Recent Events Reviews

Friday, October 10 2008

Cut Copy

Whether disco is cerebral music or not becomes entirely arbitrary when a 2,500 capacity crowd, on a Sunday night no less, is shaking the building’s foundation -- an eventuality that repeated itself over and over with Cut Copy at the helm.

Thursday, October 9 2008

Oakland Rocks for Change

It’s the season for political benefit shows, so it’s no surprise when the famously liberal Bay Area comes up with an evening of musical entertainment -- including headliners Hot Buttered Rum -- to raise funds for Barack Obama.

Wednesday, October 8 2008

Staind

It's tempting to dismiss Staind as marketable one-dimensional depression, which is true, but that in itself is not a crippling flaw -- in this corner of the rock world, bands like Rage Against The Machine and A Perfect Circle have established themselves as perpetual sourpusses without making it this excruciating.

Tuesday, October 7 2008

The Donkeys

Polished by the California sun and worn smooth by ocean breezes, The Donkeys’ music captures the past and makes it sound shiny and new.

Monday, October 6 2008

John Prine + Josh Ritter

After a prolonged introductory applause John Prine leaned into the microphone and said, “This is my first time here. I think I’ll stay awhile.” He did.

Friday, October 3 2008

Thurston Moore + Little Claw + Eat Skull

Thurston Moore revisits his 1995 solo album Psychic Hearts with Steve Shelley, Chris Brokaw, and a bass player called Mutilator along for the ride.

Thursday, October 2 2008

The Stills

Who cares about art or style when you’re six drinks into your night and the guitar player’s starting to thrash around like an airborne river trout on ecstasy?

Wednesday, October 1 2008

The Constantines

The Constantines may never again play a smaller room. And if they do, they probably will never play it so well.

Tuesday, September 30 2008

Power to the Peaceful Festival

Michael Franti & Spearhead’s 10th annual Power to the Peaceful Festival blended groove-oriented music with socially conscious messages.

Monday, September 29 2008

Bestival: Intergalactic Funksmanship and Noise Freakouts

As the rain poured down, Bestival’s “30,000 Freaks Under the Sea” theme seemed entirely apt.

Friday, September 26 2008

Ahmad Jamal

At Jazz at Lincoln Center’s season opening concert series Ahmad Jamal humbly eschewed his celebrated stature, opting to cherish the Hall’s demure acoustics, his quartet’s deft phrasing, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s superb arrangements and soloing.

Thursday, September 25 2008

Slow Food Rocks Festival

With a mix of food and beverages, bands, and informational booths, the Slow Food Rocks Festival provided sustenance for everyone.

Wednesday, September 24 2008

Silver Jews

Through the common combination of love, spirituality, and patience, David Berman has stumbled upon what might be mistaken as a happy ending but instead should be properly described as a new beginning.

Tuesday, September 23 2008

Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival – Part Two: Three Fields, Six Stages - Numerous Choices

Considering that modern American rock ‘n’ roll received one if its biggest boosts thanks to the “San Francisco Sound” of the late ‘60s, it’s fitting that the city now has a major festival to call its own.

RECENT ARTICLES

In bold are PopMatters Picks, the best in new music.