Blogs

By Justus

Justus is a Phoenix-based rapper and founder of Cut Throat Logic Records. He moved here in 1993 and considers the Valley his home. “My kids were born here and I'll be buried here,” he said. At age 10, Justus performed a DC Talk song during a talent show at a church camp and knew that music was his calling. He wrote raps for 10 years and “pretty much sucked” until a dear friend taught him to refine his rhythm and rhyme. When he's not hitting the stage or marketing a new act for Cut Throat Logic, he's writing new songs, but if you'll ask him, he'll say “I just run the label.”

What's Crackin' Azilla? This is your boy Justus coming to you live and direct from the Heart of the Phoenix. I just want to thank Phoenix New Times for allowing me to break down what is going on in our exploding underground scene -- not from the eyes of a journalist, but the eyes and ears of an artist who lives this scene every day. My goal is going to be to cover events around the Valley as well as recent releases from the many different hip-hop, rap, and gangster rap groups in town.

To kick it all off, I'm going to give you my review on the Rick Ross with Flo-Rida show last weekend at the Celebrity Theatre with special guests Cut Throat Logic, Kavy and Big Five Gangstaz.

The show opened with Rawkus Recording Artist Kavy and Cut Throat Logic. It was 8:30 p.m. so there were only a few hundred people in the venue, but the energy and response was hella high. The crowd showed love by throwing their hands up and supporting Kavy as he rocked the mic with tremendous skill.

Meanwhile I tossed promo CDs to the sections of the crowd showing the most love. At least until Kavy got me up on stage to do a version of my song “AZ's Up” together.

Next was the infamous Big Five Gangstaz. Front man is an MC/rapper by the name of “Big Mosses.” Big Five Gangsta'z have been around for over 15 years in AZ. Representing West Phoenix, 1-5 Hustla Gang is most def a strong staple in AZ hip hop. Moe and the Big Five Gangstaz rocked that mother fucka with a G swagger that was well respected. And in true Big 5 fashion the soldiers on stage made it rain with real money, making the crowd go nuts for dollar bills. It was exciting to watch.

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By Steve Jansen

The Octopus Project: What dreams are made of

I had a strange dream last night.

Possibly because I knew I was writing about The Octopus Project today, or I am truly super jacked up to see the Austin-based noise/rock ensemble.

Either way, the dream went something like this: I was waiting in line with friends at the Rhythm Room (where the band is scheduled to perform on Monday, August 11). It's packed inside. Friends get in. I don't. I explode and chew out the door gal for denying me entry. Then, I'm in a car with a girl that wants my body, but that's another story.

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Stomp! Shout! Scream!: Saturday, August 2, at Space 55

Prêt-à-Porter: Sunday, August 3, at Phoenix Art Museum

By Clay McNear

Some people -- okay, me -- would classify Gidget as a monster movie. No, Sandra Dee was not the Devil and Moondoggie wasn't her slavering hellhound, but their 1959 flick ushered in the frightful genre known as the beach-party movie. Now, Gidget was foul, but it was at least digestible. Its most notorious spawn, American International's 1965 Annette Funicello/Frankie Avalon vehicle Beach Blanket Bingo, was a virulent new strain of wretched. I was about 12 when I first saw it, and though my hormones were raging and the cinematic wipeout was brimming with fulsome bosoms and thinly veiled sexual innuendo, I still nearly puked. It was ghastly, lurid, macabre. It was the Robot Monster of the '60s. No, worse. It was the From Justin to Kelly of the '60s. Peee-yooo.

If there's any upside to these vacuous constructs, it's that they provided endless cannon fodder for parodists in all reaches of pop culture (most spectacularly in Charles Busch's Broadway-to-the-big-screen musical Psycho Beach Party). That's what the best bad films do.

