Jun 29, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

When The Roots signed on to be the house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, it promised to be the first domino to fall in the famously accomplished band's evolution from hyper-competent musical innovators to near-ubiquitous NPR-friendly hip-hop stars. More

Jun 28, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

In Greek mythology, Midas is known for his ability to turn everything he touches into gold. Mates of State are his modern-day equivalent, instead transforming every song they cover into a melodic pop gem. Warm tones swirl through Crushes: The Covers Mixtape, the husband-wife duo's first attempt at recording and producing their own album. More

Jun 25, 2010 Music Issue #31 - Spring 2010 - Joanna Newsom

One of the most interesting facets of Stars is their near-complete lack of evolution. Flaunting their sad and sassy pop that appears to have emerged fully formed from day one, the Canadian five-piece theatrically redefines cool with tales of love, death, and life in between. More

Jun 24, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

BLK JKS' 2009 debut After Robots was a confounding album; bombastic and full of potential, but with too much unfocused energy to deliver any amazing songs or live up to the hype. More

Jun 23, 2010 Music Issue #31 - Spring 2010 - Joanna Newsom

With its debut, this Chicago-based, neo-psych four-piece nearly achieves the trippy sonic masterpiece it seems to have envisioned. Referencing '60s pop, '70s psychedelia, and '90s shoegaze, Apparitions often hits its mark. More

Jun 22, 2010 Music Issue #31 - Spring 2010 - Joanna Newsom

For years, Steve Mason's debt-ridden music career has been under the raised axe of the executioner. If there's any justice in this world, widespread acclaim for Boys Outside will grant a permanent stay of execution for the one-time Beta Band frontman. More

Jun 21, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

The first thing that will shock most listeners about Rawhide's Clint Eastwood Sings Cowboy Favorites is that the Hollywood icon's voice is incredibly smooth. More

Jun 18, 2010 Music Issue #31 - Spring 2010 - Joanna Newsom

Shadow is a near-perfect title for the new album from Glasgow's Teenage Fanclub, because for U.S. fans the band is an enigma. It's been five years since Fanclub's last release, the band rarely tours, and didn't even have a decent website until recently. More

Jun 17, 2010 Music Web Exclusive

There are two distinct groups that like the U.K.-based duo Turin Brakes. First group: those who own every album, notice minute distinctions in style, have a distinct memory attached to every song, think they were robbed of the Mercury Music Prize, and make big fools of themselves around the band. More