Music

When I was at a fashion event last night, where the crowd was mostly there for work, the room seemed to hold its breath as one when Billie Jean came on. Most had arrived just hearing the news that Michael Jackson had passed away, but others who heard the news at the party were united in shock. Such was the uniting power of Michael Jackson’s talent and body of work. We’re unbelievably sad. Not only because he left us too young, but also that he had exciting projects on the way with a 50-concert tour clad in the latest from Givenchy. The brightest stars burn the fastest. Continue…

Tom Brosseau, the whip-thin North Dakota folkie who’s been issuing imagery-laden folk tales framed by a startling voice and an acoustic guitar for the better part of a decade, has changed things up. Yes, on his latest set, Posthumous Success, Brosseau has eschewed the simple and stripped down for a bit more punch and experimentalism. While it is a departure – drums, distorted guitars, backing vocals – the crooner’s narrative songwriting essence is still at the core of each track. He’s the same guy in different clothes, which by all accounts is a good thing. Continue here from free Mp3 download. Continue…

Aaron Harris’ demeanor is remarkably amiable considering his day job. As the drummer for psychedelic sludge lords Isis, conjured images of irrepressibility and moodiness seem ripe for the territory, but that’s just not the case. On the contrary, Harris is downright congenial. As he weighs in on the lengthy travels ahead of him in support of the outfit’s newly issued fifth album, Wavering Radiant, he talks with the nervous excitement of someone still looking to prove himself. Continue…