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By Niki D'Andrea

We were supposed to have a big slide show of Stone Temple Pilots' performance, but our photographer, Luke Holwerda, was one of several professional photogs booted from the venue seconds into STP's set. According to Luke, a man (presumably STP's manager) yelled "Don't crowd Scott!" at them, pushed them back, and then announced "You're all out! You're done!" After the song, STP singer Scott Weiland encouraged everyone in the crowd to push forward, prodding "C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon," and then berating venue security: "You're going to stop them from enjoying a rock show?" Hundreds of audience members got up in Weiland's face throughout the show, taking pictures with their cell phones.

You can view the Stone Temple Pilot photos we were able to take here.

Now, on with the show.

Better than: A blowtorch enema.

Stone Temple Pilots on stage at Dodge Theatre

The show was supposed to start at 8 p.m. I arrived at 7:40, and was surprised to see a band on stage. I caught half of their last song. Me and the six people sitting around me all agreed they sounded "pretty good." I later learned the band was called The Color Turning.

I was eager to see Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, having been a fan of their gritty, dark rock since I first heard "Whatever Happened to My Rock and Roll" in 2002. I was curious as to how they'd set the tone for Stone Temple Pilots.

Almost every song began with feedback, but the three-piece band from Los Angeles was rock solid, nailing a 40-minute set that included BRMC tunes like "Whatever Happened to My Rock and Roll" (the set closer), "Weapon of Choice," and "Ain't No Easy Way Out." The last song deviated from the band's usual burly, bottom-heavy sound, with the band switching electric axes for acoustics, fervent harmonica, and a honky tonk guitar solo.

As far as setting the tone, BRMC went nuts with the stroboscopic effects (I thought my eyeballs were going to gyrate out of their sockets), but the band's occasional indulgence in extended, dark psych jams didn't exactly pump the audience up for the "big rock show."

And yes, I expected a big show rock show. I saw Stone Temple Pilots perform at the Arizona State Fair in 2000, back in Veterans Memorial Coliseum's "big crack in the ceiling" days. The band sounded great in spite of the venue's structural damage, and I remember I left that show thinking Scott Weiland was the consummate front man.

Then I saw Velvet Revolver at Cricket Wireless Pavilion last year. I wrote a rather scathing review, and readers who attended that show (and other VR shows throughout the country) largely agreed with my negative assessments.

I was honestly hoping he'd surprise me this time, that he'd prance on stage with his usual gyrating swagger and messianic posing and sound as smooth as ever. But before Weiland -- wearing black emo jeans, a white shirt with a tie, and a safari hat -- could sing a note, he already had me confused.

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By Niki D’Andrea

It’s been several weeks since my initial “You Asked for It” blog, when I requested that local bands send me their CDs for review. In that time, I’ve received a slew of CDs, and since I’ve vowed to review each one in the order it was received, I now have a sizable backlog of local records. But we plan on doing this every week, so if you’re an artist from Phoenix interested in having your CD reviewed, send it to me at:

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

This week’s review is the new solo album from Mark Zubia.

Mark Zubia
Parts of Yesterday
(El Ray Records)

Mark Zubia is one of the most talented singer-songwriters in the Valley. He’s seen some success with his Americana bands Los Guys and The Chimeras, but his solo work is equally compelling. Here we have ten tunes, all of which manage to tell a story alongside a nice melody, in less than four minutes each. The opener, “I Don’t Know,” is a lush’s lament wherein Zubia croons “I don’t know what I’m thinking/Doing all this drinking,” while slide guitars cruise in the mix behind the chorus, creating a winsome, melancholy vibe -- the kind you get when you’re standing on the edge of a huge canyon by yourself, staring at some incomprehensibly vast expanse of desert at dusk. “I Wonder” is a song about filling in the blanks of a stranger’s story just by watching them across the bar. Musically, it’s a smooth alt. country tune, the kind of listless ditty Lucinda Williams might write after staring out her kitchen window in Louisiana. Zubia’s voice is smooth and reminiscent of former Screaming Trees singer Mark Lanegan’s deep velvet pipes, which works perfectly for the down-home, porch-chill vibe he’s got going in his songs. Zubia proves he’s capable of creating danceable songs, too, with “Back to Zero,” a jangly rock crossover with a stunning Rhodes piano solo. The album ends with “Bar Star,” a barn burnin’ number that pokes fun at pretentious rockers while showing humility about headlining the club circuit. After so many years in the local music scene, Zubia was able to bring in some old, notable friends for Parts of Yesterday, too. Instrumentalists include bassist Paul Cardone (Chocolate Fountain), Scott Andrews (The Chimeras), and Steve Larsen (Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers).

