The new Trail of Dead is brash, big, overwrought, and sometimes awesome. Mostly, it’s another big statement from a band that thinks it’s bigger than it really is. Read my breakdown here.
Published Work
Glaciers of Ice
My new Glaciers of Ice column is running at the newly revamped Lostatsea.net. This month, I tackle E-40, the RZA, and Zion I, among others.
Vicky Christina Barcelona
I thought this was one of Woody Allen’s better movies of late. It’s now available on DVD, with no bonus features at all. Thank God. Read my review here.
DJ Signify and DJ Dusk
I have two new reviews running today for Blurt. The first is Brooklyn DJ Signify’s new album, Of Cities, a dark but impressive new album. Read that one here.
The second is the late DJ Dusk’s DVD, DJ Dusk’s Root Down Soundclash. This captures some crucial battles at Root Down, an underground hip-hop club night he hosted before his death in 2006. Read that one here.
Zion I – The Takeover
Zion I’s latest, The Takeover (Gold Dust Media), is a live one. Read my review here.
One of my favorite tracks on the album:
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez on Old Money, Mars Volta
I recently interviewed Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, guitar player and musical mastermind for The Mars Volta, for a story for Spinner. Read what he has to say about future Mars Volta albums and their recent Grammy nomination right here.
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez – Old Money
Read my review of Omar’s new solo album for Stones Throw here. Sure, it sounds kinda like Mars Volta, sure he jams hard and long. But for all that, it’s not half bad.
Bon Iver – Blood Bank (Jagjaguwar)
Bon Iver’s new EP, Blood Bank (Jagjaguwar), has won me over. From the amazing title track to the Vocoder-soaked “Woods,” this is good music. Read my review here.
Curumin – Japan Pop Show (Quannum)
Matt & Kim – Grand
Matt & Kim’s new album, Grand (Fader Label), is surprisingly good, given their maniacal smiles and unstoppable joy they exhibit in pretty much everything they do. I resisted their appeal until now, but my icy heart has been melted. Read my review here.
Jonah Flicker 