Phoenix has long been a town rife with tribute bands. Groups of every size and style -- from Mötley Crüe, the Cure and the Cult to indie sensations like Guided by Voices -- have been represented by local cover outfits. But this past May witnessed perhaps the most original and disturbing such homage, as Billy Gordon's in Tempe served as home to the first, last and only performance from Satellike: A Tribute to Satellite -- The Whitey Years. The brain child of former Valley band (and current L.A. residents) Stone Bogart, Satellike played less like a local music in-joke than a loving homage to the Tempe pop combo and its over-the-top front man Stephen Ashbrook. Satellike's faux Ashbrook even dressed the part (leather pants, tinted glasses, etc.) while tearing through an alarmingly convincing set of Satellite standards. Now that's rock 'n' roll.
Best Club For Blues/jazz
Rhythm Room
1019 East Indian School
602-265-4842
Best Club For Modern Rock
Cajun House
7117 East Third Avenue, Scottsdale
480-945-5150
Best Club For Rock
Mason Jar
2303 East Indian School
602-956-6271
Best Dance Club
Axis/Radius
7340 East Indian Plaza, Scottsdale
480-970-1112
Best Place To Buy New CDs
Best Buy
several Valley locations
Best Place To Buy Used CDs
Zia Record Exchange
several Valley locations
Best Radio Station -- Country
KMLE-FM 107.9
Best Radio Station -- Hip-Hop
KISS-FM 104.7
Best Radio Station -- Rock
KUPD-FM 97.9
Best Radio Station -- Alternative
KZON-FM 101.5
Best Radio Station -- Blues/Jazz
KYOT-FM 95.5
Best Venue For Local Acts
The Bash on Ash
230 West Fifth Street, Tempe
480-966-8200
Best Venue For National Acts
Celebrity Theatre
440 North 32nd Street
602-267-1600
Best Club For Blues/jazz
Rhythm Room
1019 East Indian School
602-265-4842
Best Club For Modern Rock
Cajun House
7117 East Third Avenue, Scottsdale
480-945-5150
Best Club For Rock
Mason Jar
2303 East Indian School
602-956-6271
Best Dance Club
Axis/Radius
7340 East Indian Plaza, Scottsdale
480-970-1112
Best Place To Buy New CDs
Best Buy
several Valley locations
Best Place To Buy Used CDs
Zia Record Exchange
several Valley locations
Best Radio Station -- Country
KMLE-FM 107.9
Best Radio Station -- Hip-Hop
KISS-FM 104.7
Best Radio Station -- Rock
KUPD-FM 97.9
Best Radio Station -- Alternative
KZON-FM 101.5
Best Radio Station -- Blues/Jazz
KYOT-FM 95.5
Best Venue For Local Acts
The Bash on Ash
230 West Fifth Street, Tempe
480-966-8200
Best Venue For National Acts
Celebrity Theatre
440 North 32nd Street
602-267-1600
How is it that the premier CD store in the Valley -- arguably one of the top in the entire nation -- can still be one of Phoenix's best kept secrets? For those lucky enough to have discovered the unique charms of CDGB's, it's been hard to keep a lid on the treasures contained inside, but it's time to let the proverbial cat out of the bag.
Launched in 1994, this fantastic north Phoenix outpost claims the best selection of tunes in town. And while mom-and-pop stores are become increasingly scarce, the independently owned CDGB's has, in fact, expanded its operations over the past year, opening a second shop next to its main outlet. CDGB's Jr. specializes in niche styles like metal and punk, while the old store remains a collector's haven, thanks to an impressive selection of European "specialty" imports -- including tons of Beatles, Stones and Dylan releases -- plus hard-to-find platters from the likes of Tom Waits and Wilco, all priced quite reasonably.
Multiple sections, broken down into various subcategories (like rockabilly, guitar gods and classic rock), make browsing so fun, fast and easy you're bound to spend hours perusing the endless stream of Japanese Genesis long-players or the latest Guided by Voices-related releases. And with the stores' walls lined with a mass of boxed sets -- artists run the gamut from America to the Zombies -- you'll have no trouble finding the multi-disc gift you've been wanting to give to that special music fan.
For those with discerning tastes, it's time to give CDGB's a spin.
How is it that the premier CD store in the Valley -- arguably one of the top in the entire nation -- can still be one of Phoenix's best kept secrets? For those lucky enough to have discovered the unique charms of CDGB's, it's been hard to keep a lid on the treasures contained inside, but it's time to let the proverbial cat out of the bag.
Launched in 1994, this fantastic north Phoenix outpost claims the best selection of tunes in town. And while mom-and-pop stores are become increasingly scarce, the independently owned CDGB's has, in fact, expanded its operations over the past year, opening a second shop next to its main outlet. CDGB's Jr. specializes in niche styles like metal and punk, while the old store remains a collector's haven, thanks to an impressive selection of European "specialty" imports -- including tons of Beatles, Stones and Dylan releases -- plus hard-to-find platters from the likes of Tom Waits and Wilco, all priced quite reasonably.
