Sufjan Stevens: The Age of Adz

As always, with such a creative leap forward, Adz is not without its controversy. But an album like Adz is what keeps both critics and the public on their toes, forcing them to shift their mindset to adjust to Stevens’ new work.What the rest of the critics are saying:…

The Old 97’s: The Grand Theatre, Volume One

Artist: The Old 97’sTitle: The Grand Theatre, Volume OneRelease date: October 12Label: New WestThe Old 97’s hold a special place in my heart. Back in 1998, they very nearly singlehandedly shook me out of post-breakup depression. After a couple of months of moping, I drove to Chicago from my home…

E-40 – The Server

Song: E-40, “The Server”Context: E-40 will be at Marquee Theatre tonight with Tech N9ne. This is the first single off E’s new album Revenue Retrievin’: Night Shift…

Jack Johnson Plays Under the Stars at Cricket Wireless Pavilion

@tekakwitha​Jack Johnson may be one of the most mellow artists around, but his show at Cricket Wireless Pavilion last night got people on their feet for a full 2-hour-long performance. He even hooked a lucky couple up with a concert marriage proposal–that’s sure to be a great memory. Here is…

Cee-Lo Gives a Big ‘F*ck You’ to the Music Industry

It turns out that Cee-Lo Green’s song “F*ck You” isn’t about a girl at all, but rather about the music industry, according to NME.”I was in a place where subconsciously, my ‘f*ck you’ was aimed at the industry itself,” Cee-Lo told NME. “You have to be kind, you have to…

Deerhunter: Halcyon Digest

Artist: DeerhunterTitle: Halcyon DigestRelease date: September 28Label: 4ADLove this record. Totally unfamiliar with the band’s previous output but was under the impression they were a confrontational, noisy, quasi-experimental outfit. Turns out, Deerhunter are pure pop. Granted, it’s art-damaged pop, but it sounds fantastic. Like a thousand other bands you’ve heard…

Phantogram – Turn It Off

​Song: Phantogram, “Turn It Off” Context: Electronica duo Phantogram performs at Rips Ales & Cocktails (note, Stateside Presents says that’s a “*NEW VENUE*”) tonight. Phantogram – Turn It Off by TNastee…

Kanye West: Still the Busiest Mofo in America

Kanye West has been in music news nearly every day for the past week. You’d think this guy was taking over the world or something.’Ye has been releasing a new track every week on his Twitter (@kanyewest) and has named the weekly occasion G.O.O.D. Fridays. Collaborations have included Chris Brown,…

Toni Braxton Up to Her Eyes in Unbelievable Debt

R&B singer Toni Braxton has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy again, according to TMZ. She owes between $10 million and $50 million.The companies to which she is indebted include Tiffany & Co., AT&T, The Four Seasons Hotels, and Neiman Marcus. Maybe diamonds aren’t a girl’s best friend after all.On top…

The Walkmen: Lisbon

Artist: The WalkmenTitle: LisbonRelease date: September 14Label: Fat PossumIt hit me about halfway through my first listen of the new album by The Walkmen: The singer sounds a lot like Billy Squier. You know who I’m talking about, right? He sang “The Stroke” and “Everybody Wants You” and danced around…

Dodge Theatre is Now Called Comerica Theatre

​Phoenix’s biggest theater has a new name.Live Nation, the concert promoter who owns the building at 400 West Washington Street formerly known as Dodge Theatre, issued a press release today saying we are henceforth to refer to the 5,000 seat venue as Comerica Theatre.In keeping with longstanding Phoenix tradition “Theatre”…

Jimmy Eat World’s Invented Hits Number 11 on Billboard Chart

​Internationally successful multi-platinum recording artists Local band Jimmy Eat World just missed a top ten hit on Billboard’s album chart with their new record, Invented, which debuted at number 11 this week. Jimmy Eat World has toured the world for nearly 20 years and is signed to DGC/Interscope lives in…

Matt and Kim Play Cheerful Set at Clubhouse Music Venue

@ChristaSauce MATT & KIM FUCK YEAAAA ​You couldn’t escape the smiles at the Matt and Kim show at Clubhouse Music Venue last night. The duo is notorious for their super-cheerful sets, and last night’s was no different, as the band inspired the sold-out crowd to dance and sing along. They…

Tom Petty – Girl On LSD

Song: Tom Petty, “Girl On LSD”Context: Tom Petty’s rescheduled show at US Airways Center is tonight. I totally forgot he did this song. It’s a great one, wonder if he still plays it anymore? Girl on LSD – Tom Petty…

Bono Kind of Trying to Help Africa

Bono has gone back to aiding Africa again. Well, sort of. According to NME, Bono has partnered with Louis Vuitton to produce an African-inspired clothing line. He’s connecting the project to his clothing line, Edun. “We are excited to draw attention to the new mood in Africa, which is positive…

Caribou’s Dance-y New Sound Is a Risk

For Dan Snaith, the mastermind behind Canadian electronic outfit Caribou, 2010 has been a busy year, starting with the release of his critically acclaimed album Swim in April and a subsequent spring tour. Never one to slow down, Snaith has embarked on yet another tour to promote Swim. His massive…