Music
Mynabirds – What We Lose In The Fire.. Review
It’s not often that I stumble upon a new talent that overwhelms me, but when I do I want to share it with everyone that I know. When I received The Mynabirds’ debut, the heavenly What We Lose In The Fire We Gain In The Flood to review back in February, I was first intrigued by the title and then absolutely blown away by the sound. … read more
Yeasayer @ Club Sound
I remember seeing Yeasayer at Kilby Court two years ago, as the opening act for MGMT. Back then their self-applied genre, Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel, still fit. Times have changed. Yeasayer is headlining these days, playing to people who probably know nothing of Man Man (the last band Yeasayer toured with, and opened for). … read more
National CD Reviews – May 2010
New releases from 108, Avi Buffalo, Black Breath, Black Francis, Coheed and Cambria, Elliott Smith, Goldfrapp, Leatherface, Psalm One, Univox and many more are reviewed this month.
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National CD Reviews – April 2010
New releases from The Dillinger Escape Plan, Felix Cartal, GBH, Lair of the Minotaur, Ludicra, Red Sparowes, The Slackers, Titus Andronicus, The Weakerthans and many, many more are reviewed. … read more
Pet Shop Boys – Pandemonium CD/DVD Review
When The Pet Shop Boys first toured in 1989, it was a decidedly unique event. The end result was a complete eschewal of the traditional rock concert format, instead incorporating a theatrical approach with stunning visuals, multiple costume changes and the songs themselves being presented as themed concepts complete with filmed backdrops. They have continually expanded on this formula, creating a show that is both visually incredible and undeniably memorable. … read more
Pet Shop Boys – Pandemonium CD/DVD Review
When The Pet Shop Boys first toured in 1989, it was a decidedly unique event. The end result was a complete eschewal of the traditional rock concert format, instead incorporating a theatrical approach with stunning visuals, multiple costume changes and the songs themselves being presented as themed concepts complete with filmed backdrops. They have continually expanded on this formula, creating a show that is both visually incredible and undeniably memorable. … read more
Suzanne Vega – Love Songs Review
I remember the first time I ever heard Suzanne Vega: It was late in the Spring of 1985 and my childhood friend Emily would play Vega’s eponymous debut in her VW Beetle’s tape deck as we drove around the Salt Lake valley. I quickly became enamored with this album and especially Vega’s perceptive lyrics and her pretty, clear voice. At that time there was no one else quite like her. … read more
National CD Reviews – March 2010
Reviews of new and recent releases from The Album Leaf, Crime in Stereo, Dessa, Fucked Up, Galactic, Jason Collett, Owen Pallett, Shearwater, Surfer Blood, Tindersticks, Vampire Weekend, White Wizzard, Xiu Xiu and more! … read more
Daniel Day Trio @ The Red Door
It was a freezing cold Saturday night. As we walked down 2nd south to the Red Door my step-brother and I discussed our lovable local government. I’m halfway through the phrase “Glenn Beck-loving sons of…” when our conversation is abruptly halted. There’s a wait to get inside. A line at a local CD release show? Once we got inside, the guy at the door said “find a spot, wherever you can.” The place was packed.
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P.O.S. @ The Urban Lounge
I’m at the Urban Lounge early, drink in hand, waiting for the music to get started. At the smaller venues, it’s worth my time to show up this prematurely to maybe catch a glimpse of the performers while they aren’t all done up in PR mode. I don’t know why I do it—perhaps to feel included, perhaps just to reassure myself these artists who have provided essential soundtracks for my daily life are, in fact, real people. … read more