Now that the kind folks from the Vancouver Olympic committee have once again forced them down our collective throats during the closing ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics, I was reminded to share my theory about Nickelback. Does Nickelback warrant … [read more]
Is there a more valuable, interesting and diverse catalogue in popular music than this one? In twelve records, the Beatles changed the entire face of music several times over, imprinting their songs on our culture in a way that transcends … [read more]
A review of Arctic Monkeys’ Humbug (2009) In 2005/2006, the Arctic Monkeys were the British rock world’s most-hyped new rock ‘n’ roll sensation. Before they had ever released an album, the tornado of media opinion preceding them ensured they’d sell … [read more]
Two sepia-toned videos today from Britain’s Elbow, a favourite over the years (I liked them when they released Asleep in the Back and everyone thought they were Peter Gabriel prog-rockers). Both from The Seldom Seen Kid, one of 2008’s best … [read more]
A review of Paolo Nutini’s Sunny Side Up (2008) I’ll say it right up front: I think this is a great record. A great record that got a bum rap. It’s not that the critics didn’t (at least more or … [read more]
Completely amazing, messy, crazy video by The Kills. From their first album, No Wow. Which I still like more than their second record, Midnight Boom.
Incredibly, this CD is out of print, and even Amazon only seems to have sketchy availability through zShops. So I can’t even provide a reliable “buy” link. David Sylvian is the former lead singer and songwriter of Japan. Robert Fripp … [read more]
A review of Ben Harper & Relentless7, White Lies for Dark Times (2009) “Relentless7,” the name of Ben Harper’s new band, sounds like the title of a book by Enid Blyton or Carolyn Keene. And they are an adventure to … [read more]