Multiple sections, broken down into various subcategories (like rockabilly, guitar gods and classic rock), make browsing so fun, fast and easy you're bound to spend hours perusing the endless stream of Japanese Genesis long-players or the latest Guided by Voices-related releases. And with the stores' walls lined with a mass of boxed sets -- artists run the gamut from America to the Zombies -- you'll have no trouble finding the multi-disc gift you've been wanting to give to that special music fan.
For those with discerning tastes, it's time to give CDGB's a spin.
The famed rotating stage at Phoenix's Celebrity Theatre is a simply grand venue that's your best dollar-to-value bet for big-name live acts in the Valley. Nestled snugly in a part of town that is "rich in character" (i.e., near the women's prison), the Celebrity continues to expand its stylistic mandate, booking top-rank performers of all stripes -- gospel, country, neo-metal, Henry Rollins to Kids in the Hall -- into its copious space. The featured performer's long walk from the dressing rooms through the crowd, followed by the ascension to the slowly revolving stage, ranks as one of the best momentum-building tactics we've ever seen at a live gig. Row upon row of cushy, unimpeded seats will make you wonder why you ever stood up through a show without grumbling about it.
The famed rotating stage at Phoenix's Celebrity Theatre is a simply grand venue that's your best dollar-to-value bet for big-name live acts in the Valley. Nestled snugly in a part of town that is "rich in character" (i.e., near the women's prison), the Celebrity continues to expand its stylistic mandate, booking top-rank performers of all stripes -- gospel, country, neo-metal, Henry Rollins to Kids in the Hall -- into its copious space. The featured performer's long walk from the dressing rooms through the crowd, followed by the ascension to the slowly revolving stage, ranks as one of the best momentum-building tactics we've ever seen at a live gig. Row upon row of cushy, unimpeded seats will make you wonder why you ever stood up through a show without grumbling about it.
Technically speaking, Mega 104.3 doesn't qualify under the traditional definition of an "alternative" station. KAJM is more an old-school R&B powerhouse, specializing in back-in-the-day cuts from the likes of Cameo, the Gap Band, LTD, P-Funk, and the Ohio Players. However, since most modern rap and hip-hop tunes are doing little but sampling those familiar grooves, the station -- dubbed "Arizona Jamz" -- is the place to get in touch with music's true originators and creators, making it the Valley's genuine alternative to the modern mainstream. Despite a split signal that can fade from time to time, the station and its cast of on-air talent have earned the right to say they're alt.
Technically speaking, Mega 104.3 doesn't qualify under the traditional definition of an "alternative" station. KAJM is more an old-school R&B powerhouse, specializing in back-in-the-day cuts from the likes of Cameo, the Gap Band, LTD, P-Funk, and the Ohio Players. However, since most modern rap and hip-hop tunes are doing little but sampling those familiar grooves, the station -- dubbed "Arizona Jamz" -- is the place to get in touch with music's true originators and creators, making it the Valley's genuine alternative to the modern mainstream. Despite a split signal that can fade from time to time, the station and its cast of on-air talent have earned the right to say they're alt.
It's true, we'll miss wandering the swamp-cooled aisles of this cavernous vinyl trove, which recently closed its 12th Street location after nearly 20 years. But we don't have to miss the Pair's impressive assortment of dirt-cheap albums and 45s because -- best-kept-secret alert! -- the owners haven't really shut down at all. Although little was made of it last spring when owners Roger and Elaine locked the doors on their fusty record warehouse, the duo is now located exclusively on the Web, offering undistinguished and downright hard-to-find records.
Another secret: The vinyl selection posted on the shop's cyber site is only a fraction of Prickly Pair's inventory. A quick e-mail to this site helped us find Sonny and Cher singing in French ("Je M'en Balance Car Je T'aime") and a copy of Bob Lind's debut disc that everyone told us we'd never see. The only thing we like more than scoring cool old vinyl in a cavernous old record shop is doing it from home in our underwear.
It's true, we'll miss wandering the swamp-cooled aisles of this cavernous vinyl trove, which recently closed its 12th Street location after nearly 20 years. But we don't have to miss the Pair's impressive assortment of dirt-cheap albums and 45s because -- best-kept-secret alert! -- the owners haven't really shut down at all. Although little was made of it last spring when owners Roger and Elaine locked the doors on their fusty record warehouse, the duo is now located exclusively on the Web, offering undistinguished and downright hard-to-find records.
Another secret: The vinyl selection posted on the shop's cyber site is only a fraction of Prickly Pair's inventory. A quick e-mail to this site helped us find Sonny and Cher singing in French ("Je M'en Balance Car Je T'aime") and a copy of Bob Lind's debut disc that everyone told us we'd never see. The only thing we like more than scoring cool old vinyl in a cavernous old record shop is doing it from home in our underwear.
If a tribute band is good, it'll get some props from the organism it's replicating. But in the case of TNT, the Valley's AC/DC tribute band, the line between Who Made Who is getting ever blurrier. First the band did a Rattlers halftime show at America West Arena -- a venue the real AC/DC played just a few weeks later. Then TNT played a pre-AC/DC concert show at Jackson's, which the band's road crew checked out. They were knocked out enough to invite TNT backstage to meet Angus and the boys. More recently, AC/DC has given the green light for TNT to record an unreleased song. For those about to rock in their own AC/DC tribute band, we rebuke you: TNT is already miles ahead of you down the highway to hell.
