Jan 01, 2006 By Gary Knight Dead Heart Bloom

Dead Heart Bloom is the product of ex-Phaser member, Boris Skalsky, who handles the majority of writing, performing, and recording duties for his new band. Stylistically, Skalsky’s music nearly runs the gamut, capable of sudden turns, from Sea Change-era Beck to Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys.

Jan 01, 2006 By Gary Knight Xu Xu Fang

Featuring former members of The Warlocks and Hovercraft, Los Angeles’ Xu Xu Fang pack a dark, noir-inspired sound that ranges from meditative—soothing vocal drones, ambient keyboards, tripped-out space guitars, and found sounds—to aggressive—dance numbers that would suggest a harder version of Garbage. Underneath it all looms an appreciation for the bold melodies of Ennio Morricone.

Jan 01, 2006 By Marcus Kagler Headlights

Comprised of former Absinthe Blind and Maserati members, Champagne-Urbana, Illinois’ Headlights play dreamy, orchestral comfort music. They can also rock, in a beautiful guitar-effects way, and the gorgeous male/female harmonies lend the four tracks on their Enemies EP depth and warmth.

Jan 01, 2006 By Gary Knight Grizzly Bear

Marked by long-stretching vocal harmonies and monk-like chanting, the music of Grizzly Bear is gentle and pastoral, employing a minimal environment of drums and the occasional banjo, augmented by subtle elements of electronica. What began as a home project for founder Edward Droste in his Brooklyn apartment, has since become a full-fledged band that tours the world.

Jan 01, 2006 By Gary Knight The Long Blondes

Hailing from Sheffield, England, The Long Blondes go on a first name basis only: Kate (lead vocals), Dorian (lead guitar), Emma (guitar and vox), Reenie (bass and vox), and Screech (drums). Mixing jagged guitars and a little dance with their arty garage rock, the Blondes resemble a mellower, female-fronted version of Franz Ferdinand and hark back to Britpop legends Elastica.

Dec 02, 2005 By Chris Tinkham Margaret Brown

In a scene during Margaret Brown’s ghostly, touching documentary Be Here to Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Zandt, former Townes manager John Lomax III talks about a small classified ad in a 1976 issue of Rolling Stone that gave an address for the singer-songwriter’s fan club. Although Townes never enjoyed strong album sales, Lomax recalls how several hundred responses to the ad arrived within a month, many of them containing emotionally wrought accounts from fans who had been healed by Townes’ music—some were saved from suicide, others were comforted by his songs after the loss of a loved one. “I just thought, my Lord, the whole world needs to hear this,” Lomax says of Townes’ music.

Nov 02, 2005 By Gary Knight Web Exclusive

It began as somewhat of an experiment, but it’s turned into something quite lovely. Four years ago, four dudes went down to Long Beach in search of a female Cambodian singer, were instantly taken with a dazzling young woman named Chhom Nimol.

Sep 02, 2005 By Frank Valish Greg Dulli

We had the chance to speak with Dulli about his career, Amber Headlights, the demise of the Whigs, and the projects he has on tap for the future, not the least of which is his highly anticipated Gutter Twins collaboration with ex-Screaming Trees vocalist Mark Lanegan.

Aug 02, 2005 By Matt Fink Web Exclusive

Justin Mitchell is the producer and director of the Death Cab for Cutie tour documentary Drive Well, Sleep Carefully: On the Road With Death Cab for Cutie, which was recently released on DVD by Plexifilm.