After countless listens, I feel as if I both know Fela Kuti more than I ever knew any other African artist before, and also how little I appreciated the struggles and injustices that take place across the world in other people’s hometowns or communities. It takes a strong light to shine down on some of the darkest days in the shadow. Thank god Fela Kuti burned as bright as he did for our awareness.
Read More »Dance Music
Music Review: A Tribe Called Red – ‘We Are the Halluci Nation’
'We Are the Halluci Nation' from A Tribe Called Red will knock your socks off musically, intellectually, and emotionally,
Read More »Music Review: Frank Zappa – ‘ZAPPAtite: Frank Zappa’s Tastiest Tracks’
From the sonic exuberance of “Dancin’ Fool” and “Tell Me You Love Me” to the funky dissonance of “You Are What You Is” and “Joe’s Garage” to the bathroom-humor excellence of “Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow” and “Titties and Beer,” this album will give you just as much of a “taste” for Frank Zappa’s music as his son’s "Zappa Plays Zappa" did for me some eight years ago.
Read More »Symbiosis Gathering 2016: Recap (09/25/16)
Hundred Waters, Oh Wonder, and FKA Twigs headlined the closing day of Symbiosis Gathering at Woodward Reservoir Regional Park near Oakdale, California, on Sept. 25, 2016.
Read More »Music Review: Dylan Tauber – ‘Dolphin Trance’
‘Dolphin Trance’ is an album one can choose to listen to very attentively so as to catch its many nuances or to use as music either for an energetic, lounge-like get-together, or for a dance party.
Read More »Music Review: Janet Jackson’s ’20 Y.O.’ at 10 ― A Retrospective
A decade removed from its release, '20 Y.O.' stands as a confident display of Jackson’s sharpened skills worth rediscovering.
Read More »Music News: Symbiosis Gathering Releases Music Schedule for “Family Tree” Event (September 22-25, 2016)
Gramatik, Beats Antique, Santigold, RL Grime, and FKA Twigs headline Symbiosis Gathering 2016 at Woodward Reservoir Regional Park near Oakdale, California on September 22-25, 2016.
Read More »Can’t Turn It Off: The Nu Shooz Interview, Part 1
Between 1982 and 2016, Nu Shooz recorded six LPs and an EP. Their most recent effort, 'Bagtown' (2016, NSO Music), is the culmination of much musical study in understanding the distance and intimacy between pop and R&B. Both Valerie Day and John Smith discuss the birth of Nu Shooz, their biggest hit "I Can't Wait" and more in this exclusive interview with Blogcritics!
Read More »Interview: PHASES with Jason Boesel
An interview with Jason Boesel of PHASES ahead of its tour with Fitz and the Tantrums.
Read More »Symbiosis Gathering Announces Performance Series Lineup for ‘Family Tree’ Event (Sept. 22-25)
Vau de Vire Society and Tourettes Without Regrets are among the confirmed performance artists at this year's Symbiosis Gathering at Woodward Reservoir Regional Park near Oakdale.
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