Music
Blogocracy
Music blogs transfer taste-making from the elites to the masses, but some blogs are more equal than others
It’s no secret that times are tough for music magazines. Ever since the Internet, music fans have been shifting the ways in which they learn about music. Music blogs, with their ability to deliver much more than words, seem to be at the forefront of that exploration. Whether they are simple, one-man operations or fully staffed online companies, music blogs give everybody a voice.
Read More »Of wallabies, rodents and the triumphant return of glam metal
When I think of intriguing live music encounters of the ’80s kind, I don’t usually consider The Monte Carlo. My opinion changes with this week’s lineup of former new waver/Men at Work frontman Colin Hay (July 30) and L.A. glam-metal act Ratt (Aug. 5).
Read More »CD Reviews
- Stornoway Beachcomber’s Windowsill (4AD)
- Los Lobos Tin Can Trust (Shout! Factory)
- Liz Phair Funstyle (Self-released)
- The Innocence Mission My Room in the Trees (Badman)
- Klaus Schulze Volumes III and IV (Revisisted/SPV)
- Arcade Fire The Suburbs (Merge)
Punk from the pages of Blue Vegas
Portland punkers Attack Ships on Fire have performed at Double Down Saloon in Las Vegas more than a few times in recent years. The band loves the bar so much they included a terrific tribute song called, well, “Double Down”—in honor of the world-famous watering hole—on the 2009 album Punches Are Free. (My favorite lyrical couplet: “The Ass Juice is tempting/Insurance I’m taking.”) Actually, there’s been several Double Down songs written and recorded over the years by punk bands, but even the bar’s owner and published author P Moss recognizes that the one composed by Attack Ships on Fire is “definitely the best.”
Read More »CD Reviews
- Perfume Genius Learning (Matador)
- Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse Dark Night of the Soul (EMI)
- Kylie Minogue Aphrodite (Parlophone)
Death metal and dirt-digging bandmates
I love it when an obscure, kickass band attempts to sneak in and out of Vegas, only to be caught in the white-hot spotlight of yours truly, the Soundscraper. So trust me when I say the first of four bands (which include Thrice, Kevin Devine and Bad Veins) playing House of Blues on July 18 (all-ages, 6 p.m., $17-$21) should not be missed. They’re called The Dig, and their 25-minute set of dark, brooding, synth-punched rock will be tighter than a gnat’s chuff. Here’s why:
Read More »L.A. Story
Silversun Pickups talk about their new record, new tour and the origin of their name
The four-piece indie rock outfit Silversun Pickups hail from the funky, artsy neighborhood of Silver Lake in Los Angeles. But during this interview they are in Detroit waiting for sound-check. It’s just another stop on a tour in support of their sophomore effort, Swoon, which will also bring them through Las Vegas to play The Joint at the Hard Rock on July 16.
Read More »Remix Revolution
Our guide to good remixes and five new songs for the summer
The remix has changed dance music forever. Just try to imagine a DJ set without those catchy bits and pieces of popular songs scattered throughout the madness of the music. It’s nearly impossible because remixes have become an essential tool in helping a DJ craft a personal style.
Read More »Country (Saloon) Girl
Best thing about local music promoter/Pigasus bassist Roxie Amoroso? She’s never hung up on the past and keeps a positive outlook about the future of live music in Vegas.
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CD Reviews
- Blue Giant Blue Giant
- Sun Kil Moon Admiral Fell Promises
- Alejandro Escovedo Street Songs of Love
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