Ozzy Osbourne, Gene Simmons, Ronnie Wood and Jimmy Page were among those paying tribute to Jeff Beck following the news of his death.
Beck, a legendary rock guitar figure known for his innovative style and virtuosic talent, died Tuesday at a hospital near his home in Surrey, England, after contracting bacterial meningitis, his family announced. The two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and former member of The Yardbirds and the Jeff Beck Group was 78.
Among those sharing condolences on social media were musicians who had played with him over the years, including Osbourne, who noted that Beck performed on his album Patient Number 9, released last year.
“I can’t express how saddened I am to hear of @JeffBeckMusic’s passing,” the former Black Sabbath singer tweeted. “What a terrible loss for his family, friends & his many fans. It was such an honor to have known Jeff & an incredible...
Beck, a legendary rock guitar figure known for his innovative style and virtuosic talent, died Tuesday at a hospital near his home in Surrey, England, after contracting bacterial meningitis, his family announced. The two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and former member of The Yardbirds and the Jeff Beck Group was 78.
Among those sharing condolences on social media were musicians who had played with him over the years, including Osbourne, who noted that Beck performed on his album Patient Number 9, released last year.
“I can’t express how saddened I am to hear of @JeffBeckMusic’s passing,” the former Black Sabbath singer tweeted. “What a terrible loss for his family, friends & his many fans. It was such an honor to have known Jeff & an incredible...
- 1/11/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Mia Berrin was a teenager in Florida, Nada Surf’s “Popular” was one of her favorite music videos. The 1996 alt-rock hit’s sarcastic perspective spoke to her, as did its subtly subversive gender politics, and seeing it all played out was exciting.
“It was around the time I was starting to get fascinated with the cheerleader aesthetic and that character,” Berrin, 24, tells Rolling Stone. “Seeing that in this song, and this funny heteronormative high-school video, was inspiring.”
Today, Berrin writes, sings, and plays guitar in Pom Pom Squad, who...
“It was around the time I was starting to get fascinated with the cheerleader aesthetic and that character,” Berrin, 24, tells Rolling Stone. “Seeing that in this song, and this funny heteronormative high-school video, was inspiring.”
Today, Berrin writes, sings, and plays guitar in Pom Pom Squad, who...
- 12/15/2021
- by Simon Vozick-Levinson
- Rollingstone.com
The late rocker and TV/theater composer Adam Schlesinger, who died from complications of Covid-19 in April 2020, will be feted by dozens of musicians and actors in May in an online tribute being produced by Jody Porter, his longtime bandmate in Fountains of Wayne.
Titled “Adam Schlesinger, A Music Celebration, Virtual Show,” the stream will be primarily recorded at New York’s Bowery Electric and go out May 5 at 8 p.m. Et on the Rolling Live platform, with a ticket price of $20 that will benefit MusiCares and the closed host venue itself.
Said Porter, “This is a proper musical send-off for my soul brother with a bunch of talented and groovy guests that would make Adam wince.”
Among the frequent collaborators of Schlesinger’s who’ll appear on the show besides Porter and his band the Berlin Waltz are Taylor Hanson and James Iha, both of his band Tinted Windows,...
Titled “Adam Schlesinger, A Music Celebration, Virtual Show,” the stream will be primarily recorded at New York’s Bowery Electric and go out May 5 at 8 p.m. Et on the Rolling Live platform, with a ticket price of $20 that will benefit MusiCares and the closed host venue itself.
Said Porter, “This is a proper musical send-off for my soul brother with a bunch of talented and groovy guests that would make Adam wince.”
Among the frequent collaborators of Schlesinger’s who’ll appear on the show besides Porter and his band the Berlin Waltz are Taylor Hanson and James Iha, both of his band Tinted Windows,...
- 4/15/2021
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Nada Surf have released a 10-minute short music film for their song “Just Wait,” directed by Mark Pellington.
The visual serves as an abstract accompaniment to the song, filmed in Los Angeles, Cambridge, and Sydney. Pellington, who has worked with artists as diverse as Imagine Dragons, Low, Chelsea Wolfe, and Damien Marley, says he wanted to bring a soulful quality to the “Just Wait” project.
