For the love of music
With 2012’s trilogy of LPs from the reformed ‘classic-era’ Guided By Voices, Robert Pollard undoubtedly exceeded expectations for the band’s recording comeback. The challenge for 2013 is to prove that the GBV reunion is no fleeting detour from his other projects but a living, breathing and ongoing entity. Pollard has also set the … [Read more...]
Better together or alone? For some prolific artists who have spread their careers across multiple bands, side-projects and solo ventures it’s a question than can be asked repeatedly. Teamwork can be essential for dynamic musical forging as shown through the catalytic reactions inherent in collaboration. Yet single-minded solo visions can … [Read more...]
A previously posted part of this Interview contained statements made by DL Byron about Billy Joel which are completely untrue. The artist who was being referenced was Billy Joe Royal, NOT Billy Joel. We regret the error. Hi DL! It’s great to have this opportunity to be in contact with you and see what you’ve got going on in the musical … [Read more...]
Have you heard of Elk City before? If you have, it’s likely been in reference to the western Oklahoma community that’s only marginally known for its proximity to historic Route 66. Listening to the polished pop of the New York band by the same name however, there are probably more connections to be drawn from the Mother Road’s western … [Read more...]
This duo has been around for a long while, known originally as Cowboy & Spin Girl and later as Toothpaste 2000, with a lengthy discography attesting to their love of bright, rough-around-the-edges powerpop. Their career has spanned decades, as a duo and with individual efforts, stretching back into the early 80s in one form or another. With … [Read more...]
If there's one thing that never goes out of style, and I'm not sure why, it's the need for two minute pop songs. The novelty wore off, but the nostalgia kicked in, keeping the genre's relevance. Kissing Party seems like they took the crash course and learned every trick they needed to know. Fifteen songs, thirty minutes; it's one quick jingle to … [Read more...]
Honestly, why have The New Pornographers not made the jump to a major record label at this point? The music industry hierarchy and model of yesteryear may be continuing its downward spiral into irrelevance, but that hasn’t stopped other indie giants like Death Cab for Cutie and The Decemberists from signing contracts with the big leagues in … [Read more...]
It seems like that the music gods have only been asking me to review power-pop. I can't escape it; I never hear electronic or folk music anymore, somebody is forcing power-pop on me! Don't get me wrong, I like power-pop, but I've been left cold recently by the batch of power-pop that I've been hearing. It's loud and/or fast, but it goes nowhere and … [Read more...]
If you're unfamiliar with Mass Fiction, they can be off-putting at first. Genre opens with a twinge of emo and, well, that's never a good start. But as that first song gets rolling, you start to hear something else entirely. Once you're adjusted to the high-strung vocals, a meticulous sing-along party ensues. "Bad Form" steamrolls with power-pop … [Read more...]
Spending 10 minutes with Hunter, Run! seems reasonable in the digital ADD era. With two LP's in 3 years, Hunter, Run! can get away with a two song EP that captures the band's energy onto one easy to digest release. Jangly guitars and pounding percussion give life to this melodic power-pop band, along with the energetic vocals. "If I Had the … [Read more...]