Things are about to get real religious up in here, thanks to a just announced Amy Grant show this coming February.Other artists may have released their own successful Christmas albums in the past, but Grant’s 1992 yuletide juggernaut Home For Christmas resides in the upper echelon of holiday albums –…
Artist: Daft Punk Title: Tron Legacy (Original Soundtrack) Release date: December 7 Label: Walt Disney Records I’m a little surprised by the buzz surrounding the release of a soundtrack to a Disney movie. I understand that the kids love the helmeted French house duo Daft Punk and that said act…
Song: Matt & Kim, “Cameras” (Mike D Remix) Context: I’m not sure I actually like this version of Matt & Kim’s new single by Beastie Boy Mike D, but I salute his effort to bring attention to the Brooklyn duo. Matt & Kim – Cameras (Mike D Remix) by mattandkim…
Just when you thought Phoenix pop/rock band The Maine couldn’t push themselves any further as a band (they already have their own keepsake book and imprint label), the group has managed to make it into the movie business, with their new short film, In Darkness and In Light. They’re screening…
It seems Gillis’ recent performances this past weekend in Pittsburgh have a broader influence than many realized. The resolution cites that Gillis “now resides in the Polish Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh,” as well as having “recently opening the new Stage AE club and amphitheater with two sold out performances.” Gillis’…
Looks like Dweezil Zappa did his dad, Frank, proud last night at the Comerica Theatre. He and his Zappa Plays Zappa tribute band played a massive 2 1/2-hour set, including Frank’s entire Apostrophe (‘) album for a crowd full of both older and younger Zappa fans. Here’s what they had…
No, this album is not a thumping, ode-to-late-1990s-techno banger, as the kids say. Tron Legacy is, first and foremost, a film score. It is Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Cristo trying to weave a narrative with an 85-piece orchestra. There is a clear electronic influence over the soundtrack, but Bangalter…
Consider yourself lucky if you got to see Gorillaz on tour this year. The band has announced that they might be through with playing huge shows, according to NME.The band can’t “keep going at this size and pace,” Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn said. He says he feels that the band…
Minibosses have been doing their annual Shotfest concert for four years now. That’s a little surprising since the concert, which features local bands doing a shot before each song they play, probably should have sent someone to the hospital by now…Shotfest 4: The Quest For Peace (it’s a play on…
Artist: The Parting Gifts Title: Strychnine Dandelions Release date: November 9 Label: In the Red Last week, I didn’t have many good things to say about the new record from Kanye West. This morning, a white co-worker walked into my office and said, “I read what you said about Kanye…
PHOENIX – (June 30, 2011) After nearly two decades of hosting concerts and sporting events, the US Airways Center was completely and utterly destroyed this evening by what is being described as a “gigantic black hole of suck.” According to witness reports, at approximately 7:30 p.m. this evening, the 19-year-old…
Song: Janelle Monáe, “Cold War”Context: Getting caught up on best of 2010 albums. Paste put Monáe’s The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III) at #2. Feels like a reach to me so far. Janelle Monáe – Cold War…
American Idol winner Jordin Sparks will throw herself a huge 21st birthday bash at The Compound Grill in Phoenix on Wednesday, December 22. Yes, the Grammy nominated Sparks will be legal a few days before Christmas, and the NoPho venue will celebrate with a party featuring music from Micah, Jon…
Ever wondered where Melodic Power Metal came from or which bands actually play that kind of metal? How about the origins of Crossover Thrash, Grindcore or Speed Metal?Graphic designer Patrick Galbraith and metal historian Nick Grant’s Map of Metal has all of that covered. The interactive map plots out just…
Tempe should get ready for another bangin’ St. Patrick’s Day show, according to Consequence of Sound. In honor of their 17th annual tour, Flogging Molly have announced their six-week Irish “Green 17” tour.Gear up to be jolly and get pitted for the greenest concert of the year, Luckyman’s St. Patrick’s…
Local hip-hop website PhoenixHipHop.net posted the nominees for its 2010 Online Hip-Hop Awards this weekend. Unlike those stingy bastards at the Grammy Awards, who only dole out five nominations per category, Phoenix Hip-Hop errs on the side of inclusiveness, with just about everyone who’s done anything in local hip-hop this…
Artist: Kanye West Title: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Release date: November 22 Label: Roc-A-Fella Fitting, perhaps, that Kanye West’s new record, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, is one of the final 15 or so new records that I’ll be listening to before this Nothing Not New project turns out…
Song: The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, “The One”Context: I’m always a sucker for a nice, sappy/fuzzy indie pop song like the new single from The Pains of Being Pure At Heart. Their new record, Belong, is due early next year and should be a treat. The Pains of…
It pissed me off so much when MGMT didn’t play their hit song “Kids” at Coachella this year, and I’m sure plenty of other people weren’t too pleased either. Right before Coachella, MGMT released their album Congratulations, which a lot of music lovers weren’t particularly crazy about. Most of MGMT’s…
Britney Spears will be releasing a new album in March 2011, according to Idolator.She had originally announced an eariler release date but tweeted (@britneyspears) yesterday, “I’m almost done with my new album and it will be coming out this March. I AM IN L-O-V-E WITH IT!”Great, just great. Come March,…
You won’t catch Tim Neilson (a.k.a. DJ Johnny Volume) loading up the latest Death to the Throne remix or fiddling with Serrato on his iBook during any of the 35-year-old’s gigs. Nope, this old schooler’s tools are much simpler: Two turntables and a shitload of records. While we’ve never had…
Artist: Sharon Van Etten Title: Epic Release date: September 21 Label: Ba Da Bing! If you’re relatively unknown as a musical artist, as is Sharon Van Etten, and you name your record Epic, you’d better be damn sure your record doesn’t suck. The good news for Van Etten is that…