“Matthew Caws and I connected, and we decided to collaborate together on this music film, a labor of love inspired by his late father Peter Caws’ profound meditations,...
The visual serves as an abstract accompaniment to the song, filmed in Los Angeles, Cambridge, and Sydney. Pellington, who has worked with artists as diverse as Imagine Dragons, Low, Chelsea Wolfe, and Damien Marley, says he wanted to bring a soulful quality to the “Just Wait” project.
“Matthew Caws and I connected, and we decided to collaborate together on this music film, a labor of love inspired by his late father Peter Caws’ profound meditations,...
- 10/22/2020
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
Bank Robber Music and Rough Trade Publishing have announced Talk – Action = Zero, a compilation album in honor of black victims of police brutality. The compilation will be released Friday, June 5th on Bandcamp, on the same day that the platform will be waiving all of its revenue shares to directly benefit artists and labels.
All proceeds from Talk – Action = Zero will go toward the Black Visions Collective, a Minnesota-based organization that aims to develop black leadership and community in the state. Unreleased music from Phantogram, Jesse Malin, Jay Watts, Matthew Caws of Nada Surf,...
All proceeds from Talk – Action = Zero will go toward the Black Visions Collective, a Minnesota-based organization that aims to develop black leadership and community in the state. Unreleased music from Phantogram, Jesse Malin, Jay Watts, Matthew Caws of Nada Surf,...
- 6/4/2020
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
This is where I'm supposed to summarize the past year, find some overaching theme or thread running through my choices, spot trends, or something along those lines. Instead it's just another mea culpa for my continuing and accelerating estrangement from mainstream pop music. Don't mind me, I'm just a grumpy old fart. But these twenty new albums made me less grumpy.
1. Diiv: Is the Is Are (Captured Tracks)
I enjoyed their first album, and far from a sophomore slump, their second is even better. Sure, I'm heavily predisposed to love bands that conjure a moody '80s vibe with thrumming bass, chiming guitar jangle, and submerged vocals, but this is greater than the sum of those parts, simultaneously updating the sound while tapping into a new level of melodicism for this band.
2. David Bowie: Black Star (Sony)
I wrote about this at length. What can I add now that...
1. Diiv: Is the Is Are (Captured Tracks)
I enjoyed their first album, and far from a sophomore slump, their second is even better. Sure, I'm heavily predisposed to love bands that conjure a moody '80s vibe with thrumming bass, chiming guitar jangle, and submerged vocals, but this is greater than the sum of those parts, simultaneously updating the sound while tapping into a new level of melodicism for this band.
2. David Bowie: Black Star (Sony)
I wrote about this at length. What can I add now that...
- 1/18/2017
- by SteveHoltje
- www.culturecatch.com
Tim Sommer, rock raconteur extraordinaire, recently wrote a playlist for Tim Broun's blog Stupefaction. (#1 choice shown above.) Mr. Sommer has lately been writing a daily column in The Brooklyn Bugle (motto: "On the Web because paper is expensive") that immediately became the one thing that I read every day, just so I can enjoy his combination of cultural erudition and lunatic whimsy. In one of his Bugle columns he wrote about making the list. And in that article he posited other approaches/lists that I found myself wishing he had made as well. But he's undoubtedly got better things to do with his time. I apparently do not, however (okay, I do, I just have poor impulse control), and made my own lists based on his criteria.
And here they are. I could have gone thirty deep on each of these lists just as he did on Stupefaction (well, maybe...
And here they are. I could have gone thirty deep on each of these lists just as he did on Stupefaction (well, maybe...
- 8/1/2014
- by SteveHoltje
- www.culturecatch.com
Seattle’s Bumbershoot festival, held Aug. 30-Sept. 1, at Seattle Center, will have a little something for everyone this year. Headliners include veteran rockers Elvis Costello & The Imposters and The Replacements, rap acts J. Cole and Wu-Tang Clan, and relative newcomers Foster the People and The Head and The Heart. Also on the diverse bill are Panic! At the Disco, Schoolboy Q, Capital Cities, Neon Trees, The Afghan Whigs, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Mission of Burma, Los Lobos, Bootsy Collins, The Both, Walk the Moon, The Dismemberment Plan, Real Estate, and about 75 other acts. Of particular interest are Big Star’s Third, a collection of artists who come together to play the rock band’s third album, a cult favorite known as “Third” and “Sister Lovers.” The collective usually includes Big Star drummer Jody Stephens as well as others either affiliated with Big Star or acolytes. Here’s what the...
