In Defense Of… Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend”

In the wee hours of Monday morning, Justin Bieber’s new single, produced by Mike Posner and Mason Levy, found its way onto the Internet, causing numerous belieber’s heads to explode upon first listen. In a matter of hours, “Boyfriend” reached the top spot on the iTunes charts with the help…

In Defense Of… Usher’s “Climax”

In the past couple years, Usher went through a few personal crises, which caused a musical mid-life crisis for the artist. Usher’s top singles since 2010 were overloaded dance floor tunes like “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love” and “More.” This phase of Usher’s career resembled the excesses and lost…

Perfume Genius – Dan’s Silverleaf – 3/26/12

Perfume Genius Dan’s Silverleaf Monday, March 26 “Thank you for being sad,” Mike Hadreas said last night. “Thank you for staying sad throughout the whole show.” Fine, you got me. I’ve been on a sad music kick lately, and seeing the Seattle singer and pianist at Dan’s was just the…

Todd Rundgren – House of Blues – 3/26/12

Todd Rundgren House of Blues Monday, March 26 Billed as a “greatest hits” tour, Todd Rundgren’s show last night at the House of Blues was a textbook presentation of his professionalism. Even dogged by a nasty cold and throat issues, Rundgren and his band delivered over two hours of classic…

Amanda Shires – Dan’s Silverleaf – 3/24/12

Amanda Shires Dan’s Silverleaf Saturday, March 24 It’s a little surprising Amanda Shires isn’t a country supernova yet, and more surprising she has no representation, not even a tiny indie label from her native Texas or current home of Nashville. She started playing the violin at the age of 10,…

The Sights and (Awful) Sounds of the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon

I’ve had a bone to pick with the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon, and not because it blocks off streets in my neighborhood or benefits Susan G. Komen. It’s because, unlike other marathons that happen throughout the year, there are awful cover bands playing at full volume on a fucking Sunday…

I Poured Flaming Lips Vinyl, and Boy Are My Arms Tired

I really didn’t know what pouring vinyl entailed when local musician Daniel Huffman asked if I wanted to sit in on a job Thursday afternoon. I envisioned the act of pouring, and then an actual record, but the in between part was vague. I just said yes and drove over…

Poster of the Week: Young the Giant at The Prophet Bar

Tomorrow night’s Young the Giant show at the Prophet Bar is waaay sold out. So what’s the deal with this band? Are they cute? Are they the “new hotness”? The name is a little cringe-worthy, but they do have some pretty songs. Oh, yes, Google image search verifies they are…