Review: Hiss Golden Messenger – Bed Debt (2010)
It’s been said before that my favorite genre of music is folk noir and it’ll be said again. In fact, it’s about to be said again here, right now: My name is Amber Valentine and my favorite genre of music is folk noir. I love a good murder ballad, or a good ballad that sounds […]
Review: Digitata – Sexually Transmitted Emotions (2005)
The last trip to Minneapolis brought back memories and, more music-based, Maggie Morrison’s Lookbook. The word was that she had a tremendous voice confirmed during the Eau Claire native’s performance at the Pizza LuceBlock Party. Since then, Minneapolis/Eau Claire cohorts Gayngs&n
CMJ 2010: ArpLine Ready for Take Off
Frederick Maus is a Brooklyn musician who had the opportunity to step out of the shadows and explore the deafening depths of New York City’s 2010 edition of CMJ Music Marathon. CMJ is, along with SXSW, one of the most important music showcase events in America. We warmly welcome this mysterious gu
Review: Blue Water White Death – Blue Water White Death (2010)
When Blue Water White Death announced its existence mere months ago via what kids these days call “The Pitchfork”, I literally squealed with excitement. Yes, readers, I, a full grown woman, squealed. To understand why, you must first understand that half of conceptual rock duo Blu
Review: Lookbook – Wild at Heart (2010)
Consider Lookbook the first band ever to capture my attention solely due to the videography in their music video. “Over and Over” is high quality slow-motion, so slow it draws your attention heavily to Maggie Morrison’s vocals despite the riveting guitar and pulsating kick drum from
Review: Alaska – Alaska E.P. (2009)
Music discovery is a funny thing. I’ve mentioned before how often I get new favorite bands gift wrapped and handed over to me like birthday gifts from good pals. Groups opening for an already beloved act? That’s a great way to give yourself some exposure to the little known and/or bran
Review: Castevet – Summer Fences (2009)
Chicago’s Castevet has undergone musical changes, tilting the light upon vocals and away from the musical landscapes crafted in Summer Fences. I had not known this digging into 2010′s The Echo & The Light. So when the album started spinning, this revelatory illumination b
Review: Bad Books – Bad Books (2010)
It’s strange when there’s an artist that holds a very special place in your heart for reasons unknown. You know, the kind that almost becomes a significant other to you over time, whose music is there when no one else is, who manages to just understand something about aspects of your personality
CONCERT REVIEW + PHOTOGRAPHY: F.STOKES AT MAJESTIC THEATRE (MADISON)
(October 15th, 2010) The Majestic is my kind of venue; a converted theater with several levels, yet intimate despite the balcony and accoutrements. Small standing room ahead of tables and chairs ahead of another smaller standing room. The staff? Unimposing, warm and welcoming as opposed to