If a tribute band is good, it'll get some props from the organism it's replicating. But in the case of TNT, the Valley's AC/DC tribute band, the line between Who Made Who is getting ever blurrier. First the band did a Rattlers halftime show at America West Arena -- a venue the real AC/DC played just a few weeks later. Then TNT played a pre-AC/DC concert show at Jackson's, which the band's road crew checked out. They were knocked out enough to invite TNT backstage to meet Angus and the boys. More recently, AC/DC has given the green light for TNT to record an unreleased song. For those about to rock in their own AC/DC tribute band, we rebuke you: TNT is already miles ahead of you down the highway to hell.
According to a report in
Rolling Stone (the one with 'N SYNC on the cover), the current generation has no use for radio. Of course not, after five bleeping years listening to bleeping baseball-cap-wearing mooks making the middle finger innocuous and turning modern rock into a format with no future.
Want a real alternative? Try to get your radio to hold the frequency between country station KNIX-FM and dance powerhouse KISS-FM at the same time and, voila! Alternative Alternative Radio. Here are two formats that really need each other. Country music used to be about adultery, drinking and outlaws; now every song sounds like it was written by a couple and their marriage counselor. Meanwhile, Top 40 dance music has the attitude and the rhythm but no songs with a narrative. Put the two together and suddenly Alan Jackson sounds like he's got a pulse cuz Jessica Simpson's mistaking him for a DJ. If you ever thought Lil' Kim needed fiddles or imagined a catfight between Madonna and the Dixie Chicks, this is your ticket.
According to a report in
Rolling Stone (the one with 'N SYNC on the cover), the current generation has no use for radio. Of course not, after five bleeping years listening to bleeping baseball-cap-wearing mooks making the middle finger innocuous and turning modern rock into a format with no future.
Want a real alternative? Try to get your radio to hold the frequency between country station KNIX-FM and dance powerhouse KISS-FM at the same time and, voila! Alternative Alternative Radio. Here are two formats that really need each other. Country music used to be about adultery, drinking and outlaws; now every song sounds like it was written by a couple and their marriage counselor. Meanwhile, Top 40 dance music has the attitude and the rhythm but no songs with a narrative. Put the two together and suddenly Alan Jackson sounds like he's got a pulse cuz Jessica Simpson's mistaking him for a DJ. If you ever thought Lil' Kim needed fiddles or imagined a catfight between Madonna and the Dixie Chicks, this is your ticket.
Renamed once again over the course of the past year, this Tempe dance palace (formerly Pompeii, then Club Freedom at Pompeii) remains the premier location to shake dat ass. Regular bows from world-renowned turntablists ranging from LTJ Bukem to Paul Van Dyk, appearances by old-school legends like Afrika Bambaataa, and celebrity DJ sets from the likes of Boy George and Perry Farrell have let Freedom reign as the number one spot in town for urban entertainment. In addition, the club keeps its weekly calendar packed with the best in local talent and special events, and you'll always find an army of nubile bodies letting it all hang out in this two-story mecca of music and movement.
Renamed once again over the course of the past year, this Tempe dance palace (formerly Pompeii, then Club Freedom at Pompeii) remains the premier location to shake dat ass. Regular bows from world-renowned turntablists ranging from LTJ Bukem to Paul Van Dyk, appearances by old-school legends like Afrika Bambaataa, and celebrity DJ sets from the likes of Boy George and Perry Farrell have let Freedom reign as the number one spot in town for urban entertainment. In addition, the club keeps its weekly calendar packed with the best in local talent and special events, and you'll always find an army of nubile bodies letting it all hang out in this two-story mecca of music and movement.
We don't know who's behind the excellent jazz selection at these Valley superstores, but he or she is onto something. The Valley isn't exactly known as a jazz mecca, but to see the selection at Best Buy, you'd think that the late Thelonious Monk was in his prime. Best thing is, the stores aren't fixated on the "smooth" jazz pabulum that's infected the local airwaves for too many years. You want modernists Greg Osby, Don Byron, Joe Lovano, Regina Carter? You got 'em. You want oldsters Ellington, Fitzgerald, or Sun Ra? They're yours for the taking, and the prices are the best in town.
We don't know who's behind the excellent jazz selection at these Valley superstores, but he or she is onto something. The Valley isn't exactly known as a jazz mecca, but to see the selection at Best Buy, you'd think that the late Thelonious Monk was in his prime. Best thing is, the stores aren't fixated on the "smooth" jazz pabulum that's infected the local airwaves for too many years. You want modernists Greg Osby, Don Byron, Joe Lovano, Regina Carter? You got 'em. You want oldsters Ellington, Fitzgerald, or Sun Ra? They're yours for the taking, and the prices are the best in town.
