10 Steps to Becoming the Next Indie Buzz Band

So, it’s Saturday night and you are playing another show in front of an empty dive bar. You can’t figure out why your Linkin Park tribute band hasn’t become more successful. You’ve spent hours working on your bands MySpace page, you’ve worked hard to get your original stuff played on…

Heather Mills Claims She Arranged Beatles Deal With iTunes

Heather Mills may be the one to thank for getting the Beatles’ music catalog up on iTunes, according to Consequence of Sound.Mills, Paul McCartney’s ex-wife, claims she talked to Steve Jobs and organized the deal to finally get the digital Beatles albums onto iTunes.Also, she said she won’t be going…

Daft Punk: Tron Legacy (Original Soundtrack)

Artist: Daft Punk Title: Tron Legacy (Original Soundtrack) Release date: December 7 Label: Walt Disney Records I’m a little surprised by the buzz surrounding the release of a soundtrack to a Disney movie. I understand that the kids love the helmeted French house duo Daft Punk and that said act…

Matt & Kim – Cameras (Mike D Remix)

Song: Matt & Kim, “Cameras” (Mike D Remix) Context: I’m not sure I actually like this version of Matt & Kim’s new single by Beastie Boy Mike D, but I salute his effort to bring attention to the Brooklyn duo. Matt & Kim – Cameras (Mike D Remix) by mattandkim…

‘In Darkness and In Light’ Ticket Announcement from The Maine

Just when you thought Phoenix pop/rock band The Maine couldn’t push themselves any further as a band (they already have their own keepsake book and imprint label), the group has managed to make it into the movie business, with their new short film, In Darkness and In Light. They’re screening…

5 Ways to Celebrate Gregg Gillis/Girl Talk Day

It seems Gillis’ recent performances this past weekend in Pittsburgh have a broader influence than many realized. The resolution cites that Gillis “now resides in the Polish Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh,” as well as having “recently opening the new Stage AE club and amphitheater with two sold out performances.” Gillis’…

Zappa Plays Zappa at Comerica Theatre Last Night

Dweezil ZappaComerica TheatreMonday, December 6, 2010 Grey-haired dudes in tennis shoes, file in Co-mer-i-caThey throw back beers and let loose cheers, they scream ‘woo-hoo, oh yeah!’Their past they seek sans acid peak, at the Zappa showLive it up, do it big, Just don’t eat that yellow snow Dweezil Zappa played…

Daft Punk: Tron Legacy

No, this album is not a thumping, ode-to-late-1990s-techno banger, as the kids say. Tron Legacy is, first and foremost, a film score. It is Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Cristo trying to weave a narrative with an 85-piece orchestra. There is a clear electronic influence over the soundtrack, but Bangalter…

The Parting Gifts: Strychnine Dandelions

Artist: The Parting Gifts Title: Strychnine Dandelions Release date: November 9 Label: In the Red Last week, I didn’t have many good things to say about the new record from Kanye West. This morning, a white co-worker walked into my office and said, “I read what you said about Kanye…

Janelle Monáe – Cold War

Song: Janelle Monáe, “Cold War”Context: Getting caught up on best of 2010 albums. Paste put Monáe’s The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III) at #2. Feels like a reach to me so far. Janelle Monáe – Cold War…

Jordin Sparks Plans Huge 21st Birthday Bash in Phoenix

American Idol winner Jordin Sparks will throw herself a huge 21st birthday bash at The Compound Grill in Phoenix on Wednesday, December 22. Yes, the Grammy nominated Sparks will be legal a few days before Christmas, and the NoPho venue will celebrate with a party featuring music from Micah, Jon…

Map of Metal Displays Interactive History of All Things Metal

Ever wondered where Melodic Power Metal came from or which bands actually play that kind of metal? How about the origins of Crossover Thrash, Grindcore or Speed Metal?Graphic designer Patrick Galbraith and metal historian Nick Grant’s Map of Metal has all of that covered. The interactive map plots out just…

Yo Gabba Gabba! Live at Comerica Theatre Yesterday

​ Yo Gabba GabbaComerica Theatre in PhoenixSunday December 5, 2010As I mentioned in my interview with Yo Gabba Gabba! co-creator Christian Jacobs, I have seen every episode of the popular kids TV show Yo Gabba Gabba! a minimum of six times. You may think that number is an exaggeration but…

Yo Gabba Gabba at the Comerica Theatre Last Afternoon

Yo Gabba Gabba LiveComerica Theatre in PhoenixSaturday, December 4, 2010I haven’t been to one of these afternoon kids shows before, so I’m not sure if there are generally so many indie-looking dudes with beards ecstatically singing along with with a song called “Get the Sillies Out” at the Comerica Theatre…