Ruts are normal. Nowhere is this truer than in art, where it’s easier to be a follower than a leader. So it is that metal and hardcore, which broke out of the morass of their longtime heavily scripted, regimented styles by cross-pollinating, have slid back into predictability after a brief…
Fact: Phoenix has a lot more gigging local bands than anyone realizes. Even you, Mr. Hipster Who Really Cares About the Local Scene. I don’t care who you think you are — you’ve never heard of half the local bands playing out in a given week. Thing is, a lot…
America responded with a collective “Well, of course!” when Lady Gaga formally announced herself in 2008. Overnight success is a myth, but then again, Gaga’s first two singles, “Just Dance” and “Poker Face,” both hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, she’s worn red latex to meet…
Are you interested in seeing Calexico, Miniature Tigers, Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkesta, Big Son (featuring Sam Means of The Format and Jeff and Chris of Reubens Accomplice), Sand Rubies, Kinch, and more for free?Yes?Are you sure?OK, you can, and all you have to do is pledge to vote on…
Artist: The Goodnight LovingTitle: Supper ClubRelease date: July 20Label: DirtnapSo, this Milwaukee band was supposed to play in Tempe on Saturday night. I’d seen on the Goner Records message board earlier this summer that they were touring the West and needed a Phoenix gig, so I set them up at…
Phoenix music fans hoping for a little relief from The Soundstrike in the wake of Judge Susan Bolton’s decision to issue a temporary injunction blocking parts of the law are going to be disappointed.The boycott is still on, says group representative Javier Gonzalez.From a statement released by the group within…
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. Are Tokio Hotel fans more crazy than the band is lame, or vice-versa? How did last…
Song: Japandroids, “The Boys Are Leaving Town” Context: None, just a great song. Japandroids – The Boys Are Leaving Town by TheFilthyTab…
It doesn’t matter the band got up out of the Valley and moved to New York last year–the Miniature Tigers were welcomed back into Phoenix with open arms, as they celebrated the release of their sophomore album, Fortress, at Rhythm Room with a sold-out crowd.The energy seemed positive, as the…
When Arnold Schwarzenegger became the governator in California, and Jesse Ventura was elected to the same post in Minnesota, it became publicly apparent that the lines would be forever blurred between entertainers and should-be serious politicians. No longer is a famous person tied to their single field for their lifetime…
As we inch closer towards the inevitable shit-show that will be Wednesday, July 29, Phoenix music fans can take solace in the fact that cartoon supergroup Gorillaz have booked an October date at the Dodge Theatre.The “Escape to Plastic Beach” world tour will hit 17 U.S. destinations — starting in…
Tool singer Maynard James Keenan’s side project Puscifer has released a soundtrack to the documentary about his winery. Sound Into Blood Into Wine compiles 12 tracks that accompany Blood Into Wine and will be available September 7, the same day the film comes out on DVD.Most of the tracks are actually…
Song: Miniature Tigers, “Tropical Birds”Context: Mini T’s release Fortress at Rhythm Room tonight — offering you the chance to see a real live Rock & Roll Mountain Troll. Miniature Tigers – Tropical Birds by ashesofcolor…
Artist: MenomenaTitle: MinesRelease date: July 27Label: BarsukMenomena is a band from Portland, Oregon, that is often described as experimental rock. They’re not. Actually, they’re more conventional than that label might lead you to believe — and that’s a good thing. In fact, at times on their new record, Mines, they…
That’s right — I went from the excitement of knowing I was going to see The Coral perform live to settling for Dick Valentine and his merry band of dipshits.All unfairness aside, Butterfly House, the sixth album from guitar rock revivalists The Coral, finds the band matured from their raw,…
Every time you turn around, it seems like Glee has found another way to make headlines, while simultaneously luring in unsuspecting youth and sterilizing everything about music culture for them. Our writers have just about had enough of them, and yet, the show finds another way to take something that…
The Love Me Nots have scrapped all remaining 2010 tour dates after singer Nicole Laurenne was diagnosed with breast cancer. The problem turned up during a routine exam and the prognosis is good after surgery, says a press release from the band’s label.While concerts have been canceled, the band will…
Song: Barenaked Ladies, “Pinch Me”Context: Last night’s BNL show reminded me how much I like this song. Barenaked Ladies – Pinch Me by user5865792…
Artist: Best CoastTitle: Crazy for YouRelease date: July 27Label: Mexican SummerAnd the award for most insufferable indie-pop star of 2010 goes to . . . the singer of Best Coast, Bethany-something-or-other. I’d heard a lot of good things about the debut full-length by this California garage-pop act, and this record is…
When glam metal exploded on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip in the early 1980s it was one of the most important cultural happenings in the last 50 years. Quiet Riot had kicked down the door for bands the likes of Motley Crüe, Poison, Cinderella, Ratt and — of course — Guns…
Some birds finally did what we’ve all been saying to Kings of LeonOne of life’s most basic teachings is that shit happens. Something might just happen out of one’s control to the point where they must simply throw up their arms and proclaim, “shit.” It’s an inevitable part of life…
NPR’s All Things Considered ran a story about musicians boycotting Arizona over SB 1070 called “Sound Strike’ Targets Arizona Immigration Law” yesterday.The story includes soundbites from Alycia Klein, the general manager of Celebrity Theatre, local promoter Psyko Steve Chilton, Yolanda Bejarano of Snow Songs and, ahem, me. Hear the show…