Hidden in a modest strip mall and sandwiched between a coffee shop and a coin-op laundry in the shadow of ASU's campus, Plaid is the color of the East Valley's hippest little eatery. This nouveau Mediterranean bistro has become the top destination for Tempe's "in" crowd. Thanks to its extended hours and a menu heavy with healthful and vegetarian selections, Plaid has also become the choice eatery for those who keep odd hours -- or anyone with trend-setting musical tastes. Now that management has added a full bar, Plaid has also established itself as a late-night hot spot for musicians, artists, and scenesters of all stripes and colors. Headed by a friendly staff, tastefully decorated (the restaurant doubles as an art gallery) and replete with big booths and comfy couches, Plaid is the perfect place to eat, drink or just hang out.
Hidden in a modest strip mall and sandwiched between a coffee shop and a coin-op laundry in the shadow of ASU's campus, Plaid is the color of the East Valley's hippest little eatery. This nouveau Mediterranean bistro has become the top destination for Tempe's "in" crowd. Thanks to its extended hours and a menu heavy with healthful and vegetarian selections, Plaid has also become the choice eatery for those who keep odd hours -- or anyone with trend-setting musical tastes. Now that management has added a full bar, Plaid has also established itself as a late-night hot spot for musicians, artists, and scenesters of all stripes and colors. Headed by a friendly staff, tastefully decorated (the restaurant doubles as an art gallery) and replete with big booths and comfy couches, Plaid is the perfect place to eat, drink or just hang out.
In accordance with NAFTA, KBAQ is prevented from broadcasting at too great a power lest its signal spill south into Mexico. Damned federal government, always keeping the little guy down.
In eight years, KBAQ has established itself as not only a topnotch classical station but also a formidable community resource for the lively arts. Enjoying a close working relationship with the Phoenix Symphony, and carrying a balanced diet of local and national acts (like the talk-performance show From the Top at 7 p.m. Sundays), KBAQ provides Valley listeners with the best contemporary performances of classical and chamber music. And this year the station took on a herculean challenge, mounting the "KBAQ 2001 Fall European Tour," a package tour of Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin, with opera performances and gourmet meals included in the ticket price.
Despite the fact that Prague is so 1992, we applaud KBAQ's gumption.
In accordance with NAFTA, KBAQ is prevented from broadcasting at too great a power lest its signal spill south into Mexico. Damned federal government, always keeping the little guy down.
In eight years, KBAQ has established itself as not only a topnotch classical station but also a formidable community resource for the lively arts. Enjoying a close working relationship with the Phoenix Symphony, and carrying a balanced diet of local and national acts (like the talk-performance show From the Top at 7 p.m. Sundays), KBAQ provides Valley listeners with the best contemporary performances of classical and chamber music. And this year the station took on a herculean challenge, mounting the "KBAQ 2001 Fall European Tour," a package tour of Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin, with opera performances and gourmet meals included in the ticket price.
Despite the fact that Prague is so 1992, we applaud KBAQ's gumption.
These days, recognizing a radio band as the best rock station is a fairly backhanded compliment. With unsettling styles like teen pop, rap-rock and nu metal dominating playlists, it's a wonder most folks haven't completely abandoned the FM dial for AM talk formats or the safety of CD players and tape decks. Without anything even approaching a progressive station here in the Valley, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that we would bestow this honor on KOOL-FM, a station playing nothing but golden oldies. Tuning to 94.5, you're likely to find a song with a melody, and the closest thing you'll get to a boy band is the Box Tops. Instead of being forced to endure inane teen divas like Britney and Christina, KOOL at least boasts classic inane teen divas like Lesley Gore and Shelley Fabares. How does that grab you, darlin'?
These days, recognizing a radio band as the best rock station is a fairly backhanded compliment. With unsettling styles like teen pop, rap-rock and nu metal dominating playlists, it's a wonder most folks haven't completely abandoned the FM dial for AM talk formats or the safety of CD players and tape decks. Without anything even approaching a progressive station here in the Valley, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that we would bestow this honor on KOOL-FM, a station playing nothing but golden oldies. Tuning to 94.5, you're likely to find a song with a melody, and the closest thing you'll get to a boy band is the Box Tops. Instead of being forced to endure inane teen divas like Britney and Christina, KOOL at least boasts classic inane teen divas like Lesley Gore and Shelley Fabares. How does that grab you, darlin'?
No booze, no jukebox, no dress code, and no social-climbing clotheshorses. Just music, music, music. And lots of artwork on the walls.
Modified, a tiny performance space in a converted antique shop in the middle of a street with nothing else on it, is one of those great ideas that shouldn't have worked. But in two and a half years Modified has garnered nothing but critical hosannas, largely on the strength of its aggressively no-frills mandate. Patrons sit on benches, or at one of a half-dozen small tables, or cross-legged on the floor. Performers set up no more than a foot away from the nearest audience member. Performer and patron can't help but vibe off each other's energy, lending shows at Modified a rare intimacy. And while local bands still make up the bulk of Modified's roster, several nationally known acts (such as Austin's Knife in the Water) have enjoyed it so much they've come back for repeat performances.
No booze, no jukebox, no dress code, and no social-climbing clotheshorses. Just music, music, music. And lots of artwork on the walls.
