Posts by Shane Handler

There are some albums you always hope will see the light of the CD case. As for a John Lennon acoustic album? Well, we’ll take what we can get from the legend on his first acoustic album aptly titled Acoustic.

Even retro is retro at this point, but that doesn

In the studio, a husband and wife pairing either lends itself to standard cookie-cutter romance or some completely unique creations. When they have a musical menage a trios with a fierce and fiery drummer though, the results are bound to be pounding hot.

It was just a bit ago that Todd Carey was stage leader and front-man of west coast jam rockers, Telepathy. Recently, a music transposition occurred for this Chicago native allowing him to mature as the sensitive singer-songwriter type. His debut album Revolving World is molded upon his strongest elements of showmanship, production and songwriting, bridging the cap between singer/songwriter and rocker.

Its an indie-film revival period with corporate sponsors, and this hybrid release by Standard Films and a few young, talented editors is a perfect example. Maybe I just expect every ski film to be a Warren Miller film, but Lost In Transition has hot, killer footage, with no substance.

Fans of bluegrass and roots rock will find Blanche as a Radiohead to their collection, making the modern and exciting out of something familiar, without leaving the listener alienated. If Loretta Lynn, who recently won new fans with Van Lear Rose can do it, the more youthful Blanche might be next.

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Our Shadows Will Remain is Joseph Arthur

The Music are redefining loud by means of a prolific sound that mixes a little Janes Addiction, Rush and Led Zeppelin into a dignified electric groove/rhythmic/dance rock outfit. Sound interesting? Wait till you hear lead singer Robert Harvey

The British four-piece Razorlight delivers so much run of the mill garage rock that even lead singer Johnny Borrel – despite his fervor – comes off as a second hand front man. Singing of blaze adventures such as

The buzz about Rilo Kiley being everybody

After a brilliant portrayal as comic book artist Harvey Pekar in 2003

Impact does its job of capturing the sport of skiing and snowboarding at its pure essence

You would never guess that the late Elliot Smith was battling his most inner demons during the recording of his now posthumous album, From A Basement On The Hill. But than again, Smith has always been profound at disguising his depression and cryptic visions through his catchy Beatlesque melodies.

Just like their namesake, a fictitious plant that’s hard to describe,
so is labeling Punsapaya

Along for the ride on the all acoustic Spooked and garnishing Robyn Hitchcock

Built around Brian Wilson and lyricist Bert Parks’ hash affairs in the late 60’s. SMiLE[/o] was partially built and then tucked away with the psychological madness that would later haunt Wilson. As the follow-up to the iconic Beach Boys album Pet Sounds, SMiLE was to be the American Sgt. Pepper’s, a recording that set the standard for pop albums.

At Montreal

Ray, directed by Taylor Hackford and starring Jamie Foxx brings to the big screen the life story of Ray Charles, who fought his disability to mingle his soul-drenched voice with southern gospel, and jazz inklings atop courageous showmanship. Although initially labeled a mere mimic of his idols – Nat King Cole and Charles Brown

Concert attendees eager for a Bruce Hornsby Greatest Hits show were probably disappointed amidst his performance at the Flynn Theater. After playing a majority of his songs countless times over the years, Hornsby reworked his most recognizable radio hits as delicate compositions – complete with vocal improvisation and new melodies – allowing his band to play outside the lines, with a renowned song book that stretches his entire career.