Concert Review: Denied Fortune And Fame, Fishbone Still Plays Like An Underdog
Saturday, April 1, 2017, 8:00am
On stage, Fishbone performs like an aged fighter backed into a corner and down on points. At the High Noon Saloon in Madison on Friday night, the band reinforced their reputation as uncompromising musical pioneers and thick-headed stalwarts even as bar-band doom stares them in the face.
Soundbytes: Top Albums Of 2016
Saturday, December 31, 2016, 3:15pm
With a new year upon us, it's time to reflect on all that the year 2016 gave -- and a little that it took -- from our collective listening.
Remembering George Michael: 'Freedom' Was Rare Fusion Of Pop Hit With Artistic Purpose
Monday, December 26, 2016, 8:00am
George Michael never looked the role of a musical freedom fighter. Between his Adonis-like features, his stylish, camera-ready wardrobe and his devotion to dance music made him appear as a pop star keener to keep the party going than in tearing the whole proceeding down. And yet, Michael once stood up for artistic purpose and threatened to dismantle the pop-music machine that had built him into a global superstar. And he did it with the most unlikely of tools: a hit song.
Remembering Scott Weiland: 6 Songs That Reveal Lasting Musical Contributions
Friday, December 4, 2015, 2:35pm
Although sometimes seen as a divisive figure among music fans and the industry in general, former Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland had an undeniable impact with a steady string of alternative-rock hits in the 1990s and early '00s. His death on Thursday offers a chance to reflect on those contributions.
Remembering Steve MacKay: Listen To Stooges' Sax Player Forge A Masterpiece
Monday, October 12, 2015, 9:45am
Authors and critics might be correct when they write off Detroit-area saxophone player Steve Mackay as simply a sideman to the Iggy Pop-led Stooges in the early '70s, but doing so sadly undervalues the importance of his contributions. Hired hand or not, any musician would want to be involved in making a musical masterwork.
Eau Claire Music Festival Puts Wisconsin, Minnesota Music At Center Stage
Thursday, July 16, 2015, 12:00pm
For the next two days, the center of the introverted, underground-rock world will leap from hipster blogs and snarky music websites to a real-world stage in western Wisconsin as the inaugural Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival begins on Friday in Eau Claire.
Remembering Ornette Coleman: Listen To 5 Masterpieces
Thursday, June 11, 2015, 9:50am
It's a cliché that a genius' work is often only recognized after death, but this will surely be the case when history renders its final assessment of maverick jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman. His life's work was anything but a worn-out cliché.
Pick Of The Day: Watch The Best Dave Letterman Musical Performances
Wednesday, May 20, 2015, 6:00am
When Dave Letterman is remembered in the history of television, it will likely be for his unique comedic persona and his pivotal role in upsetting the rather rote late-night talk-show format. Few, however, would recognize Letterman as a patron of pop music.
Remembering B.B. King: Listen To 2 Overlooked Masterpieces
Friday, May 15, 2015, 9:10am
Hailed in his lifetime as "the king of the blues," B.B. King had a lot to live up to. Thankfully, this was one blues legend who truly lived up to the billing. He died on Thursday at the age of 89 years old.