While the hip-hop mainstream is still artistically languishing — under the sway of homogenous artists that extol the same-old false glories of gross materialism and a thug’s life — genre-jumping artists like Atmosphere and Bubba Sparxxx have come out with two of the best rap albums this year. Continue reading
Alternative-rock supergroup Audioslave is in the midst of their first U.S. tour. Soundbytes has the info on whether they live up to the legend. Continue reading
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
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
Soundbytes Music Column 