2004: “The truth of the matter is that guitarist James Iha broke up the Smashing Pumpkins. Not me, not drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, but James.” 2010: “I think James Iha should feel alone.” 2012: “James Iha I think is just a piece of shit. I think he’s one of the worst human beings I’ve ever met in my life.” -Billy Corgan There is a two-pronged problem to trying to provide context to a James Iha solo album: One, he is inextricably […]
Spin Cycle
Spin Cycle: Two Door Cinema Club, Beacon
UK dance rock band Two Door Cinema Club return with their second album, Beacon, and here’s a hint, it doesn’t disappoint. Read what we have to say!
Spin Cycle: Nelly Furtado, The Spirit Indestructible
Six years is a long time. Can Nelly Furtado pick up where she left off with “The Spirit Indestructible?”
Spin Cycle: Aimee Mann, Charmer
The ever-thoughtful and literate pop singer gets a modest rock makeover with a little help from some friends.
Spin Cycle: Band of Horses, Mirage Rock
Band of Horses reign it in and craft a harmonic homage to 70s AM radio on fourth album “Mirage Rock”
Spin Cycle: David Byrne and St. Vincent, Love This Giant
Love This Giant never quite reaches the potential suggested by such a powerful collaboration.
Spin Cycle: The Avett Brothers, The Carpenter
In the realm of swaying, stomping, harmonic pop-folk, The Avett Brothers stand only in the shadow of Mumford & Sons, a recent success story that, perhaps not-coincidentally, the long-running North Carolina brother-band is starting to bear more than a passing resemblance to. Comparing Mumford’s lone album to the Avett’s discography previously yielded only superficial comparisons: po-faced, earnest lyricism; the tell-tale lilt of a banjo here and there; shouty, fractured harmonies. But where the Mumfords use their Appalachian sensibilities […]
Spin Cycle: Imagine Dragons, Night Visions
After gaining much success with their single “It’s Time” Imagine Dragon’s full length album Night Visions is finally out. Read what we have to say!
Spin Cycle: Big & Rich, Hillbilly Jedi
The hillbilly party is back as John Rich and Big Kenny return after a five year hiatus. But does the world need more Big & Rich?
Spin Cycle: Ben Folds Five, The Sound of the Life of the Mind
Folds. Sledge. Jessee. Together again, doin’ what they do and doin’ it well.
Spin Cycle: Alanis Morissette, Havoc and Bright Lights
Alanis Morissette is back with “Havoc and Bright Lights”, her first release since 2008’s “So-Called Chaos”. Popblerd has the review!
Spin Cycle: Dave Matthews Band, Away from the World
All touring bands need new songs to play. That’s just not a good enough reason to record an album.