Blogs

By Niki D'Andrea

This week's "Flier of the Week" is for local garage pop band The Love Me Nots' CD release party. Groovy.

By Steve Jansen

Art by Rachelle Arbellar

I remember being 21 years old. Staying up really late. Sleeping. Swimming.

That's all I can remember.

Miss Franberry is 21 right now, and though I'm unaware of her daily schedule, I do know that she goes to a ton of shows, plays a bunch of shows, and writes about shows.

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By Niki D'Andrea

As we reported on Monday, rap star and Valley resident DMX was arrested at MetroCenter Mall on July 19. Today we learned that he was released from jail on Sunday night and was indicted on felony charges today.

Check the links above for more on this story. We'll continue to post more information as it becomes available.

By Niki D’Andrea

Paul Westerberg: On the Cheap.

Former Replacements frontman Paul Westerberg is offering fans his new album for only 49 cents. The Minnesota-based rocker has increasingly gravitated toward independent, experimental, basement-based recordings, and his new record, 49:00…Of Your Time/Life, is one long track with no song listings. Westerberg played all the instruments himself, and the sale price stems from a joke Westerberg made to his manager that fans would “pay a penny a minute.”

Amazon.com was the only online retailer willing to offer the album for 49 cents. You can find more information on 49:00 and download it here:

http://members.aol.com/paulspage/4949.htm

By Jonathan McNamara

Six rows away from me, wearing a ring master's coat and miming his way across the stage, Eddie Izzard looked up "Phoenix" on Wikipedia using his Iphone.

"It's got a picture of you looking hot," he said.

A similar heat related joke told to any Phoenix resident would come off as trite, but somehow Izzard's impish grin and predilection to inserting F-bombs in his charming British way makes even a joke about how hot it is in Phoenix seem new again. Fried egg, anyone?

Izzard exposed the audience to his rambling, comedic style for nearly two hours sometimes forgoing speaking entirely to get jokes across with exaggerated body movement and sound effects produced using only a microphone.

The one coherent message Izzard through into his rant-filled routine was also the most succinct thing he said all night:

"You've got an election this year. Don't fuck it up. Vote for Barack Obama; then you'll be able to travel the world and not pretend you're Canadian."

But Lewis Black this was not and while Izzard did inject a few political musings into his act, the majority consisted of jazz chickens, the existence (or lack thereof) of God, mime routines, dinosaurs, boats and of course Charles Darwin's famous book "Monkey Monkey Monkey Monkey Monkey Monkey You".

And it is from this obscure assortment of topics from the night's show that we present to you the top 10 things Eddie Izzard said last night that make even less sense taken out of context. Truth the be told, they didn't make that much more sense last night, but they did have the Orpheum's audience in stitches.

10. "You can't mime a religion"

9. "No one does air oboe, do they?"

8. Speaking about dinosaurs: "We're pretty sure 'Ah, fuck it' was the last thing they said."

7. "One thing was big before language and that was Scrabble. No one lost!"

6. "I'm not actually a transvestite, it was a tax thing that I did."

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By Lilia Menconi

The power of their attractiveness makes you want to check the slideshow.

Tempe just got a lot bigger . . . if you happen to be in the bar scene, that is. Since we can remember, a night out in Tempe meant Mill Avenue or Casey Moore’s or — well, Casey Moore’s. But with Tempe Marketplace up and running, we’re discovering a whole new source for our weekly socializing requirements. On Thursday, July 17, we hit D’Arcy McGee’s to find some similar souls looking to start the weekend early. The low-key Irish Pub had a healthy crowd of 20-somethings, for a Thursday night. Many were chowing down on bar food and killing time until they could hit the movie theater for the The Dark Knight premiere. Movie dweebs aside, D’Arcy’s fit the bill for a night of friendly chats and some fine drinking.

D'Arcy McGee's, Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E Rio Salado Parkway (Located next to Harkins Theatre), 480-557-9087

By Benjamin Leatherman

This week’s list of the top 10 best-selling albums at local music stores comes from Kimber Lanning’s indie emporium, Stinkweeds Record Exchange, 12 West Camelback Road. Here’s what being bought at the shop:

1. The Hold Steady, Stay Positive (Vagrant)
2. Fleet Foxes, Self-titled (Sub Pop)
3. Wolf Parade, At Mount Zoomer (Sub Pop)
4. Sigur Rós, Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust (XL Recordings)
5. Beck, Modern Guilt (Geffen)
6. Earlimart, Hymn and Her (Major Domo)
7. Tilly and the Wall, O (Team Love)
8. Melvins, Nude with Boots (Ipecac)
9. Silver Jews, Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea (Drag City)
10. Santogold, Self-titled (Downtown)

By Niki D’Andrea

A couple of months ago, I posted a blog in response to local bands that have complained that we’re not giving them any coverage. I vowed to review every local CD sent to me (in the order they were received) in this weekly “You Asked for It” blog.

