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Review: Vampire Weekend’s ‘Contra’ Dripping With Ambition
Two years after knocking the pop world on its ear with a jaw-dropping debut, Vampire Weekend has returned with a new record that likewise seeks to find a fusion between power-pop and African and Caribbean musical styles. The only problem: the band forgot to include the pop. Continue reading
Soundbytes: Top 10 Albums Of 2009
Looking to cash in your iTunes gift card from the holidays? Soundbytes’ David Hyland has recommendations where to spend it. Continue reading
2009 / Live Reviews / Music
Concert Review: Bruce Springsteen Embraces, Celebrates Legacy At Milwaukee Stop
Ten years after he reconvened his E Street Band, Bruce Springsteen now seems ready to indulge in a little nostalgia as he salutes the high points and long-overlooked gems of his discography during a concert Sunday night in Milwaukee. Continue reading
Review: Them Crooked Vultures Fulfill Supergroup Tag For Wrong Reasons
Boasting members with rock-star resumes impressive enough to pique any fans’ curiosity, Them Crooked Vultures and their debut album ultimately fulfill the supergroup moniker — albeit largely for the wrong reasons. Continue reading
2009 / Live Reviews / Music
Concert Review: Dinosaur Jr. Refuses Fossil Status
Eclipsed by Nirvana’s ascendency to superstardom, alternative-rock pioneers Dinosaur Jr. saw little return despite their years of wowing the underground. On Tuesday night’s concert in Madison, Wis., the newly reunited band used high volume and their cache of bludgeoning riffs to conquer the audience. Continue reading
2009 / Live Reviews / Music
Concert Review: Sufjan Stevens Thrills With Hits, Bores With Jams
Indie-rock visionary Sufjan Stevens’ eccentric songs and his garage-band approach to orchestration might suggest he’s an advocate for creative spontaneity. His concert in Madison, Wis., on Monday night gave a different impression, offering a sneak peek at his creative process as he tried out a batch of new baroque-pop songs. Continue reading
Review: Alice In Chains Attempts Grunge Resurrection On New Record
Seven years after the death of their iconic frontman, Seattle’s Alice In Chains has reformed with a new lead singer and new album. But despite the changes in the band and the world at large since the grunge years, the new record picks up exactly where they left off. Continue reading
Review: Muse’s New Album Seeks To Overcome Lingering ‘Resistance’
Six years after releasing its greatest album only to find many fans found that it did a better Radiohead than Radiohead, English alternative-rock trio Muse are still struggling to earn the success and respect its music warrants. The group’s new album takes a different tact to win new fans and convert suspicious holdouts. Continue reading
Review: Jay-Z Relies On Hit-Making Designs For ‘The Blueprint 3’
If his new album’s title of “The Blueprint 3” isn’t evidence enough, rap superstar Jay-Z knows how to put together blockbuster albums even when multi-million sellers seem like an endangered species in the download era. But more than a name, Jay-Z’s new disc succeeds because he follows a simple philosophy: Make hits. Continue reading
Review: Os Mutantes’ Return Offers Tropicalia Flashback
Tropicalia musical pioneers Os Mutantes were among a generation of musicians credited with introducing rock and folk influences to Brazilian audiences in the late 1960s, while likewise inspiring rock stars Beck and Kurt Cobain. The group’s new album — its first in nearly 35 years — aims to accomplish the same all over again. Continue reading
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