Don’t Have a Blue Christmas

For many, the holiday season can be a depressing time. Despite all the talk of good cheer, the mirth and merriment can conceal an underbelly of loneliness and dejection. It’s no coincidence that, every December, depression levels skyrocket.

The cause of all the melancholy is simple — it’s the endless stream of bad music on the radio. How many obnoxious Christmas carols and wailing Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitar solos can any person endure before doing damage to their mental health? Luckily, the Casbah has put together a delightfully oddball show that’s guaranteed to permanently wipe the lyrics to “Jingle Bells” from your memory. Continue reading…

Owl and Bear’s Most Anticipated Albums of 2011

As a music fan, I’m waiting for the release that defines the new decade. You know what I’m talking about; every 10 years or so, a band comes out of nowhere with the perfect storm of style, lyrics, and — oh yeah — music.

The 80s had Guns ‘N Roses, the 90s Nirvana, and the 2000s gave us The Strokes. Granted, none of those bands dominated for a full 10 years, but they spawned countless imitators, some enjoyable and some terrible. That feeling of uncharted territory and danger rolled up into one is what I miss and am still waiting for. Remember when you first heard “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” or “Last Night”? I’m guessing you were instantly on board, just like I was. Continue reading…

Fitz and the Tantrums Double Down

Just six months ago, almost nobody knew Fitz and the Tantrums existed. The LA six-piece had just one release under its belt — 2009’s Songs For a Breakup, Vol. 1 EP — and had yet to introduce the masses to its riveting brand of neo-soul. But in August of this year, the band released its debut full-length, Pickin’ Up the Pieces, and everything changed. The album’s first single, “Moneygrabber,” has been getting some serious radio play, and the group has quickly earned a reputation for putting on exhilarating live shows. Continue reading…

Live Review: Louis C.K. at Balboa Theater, December 4, 2010

For a comedian, Louis C.K. tells very few jokes. Instead, the funnyman gets laughs with his dry, often exasperated observations and musings. But whereas comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Lewis Black have made names for themselves with observational humor and frazzled rants, respectively, Louis C.K. blends those elements into an amusing concoction made all the more palatable by his everyman charm. Continue reading…

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