Somebody to Love: A Tribute to Taylor Hawkins

Somebody to Love: A Tribute to Taylor Hawkins. Dave Dierksen discusses the impact Hawkins’ had on his life as well as others, along with a Spotify playlist highlighting his body of work. I heard about Taylor Hawkins’ death in the middle of the night, checking my phone while I let my dog out. While still in […]

Torche ‘Admission’ Review

Miami metallers Torche have carved their own unique path through the metal landscapes for over 14 years now, distilling their love for a disparate array of rock sub-genres into their own unique sonic stew. On their latest release, Admission (July 12, Relapse Records), the band continue to chart their own course, refusing to bow to […]

Episode 9: 30 Albums Turning 30 In 2018: The Best Albums of 1988-SLIS Podcast

Episode 9: 30 Albums Turning 30 In 2018: The Best Albums of 1988-SLIS Podcast: celebrating the best alternative and metal albums turning 30 this year. For anyone who has followed my blog for a while, you’re used to reading my best-of lists by year (including 1987, 1991, 1992, 1997 and, most recently, 1998). They’re always […]

Tyson Todd Meade ‘Robbing The Nuclear Family’ Review

Tyson Todd Meade ‘Robbing The Nuclear Family’ Review: mastermind behind Defenestration and Chainsaw Kittens unique vision still thrills on new release. [rating=5] My art is dedicated to those other fringe dwellers and friends of fringe dwellers, those who want something beyond reality TV, casino gambling, car payments, 401k, church on Sunday, family portraits on the […]

SXSW 2016 Interview: The Cult’s Billy Duffy Talks New Album Hidden City

SXSW 2016 Interview: The Cult’s Billy Duffy Talks New Album Hidden City The Cult are back with Hidden City, their first album in four years. The release shows the band exploring more subtle and atmospheric elements, culminating in one of their most varied efforts to date. Guitarist Billy Duffy’s simmering riffs, always a highlight of […]

Albums Revisited: Deconstruction Steps Up To The Bar

Albums revisited: Deconstruction steps up to the bar: new contributor Peter Marks looks back on the underrated release from Jane’s Addiction alums Dave Navarro and Eric Avery.  Bassists always draw the shortest straw from fans of the bands they are in, Kids In The Hall famously chided the bass player in one of their many […]

Jane’s Addiction’s ‘Ritual De Lo Habitual’ Turns 25

Jane’s Addiction’s ‘Ritual De Lo Habitual’ Turns 25: the band’s alt-rock masterpiece re-examined on its 25th anniversary.  This week (August 21st to be exact) marks the 25th anniversary of ‘Ritual De Lo Habitual‘, the second studio album from alternative rock progenitors Jane’s Addiction. While Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ is seen as the album that broke alternative to […]

Fun Fun Fun Fest 2015 Lineup Announced

Fun Fun Fun Fest 2015 Lineup Announced: Austin left-of-center festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with one its most diverse lineups yet. Today, Austin’s official 2015 Fun Fun Fun Fest lineup was announced, and while it’s not as exciting as yesterday’s Riot Fest roster, its 10th anniversary lineup has some very cool bands and one of the diverse […]

45 Best Summer Albums Of All Time Part 2

45 Best Summer Albums Of All Time Part 2: Counting down the ultimate albums for a rocking summer. Welcome back to Part 2 of our list of the best albums that captured the summers of yesterday and that continue to rock them today. Click here to read Part 1 for entries 45-29 and Click here for Part […]

Riot Fest Official 2014 Lineup Announced

Riot Fest Official 2014 Lineup Announced: Lollapalooza and ACL take note, THIS is a festival lineup. Riot Fest has been going 10 years strong, as a mid-size music festival, but for its 10th anniversary that’s about to change, because the official 2014 lineup isn’t just their biggest yet, it’s the best festival lineup this year. […]