Pop Rock Nation

#27 album of 2012 – R.A.P. Music by Killer Mike

Artist: Killer Mike

Album: R.A.P. Music

Mr. Michael Render does not believe the term “rap” *is* an acronym for “Rebellious African Peoples”: he believes it should be. R.A.P. Music, produced by robot-apocalypse meister Jaime “El-P” Meline, does its best to sound like rebellion in progress. Beats range from firm to concussive; synth melodies burble and warble like distant alarms, or buzz and gurgle like hungry monster wasps, or drift like machines humming to themselves while they recharge for […]

By brian|February 13th, 2013|Reviews|1 Comment

Forgotten bands of the 1980s

When was the last time you thought of these forgotten 1980s era bands?
Somehow, I scratched my eye the other day, which made me break out my glasses in order to be able to see. I hate wearing my glasses because they make me feel frumpy. I mean, I’m often frumpy anyway, because I usually wear sweats all day and rarely wear makeup. But as I was sitting here, pondering how much I hate wearing my […]

By Jenny|February 12th, 2013|Mini-Reviews, Videos|0 Comments

#28 album of 2012 – Feast of Hammers by Birdeatsbaby

Artist: Birdeatsbaby

Album: Feast of Hammers

Birdeatsbaby play outgoing piano-rock with cabaret aspects. With Amanda Palmer now a solo act, Birdeatsbaby (led by singer/pianist Mishkin Fitzgerald) are the obvious nearest successors to the Dresden Dolls for me; they also suggest Stephanie Rearick with a full band and a confident strut. Feast of Hammers has several impressive singles, smart and catchy. Love Will Bring You Nothing and Anchor have nimble tempo-shifts; elegant violin; long looping melodies; dramatic choruses; and […]

By brian|February 11th, 2013|Reviews|5 Comments

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