Modified, a tiny performance space in a converted antique shop in the middle of a street with nothing else on it, is one of those great ideas that shouldn't have worked. But in two and a half years Modified has garnered nothing but critical hosannas, largely on the strength of its aggressively no-frills mandate. Patrons sit on benches, or at one of a half-dozen small tables, or cross-legged on the floor. Performers set up no more than a foot away from the nearest audience member. Performer and patron can't help but vibe off each other's energy, lending shows at Modified a rare intimacy. And while local bands still make up the bulk of Modified's roster, several nationally known acts (such as Austin's Knife in the Water) have enjoyed it so much they've come back for repeat performances.
When the restaurant/art space Lucky Dragon closed up its ancient, Burgundy-soaked digs on University Drive, those of us whose aesthetic tastes run to the outré were saddened beyond the telling. But the LD's new incarnation on McClintock, while cleaner and better lit, has delivered on its promise to keep down-and-dirty local arts alive in the Valley. And it still makes a
blazing kung pao chicken.
Apart from its more refined menu, the second incarnation sports intimate booths and spiffy cloth-draped tables aplenty -- easily three times the previous seating -- and a generous complement of funky hangings by amazing local artists. But the real draw is its showcase for area bands, from release parties to farewell shows, on the sizable stage. It won't be long before the Dragon enters Valley music history as a place to see and be seen.
When the restaurant/art space Lucky Dragon closed up its ancient, Burgundy-soaked digs on University Drive, those of us whose aesthetic tastes run to the outré were saddened beyond the telling. But the LD's new incarnation on McClintock, while cleaner and better lit, has delivered on its promise to keep down-and-dirty local arts alive in the Valley. And it still makes a
blazing kung pao chicken.
Apart from its more refined menu, the second incarnation sports intimate booths and spiffy cloth-draped tables aplenty -- easily three times the previous seating -- and a generous complement of funky hangings by amazing local artists. But the real draw is its showcase for area bands, from release parties to farewell shows, on the sizable stage. It won't be long before the Dragon enters Valley music history as a place to see and be seen.
Frankly, this is a category that's probably past its retirement age. After all, it feels like it was a million years ago that the film
Swingers was hip and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy was cool. Even swing revivalist Brian Setzer seems to have reverted back to his rockabilly roots. Locally, Tempe's Bash on Ash hasn't given up the fight as it remains the place to jump, jive and wail. The club calendar boasts the best in national bands working the genre, and the Bash's Tuesday night swing jam is still going strong, offering dance lessons to novices and a huge floor for those who already know how to act like it's still VJ Day.
Frankly, this is a category that's probably past its retirement age. After all, it feels like it was a million years ago that the film
Swingers was hip and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy was cool. Even swing revivalist Brian Setzer seems to have reverted back to his rockabilly roots. Locally, Tempe's Bash on Ash hasn't given up the fight as it remains the place to jump, jive and wail. The club calendar boasts the best in national bands working the genre, and the Bash's Tuesday night swing jam is still going strong, offering dance lessons to novices and a huge floor for those who already know how to act like it's still VJ Day.
Most bands' idea of a mixed media show is wearing hand-painted tee shirts from their girlfriends, which is why the Hypnotwists' sensory assault never meets with a mixed reception. Holed up at the Emerald Lounge on Wednesday nights, the band has turned the place into one of those sweaty Swinging '60s nightclubs where Terence Stamp might walk in and meet Julie Christie. Of course, Terry and Julie wouldn't be caught dead here, but chances are they might turn up in a movie projected on the stage: The Hypnotwists seem to favor black-and-white movies where people shag standing up. What ties all the swirling colored lights together is the band's music, a blend of garage, surf and soundtracks that keeps folks on the dance floor even when breathing space is a limited commodity. People dancing at a local rock show? These guys have really built the better time machine.
Most bands' idea of a mixed media show is wearing hand-painted tee shirts from their girlfriends, which is why the Hypnotwists' sensory assault never meets with a mixed reception. Holed up at the Emerald Lounge on Wednesday nights, the band has turned the place into one of those sweaty Swinging '60s nightclubs where Terence Stamp might walk in and meet Julie Christie. Of course, Terry and Julie wouldn't be caught dead here, but chances are they might turn up in a movie projected on the stage: The Hypnotwists seem to favor black-and-white movies where people shag standing up. What ties all the swirling colored lights together is the band's music, a blend of garage, surf and soundtracks that keeps folks on the dance floor even when breathing space is a limited commodity. People dancing at a local rock show? These guys have really built the better time machine.
Phoenix has long been a town rife with tribute bands. Groups of every size and style -- from Mötley Crüe, the Cure and the Cult to indie sensations like Guided by Voices -- have been represented by local cover outfits. But this past May witnessed perhaps the most original and disturbing such homage, as Billy Gordon's in Tempe served as home to the first, last and only performance from Satellike: A Tribute to Satellite -- The Whitey Years. The brain child of former Valley band (and current L.A. residents) Stone Bogart, Satellike played less like a local music in-joke than a loving homage to the Tempe pop combo and its over-the-top front man Stephen Ashbrook. Satellike's faux Ashbrook even dressed the part (leather pants, tinted glasses, etc.) while tearing through an alarmingly convincing set of Satellite standards. Now that's rock 'n' roll.
