“Who are these guys, anyway?” a photographer standing next to me asks, firing his camera like a machine gun. In front of us, assembled on a small platform, is a five-piece band, glammed-out with feathered hair, studded collars, ornate crosses and skulls, and cloaks of faux fur. I could tell…
Hayley Williams says she’s not leaving Paramore. Even though she sang the hook on B.o.B’s “Airplanes,” one of the biggest songs of the summer, and seems perfectly set up to stop splitting Paramore’s paychecks five ways, you have to take her at her word. Why? Because Paramore is possibly the…
When I was 13 years old, my family and I moved to Arizona from Tennessee, passing through Oklahoma on the drive. Crossing the border from Arkansas into the Sooner State, we broke into a jovial, off-key sing-along. You know that Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma!? The musical’s signature song memorably…
Name: InterpolTitle: InterpolRelease date: September 7Label: Matador The good news is that in the battle of 2010 Joy Division acolytes, Interpol’s new record is miles ahead of the one released earlier this year by Editors. The bad news is, that ain’t sayin’ much. Editors seem to copying Joy Division’s sound…
Grab that box of crayons, sharpen your colored pencils, and dampen your water colors: Tempe rockers Gospel Claws announced a poster coloring contest. Contestants can download the poster, drawn by Jennifer Campbell, here and read up on the official rules here. The quintet will pick their favorite entry on October 10 and use…
When Phoenix metalcore band The Word Alive told a New Times reporter it was “about time” the year-old band got signed it was clear the guys were either really smart or really cocky.It’s apparently the former: The band’s new full-length, Deceiver, landed at #96 on the Billboard Top 100. They’re…
It seems like just yesterday our old pal Psyko Steve was pushing some sort of indie rock bowling event thingy he was trying to put together. Turns out the event was a smashing success — as was its successor — so now we’re looking forward to the The 3rd Annual…
The highly-anticipated new music video for Kings of Leon’s new single “Radioactive” was released this morning. It’s a playful video in which the band and a joyous children’s choir have a picnic next to a barn. As for the song itself, it’s got gospel soul, and it’s catchy as hell…
Song: Devo, “Mongoloid”Context: Editing a feature that tangentially concerns the band for next week. Devo – Mongoloid…
Did anyone see the sign when it comes to the possibility of ever hearing a new Ace of Base album? Not I.Consequence of Sound reports that the Swedish pop group — fondly remembered by all as a 90s ABBA — will be releasing their latest studio album on September 24…
Artist: Ryan Bingham & the Dead HorsesTitle: Junky StarRelease date: August 31Label: Lost HighwayRyan Bingham is one country artist that I’m pulling for. I’d heard his first LP (later repackaged and expanded as Mescalito in 2007) and suitably impressed. On that record, Bingham’s youth was apparent yet he still sounded…
September 14 is a black Friday of sorts for the music world. There is an embarrassment of riches, new release-wise, set for that Meg Tuesday. NPR realizes this, so they’re giving you a head start by offering album streams of 14 albums to be released next Tuesday. Which just so…
Where Bright Lights — as well as Antics and Our Love to Admire — were full of peppy, upbeat indie rock classics, Interpol decidedly slows things down and goes for the artsy effect here, much to the chagrin of some long-time fans. (Myself included). While there are some bright spots…
Paul McGuinness, U2’s manager, is blaming Internet service providers for not working harder to put an end to illegal music downloading, NME reports.However, McGuinness has faith in Spotify, a paid online music subscription service that actually distributes royalties properly.While McGuinness’s argument is completely legitimate, I feel like he’s not taking…
It took Kanye West long enough to give Taylor Swift the musical apology many say he’s owed her for a long time. In fact, it took him almost a year. But finally, the apology has arrived in the form of a song called “Devil in a New Dress.” Surprisingly, he…
Song: Dead Kennedys, “At My Job” Context: After a three day vacay from the salt mines, it’s time to head back to work cubicle drones. And I can think of now better song to embody ennui of the rat race than this hellacious little song from the DK’s Frankenchrist LP…
Kings of Leon is preparing to take over the world on October 19 with the release of their upcoming album, Come Around Sundown.According to Spinner, the album has 13 tracks, with the song “Radioactive” as the first single.Fans will be able to view the music video for “Radioactive” when the…
As you can judge by his answers below, DJ JahMek Selecta can be short and to the point. His music mixes, however, are anything but. Not that’s necessarily a bad thing, as JahMek’s supersized soundscapes (some running upwards of 90 minutes) interweave dub, reggae, electronica, and other genres so adroitly…
Context: Eagerly anticipating tomorrow evening’s You Hang Up performance at Martini Ranch in Scottsdale, which hopefully won’t be canceled by any unforeseen “family emergencies.” TMBG – Boss of Me by fanarchy…
T.I. has been arrested! Already? What took so long? Cue the sad trombone noise. TMZ broke the news early this morning that the Atlanta-born rapper and his wife Tameka “Tiny” Harris were pulled over late last night on Sunset Boulevard by an L.A. County Sheriff for making an illegal U-turn…
The hits, they keep-a-comin’. Seattle’s The Stranger recently conducted a brilliant field test, if you will, which forced four 17-18 year olds to listen to nothing but Bob Dylan for 3 days. Specifically, the youngsters had to listen to Dylan’s exhaustive three disc set Biograph while they packed for college and…
Song: Smashing Pumpkins, “Rhinoceros” Context: In honor of those who souls who landed tickets from KUPD for tonight’s gig by Billy Corgan and his merry band of no-talents Smashing Pumpkins in Scottsdale. The Smashing Pumpkins – Rhinoceros by Itubaina Radio Retro…
