AltWeeklies Wire
The Black Keys: Loud, Simple, and Directnew
Despite their angsty, dolefully themed anthems conjuring sweaty images of hardship and sun-soaked Alabama blacktop, the two white boys from Akron, Ohio, that make up the Black Keys have long insisted they are not a blues band.
East Bay Express |
Matthew Green |
04-15-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
The East Bay's Avant-Garde Music Scene Moves Above Groundnew
The purpose of two monthly concerts is to draw experimental, avant-garde, and improvisational music from the sidelines and into a safe, welcoming, fully permitted space.
East Bay Express |
Nate Seltenrich |
04-15-2009 |
Music
Record Store Day Arrives in Charlestonnew
Ironically, after almost 10 years, the plot of Empire Records has never been more current. Just as the film's titular shop faces extinction, so do the last remaining mom-and-pops still stocking discs. But in Charleston, things aren't so gloomy.
Charleston City Paper |
Bryan Reed |
04-15-2009 |
Music
Birmingham's Oldest All-Ages Venue Gets Shuttered for Goodnew
Cave9, Birmingham's longest-running and most misunderstood all-ages music venue closed without fanfare. Death came in its typical way — with no warning and no chance to say goodbye.
Birmingham Weekly |
David Hickox |
04-14-2009 |
Music
Josh Wink Is Huge in Europe. So Why Can't the Turntable Legend Get Love at Home?new
Twenty years after his first album, Wink has released his When A Banana Was Just A Banana LP and embarked on another extended European tour. But he's torn between the Philly he calls home and the continent that has catapulted him into another stratosphere on the international house music scene.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Christopher Wink |
04-13-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Steven Wells Is Still Dishing It Out. And He Can Still Take It. Can You?new
No wonder American music journalism sucks. We've raised a generation of mewling, puking brittle-boned pony hugging, mediocrity-loving music journalist milksops who don't wanna rip both rock and the English language a new asshole.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Steven Wells |
04-13-2009 |
Music
Tags: commentary, music criticism
Advertisers Go from Licensing Songs to Releasing Themnew
The synergy of marketing and indie music has evolved so swiftly that selling a tune for use in a commercial or video game seems almost quaint. Marketers aren't just horning in on the territory of record labels' promo departments -- they're starting to act like labels.
Chicago Reader |
Miles Raymer |
04-13-2009 |
Music
Jim Jones: Jack of All Tradesnew
Dipset alum Jim Jones' many projects include an off-Broadway show, a workout DVD, a documentary and a mockumentary. Once in a while he actually puts out some music, and his major label solo debut Pray IV Reign is an often-decent, occasionally-excellent effort.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Ben Westhoff |
04-10-2009 |
Reviews
Sum Total: 'Black Moses'new
What matters most here is the music, two full discs of Hayes' unique cover tunes and sultry original raps.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
James Kelley |
04-10-2009 |
Reviews
Stripped: 'Naked Willie'new
On Naked Willie, tainted, schmaltzy tunes take on a whole new life, and the rediscovery of these gems is an aural epiphany.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
James Kelley |
04-10-2009 |
Reviews
Funky Punk: 'I'm Rick James'new
Much of Rick James' studio output isn't particularly memorable. Yet as a performer he's wholly original, making his new collection of live performances and videos, I'm Rick James: The Definitive DVD, more essential than his actual albums.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Ben Westhoff |
04-10-2009 |
Reviews
The Decemberists' Rock Operanew
The Decemberists' latest may be a variation on a theme, but it's a damn fine one.
Tucson Weekly |
Sean Bottai |
04-08-2009 |
Reviews
Wholly Viola: Anni Rossinew
Rockwell is so delightful in its oddness and sweet in its wordplay that we can easily forgive Anni Rossi her excesses.
Tucson Weekly |
Sean Bottai |
04-08-2009 |
Reviews
Warm and Fuzzy: It Hugs Backnew
Like kittens playing in yarn, It Hugs Back, from Kent, England, revels in soft cuteness.
Tucson Weekly |
Jarret Keene |
04-08-2009 |
Reviews
Vetiver Hits the Roadnew
With a new album out on Sub Pop and a lengthy stretch of 49 shows this spring, Vetiver is garnering attention far beyond its San Francisco home, and transcending the freak-folk label the band has casually endured.
Tucson Weekly |
Eric Swedlund |
04-08-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
