Where would the LGBTQ community be without straight Allies? Critiquing each other’s clothing, that’s where. For reals, though, building bridges across communities is important for any political movement. Studies show that people across the US accept marriage equality — regardless…
I went to a college full of gentle, self-conscious, socially awkward people. Our “sister” college was Bryn Mawr. This was my first introduction to Dar Williams (no need to watch past 1:48): I’m somewhere off the left-hand edge of the…
Let’s not mince words: Bear Creak is Brandi Carlile’s finest effort yet, and I’m not even done listening to it for the first time. It’s much more Americana-inflected than The Story, which will never ever be something I complain about.…
No celebration of queer rock is complete — nay, valid — without a nod to Sleater-Kinney. As far as I’m concerned, they’re the heartbeat of riot grrl. Part of that is because they’re the first riot grrl band I…
Howdy, readers! In case you haven’t noticed, it’s June. And June is Pride Month. For our first Pride Month entry I’m re-posting my review of High Dive. Why? The long and the short of it is that even though things…
Something happened in the ’90s. I guess as a reaction to grunge, slacker-rock bands like the Refreshments made bank. The songs should have been sad — they were about alcoholism, service economy-induced unemployment, and dysfunctional relationships. But things were going…
I know it’s hard sometimes, but remember how pop music is supposed to be good? Like, the whole point is that it’s inoffensive and catchy. These days, the lyrical vapidity is what offends me most about pop music. (Though I…
As I wrote back in February, this is a serious Southern rock album. I believe the words were “blistering declaration of intent.” I’m going to go as far as calling it a Southern rock manifesto. I will go even further…