Want to know what new release discs and platters are moving across the Valley at local record stores? We’ve got you covered with another installment of What’s Selling. It’s been eight months since Adele’s sophomore album, 21, debuted with a bluesy pop fervor that has helped the soulstress continue her…
The legendary Roxy Theatre in Hollywood has a sterling rock legacy, but I have to be honest. I kind of expected the Scottsdale’s new Roxy Lounge to be, uh, a little more unsavory — especially considering the location they chose to house their new digs. In my head, Roxy Lounge…
It’s been a while since I’ve written about musical duo Snail Quail, but my goodness are they enjoyable. They write fun songs about goofy topics, which kind of makes them the Flight of the Conchords of Phoenix (and who doesn’t miss FotC? HBO Sundays just aren’t the same without them). This week…
Johnny Cash died eight years ago today. Do you remember the first time you saw the video for “Hurt,” the Nine Inch Nails song brilliantly interpreted by Johnny Cash on his album, American IV: When the Man Comes Around? I do. The song and accompanying Mark Romanek film are beautiful…
David Lowery stands at the helm of two well known bands — Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker — and he’s playing with both of them tomorrow, Tuesday, September 13, at Martini Ranch in Scottsdale. Not only is Lowery pulling double duty, but both bands will be playing seminal recordings in…
Red, White and U-Fest in Photos Firebird International Raceway was invaded over the weekend by some of the heaviest metal bands ever to grace the radio waves of KUPD. Five Finger Death Punch, Anthrax, Filter and more descended upon the stage to rock and rock hard…see photos. Hot Chicks and…
Before two fighters meet in the squared ring a different kind of ballet takes place first. We’re not talking about the precision dance consisting of jabs, hooks and uppercuts combatants exchange during the fight, but the mental warfare that takes place in the moments leading up to it. From intense…
Down Marquee Theatre Sunday, September 11 You have to feel bad for opening acts. Upon arriving at the Down concert last night, Ponykiller had just ended its set and In Solitude was in full force, playing their hearts out on the stage for a half-full Marquee Theater. A handful of…
Cults became a buzz band without even trying. Last year, the ’60s pop-influenced group posted a couple songs on Bandcamp for friends to hear, not expecting bloggers to find and praise the demos. Content that the music spoke for itself, Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion decided against posting any additional…
David Bazan — who issued records under the Pedro the Lion banner before embarking on a “solo” career — is an artist who values connection with his listeners. That sounds flowery, sure, but it’s true. All of Bazan’s records, including this year’s excellent Strange Negotiations, have centered around big themes:…
Carla Bozulich, Badwater Bob, Where Dead Voices Gather, and Tobie Milford The Trunk Space Friday, September 9, 2011 “That’s a pretty song, right?” — Badwater Bob There’s only about twenty people in the Trunk Space, and we’re sitting on the floor. Badwater Bob is on stage, a spry, gray gentleman…
Like your favorite comfort food, power pop music is familiar, tasty and satisfying… and, sometimes, it’s the only thing you want. If you consider The Raspberries’ 1972 self-titled debut album and its absolutely perfect single, “Go All The Way,” as the genesis of the genre (and I do, with apologies…
Chances are you know Aaron Hempsey or at least one of his DJ handles. Billed as monikers such as Swerv Griffin or Rapturo for reputable dance nights like Cheap Thrills, Solstice, The Scenario, and Sticky Fingers, Hempsey has decided to keep things simple for the moment, going by his first…
Less than two months ago, we announced the arrival of North Scottsdale’s Canyon Club. Just as the venue began gaining ground with music fans, we received word that the venue has officially closed. No further explanation was offered. For now, some of the venue’s previously scheduled shows have been moved…
When I was young, I used to love Friday night because it meant TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Funny) — the ABC block of programming that included Dinosaurs, Full House, Boy Meets World, Hanging With Mr. Cooper, Muppets Tonight, and Family Matters. I really liked those shows. I don’t love any…
Hanson has been a household name since 1997 when they made it big with their unforgettable song “MMMBop.” You know, the one you could never get out of your head every time you heard it. But the three-brother band has moved on to bigger and better things now, like their…
September 15 marks the celebration of Grito de Dolores one of the five Fiestas Patrias, or national holidays, in Mexican history. It’s an important day, coming directly before Aniversario de la Independencia, the day Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called for the end of Spanish rule in Mexico. For DJ…
Jim Adkins The singer and guitarist for Jimmy Eat World is playing Tempe Beach Park Friday, September 30 as part of Fall Frenzy. It will be the last show of the band’s year-plus long tour supporting their album, Invented. When you put your key in the ignition and turn on the…
The Morning Infidelity on KWSS 106.7 are hosting their first concert event where, “it’s all about performance.” Six bands will duke it out tonight at The Rogue Bar for stage supremacy in a winner-take-all battle of the bands (our own Christina Caldwell will be acting as a judge). One of…
The last Twilight movie will be released soon and only one episode remains in the fourth season of True Blood. But don’t think the vampire craze is on the decline — MTV recently launched Death Valley, which looks like a campy cross between Reno 911! and Zombieland. How much longer…
Manu Chao has announced a free concert in support of Alto Arizona. The concert, hosted in collaboration with the National Day Laborer Organizing Network and Alto Arizona, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 21, at West Grant and S. 2nd Avenue, right across the street from El Portal…
If you’re one of the Steel Panther fans anxiously awaiting the band’s new record, Balls Out, well, you’re just going to have to wait a little longer. The band announced on its website yesterday that the record has been pushed from its original release date of October 18 to October…
