• The 108 best albums of 2021: 82-71
    Dec 03 2021
    12:01 AM

    The 108 best albums of 2021: 82-71

    Staff report No Comments 0
    The best albums of 2021 include Jackson Browne, J Balvin, Cheekface, Jame Blake, Tori Amos, Billy Gibbons, IDLES, Paul Weller, Jon Batiste, Rostam, The Killers and Between the Buried and Me. Welcome back to RIFF’s top album countdown! If you’re here just to complain about the order or…
  • Interview: Yung Bae 'straight up relaxin' yet won't stop creating
    Dec 03 2021
    12:01 AM

    Interview: Yung Bae ‘straight up relaxin’ yet won’t stop creating

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Yung Bae, courtesy. SAN FRANCISCO — There may be an alternate reality where producer and artist Yung Bae ends up, permanently, as a cart pusher at Costco or an engineer, but it’s not ours. Oregon native Dallas Cotton traded in an engineering education after one term at Oregon…
  • The 108 best albums of 2021: 95-83
    Dec 02 2021
    12:01 AM

    The 108 best albums of 2021: 95-83

    Staff report No Comments 0
    The best albums of 2021 include Bleachers, My Morning Jacket, Ryley Walker, ZHU, Diana Ross, Made Kuti and Femi Kuti, Allison Russell, Chris Pierce, Hand Habits, Bonnie “Prince” Billy and Matt Sweeney, Weezer, Amy Shark and Heartless Bastards. Welcome back to RIFF’s year-end album roundup! If you’re joining…
  • The 108 best albums of 2021: 108-96
    Dec 01 2021
    12:01 AM

    The 108 best albums of 2021: 108-96

    Staff report No Comments 0
    The best albums of 2021 include Marina Diamandis, The Marias, The Fratellis, Maximo Park, Morgan Wallen, Wardruna, Prince, At the Gates, Hayley Williams, Andrew W.K., Miranda Lambert, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Liz Phair. RIFF’s writers reviewed hundreds of albums in 2021, and although the year isn’t…
  • Tuesday Tracks: Your Weekly New Music Discovery – Nov. 30
    Nov 30 2021
    12:01 AM

    Tuesday Tracks: Your Weekly New Music Discovery – Nov. 30

    Red Dziri No Comments 0
    HVOB, courtesy Andreas Jakwerth. The eclecticism of HVOB, emotional depth of Jessie Murph, driving ambient force of Sky H1, daine’s cutthroat emo banger, Duncan Laurence’s holiday sparkle and EMELINE’s empowered electro-pop make up our favorite tracks of the week. HVOB, “Bruise” — Austrian electronic duo HVOB is entering its…
  • Guest column: Bay Area artist Laura Sullivan on her latest Grammy nomination
    Nov 30 2021
    12:01 AM

    Guest column: Bay Area artist Laura Sullivan on her latest Grammy nomination

    Laura Sullivan No Comments 0
    Laura Sullivan as a toddler with her father, courtesy. Editor’s note: I first met Laura Sullivan at the 2013 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. She wasn’t nominated that year, but was back the next with a nomination in the Best New Age Album field, which she won, beating…
  • Obituary: The singular genius of Stephen Sondheim
    Nov 28 2021
    05:36 PM

    Obituary: The singular genius of Stephen Sondheim

    Chad Jones No Comments 0
    Composer Stephen Sondheim speaks at the Great Writers Thank Their Lucky Stars annual gala hosted by The Dramatists Guild Fund on Oct. 21, 2013 in New York. Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for Dramatists Guild Fund. Editor’s note: We at RIFF wanted to address the passing of theater…
  • Insert Foot: 'Get Back' clears up misconceptions and highlights Beatles' joy
    Nov 28 2021
    12:01 AM

