THE ALBUM OF THE MONTH: It was another great month for new albums. I’m calling it a draw in the album of the month category. Sirens of the Ditch, by Jason Isbell At long last, Isbell unleashes his solo debut and shows the breadth of his talents. Sure, there are rock songs like the opening […]
Ben Harper + More, Album Previews
Ben Harper, ‘Lifeline’ (Full CD) Part of me wants to call this a return to form. But I know better. Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals are always on fire. Lifeline, their latest, appears to highlight what I love best about this band, a brilliant blend of folk rock, twang and soul. Upon my first […]
9 Questions with Henry Rollins
Art by Mitch Clem You might know Henry Rollins for any number of reasons, whether you’re a Black Flag fan, an I.F.C. movie buff, an avid political reader or someone who’s crazy about watching stand-up comedy and spoken word. Seeing as I am all of the above, it’s understandable that I was interested in interviewing […]
Readers’ Pick: Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, “This is Somewhereâ€
With 47% of the votes, you chose the Grace Potter & The Nocturnals‘ This is Somewhere as your favorite new album in a recent poll. To celebrate, here are some Grace Potter videos. Enjoy! Don’t forget to vote in this week’s poll!
Josh Ritter + More, Album Previews
Josh Ritter, ‘The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter’ (Partial CD [source: JoshRitter.com]) “Wise beyond years” is a phrase that comes to mind when listening to Josh Ritter. He seems to have incredible insight into humanity all the while being tremendously adept at making great music. The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, his fourth studio recording, […]
Superdrag Needs Your Help
It’s been five years since their last album and a few beyond that since the original line-up played together. Whether playing live or on record the Knoxville, Tennessee-based quartet’s raucous guitars couldn’t mask their infectious pop melodies. This fall the original members — singer/guitarist John Davis, guitarist Brandon Fisher, bassist Tom Pappas, and drummer Don […]
Readers’ Pick: Josh Rouse, “Country Mouse, City Houseâ€
With 56% of the votes, you chose the Josh Rouse‘s Country Mouse, City House as your favorite new album in a recent poll. To celebrate, here are some Josh Rouse videos recorded from Spinner.com’s Interface video podcast. Enjoy! Don’t forget to vote in this week’s poll!
Bad to the Bone, 25 Years Later
I had forgotten how good George Thorogood and the Destroyers are. The commercial success of the song “Bad to the Bone” and several of the songs on the album of the same name numbed my perspective of their talent. We’ve heard songs like “Bad to the Bone”, “Nobody But Me” and “No Particular Place to […]
Eisley Guitar Giveaway
**NOTE: Contest is now closed.** Their song “Marvelous Things” made my Top Alternative Songs back in 2005. Eisley is one of the best alternative bands to come out in recent years. To celebrate this week’s release of their new album Combinations and their acoustic tour we’re participating in a contest to give you the chance […]
Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles, Live at IOTA
Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles at IOTA (8/10/07) I hit the IOTA Club & Cafe Friday night to catch the Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles performance. And what a performance it was. I had previously only seen them once before at a beer festival in the middle of the afternoon. Let me tell […]