AltWeeklies Wire
Through Sixteen Years Quasi Has Endurednew
We could all learn a lesson in staying power from Portland band Quasi. When Sam Coomes and Janet Weiss formed the band 16 years ago, they were married. They aren't anymore, and haven't been for years. Coomes and Weiss have both been members of other, better-known bands that have long since broken up.
Tucson Weekly |
Annie Holub |
03-17-2010 |
Profiles & Interviews
Good Background Music: Efterklant's 'Magic Chairs'new
If Denmark exists primarily in the imagination of Hamlet's "unweeded garden" of "things rank and gross in nature," then Efterklang is here to put a shiny veneer over those dark currents.
Tucson Weekly |
Sean Bottai |
03-17-2010 |
Reviews
Tags: Magic Chairs, Efterklang
Changing Their Tune: The Low Anthem's Stylenew
The Low Anthem loves old instruments, new microphones and creating their own style.
Tucson Weekly |
Linda Ray |
03-17-2010 |
Profiles & Interviews
'My Primitive Joy,' by Michael Tarboxnew
My Primitive Joy's songs are minimal, and almost entirely acoustic; the resulting album, recorded in Nashville, is pleasantly spacious. On the title track, Jimmy Clark's pedal steel weaves meltingly between two-and-four snare drums as Tarbox's lazy guitar strums.
Dig Boston |
Eli Badra |
03-17-2010 |
Reviews
Tags: Michael Tarbox, My Primitive Joy
Fly Them to the Moon: Dangermuffin is Focused, Romantic, and Eagernew
Dangermuffin has battled through triumph, disaster, and lineup changes since their inception in 2005. Far from being an average bar band, the proficient Charleston trio recently tightened up on their expressive songwriting and recorded a new set of material.
Charleston City Paper |
T. Ballard Lesemann |
03-17-2010 |
Concerts
Tags: Dangermuffin, Charleston
After Nearly 40 Years, Aztec Two-Step is Still The Onenew
Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman, the folk duo known as Aztec Two-Step, have been compared to another fairly acclaimed folk/pop twosome. The comparisons had become so pervasive that ATS recorded their album Time It Was: The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook as a tribute.
New Haven Advocate |
Brian Baker |
03-16-2010 |
Concerts
Santa Barbara’s Beloved Anything-Goes Orchestra Celebrates 25 Years Togethernew
Listening to Headless Household's new double album, Basemento, the 25 in 2010 formula fits them well, because their music, which gambols freely from blue-eyed soul to wild-eyed improvisation, has never sounded more current.
Santa Barbara Independent |
Charles Donelan |
03-15-2010 |
Concerts
'Plastic Beach,' From Gorillaznew
Gorillaz’ first album in five years is neither light nor easily digestible. It has hooks, but none as immediate as past Gorillaz hits Feel Good Inc. or 19-2000.
NOW Magazine |
Richard Trapunski |
03-12-2010 |
Reviews
Tags: Plastic Beach, Gorillaz
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's 'Beat the Devil's Tattoo'new
In case your faith in Black Rebel Motorcycle Club was traumatically shaken by their courageous but thoroughly unlistenable 2008 experimental instro album The Effects Of 333, you’ll be relieved that BRMC are once again revving their rock ’n’ roll engines.
NOW Magazine |
Jason Keller |
03-12-2010 |
Reviews
Emerging Brooklyn Duo Recruits Bandmates, Gets a Label, and Hits the Roadnew
Although they live and work in Brooklyn, Mark Heyner and Josh Kolenik had to get out of the city to record as Small Black. Last year, the duo holed up at Kolenik's uncle's house on Long Island, recording a handful of fuzzed-around-the-edges pop songs away from the diversions of the city.
The Memphis Flyer |
Stephen Deusner |
03-12-2010 |
Profiles & Interviews
The Problem With Independent Hip-Hopnew
I’m reluctant to admit it, but I don’t listen to much independent or alternative hip-hop these days, or at least not nearly as much as I did in college, when Rhymesayers, Def Jux and Stones Throw records were as much a part of my diet as ramen noodles and macaroni and cheese.
Shepherd Express |
Evan Rytlewski |
03-12-2010 |
Music
A North Little Rock Metal Band with a Following That Extends Across the Worldnew
Rwake. The R is silent, so say “Wake.” Or, if you're the type who believes in pronouncing words with all intended flourish (if you, say, relish pronouncing Chile “Chil-ay” instead of “Chili”) try it loudly slurred and phlegmatic.
Arkansas Times |
Lindsey Millar |
03-11-2010 |
Profiles & Interviews
The African Zeitgeist: Bassekou Kouyate, Tradition and Innovationnew
While hipster America's romance with West African music may not last long, a live look at the source is long overdue (in fairness, there aren't a lot of options). There's no better opportunity than with Malian Bassekou Kouyate.
The Portland Mercury |
Andrew R Tonry |
03-11-2010 |
Profiles & Interviews
Johnny Whitney, Cody Votolato Jam Electro With Their New Band, Jaguar Lovenew
Jaguar Love, the latest electroclash/art-rock/whatever project from former Blood Brothers Johnny Whitney and Cody Votolato, is one of the stranger beasts in contemporary music.
Colorado Springs Independent |
Bill Forman |
03-11-2010 |
Profiles & Interviews
Change is Coming, Says Mr. Lif — Just Not in Politicsnew
As the promise of health care reform sinks into the political morass, the hip-hop hero's cautionary stance seems well ahead of the curve.
Colorado Springs Independent |
Bill Forman |
03-11-2010 |
Profiles & Interviews
