Monthly Archives: November 2010

Aficionado’s new EP, When It Comes to Creation, includes a track titled “The Same Original Idea.” That name pretty much sums up Aficionado’s sound. That same song includes the line that “when there is a million and one of the same original idea, it’s not original anymore,” which, in reverse, describes the concept they must have come up with for their EP. By synthesizing “a million and one” diverse unoriginal influences, the band creates something original. Although some have tried to categorize Aficionado as a punk band, When It Comes to Creation demonstrates the diversity of influences and instrumentation that the group draws upon.

Read More »

The title alone of the L.A. based indie band Artichoke’s newest release, “Bees,” made me a little apprehensive. An entire album about bees? Maybe, I thought, the 13 bee-inspired titles—including “The Swarm,” “Vulcha Bee Sting” and, of course, “Honey”—were just thoughtful metaphoric titles to create some cohesion in an otherwise chaotic collection of songs. But no: this album is truly a collection of thirteen songs about … bees.

Read More »

J-Live has returned, and he is demanding your Undivided Attention on his latest offering. On this EP, J-Live revisits a measure of the confidence and boldness that once animated his tracks; a confidence that compelled him to rage against inequality and wack MCs with equal intensity; a boldness that once led him to use non-rhyming lines with no fear, and do it perfectly. The rejuvenation of J-Live’s swagger makes Undivided Attention a very satisfying listen, even though J-Live’s lyrics have slipped a little. Read More »

Friday night November 5th was exceptional, in more ways than one. First, I have never arrived at the 9:30 Club at 6:15 p.m. and felt late for a show. I almost missed the opening act. Second, I have never stood in the balcony there (new perspective!). Third, I am so thankful that I did not miss the opener. Givers out-shined and out-performed the headlining act Ra Ra Riot without a question. Fourth, I think I might take up drumming (I will explain this later.) I love a great night of mind-blowing surprises.

Read More »

When a well-known celebrity attempts to jump into a career in music, the consequences are often disastrous. However, I think I’m a pretty reasonable guy, and would be willing to give some of these pseudo-musicians a shot (if only for a few minutes). William Shatner’s above rendition of Elton John’s classic “Rocket Man,” however, is so wrong on so many levels, that I can unequivocally say I will never, ever give him a second chance.  To help you, the reader, understand my anguish, I’ve compiled a four point list which clearly illustrates how not to cover a song, especially when filming it for posterity.

Read More »

Think Local Natives and a lot of things could come to mind: perhaps rose-patterned bikinis, jumping dogs, and tasty treats; or maybe airplanes, Japan, and lost friends; or, more broadly, perhaps beautiful, kooky, off-key vocal harmonies and self-asserting, vibrant, percussive undertones. Or maybe you’ve never heard of the LA based band that seems to be selling out shows everywhere they go these days. In that case, your first though might be that the name seems really unnecessarily repetitive. Regardless, the first things that comes to mind almost certainly aren’t aggressive and overpowering electric guitars, unless, of course, you happen to work at the 9:30 Club.

Read More »