Author: Tom

Kurt Vile strikes perfect balance on Smoke Ring for My Halo

What’s that saying? “Life is full of regrets, so eat your chocolates now?” (Close enough.) Well, my latest regret is not buying tons of stock in Kurt Vile. For three years, I’ve known about – and heard constant praise of – Philadelphia’s psych-folk rising star, yet I’ve skipped a half dozen of his shows and… Continue reading Kurt Vile strikes perfect balance on Smoke Ring for My Halo

Twilight Singers pour on the pathos with Dynamite Steps

One of the reasons I’m obsessed with The X-Files is Mark Snow’s atmospheric scores. Snow’s ominous presence is at times eerie, haunting, beautiful, tense, and gripping, but just as often, his scores lull the viewer and make a dry 15-minute stretch feel like eternity. Whenever I listen to the Twilight Singers, one of many heralded… Continue reading Twilight Singers pour on the pathos with Dynamite Steps

MNDR @ 9:30 Club

Ever since I read about – and got hooked on – electropop-IDM sensation MNDR (Amanda Warner) on Sheena Beaston’s blog,  it seemed that well-earned hype has grown exponentially. MNDR is everywhere: magazines, radio, blogs, Facebook advertisements, Mark Ronson’s infectious “Bang Bang Bang,” and now on tour with Chromeo. Maybe it was all the hype or… Continue reading MNDR @ 9:30 Club

Iron & Wine venture into unexpected territory on Kiss Each Other Clean

Honestly, I hadn’t listened to Iron & Wine much in the past five years. 2004’s Our Endless Numbered Days–and even moreso non-album tracks “No Moon” and “Sinning Hands”–was my “fall asleep” music in my first year of grad school. But I hadn’t paid much attention to Sam Beam’s latest work, so I expected more gentle whispers over… Continue reading Iron & Wine venture into unexpected territory on Kiss Each Other Clean

Interview with Nicole Atkins

Three years ago, I caught a particularly memorable episode of The Late Show with Conan O’Brien. Yes, Coco told some jokes and interviewed Hulk Hogan, but it was pop noir artist Nicole Atkins who caught my attention with her performance of “Maybe Tonight,” the lead track from 2007’s critically acclaimed major label debut, Neptune City.… Continue reading Interview with Nicole Atkins

Kate Miller-Heidke @ 9:30 Club

I really didn’t want to enjoy Kate Miller-Heidke‘s 45-minute set last night in Washington, D.C. My other concert reviews on this site have been full of praise and I wanted to write a scathing review; certainly the Australian’s quirky pop, which I had only limited exposure to prior to the show, couldn’t win me over. I… Continue reading Kate Miller-Heidke @ 9:30 Club

Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan @ Rock and Roll Hotel

“What is she? Some kind of magician?” my wife inquired as Isobel Campbell shaked, rattled, and pounded several unique percussion tools during “Back Burner.” Indeed, she is. As the songwriter in her unlikely indie-folk collaboration with enigmatic Mark Lanegan, Campbell has masterfully orchestrated the musical backdrop to highlight perfect vocal constrasts. Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan… Continue reading Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan @ Rock and Roll Hotel

Nicole Atkins releases free download of “Vultures” from new LP

The wait for Mondo Amore, the second full length LP for Nicole Atkins & The Black Sea due Jan. 25, just got a little easier. Today, the band released a free download (update: now apparently with a redeem code now no redeem code necessary) of “Vultures,” one of my personal favorites since its live debut in mid-2008. The… Continue reading Nicole Atkins releases free download of “Vultures” from new LP

Nicole Atkins announces sophomore LP and 7″ release dates

For those patiently awaiting the sophomore record by Nicole Atkins & The Black Sea, the wait is, well, not quite over. On Thursday’s Beyond Beyond is Beyond radio show, the pop-noir artist revealed that her much anticipated Neptune City follow-up, titled Mondo Amore, is finished but slated for a Jan. 25 release date through New… Continue reading Nicole Atkins announces sophomore LP and 7″ release dates