Incoming: John Mayer, The Aquabats, Thrice

Blues pop lover boy John Mayer is heading west.He has recently opted for a more mature look, and over the years his attitude has matured too, and it would seem that he’s also moved on from saying things like, “My dick is sort of like a white supremacist” and that…

Download: Black Harley Riders, “She Wanna Be a Rider”

Though there’s a rich history of African American motorcycle clubs, you’d be forgiven for conjuring up images of burly, bearded white dudes when someone says “Harley rider.” Slick of Hindu Mafia Family knows that, but on Black Harley Riders Volume 1, the Phoenix-based rapper hopes to expand the traditional biker…

Record Heat: Avant-Garde by Brad Dwyer

Yesterday, while cleaning my apartment (too rare an occurrence, lemme tell you) I listened to a recent broadcast of Henry Rollins’ excellent radio show on KCRW. Rollins is a man of many talents: In addition to his excellent program, he writes for our sister paper, LA Weekly, and he tours…

What’s Selling: Rock-It-Man Top Selling Albums

Want to know what new release discs and platters are moving across the Valley at local record stores? We’ve got you covered with another installment of What’s Selling. It isn’t hard to find an excuse to drive up to the city of Flagstaff. The charming community, green trees and patches…

Take Cover: Fate of the Galaxies Cover The Cure

The Cure is a difficult band to cover. Purists will balk at anyone that can’t sing like Robert Smith, but playing Cure songs with your own style is usually a bad idea (just look at what 311 did to “Love Song”). “There’s no reason to tweak a Cure song. You…

Flier of the Week: Valley Fever Quarantine 3

We love us a good ol’ western music roundup! Those faded, sandy western colors on this flier make us long for hours of country music performances. Conveniently, Valley Fever Quarantine 3 will be providing that this week. Grab your cowboy hats and get ready for an entire day of boot-kickin’,…

Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks at Crescent Ballroom, 2/24/12

Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks Crescent Ballroom Friday, February 24 Okay, Phoenix. First, the good news: According to no less an authority than Stephen Malkmus, godfather of slacker cool, genuinely tall and good-looking former frontman of Pavement and current leader of The Jicks, Portland now considers Phoenix a rival city…

DanceMission at Madison Event Center, 2/24/12

DanceMission with 12th Planet and more Madison Event Center Friday, February 24 Not to be too dramatic, but I probably suffered some permanent hearing damage last night while watching 12th Planet. It would take a doctor to confirm (perhaps even Doctor P), but there’s been a constant ringing in my…

Reckless Kelly at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, 2/24/12

Reckless Kelly Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill Friday, February 24, 2012 Friday night took the record for the most double-fisting I’ve ever seen. Packing beers, the crowd seemed restless, up on their feet and screaming even before Reckless Kelly took the stage. As soon as the Austin-based…

Alejandra Guzmán at Comerica Theatre, 2/24/12

Alejandra Guzmán Comerica Theatre Friday, February 24 When we think of rock ‘n’ roll superstars, Alejandra Guzmán’s name doesn’t regularly come to mind, but it should. For the past 20 years, the Mexican rock singer has reigned as Latin America’s “Queen of Rock,” and on Friday, Guzmán showed a packed…

7 Seconds and More Added to Punk Rock Bowling Lineup

Today is a big day for fans of Las Vegas, punk, and/or bowling. The full lineup for the 14th Annual Punk Rock Bowling and Music Festival will come out sometime today. We’re guessing it’s going to happen in the afternoon since three-day passes go on sale today at 1 p.m…

Span Phly Drops Third Free Album in Spy vs Spy Series

In these cash-strapped days, music listeners can always do with a good free download. Since March 2010 local rapper Span Phly has been churning out a series of collaborative free-to-youn EPs. Spy vs. Spy Vol. 1 dropped first two years ago and featured LOST of The Council Productions, and Random…

Mallory Kregle, What Are You Listening To?

Mallory Kregle Kregle is one of the FOX Sports Arizona Girls. Check them out on Facebook here. When you put your key in the ignition and turn on the radio, what station would play right now? Usually 104.7 KISS-FM. Other than that, I usually have my iPod plugged in. There’s…

Farewell, My Love Releases “Portraits” Music Video

There must be something here in Arizona  that makes our young folks sad and exaggerated, morphing from shy young kids to angular haircut sporting emo rock ‘n’ rollers. We’ve got some high profile acts to call our own: Blessthefall, Eyes Set to Kill, The Maine, and countless others. Is it…