge, the 48-year-old traveled to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Working with producer Chris Eckman, Wynn has created an intimate moodpiece that's often a slightly shadier version of his usual rock fodder.
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
11-14-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
D.I.Y. Now for the Future in St. Louisnew
The Undertow Collective and Magnolia Summer are using technology to modernize their D.I.Y. creative vision.
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
11-07-2008 |
Music
Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla Talks Politics and Musical Activismnew
In recent months, the band's name has been closely linked with politics: Walla and vocalist Ben Gibbard appeared at the DNC in Denver, and the band is participating in the Ultimate College Bowl, a contest where the school that registers the most voters will get a free Death Cab show.
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
10-10-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Squeeze is Reunited, Reinvented and Rejuvenatednew
One of the most enduring influences on melody-makers is a pair few would suspect: the Squeeze songwriting team of Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook.
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
08-29-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Prisonshake Spent 15 Years on 'Dirty Moons'new
When Prisonshake released its last full-length, The Roaring Third, unleaded regular gas sold for $1.11 a gallon.
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
08-22-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: Dirty Moons, Prisonshake
John Vanderslice's Spring Mixnew
Vanderslice came up with a better term for what he chose -- "hopeful weather jams" -- even though his choices aren't necessarily what one might expect.
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
04-11-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
R.E.M. Hurtles Toward the Future on 'Accelerate'new
At what point in a band's career is it impossible to evaluate its new album without referencing its back catalog?
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
04-04-2008 |
Reviews
Tags: Accelerate, r.e.m.
The Monads Turn Tradition on its Tailnew
Accordion, banjo, upright bass and especially nimble fiddle dominate songs on Ornery.
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
03-28-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: Ornery, The Monads
E-Mixnew
Andre Anjos and the Remix Artist Collective leverage initiative, ingenuity and the Internet into an online music force.
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
03-14-2008 |
Music