Comic Review: Jim Shepherd: Negotiate Nothing
Published on September 28th, 2015 in: Comic Reviews, Comics, Current Faves, Music, Music Reviews, Reviews |By Tyler Hodg
To many, the name of musician Jim Shepherd isn’t significant. Aside from signing with Rick Rubin’s American label just two years prior to his death, he spent the majority of his career underground, recording his and others’ music to no quantifiable success.
Music Review: The Pollies, Not Here
Published on September 25th, 2015 in: Current Faves, Music, Music Reviews, Reviews |
There’s something amazing going on in Alabama. The bands coming out of the Cotton State are incredible right now. From the Banditos to St. Paul & the Broken Bones to, of course, Alabama Shakes, to the Drive-By Truckers and that nice fellow Jason Isbell, there’s an earthiness and a rootsy flavor in the music, and these bands are breaking in such an exciting way. Add to that list The Pollies.
Music Review: Hollywood Vampires, Hollywood Vampires
Published on September 24th, 2015 in: Current Faves, Music, Music Reviews, Reviews |By Tyler Hodg
Hollywood Vampires is a “supergroup” consisting of core members Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, and Joe Perry, with guest appearances by Brian Johnson, Dave Grohl, Slash, Perry Farrell, and Paul McCartney, to name a few. Yes, this is a real thing.
Music Review: Spooner Oldham, Pot Luck
Published on September 18th, 2015 in: Current Faves, Music, Music Reviews, Retrovirus, Reviews |
Muscle Shoals keyboard stalwart Spooner Oldham (who has possibly the greatest name of all time) has had his fingers on myriad classic tracks. Co-writing hits like the Boxtops “Cry Like A Baby,” Percy Sledge’s “Out Of Left Field,” and James and Bobby Purify’s “I”m Your Puppet” with collaborator Dan Penn might be enough to secure a spot in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (which he was inducted into in 2009), but he also lent his keyboards to music from Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, the Stones, and the Flying Burrito Brothers. He’s frequently toured with Neil Young and in 2007, toured with the Drive-By Truckers. His pedigree is incredible.
The Official Popshifter Podcast, Episode #02: 57 Maidens
Published on September 18th, 2015 in: Blu-Ray, DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews, Music, Music Reviews, Podcasts, Reissues, Retrovirus, Reviews |
Welcome to The Official Popshifter Podcast, Episode #02, “57 Maidens and No Wrestling at TIFF”
Featuring Managing Editor Less Lee Moore and Featured Contributor Jeffery X Martin! Enjoy and thanks for listening.
Reviews:
Music Review: Dr. John, The Atco/Atlantic Singles 1968-1974
Published on September 17th, 2015 in: Current Faves, Music, Music Reviews, Reissues, Retrovirus, Reviews |
If there’s one thing Dr. John does well (though he does loads of things well), it’s setting a scene and creating a vibe. In listening to Omnivore Recordings’ Dr. John collection The Atco/Atlantic Singles 1968-1974, there is such a rich, immersive feeling—a deep swamp that reaches slippery fingers up to pull you down—that it is like taking a trip to the Bayou, sans surprise alligators. Dr. John’s mix of blues, funk, and psychedelia is inimitable, much like his trademark boozy vocal yawp. He’s a one of a kind.
Music Review: Angéline, Back to Pike Place
Published on September 16th, 2015 in: Current Faves, Feminism, Music, Music Reviews, Reviews |By Tyler Hodg
Angéline is the type of singer-songwriter that is impossible to not find inspiring. Her music is soulful and true, and her latest release, Back to Pike Place, is no exception. The EP compiles five beautifully-written songs (and one intro) that are all unique in their own ways. While the music may not necessarily make you want to jump up and dance, it will, however, make you want to cheer for its honesty.
Music Review: Duran Duran, Paper Gods
Published on September 14th, 2015 in: Current Faves, Music, Music Reviews, Reviews |
Duran Duran has been around for a holy crappin’ 37 years. Is that possible? How old am I? Never mind that question. The amazing thing is they’ve never been out of the public eye in all that time. Well, there was one album, Medazzaland, that just sort of fizzled, but we’ll just give that time period a miss, shall we?
It’s possible that the band is on the verge of their third career resurgence with the release of Paper Gods, a schizophrenic dance album for those with bad backs and broken hearts.
Concert Review: Sloan At Massey Hall
Published on September 14th, 2015 in: Canadian Content, Concert Reviews, Current Faves, Music, Music Reviews, Reviews |By Tyler Hodg
Photo shamelessly stolen from Sloan’s Facebook page
September 11, 2015
Toronto, ON
For only the second time in their career—and the first time since 2000—Sloan brought their talent to the legendary Massey Hall in Toronto on September 11. As singer/guitarist Chris Murphy pointed out, the band “never really got massive,” but the venue was packed with their die-hard, loyal fanbase. For those who were in attendance, it was a night to remember. For those who weren’t in attendance, it will be a night you will hear about for a long time.
Music Review: Holly Golightly, Slowtown Now!
Published on September 11th, 2015 in: Current Faves, Feminism, Music, Music Reviews, Reviews |
The new Holly Golightly album, Slowtown Now! is a complete delight from start to finish. There’s a relaxed affability and a charming retro-ness to the songs, and Golightly’s voice is wonderful. She sings with an ease and grace, clearly enjoying the material, which ranges from girl group harmonies, to smart jazz, to throwback garage rock. It’s such a fun album and compulsively listenable.