Next week’s review: Roca Dolla.

By Benjamin Leatherman

It always takes some dexterity to maneuver through the cramped aisles of the seemingly closet-sized East Side Records, 217 West University Drive in Tempe. But believe us, a little fancy footwork and extra is totally worth visiting the shop, since East Side's got all the good shit, whether its new CDs or used vinyl. Here’s a glimpse at their top 10 best-selling albums for the week of July 21 to 27.

1. Rudimentary Peni, No More Pain (Southern)
2. Melvins, Nude with Boots (Ipecac)
3. One Day as a Lion, Self-titled (ANTI-)
4. Torche, Meanderthal (Hydra Head)
5. Flying Lotus, Los Angeles (Warp)
6. Dennis Wilson, Pacific Ocean Blue – Legacy Edition (Sony Legacy)
7. Reks, Grey Hairs (Show Off)
9. Daedelus, Love To Make Music To (Ninja Tune)
10. Jay Reatard, Singles 06-07 (In the Red)

By Niki D'Andrea

If you're hankering for some hard rock but haven't had the dough to check out Cruefest this Thursday, July 31 at Cricket Wireless Pavilion, take heed: you can purchase lawn seats for $10 a piece. The catch is, these tickets are only available today (Monday, July 28). Visit www.ticketmaster.com or www.livenation.com to get some.

Cruefest features Motley Crue, Sixx: AM, Trapt, Papa Roach, Buck Cherry, and more.

By Niki D’Andrea

I’ll admit it: I didn’t do jack this weekend. There were some cool shows going on, but this past weekend was the first one in several months where I decided to just hang completely low for two days in a row. But the local music scene charged on, and I did keep an eye on my incoming e-mails. Hence, this week’s (and the first ever) local music news wrap!

Five more bands and a second stage added to the New Times Summer of Sound metal show
The Summer of Sound metal show is this Saturday, August 2, at Red Owl/Club Red in Tempe. In addition to the main stage inside Club Red, where headliners Godhead will cap off some killer sets by locals The Human Condition, Malakai, The AMPutatiONs, and Fracture Point, there will be a second stage inside the Red Owl. Here are the metal bands that will be performing in the Red Owl between Club Red sets:

Poena
XLP
Paranous
Nevermind Eternity
Howitzer

Admission to the show only costs $5. Visit www.myspace.com/summerofsound

Nevermind Eternity: Just added to the Summer of Sound metal show.

Sundawg Records launches new Web site
Local label Sundawg Records, home to Valley acoustic reggae-hop artist The Wiley One and prog-electronica group A Life of Science, has just launched a new Web site, Sundawgrecords.com. Check it out for music downloads, music videos, and upcoming events.

The Wiley One’s got cool shirts for sale on Sundawgrecords.com.

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Karen Traviss: 7 p.m. Monday, July 28, at Changing Hands Bookstore

By Clay McNear

George Lucas is the sort of hypersensitive, litigious billionaire who'd sue a vending company for stiffing him on a soda pop, so he'll probably drag my ass to court for calling him sexist, but there it is.

That thought had never crossed my mind before I started thinking about Karen Traviss, the best-selling author who's deftly navigated the Star Wars universe with her contributions to the Republic Commando and Legacy of the Force series and the 2006 Boba Fett novella A Practical Man. Like that ever-businesslike bounty hunter, Traviss is pragmatic about her work.

