David Jang/Staff Photographer “You’re Gonna Miss It All manages to capture the very modern blend of frustration, listlessness and resignation felt by a subset of 2014’s technology-obsessed youth. Even if it’s not punk in its purest form, it’s still a…
Gardens & Villa finds its footing
After its self-titled debut release in 2011, the members of Gardens & Villa had no shortage of options.
Hospitality's latest 'less than compelling'
The doldrums of January are an opportunity for a band to make a splash. The general lack of high profile releases leaves a gaping hole waiting to be filled by some hidden gem trying to burst onto the scene and with Trouble, Hospitality makes its case to be the critical darlings of 2014.
And the Grammy goes to …
David Jang/Staff Photographer Music columnist Parker Evans shares his predictions, hopes and lamentations about the upcoming Grammy Awards. Parker Evans [follow id = “parker_d_evans”] Parker Evans is an economics senior and Mustang News music columnist. As America’s musical tastes diverge,…
The Boss’ latest is more than just a collection of odds and ends
Guitars aren’t cool anymore. The kids are picking up synthesizers instead of Stratocasters and rock’s mainstays have been displaced by dancepop and hip hop. Of course, rock has been under attack before and made it through to the other side, largely thanks to the ceaseless work of its lord and savior, Bruce Springsteen.
Andrew Bird delivers wintry instrumental EP
In another life, Andrew Bird is ghostwriting for Miley Cyrus and One Direction. Even from the early days in the late ’90s backed by his Bowl of Fire band, Bird’s songwriting acumen and ear for melody have always been tremendous.
Action Bronson demands your attention
It should say something that a 5’7″ overweight Albanian American with a ragged red beard draws continual comparisons to Ghostface Killah. Rap-wise, if not aesthetically, it’s a fair assessment, but it’s safe to say there’s nobody in the rap game quite like Action Bronson.
El-P and Killer Mike join forces for a monster debut
The most fun rap album of 2013 doesn’t have a single hands-in-the-air chorus. It doesn’t have a catchy ear worm or a parade of guest verses or even a sing-along hook.
Arcade Fire drops titanic triumph with ‘Reflektor’
I don’t think Win Butler ever smiles. Nine years after his band gave its earth-shattering debut, Funeral, Arcade Fire’s music hasn’t lost any of its urgency or grave sincerity.
Best Coast’s ‘Fade Away’: beach pop and ennui makes for intriguing combination
Bethany Cosentino can’t understand why anyone would want to live without a view of the Pacific Ocean. The Cali-centric Cosentino made a name for herself by combining the sun of So-Cal beach rock with the brashness of L.A. girl groups to create chunks of fuzzy surf pop infused with the longing of a homesick 20-something girl from the City of Angels.
Avett Brothers’ new album sacrifices creativity for maturity
Remember when The Avett Brothers were an exciting band to listen to? Back when you didn’t know if they were going to play a rousing hoedown or a country folk ballad with equal parts emotion and intelligence?