Odd men out in the hip-hop game because of their reliance on live instruments, the Roots have proved why their musical approach why they are such adept and potent performers. But they’re not perfect. Soundbytes reviews Thursday night’s show in Minneapolis. Continue reading
As a rule, musical supergroups are typically a disappointment. Soundbytes was at the first show of Beck’s tour with his new backing band, the Flaming Lips, and he has the answer as to whether this pairing is as exceptional as both artists’ latest music. Continue reading
They’ve had to overcome record-company politics and the loss of a key band member, but Wilco’s biggest challenge might be proving whether they’re as good a live act as they once were. If the group’s concert Tuesday night is any indication, they’re better than ever. Continue reading
Paul Westerberg was loose but in command during Saturday night’s concert in front of his hometown crowd at Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theater. Continue reading
British folk rocker Billy Bragg rallies the working class in a Minneapolis concert. Continue reading
Rapper Mos Def detours into rock’n’roll and forms the world’s most overqualified cover band. Continue reading
Both Live and Counting Crows are tried-and-true alternative rock bands who slid into heavy video rotation on MTV in the ’90s. At a co-headlining show in Minneapolis on Wednesday night, this double feature reinforced how they won mainstream appeal. Continue reading
At a joint show of rock veterans at Minneapolis’ Target Center, Bob Dylan proved that he’s still a stunning live act, while tourmate Phil Lesh, formerly of the Grateful Dead, proved that he still has something to learn. Continue reading
After more than 70 years of living the blues, B.B. King proved during his performance at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis why he’s billed as the “king of the blues.” Continue reading
It was during the first of two shows in Minneapolis on Sunday night — in the middle of “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” — that Bruce Springsteen and the reunited E Street Band’s self-appointed mission became clear. Continue reading
Soundbytes Music Column 