- 5/9/2014
- by By Melinda Newman
- Hitfix
As much as I lamented the demise of quality album releases in 2013, the last few months have restored my faith in the bands releasing worthwhile long-players. The following are all contenders to make my year's end top ten list. And I suspect I'll find a few more late entries, as well.
"Back to the River" Lily & Madeleine - Lily & Madeleine (Asthmatic Kitty)
The teenage Jurkiewicz sisters hail from Indiana but boast a sparse, urban sophistication that feels more like classic NYC nu folk. Credit to their producer/arranger/co-songwriter Kenny Childers. Nary a weak track on their debut. The perfect Miley Cyrus antidote; share it with your teenage sons and daughters.
"Ode to the Summer" Syd Arthur On and On (Harvest)
Prog is back! I picked them as contenders way back in January; finally their debut CD gets a stateside release today! This young U.K.-based quartet -- guitar,...
"Back to the River" Lily & Madeleine - Lily & Madeleine (Asthmatic Kitty)
The teenage Jurkiewicz sisters hail from Indiana but boast a sparse, urban sophistication that feels more like classic NYC nu folk. Credit to their producer/arranger/co-songwriter Kenny Childers. Nary a weak track on their debut. The perfect Miley Cyrus antidote; share it with your teenage sons and daughters.
"Ode to the Summer" Syd Arthur On and On (Harvest)
Prog is back! I picked them as contenders way back in January; finally their debut CD gets a stateside release today! This young U.K.-based quartet -- guitar,...
- 11/30/2013
- by Dusty Wright
- www.culturecatch.com
A gig poster has turned into something more than a gig poster.
What is a gig poster? It’s an advertisement for a gig. After the show, you have this poster as a memory of the show, the band, and a historical artifact. You’ve probably seen posters in a Hard Rock Café or similarly themed restaurant for Stones or Hendrix gigs. Those are usually pretty functional, but in the early 1990’s a group of awkward rock nerds used their artistic proclivities to make a different kind of gig poster. Using screen printing, they could design and reproduce stylized posters that would, they hoped, reflect the band and their music. Just Like Being There (2012) is a documentary interviewing these craftsmen/artists and their place in the rock scene (backed by a number of alternative bands like Spoon, Mogwai, Nada Surf, Ted Leo, and others).
Read more...
What is a gig poster? It’s an advertisement for a gig. After the show, you have this poster as a memory of the show, the band, and a historical artifact. You’ve probably seen posters in a Hard Rock Café or similarly themed restaurant for Stones or Hendrix gigs. Those are usually pretty functional, but in the early 1990’s a group of awkward rock nerds used their artistic proclivities to make a different kind of gig poster. Using screen printing, they could design and reproduce stylized posters that would, they hoped, reflect the band and their music. Just Like Being There (2012) is a documentary interviewing these craftsmen/artists and their place in the rock scene (backed by a number of alternative bands like Spoon, Mogwai, Nada Surf, Ted Leo, and others).
Read more...
- 6/8/2013
- by Jason Ratigan
- JustPressPlay.net
"And I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy." ― F. Scott Fitzgerald, "The Great Gatsby"
Greetings from the apocalypse! This is an exciting week for me, since I'm making my art gallery debut and all — I'm celebrating with two docs covering cool artistic subcultures (gig posters and tattooing), as well as a hella ton of Mother's Day recommends. Let's get to it, shall we, old sport? Yep yep.
Friday, May 10
Pow! In Theaters
Glam filmmaker Baz Luhrmann's reimagining of F. Scott Fitzgerald's timeless Jazz-age romance "The Great Gatsby" looks like my 11th grade book report had sex with a disco ball, but that's par for the course. Luhrmann had previously razzle-dazzled "William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet" and reunites with Leonardo DiCaprio as enigmatic rich dude Jay Gatsby, clinging to the memory of a past dalliance with Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan). Clinging tragically,...
