Category: Artist Profiles

Bands that need to reunite: Desaparecidos

2002 was a simpler time. Apple’s iMac G4 was being touted as the next generation iMac; the Maryland Terrapins won the NCAA championship (HELL YEAH THEY DID); Kelly Clarkson won the very first season of American Idol; Conor Oberst had literally no muscle mass. Also, he was splitting time between fronting Bright Eyes and the… Continue reading Bands that need to reunite: Desaparecidos

Solander: Revisiting Fredrik and Sweden

Fredrik Karlsson, one of the members of a KR favorite band, Fredrik, has his own solo project that I’d imagine you’d all love to hear about, as I’ve only just discovered it recently. Solander is Karlsson backed up by various others, mostly from the the Swedish Malmö underground scene. With a similar style to Fredrik,… Continue reading Solander: Revisiting Fredrik and Sweden

A small tribute to Elliott Smith on his 40th birthday

OK, it’s time for me to take off my Humor Hat and put on my Morose Mittens. Today would have been the 40th birthday of one Elliott Smith, who, as you probably know, died about six years ago under rather hazy circumstances. I don’t have terribly much to say, of course, but I just thought… Continue reading A small tribute to Elliott Smith on his 40th birthday

Charm and Trevor Giuliani are one and the same

Often times I’m admittedly late to the game on musicians I should have been on top of way back when. Way back when in this case is only June, but regardless, I gotta step it up. I received Trevor Giuliani’s Subcontrario (In Stereo) (released July 21 on Dovecote Records) in the actual mail and didn’t… Continue reading Charm and Trevor Giuliani are one and the same

I’ve heard The Beatings’ sound before, but I’m so OK with that

In The Beatings’ press kit it says “Recommended if you like: Thermals, Broken Social Scene, Built to Spill.” While the band isn’t quite like any of those others, on first listen it’s clear they have a very familiar sound that you absolutely know. Is it overdone? Is it old hat? Is it stale? Yes, yes… Continue reading I’ve heard The Beatings’ sound before, but I’m so OK with that

Sweet sweet Canadian Dala

Dala is the beautifully mesmerizing folk/pop of Canadian bff’s Sheila Carabine and Amanda Walther. For reference sake, they’re kind of a cross between Aimee Mann and a more upbeat Azure Ray – no small comparison. Intimately but forcefully acoustic, Carabine and Walther mix quirky subtleties in with the catchy and soothing melodies. Deftly playing off… Continue reading Sweet sweet Canadian Dala

Doby Watson’s first “proper” record drops August 4

Folksy shmolksy two days in a row from me. That’s right, I’m going slowcore on your asses. I think the humidity is drawing me to a bit of a stall, evoking a need for such comforting music. Doby Watson, from Kansas, fits the bill perfectly, as fragile acoustics dominate – including guitar, tenor guitar, slide… Continue reading Doby Watson’s first “proper” record drops August 4

Patton Oswalt is doing lots of stuff

On August 25th, noted Really Funny Guy Patton Oswalt will be releasing My Weakness is Strong, an hour long special that comes packaged with “DVD-only short films and more!” And more! That includes the fact that it will be aired as a Comedy Central special too. The show was recorded back in February in Washington,… Continue reading Patton Oswalt is doing lots of stuff

Arran Arctic

Arran Arctic is Arran Southall from The U.K., frequently accompanied by various other guests for backing instruments and vocals. Southall describes himself as an introvert – which is all but obvious from his intimately dazzling, understated music. He sings, records, programs, produces and plays acoustic/electric guitar, violin, pedal organ, accordion, concertina, harpsichord, recorder, tin whistle,… Continue reading Arran Arctic