No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani has sought to step away from her band by explicitly embracing the pop mainstream in her burgeoning solo career. Her new album, “The Sweet Escape,” sweetens the deal by adding some Hollywood glamour and pop-star cliche to the formula. Continue reading
This Thanksgiving, Chicago rock band Wilco has plenty to be thankful for. At Wednesday night’s concert in Madison, Wis., the group went a long way to express its appreciation to their deserving fans. Continue reading
Bob Dylan and his heavyweight opening act, the Foo Fighters, were surprising Halloween treats during their one-two punch performance at Madison’s Kohl Center on Tuesday night. Continue reading
Besides indie-rock hipsters, there was something else that filled Chicago’s Metro on Monday night for TV on the Radio’s sold-out concert: Doubt. Continue reading
Left behind by the ’90s grunge movement that they helped foster, the Melvins have persevered by staying true to their hardcore roots. The band’s latest disc keeps their flame burning bright. Continue reading
Napoleon Bonaparte once said that imagination rules the world, and the copious amounts of it employed on the new album by the Decemberists might give them at least global domination of indie rock. Continue reading
In an era when so many pop stars’ careers seem ephemeral, alt-rock wunderkind Beck has had a run of great albums that compare with rock’s ’60s and ’70s pantheon. His latest, “The Information,” puts an end to his streak. Continue reading
Rock legend Elton John’s new album — his first in two years — revisits his ’70s creative pinnacle. Soundbytes’ David Hyland reviews whether his new effort is worth the return trip. Continue reading
Think MTV is all grown up? Think again. While this year marks the channel’s 25th anniversary, its premier event tonight — the MTV Video Music Awards — promises to be the channel’s edgiest yet. Continue reading
The 2006 marks a year of dramatic change for the MTV Video Music Awards. Who will be the winners? Soundbytes columnist David Hyland gives us his picks. Continue reading
Soundbytes Music Column 