Shane Handler

The Slip: Eisenhower

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.

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Joseph Arthur: The Clubhouse, Tempe, AZ 10/20/06

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.

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Beck: The Information

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.”

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The Hold Steady: Boys and Girls in America

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.

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The Black Keys : Marquee Theater, Tempe, AZ 9/16/2006

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.

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Red Hot Chili Peppers/ The Mars Volta : Glendale Arena, Glendale, AZ 8/21/2006

There are few bands that can throw a full-on arena spectacle, charge a days paycheck amount for a ticket and leave their fans begging for more. Count U2, Green Day, Radiohead, The Beastie Boys and The Rolling Stones amongst those heavyweights. The Red Hot Chili Peppers who tour once every three or four years, have the big budget to throw a hockey shed spectacle amongst the best of the pre-mentioned acts. Their show during early stages of the Stadium Arcadium at the Glendale Arena, proved this Southern California four piece have continually expaned their sound from their young cock sock days.

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The Devil and Daniel Johnston: Directed by Jeff Feuerzeig

The Devil and Daniel Johnston, is a raw documentary on the life of Johnston, the youngest of five in a Christian household who goes from an aspiring cartoonist to a cult favorite that sparked Kurt Cobain to continually wear a Johnston t-shirt during Nirvana’s early ninety’s hey-day.

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