AltWeeklies Wire
Pendulum's Move Toward Rock Challenges its Original Electro-Fansnew
The Aussie-born, British-based group established themselves as dance-savvy drum-and-bass practitioners -- so when they infused more rock into the songs on their latest CD, In Silico, they expected some push-back from longtime supporters.
Westword |
Michael Roberts |
10-14-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
The Silver Jews' David Berman Keeps His Demons at Baynew
On the surface, Berman's more together than he's ever been.
Westword |
Michael Roberts |
10-06-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Last Rites on the Rocky Mountain News's Twitteringnew
The Rocky's efforts recently suffered a blow after the paper assigned staffer Berny Morson to Twitter the Sept. 10 funeral of three-year-old Marten Kudlis, killed when Francis Hernandez, an illegal immigrant with a lengthy arrest record, crashed into a Baskin-Robbins outlet in Aurora.
Darker My Love Finds Beauty in the Shadowsnew
Read anything about Darker My Love and the word "psychedelic" is likely to pop up by the second paragraph -- much to the irritation of Rob Barbato, the band's bassist and vocalist.
Westword |
Michael Roberts |
09-29-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: Darker My Love, 2
TV on the Radio Gets More Accessible without Selling Outnew
Although the Radio crew's talent is well established, the band's music has always raised user-friendliness questions: Sure, 2006's Return to Cookie Mountain was excellent, but did anyone other than rock critics listen to it?
Tags: TV on the Radio, Dear Science
Lindsey Buckingham's New Album Rocks -- Weirdlynew
Gift of Screws contains several catchy, melodic pop nuggets that should strike a chord with the Fleetwood faithful. Still, he can't resist giving even his most straightforward compositions a twist.
Westword |
Michael Roberts |
09-22-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
David Byrne and Brian Eno's Recent Work Sounds Familiarnew
Eno's musical settings recall the curious warmth of his mid-'70s recordings, and their sonic consistency prevents Byrne from indulging in the sort of genre exercises that have made his post-Talking Heads solo work so spotty.
Ratatat's Music Sings Without Singingnew
Vocalists get the prima donna's share of attention in most groups. But according to Evan Mast, who represents half of the Brooklyn-based instrumental duo Ratatat, their presence can put a damper on creativity.
Westword |
Michael Roberts |
09-02-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
The World Romantic Finds Its Soundnew
Maybe too well.
Richard Ashcroft Tries to Pick Up Where He Left Off with the Vervenew
After 1997's Urban Hymns proved to be a breakthrough for the Verve, frontman Richard Ashcroft went solo prematurely — and he was punished by having quite a bit of strong music be largely ignored.
Scars on Broadway Showcases Black Humornew
In a wry comment on his reputation as a doctrinaire zealot, System of a Downer Daron Malakian kicks off the side project he shares with SOAD drummer John Dolyman by delivering "Serious," whose hook declares, "You're too serious for me."
Tags: Scars on Broadway
Tickle Me Pink's Melancholy Receptionnew
It was well nigh impossible to judge this recording objectively on its release date due to the startling death of bassist Johnny Schou.
G Unit's Played Out Gangsta Rapnew
Five years ago, the smashing aggressiveness of "Straight Outta Southside" would have offset its lack of originality.
Beck and Danger Mouse Collaboration Sounds Satisfyingly Dense and Intricatenew
But despite its unusual touches, the recording gives off a somewhat musty scent.
Three 6 Mafia Show Missteps on 'Last 2 Walk'new
Even though the group is currently down to a duo, survivors DJ Paul and Juicy J are still basking in the glow of victory of their Academy Award.
