Mar 04 2013
Preview: The Postelles @ Brighton Music Hall 3.4.13
With the rise of synthesized, computerized music, a band that writes good, guitar-driven melodies is rare. The Postelles use their vintage style to create infectious and catchy 60s-inspired rock and roll. The quartet will bring their well-regarded live show to Brighton Music Hall with the Arkells and The Ambassadors tonight, and it will be a welcome performance for those who miss the days when songs weren’t cloaked in layers. With… continue reading
Mixtape: Color Spectrum
These relationships are synesthete approved. Really though. I sat down with a sound to color synesthete and hammered out this playlist from red to silver. Enjoy.
Aug 01 2012
Today In Music History: August 1, 1981
August 1, 1981, 12:01 a.m – Music Television launches with the words, “Ladies and gentleman, rock and roll.” At the outset, MTV was only available to a few thousand viewers on a cable network in northern New Jersey. Its initial premise was simple: play music videos 24/7/365. Since today’s MTV programming mostly alternates between terrible reality television and slightly less terrible scripted shows (ahem, Teen Wolf), take a trip down memory lane… continue reading
Jun 20 2012
Preview: River’s Edge Music Festival
Summer used to mean outdoor games and camping in a park; now, summer means outdoor music and camping at festivals. Essentially, summer hasn’t changed much, but instead of playing capture the flag with friends, you’re playing music with friends; instead of comfortably camping for fun, you’re uncomfortably camping at a festival…or maybe you aren’t. Either way, music festivals are a staple of the summer months– and today marks the official… continue reading
Jun 18 2012
Preview: The Governor’s Ball Music Festival
A beautiful Manhattan location, an eclectic line-up and enough specialty food to whet anyone’s appetite await ticketholders to the June 23 & 24 Governor’s Ball. This is the second year the festival is taking place (though it’s changed locations to Randall’s Island), and just like last year, it features top names in indie pop, rock and dance/electronica. This year’s show will feature a welcome return of artists who have been… continue reading
Feb 01 2012
Music and Politics
Newt Gingrich – he may be the underdog, but he damn sure isn’t Rocky Balboa. For that reason, Frankie Sullivan, guitarist of Survivor — a band that broke onto the scene and disappeared simultaneously with Rocky III — is suing Newt Gingrich for using their song, “Eye of the Tiger.” He claims there’s no political motive, only an artist’s attempt to protect copyright…or get people interested in a non-Probst related… continue reading
Dec 06 2011
“Sunny Came Home” – The Ultimate Pandora Station
I’m not the biggest fan of Pandora. Usually, I like to have more control over what comes out of my speakers than Pandora can give me. I’ll start listening to Death Cab For Cutie Radio and a song by Pearl Jam will come on; it just kind of throws off my flow. However, I found one Pandora station that almost never disappoints. “Sunny Came Home” was a one-hit wonder, in… continue reading
Nov 30 2011
Parlez-vous français?
I just learned a very exciting word. The word isn’t particularly exciting in and of itself, but the fact it exists is. The word is “frisson,” and in French it means “a sudden passing sensation of excitement; a shudder of emotion.” It’s basically the inexplicable feeling you get while listening to a particularly moving piece of music- you know, when you just feel like crying because all of the sudden you… continue reading
Nov 13 2011
Preview: Pretty & Nice @ Great Scott 11.19.11
On November 19, a sampling of some of Boston’s best rock talent will be descending upon Great Scott for a spirited night of infectious grooves, lo-fi gems and pop pleasure. Boston-based The Clippers will be opening the night with their patented blink-and-you’ll-miss-it take on pop rock. This duo brings angular guitar stabs punctuated by unexpected time signature change ups and a killer set of pipes that alternate between sullen and soaring. … continue reading
Nov 11 2011
Preview: Phantogram @ Royale 11.19.11
In art, a phantogram is an optical illusion. The same could arguably be said for Phantogram the band. A huge, yet ethereal and dreamy sound booms from just two people, the duo of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter. You can hear this for yourself when Phantogram performs at Royale on November 19th. Phantogram is an electronic, rock band that uses as many beeps and boops as they do crinkly, fuzzed… continue reading
Nov 07 2011
The Inevitable Approaches
If you’ve lived in New England for anywhere close to a year, you know that after a solid four months of summer follows eight months of winter. Eight long months of darkness, black ice and endless snow. For me, this is around the time of year that my playlists start to shift away from the jams and toward the slower songs. I know some people may prefer to listen to… continue reading