Greetings from the apocalypse! This is an exciting week for me, since I'm making my art gallery debut and all — I'm celebrating with two docs covering cool artistic subcultures (gig posters and tattooing), as well as a hella ton of Mother's Day recommends. Let's get to it, shall we, old sport? Yep yep.
Friday, May 10
Pow! In Theaters
Glam filmmaker Baz Luhrmann's reimagining of F. Scott Fitzgerald's timeless Jazz-age romance "The Great Gatsby" looks like my 11th grade book report had sex with a disco ball, but that's par for the course. Luhrmann had previously razzle-dazzled "William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet" and reunites with Leonardo DiCaprio as enigmatic rich dude Jay Gatsby, clinging to the memory of a past dalliance with Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan). Clinging tragically,...
- 5/10/2013
- by Max Evry
- NextMovie
Special From Next Avenue
By Suzanne Gerber
You don’t have to throw out Little Feat to make room for Fleet Foxes
Google “ways to discover new music” and no less than 89,800,000 results pop up. Tons of websites, blogs, radio stations broadcasting the old-fashioned way and streamlining online, not to mention music sites like Spotify and Radio Paradise are dedicated to the proposition that all people deserve to discover new tunes.
So why are so many of our needles stuck in the “classic rock” groove, playing the same albums since 1992 -- or 1968? Not that there’s anything wrong with continuing to cherish the music we grew up with. For our generation, it would be hard not to: Some of the most enduring music (at least rock, soul, jazz and blues) was made when we were coming of age. But what I find frustrating is the misbegotten mindset that nothing new is worth listening to.
By Suzanne Gerber
You don’t have to throw out Little Feat to make room for Fleet Foxes
Google “ways to discover new music” and no less than 89,800,000 results pop up. Tons of websites, blogs, radio stations broadcasting the old-fashioned way and streamlining online, not to mention music sites like Spotify and Radio Paradise are dedicated to the proposition that all people deserve to discover new tunes.
So why are so many of our needles stuck in the “classic rock” groove, playing the same albums since 1992 -- or 1968? Not that there’s anything wrong with continuing to cherish the music we grew up with. For our generation, it would be hard not to: Some of the most enduring music (at least rock, soul, jazz and blues) was made when we were coming of age. But what I find frustrating is the misbegotten mindset that nothing new is worth listening to.
- 2/27/2013
- by Next Avenue
- Huffington Post
Wasn't easy to whittle this list down to 10, let alone 11, so I picked 12 for 12-12-12. A few of these selections were last minute additions that knocked two other picks out of top spots. Moreover, I decided to include twelve more picks at the end of my selections to show what else was being considered.
Nada Surf The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy (Barsuk)
I've not seen this album on any critics' year-end lists (aside from my managing editor Steve's list, obviously). Not sure why, because Nada Surf released a timeless collection of alt pop-rock songs. This is songwriting 101 -- verse, chorus, verse, bridge. If there is a better pop-rock band in America, let me know. Twenty years in and no sign of lazy rock star bullshit, just plenty of great chiming guitar riffs and hooky-as-hell tunes. Album of the year.
Father John Misty Fear Fun (Sub Pop)
Father John...
Nada Surf The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy (Barsuk)
I've not seen this album on any critics' year-end lists (aside from my managing editor Steve's list, obviously). Not sure why, because Nada Surf released a timeless collection of alt pop-rock songs. This is songwriting 101 -- verse, chorus, verse, bridge. If there is a better pop-rock band in America, let me know. Twenty years in and no sign of lazy rock star bullshit, just plenty of great chiming guitar riffs and hooky-as-hell tunes. Album of the year.
Father John Misty Fear Fun (Sub Pop)
Father John...
- 12/28/2012
- by Dusty Wright
- www.culturecatch.com
For the first time in my life, I approached my end-of-the-year lists with trepidation, as 2012 had seemed disappointing, musically speaking. But when it came time to narrow my choices down, it turned out that there Had been plenty of good music, and I hadn't even reviewed it all here.