Promotional blunders can usually be blamed on the band: a sexist flier, an offensive tee shirt or a show where some form of wildlife inadvertently gets neutered. But here's a case where the band was duped by a duping house. The Cremains had a great idea -- passing out free copies of their new CD to the crowds exiting annual metal extravaganza Ozzfest. The Cremains got UPS delivery of the discs the day of the show and sped over to the concert to give out 700 CDs, not realizing that a major manufacturing gaffe resulted in the wrong music being burned onto their CDs. They came home horrified to find that those lucky Ozzfesters had been given an album by a limp R&B lounge group instead of the hard-rocking Cremains. These guys deserve a medal of honor not only for making the manufacturer immediately press another set of CDs, but also for soldiering on with the same name after bewildering headbangers with their strange new direction.
Promotional blunders can usually be blamed on the band: a sexist flier, an offensive tee shirt or a show where some form of wildlife inadvertently gets neutered. But here's a case where the band was duped by a duping house. The Cremains had a great idea -- passing out free copies of their new CD to the crowds exiting annual metal extravaganza Ozzfest. The Cremains got UPS delivery of the discs the day of the show and sped over to the concert to give out 700 CDs, not realizing that a major manufacturing gaffe resulted in the wrong music being burned onto their CDs. They came home horrified to find that those lucky Ozzfesters had been given an album by a limp R&B lounge group instead of the hard-rocking Cremains. These guys deserve a medal of honor not only for making the manufacturer immediately press another set of CDs, but also for soldiering on with the same name after bewildering headbangers with their strange new direction.
Inside the easeful Emerald Lounge you won't find any big-screen TVs for beer-gutted armchair athletes, or barmaids whose hopped-up attitudes are in direct proportion to their surgically augmented breasts. What you will find is a bohemian atmosphere straight out of 1966, a place where cheap booze is served up by genial drink-slingers in an ambiance of unaffected warmth. On any given night, a gnarly live rock band or DJ booms music that runs the gamut from hickabilly to glitter rock for an unusual mix of off-duty strippers, hot-rodders, professional drunks, working-class stiffs, and the usual cadre of artists, posers, writers and musicians.
With its dark, sapphire-hued interior, local artist motifs and juke, this dingy den is a glorious old-man bar to some and a killer rock 'n' roll club (where the shows are free!) to others. But no matter how it's perceived, Phoenix's sole bastion of the avant-garde can never be accused of taking itself too seriously.
Inside the easeful Emerald Lounge you won't find any big-screen TVs for beer-gutted armchair athletes, or barmaids whose hopped-up attitudes are in direct proportion to their surgically augmented breasts. What you will find is a bohemian atmosphere straight out of 1966, a place where cheap booze is served up by genial drink-slingers in an ambiance of unaffected warmth. On any given night, a gnarly live rock band or DJ booms music that runs the gamut from hickabilly to glitter rock for an unusual mix of off-duty strippers, hot-rodders, professional drunks, working-class stiffs, and the usual cadre of artists, posers, writers and musicians.
With its dark, sapphire-hued interior, local artist motifs and juke, this dingy den is a glorious old-man bar to some and a killer rock 'n' roll club (where the shows are free!) to others. But no matter how it's perceived, Phoenix's sole bastion of the avant-garde can never be accused of taking itself too seriously.
This now legendary incident happened on September 23, 2000, at Long Wong's on Mill. Big Blue Couch's show ended abruptly just a few minutes into its set because of equipment troubles. But the barflies at the longtime Tempe watering hole got their money's worth when a minor argument between bassist Jon Demrick and drummer Jayson Gilbert got nasty, turning into a full-blown fistfight, and ending with about a thousand dollars' worth of damage to the bar's famed streetside glass window. Although the band kissed and made up shortly afterward, the BBC battle easily goes down as the year's top tussle.
This now legendary incident happened on September 23, 2000, at Long Wong's on Mill. Big Blue Couch's show ended abruptly just a few minutes into its set because of equipment troubles. But the barflies at the longtime Tempe watering hole got their money's worth when a minor argument between bassist Jon Demrick and drummer Jayson Gilbert got nasty, turning into a full-blown fistfight, and ending with about a thousand dollars' worth of damage to the bar's famed streetside glass window. Although the band kissed and made up shortly afterward, the BBC battle easily goes down as the year's top tussle.
Someday, sometime, somewhere,
somebody is going to sell his copy of that album you've always wanted, but could never afford at full price. When he does, he's gonna sell it to Zia, and Zia's gonna sell it to you, at a big fat discount.
