Mark Kozelek, 'The Finally LP' (Caldo Verde)
Sun Kil Moon maestro plays it straight on eclectic covers.
By Kenny Herzog 12.02.08 12:28 PM
When performing others' material, Mark Kozelek has always been stronger the more extreme the reinterpretation (see his melancholic versions of the Cars, Yes, and John Denver). But this odds-and-ends comp is unusually straightforward.
SHARE THIS:
Bayside, 'Shudder' (Victory)
Lawn Guyland emoters need to improve their bedside manner.
By Kenny Herzog 09.26.08 4:54 PM
The problem with Bayside's seventh release is messaging: Frontman Anthony Raneri wants to empathize with his listeners, but his emotions are too rigidly guarded and judgmental. The unapologetic refrain of "No One Understands" does little to dull the song's self-indulgence, and on "Demons," Raneri deconstructs someone else's shortcomings to the point where you're sympathizing with his subject.
SHARE THIS:
Lollapalooza 2008: In Pictures
Check out our exclusive gallery of up-close-and-personal images from last weekend's three-day festival in Chicago, which captured everyone from Jack White to Kanye West in their primal performance glory.
By Kenny Herzog 08.05.08 2:00 PM
Lollapalooza has once again come and gone like a summer beacon of bountiful awesomeness, having passed through Chicago's Grant Park from Aug. 1-3. But fortunately, we have the modern miracle of still photography (YouTube what?) to keep the memories from fading into festival obscurity, and to remind those who couldn't make it what a terrible, terrible mistake they had made.
SHARE THIS:
New Catfish Haven MP3: "Set in Stone"
"Set in Stone" is the latest track from the Chicago soul-stirrers, off their forthcoming Devastator, due Oct. 7. Stream it here.
By Kenny Herzog 08.01.08 2:28 PM
The Windy City's garage-soul saviors are back with their first new outpouring of impassioned material since 2006's breakout LP Tell Me and two subsequent years of workmanlike touring. "Set in Stone" -- streamable below and soon-to-be-iPod-ready when Devastator is released on Oct.
SHARE THIS:
Exclusive: Michael Stipe in PSA for Amnesty International's Small Places Tour
Watch video of the R.E.M. frontman speaking out on human rights, part of an ongoing PSA series featuring Justice, Vampire Weekend, and others, many of which will premiere here.
By Kenny Herzog 07.28.08 5:19 PM
If there's one thing we here at SPIN.com like more than rocking out, it's making the world a better place to live in. Luckily, Amnesty International -- as well as some of our favorite bands -- agrees: From Sept. 10-Dec.
SHARE THIS:
Exclusive: New MP3 from Islands Offshoot Human Highway
Nick Thorburn and Jim Guthrie's Moody Motorcycle Revs Up Aug. 19, but download "Sleep Talking" today, only on SPIN.com.
By Kenny Herzog 07.25.08 3:32 PM
Moonlighting gigs have seemingly become the central preoccupation of many of today's more relevant indie artists, and the inhabitants of Islands are no exception, despite the recent release of that group's excellent Arm's Way.
SHARE THIS:
