Posts by Shane Handler

Bringing together high profile acts and emerging artists, Superfly Productions have continuously assembled a Bonnaroo line-up that exceeds fan expectations. Now in its 4th year, the annual event has moved beyond the proving grounds, and finds itself permanently circled in red on 90,000 summer calendars.

There

Since Trey Anastasio walked off the stage at the conclusion of Phish’s final
show last August, the red-headed frontman has been about as mysteriously absent as Brian Wilson was in his “bedroom” hey day. So it was no surprise that debuting his new band at a stealthy benefit show for the Vermont Land Trust would take only two hours to sellout. And before showtime, there were plenty of those familiar looking, ticket-less fans begging for a chance to see Anastasio unveil his latest endeavor – 70 Volt Parade.

After a seven year lapse between albums, Percy Hill has returned via their recognized 70

The John Byrd EP is a nice live portrait of a band in a transitional period from the clubs to bigger venues in the near future. Catch them while you can.

Throughout this ten songer, The Stella Link journey through sweeping atmospheric numbers into agitated structured rockers. Although this four-piece aren

In the wake of the recent tsunami disaster in southeast Asia, hipster clothing chain Urban Outfitters along with Filter Magazine have assembled a benefit compilation of their own

Playing the second night of a “secret” warm up run under the name of Mr. Crowes Garden, this sold out show at Higher Ground proved 800 or so fans were in on the message board secret. Already possessing one of the meatiest sounds in rock, and owning a recognizable song book spanning six strong albums, the Black Crowes always stand to be a draw. In their first visit to the state of Vermont, the energy in the building was enlivening, even during this mid-March north-country state of cabin fever.

Sure, these five lads may be on the verge of being the next big thing, but Employment proves Kaiser Chiefs will be looking for work down the road.

Tonight

With their Sub Pop debut, The Great Destroyer, Low enlists the services of David Fridmann (Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev) to give them a kick in the realm of an aggressive guitar rock record.

Xavier Rudd has been known to dabble around with a few instruments. Well, maybe a few is an understatement, as he keeps himself so encircled on stage, he resembles a coin-dropping carnival act. But after hearing this multi-instrumentalist, it’s tough not to take him quite seriously.

Although Transistor Radio may be a come-down from Ward’s prior release, the full sounding Transfiguration of Vincent, M.Ward

With their flair for electronics, low end bass and climatic riffs, Ratatat might do well for themselves by learning to stretch things out a bit. After the appetizing forty-five minute set, there was clearly room left for a main course at Higher Ground.

Alta and Snowbird

Live At The Fillmore, the new DVD from Vida Blue and the Spam
Allstars, celebrates the marriage of these two distinct bands on
stage.

Whether LCD Soundsystem is a band, studio creation or a glorified DJ
is yet to be seen. But using Murphy

To the delight of Percy Hill fans, After All shows no signs of reinvention, instead it’s another sticky album, that sounds like Percy Hill should sound:
soulful, funky, crisp and dynamic. It

The Thievery Corporation aren

The Milk-Eyed Mender wasn