If there was a time when rock and roll didn’t rest, at least partially, on a foundation of gloom, angst, cynicism, and dourness, I sure was never around for it. Admittedly, as a young guy, my generation has been raised on grunge, post-grunge, late-90s alternative, nu-metal, emo, and whatever the hell Nickelback, none of which you’d ever describe as buoyant or sunny. All this makes Shonen Knife even more of a curio to the rock world. A three-piece garage rock […]
Indie Rock
Spin Cycle: Broken Fences, Broken Fences
Since moving back to the area three years ago (three years already?!), one thing that I’ve discovered is that Pittsburgh is an embarrassment of riches as far as music is concerned. We may not have the hipster cache of Portland or Austin, nor the widely acknowledged and mythologized history of New Orleans and Chicago. But I’m consistently amazed at the quality of musicians floating around this city that I so happily call home. My most recent discovery is Broken Fences, […]
Spin Cycle: Regina Spektor’s What We Saw From the Cheap Seats
Russian-born and Bronx-bred singer/songwriter Regina Spektor is back with What We Saw From the Cheap Seats, her sixth collection of idiosyncratic pop nuggets.
Spin Cycle: Best Coast’s The Only Place
California duo Best Coast are back with another collection of sun-kissed beach pop. Check out our review of “The Only Place.”
Spin Cycle: Beach House’s Bloom
It appears that the release cycle is at a stage now where a number of bands that released some of my favorite albums of the last 3-4 years are now issuing follow-up discs, which is always makes me a little anxious. When you love an album to bits, you always have that very rational fear that the follow up will pale in comparison. Santigold’s latest escaped that fate by being a solidly constructed album, if a bit predictable in comparison […]
The New Release Report 5/15/12: Glambert-The Sequel
Why is Adam Lambert smirking at you? He wants you to click on this week’s New Release Report and see what else is in stores.
Spin Cycle: Jim’s Big Ego’s Stay
Boston folk-funk act Jim’s Big Ego is back with another set of witty, tuneful, and eloquent tunes in “Stay.” Check out our review!
Spin Cycle: Silversun Pickups’ Neck of the Woods
Are you willing to let Silversun Pickups into your “Neck of the Woods”? Check out our review to learn more…
The Viewfinder: The Fades’ “Joy”
In the build up for the upcoming Ragnarok full-length, The Fades have revealed their next single as “Joy”. The undisputed winner of The Fades recent “vote for our next single” poll that ran earlier, “Joy” is quite the departure from hypnotic former single “Meccano”. With lots of pop sheen, “Joy” is much more in your face in a less abrasive way and is oddly reminiscent of The Clash making the upcoming Ragnarok all the more interesting in terms of diversity. […]
Gonzo’s Top Picks for RSD 2012
Although Record Store Day is now five years strong, 2010 was the first year that I formally recognized the holiday, and 2011 was the first year that I fully indulged. Record Store Day seems to grow each year. Artists and labels dish out increasing amounts of exclusive releases, and a growing number of customers happily part with some of their hard earned pay to snag these collectibles, while supporting their local shops. The RSD release list is now one of my most highly anticipated moments in the […]
The Blerd13 with…Kerretta!
As my bestie describes Kerretta , they’re not as mellow as Mogwai and not quite as heavy as Isis. They’re somewhere in the middle meaning in the broad musical spectrum, they’re almost perfect. Truly an instrumental band like no other, Kerretta’s currently available albums Vilayer and Saansilo will hit you like no other. Bassist William Waters recently took some time to speak with The Blerd13 via email and introduce us to the (Soon-to-be) phenom that is Kerretta : 1. […]
Spin Cycle: M. Ward’s “A Wasteland Companion”
Indie folkie and one half of She & Him M. Ward is back with “A Wasteland Companion”, his first solo record since 2009’s “Hold Time”. It’s a winner.