AltWeeklies Wire
Method Man vs. Redman: Tale of The Tapenew
Known for sharp and hilarious contributions to albums like their 1999 collaboration Blackout!, they've also appeared in deodorant commercials, the stoner cult classic How High and even a short-lived Fox show Meth & Red. But when the two perform together, who's the real headliner?
Dallas Observer |
Ben Westhoff |
08-10-2009 |
Music
In Search of the iTunes Killernew
There's something about Apple -- probably its nearly monopolistic control of certain markets or its disproportionate influence on the zeitgeist -- that brings out the bloodlust in new-media commentators and gadget bloggers.
Chicago Reader |
Miles Raymer |
08-03-2009 |
Music
It's Your Noise, Too: Merge Records Turns 20new
Instead of pursuing the cold, quick cash-in of some hot new trend, Merge has consistently sought out the songs and bands its owners loved.
Proposal to Ban 18+ Shows Could Kill the Minneapolis Music Scenenew
The City Council is exploring restrictions on 18+ events, due to concerns that binge drinking is a problem among minors. If the ordinance passes, it leaves two options: dry shows for the all-ages crowd or 21+ shows where the booze flows freely.
City Pages (Twin Cities) |
Jen Boyles |
07-22-2009 |
Music
What Happens to Ticket Prices When Live Nation & Ticketmaster Merge?new
This is a story about fat cats agreeing to merge with rivals rather than outperform each other and getting one over on the consumer. Enjoy the rest of the summer concert season -- it might be the last you can afford.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Brian McManus |
07-21-2009 |
Music
The Eight-Track Lives On In Texas!new
Turns out, Kathy and Dan Gibson of KTS Productions may be the last of the eight-track-tape makers -- most other local CD and cassette replicators believe the concept near unfathomable, given its demise 'round 1988
Dallas Observer |
Robert Wilonsky |
07-20-2009 |
Music
Buddyhead Redux: L.A.'s Most Loved and Feared Music Website is Backnew
Travis Keller describes the origins of Buddyhead's notorious "take no prisoners" gossip column, his record label, and why it went quiet in 2005. He then digs into the details of his latest project, creating Buddyhead 2.0.
L.A. Weekly |
Erin Broadley |
07-17-2009 |
Music
Skrunk Happens: We're Not Fans, But The Kids Seem to Like Itnew
The Warped Tour's 15th year sees a large number of acts that have embraced a combination of minimalist Southern hip-hop, Auto-Tune croons, techno breakdowns, barked vocals, and party-til-you-puke poetics. It's called scrunk, a bastardized combination of crunk and screamo, and it's the hottest thing since sliced bread joined Twitter.
Boston Phoenix |
Leor Galil |
07-15-2009 |
Music
Beatles Memorabilia: Here, There and Everywherenew
Money can't buy me love, but for obsessed Mike Spurr, it's funded his incredible collection of Beatles memorabilia and music.
The Coast, Halifax's Weekly |
Sue Carter Flinn |
07-14-2009 |
Music
Can a City Really Tell You When and Where You Can or Can't Play Music?new
As it turns out, a license for busking in Santa Fe costs $35 per calendar year. The license comes with a host of guidelines that include when buskers can play, where they can play and how long they can play there; it also specifies that there can be no amplification. All this raises somewhat existential questions.
Santa Fe Reporter |
Alex De Vore |
07-09-2009 |
Music
Beyonce: How Much is Enough?new
Entertain a morbid thought: If Knowles were to crash and burn her Thierry Mugler motorcycle breastplate during her current "I Am ... Tour" -- said to out-razzle-dazzle all predecessors with its aerial flips and 70-some costumes -- would she be revered like Michael Jackson?
San Francisco Bay Guardian |
Kimberly Chun |
07-08-2009 |
Music
How Atlanta's Garage-Rock Mascot Saved Himself Before Dyingnew
One year ago, the man best known by his stage name Bobby Ubangi was a rebel without a pause, partying like a rock star and working as the grouchy door guy at the Drunken Unicorn. But he got serious about his life, and his music, when faced with his death.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Chad Radford |
07-07-2009 |
Music
New Age Healer Dr. Reinalda De Souza Claims She Killed Michael Jacksonnew
"They think someone pumped him full of Demerol," she spat, her rage building. "It was a curse I learned long ago in Sao Paulo that stopped his heart. As soon as your story hits the street, the whole world will know that I -- Dr. Reinalda de Souza -- killed Jacko!"
Phoenix New Times |
Joseph Rossi |
07-07-2009 |
Music
Music Companies Use 'Mafia' Strategies to Crack Down on Local Businessesnew
ASCAP, which touts itself as a performance-rights organization, has developed quite a reputation in Sacramento. Local business owners have complained of receiving unsolicited bills that demand immediate payment, repeat phone calls and visits from sales representatives, and even a bit of intimidation regarding fines and lawsuits.
Sacramento News & Review |
Nick Miller |
07-02-2009 |
Music
If Your Love is Cheap, Windows Loves Your Bandnew
Microsoft's Sponsored Songs program is the latest in a series of variably successful attempts by large companies to use independent music to reach a new audience. If it is to be a long-term strategy, though, many say it must form a stronger bond between the bands and brands it links.