On her Web site (karentravis.com), the British scribe responds to those who wonder why "a serious, respectable SF writer like me [takes] the Lucas shilling." She proceeds to offer up a lot of Chamber of Commerce rationalizations, but the reasons that ring true are 1) the pay's pretty sweet and 2) Star Wars made her what she is today.

And what, pray tell, is that? A member of one of the rarest species in George Lucas' far-far-away galaxy: a successful female. Now, I'm first-wave Star Wars and I don't hate Lucas, but I found it telling -- when I stopped to think about it -- that success stories like Traviss' are the exceptions in a world ruled by a purportedly enlightened dictator. So we're clear, I'm talking about both the cinematic Star Wars and its real-world incarnation(s).

I won't bog us down in specifics. If you want that, Google "Is Star Wars sexist?" (Not surprisingly, many people beat me to that punch.) What I will say, with a loud bang on the metaphorical table, is that -- hey, dude! -- if you're gonna build a universe from scratch, why not build it right to begin with? A good contractor would tell you that a rebuild is out of the question and advise you to focus on the design matrix that makes the structure habitable. New shades here, a strategically placed ottoman there, a light touch of heroine accent applied to the base coat of Lucas' heroic tale.

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By Joseph Golfen

The Sets in Tempe is not the first place that pops into my mind when I think of sexy, dancing girls. Usually when I think about this strip mall venue, I remember the story one of my friends told my about shattering his nose, via head butt, in a punk show mosh pit. So I was surprised when my girlfriend and I took our seats for Romantasy Cabaret’s “Opulent Dreams” show and found the Sets’ modest interior redone with satin drapes around the stage and a floor filled with round tables for VIPs complete with candles and cocktail service.

See more from the cabaret in our slideshow.

We waited for the show to begin. And we waited some more. Nearly forty minutes later the show finally began. This drawn out pace would continue for the rest of the production.

But the audience seemed really excited for the show to begin despite all the waiting around, whistling and cheering as the entire cast of the show came out to take a bow with heavy metal crunching behind them. The crowd was mostly made up of small groups of women, who clutched their colorful drinks with both hands and started expectantly at the stage. There was a smattering of men in the audience, mostly accompanied by wives or girlfriends, but they too cheered as the crew made its way onto the stage.

One of them seated behind whispered to his buddy, “I better see some T&A or I’m gonna be pissed.”

That guy was gone by the start of the second act.

Those that came to the cabaret looking for a raunchy strip show were probably disappointed by the old-school chorus girls who opened the show. It was obvious from this first act that this show was meant to be more fun than full-frontal.

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By Benjamin Leatherman

The Ying Yang Twins are scheduled to perform at the Venue of Scottsdale on Saturday.

Here's our weekly list of all the major concerts and music shindigs that are scheduled to take place over the next 72 hours from tonight until Sunday.

There's a show for every taste: Into hip-hop? Check out the Bobby Fresh Fashion Show on Friday at Cherry Lounge in Tempe. Wanna rock out? Visit the Marquee Theatre in Tempe on Saturday and watch AC/DC tribute band B/S do their best impression of the legendary band.

It’s also gonna be one of your very last chances to hang out at the OnePlace, as the downtown Phoenix music venue closes on July 31. There's two shows scheduled this weekend: a gig by indie darlings In:Aviate on Friday, and the tour kick-off show for Captain Squeegee and the Soap Suds on Saturday.

As always, Click links for ticket info (or call the venue for any last minute changes).

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FRIDAY, JULY 25:

Stephen Ashbrook
[Americana/acoustic/rock]
9 p.m. (visit www.lastexitlive.com)
$15
Last Exit Bar and Grill, 1425 W. Southern Ave., Tempe, 480-557-6656.

