Sometimes, the simplest music is the most affecting. So it goes with PJ Harvey’s new studio album, White Chalk, which often feels like a sequel to Björk’s Vespertine. Absent are the scorched-earth guitars and feral vocals for which the songwriter is known. Instead, Chalk finds solace and strength in desolation…
Before Dylan and that crucial British invasion (circa 1964), instrumental rock ‘n’ roll was not a specific subgenre. Its executors, however, actually topped the charts — the Ventures, Dick Dale, and Link Wray sold millions of records, influencing dozens of 1960s and ’70s guitarists. Although instrumental bands still exist, many…
At times, Jamaican-born singer Allison Lee’s vocals barely rise above a whisper. Her voice is a hushed, waif-like instrument that betrays vulnerability and supreme confidence. That’s an interesting juxtaposition for a singer so shy about her talents that until a few years ago, her coworkers at Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital…
Is it possible that there exists any sizable group of people who (a) have never heard Diana Krall or, worse, (b) have heard but are still undecided about her? Yes, probably both exist, and unfortunately, the latest release of her work will do little to change this scenario. About half…
Okay, so the Sex Pistols stopped being relevant the first time they reunited (whenever that was — 1996? 1997?) and cheapened their own legacy. But this might take the cake. From a press release: Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Sex…
Rap City won’t be on in the afternoons anymore. The show is moving to 1 a.m., and BET is filling its old afternoon time-slot with some other video-block show. And honestly, I’m not even sure why I care. For one thing, I never watch the show in the afternoon anyway…
Reggae star Mavado, who just performed at the Gold Coast Roller Rink in Fort Lauderdale a week ago, was robbed on Tuesday in Toronoto. According to reports, most of Mavado’s belongings were stolen including a laptop, money, and his passport. As a result, Mavado has cancelled his upcoming shows (Atlanta…
Rilo Kiley is on an ascent. It’s one that may take them from cult status all the way to the big leagues, as far as the music industry is concerned. With a critically acclaimed new album on the streets and a major label backing them, now is a telling time…
The toilet in Miss Cleo’s half bathroom has been flushing on its own lately. Whenever she walks by the room, it just flushes itself, she says. Consider it an episode of paranormal activity if you wish, but for Miss Cleo, it’s nothing out of the ordinary. She says she’s been…
Trying to define the work of Manu Chao — who has finally followed up on his 2001 disc, Próxima Estación: Esperanza — is certainly not easy. The Franco-Spanish musician challenges the listener using lyrics written in four languages and beats that reflect complete open-mindedness. The artist seems to expect no…
The best Yeah Yeah Yeahs songs have always felt like a balling or a brawling — if not both. Since emerging in 2000, the serrated sleaze-rockin’ trio of vamping singer Karen O, bassy guitarist Nick Zinner, and primal drummer Brian Chase has gangbanged a catalog of turn-ons and fuck-offs. The…
Guitar Music From the Western Sahara is one of Sublime Frequencies’ first releases to spotlight the recordings of a single artist. And Group Doueh deserves the global attention. Since the late ’80s, Group Doueh has maintained a presence throughout Morocco and Mauritania, performing on television and radio as well as…
Here’s an all-star tribute to the jazzy queen of the American songbook, Ella Fitzgerald. Check these creds: produced by legendary A&R Recording studios founder Phil Ramone; arrangements by Billy Childs (formerly of Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard’s band) and Rob Mounsey (whose horn arrangements include Paul Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al”);…
Black power anthems have come in many forms. Gospel, hip-hop, and soul music have a ton — just ask the Staple Singers, the JB’s, or Public Enemy. But it’s much rarer to find one in the electronica world. Yet this week, Miami-based DJ/producer Supersoul drops a series of remixes that…
Hey, sometimes there’s no underestimating high school principals. Who knew a publicity snap of four skinny rockers could amount, in the eyes of one, to porn? The band in question: All Time Low, a poppy, punky, quartet from the suburbs of Baltimore, who just released their debut full-length, So Wrong,…
Apparently, Crossfade just can’t get enough of Meg White. A lot of the Internet, especially some of the music chatrooms, are buzzing this morning over the sex tape that suddenly appeared this weekend that supposedly shows White Stripes drummer Meg White engaged in full coital activity. While nobody can verify…
Bob Dylan is the kind of iconic musician than breeds obsessive – and discerning – fans. It’s natural, then, that Dylan devotees would be split over I’m Not There, an experimental biographical movie directed by Todd Haynes. Here, Dylan is portrayed by six different actors (Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Richard…
Outspoken rapper, actor, and activist Mos Def is voicing his anger at the hip-hop community for their lack of support for the Jena 6. He’s been in Louisiana of late, marching and performing, but recently spoke out about feeling alone within the hip-hop community when it comes to standing up…
Got this letter in our e-mail today. “Today I stopped by a health food store (Wild Oats) on S. Dixie Highway for my weekly shopping, and was met by the most astounding music from local musician, Peter Betan, playing pieces from his CD, PassionFix (which I bought). Now, I’m not…
Since it’s Friday and folks are only a matter of hours away from blowing off steam, here’s some music to whet your dancehall sensibilities. –Jonathan Cunningham…
The blues isn’t the type of music a performer can just jump into, but if you’ve ever been kicked around and left for dead, it could be your thing. Spend a little time with John Lee Hooker Jr. and you quickly realize that this singer and composer, despite the famous…
Kanye West and 50 Cent are the two biggest drama queens to hit pop music since Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop, and that’s not a bad thing. Hip-hop, still the voice of young black America, is only going to get louder and prouder as it goes along, if only because…