1. Nada Surf: The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy (Barsuk)
Too tuneful not to be #1. Review here.
2. Swans: The Seer (Young God)
The comeback continues with an epic album that encapsulates this band's overwhelming power and continuing evolution. Review here.
3. Sharon van Etten: Tramp (Jagjaguwar)
Now that her songwriting has caught up with her vocal talents, she's irresistible. Review here.
4. Godspeed You! Black Emperor: Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend! (Constellation)
The comeback of the year just might be their best album yet.
5. Yoko Ono/Kim Gordon/Thurston Moore: Yokokimthurston (Chimera)
Yoko at her most avant-garde in years. Interview here. Album review here.
1. Nada Surf: The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy (Barsuk)
Too tuneful not to be #1. Review here.
2. Swans: The Seer (Young God)
The comeback continues with an epic album that encapsulates this band's overwhelming power and continuing evolution. Review here.
3. Sharon van Etten: Tramp (Jagjaguwar)
Now that her songwriting has caught up with her vocal talents, she's irresistible. Review here.
4. Godspeed You! Black Emperor: Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend! (Constellation)
The comeback of the year just might be their best album yet.
5. Yoko Ono/Kim Gordon/Thurston Moore: Yokokimthurston (Chimera)
Yoko at her most avant-garde in years. Interview here. Album review here.
- 12/26/2012
- by SteveHoltje
- www.culturecatch.com
Although The Eastern Sea has worked hard all year touring in support sophomore album Plague, the Austin-based band certainly isn’t winding down for the holiday season. First Christmas, the band’s third album, is set for release on Nov. 27 and will feature two original Christmas tunes as well as new renditions of old classics. Amidst a swarm of peppy Christmas releases this winter, First Christmas serves as a more relaxing soundtrack to the annual holiday bustle. You can listen to First Christmas, which was produced by Louie Lino (Nada Surf, Matt Pond Pa) in the player below....
- 11/26/2012
- Pastemagazine.com
The Last Waltz is arguably the greatest concert film of all time.
Shot by Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese, the film documents the last concert performed by The Band as its original quintet in 1976 at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom.
Almost 36 years to the day after Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan and poets Michael McClure and Lawrence Ferlinghetti all joined Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm and Company for that legendary show, an all-star lineup will converge on The Warfield on November 24 to reenact that fateful evening.
They'd have it back at the Winterland, but that venue closed down in 1978.
Billed as "The Complete Last Waltz" the show will feature performances by Cass McCombs, Furthur's Joe Russo, Wilco's Nels Cline and members of Gomez, Dr. Dog, Ween, The Fruit Bats, Vetiver, Nada Surf, The Submarines and more. There will also be spoken...
Shot by Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese, the film documents the last concert performed by The Band as its original quintet in 1976 at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom.
Almost 36 years to the day after Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan and poets Michael McClure and Lawrence Ferlinghetti all joined Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm and Company for that legendary show, an all-star lineup will converge on The Warfield on November 24 to reenact that fateful evening.
They'd have it back at the Winterland, but that venue closed down in 1978.
Billed as "The Complete Last Waltz" the show will feature performances by Cass McCombs, Furthur's Joe Russo, Wilco's Nels Cline and members of Gomez, Dr. Dog, Ween, The Fruit Bats, Vetiver, Nada Surf, The Submarines and more. There will also be spoken...
- 10/30/2012
- by Aaron Sankin
- Huffington Post
As many iTunes lovers and Youtube fanatics understand, music (old and new) has become a huge factor on hit television shows and both the show and artists featured benefit from the collaboration. Ever YouTube a certain scene from your favorite show for hours on end? Did it have a catchy song that you immediately downloaded? Yes, the odds are that you have.
Television show soundtracks are an obsession over here and the music played make that specific scene that much more memorable. Remember "Hide and Seek" when Marissa Cooper killed Ryan's brother Trey? What about "Paint the Silence" by Dice when Marissa kissed Ryan on the ferris wheel? Thought so. The O.C. has had so many hits like Phantom Planet's "California" and even the cover of "Forever Young" by Youth Group, but here's to 10 more that made just as much of an impact.
