Interview: Brett Dennen on cruises, songwriter’s therapy, and Shaun White
Brett Dennen has a knack for writing upbeat hits. At least once on each album, he lays down a jaunty single that toe-taps its way up the charts. It turns […]
On its sophomore record, Hospitality goes dark
Trouble, Hospitality’s sterling sophomore record, announces itself by proffering a warning. “If you go to sleep, dear,” warns guitarist and singer Amber Papini on “Nightingale,” “you’ll see ghosts in your […]
Album reviews: The Presidents of the United States of America, Xiu Xiu, Graham Colton
The Presidents of the United States of America Kudos to You!/Self-released If you’ve been part of The Presidents of the United States of America bandwagon for any length of time, you […]
Lake Street Dive eyes stardom through a vintage lens
Pop-soul throwback Lake Street Dive’s music is kind of like all these Spiderman movies, to loosely paraphrase drummer Michael Calabrese. “There is this whole thing right now in our culture […]
Interview: Sebadoh’s Lou Barlow finds humor in rock band drama
Lou Barlow has been involved in some of the quaintest rock ’n’ roll feuds of all time. In an industry where grudges are common and time seems only to deepen […]
Film review: Endless Love is predictable and audience-friendly
We’ve reached a point in the movie business when we’re so devoid of new and good ideas we’re recycling old and bad ideas. Such is the case with Endless Love, […]
Ford and Wayne’s greatest film is also a thoughtful critique of the genre they helped create
John Ford directed almost 150 films. Many of them were Westerns, and more than a few are masterpieces. The Searchers is arguably the best, and easily the most iconic; a […]
ARTS Pick: Six Pack Songwriters Series
Virginia-native tunes abound at the Six Pack Songwriters Series, a quarterly collaboration of local artists founded by Jason Burke. This fourth installment features a wide range of original music from […]
Wake up call: Comic Bill Burr stands up for himself
With notable TV appearances on Comedy Central, three standup recordings, and several film roles under his belt, Burr is on track to become the next household name in comedy. Not to be overlooked is his work as a dramatic actor, like his role as Patrick Kuby on “Breaking Bad.”
ARTS Pick: Museum
If you’ve ever joined the hundreds of New York City spectators that flood the MoMA on Free Friday Nights, you know half the fun of modern art is watching the […]