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Concert Review: Gary Clark Jr.

Posted by on April 20th 2012 0

Over spring break, I was lucky enough to attend a Gary Clark Jr. concert in Houston, TX. For those of you that have not heard of him yet, you definitely will in the future. By far one of the best living guitarists around, Gary Clark Jr. has already been compared to the likes of Jimi Hendrix. Clark grew up in Austin, TX and played at local venues in his early years before meeting Clifford Antone, owner of Antone’s music club. Antone’s served as a launch pad for Clark who began playing with many musicians including Jimmie Vaughn. Last June, Clark even played the Bonnaroo Music Festival and was named Rolling Stone‘s “Best Young Gun,” in the April 2011 issue of “Best of Rock.” Recently, Clark played at the White House in honor of Black History Month and South by Southwest (SXSW). Read More »

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Album Review and Interview: Quiet Company, We Are All Where We Belong

Posted by on April 20th 2012 0

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Lyrical Genius: ★★★★★

Overall Music: ★★★★3/4

Without listening closely to the lyrics of each song, one would assume that Quiet Company is just another indie band combining tunes from the Get Up Kids with the lyrics of Colin Meloy of the Decemberists. However, We Are All Where We Belong, is packed with meaty and sometimes controversial lyrics which many people can relate to. In lead singer Taylor Muse’s own word, “It is, essentially, a break up record, only the romance that’s ending was between myself and religion.” Muse’s emotion and honesty in confronting his troubles with religion and ultimate separation from it, contribute strongly to the power and mood of the lyrics and the album as a whole.  For anyone who has struggled with understanding religion or ultimately given up on it, this is one album in which the singer and song-writer can definitely relate. Read More »

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Album and Concert Review: Of Monsters and Men, My Head is An Animal

Posted by on April 12th 2012 0

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Concert:★★★★1/2

Album: ★★★★1/2

When I first heard of the Icelandic band, Of Monsters and Men, the first thing I thought of was John Steinbeck’s book, Of Mice and Men, followed immediately by the thought of a group sitting somewhere in a cave with fur coats on. I’m not sure why the latter came into mind. The band released their first album, My Head is An Animal, on April 3rd, and I had the pleasure of seeing them live the night before at Black Cat. The debut album is absolutely amazing and personally reminds me of a weird mix between Arcade Fire and The Head and the Heart, except happier (sort of).

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Album Review: The Knocks, Magic

Posted by on February 28th 2012 0

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If you’re looking for some good dance music, you’ve come to the right place. The Knock’s new EP, “Magic,” consists of six songs designed for the sole purpose of getting you up and moving. Admittedly, the first time I heard The Knocks was at 11 pm on a Thursday night at U Street Music Hall so obviously I thought they were great. But, even outside of such a setting, their new EP is enjoyable.

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