Also, stay tuned weekly here at...
Television show soundtracks are an obsession over here and the music played make that specific scene that much more memorable. Remember "Hide and Seek" when Marissa Cooper killed Ryan's brother Trey? What about "Paint the Silence" by Dice when Marissa kissed Ryan on the ferris wheel? Thought so. The O.C. has had so many hits like Phantom Planet's "California" and even the cover of "Forever Young" by Youth Group, but here's to 10 more that made just as much of an impact.
Also, stay tuned weekly here at...
- 8/28/2012
- by Stephanie Webber
- TVology
While our managing editor Steve Holtje has done a bang-up job sharing phenomenal Jazz and Classical reviews, I thought I'd share some of my favorite new rock, pop, and soul picks for Summer 2012. It's time for BBQs and beach blanket bingo parties. Time to get your swag on, peoples.
"Radiator Sister" - The Mynabirds Generals (Saddle Creek) - Infectious, bubble-gum snappin' tunes abound on this sophomore long player from singer-songwriter Laura Burhenn. All aptly produced by Richard Swift, but for my limited ducats this iPod-friendly ditty is the bees-ness. Equal parts Bow Wow Wow and T.Rex, with its two-note piano hook.
"Among the Leaves" Sun Kil Moon Among the Leaves (Caldo Verde) - Mark Kozelek remains steadfast in his musical offerings; familiar turf, but still so damn compelling. Alt tunings, heartfelt ballads, and lyrical dexterity all remain firmly in place.The gentle tug of his band behind him keep...
"Radiator Sister" - The Mynabirds Generals (Saddle Creek) - Infectious, bubble-gum snappin' tunes abound on this sophomore long player from singer-songwriter Laura Burhenn. All aptly produced by Richard Swift, but for my limited ducats this iPod-friendly ditty is the bees-ness. Equal parts Bow Wow Wow and T.Rex, with its two-note piano hook.
"Among the Leaves" Sun Kil Moon Among the Leaves (Caldo Verde) - Mark Kozelek remains steadfast in his musical offerings; familiar turf, but still so damn compelling. Alt tunings, heartfelt ballads, and lyrical dexterity all remain firmly in place.The gentle tug of his band behind him keep...
- 6/19/2012
- by Dusty Wright
- www.culturecatch.com
Last January, Nada Surf released their latest collection of songs, The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy. The album was a departure for the band’s basic, power-trio lineup and saw the group pushing their songwriting forward with layered, thoughtful cuts like “Teenage Dreams,” “Waiting for Something” and the album’s hard-hitting opener, Clear Eye Clouded Mind. After already completing their first leg of touring behind the album, we caught up with drummer Ira Elliot to discuss the band’s upcoming appearances....
- 6/19/2012
- Pastemagazine.com
Here's eleven of my favorite new rock tunes for your early spring listening pleasure. Enjoy the melodic sunshine, people.
"Eskimo Kiss" The Kooks Junk of the Heart (Astralwerks)
Not sure why my fellow critics insist on dropping the "sounds like The Strokes" tag on these Brits. And some scribes have whined they aren't "edgy" enough. So what. I hear more of The Kinks and The La's as reference points. And to me, that's much better company if you love more pop in your rock. Case in point, the infectious ear candy of "Eskimo Kiss," my pick hit from their latest long player (LP). Currently on tour in the U.S. of A.
"Stay At Home" Yellow Ostrich Strange Land (Barsuk)
Speaking of the Strokes...I hear more than a hint of their aggro-guitar pop rock in this very fine track from former Wisconsinite/current New Yorker Alex Schaaf. His newly...
"Eskimo Kiss" The Kooks Junk of the Heart (Astralwerks)
Not sure why my fellow critics insist on dropping the "sounds like The Strokes" tag on these Brits. And some scribes have whined they aren't "edgy" enough. So what. I hear more of The Kinks and The La's as reference points. And to me, that's much better company if you love more pop in your rock. Case in point, the infectious ear candy of "Eskimo Kiss," my pick hit from their latest long player (LP). Currently on tour in the U.S. of A.
