Jul 09, 2009 By Jim Fairchild All Smiles

All Smiles is the current project of Jim Fairchild, who was once the guitarist with Grandaddy, has worked with Earlimart, and has recently played in Modest Mouse’s touring band. In this guest blog, Fairchild talks about a recent dream he had and the joys and challenges of self-releasing All Smiles’ new album, Oh For the Getting and Not Letting Go.

Jun 27, 2009 By Tom Vale Web Exclusive

Michael Jackson is gone, and public reactions are about evenly split between those focusing on his greatness and those focusing on his weirdness. He locked down both adjectives—redefined them, in fact, and will serve as a standard for both great and weird for a long time to come.

May 04, 2009 By Frank Valish Web Exclusive

This spring, for the first time since 2004, surviving members of the Grateful Dead, now simply christened the Dead, are hitting the touring circuit. There is no new album or promotional agenda other than the band’s support of things like legacy, nostalgia, and the common musical bond that has united the Dead with its fanbase for more than 40 years. The names are common and household, even without the late Jerry Garcia-guitarist Bob Weir, bassist Phil Lesh, and drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, rounded out by current keyboardist Jeff Chimenti and, last but certainly not least, filling the co-frontman position, Gov’t Mule leader and guitarist extraordinaire Warren Haynes.

May 01, 2009 By Jim Scott Web Exclusive

While the prime time fascination with dead bodies, cops, doctors, and lawyers continues its relentless march, it’s sad to see some of television’s most creative shows on the chopping block. Yes, you can watch one CSI or another seemingly all day and all night, but a funny, clever, and involving show like NBC’s Chuck can’t find a big enough audience to justify a third season. Tragic.

Apr 19, 2009 By Michele Yamamoto TV on the Radio

The last time I’d checked, it was 94 degrees. We were essentially parked on Jefferson Street, missing Blitzen Trapper as a woman grinded the driver’s side headrest of her friend’s convertible VW bug.

Apr 18, 2009 By Michele Yamamoto M. Ward

The Coachella weekend always opens on an optimistic note. Free gerber daisies on the way in, scalpers shouting at the lines, clean and crisp official schedules—or in my case, a crumpled up printout covered in highlighter markings, shared with a friend.

Mar 22, 2009 By Evan Rytlewski

SXSW’s biggest headliners made their final push Saturday, while comedians Eugene Mirman and Todd Barry ribbed the festival’s less distinguished performers.

Mar 21, 2009 By Evan Rytlewski

The Thermals, Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Okkervil River overextend themselves, while Camera Obscura charms at the Under the Radar party.

Mar 20, 2009 By Evan Rytlewski