AltWeeklies Wire
Sunshine State of Mindnew

Levek's newest album, Look a Little Closer, explodes onto the national indie scene
Orlando Weekly |
Bao Le-Huu |
10-10-2012 |
Profiles & Interviews
Is the Madonna on 'Celebration' Compilation a Material Girl, or a Beautiful Stranger?new
Oh, remember when Madonna promised to lead us through the wilderness with a witty, ambitious combination of disco sex appeal, businesswoman savvy and cardinal danger? Remember when she had her own cheekbones?
C-Ville Weekly |
Cathy Harding |
10-09-2009 |
Reviews
Whitney Houston's New Album is Almost Absurdly Gimmick-Freenew
I Look to You sounds out of time, and if one didn't know better, one might suspect it was released a decade or two ago. But the timeless approach works. There's something extremely refreshing about a performer who refuses to kowtow to whatever they're calling the newest generation of brats.
There's No Doubt That No Doubt Rules Orange Countynew
Even if they hadn’t been around in a while, even if they’re internationally famous superstars, even if some of them don’t live in the area anymore, No Doubt are permanently woven into the fabric of our culture—and unlike consumerism, conservatism or reality shows, they are something to be proud of.
OC Weekly |
Albert Ching |
08-18-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
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
Michael Jackson: A Eulogynew

Why and how Jackson became the most famous person the century ever knew is a matter for the anthropologists. For us, here and now, Jackson was elemental and impossible to ever fully understand; fearsome and heartbreakingly beautiful; at once mortal and deathless.
City Pages (Twin Cities) |
David Hansen |
07-01-2009 |
Music
Tiga's 'Ciao!' Is Unfettered, Unabashed, Intuitive and Hilariousnew
All of Tiga's hustle and accomplishment is concealed behind the sleek, casual, quirky and fascinating veneer which is ultimately his greatest talent— his distinct personality.
Montreal Mirror |
Jack Oatmon |
06-05-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Disco Popsters the Juan MacLean Are Only Human -- More or Lessnew
Although it has taken on a massive life outside of the new album, the teaser single "Happy House" shows what the Juan MacLean is capable of: namely, superb pop that uses dance music's production techniques and structures.
San Francisco Bay Guardian |
Brandon Bussolini |
06-03-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
The Secret Handshake's 'My Name Up in Lights'new
Few acts among the crowded Dallas mall-pop scene are as sonically promising as The Secret Handshake.
Dallas Observer |
Pete Freedman |
04-27-2009 |
Reviews
Light in the Attic Releases the "Sgt. Pepper's of French Music"new
Seattle-based Light in the Attic Records has become the first label to release Serge Gainsbourg's Histoire de Melody Nelson in the United States. Knowing this, the question is: Why didn't anyone else ever think of doing it?
Seattle Weekly |
Brian J. Barr |
04-06-2009 |
Music
Butch Walker Rises From the Ashesnew
Butch Walker's music has grown more nuanced, and he's also grown quite successful as a pop producer -- think Katy Perry, Avril, Pink, The Academy Is and so on.
Pittsburgh City Paper |
Aaron Jentzen |
03-16-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Manilow Buries Christopher Cross, Rick Astley, and the 1980snew
There's nothing ironic about the crooner's latest covers collection.
Seattle Weekly |
Mike Seely |
03-16-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Bruce Springsteen's 'Working on a Dream'new
Springsteen accurately captures the catchy simplicity of '60s pop on his latest record.
Tucson Weekly |
Michael Petitti |
02-20-2009 |
Reviews
Tommy Keene's 'In the Late Bright'new
With In the Late Bright, Tommy Keene once again unveils 11 expertly crafted, guitar-powered pop songs.
Tucson Weekly |
Jarret Keene |
02-20-2009 |
Reviews
Melinda Doolittle's 'Coming Back to You'new
You want it to be good, because she's so damn likeable. Unfortunately for former "American Idol" contender Melinda Doolittle, her debut album is only listenable.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
01-28-2009 |
Reviews