This venerable Valley institution has better than a quarter-century of history under its belt, starting with its hole-in-the-wall beginnings on the old, funky Mill Avenue (back when Starbucks and the Gap were delightfully absent from the entire world). In addition to delivering the area's best cash-or-trade offers for those CDs cluttering up your own collection, Zia on University does a brisk business with the local college crowd, providing excellent turnover even on newer pop releases. But a deeper rooting through the stacks reveals a stock of rich diversity: Looking for that hard-to-find collaboration between Bongwater's Kramer and Penn Jillette? That'll be seven bucks. Also, Zia's topnotch jazz and blues sections make this location much smarter than your average college rekkid store.
Someday, sometime, somewhere,
somebody is going to sell his copy of that album you've always wanted, but could never afford at full price. When he does, he's gonna sell it to Zia, and Zia's gonna sell it to you, at a big fat discount.
This venerable Valley institution has better than a quarter-century of history under its belt, starting with its hole-in-the-wall beginnings on the old, funky Mill Avenue (back when Starbucks and the Gap were delightfully absent from the entire world). In addition to delivering the area's best cash-or-trade offers for those CDs cluttering up your own collection, Zia on University does a brisk business with the local college crowd, providing excellent turnover even on newer pop releases. But a deeper rooting through the stacks reveals a stock of rich diversity: Looking for that hard-to-find collaboration between Bongwater's Kramer and Penn Jillette? That'll be seven bucks. Also, Zia's topnotch jazz and blues sections make this location much smarter than your average college rekkid store.
Don't ask the salespeople for help in the jazz section at these longtime Valley record emporiums; they're likely to scratch their heads and walk away in confusion. But if you know what you're looking for, or just love the notion of exploring a well-stocked record store by yourself (and don't want to spend a fortune), you're bound to have a bebopping good time at Zia. For example, take the letter "D." We found a ton of Miles Davis, Djavan, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Barbara Dennerlein, Eric Dolphy and many others, all for under $12 a pop. Now, if only the help knew that Thelonious Monk was a piano player.
Don't ask the salespeople for help in the jazz section at these longtime Valley record emporiums; they're likely to scratch their heads and walk away in confusion. But if you know what you're looking for, or just love the notion of exploring a well-stocked record store by yourself (and don't want to spend a fortune), you're bound to have a bebopping good time at Zia. For example, take the letter "D." We found a ton of Miles Davis, Djavan, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Barbara Dennerlein, Eric Dolphy and many others, all for under $12 a pop. Now, if only the help knew that Thelonious Monk was a piano player.
Lurking beneath the façade of an NPR affiliate is a substantial blues and jazz format helmed by two of the brightest jewels in Phoenix's musical crown.
Music coordinator and classically trained performer Blaise Lantana hosts the 7-to-11 block, bringing her discerning ear to an acoustic jazz playlist that regularly features a generous stock of the greats as well as the often overlooked (a Cannonball Adderley two-fer, anyone?). The erudite Lantana can teach even the most hardened jazz police a new tune or two. The acoustic jazz format continues straight through 'til 3 a.m.
Sunday evenings from 6 to 11 are helmed by Rhythm Room impresario Bob Corritore, with Those Lowdown Blues, a sampler of roots and blues music so informed that Corritore ought to charge classroom lab fees. "Smilin' Bob" sets authenticity above commerciality for this gravy-rich slice of Americana, doing for Valley airwaves what the Rhythm Room's been doing for Valley live music since the mid-'80s.
Lurking beneath the façade of an NPR affiliate is a substantial blues and jazz format helmed by two of the brightest jewels in Phoenix's musical crown.
Music coordinator and classically trained performer Blaise Lantana hosts the 7-to-11 block, bringing her discerning ear to an acoustic jazz playlist that regularly features a generous stock of the greats as well as the often overlooked (a Cannonball Adderley two-fer, anyone?). The erudite Lantana can teach even the most hardened jazz police a new tune or two. The acoustic jazz format continues straight through 'til 3 a.m.
Sunday evenings from 6 to 11 are helmed by Rhythm Room impresario Bob Corritore, with Those Lowdown Blues, a sampler of roots and blues music so informed that Corritore ought to charge classroom lab fees. "Smilin' Bob" sets authenticity above commerciality for this gravy-rich slice of Americana, doing for Valley airwaves what the Rhythm Room's been doing for Valley live music since the mid-'80s.
As country music's popularity and sales continue to fall from its mid-'90s high point, the blame can be laid squarely at the doorstep of radio programmers who continue to promote hopelessly manufactured-sounding pap and try to pawn it off as country gold. Not so with KXKQ, which is based in Safford in eastern Arizona but broadcasts in the Valley. Though the station does mix in a fair selection of new country acts, the real attraction of its playlist is its adherence to old-school masters like Merle Haggard and George Jones. Besides offering up the big names from yesteryear, KXKQ plays its fair share of lost classics, hard-core honky-tonk and gen-u-wine tales about cheatin', drinkin', and truckin' that you won't find on an other frequency in town. Yee-haw!
