The Lumineers

The Lumineers make the kind of life-affirming folk music that many bands aspire for, but few actually pull off. Their best track, “Ho Hey” is a perfectly crafted foot-stomper, literally demanding a group singalong – on tour, the crowd will surely “ho!” and “hey!” along with the band after every four drum beats. Lead singer… Continue reading The Lumineers

Pontiak’s Echo Ono is a road trip record with a heavy emphasis on trip

One of the first great rock records of 2012 has landed in the form of Pontiak’s latest, Echo Ono. The nine tracks that make up this record have only one purpose: to take you on a room-shaking, mind-altering, jaw-dropping trip to anywhere but here. Echo Ono is a magical mystery tour for heavy psychedelic rock… Continue reading Pontiak’s Echo Ono is a road trip record with a heavy emphasis on trip

[Hype Hype Hooray] How 9/11 Changed Rock ‘n’ Roll, Part 1

Jamie normally snarks on the music industry and the indie blog scene, but for the next three installments he will explore how the attacks on September 11 changed the course of rock music (note: he’s not talking about pop music, just rock). I know it’s about 9/11, but don’t get all weird about it, ok?… Continue reading [Hype Hype Hooray] How 9/11 Changed Rock ‘n’ Roll, Part 1

[The Past Presents] Unrest – “Perfect Teeth”

The Past Presents revisits revered albums from the past 20-25 years to ask the question, “Is this album still a classic, or has it lost its edge over the years?”. Was it a great record for that particular time and place, or is it something we’ll be passing on to our kids? It also looks… Continue reading [The Past Presents] Unrest – “Perfect Teeth”

Knox Road Live Blogs the Grammys (With a One-Hour Delay)!

The Grammys are back, you guys! While I usually wait until the awards are over to write a snarky commentary, I’ve decided to give it to you straight, as the action happens. Some Hype Hype Hooray-regulars might note that I don’t have cable, but this year I found a liiiittle loophole (my girlfriend has to… Continue reading Knox Road Live Blogs the Grammys (With a One-Hour Delay)!

[Abby’s Road] I Got You Covered

We’ve all been there: a friend suggests meeting up at a bar or restaurant before moving on to a show; a place you’ve never visited before. My most recent example of this was an Irish pub here in Munich. Such places aren’t usually chosen for the music, but for their drink or fattening bar food… Continue reading [Abby’s Road] I Got You Covered

Baobab

Holy crap have I fallen in love with a band/record out of nowhere. Baobab, essentially Phil Torres (with some help from Whitney Trettien), based out of Durham, North Carolina, just released their debut s/t album, and it couldn’t sound less like a debut. Complex, mature, and impeccably arranged, the album is nothing short of hypnotizing.… Continue reading Baobab