Sep 01, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

The old saying goes that "One man's trash is another man's treasure." When it comes to discarded audio, The Books might argue that there's no such thing as trash. More

Aug 31, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

Laurie Anderson has a gift for creating evocative recordings. Her multi-media live performances may have the benefit of added visuals but the storytelling aspect of Anderson's albums can just as easily draw a listener out of a purely aural experience. More

Aug 30, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

With overlong, filler-stuffed CDs hitting the market regularly by all manner of artists, the fact that Janelle Monáe presents a double-length disc that's engaging and memorable from start to finish is creditable in itself. Considering how, on this debut long-player, Monáe audaciously skates freely across genres and sounds great wearing every hat she tries on, she's practically in a class of her own at only age 24. More

Aug 27, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

Sonny Smith has been kicking around the Bay Area music scene for over a decade, playing blues piano here, touring with Neko Case there, and releasing a string of solo records during the early '00s. In 2007, The Sunsets fell together and included a rotating group of friends, currently Kelley Stoltz, Tahlia Harbour (Citay, The Dry Spells), and Ryan Browne. More

Aug 26, 2010 Music Issue #32 - Summer 2010 - Wasted on the Youth

Blue-eyed soul band Fitz & the Tantrums haven't just dipped a toe in the retro-funk pool-they've dove in head first, dapper suits and all. Judging by debut full-length Pickin' Up the Pieces, they'll be happily swimming along for some time to come. More

Aug 25, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

For the casual music lover, a-ha equates the groundbreaking animated video for "Take On Me" and is quickly filed under VH1's dreaded "one hit wonder" slot. The release of The Singles 1984-2004 proves a-ha is nowhere near that slot. Besides the obvious "Take On Me," which opens this collection, familiar song after familiar song follow each other on The Singles-at least in the beginning. More

Aug 24, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

Lissie's debut showcases a diverse range of vocal centered music, from folk and bubblegum, to blues and country-esque, but things don't always cohere, and unfortunately the common denominator is nondescript pop-rock. More

Aug 23, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

Egalitarian songwriting and the lack of a front person may presume the lack of a focal point. Grass Widow, a San Francisco post-punk trio that favors structure and form over grating guitar and speed, use this approach to their benefit, collaboratively writing songs and sharing vocal duties. More

Aug 20, 2010 Music Issue #32 - Summer 2010 - Wasted on the Youth

In a collaboration that began with the echoes of old Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood records, Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan have completed their third shared album, this one delving deeper into the Americana that Campbell has been exploring since her 2006 solo album, Milk White Sheets. More