AltWeeklies Wire
Mastery Revisitednew
The updated release of the Violent Femmes is, for many fans, the holy grail of alt-rock reissues.
Tucson Weekly |
Gene Armstrong |
12-23-2004 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: Violent Femmes
Let Us Fraynew
An unknown act -- one that's played fewer than a hundred shows, sold just over a thousand discs and performed out of the state of Colorado only once -- has garnered a major-label deal. It's the music that did it.
Westword |
Dave Herrera |
12-22-2004 |
Profiles & Interviews
Up From the Underworldnew
This year, blood-soaked extreme metal took its rightful place in the world of heavy music.
Ten Discs With Indie Spiritnew
Look here for alternative albums of 2004 that whump and rock yer face off.
A Dark Year for America Was Great for Musicnew
The last 12 months saw Bush and the GOP continuing to roll back progressive causes. That kind of sucked. But there's nothing like a tidal wave of conservatism to motivate musicians to get off their asses.
Up From the Ashesnew
Ascension was the second wave of Cleveland metalcore-hardcore. Its audience used to be part of the performance.
Cleveland Scene |
D.X. Ferris |
12-21-2004 |
Profiles & Interviews
Must Seanew
The indie rock threesome Asleep in the Sea has only been around since April, but it's opened for some outstanding national touring acts. Drummer Eli Kuner says he has trouble handling the flattery that follows performances.
Phoenix New Times |
Michele Laudig |
12-21-2004 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: Asleep in the Sea
Former Fixturenew
Up-and-coming country crooner Troy Olsen gets in the holiday spirit.
Tucson Weekly |
Gene Armstrong |
12-16-2004 |
Profiles & Interviews
Metal Fans Mourn Their Ownnew
Witnesses to the Alrosa Villa shootings in Columbus grapple with the fact they witnessed the deaths of kindred spirits at a club that feels like a second home.
The Other Paper |
Kristen Convery |
12-16-2004 |
Music
Album Features Dozen Finely Crafted Tunesnew
Recorded informally over two evenings at the legendary Station Inn, Nashville's premier bluegrass club, Camp uses the forum to showcase his lyrical collaborations with the likes of Guy Clark, Jim Lauderdale and Cowboy Jack Clement.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
James Kelly |
12-16-2004 |
Reviews
New Album May be Most Defining of Careernew
This album is Buddy Miller's version of a gospel album, and he nails it. All the signifying Miller traits are there, from his rich and soulful vocal style to his amazing guitar work.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
James Kelly |
12-16-2004 |
Reviews
The Blind Boys of Alabama Spread Christmas Cheernew
Today, the Blind Boys' music is much broader than the traditional gospel fare of their early years. The Christmas album is one example of how the Blind Boys have drawn music from other styles and made it their own.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Mark Gresham |
12-16-2004 |
Profiles & Interviews
Dierks Bentley Turns Heartache into Country Hitsnew
His nouveau-retro style has earned him three No. 1 hits and a host of accolades, including Top New Artist from the Academy of Country Music. His long, lean looks -- and fully refurbished curls -- have also placed him at No. 3 on CMT's ranking of "20 Sexiest Men" and landed him a spot on People's list of "50 Hottest Bachelors."
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Craig Seymour |
12-16-2004 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: Dierks Bentley
Season's Bleatingsnew
Plenty of celebrities are looking to pad their bank accounts via Christmas recordings, and few appear to have broken a sweat while making them.
Great Balls of Firenew
One thousand acts play the CMJ Music Marathon each year, and thousands of fans, journalists, and record executives converge on New York City like a frothing crew of Ahabs. This year's Moby-Dick: the Arcade Fire.
