reviews

Review: Dr. Dog – Shame, Shame

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Dr. Dog sound like The Beatles. Or wait, no, they sound more like The Beach Boys. No, no, they sound exactly like The Band. That’s it, they sound like The Band. Wait no, that’s not it, now I’m hearing Gram Parsons. Now Pink Floyd? PINK FLOYD? You guys sound like Pink Floyd right now! What the hell?! Goddammit Dr. Dog, who do you sound like? I know it’s someone. You guys sound exactly like somebody, and someday I will figure it out.

In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy the hell out of what you guys do because, when it comes down to it, it’s not who you sound like but what you sound like, and what you guys sound like is pure, feel-good, warm and fuzzy 60s rock.

Dr. Dog make the type of music that is so damn groovy you start to involuntarily squint your eyes, smile, and bob your head, wishing that somehow you could feel like this more often, but all the while grateful to have felt like this at all. Basically, Dr. Dog’s music makes you look and feel like that rare type of pothead who actually knows how to enjoy being stoned. Continue reading…

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Interview: RJD2

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Photo credit: Dan McMahon

RJD2 knows how to get the bodies in the crowd moving, and tonight’s show at the Casbah promises to be no different.

The multi-instrumentalist/turntablist extraordinaire’s live show is a multimedia experience that combines interesting samples, pop culture imagery, and head-bobbing beats. Before seeing him in action, I’d never witnessed a DJ step away from the 1’s and 2’s, pick up a guitar, and start playing a frantic punk song, let alone do it believably. It takes some serious cojones to pull that one off.

That sort of confidence has embodied RJD2’s career. From signing to legendary hip hop label Definitive Jux to creating his own — RJ’s Electrical Connections — it’s always been on his terms. I’ve been a fan of his for almost nine years now, and during that time his production skills have continued to be some of the best in the business. So when I had the opportunity to ask RJD2 a few questions, I jumped at the chance.

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interviews

Poetic Memory: Shaw (List)

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You don’t know who Shaw is, but that’s just something you’ll have to remedy.

On his mesmerizing debut EP, Pretending We’re Not Animals, the San Francisco native sets tales of fauna against electronic, sterile backdrops. His vocals are robotic yet mournful, drifting like echoes across barren, frigid soundscapes before fading into the ether. It’s seventeen minutes of the most stirring music you’ll listen to all year, and you can buy it from his label, Swordfish Records.

In addition to his auspicious solo work, Shaw has joined a new band, the New York City-based The Future Self Envy. The group is finishing up work on its debut EP, Bangerdropper, set for release in June. After that, Shaw will turn his attention back to his solo work and release some more EPs. His Poetic Memory is below. Continue reading…

reviews, san diego

Review: Cymbals Eat Guitars, Bear In Heaven, and Freelance Whales; March 23, 2010; Casbah

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Photo credit: MySpace

Three hot bands, two large mammals, and one cannibalistic instrument converged at the Casbah last Tuesday night, when Freelance Whales, Bear in Heaven, and Cymbals Eat Guitars swung through to represent New York City. Continue reading…

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Interview: The Silent Comedy

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The Silent Comedy are on a roll. Thanks to their high-energy performances and whiskey-soaked songwriting, the San Diego band has amassed a passionate following, repeatedly selling out the Casbah as if it were their grandma’s basement. The stylish six-piece will return to the venue on April 2nd to celebrate the release of their sophomore album, Common Faults. We sat down with verbose singer/keyboardist Jeremiah Zimmerman to discuss the album, the problems with consumerism, and the band’s love of mustaches. Continue reading →

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