Bobby Fresh Fashion Show
With Kidz in the Hall, Tha Formula, Knawledg, Tyga, DJ Area 4, Lil Shawn, Jizz Hornay, DJ Astonish, Burnz, DJ M2, Cinque, DJ Element, and more
[hip-hop]
9 p.m. (visit www.myspace.com/bobbyfreshevent)
$15-$20
Cherry Lounge and Pit, 411 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-966-3573

Flo Rida, and Rick Ross
[hip-hop]
8:30 p.m.
$50-$350 (visit www.celebritytheatre.com)
Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, 602-267-1600.

Fred Forney and the Arizona Jazz Masterworks Orchestra
[jazz/swing]
8 p.m.
$25 (visit tca.ticketforce.com)
Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, 480-350-2882.

In:Aviate
With Brians Escape, Thrash Unreal, Iamairplane, and more
[rock/indie]
6 p.m.
$10 (visit www.ticketweb.com)
The OnePlace, 825 N. 1st St., Phoenix, 602-504-5633.

DJ Phynn
With DJs Justin Michael, and Spyder
[trance/house]
9 p.m.
$15 (visit www.mystaz.com)
Myst, 7340 E. Shoeman Ln., Scottsdale, 480-970-5000.

The Stiletto Formal
With Black Carl, Kinch, Dust Jacket, and DJ The Skinny
[rock/indie]
7 p.m.
$10 (visit www.psykosteve.com)
The Clubhouse Music Venue, 1320 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe, 480-968-3238.

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SATURDAY, JULY 26:

Alternative Nation
With Golden Tung, This Opposition, Straylight, Arvins Garden, The Western Front, Savant, Burnin Phoenix, and Fortitude
[rock/hip-hop]
8 p.m.
$5 (visit www.myspace.com/clubredlive)
Club Red, 2155 E. University Dr., Tempe, 480-966-4733.

B/S - A Tribute to AC/DC
With Breakdown, Mighty Unlisted, Split the Enemy, The Anatomy of Suffering, Haffo, and Flight to London
[rock]
6:30 p.m.
$10-$12 (visit www.luckymanonline.com)
Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-829-0707.

Captain Squeegee and the Soap Suds
With For the Taken, The Guilty Parties, and more
[rock/indie/ska]
8 p.m.
$10 (visit www.captainsqueegee.com)
The OnePlace, 825 N. 1st St., Phoenix, 602-504-5633.

Life and Times
With Knesset, Nueva Vulcano, and BOSSK
[rock/indie/ska]
8 p.m.
$8 (visit www.modified.org)
Modified Arts, 407 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, 602-462-5516.

The Trans-Celtic Gala
With Oceans Apart, The McTeggart Irish Dancers, The Phoenix Pipe Band, and more
[Celtic/Irish]
7:30 p.m.
Free (visit www.chandlercenter.org)
Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 480-782-2680.

Ying Yang Twins
With Lucky D, Young Menace, J-Frost, Hannibal Leq, Young Phee, and G-Moe
[hip-hop]
8 p.m.
$25 (visit www.ticketmaster.com)
Venue of Scottsdale, 7117 E. 3rd Ave., Scottsdale, 480-945-5150.

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SUNDAY, JULY 27:

Tinsley Ellis
[blues/rock]
8 p.m.
$12 (visit www.rhythmroom.com)
Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 602-265-4842.

Friday July 25: Bobby Fresh Fashion Show at Cherry Lounge and Pit

"Fresh Kicks Fresh Tits." That's what it says on the back of this Bobby Fresh T. You've got to give it to the man; he's got no problem shoving his urban-inspired designs all up in your face.

Looking for some funky fresh fasion? Check out Mr. Fresh's fashion show tonight at Cherry Lounge and Pit (get it?).

For more information, read "T Time" by Lilia Menconi

Saturday July 26: Hal Sparks at The Comedy Spot

Think there's more to Hal Sparks than cameo appearances in Spider Man 2 and hosting Talk Soup? I suppose anything is possible.

Find out for yourself as Sparky brings his stand up to The Comedy Spot.

