Category Archives: Uncategorized

I don’t casually toss around the “album of the year” phrase, so when I say something is in the running for that title, even in May, there’s a good chance it’ll stand the test of time. With that in mind, … Continue reading →

It’s a tricky dance, negotiating the terrain of uptempo post-New Wave power-pop. You want to be playful, but you don’t people to taste the cotton-candy. You love Joy Division so much that you can’t help but cover them, but you … Continue reading →

Holiday In Cambodia – Dead Kennedys Okay, last week I asked if there was anything more stupid than the recent spat about Obama’s “bitter” comments. In the last several days, that question has been answered. By far the silliest thing … Continue reading →

Another one of those teaser posts, but I just can’t resist. The new record from Mates of State is due out on May 20, and surely will deserve a lengthy review then. But for now, here’s the lead track. Get … Continue reading →

In the Night – Basia Bulat Basia Bulat‘s record came out last year, but I never really got around to giving it a listen until recently. It turns out to be one of the most comfortable, warm, and hummable records … Continue reading →

A Small Good Thing – Into Flight This track is one of the nicer pieces of ambient rock I’ve heard in quite a while. You’ve got all the usual elements: quiet intro, swirling guitars, a wordless chorus, and layers upon … Continue reading →

Whatever happened to the wave of synth-rock bands? A few years ago, you couldn’t turn around with running into a wall of The Killers, The Bravery, etc. I guess that stuff became passe pretty quickly, which is too bad. I … Continue reading →

Ugh, I am so ready for primary season to be over. And yesterday’s result was almost perfect to maximize the annoyance. If Hillary had won resoundingly, it could have actually signaled the return of a real contest. But instead, she … Continue reading →

I’m moving to Santa Cruz next year to start my Ph.D., so in honor of the area I thought today would be a perfect day to discuss an artist from that area I’ve been meaning to cover for months now. … Continue reading →

White Winter Hymnal – Fleet Foxes I love a song where you can tell exactly what it sounds like just from the title. This effort from Seattle’s Fleet Foxes is just such a song. It’s a gorgeous, warm, and bluesy … Continue reading →