I received a brief email a couple hours ago from Coates Bateman, an executive director at True/Slant and the person who brought me onboard to this site. His message brought something to my attention that I would have never known about otherwise, and I’m thankful for what he wrote to every True/Slant writer and on … [Read more…]
Sound quality is one of the most important components of a live show. Bad sound can ruin a perfectly good performance. As such, the sound-men and women play a pivotal role during concerts.
“Reunion” is a tricky word. It implies a reunification after a long period apart, a return to old ways, a plan. Perhaps that would explain the begrudging look on Tim Kinsella’s face during the Cap’n Jazz set at The Empty Bottle Friday night. His facial expression had nothing to do with his position onstage, singing … [Read more…]
The Internet has been buzzing with rumors of a potential Cap’n Jazz reunion since December. This week, the reunion picture got a little clearer. Jessica Hopper dropped a hint in the Chicago Reader that the rumors may come to fruition at the Joan of Arc Don’t Mind Control Variety Show at the Empty Bottle tonight. … [Read more…]
Cap’n Jazz. Tomorrow/tonight. Empty Bottle, Chicago [via the A.V. Club]: The A.V. Club has learned that seminal emo outfit Cap’n Jazz is playing a mini reunion set Friday night at the Empty Bottle as part of the Joan Of Arc Don’t Mind Control Variety Show. So the question that started my awkward conversation with Mike Kinsella … [Read more…]
Say what you will about the Conan O’Brien-NBC rift. A silly distraction or a reflection of the state of Olde World entertainment in the 21st Century? Who cares. Skip those arguments for a moment. Conan’s expensive stunts are where it’s at. Last night, Conan dressed a Bugatti up as a mouse and played the original … [Read more…]
PBS aired an hour-long documentary on sampling about an hour ago, featuring one very odd talking head. “Copyright Criminals” had a fantastic array of characters involved in sampling music, including a pretty interesting discussion with Clyde Stubblefield, who’s “funky drummer” beat has provided countless hip-hop hits with one intense breakbeat. Stubblefield’s inclusion in the doc. … [Read more…]
I’d like to kick off a new feature of weekly music-related videos with this live 8-bit cover of “Party in the U.S.A.” Anamanaguchi‘s Luke Silas took the Miley Cyrus smash-hit and filtered it through an GameBoy for a fast-paced version of the tune that defies chipmunk-like speeds. Take a peek: [youtubevid id=”6VJP_tyINuo”]
There are a few warning signs of what can make or break a band and tend to set off alarms. Any combination of the following three signs found in any band should be considered worrisome: Third-rate, watered down electronic pop-punk/scrunk with little thought put into the music and lyrics. More band tees and general merch … [Read more…]
The New York Times is reporting that Memphis punk-rocker Jay Reatard has died: Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr., the Memphis musician better known by his punk-rock stage name Jay Reatard, has died, his record label Goner Records said on Wednesday. Matador Records, which released Reatard’s 2009 album Watch Me Fall, released this statement: We are devastated … [Read more…]