How do you go from playing a gig for the President of the United States on the South Lawn of the White House to nothing in three years? Because if I’m reading the Atlanta Rhythm Section’s bio correctly, these hillbillies from Georgia were an even bigger bust than Jimmy Carter, managing to squander a top ten album that went platinum in just six months in 1978 to have all but disappeared by the time Ronald Reagan took over in Washington.

Stream: Dawes – “Something Fine” Dawes has an obvious affection for Jackson Browne. Singer Taylor Goldsmith’s voice sounds so similar to Browne’s, it took me a long time to realize that Browne contributed vocals to “Fire Away” on last year’s Nothing Is Wrong. They even played a couple of songs together for Occupy Wall Street [...]

Like any good Gen-Xer I have been sharing my love for the Beastie Boys with my son. It’s become more focused and poignant with Adam Yauch’s passing and so when I see stuff like this I can’t help but smile and feel good knowing there are other cool-ass kids out there learning about the band. [...]

Saint Vitus – Lillie: F-65 (Season of Mist) The running joke with Saint Vitus’ 1986 record Born Too Late was that it confirmed what everyone already knew about the band. It’s like someone stumbled across a lost tribe of the Sons of Silence motorcycle club where downers was part of their food pyramid and the [...]

Video: The Hives – “Go Right Ahead” The Hives are back with a new single that won’t bring you down…Bruce! Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist is in fine form, decked out in a top hat and cape, and mugging with his best Lux Interior faces. America needs more cape rock. The new album, Lex Hives, is due [...]

This is unlike any other music festival I’ve experienced, not because it takes place in myriad locations about the west-side neighborhood all at the same time, but because the performance spaces are people’s porches, backyards, stoops, and living rooms, usually belonging to the musicians themselves.

I knew this day was coming. When the Beastie Boys announced that Adam Yauch would be to unable attend the group’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame my first thought was, Oh shit. Three weeks later, my fears proved correct. I loved the Beastie Boys the first time I heard them. A [...]

Jethro Tull – Thick As A Brick (Chrysalis) It was a task that was easily avoided, this decision to review Jethro Tull’s Thick As A Brick on the sheer fact that I wasn’t quick enough with my hand to review the sequel. In retrospect, I should have started with the original anyway. I really had [...]

Ian Anderson – Thick As A Brick 2 (Capitol) Does the world really care what happened to Gerald Bostock? I certainly don’t, but then again, I’m not a fan of Jethro Tull. Familiar with the band, yes. In fact, among the few rock albums that made an impression on me as a kid was the [...]

Video: Neil Young & Crazy Horse – “Oh Susannah” I love Neil, but my biggest issue with him lately is that ever since his longtime producer David Briggs died in 1995 Neil has favored a spontaneous type of songwriting and recording that has all but buried any sense of craftsmanship. Neil’s best moments have always [...]