Three years after the Irish singer-songwriter had us weep with 2003’s Shortlist Prize winning O, Rice has returned with another round of seductive ballads. Vocal companion Lisa Hannigan has returned to provide the essence, as Shane Fitzsimmons (bass) Vyvinne Long (cello) Tom Osander (drums) and Joel Shearer ( guitars) nail the “sparse climatic" on 9.
Thanks to the blogosphere, certain bands have suddenly been hot Monday and cold by Friday; just ask The Arctic Monkeys, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Tapes 'n Tapes. The new kids on the blog, Cold War Kids are out to prove that “longevity” has a place in the hot today, cold tomorrow world of indie bloggers. Judging by their stellar debut Robbers & Cowards, you might find yourself on the bandwagon, even if you find their praise "unjustly deemed."
Vegoose 2006 won't be remembered in the annuls of music history, or even for Halloween's sake, but it will be remembered for being a crazy weekend, one to mark on your calendar for 07. It's a hell of an excuse to hit Vegas every year, if it was anywhere else, chances are you'd make those early shows.
While Eisenhower may eventually prove to be just another step in a larger, ongoing Slip journey, it proves to be the band's monumental achievement nonetheless. Not so much for it’s distinction from previous efforts, but for proving that a fledging band that debuted with such spark could persevere, and ultimately, a decade later, change the way you look at rock.
Despite the show’s technical shortcomings, Joseph Arthur proved to be a true professional, giving his all to a small crowd on a Friday night. Lets hope he receives bigger crowds soon – his oversized talent deserves it.
Beck takes one of his biggest risks with this latest effort, but he often sounds bored and un-inspired, forcing many songs to crying for guitar. This should have been released as a ten song ringer, instead The Information suffers from “dud overload.”
It’s peculiar that The Hold Steady are considered “indie”, considering there’s no whiney “Mountain Goats/Decemberists/Shins” thing going on. Upon listening to Boys and Girls in America, you’re almost bound to ask “ what Springsteen album is this?” And throw Boys and Girls in any roadhouse bar, and a toothless trucker with a mullet will ask for another round.
For bands that define themselves in the live setting, it
Although the Silversuns are a work in progress and its hard to define if this sort of
Following an opening stint for Radiohead on the American leg of their summer tour, along with the past week’s release of Magic Potion, their debut on Nonesuch Records, the Black Keys have grown up from from their blue collar Akron roots.
