Most of us spend our 20s trying to understand the mix of parental influence, pop culture, personality and irrevocable decisions that put us on our current path in life. Figuring out how and why you became the person you are is the most basic puzzle one can try to solve…
Phoenix artist Hector Ruiz fires a shot right between the eyes of American values in his “La Realidad (Reality)” exhibition at the Heard Museum. The show, which addresses Mexican-American identity, border issues, race, misogyny, capitalism and the injustices of the global economy, is notable because it’s a highly politicized exhibition…
If Vince Vaughn puts any effort into what he’s doing, it doesn’t show, which is perhaps one of the benefits of always appearing to be hung over. The man probably has to check the bags under his eyes at the airport, and he’s about as in shape as a toddler’s…
Blag Dahlia wants to have his cake and eat you, too. The pop records that the slim, shady Dwarves front man (who compares himself to both Jesus Christ and Jack the Ripper) makes with pop producers often sound sweet — until you pay attention to the words. With sing-alongs about…
“I don’t pay taxes because I never file, I don’t do business that don’t make me smile,” sang Stephen Stills on his 1990 classic “Tree Top Flyer,” about a free-spirited smuggler. It’s what inspired Ray LaMontagne to leave his job at a Maine shoe factory. Instead of going to work…
A sharp songwriter with the interpretive powers of a classic soul singer and the timbre of Jerry Lee Lewis in his prime, Joe Ely should be a country music icon. Then again, have the 30 years since Ely’s first solo work produced a single Nashville-friendly face that doesn’t cheapen fame?…
Punk rock history is littered with dismal attempts at creative growth, from the Angelic Upstarts’ New Wave misstep to Seven Seconds’ spiritual awakening. But on 13 Ft. & Rising, the California desert rats in Throw Rag make a satisfying step forward that’s unlikely to irk their biggest fans. And anyway,…
On his 10th solo album, Frank Black approaches Southern roots and soul, not as a philanderer, but as a lover. Which stands to reason: Since 1998’s Frank Black & the Catholics, this head Pixie’s leering weakness for genre-play has gradually given way to something more heartfelt. The rich, dewy arrangements…
Once in a blue moon, the Jettster and I catch hell from some fossilized old feminist who hasn’t worn a bra since 1973, doesn’t shave her ham-hocks, and, in general, looks like she just stepped out of the Shire in The Lord of the Rings. It’s always the same song:…
I feel like kicking up my heels à la Tom Cruise and pumping my fist for joy. That’s right, I’m in love, and I don’t care how dirty I get Oprah’s couch! No, it’s not with some pretty young thing 16 years my junior. And no, I don’t need a…
It is 1988 in McAllen, Texas. Irene Garza’s portrait hangs in the living room of her aunt’s home. The fair-skinned girl is hauntingly beautiful. Another family member stops by the house for a visit. Noemi Ponce-Sigler happens upon the portrait and looks into the eyes of the girl. She gets…
1. Mike Jones, Who Is Mike Jones? (Warner) 2. Ying Yang Twins, United State of Atlanta (TVT) 3. Mariah Carey, Emancipation of Mimi (Universal) 4. Common, Be (Universal) 5. System of a Down, Mezmerize (Sony) 6. Cassidy, I’m a Hustla (BMG) 7. Pretty Ricky, Bluestars (Atlantic) 8. 50 Cent, The…
Thursday 7 Acme Roadhouse: College Night with DJ J. Alan (Top 40) Ain’t Nobody’s Bizness: DJ Suzy (hip-hop, dance) Anderson’s Fifth Estate: Area 51 with AKA (gothic, industrial) AZ 88: DJ P-Body (jazz fusion, funk) Barcelona: DJ Rob (dance) Draft House: DJ Dave outta NYC (hip-hop) E-Lounge: DJ Domenica (high…
What’s a suicidally named band to do but make undeniably good records? In the tradition of every quirky crew that’s as beloved by its audience for shooting itself in the foot as for its creative heights, Florida’s Grabass Charlestons have risen to the extraordinary occasion made necessary by their own…
So often have the similarities between punk rock and country/folk been stated that acoustic guitars have become nearly as colloquial as reggae in the language of punk. But this dozen-song set by Florida hardcore veterans Rumbleseat is exceptional for its palpable melancholy and consistent quality. Broad and ringing, the dual…
The Lawrence Arms are three Midwestern guys who know how to party. These Chicago punk rockers keep with the old-school style of short songs played fast, and on Cocktails & Dreams, vocalist and bassist Brendan Kelly (formerly of the Broadways) preaches the joys of a good night at the bar…
Two of the most promising bands in the local metal scene are performing together this weekend. Autumn’s End keeps it dark and heavy, and pretty much exemplifies Arizona metal: shredding guitars and growling guys in black cowboy hats. The band was formed by vocalist and guitarist Chris Cannella, former N17…
Police Story Evidence, schmevidence: It was so brave of Paul Rubin to write the story of Sally Carbajal’s murder and her disputes with her ex-husband, Danny (“Family Secrets,” Paul Rubin, June 23). I mean, how much more evidence do the cops need to make arrests? I hope this story pushes…
It’s 100 degrees at midnight, we’re chokin’ on smoke from the nearby wildfires, payday is a week away, and the streets are infested with crazed po-po who’re actin’ like the world doughnut supply has just been reduced to zero. So what the eff do you think the Jettster and I…
SAT 7/9Get your geek on with the members of the United Federation of Phoenix, the nation’s second-oldest continuous Star Trek fan club, as they party poolside on Saturday, July 9, sipping sodas and swapping stories of Klingon valor. The universe may be a lonely place for some people, but not…
FRI 7/8Local junior-welterweight boxer Jesus Soto is humble about his skills in the ring. When asked about his strategy in regard to the upcoming match at Fight Night at the Den, Friday, July 8, at Glendale Arena, Soto says, “I just try to be prepared, go for the best, get…
SAT 7/9Word on the street is that Phil Buckman, front man (okay, only man) of I Hate You When You’re Pregnant, is going to hang up the thong and go in other musical directions. Fans from Baltimore to San Pedro are preparing for a time when live performances of “Desiree”…
