Thursday, November 17 2011
The Airborne Toxic Event: 23 October 2011 - Los Angeles
There's not many rock bands that would sound this good with an orchestra behind them, nor that have the songs to make it work. But then this is all part of what has made the Airborne Toxic Event one of the most promising new bands to come onto the scene in the past few years.
Zigaboo Modeliste: 22 October 2011 - Los Angeles
The drummer known for helping to pioneer “second-line funk” seems as if he's aging like a fine wine. He's still throwing down those funky beats like it's as natural as breathing...
Mayday Parade: 21 October 2011 - Indianapolis, IN
Perhaps the most notable detail about the night is how happy the band looked.
Wednesday, November 16 2011
Warren Haynes: 17 October 2011 - Chicago
I expected the performance of the Warren Haynes Band at the Vic Theatre to be good. I did not expect it to be one of the best displays of musical mastery and performative passion I have ever seen.
The Jayhawks + Rosanne Cash: 21 October 2011 - New York
With the Jayhawks, it always comes back to those voices and that vibe.
Tuesday, November 15 2011
Fun Fun Fun Fest: Three Days of Dust, Delinquency and Danzig Drama
Trying to fabricate a deep meaning in a rock festival, especially one called Fun Fun Fun is a useless pursuit.
Austin Film Festival 2011: The Writer’s Festival
The Austin Film Festival has done a laudable job of carving an interesting niche.
Monday, November 14 2011
Moogfest 2011: 28 – 30 October 2011 - Asheville, NC
Additional venues and Brian Eno exhibit/lecture expand annual festival in honor of Bob Moog.
Battles + Nisennenmondai: 20 October 2011 - Houston
For a band that’s so tightly controlled in the studio, their live show was surprisingly chaotic.
Friday, November 11 2011
Opeth + Katatonia: 2011 October 16 - Portland
A surprisingly short concert for a band like Opeth, this Portland show was nonetheless a strong demonstration of how Opeth came to make an album like Heritage. This, foiled with the brutal heaviness of Katatonia, made for one fine evening of Swedish music.
Washed Out: 18 October 2011 - Austin, TX
Judging by their enthusiastic set at the Mohawk, Washed Out may have something truly great up their sleeves.
Thursday, November 10 2011
We Live Here: New York City Center Stage
Zoe Kazan's play begins with an interesting premise, but inconsistencies chisel away at the play's credibility.
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe: 14 October 2011 - Solana Beach, CA
This Sticky Fingers cover set would be a satisfying show in and of itself for many, but those who know Karl Denson know he's just getting started.
Wednesday, November 9 2011
Thomas Dolby: 10-11 October 2011 - Seattle + Redmond, WA
Thomas Dolby is fond of hats. After a seven-city multimedia tour of the U.S. in October, the '80s icon can add one more to his crowded closet.
Gang Gang Dance: 3 October 2011 - Austin, TX
While there were no insufferable aspects of Gang Gang Dance’s performance, one couldn’t help but feel underwhelmed by it all.
Tuesday, November 8 2011
The Smashing Pumpkins: 10 October 2011 – Denver, CO
A classically Pumpkins evening, and perfectly Billy Corgan. He’ll do exactly what he wants, but he knows just what he has to do to pull you right in.
Queensrÿche: 2011 September 25 - Austin, TX
There haven't been many bands in rock history with the balls to direct such critical venom at the American government, proving once again why Queensrÿche stood out so much during their commercial peak and why they remain so relevant here in 2011.
Monday, November 7 2011
This Must Be the Band: 30 September 2011 - Chicago
Chicago's premiere Talking Heads tribute act This Must Be the Band tore up the Vic Theatre Friday September 30 with a live reenactment of Stop Making Sense.
Friday, November 4 2011
Duran Duran: 25 October 2011, New York
Duran Duran's North American fall tour sees the band make a worthy return to Madison Square Garden.
Circa Survive: 16 October 2011 - Louisville, KY
Circa Survive is a band that has evolved and improved with each release without losing its identity.
