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(04/16/12 2:06pm)
Primates are on the walls. Literally. Or at least their paintings are. No, this is not some dehydrated delusion from walking around in the warming temperatures for too long, but rather a description of the eclectic artwork that can be found in Downtown Phoenix’s The Lost Leaf. Nestled snugly beside a
(04/12/12 4:32am)
An enriching plot, gorgeous visual imagery and protagonists who ensnare the attention of any viewer they encounter. No, I’m not talking about Oscar-winning films; my focus is solely on the visual imagery constructed to convey the meaning of a song. In other words (and less pretentious ones at that), a music video. It is an art form to masterfully craft a compelling music video that both astounds and is interesting enough to entertain for its three-to-five-minute duration. There are some artists who pride themselves on interesting videos, making it as much of a priority as their music. Others simply rely on tried and true dialogues to base the theme of their video upon. The former makes the experience an enjoyable accompaniment to the aural experience talented musical artist can generate.
(04/09/12 4:27am)
The radio lies. When it spouts its musical literature through our speakers, we get a perspective on the state of popular music for our city. But sometimes it seems to be the only portrait we have of a particular genre for the masses (and ourselves) to compare. Unfortunately for hip-hop music this often leads to stereotypes and plenty of auto tune. Luckily, the true brilliance of hip-hop in its poetic rhythm and disposition cannot be tainted by the less talented but more widely approved discography. There will always be those nausea-inducing tracks that can be heard pouring from certain stations and nightclubs, but the underlying culture of underground hip-hop is more creative and diverse than ever.
(04/05/12 4:01am)
Being surprised is one of those rare emotions I don’t often succumb to. Often, I see it coming. Whether that be a great performance or a lackluster romantic conquest, there are usually signs along the way that pummel me with their clues. So to my utter delight, I love when great bars and establishments turn out to be a terrific venue for discovering new music. Take Phoenix’s FilmBar. The ecelctic movie theater-slash-bar showcases terrific and unique films every night of the week (save for Mondays -- They’re closed). Its stylish layout is complete with interesting artwork displayed on its walls to capture attention and intrigue. While independent films and documentaries are the focus, I was pleasantly surprised that great music is also a focal point for the local bar.
(04/02/12 4:01am)
Judging by the warming sunshine and the smell of spring flowers in the air, spring is upon us. So while the air conditioners are slowly being activated across the city, the hay fever of springtime music mania has also begun. Many new albums are being released, and the air is finally warm enough to roll down the street with windows open and the music blasting full force. I am no stranger to this behavior, and there have been a few albums that have continually been on repeat these past few weeks. Every spring needs a soundtrack; these happen to be the standouts of my musical experience so far this season.
(03/29/12 4:01am)
Local supporting local: There never was a sweeter statement. More importantly this is one of the best descriptions I can give of the local dive-bar treasure that is the Ice House Tavern. Located in central Phoenix, just west of Thomas Road and 40th Street, you’d never know the bar even existed without some sleuthing or recommendation via word of mouth. The bar/music venue is nestled snugly behind the Arcadia Ice Rink.
(03/26/12 4:01am)
Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” and Arcade Fire’s “Wake Up” blare in succession from my computer speakers. These are first two songs that stream from the new KUKQ website dedicated to Arizona alternative music. It’s definitely a good start.
(03/15/12 4:01am)
All week I have been the creepy music blogger obsessively pouring over the major event occurring two states away, and I have no shame. South By Southwest (more commonly referred to as SXSW) is officially under way, from March 9to 18within the vibrant musical mecca of Austin, Texas. SXSW is a beautiful conglomerate of the best in emerging media. It contains film, music and an
(03/12/12 4:01am)
I love stuffing my face with delicious food. The meticulous foodie that I am, I would spend all of my time trying new and creative dishes if I wasn’t aware of all the ways my body would respond to such behavior (i.e. a larger gut). This weekend I was given the rare opportunity to combine my foodie love with another passion: music. At Hanny’s in downtown phoenix, the perfect opportunity arises for music and food to combine.
(03/07/12 11:00pm)
Mashing together songs seems to be a popular trend within the whole remixing phenomenon. However, there is a difference between simply layering a track over a set of vocals, and actually cutting and retracking to create a new product. This is what acclaimed documentary by Amir Bar Lev hopes to showcase. In Re:Generation Music Project, five talented DJs from all genres of electronic music each partake on their own adventure to remaster and create new material. Sounds pretty commonplace, right? The kicker: they have to choose artists and songs from completely opposing genres of music.
(03/05/12 5:01am)
Ever wonder what happens to those groups that reach superstardom? Well, ladies and gents, they often do what most people with clout do: break up and become solo artists. This phenomenon has taken place for years, and continues to ride strong. The other day I was reading a blog about the newest solo artist collaboration (which include people who used to be in big time-ish bands) and it got me thinking: How often does this happen?
(03/01/12 5:01am)
Arizona is a loud place. Music seems to pour out from every crevice, and there always seems to be some new band of the moment poised for recognition. Of course when I say loud I am speaking metaphorically (though sometimes when the neighbors have a little too much fun at 3 a.m., it seems like the whole world is shouting under my apartment). Starting this past Feb. 18, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) opened its “I Am AZ Music” exhibit. Chronicling the past 100 years of Arizona musical talent, the exhibit offers different shades of the vibrant musical culture found in the Valley.