For more information, read "Good in Small Doses" by Julie Seabaugh

By Niki D’Andrea

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

Buckethead
Sunday, November 16, 8 p.m.
The Clubhouse Music Venue in Tempe
$20
www.ticketmaster.com

Brian Carroll, a.k.a. Buckethead, earned his moniker by wearing an upside-down Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket on his head while performing. But while wearing a bucket that proclaims “KFC Funeral” might elicit some giggles, there’s nothing funny whatsoever about Carroll’s skills as a guitarist. At the ripe old age of 39, he’s released more than 30 solo albums, composing everything from jazz to thrash metal to bluegrass and electronica. He’s in high demand as a collaborator, too, having lended his avant garde ax skills to projects with fellow artists like Les Claypool, Bootsy Collins, Iggy Pop, Guns N’ Roses, and the equally experimental Mike Patton.

Random band fact: In February, 2008, Ozzy Osbourne told Revolver magazine that Buckethead had auditioned to play in Ozzy’s band that year for Ozzfest, but Ozzy declined to hire him because Buckethead refused to perform without his bucket.

Below: Buckethead performs a solo in Boston (from Guns N’ Roses’ brief 2002 tour).

The Hives
With Eagles of Death Metal, and The Willowz
Friday, September 19, 6:30 p.m.
Marquee Theatre in Tempe
$20
www.luckymanonline.com

Swedish garage rockers The Hives hit big with the big garage rock revival of the new Millennium, releasing a catchy top U.S. single (“Hate to Say I Told You”) in 2002 and earning gold sales status stateside for the song’s parent record, Veni Vidi Vicious. The followups, 2004’s Tyrannaosaurus Hives and last year’s The Black and White Album, haven’t been so successful, but the band still brings raucous life (and a sense of humor) to its brand of booty shakin’ retro rock.

Random band fact: The Hives performed at the 2008 NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta.

Below: The video for The Hives’ song “Main Offender.”

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By Clay McNear

Why are tribute bands so maligned? By definition, they lack original thought, but most make up for it with suicide-bomber zeal. Not to mention pride of craftsmanship. As someone who used to play "Smoke on the Water" and "We're an American Band" in a shitty junior-high band, I can tell you that it's damned hard to re-create, note for note, the music to a classic-rock song that everybody knows note for note. And it's a much tougher sell to get up onstage and do a technically proficient "Walk This Way" than it is for Steven Tyler and Joe Perry to puke it out the way they usually do. In fact, Steve and Joe really only had to play "WTW" good once. An Aerosmith tribute band has to play it perfect every time.

What got me thinking about this was an ad I saw for a band called B/S, plus the reaction I got from my co-workers when I floated a trial balloon about covering the group. The idea wasn't warmly received, but that's okay. My friends never played "Smoke on the Water" and "We're an American Band" in a shitty junior-high band, so they never got the snot beat out of 'em by redneck dipshits. It's all about perspective.

B/S stands for Bon Scott, and the Phoenix band channels Scott-era AC/DC. Since I've never seen B/S live, I can't attest to its quality, but if the version of "Highway to Hell" on the group's MySpace is any indication -- ack! Still, I can't help admiring the band's cocksure assertion that it's "the premiere live tribute to Bon Scott-era AC/DC." Though the statement is baldly, patently, laughably untrue, I give 'em props for whipping out a set of collective cojónes that rivals the pair Bon Scott's sporting in the accompanying image.

All of the above -- especially the part where I blanketly pardon tribute bands for their sins -- got me to thinking about acts I like that are considered poison by rock critics and their fellow-traveling music snobs, who aren't, methinks, totally forthcoming about their own musical tastes. That I dig Hanson's "MMMBop" is the kind of nasty little secret that most of us take to the grave, but what do I care? After you've been beaten up by redneck dipshits, you learn that it's all about perspective.

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By Jonathan McNamara

We wrote about them in last week's New Times, now see them in action for yourself.

Less Than Jake hit the Marquee with a pumping, rock fist along with veteran punk-rockers Goldfinger last night.

Goldfinger gets the audience on stage for their finale. See more shots in our slideshow.