Mar 12, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

Sometimes following the career of Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton) is kind of like watching Winona Ryder's dating life: it's fascinating to see who will turn up next, but at the same time, there's always the lingering desire to see him pick one and stick with it. More

Mar 11, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

For a time I was convinced Spencer Krug did not sleep, instead spending his nights tapping away at a Casio keyboard, penning his next great indie rock fantasy. In addition to his role as Sunset Rubdown's frontman, the Canadian avant-rocker balances responsibilities in Wolf Parade and Swan Lake, as well as a burgeoning solo project deemed Moonface. With the release of Moonface's Dreamland EP: Marimba and Shit-Drums, there's musical proof that Krug does, in fact, find the time for shut-eye—and that he dreams quite a bit while doing so. More

Mar 10, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

Supergrass' Gaz Coombes and Danny Goffey have impeccable taste. While on a break from their main band, Coombes and Goffey decided to team up with famed producer Nigel Godrich for this album of 12 cover songs. Among others, they tackle David Bowie ("Queen Bitch"), The Kinks ("Big Sky"), Roxy Music ("Love Is the Drug"), Sex Pistols ("E.M.I."), and Gang of Four ("Damaged Goods"). More

Mar 09, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

One of the most thankless jobs in music involves those trying earnestly to put a truly personal stamp on separate bands, especially when both are existing units. Such is the case with Alan Sparhawk, who has been a part of the fabric of Low since the early '90s. With the release of its second album, Sparhawk's new-ish band, Retribution Gospel Choir, is at least past the tabula rasa stage, but the singer/guitarist still has plenty of work ahead beyond his day job. More

Mar 08, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

Much like New York, the city that defines his sound, Adam Green is in a hurry. Maybe that's why all 13 songs on the former Moldy Peaches member's latest release, titled Minor Love, clock in at well under the three-minute mark. And perhaps that's why this is Green's sixth album in eight years. More

Mar 05, 2010 Live

The thing about opening bands is, they rarely serve their intended purpose. Sure an act comes out, plays a mini set, and endures audience neglect and outright abuse in the name of hocking a few t-shirts and EPs, but as far as serving as a delicious appetizer to the musical main course to follow? Nine times out of ten you're better off cruising the bar for attractive singles, or more practically, earplugs. Maybe that's why the combination of co-headliners El Perro del Mar and Taken by Tress make such a shockingly successful paring. Both are thoughtful female singer/songwriters from Sweden with slightly off-kilter vocals, the only question is: what took them so long? More

Mar 05, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

On her debut solo album, soul-pop singer/songwriter and former Jealous Girlfriends vocalist Holly Miranda is a reflection of the company she keeps. But that's not to say she rides coattails. Her point of view shines on The Magician's Private Library, but through the lens of TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek, who served as producer. More

Mar 05, 2010 DVDs Web Exclusive

So this is what Charlie Kaufman has wrought. One had to wonder what effects Kaufman's flights of fancy (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Adaptation, etc.) would have on Hollywood. More

Mar 05, 2010 Comic Books Web Exclusive

Madame Xanadu: Exodus Noir collects issues 11-15 of the DC/Vertigo series. I mentioned when reviewing the House of Mystery: Halloween Annual No. 1 last October that the art of Amy Reeder Hadley in the Madame Xanadu chapter was a standout. Accordingly, I was excited to review a chapter of Madame Xanadu, and somewhat disappointed when I discovered that Hadley was not the artist in this trade. But that disappointment didn't last long. More