Critic's Notebook

“Reined in” are words that probably haven’t been used to describe music by Slipknot, the costume-clad kings of noise. Lead singer Corey Taylor chuckles after he catches himself using that phrase in reference to Slipknot’s forthcoming album, Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses. “The album is a really good amalgam of…

A year ago, L.A.-based producer/DJ Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton probably couldn’t have imagined doing a track for Jay-Z, hip-hop’s Frank Sinatra. Neither could Jay-Z, as it turns out. Instead, Burton made an irresistible album with Brooklyn MC Jemini (hip-hop’s Mel Torm?) and called it Ghetto Pop Life, which was appropriate,…

So far, it’s been mostly disaffected techno kids who have been conjuring up this ’80s renaissance that we’re enjoying (or is it a Dark Ages that we’re mired in?). The Lovemakers, on the other jelly-braceleted hand, come out of Oakland, California’s indie rock scene, and present themselves more as a…

Phoenix once again welcomes one of the 20 regional Technics/DMC World DJ Championship rounds, the first stop on the path to the world title for scratch fanatics. You already know the names of past world champions — Mixmaster Mike, Q-Bert, Swamp, Craze — but if you want to check out…

The Neon Philharmonic can blame its commercial failure on the same malignant spirit that regularly sends the catchiest, craftiest stuff skidding into the bargain bin of history. Only “Morning Girl” made it onto the radio (#17, 1969), and it’s a vivid summary of the style: orchestral pop in the mode…

Top 10 sellers at Zia Record Exchange (3851 East Thunderbird Road, 602-482-3119) for April 26 through May 2: 1. Various Artists, Rock Against Bush (Fat Wreck Chords) 2. Fear Factory, Archetype (Liquid 8) 3. D12, D12 World (Shady Records) 4. Kottonmouth Kings, Fire It Up (Suburban Noize) 5. Modest Mouse,…

A new monthly Brit Pop/indie/New Wave night, Trash!, debuts this Saturday with a maudlin splash, previewing the new full-length LP by mope master Morrissey, titled You Are the Quarry. Trash!, unlike most dance nights around the ‘Nix, will feature live bands at each installment, along with DJ Manchester’s Cockney sound…

With 2002’s Medicated Magic, this group of ebullient New Orleans R&B vets broke through to a new audience hungry for the type of traditional sounds peddled by young musical neocons like Norah Jones (who actually contributed vocals to the disc’s “Ruler of My Heart”); the Brass Band’s party-hearty jazz-funk isn’t…

The Cold Vein, New York hip-hop duo Cannibal Ox’s 2001 debut, served as a kind of lightning rod in the battle between underground and mainstream hip-hop that’s ravaged the form since approximately 1612. Packed with MCs Vast Aire and Vordul Megilah’s hyper-textual braggadocio and produced by Def Jux honcho El-P,…

While other New York bands write historical fiction based in the smoky barrooms of the New Wave era, French Kicks are engaged in a romantic fantasy that takes place in the studio. Indie music, much less rock in general, is rarely so produced and resolutely hi-fi as The Trial of…

Fifty years from now, when some young rapper’s delivering Eminem’s introduction speech at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, he or she will no doubt celebrate Marshall Mathers’ nearly unparalleled knack for conflating the comedic and the tragic. Maybe the Hall will even screen 8 Mile with a…

Two years ago, Ms. Holland sat in her bedroom with a couple of friends to demo up a couple of sophisticated folk tunes and make a CD she could sell from the edge of the stage at gigs. She called it Catalpa, and her fans quickly began burning copies and…

CLUBS ACME Roadhouse: In its original Scottsdale location, ACME catered to Harley-Davidson weekend warriors. In its new Tempe incarnation, it entertains the college set with dancing and, on Saturdays, local rock bands. Dance space is at a minimum, but there’s plenty of room for other social rites. Sun: Live music…

Displaying more Southern hospitality than in his other gig with south-of-the-border escapists Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, former Dead Hot Workshop and Ghetto Cowgirl guitarist Steve Larson has plenty of answers for those of you pondering “what’s so good about being a good ol’ boy?” Striking a vocal resemblance to…

Phoenix trip-hop gurus Lulu in Hollywood lay down a tempting vibe when they’re not subconsciously attempting to turn their music into math equations on Bedlams, their second album. Dark lyrics grace jazz veteran Syl’s loungey saxophone lines and Michael Wheeler’s space-age hip-hop keys, which are sifted through the break beat…

Singer Jamie Monistat VII takes his name from a vaginal cream. The drummer goes by the equally crass moniker Hugh Jass. The band’s name, of course, is a take on the Waco cult tragedy of a decade ago, and its album art takes a not-so-subtle dig at former Attorney General…

Music, like everything else, came to an uneasy standstill this week in light of the East Coast terrorist attacks. Among the major changes to the local concert calendar were the postponement of Blink 182’s September 13 Mesa Amphitheater show (the concert has been rescheduled for the 20th), while tickets sales…

In July, Bash & Pop reported that a release was imminent for Sonoran Hope and Madness, the second studio effort from Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. Now comes word that the disc — originally slated for an early October street date — will be shelved until after the new year.”It’ll…

How do you write a eulogy for a building? It’s a question that’s been asked fairly often in recent months, as we’ve been forced to mourn the loss of myriad local landmarks and nightspots here in the Valley. One of my long-held suspicions is that most journalists relish the opportunity…

After a two-week trip out of state — that’s right, Bash & Pop has ho’s in different area codes — we returned to New Times’ offices greeted by an avalanche of packages and e-mails. While sorting through the mess of corrugated envelopes and eye-glazing correspondence, we happened upon a couple…

Local AC/DC cover band TNT is getting some (big-ball-size) love from the object of its worship. Last fall, members of AC/DC’s road crew — in town for the band’s show at America West Arena — managed to catch TNT’s pre-concert set at Jackson’s downtown. They were sufficiently impressed to invite…