"Stay At Home" Yellow Ostrich Strange Land (Barsuk)
Speaking of the Strokes...I hear more than a hint of their aggro-guitar pop rock in this very fine track from former Wisconsinite/current New Yorker Alex Schaaf. His newly...
- 3/7/2012
- by Dusty Wright
- www.culturecatch.com
Nada Surf: The Stars Are Indifferent to Astrology (Barsuk)
I know it's early, but this sure feels like the album of the year. In fact, I'm even ready to crown this the power pop album of the decade. Oh, there's an occasional ballad ("When I Was Young" is especially notable) that reminds of Matthew Caws's twee side, but mostly this rocks out, with guest Doug Gillard (Guided by Voices, Cobra Verde, Death of Samantha, etc.) an important presence -- that wild guitar on "Teenage Dreams" has gotta be him. Rarely has bittersweet sounded so tough. Nada Surf's made lots of excellent albums, but this is their best yet. A limited edition version comes with a second disc containing acoustic versions of five of the album's songs.
Sharon van Etten: Tramp (Jagjaguwar)
I understood why van Etten was a Brooklyn indie fave already based on her earlier releases:...
I know it's early, but this sure feels like the album of the year. In fact, I'm even ready to crown this the power pop album of the decade. Oh, there's an occasional ballad ("When I Was Young" is especially notable) that reminds of Matthew Caws's twee side, but mostly this rocks out, with guest Doug Gillard (Guided by Voices, Cobra Verde, Death of Samantha, etc.) an important presence -- that wild guitar on "Teenage Dreams" has gotta be him. Rarely has bittersweet sounded so tough. Nada Surf's made lots of excellent albums, but this is their best yet. A limited edition version comes with a second disc containing acoustic versions of five of the album's songs.
Sharon van Etten: Tramp (Jagjaguwar)
I understood why van Etten was a Brooklyn indie fave already based on her earlier releases:...
- 2/11/2012
- by SteveHoltje
- www.culturecatch.com
“I cannot believe the future’s happening to me,” Nada Surf’s Matthew Caws sings on the closing track of The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy, and it’s a fair perspective. It’s been two decades since the band launched, and 16 years since its one-hit-wonder days as the purveyors of "Popular." The alternative era feels long gone: With hip-hop and electronic dance music established as dominant paradigms, both pop radio stations and the online underground have largely jettisoned the no-frills power-pop the band has spent its career whittling down to a fine point. Frankly, The Audience Is Indifferent ...
- 1/24/2012
- avclub.com
Maybe not all the tracks aren’t as hard hitting or heavy as the commanding album opener, but the idea’s the same: grab the audience with Matthew Caws’ great melodies and producer Chris Shaw’s clean production, but hold their interest with huge guitars and an air-tight rhythm section made up of bassist Daniel Lorca and drummer Ira Elliot.
- 1/18/2012
- Pastemagazine.com
Forever a tribute band On their sixth album, Nada Surf repurposes a dozen songs from inside and outside pop music’s canon. Covers, of course, are always fraught with peril, and at times singer/guitarist Matthew Caws’ inflection has a way of fermenting the source material’s latent cheese. On the synth-less “Enjoy the Silence,” he over-enunciates some of Depeche Mode’s most ironically banal lyrics: “Words are meaningless / And forgettable.” But on “Love and Anger,” a ballad originally energized by Kate Bush’s octave-bending trill, he belts the melody to better effect. The appropriation of other people’s words works best on “Agony...
- 7/15/2010
- Pastemagazine.com
photos by Paul Birman Holly Miranda & Matthew Caws / Florence & the Machine "Dressed in flowing white, Florence spilled to the stage with her black-clad band, The Machine. Opening with "Two Lungs," Welch exploded into to chorus. She didn't need all of the considerable orchestra, including the harp, to vibrate the floor of a completely packed Bowery Ballroom. With the Island Records crew stuffed into the balcony, Welch flitted around the stage, pushing her elbows back and popping her chest out like some mechanical and delicate bird. She repeatedly pointed at us, directly, to emphasize elements of her story,...
- 10/28/2009
- Pastemagazine.com
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