If you’re in a local band and would like to submit your Cd for review, please send it to:

Niki D’Andrea
ATTN: YAFI
c/o Phoenix New Times
1201 E. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032

This week’s review is High Speed Chase, an album from local hip-hop group Bomb Legacy.

Bomb Legacy
High Speed Chase
(Self-released)

Some people complain about the negative messages in hip-hop lyrics -- bemoaning references to gang bangin’, drugs, womanizing, etc., and expressing a desire to hear more “positive” messages. Valley hip-hop group Bomb Legacy raps about something universally positive: sex. The 18 tracks on this album (released in conjunction with BL’s Hardbody Daily) are mostly all seductive missives, whether the MCs are rapping about eating strawberries off a hot girl’s belly against a slow-moving groove (“Get Low”) or more directly, proposing “Let me put my hand in your gut” and “Let me put my love in your gripper” (“Back It Up”). Cheesy and less-than-sexy innuendos aside, Bomb Legacy does a good job of setting such spits against club banger beats. On “Dip It Low,” for example, a synthesized, Knight Rider-ish hook lays the foundation for lines like “I’m addicted to big hooters/When I’m done, you’ll wanna smoke some of that Buddha.” On “Up in the Club,” an exotic female vocal sample straddles another trippy synthesizer hook and hand-clap beat while the MCs rap “I’m talking about the feeling/Try to take her when she’s kneeling.” But my favorite track is by far the wiseass, confrontational “Blah-Blah,” which boasts a catchy chorus hook and vocal samples of a kid going “blah-blah-blah.” Yep, that’s pretty much the bottom line.

Next week’s review: Mark Zubia

By Jonathan McNamara

Did you miss Cute is What We Aim For's performance at Clubhouse music this weekend? Don't fret. Here's your chance to listen to their song "Practice Makes Perfect."

For more information, see Cute Is What We Aim For's official Web site.

By Niki D’Andrea

The legal woes continue for DMX, Phoenix’s most illustrious rap star/resident. As reported by The Associated Press, the 37 year-old rapper was arrested at Phoenix’s Metrocenter Mall on Saturday on suspicion of providing a false name (“Troy Jones”) and a fake Social Security number to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale back in April, allegedly to avoid paying $7500 in medical bills.

A collection of some of DMX's many mug shots over the years.

This is just the latest in a string of transgressions that have landed DMX (whose real name is Earl Simmons) behind bars. He’s currently being held at the Towers Jail, where he’s being kept in isolation on $60,000 bond. Cameron Morgan, DMX’s Scottsdale-based attorney, refused to comment on the case, but Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio was more than happy to throw his two cents in, telling The Associated Press, “I don't know why judges keep letting this guy out. Every time he goes in there, he gets out on bond…I'm hoping this is the one time he's going to pay the penalty for his offense." Arpaio added that DMX was being held separately from the general population, as other inmates “may not like his music.”

Arpaio’s observation may be construed as either astute or asinine, but one thing’s for certain: DMX has been racking up more charges than any other hip-hop star. Here’s a massive (but still incomplete) timeline of DMX’s troubles:

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By Niki D'Andrea

The New Times Summer of Sound experimental show took place Friday, July 18, at Papillons Too (formerly Cell Block) in Mesa. It was a night of community, costumes, feedback, homemade instruments, and epic jams, courtesy of headliners Estradasphere Trio and four of our best local bands. Without any further ado, let's wax premature nostalgic:

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By Niki D’Andrea

Here are a handful of concerts that were just announced this week.

Beck
With MGMT
Monday, September 22, 7:30 p.m.
Dodge Theatre
$38.50-$42.50
www.livenation.com

Eclectic pop auteur Beck’s latest album, Modern Guilt, has all the trappings of an alt. rock hit -- production by Danger Mouse, two guest appearances by Cat Power (the songs “Orphans” and “Walls”), and song titles like “Gamma Ray” and “Profanity Prayers.” The album also fulfills Beck’s contract with Interscope Records, leaving the early indie star open for a bidding war.

Random band fact: Beck is a devout Scientologist.

Below: The video for Beck’s song, “Girl.”

Lindsey Buckingham
Thursday, September 18, 7:30 p.m.
Orpheum Theatre
$39.50
www.livenation.com

Perhaps one of the most underrated guitarists and producers of all time, Buckingham is touring in support of his upcoming solo record, Gift of Screws (set for release September 18). As a member of Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham’s contributed more than his share of hits (“Go Your Own Way,” “Big Love,” “Tusk”), but as a solo artist, his biggest hit was the #9 U.S. Billboard single “Trouble” in 1981. Not that Buckingham cares about numbers -- he’s said more than once that he’s “The Terrence Malick of rock,” a comparison to the critically respected (but culturally underrated) film director.

