Michael Jackson’s music will always be timeless, which is why it’s time for the world to listen to a new MJ album full of “newly completed recordings.””A new album from the King of Pop? So what?” you’re saying. So what? Michael, the upcoming album of MJ hits, will include the…
Name: Sean Essex AKA: eSSicCS Current club gigs: Giant Wednesdays at 910 Live once or twice a month, and on Fridays at Cream Stereo Lounge and Afterlife in Scottsdale. How did you get started as a DJ? I got started because electronic music just overcame me. When I first listened…
Artist: SalemTitle: King NightRelease date: October 26Label: IamsoundThere’s a little town in Michigan called Traverse City, about 2 1/2 hours due north of my hometown of Grand Rapids. Traverse City is, more or less, the northernmost town of considerable size before you get to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, as…
Song: Coconut Records, “West Coast” Context: I’m apparently the last man on earth to realize Jason Schwartzman’s musical project Coconut Records is actually pretty awesome. What a great song. West Coast- Coconut Records by gagowyou…
Bethany Cosentino, vocalist of the pop band Best Coast, says her band radiates lo-fi California warmth. Best Coast is perfecting the sounds of sunshine, and they’re working with producer Bobb Bruno, king of the Los Angeles underground scene. The band has been busting out catchy singles since 2009 and hasn’t…
You better believe running a half-marathon or marathon is pretty dang challenging. And sometimes, the only way to get through those 13.1 or 26.2 miles is a little musical motivation to get those feet a-churning. With the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon, more than 60 local bands…
Weezy is finally a free man, according to Pitchfork.Lil Wayne, whose real name is Wayne Carter, was imprisoned at New York City’s Riker’s Island for having a loaded gun on his tour bus in Manhattan in 2009. He pleaded guilty when he was charged.He was only required to serve eight…
So much for the Southern California sun. The rain has been pouring for days, clogging the freeways and prompting tornado warnings. But here at Best Coast singer Bethany Cosentino’s home in Los Angeles’ Eagle Rock neighborhood, it’s warm. She sits on a couch and pets her now-famous Garfield doppelganger, Snacks,…
I am not going to lie to you: I don’t really like Bad Religion. In fact, I am an atheist, so I don’t like any religion. I do like the band Bad Religion’s logo, though. If you haven’t seen it, it’s pretty simple — just a black cross in a…
As far as American cities and music go, Miami is underrated. While Pitbull and Rick Ross have done their part to represent their hometown (if only by endlessly repeating its area code), music falls way down the list of things we associate with South Florida. There’s certainly plenty of pop…
Artist: Matt & KimTitle: SidewalksRelease date: November 2Label: FaderI suppose I should mention up front that I didn’t like Tears for Fears in 1985 and I still don’t 25 years later, even in a nostalgic sense. So it stands to reason that I have little use for Matt & Kim…
This week, New Times ran a list in our print publication highlighting some of the most interesting posts published at Up On The Sun over the past week. Here are links to those posts.Did Never Shout Never singer Christofer Drew mean to diss his band in his interview with New…
Gucci Mane had a good time on the road in the ATL yesterday, according to All Hip Hop. Taking after T.I., are we, Gucci? Both were arrested for traffic violations just months after doing time for a year. Who’s next, 50 Cent?Gucci, whose real name is Radric Davis, had a…
None, however, hold a candle to the upcoming December 8 Wu-Tang Clan show. Billed as a “reunion show” — a difficult accomplishment since founding member/media darling Russell “Ol’ Dirty Bastard” Jones passed away almost six years ago — their Celebrity Theatre gig will be interesting, to say the least. While…
Song: Barbra Streisand, “Send in the Clowns” [Live]Context: Today’s soundtrack is dedicated to John Boehner. And to the spineless Democrats in California who failed to back Prop 19. And to the people of Iowa who removed the Supreme Court justices responsible for the state’s landmark gay marriage decision. And to…
Artist: Gospel Claws Title: C-L-A-W-S Release date: October 26 Label: Common Wall Media Gospel Claws are a local band (Tempe, I’ve been told) that is currently enjoying a little bit of national exposure, residing in a reasonably high position on some relatively obscure indie-rock-tallying chart. I’m glad somebody’s listening because…
Song: David Guetta featuring Kid Cudi, “Memories”Context: What’s the better current hit single called “Memories,” this one from French house producer David Guetta or the song by Weezer? Actually, here’s a better question: Why has no one mashed them together yet? David Guetta – Memories by larsvoogsgeerd…
The dance-punk DIY-ers are back at it today with the release of their third album, Sidewalks. “Cameras,” the album’s lead single, was released in late August and features some funk-riffic horns mixed with pounding drums. Matt & Kim are in a solid stride from their last album, 2009’s Grand and…
William Fucking Reed, and the other DJs behind Sticky Fingers have decided to wash their hands of Rips. They’re leaving behind the vintage dive bar, which has served as the original home of the trendy rock ‘n’ roll dance night since it launched back in April, and headed for the…
Disney star and Joe Jonas’ former girlfriend Demi Lovato has checked herself into a treatment center, according to Pop Eater.Lovato felt that seeking help was important enough to drop her tour schedule. The 18-year-old was on tour with the Jonas Brothers. She’s getting help with “emotional and physical issues she…
It looks like Christofer Drew has crushed the hearts of thousands of girls across the country.Since Up on the Sun last talked to Drew in this totally true interview (which Drew Tweeted himself), where he announced he’s moving on from his current pop project Never Shout Never to form the…
Artist: Elvis Costello Title: National Ransom Release date: November 2 Label: Hear Music I really wish it weren’t the case, but I’d have to file the new record by Elvis Costello under “For Completists Only” (of which I’m sure there many when it comes to Elvis Costello fans). If you…