(02/27/12 5:01am)
So it finally happens: The day arrives when it’s time for that special record to be released after months of waiting in anticipation. The best part is when the release is supplemented by a live performance or signing. When musicians care enough to spend that special release with their loyal fans that have been there all along, it shows that they really do appreciate the support of their listeners. So fun.’s acoustic in-store performance last Wednesday night was a treat for their local following.
(02/23/12 5:01am)
Electronic music is everywhere. Wherever you look, the rapidly growing house and progressive scene inspires new fans and continues to foster new levels of infamy. Even the Grammy Awards were no stranger to this, though this was a microscopic sliver of what the EDM (electronic dance music) community represents (and according to the SPIN author of the linked article, more of a puppet show). The Valley is no different. With weekly tributes to dance music that include Sticky Fingers at Bar Smith and XO Wednesdays at Chopper John's (to name a few), local electronic aficionados are getting swept away in the lights and bass drops. So who are the faces behind this underground scene of DJs and dance parties? Countless souls yearn to be discovered and to perform at raves, clubs and concerts throughout the Valley. Websites like Don’t Stay In tell would-be ravers and electro-heads where the next great party will be happening. And promotion companies like Relentless Beats are always primed to bring the best national acts to the valley and to promote the local contenders.
(02/20/12 5:01am)
When asked to describe their music, what are the first words that come to mind for St Ranger manager (and member) Jeff Taylor? ”Well… music for sure.” Though his answer elicited much laughter from my end, his more-serious contribution was akin to the truth. Made up of members Jake Ashton, vocalist Bruce Kimura, guitarist/vocalist Andy Phipps, drummer Jakeob Ewell, and Taylor himself, “Melodic, harmonious, and upbeat” summarize his description of the beautiful concoctions the quintet creates. Even when I first encountered the band in late 2010 as openers for Pepper Rabbit at the Rhythm Room, their eccentric blend of harmony was not to be taken lightly. Drawing comparisons to artists such as Grizzly Bear, Beach House and The Love Language, who use layered harmonies to depict their intricate yet delicate stories, the group’s music is an indie-pop gem of the local scene. Formed in mid-2010, Taylor says that the initial goal of the band was to create a more vocal-centered music catalog. Developed from a more progressive, alt-based band, “the idea was to keep song structures interesting but to focus on vocal work by writing tons of harmonies to accompany the songs,” Taylor says. Interesting is definitely the key way to describe their brand-new release coming out later this week.
(02/16/12 5:01am)
The rhythm and soul: Not only are these the lyrics/title to a terrific Spoon song, they are also the key elements for a blues-infused ensemble to succeed. If a group doesn’t have that distinct swagger that produces satin-smooth grooves, there’s no reason for them to be included in any soulful sphere of sound. Luckily Tempe’s Black Carl never runs into this issue. With lead singer Emma Pew belting the notes out like a tougher (and way cooler) version of Joss Stone, and hitting these incredible notes that drench the crowd in her impassioned singing and grooving, the band definitely has soul.
(02/13/12 5:01am)
The ever-commercial-laden institution of Valentine’s Day fast approaches with all the subtlety of a derailed freight train; the idea of love has been everywhere the eye can see. The hearts, the pink confections, the overall message l’amour have been jumping out from every retail enterprise in a five-mile radius. However, they seem to be missing out on the most interesting aspect of the whole deal. The spectrum of love is a varied thing. There are its highs (and its crushing lows).
(02/09/12 5:01am)
Think: Two artists for the price of one. No, Amazon has not decided to have an mp3 sale this week; rather, it’s an observation that collaborators on songs have been on the rise. These days there can be duets, trios, mash-ups, or original song collaborations on any layman’s playlist. The trend of a “two-for” has struck with a vengeance. So what makes these multifaceted projects so intriguing? It boils down to an art form. A successful collaboration has to ensnare enough diversity and creativity to encourage the listener to the song in the first place. While recent years have had their fair shares of genius confections there have been some duds lost in the shuffle. Let’s make sure they stay lost. However, to those talented enough to make it work, praise is in order. In years of Jay-Z/Kanye and Britney/Ke$ha, the collaborative world has so many more gems to offer that you might not have noticed. Enjoy.
(02/06/12 5:01am)
Reinvention: What once was becomes a transfigured relic of past transgressions. While some may struggle with it or find unbridled success, the fact remains that change is not necessarily a bad thing. A lot of artists go through these active periods of reinvention, these new chunks of creativity forming new pieces of musical fanfare. In Anthony Green’s case, his musical transformations only seem to add to the mystique and allure of his music. Beginning as the lead singer of screamo, hardcore aficionados Saosin for a brief period, his first musical rebirth came in the form of alternative experimental group Circa Survive.
(02/02/12 5:01am)
Local music is always there to fulfill the yearning for good music -- at least the Arizona scene is. Thriving with musical prodigies and talented acts, the Arizona music selection is both diverse and brilliant. So this Saturday, instead of sitting on your couch and watching the fifth season of Bones again, go out and support the scene at the River Jones Music Night. A night saturated with terrific indie-folk alternative, great music will be easily enjoyed.