For all the jokiness inherent in the Melvins’ music, many might think fate has played the ultimate joke on the hardcore/metal pioneers. After all, 20 years is a long time to follow an artistic vision with meager results. But the group proved on Sunday night’s concert in Madison, Wis., that being eclipsed by Nirvana and other grunge grandmasters hasn’t tamed their sonic firepower or their sense of humor. Continue reading
Sheryl Crow hit all the right notes and played nearly all her greatest hits at Wednesday night’s concert at Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. But it was her two onstage guests who demonstrated that passion goes a lot further than professionalism into making a performance exciting. Continue reading
With 40-year-old soccer moms and bohemian punk-rock lifers moshing together at the front of the stage, Los Angeles punk legends X returned to Madison on Friday night for what might have produced a snide snicker in their late ’70s scene: a reunion tour. Continue reading
Ever the road warrior, Arlo Guthrie proves every night through his live shows that he’s folk music’s most dedicated ambassador and still a favorite son of the Woodstock nation. His recent concert in Madison, Wis., however, aimed to inspire young converts as much as it reaffirmed faith for his older fans. Continue reading
Oklahoma-based psychedelic rock troupe the Flaming Lips utilized an arsenal of new stage gimmicks as well as their newest songs to pull off a confetti-drenched celebration of summer’s conclusion on Saturday night in Madison. 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
Soundbytes Music Column 