Not sure what to make of the ridiculously hyped M.I.A.? NME is offering her debut Arular as a free high-res RealAudio stream. I’m still not sure what to make of it, but that’s a good thing. Definitely worth the bandwidth.
In describing his 8.6 Arular rating, Pitchfork’s Scott Plagenhoef writes “it’s a taut, […]
It’s about time our state governments start confronting the important role tater tots play in our nation’s economy… The State of Idaho recently passed House Concurrent Resolution No. 29, honoring the quirky Idaho-based cult hit Napoleon Dynamite.
Some highlights:
WHEREAS, tater tots figure prominently in this film thus promoting Idaho’s most famous export;
WHEREAS, Napoleon’s bicycle and Kip’s […]
I really enjoyed Aiming for Your Head, the 2004 release from the exciting young New Zealand, err, Austraila, err, English band, Betchadupa. The CD combined the instantly recognizable melodic sense (and voice) of leader Liam Finn - son of Split Enz / Crowded house frontman Neil Finn - with wild youthful energy and […]
Is there no end to the goodness over at EMusic? The royalty-free paid download service continues to add the most critically acclaimed releases of 2005, including the recent additions of Bloc Party’s Silent Alarm, Architecture in Helsinki’s In Case We Die, and Antony & the Johnson’s I Am a Bird Now (the fourth highest-rated […]
Everyone’s favorite Vancouver power-popsters The New Pornographers have released “Twin Cinema”(MP3), the title track from their upcoming full-length (due August 23, 2005). It cranks up the guitars more than anything on A.C. Newman’s outstanding The Slow Wonder, and mixes things up nicely with an impressive bridge interlude.
Thanks to Matador Records for making this available […]
Mission of Burma, the Pixies, Gang of Four. What essential band will join the reunion bandwagon next? Stryper.
After a 10 year hiatus, Christian heavy metal band Stryper is planning a new studio release for August, currently titled Reborn. Also check out this 8-track version of their seminal album, To Hell […]
From a purely practical perspective, the purpose of music reviews is to guide purchasing decisions. Next to the beloved numerical rating, “Buy this if you like XXX” is the best piece of information a critic can provide. But the problem with playing the sounds-like game is that it fills the listener with expectations […]
How does an unsigned band from Denver find national critical and radio coverage? Denver’s world punk outfit Devotchka has figured it out - put out vibrant, interesting music and live the “hip unsigned band” honeymoon as long as possible.
The eclectic quartet performs an energetic mix of Eastern European and South American music […]
I really don’t like receiving press kits in the mail. I view the press kit as an expensive carrier for one thing: the band’s web address. In our connected, electronic world the heavy folder / glossy b&w photo / shrink-wrapped CD package seems like a complete waste of everyone’s resources. So, in […]