AltWeeklies Wire
Razor-Pop Beckons a Minimalist Eranew
What makes razor-pop production so perfect is the illusion of humanity it presents -- the sensation that the artist is singing on a street corner, standing around a burning trash can, with friends as accompanists.
North Bay Bohemian |
Gabe Meline |
12-12-2008 |
Music
Whither the Album?new
Chuck Klosterman says Chinese Democracy is the format's last hurrah. Kanye proves him wrong.
Chicago Reader |
Miles Raymer |
12-08-2008 |
Music
The Titles that Axl Rose Didn't Use for GnR's Long-Delayed Albumnew
It turns out that during Rose's 17-year effort to record the album, he weighed several other different potential titles. The first batch comprised more variations on the Oriental theme, but we're guessing China wouldn't have liked them any better.
Seattle Weekly |
Brian Miller |
12-08-2008 |
Music
Wanna Be MySpace Music's CEO?new
Rupert Murdoch's toy is trying to go legit; mayhem may ensue, and success may not.
Dallas Observer |
Karla Starr |
12-08-2008 |
Music
Exit the 36 Chambers: Choose Your Own Wu-Tang Clan Adventurenew
Something happened on the way to becoming untouchable hip-hop legends. At best, they've reached an artistic cul de sac with their last album, 2007's 8 Diagrams. At worst, they're irrelevant. To find out why, you'll have to choose your own adventure.
San Diego CityBeat |
Nathan Dinsdale |
12-03-2008 |
Music
Avoiding Wal-Mart for Your AC/DC Fixnew
Independent retailers have found ways to get around big-box exclusives.
Seattle Weekly |
Sara Brickner |
12-02-2008 |
Music
Why The Fine Print of 'Chinese Democracy' is Way More Fun Than the Recordnew
I feel comfortable stating that Guns N' Roses' long-awaited album is the last record I will ever buy just to read the liner notes. Holy shit. Do pop into Best Buy this week and have a gander.
L.A. Weekly |
Rob Harvilla |
12-01-2008 |
Music
Secret 'Stache: The Passion and Pop of John Oatesnew
John Oates' mustache has become a pop-culture phenomenon almost wholly removed from the musician himself. And far from simply indulging an irony-obsessed generation, Oates has jumped on the bandwagon.
Philadelphia City Paper |
Shaun Brady |
11-25-2008 |
Music
Ian MacKaye is Taking Questions and Delivering Answersnew
MacKaye's current solo tour isn't musical, and true to form, it breaks with convention. He's dropping by various bookstores, high schools and colleges for Q&A sessions, or, as he calls them, "public interviews."
Boulder Weekly |
Elliott Johnston |
11-17-2008 |
Music
Abigail Henderson Fights Cancer and Rallies Musicians for Health Carenew
Stage III inflammatory breast cancer, to put it bluntly, fucks shit up. But as far as Henderson and her friends are concerned, it is not going to stop the rock.
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
The Drive-By Truckers and The Hold Steady Consummate Their Mutual Crushnew
For a certain breed of rock fan -- those who like their rock literate and loud -- this tour is a wondrous fantasy, Hanukkah come early, OMFG. But for all the mutual man love going around, the two bands don't necessarily seem like a logical pairing.
Nashville Scene |
Lee Stabert |
10-31-2008 |
Music
Election '08: Considering Campaign Songsnew
The idea of using pop songs as campaign themes makes sense. With such clear choices this year, it seems fitting that the current presidential contenders might also appropriate music to help define their political personas.
Riverfront Times |
Lee Zimmerman |
10-31-2008 |
Music
R.A. the Rugged Man is McCain in the Membranenew
While he doesn't have the reach of Jay-Z, Nas, or any of Obama's other major-label shills, Rugged Man is using his notoriety and knack for controversy to rally troops behind the red team.
Boston Phoenix |
Chris Faraone |
10-30-2008 |
Music
The Best of the Worst: Metal's Most Notorious Album Coversnew
Heavy metal and Halloween go hand in hand.In that spirit, let's take a closer look at some of metal’s most notorious album covers.
Fast Forward Weekly |
Keith Carman |
10-30-2008 |
Music
