Tune and and Trip Out: Prince Rama to Open for Gang Gang Dance

Kids today, y’know? Thinking that all they need to figure out transcendental psychedelia is a tube of face paint, some Jodorowsky DVDs and a handful of funky -looking mushrooms. Pshaw! They should take a cue from their peers in Prince Rama, a Brooklyn-based act specializing in profoundly psychedelic tuneage. Sisters…

BRAIDS at The Sail In, (9/30/11)

BRAIDS The Sail Inn Friday, September 30, 2011 The thing most interesting about BRAIDS is the band’s ability to create elegant, intricate post-rock without coming off as overtly eccentric. There’s a reason why they engage in a side-stage group-hug before hoping on stage. Crafting music as delicate as theirs requires…

The Zombies at Celebrity Theatre, 9/30/11

The Zombies Celebrity Theatre Friday, September 30, 2011 50 years is a long time. There’s no getting around it — The Zombies, lead by original members Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone, have been at it for a five decades; much longer than the original run of The Zombies, from 1961…

Within These Walls at Nile Theater, 9/24/11 (VIDEO)

Within These Walls Nile Theater Saturday, September 24 Hardcore may have a niche audience, but H2O’s two main messages are universal: 1. “Treat yourself and other people with respect and try to make the world a better place by the fact that you’re in it,” bassist Adam Blake said in…

Rock Allegiance Tour at Mesa Amphitheatre, 9/23/11

Rock Allegiance Tour Mesa Amphitheatre Friday, September 23 Buckcherry, Papa Roach, Puddle of Mudd, and P.O.D. all sharing the bill…what year is this, 2002? In spite of all four artists releasing their biggest hits about ten years ago, all continue to tour and record new music. I for one had…

Manu Chao in Arizona, 9/21/11

Manu Chao The Lot Across From El Portal Restaurant Wednesday, September 21, 2011 Last night’s Manu Chao appearance ended up being more than just a free concert on an empty parking lot across the street from a Mexican restaurant. I mean, those were definitely the basic logistics, but this wasn’t…

Mergence and Quick Henry Unite at Teakwoods Tavern Friday

According to the Facebook event page the bands created, this show is a few months behind, comparing it to, “a baseball rain delay game.” In that case, game on! Mergence and Quick Henry will be rockin’ Teakwoods at Phoenix this Friday, September 23. Lauded for their live performances and groovy…

Kesha at Comerica Theatre, 9/20/11 (VIDEO)

KeshaSeptember 20, 2011Comerica TheatreAfter Kesha’s strong show last summer at Marquee Theatre, it was exciting to see what the young singer would bring to a bigger venue and how she would change up the set. Her past performance had been so impressive, surely the larger space would give her even more to work with. For…

Weekend at Rhythm Room, 9/20/11

“Wait…you know it’s The Weekend, right? Not The Weeknd.” I had a couple people let me know, just to be sure. See, The Weeknd — the project name of Canadian soul singer Abel Tesfaye — has a plenty of hype, and the potential to bring elements of dubstep and chillwave…

Santana at Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion, 9/18/2011

SantanaAshley Furniture HomeStore PavilionSunday, September 18Carlos Santana makes a great argument for vintage rockers. At the ripe age of 64, Santana doesn’t just continue to tour: it’s as though he gets better every year. Going to a Santana concert isn’t about getting crazy; it’s all about a strong appreciation for…

Peelander Z and The Aggrolites at Sail Inn, 9-18-2011

On the drive over to Sail Inn tonight, my roommate asked if he was going to understand Peelander Z. It was a fair question. Though the band formed in New York, it’s made up of four Japanese transplants. “Yes,” I said, they mostly sing in English. “Albeit, English with a…