// Category Archive for: Reviews

They Are All, So Don’t Even Try: NXNE 2008 with Redd Kross

By Less Lee Moore

You have to understand. . .

There are things that I look forward to, things that I get excited about, and things that I Live For. Redd Kross is one of the latter.
(more…)

It Has To Be From The Heart: Firewater

By Ann Clarke

Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland OH
May 30, 2008

Photo © Julie Finley

(more…)

Sparks: Exotic Creatures of the Deep

by Less Lee Moore

“Ron’s lyrics are humorous, but they have a deeper side. Though they make you smile, there’s a darker undercurrent.”
—Sparks’ Russell Mael in Current Planet Sound, May 2008

(more…)

If Money Talks Then He’s a Mime: Dick Valentine

Towne Lounge, Portland OR
April 5, 2008

By Christian Lipski

Dick’s band, Electric Six, is known for its loud-rocking electronic dance style, so when I heard that the lead singer was going to be appearing as a secret special guest in a solo acoustic show, I had to go. Plus the show was five dollars for four bands.
(more…)

The Kids In The Hall: Live As They’ll Ever Be

By Jemiah Jefferson

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland OR
May 11, 2008

“What? Are they still around?”
(more…)

The Amsterdam of the South: Todd Rundgren Plays Atlanta

By Adam McIntyre

“You’re the Amsterdam of the South! I’ve never seen so much good green. Bless you for that. Good on ya! And 50 miles outside of town? Squidbillies.”
Todd Rundgren addressing Atlantans at the Variety Playhouse Theater; April 17, 2008
(more…)

Mark Mothersbaugh’s Postcard Diaries

By Adam McIntyre

Rabbit Hole Gallery, Atlanta GA
April 18, 2008

“Would you like to attend a Mark Mothersbaugh art exhibit?” This is a rhetorical question: it should be obvious to anyone who knows me what my answer would be. Mark Mothersbaugh’s art (in the media of visual, print, and live or recorded music) is so ingrained into my perception of pop culture that I can hardly notice one without thinking of the other.
(more…)

Punk Rock and Picasso: Q & A With Billy Zoom

X’s 13 x 31 tour in Portland, Seattle, and Cleveland

Intro by Ladycakes
Questions by Christian Lipski
Seattle photos by Gully Foyle, Cleveland photos by Julie Finley

Photo © Gully Foyle (more…)

I Wanna Take You Higher: Coachella 2008

By Stuart Myerburg

Justice © Stuart Myerburg

The three-day Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, held every April at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, CA, is always an eclectic blend of extremes. Where else can you choose between the hushed sounds of Iceland’s Múm or the aggressive dance beats of Dan Deacon, all while lounging on lush grass in the middle of the desert? You can also do your fair share of celebrity-spotting over the weekend, as the Hollywood elite make a pilgrimage to Coachella to catch the latest buzz bands. This year, there was even a mini-performance from Sean Penn.
(more…)

Lusting After The Raveonettes: Q & A with Sune Rose Wagner

Interviewed by Lisa Haviland (via email)
Text by Less Lee Moore

If you thought you had The Raveonettes pegged as just another Jesus and Mary Chain ripoff, their new album Lust Lust Lust (Vice Records) may change your mind.

(more…)