As country music's popularity and sales continue to fall from its mid-'90s high point, the blame can be laid squarely at the doorstep of radio programmers who continue to promote hopelessly manufactured-sounding pap and try to pawn it off as country gold. Not so with KXKQ, which is based in Safford in eastern Arizona but broadcasts in the Valley. Though the station does mix in a fair selection of new country acts, the real attraction of its playlist is its adherence to old-school masters like Merle Haggard and George Jones. Besides offering up the big names from yesteryear, KXKQ plays its fair share of lost classics, hard-core honky-tonk and gen-u-wine tales about cheatin', drinkin', and truckin' that you won't find on an other frequency in town. Yee-haw!
Starting with the morning Wake Up Show featuring Chino and the ever-horny Clarissa Jenkins, through multiple-mix sets like the midday Digging in the Crates show, to Flashback Fridays, Power 92 has put a lock on its ownership of the Valley's hip-hop airwaves. Meanwhile, the Power 92 van has become a ubiquitous presence on city streets, and the station has reached out to the local community sponsoring appearances by rapper Snoop Dogg and comedian Jamie Foxx, a memorial concert to Roger Troutman and the best bills featuring talent of the up-and-coming variety.
Starting with the morning Wake Up Show featuring Chino and the ever-horny Clarissa Jenkins, through multiple-mix sets like the midday Digging in the Crates show, to Flashback Fridays, Power 92 has put a lock on its ownership of the Valley's hip-hop airwaves. Meanwhile, the Power 92 van has become a ubiquitous presence on city streets, and the station has reached out to the local community sponsoring appearances by rapper Snoop Dogg and comedian Jamie Foxx, a memorial concert to Roger Troutman and the best bills featuring talent of the up-and-coming variety.
Guided by the shrewd vision of local arts wunderkind Charles Levy, Nita's is a welcome midsize venue in a town with more than its quota of overpriced stadiums and cramped coffee houses. Ever supportive of local talent, Nita's has become a necessary rite of passage for Valley bands looking to graduate from dad's garage to Phoenix's club scene, but Levy's particular genius lies in bringing remarkable talents to the venue's intimate space. Performers who've graced Nita's indoor and outdoor stages in the past year include Mogwai, the Melvins, Joseph Arthur, Wheat, Built to Spill, Calexico, J. Mascis, and Mike Watt, to name but a handful. On one thrilling evening, the generations came together peacefully when Dr. Ralph Stanley played a two-show engagement. Mudhoney opened its (supposed) last set of live shows here while the big portrait of JFK looked on serenely, from its eternal post beside the men's room door. All this, plus the most eclectic jukebox in the Valley (and possibly the world), makes Nita's the place to bring visiting friends, when they ask what there is to hear in this burg.
Guided by the shrewd vision of local arts wunderkind Charles Levy, Nita's is a welcome midsize venue in a town with more than its quota of overpriced stadiums and cramped coffee houses. Ever supportive of local talent, Nita's has become a necessary rite of passage for Valley bands looking to graduate from dad's garage to Phoenix's club scene, but Levy's particular genius lies in bringing remarkable talents to the venue's intimate space. Performers who've graced Nita's indoor and outdoor stages in the past year include Mogwai, the Melvins, Joseph Arthur, Wheat, Built to Spill, Calexico, J. Mascis, and Mike Watt, to name but a handful. On one thrilling evening, the generations came together peacefully when Dr. Ralph Stanley played a two-show engagement. Mudhoney opened its (supposed) last set of live shows here while the big portrait of JFK looked on serenely, from its eternal post beside the men's room door. All this, plus the most eclectic jukebox in the Valley (and possibly the world), makes Nita's the place to bring visiting friends, when they ask what there is to hear in this burg.
Mercy, it's hot, and that can only mean that the spotlight's going up at the Rhythm Room, where co-owner and booker Bob Corritore has been keeping the dirty blue flame lit for nigh onto a decade. The site plays host to legends of the form like R.L. Burnside and Henry Gray, and it also provides a historically rooted training ground for up-and-comers like the Royal Crowns and the North Mississippi All-Stars. With the RR's deep, wide layout and sunken dance floor, it's tough to find a bad seat, and the sound is generally nothing short of superb. The styles encompass swing and jump boogie, Delta blues, rockabilly retro, country slide and acoustic jazz. The variety and range of national acts can lend a happy air of unpredictability: When Southern Culture on the Skids last played the RR, they set up a half-barrel chicken grill in the parking lot for the ticket line and hired an exotic dancer for their road manager's birthday. You just can't put a price on that kind of cool.
Mercy, it's hot, and that can only mean that the spotlight's going up at the Rhythm Room, where co-owner and booker Bob Corritore has been keeping the dirty blue flame lit for nigh onto a decade. The site plays host to legends of the form like R.L. Burnside and Henry Gray, and it also provides a historically rooted training ground for up-and-comers like the Royal Crowns and the North Mississippi All-Stars. With the RR's deep, wide layout and sunken dance floor, it's tough to find a bad seat, and the sound is generally nothing short of superb. The styles encompass swing and jump boogie, Delta blues, rockabilly retro, country slide and acoustic jazz. The variety and range of national acts can lend a happy air of unpredictability: When Southern Culture on the Skids last played the RR, they set up a half-barrel chicken grill in the parking lot for the ticket line and hired an exotic dancer for their road manager's birthday. You just can't put a price on that kind of cool.
