Posts by Martin Malloy

Ween may be lying low recently, but that hasn’t stopped one-half of the faux brother duo from picking up his acoustic guitar and hitting the road.  As the voice of the group, Gene Ween (real name Aaron Freeman) played two sold out shows at San Francisco’s popular The Independent to a crowd of eager fans.  Gene put on a very intimate show that found him altering many fan favorites to suit the acoustic mood of the night.  However, the changes found enthusiasm with the fans and Gene was all smiles the entire night.

San Francisco was treated to some Canadian delight recently as Vancouver’s Black Mountain came through bringing along Toronto’s own The Sadies.  Both bands are throw backs to the classic era of rock, yet they’re also wholly indebted to the contemporary music scene.

Alone II isn't the best release Cuomo has ever put out.  Nor does it offer the best songs he's ever written.  But for someone who has one of the strangest and notoriously guarded history in rock, it's exciting that he has become so open with his past.  I only hope that Alone III isn't that far off.

Want a group that knows how to create big, luscious melodies but that can still rock out? Look no further than Arizona. 

For one night San Francisco was the rock central of the universe and Rose Hill Drive was the focal point. 

Unfortunately, the worst of them is Folds.  He just lacks the knack for melody he used to have, his wit just isn’t as snappy and his jokes fall flat or appear forced.  His genius shines through a bit on album closer “Kylie in Connecticut,” but barely.

Dig Out Your Soul offers some good songs like “Falling Down” and “The Turning” but those are just mediocre Oasis works.  It sounds like Oasis covering Oasis – merely going through the motions.  Maybe that’s a bit harsh, but while the songs sound like classic Oasis, they’re devoid of any real hooks or innovativeness that made them who they are today.  The only true great track comes, surprisingly, from Liam: “I’m Outta Time.”  It’s the first time Liam has managed to outshine Noel on an album.

Recovery continues Wainwright's growth as a performer.  For those familiar with Wainwright's work it's an album that illustrates his best work is still ahead of him and for those unfamiliar with him, it will introduce them to a singer/songwriter possessing an unapologetic wit and a knack for good melodies.

Initially claimed as Marc Bolan reincarnate on his debut album, 2007's The Moonstation House Band, Nashville-based David Vandervelde crooned in a high, wavering voice above spaced out, reverb guitars and a Phil Spector influence "Wall of Sound" production.  However, it appears this early 20-something boy is more than just a glam rock fan as he seamlessly eases his way into new, more laid back territory on his new album, Waiting for the Sunrise.

The Diplomat is a true DIY group. Unsigned and expertly unpolished, the group is the brainchild and vehicle for New Jersey native Yuri Fain.

Baby Mama never dares to be different and for this it is doomed to be just another cookie-cutter, summer comedy that will slightly stand above the rest due to Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s amusing performances.

This winter we were all witness to the first writer's strike in 20 years. While we all took sides (the writers'…) it made for a very interesting Television season and had many people watching closely. Through all the turmoil, a few new shows debuted and made it through the other side (nearly) unscathed.

Vantage Point has what is probably the best action trailer in recent memory, forcing you to seek out the full flick.  The only problem is that the film does little to fill you in on those questions rattling inside your brain.

Be Kind Rewind tells the story of a guy who sabotoges a power plant, magnetizes himself and unknowingly demagnetizes all the VHS tapes in his friend's video store while the boss is out.  Sound weird?  Then you don't know Michel Gondry.

It’s February and you know what that means…..Awards season. So instead of just a “Who Will Win” list, which, besides its highly opinionated nature (much like the Oscars themselves) we’re going to take our chances at guessing this year's winners.

E has said that some of his best songs sometimes don't make that final cut for LP's. This collection not only proves him right but leaves hope there are still some more trinkets lying around waiting to be discovered.

The bottom line is that There Will Be Blood is not only possibly Anderson's best, but one of the best films of the last twenty years. 

During the final day of February 2007, New Yorkers were treated to Sparklehorse’s second show in Manhattan in six months, a feat considering it took five years for 2006’s astonishing Dreamt For Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain to finally be released.

Sean Lennon’s debut, 1998’s Into the Sun, had laid-back, jazzy undertones that afforded him positive reviews and a place in the contemporary music world apart from either of his iconic parents. Now at age 31, Sean Lennon has matured and it is purely evident on Friendly Fire.