It’s not unfair to say that Robin Williams’ tragic passing this week hits home more than most. Generations of kids have grown up with his work, entertained by his wild, manic impersonations and, later, inspired by his deep pathos in films like Dead Poet’s Society, Good Will Hunting, and Patch…
Elvis Depressedly With Alex G, the Vliets and Eyes, Wings and Many Other Things Prophet Bar, Dallas Monday, August 28, 2014 Among other endless phenomena, the Internet has prompted the breeding of a new generation of bedroom auteurs. Traditionally, the house garage was the cocoon from which great bands emerged–something…
Steely Dan WinStar Casino, Thackerville, Oklahoma Friday, July 18, 2014 At Winstar Casino in Oklahoma last Friday night, Steely Dan marched in with a sophisticated army of 13 musicians armed to mellow you out. The band’s music always has a peculiarly lukewarm character, not quite uptempo enough to rock out…
Queen + Adam Lambert American Airlines Center, Dallas Thursday, July 10, 2014 English band Queen is like a solar system that lost its star. Late singer Freddie Mercury was an icon of showmanship, passion and theatricality, the ultimate performer and arguably the most talented vocalist in rock history. When you’ve…
Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band WinStar Casino, Thackerville, Oklahoma Saturday, July 5, 2014 It could be said that there are two types of Beatles’ fans: those who revere them as enlightened mystical geniuses for their revolutionary experimentation in music, and the other type which prefers the cartoonish, suited-up figurine…
On their way to reaching professional status, musicians go through many stages of sex, drugs and open mic nights. The latter, among other things, empower the aspiring artist with the means to project confidence on stage while getting immediate feedback on their writing. The famed Apollo Theater in Harlem was…
When you’re trying to start a successful rock band, moving from California to the ultraconservative city of Provo, Utah, would seem to be a move in the wrong direction. Yet that’s exactly what Neon Trees did. After being taken under the Killers’ wings, Neon Trees had enormous hits with the radio-friendly…
Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger With Bronchos Dada, Dallas Friday, May 9, 2014 It’s impossible to ignore the elephant in the room when it comes to Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, so let’s get it out of the way: Sean Lennon is the son of John Lennon and…
Foster the People With St. Lucia South Side Ballroom, Dallas Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Foster the People may owe their fame to one thing and one thing only — “Pumped Up Kicks” — but that doesn’t mean they can’t still sell tickets. With their wave of one-hit-wonderdom still yet to…
As part of the most impressive parade of divas the Dallas area has seen in years (Diana Ross plays in April, Dolly Parton plays in May, Elton John played early March) Cher came to Dallas and proceeded to show them all how it should be done. Upon entering American Airlines…
The Vliets (Pronounced Vleets) describe themselves as ‘experimental rock’ , which seems an accurate enough description if you’re a fan of understatement. If their name offers any indication, it’s an homage to Don Van Vliet, the experimental musician better known as Captain Beefheart, a longtime collaborator of Frank Zappa’s. Lead…
Beats Antique sold out Trees in Deep Ellum on Friday night, while on tour promoting their new album, A Thousand Faces- Act 1. I have purposely held off on watching any live videos of the band, since I was told the magic lies in their live performances, and wanted to…
