Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti: Before Today

What I have noticed about Before Today is that it is an absolute grower of an album — a piece of music that gets right under your skin in all the best ways after repeated listens. Ariel Pink’s genius — and yes, I mean genius — is splattered all over…

Blitzen Trapper: Destroyer of the Void

Artist: Blitzen TrapperTitle: Destroyer of the VoidRelease date: June 8Label: Sub PopDon’t be surprised if Blitzen Trapper starts another Grateful Dead revival. We’re probably overdue for another one, anyway. It’s not that BT is a proper jam band, but they have that same dry, folky country rock that the Dead…

Jimmy Eat World: Sweetness (Double ‘n’ mix)

Song: Jimmy Eat World, “Sweetness (Double ‘n’ mix)”Context: There’s never a bad time to listen to the Best Local Band in Phoenix (according to The Arizona Republic). Jimmy eat world – Sweetness (Double ‘n’ mix) by new now…

The Melvins: The Bride Screamed Murder

Artist: The MelvinsTitle: The Bride Screamed MurderRelease date: June 1Label: IpecacTo me, The Melvins have always been one of those bands that more people say they like than actually listen to. Could be wrong, but that’s my perception. I certainly respect their longevity (they’ve been around damn near 30 years),…

Juggalo Science Fair This Weekend, My Ninjas

The fine people at San Francisco non-profit Noisebridge — described as “an infrastructure provider for technical-creative projects, collaboratively run by its members” — are dedicating their Saturday evening to tackle some of the more stymying concepts described in the greatest song ever recorded, Insane Clown Posse’s “Miracles.” Their science fair…

William S. Burroughs Documentary to Be Released by a Beastie Boy

We all know that people are multi-dimensional, and cannot be defined by one singular act or piece of art that they produce. Having said this, it’s hard to imagine that the same guy who sings “Hey Ladies” would be interested in a documentary on William S. Burroughs. Adam Yauch, the…

Tim McGraw Brings the Sexy to Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Who cares if you can sing as long as you’re as hot as Tim McGraw, right? That seemed to be the sentiment of most of the fans at the McGraw/Lady Antebellum show last night at Cricket Wireless Pavilion, as comments about the man’s good looks were just as prevalent as…

Katrina and the Waves: Walking On Sunshine

Song: Katrina and the Waves, “Walking On Sunshine”Context: A press release reminds me of the song, a delightful of little 80’s pop ditty made even better by a memorable appearance in High Fidelity. Listening in from the current milieu, much of K&tW’s work really seems to anticipate indie rock in…

Crystal Castles: Crystal Castles

Artist: Crystal CastlesTitle: Crystal Castles IIRelease date: May 25Label: FictionExactly 36 seconds into the new record by Crystal Castles, I said to myself, “This is way fucking better than Sleigh Bells.”I’m sure many of you are saying, “Quit being an asshole about Sleigh Bells; why do you feel you have…

From Print: Blogs Teased in Our 6/3 Issue

This week, New Times ran a box 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. How was Brian Wilson’s show in Scottsdale? What does Pearl Jam’s protest song about the oil…

The Pixies Coming to Mesa Ampitheatre

The Pixies are coming to town. Punknews is reporting that the band will play Mesa Amphitheatre on September 24 as part of a smallish tour. That means you will soon have the chance to be underwhelmed by the band’s show in person.I’ve come to believe that being unimpressed by The…

Insane Juggalos, 50 Cent, and More in This Week’s Issue

This week’s music feature traces the sociological lineage of Juggalos — the bizarre, and cultish fans of Insane Clown Posse. Craig Outhier gives ethnomusicologists a head start by pointing out some of the defining characteristics of the Juggalos, and exactly from where their traditions originated.We also take a look at…

Zac Brown Band, “Chicken Fried”

Song: Zac Brown Band, “Chicken Fried”Context: I’m really looking forward to trying Chick-fil-A’s new spicy chicken sandwich today. I made the ‘reservation’ over a week ago, and am thrilled the day is finally here. Chicken Fried by regross67…