Like him or hate him — and God knows our commenters are divided — but you can’t deny President Obama’s ability to speak. His 2012 Campaign Kickoff State of the Union address on Tuesday night was yet another example of the man’s public command, but to be honest, we couldn’t…
When Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler, became Miss America on January 15, girl made some amateur mistakes. Mainly, she wore regular mascara instead of waterproof. Only a rookie would take the risk of looking less than stunning when the former Miss America passive-aggressively pins the crown on your head. Beauty pageants…
After the hubbub surrounding X1039’s alternative demise and the subsequent ’80s takeover of what is now dubbed MY103.9, it left one alternative rock station on the dial: KWSS 106.7 FM. Indie and local music fanatics — New Times included — speculated that the departure of X103.9 could lead to big…
Cass McCombs and Frank Fairfield Crescent Ballroom Thursday, December 12 It’s a rough night when the opening act outshines the headliner. Maybe it’s just because this particular opening act was especially talented, but seeing rocker de melancholia Cass McCombs take the stage following old timey string multi-instrumentalist Frank Fairfield was…
Just because you look like the bastard son of Nicolas Cage doesn’t mean you have to suffer a life of strangers calling out “Hey, Face/Off!” Or, if it does, you might as well get something out of it. Downtown Mesa’s Second Friday might be your ticket as it takes on…
If, while counting down to midnight at the New Year’s Eve blowout of your chain restaurant of choice, you couldn’t help thinking that hundreds of thousands of people were eating the same buffalo chicken poppers, then we have news for you, mate:Life doesn’t have to be so predictable. All around…
Until last June, it was difficult for Montreal’s Dan Boeckner to separate his two musical projects. The collaboration with wife Alexei Perry (Handsome Furs) and the full-time source of his paychecks (Wolf Parade) both achieved a balance of ’80s synth-pop and punk rock attitude. But when Wolf Parade went on…
VektorNPR has a way of simplifying complicated ideas for the layman, be they the financial crisis or the intricate web of Republican frontrunner intrigue. When it comes to their profile about Tempe’s sci-fi thrash metal four piece Vektor, they kept things uncluttered and uncomplicated: “Vektor: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Fast.”…
If we’re being realistic, not every band that comes out of Phoenix is really worthy to be classified with what Emma Pew and crew do on a show-by-show basis. The lead singer of Black Carl and her four-piece backing band obliterated Crescent Ballroom last night as they celebrated the release The…
Some people get stuck in ruts. My dad, for example, has been listening to the same 300 songs for the past four decades (let us take a moment to remind you of Nothing Not New, where our own Jay Bennett gave up all his favorites and listened to nothing but…
You can call Phoenix a land without culture, but beyond the strip malls and chain stores, our town is actually packed with history. As Phoenix looks for its place in the world, sometimes it takes artistic expression to clear up an identity crisis or an artistic eye to really capture…
So right about now you’re looking that weight rack right in the eye, cursing yourself for getting fat in the first place. But not to worry. For years, musicians have been recording songs for just this kind of thing. Your New Year’s Resolution is easier to achieve if you just…
Welcome to another installment of Up on the Sun’s 2011 Review. We’ve been counting down our favorite songs, shows, national and local releases of 2011. This installment takes a look at 2011’s some of the most memorable music stories from 2011. Enjoy! Well kids, another year of local music has…
It’s Sunday, January 1, and you know what that means. Today, you’re going to sign up for that gym membership and cramp the style of workout regulars. (No, we’re not bitter. You’ll be gone in a month.) You’re going to get healthy for once, damnit. Plus, it’s time to take…
It’s fair to say that Saturday Night Live has totally sucked over the past few years, that is unless you’re an Andy Samberg fan. Back in Kevin Nealon’s day, an SNL cast member would have to tell some serious jokes if they wanted to be recognized. Recurring character Mr. Subliminal…
Each year, we regretfully feel obligated to make this list. Musicians that touch our hearts and change our lives come and go. Some of these musicians had long, fruitful careers, while others seemed like they were just getting started. Gil Scott-Heron Poet-musician Gil Scott-Heron left a lasting impact on the…
Everything is way cooler when it’s secretive. There are entire industries built on the fun of not knowing, from murder mystery parties to the latest Dan Brown novel. (If you don’t know, the answer is always “The Illuminati.”) And even if you’re not a rave sort of person, not knowing…
Everyone loves The Beatles. Anyone who says they don’t “get” The Beatles is simply saying it for the sake of playing devil’s advocate. Yeah, it’s annoying, but we tolerate those people because we’re open-minded folk who appreciate an opposing point of view. Even if it’s wrong. On Friday, November 4,…
Sometimes I’m astounded by the music parents let their children listen to. I know personally. At 9 years old, I knew all of the lyrics to Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” much to my father’s pride and horror. But I tend to think Christmas music is the worst of it…
“This year is going to be different.” That’s what you told yourself last year, isn’t it? Well, just because you have the desire and will to make a New Year’s Resolution doesn’t mean you have the will to actually get it done. It’s pretty easy to make Wishtown your home…
You know, Up on the Sun has a lot of faith in local music, but we don’t have much faith in the marketing abilities of young musicians. Yeah, I understand that you’re busy with your craft, but you can’t just sit around hoping the press will recognize your genius as…
Alright, slacker. There’s no more denying it: the holidays are here, and you need to get on that shopping list. Luckily, Up on the Sun has caught gift guide-fever, and over the course of this week we’ll be offering you suggestions for the entire family. Yo yo yiggity yo, son…
