The Black Keys breakout with new album “Brothers”
Written by Logan McMillen · June 2, 2010
A grungy, dingy, dirty, overly-sexualized stomp of a back beat opens the Black Keys latest album, “Brothers.” The cooler, younger sibling of the famously overrated White Stripes may finally eclipse the band that launched quirky, blues-rock back into the (relative) mainstream. When... (more...)
Okapi’s attention to detail makes “Love Him” a stellar debut
Okapi's debut album "Love Him"
This music is not for everyone but if you are someone who is just on the cusp, someone who wants the bridge between catchy and thought-provoking, straight-laced and experimental, Okapi is your man.Written by Logan McMillen · April 19, 2010
Ever since Girl Talks’ third record dropped, the relatively indie Illegal-Art label has been thrust into the spotlight. Founded in 1998 by a man under the pseudonym of Philo T. Farnsworth, the label is working hard to turn mash-up and glitch music into respectable genres. With the expansion... (more...)
Minneapolis based Dessa transcends fellow hip-hop artists with “Code”
A Badly Broken Code
Known by way of Doomtree affiliation, rap artist Dessa has released a strong, beautifully poetic, and intelligent debut album.Written by Bernardo Vigil · March 22, 2010
In a day and age where overproduced, unimaginative, rap-pop seems to dominate the charts, Minneapolis hip-hop seems to have resisted the auto-tune trend. Seemingly becoming a breeding ground for artful producers and potent lyricists, Minneapolis has an underground reputation for being the... (more...)
Lil’ Wayne fails miserably with foray into rock
Rebirth
After selling over 1 million copies of his 2008 "Tha Carter III" in a week period, one would think Lil' Wayne would have an amazing follow-up. Wrong.Written by Mickey Caulfield · February 25, 2010
While ever-present auto-tune, constant female guest vocals, and overproduction has inexplicably become a trend in mainstream rap, it’s still frowned upon in rock as a hallmark of artists without credibility. Similarly, the lyrics feature none of the introspection or abstraction that sets... (more...)
VV Brown hits the spot with retro album
Traveling like the Light
VV Brown's latest album pays homage to the energetic and soulful times of the 50s and 60s that stands in league with some of the greatest talents of said eras.Written by Kate Schumacher · February 23, 2010
Recently featured on The Current, pop singer VV Brown has just released her best album yet, “Traveling like the Light.” VV Brown channels Amy Winehouse by singing with a voice inspired by music from the 50s and 60s. “Traveling like the Light” is yet another of her albums... (more...)
“Hope for Haiti” soundtrack showcases musical talents singing for a cause
Hope for Haiti Soundtrack
"Hope for Haiti" brings together some of music's finest talents for some unoriginal, but otherwise inspiring songs preaching hope and unity for the devastated Haiti.Written by Sam Thomas · February 3, 2010
As the world caught word of the devastating earthquake in Haiti on January 12, networks around the world tuned into television’s efforts for earthquake relief. Stars aligned at the “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon headed by George Clooney to raise a little bit of hope and a... (more...)
Folk-punk reemerges with Andrew Jackson Jihad’s latest album
Andrew Jackson Jihad's latest album "Can't Maintain"
Just a few tracks keep "Can't Maintain" from falling into brilliance.Written by Bernardo Vigil · January 11, 2010
Ever since Billy Bragg made it okay for punk rockers to carry acoustic guitars in the 80s, a small fringe of musicians have followed suit in blending roots music with traditional three-chord punk with varied amounts of success. In recent years however, underground interest in folk-punk has... (more...)
The Weepies
Written by Addie Reine · December 18, 2009
Soothing harmonies artfully construceted by this two-person group entangled in the guitar’s distinct picking mesh to create an eerie and pleasant tones. The way that these blissful melodies snatch a listener’s attention prove that the Weepies are not your everyday folk music artists.... (more...)
A treasure trove of acclaimed artists make up “New Moon” soundtrack
New Moon Soundtrack
Although KE viewed "New Moon" as horrible, the soundtrack uplifts all the negative thoughts about the "Twilight" sequel by featuring some of musics greatest artists on a bevy of new tracks.Written by Mickey Caulfield and Rachael Kaplan · December 2, 2009
With its throng of screaming high school and pre-teen girls and shirtless male actors, the Twilight franchise certainly doesn’t achieve much street cred. However, the latest soundtrack effort, “New Moon,” aims to dispel this negative image. When indie-inclined audiophiles... (more...)
Dave Matthew’s newest hit “Funny the Way it Is”
Written by Kate Schumacher · December 1, 2009
Dave Matthews Band released “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King” on June 2 2009, after the passing of the saxophonist LeRoi Moore, who died in a tragic ATV accident in the summer of 2008. This album contains various tracks that mirror their own personal sadness in the wake of LeRoi’s... (more...)