Random band fact: Lindsey’s brother Greg won a silver medal in swimming (the men’s 200 metres individual medley) at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.

Below: Buckingham’s performance of “Big Love” from Fleetwood Mac’s The Dance concert DVD.

Ani DiFranco
Wednesday, September 24, 8 p.m.
Celebrity Theatre
$32
www.celebritytheatre.com

Since she’s become a mother (she gave birth to her daughter Petah in January of 2007), folk-punk-funk artist DiFranco has toured less than ever before. Gone are the days when she’d spend 300 days a year lugging her acoustic guitar all over the country in a minivan. These days, she’s more than happy to continue releasing albums on her own Righteous Babe Records label (Red Letter Year, her 18th studio album, is forthcoming), and do handfuls of show dates when she can. It’s been a couple years since DiFranco played Phoenix, and this show is scheduled for a “half capacity” setup, so chances are, it’ll sell out quickly.

Random band fact: DiFranco won a Grammy Award for Best Recording Package for her 2003 album, Evolve.

Below: DiFranco performs “Hypnotized” on The Henry Rollins Show.

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By Jonathan McNamara

Friday July 18: Minibosses at The Ruby Room

If you've been perusing Up on the Sun's podcast entries you already know that the bossest of video game music-based bands will be hitting the Ruby Room tonight. See you there?

Saturday July 19: The Dark Knight

Has Heath Ledger replaced Jack Nicholson as the definitive Joker? Admit it. That's what you'll be wondering as you storm the theater to see The Dark Knight this weekend.

As this is the type of question that would be easy to agonize over for eons, here's a simpler one: Who's got the best Dark Knight themed costume at The Dark Knight rave this weekend?

That's right! Silent Unspoken Entertainment is holding a rave in honor of Batman's latest movie.

For more information about this Batman-themed rave, read "The Dark Knight" by Benjamin Leatherman.

Sunday July 20: Steely Dan

That's right, I went there. If you're in the know (and can afford the tickets) you're probably already geared up to enjoy Steely Dan's show at Dodge Theater this weekend.

If you have no idea who Steely Dan is, get a little knowledge under your belt before you check out some of the smoothest sounds in popular music this weekend. I'll get you started with some basic trivia: Steely Dan is named after a sex toy for women. You figure out the rest.

For more on Steely Dan, read "Darkness Calls" by Saby Reyes-Kulkarni

For more music-related shindigs, don't surf away without reading Benjamin Leatherman's Concert Schedule for this Weekend."

By Benjamin Leatherman

Slipknot and the metal misfits of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival take over Cricket Wireless Pavillion this afternoon.

Here’s a rundown of all the major concerts and big-time gigs that will be going down around the Valley over the next 72 hours. Click links for ticket info (or call the venue for any last minute changes).

FRIDAY, JULY 18:

Authority Zero
With Underwater, Down By Fire, 2 Tone Lizard Kings, and The Dead Eyes of London
[rock, punk]
7 p.m.
$18 (click here for ticket info)
Venue of Scottsdale, 7117 E. 3rd Ave., Scottsdale, 480-945-5150

DJ Bad Boy Bill
With MCB, and DJ40Ford
9 p.m.
[house, dance]
$20 (click here for ticket info)
Myst, 7340 E. Shoeman Ln., Scottsdale, 480-970-5000

Cute Is What We Aim For
With Ace Enders, Danger Radio, and Powerspace
6:30 p.m.
[rock, indie]
$12-$14 (click here for ticket info)
The Clubhouse Music Venue, 1320 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe, 480-968-3238

Guttermouth
With New Skool Kings, Housman's Athletes, and VW Trainwreck
7 p.m.
[rock, punk]
$10-$12 (click here for ticket info)
The Brickhouse, 1 E. Jackson St., Phoenix, 602-258-7880

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival
With Slipknot, Disturbed, Five Finger Death Punch, 36 Crazyfists, Dragonforce, Mastodon, Airbourne, Walls of Jericho, Machine Head, Suicide Silence, Black Tide, The Red Chord, and Underoath
2 p.m.
[metal, hard rock]
$27.32-$53.85 (click here for ticket info)
Cricket Wireless Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-7200

Chris Sligh
7:30 p.m.
[rock, Christian]
$15-$25 (click here for ticket info)
Sun Valley Community Church, 456 E. Ray Rd., Gilbert, 480-632-8920.

New Times Summer of Sound -- Eclectic
With Estradasphere Trio, Black Carl, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Yourchestra, and Janis Joplin Crap N Vomit
7 p.m.
[indie, experiemental]
$5 (click here for ticket info)
Papillons Too, 525 S. Gilbert Rd., Mesa, 480-834-7680.

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By Niki D'Andrea

Usually, I like to post fliers for upcoming events in the "Flier of the Week" section. But this flier for a rave last weekend was just too good to pass up. Rock on with your clock on, Flava Flav!