I fear that Bloc Party has succumbed to the self-important band disease far too soon. Already, the band is lined up for every do-gooder festival on the circuit this year, which is all well and good, but we like a little spice in our punk rock. A little controversy. A little daring do. Kele Okereke’s […]

[Read more →]

The thing is I’ve actually grown to like this record a good bit. It’s just that after the bloated pomposity of Worlds Apart, I expected so much more. This band had the music scene by the balls a mere four years ago with its heavily lauded opus, Source Tags & Codes. Guitars slung low and […]

[Read more →]

Despite a reputation for being a spoiled, egomaniacal prat, Damon Albarn makes no apologies for his talent or his drive. Having led Brit-pop to international heights with Blur (although more elusive in America, save for the woo-hoo-ing of “Song 2”), Albarn cemented his top billing in this country, ironically, with the cartoon dance-hip-hop mash-up band, […]

[Read more →]

The Hold Steady Boys And Girls In America Vagrant By: Eric Greenwood Lyrics can often make or break a band. Even an otherwise rocking song can be destroyed by a few clumsy clichés. And since most bands have jumped right into emo's pandering, self-pitying cesspool of over-used lamentations, it's refreshing to listen to a band […]

[Read more →]

Lily Allen Alright, Still Regal By: Eric Greenwood I was a fan of Lily Allen's long before I even heard a note of her music. Her reputation for trashing her peers and calling bullshit on the hypocrisy of the rock star lifestyle preceded her. On Pete Doherty: "I do think he needs to be exterminated." […]

[Read more →]

The Slits Return Of The Giant Slits!: History And Conversation Saf By: Eric Greenwood As much as I hate the idea of reunions, I must admit I can't resist certain regroupings. It's just as easily a case of morbid curiosity as it is genuine excitement that forces me to go see bands decades past their […]

[Read more →]

The Mars Volta Amputechture GSL/Universal By: Eric Greenwood Despite its post-punk pedigree, it's hard to imagine The Mars Volta sharing many fans with today's typical indie kid. You know the type cuddled up with his Sufjan Stevens records, wearing a nondescript striped sweater, faux frames, and spotty facial hair. That kid hates The Mars Volta […]

[Read more →]