Aug 02, 2007
By Lily Moayeri
Web Exclusive
Initially starting as a foursome in their teens, Manic Street Preachers (vocalist/guitarist James Dean Bradfield, drummer Sean Moore, lyricist/bassist Nicky Wire, and rhythm guitarist Richey James Edwards) have been functioning as a trio since the unexplained disappearance of Edwards in 1995. More
Jul 02, 2007
By Jim Scott
Web Exclusive
Few lyricists today weave a story as intricate and involving as Will Sheff, lead singer and songwriter (not to mention sole constant member) of Okkervil River. More
Jul 02, 2007
By Gary Knight
Jason Falkner
It takes roughly 2,200 people to fill the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, and a full house would just about satisfy Jason Falkner’s modest commercial ambitions, if he ever gets the chance to play there. More
Jul 02, 2007
By Lily Moayeri
Web Exclusive
The titles of Ulrich Schnauss’ three albums: 2001’s Far Away Trains Passing By, 2003’s A Strangely Isolated Place, and 2007’s Goodbye, make it seem as if the German-born producer is a very melancholy individual. More
Jul 02, 2007
By Lorraine Carpenter
Rufus Wainwright
“If you think the world of pop is difficult in terms of finding your voice, well, in opera it’s practically impossible!” So says Rufus Wainwright about his recently penned opera, Prima Donna. More
Jul 02, 2007
By J. Pace
Minus Story
With My Ion Truss, Lawrence, Kansas’ Minus Story have left behind their trademark “Wall of Crap” home recording approach. Assisted by producer John Congleton, whose credits include Modest Mouse, Explosions in the Sky, and many more, the band entered the studio to emerge with their purest, most dynamic recording to date. More
Jul 02, 2007
By Jim Scott
Arthur & Yu
The debut of Seattle-based Arthur & Yu, In Camera, is the first album to emerge from the heralded Hardly Art label. But rather than a orgiastic, bombastic showy premiere, Arthur & Yu have made the kind of music that feels as though it’s being played right in your living room…If your living room was around in the late-’60s and was especially suited to wonderfully intertwining male-female vocals. More
Jul 02, 2007
By Lily Moayeri
Web Exclusive
Brothers Tom and Alex White state their allegiance to their hometown of Brighton strongly. Along with Matthew Twaites and Mathew Priest, they function as The Electric Soft Parade. More
Jul 02, 2007
By J. Pace
Rogue Wave
Rogue Wave’s third studio album, Asleep at Heaven’s Gate, due in September, finds the band with an unlikely new home—Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records. It’s the end result of a tumultuous year marked by loss, kidney replacement, a lineup addition, and fatherhood. More
Jul 02, 2007
By J. Pace
Battles
Scheduling mishaps. They happen. For example, one might prepare a set of questions for a phone interview with Battles bassist/guitarist Dave Konopka only to have them answered via email by Battles drummer John Stanier. The result is just as informative—until you get to the questions about John Stanier, of course. Then things get silly. More