Contemporary Rock N Roll, Pop Music and The Raskins
Contemporary rock n roll and Pop music are often linked. ‘Pop’, which is the abbreviation for Popular music, is a well-known genre. But what is it, exactly? It’s nothing, and it’s everything; it is a compilation of works from across a multitude of genres with nothing in common except that it (pop music) attracts the “mainstream.”
Read moreLisa Jackson
The newest six-song, self-titled EP from Lisa Jackson & girl friday is stark, powerful and provocative. It lacks studio glitz and a perfect vocal performance, yet that may just be what gives it such personality and edge. Lisa Jackson, a Fayetteville Georgia native who has been tearing up the New York City underground, was referred to as a “true rock n roll star” by actress Rosie Perez in Page Six (New York Post) in recent months. With songs like “Night Lite of Jesus,” “Mess,” and “Don’t Get Bitter,” the group […]
Read moreSpill Canvas – One Fell Swoop
Spill Canvas – One Fell Swoop, the sophomore CD is hard to dislike. From the very first note, this hard rocking band is in overdrive. They slow it down for “This Is For Keeps,” “Secret Oath” and “Bound To Happen,” and display moments of moodiness, but the bulk of this collection is pure stadium rock: a wall of sound to bang on the inside of your head – ooh-ra! Founded by Sioux Falls native Nick Thomas, The Spill Canvas is a tight unit, and the production here, while not dynamic, […]
Read moreEmery; The Question
The influences of Queen and the rage of punk are undeniable, yet Emery has emerged with a distinctive raw, edgy footprint of its own. The 12-song CD, The Question, is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed debut The Weak’s End, and is masterfully produced by Aaron Sprinkle (mixed by Randy Staub). Songs like “Left With Alibis” and “Lying Eyes” dynamically shift from introspective riddles of thought to demonic primal rage, while the lead track, “So Cold I Could See My Breath,” highlights strong melody lines presented through harmonic vocals. And […]
Read moreVenus Demars
Living Art Venus Demars and I sat for an interview. It was all so surreal. I was sitting on a bed at the Charlton Arms Hotel, speaking to Venus, lead singer of the Minneapolis-based dark glam band All The Pretty Horses, and wife Lynette. It felt as though I was in someone’s dream, and in a way, I was. “This is my installation,” Venus explained, referring to the artwork that covered every square inch of the hotel room: walls and ceiling. Dominated by background hues of blues, the focal point of […]
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