This is a new Shins, not the band that gave us the delicious acoustic-pop of Chutes to Narrow and Oh Inverted World. Nor the band that released Wincing the Night Away five years ago. The …
April 4, 2012
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Stories by Alfred Howard
The Shins' Port of Morrow
Arrow, by Heartless Bastards
For most of my adult life I have worked at record stores. One can only listen to the Beatles so many times (though I'm testing that statement everyday). So, with whim on my side I'll …
February 22, 2012
Dr. Dog Fills the Void at Belly Up
Philadelphia-based psychedelic-rock band Dr. Dog took the stage at Belly Up in support of its sixth studio album, Be the Void. The band hit with the sold-out crowd by kicking off the show with "Lonesome," …
February 15, 2012
The Great Escape Artist, by Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction walked away from music at the top of their game. In the late '80s and early '90s, they brought art back to rock 'n' roll with two studio albums that had the poetry …
November 29, 2011
Lou Reed and Metallica's Lulu Is a Lulu
Lou Reed and Metallica's collaboration is a head on collision between two trains and the casualties are the ears of the listeners. The first words uttered on Lulu ("I would cut my legs and tits …
November 1, 2011
Inspired Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey at the Loft — This Ain't Your Daddy's Jazz
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, a quartet from Tulsa, Oklahoma, brought their unique brand of open-minded musicianship to the Loft at UCSD. Touring in support of Race Riot Suite, the quartet added a five-piece horn section, …
October 11, 2011
Wilco's The Whole Love
“I been young, I been old/I been hurt and consoled/Heart of cold, heart of gold/so I'm told” — “Dawned on Me” The opening line of “Dawned on Me” summarizes Wilco's eighth studio album, on which …
October 2, 2011