MUSIC
The Old 97’s are more than just the band behind celebrities. They’ve been around for 15 years, providing clever lyrics over guitar hooks and hand-clapping beats. Now, the group brings their brand of country-inspired pop to The Blue Note Oct. 15.
October 09, 2008
Memphis punker plays name game
Jay Reatard brings his fast-paced, headbanging brand of punk rock to Mojo’s this Saturday. He just released a collection of his 2008 singles, Matador Singles ‘08, Monday. Amidst all the chaos, Reatard takes time to sit down with Vox to discuss his stage name, his early influences, why he prefers vinyl and his apparent memory problem.
Old 97’s offer up their brand of quirky country
The Old 97’s are more than just the band behind celebrities. They’ve been around for 15 years, providing clever lyrics over guitar hooks and hand-clapping beats. Now, the group brings their brand of country-inspired pop to The Blue Note Oct. 15.
Ben Folds: Way to Normal
Most musicians fear their new albums leaking over the Internet for all music pirates to pillage and download for free. But not Ben Folds. This pop-rock pianist took matters into his own key-blazing hands and intentionally leaked a fake version of Way to Normal in July. The faux album consisted of six tracks the artist wrote while on a flight to Ireland. Illegal music downloaders, you’ve just been punk’d.
October 02, 2008
South Florida easy core kings shed major label chains
When New Found Glory formed in 1997, the idea of hardcore kids playing in a pop-punk band was unheard of. After ruling the genre for close to a decade, the NFG guys chose to name their current tour after what they consider their sound to be: easy core, a blend of tried-and-true punk rock and pop sensibilities.
50-song 90-day music challenge gets the creative ball rolling
Nearly a century ago, Jack London said: “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” And his words still ring true. A modern manifestation of this idea has been born in a worldwide competition called the 50 Song Challenge, in which songwriters try to complete 50 songs in 90 days.
JACK’S MANNEQUIN, The Glass Passenger
Some people are just born to be overachievers, and Jack’s Mannequin frontman Andrew McMahon is obviously one of them. He recorded his first album with piano-rock group Something Corporate at 18, toured the world performing with big-name bands such as 311 and Yellowcard by 21, fought and ultimately beat leukemia at 23 and formed a successful side project that quickly morphed into a full-blown gig in his spare time.
What to do at Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ
Your guide according to your music preferences
(Web Exclusive) Some like the roots, some like the blues, but everyone loves barbecue. Pick your musical preference, and enjoy the weekend tapping your feet and licking your fingers.
September 25, 2008
Vox sits down with folk rock's Jill-of-all-trades
Ani DiFranco is many things: a musician, a poet, a feminist, a mother and an activist. She has been working nonstop since 1990, and her 18th studio album, Red Letter Year, will be released Tuesday. That same day, she will perform at the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts.
Area kids make good on musical aspirations
Sound Advice: Gym Class Heroes
Hip-hop acts love to beat critics to the punch, and Travis McCoy is no different. Leading Gym Class Heroes on “Don’t Tell Me It’s Over” off The Quilt, the MC throws out an invitation to his detractors. “Tell ’em I can’t rap / tell ’em I dumb it down” he shouts between choruses of “It’s your hate that keeps me believin’ that we’re the greatest of all time.” It’s clear that McCoy has already anticipated criticism and contempt.
September 18, 2008
Bruce Springsteen’s bandmate heads to Columbia airwaves
Steven Van Zandt is partly responsible for the hits of the two most notorious bosses in American pop culture history, Bruce Springsteen and Tony Soprano. Now Van Zandt, the culprit behind E Street Band’s wild guitar riffs and the portrayal of Silvio Dante on The Sopranos, hopes to make a hit of his own on Columbia’s airwaves this Saturday when his nationally syndicated program “Little Steven’s Underground Garage” invades KBIA’s new weekend lineup at 7 p.m. on 91.3 FM. KBIA’s new weekend lineup at 7 p.m. on 91.3 FM.
A child born in 1990, the same year that New Kids On The Block released their last original album, Step-By-Step, would now be old enough to vote. In that 18-year span, the band members have grown up and matured, but apparently their sound hasn’t. In their reunion CD released Sept. 2, it is clear that The Block is where they’ve been hangin’, and now a comeback is tough.
Enter the twisted world of N.Y. shock-rock
MSI enjoys engaging in outrageous acts to get the audience riled up. The group, which strives to be anything but boring, hits The Blue Note Sept. 24. Anything can happen (and probably has) at an MSI concert. Urine has attempted to light himself on fire, and he and the rest of the band (guitarist Steve, Righ?, drummer Kitty and bassist Lyn-Z) have broken bones on stage.
September 11, 2008
Synth-pop vets make Minneapolis proud
Justin Pierre might hold the distinction of being the only lyricist to reference gerbils, mangos and the Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique in pop songs. But spend some time speaking with the bespectacled, wild-haired Motion City Soundtrack frontman, and you’ll soon realize that the only limits the singer knows are the very few he sets in his imagination.
GZA/GENIUS, Pro Tools
Backstage Pass: The Avett Brothers
September 04, 2008
The life of a rockabilly legend
6 reasons why guitarist Deke Dickerson rocks our socks off
What do corn-chip cannons, caged go-go dancers and crazed Spanish-speaking Bob Dylan fans have in common? They are all part of the fascinating career of Columbia native and rockabilly legend Deke Dickerson.
August 28, 2008
Spreading political messages through music
Maybe your iPod playlist does say a lot about your political persuasion. If your mixes are stocked with country stars such as Toby Keith and aging rockers such as Ted Nugent, you might be a fan of John McCain. But if you prefer hip-hop beats from Nas and Jay-Z and indie-pop stars, including Conor Oberst, you might be a Barack Obama supporter.
August 21, 2008
Jonny Lang brings his celebrated sound to Summerfest
Blues sensation-turned-Grammy-winning gospel rocker Jonny Lang has been spending his summer touring North America and giving blues aficionados a chance to hear his new sound live. When he takes the stage on Wednesday in Columbia as part of Summerfest, fans can decide for themselves how they feel about his musical 180. Features additional online content.