    Insert Foot: ‘Get Back’ clears up misconceptions and highlights Beatles’ joy

    Tony Hicks No Comments 0
    Insert Foot is loving Peter Jackson’s “Get Back” Beatles documentary. Phone lines and the internet burned all over the world this week, and it wasn’t people remarking how lifelike tofurkey tastes in 2021. The hubbub was about four guys playing music more than half a century ago, as well…
  • REVIEW: MisterWives full of flower power and resilience at the Regency Ballroom
    Nov 24 2021
    07:43 AM

    REVIEW: MisterWives full of flower power and resilience at the Regency Ballroom

    Aparna Choudhury 2 Comments 0
    MisterWives perform at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco on Nov. 23, 2021. Gary Chancer/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — New York pop band MisterWives took to the stage on Tuesday night for The Resilient Little Tour at the Regency Ballroom. And what a stage it was; covered in flowering…
  • Interview: The 24kGoldn life of SF's Golden Landis Von Jones
    Nov 24 2021
    12:01 AM

    Interview: The 24kGoldn life of SF’s Golden Landis Von Jones

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    24kGoldn performs at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. Las Vegas photos courtesy Mike Kirschbaum. SAN FRANCISCO — Hip-hop artist 24kGoldn has had numerous successes now, yet nothing looms as large as viral sensation “Mood” at the end of 2020 and the start…
  • REVIEW: Joji brings 'Nectar' to life at the Warfield
    Nov 21 2021
    02:23 AM

    REVIEW: Joji brings ‘Nectar’ to life at the Warfield

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Joji performs at The Warfield in San Francisco on Nov. 20, 2021. Nathan McKinley/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Joji made one of the best albums of 2020. Nectar showed tremendous growth for the Japan-born artist, showing that he was capable of getting beyond his start as, first, an Internet…
  • REVIEW: Lupe Fiasco celebrates 'Food & Liquor' in return to the stage at The Warfield
    Nov 20 2021
    07:34 AM

    REVIEW: Lupe Fiasco celebrates ‘Food & Liquor’ in return to the stage at The Warfield

    Tim Hoffman No Comments 0
    Lupe Fiasco performs at The Warfield in San Francisco on Nov. 19, 2021. Derek Tobias/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Lupe Fiasco made a triumphant return to the Bay Area on Friday in a show that celebrated his iconic debut album, Food & Liquor. Lupe Fiasco. Taking the stage with his…
  • REVIEW: LANY brings energy to its last show of 2021 at Bill Graham Civic
    Nov 19 2021
    09:23 AM

    REVIEW: LANY brings energy to its last show of 2021 at Bill Graham Civic

    Aparna Choudhury No Comments 0
    LANY performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Nov. 18, 2021. Steve Carlson/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — L.A. alt-pop trio LANY brought their gg bb xx tour to Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on Thursday. Noting their catchy beats and simple yet relatable lyrics, it was easy to…
  • Q&A: The 'untidy soul' of Samm Henshaw comes from many influences
    Nov 17 2021
    12:01 AM

    Q&A: The ‘untidy soul’ of Samm Henshaw comes from many influences

    Rachel Alm No Comments 0
    Samm Henshaw, courtesy. You may know U.K. musician Samm Henshaw for his catchy 2018 song “Broke,” or his recent joyous gospel-flavored collaboration with EarthGang, “Church.” Speaking with Henshaw, you can’t help but root for the guy. Humble and engaging, the neo-soul singer is the kind of person who…
  • REVIEW: Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias still livin' la vida loca at SAP Center
    Nov 15 2021
    02:25 AM

    REVIEW: Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias still livin’ la vida loca at SAP Center

    Roman Gokhman 3 Comments 0
    Ricky Martin performs at SAP Center in San Jose on Nov. 14, 2021. Roman Gokhman/STAFF. SAN JOSE — It’s tough to pull off a truly equal co-headlining arena show. You usually get one of two things: The final act hordes all the production tricks, or the first act…

News

    • BottleRock Napa Valley presale passes available before the holidays
      BottleRock Napa Valley presale passes available before the holidays
      November 29, 2021 at 8:00 am
      BottleRock Napa Valley 2019. Courtesy Christopher Helkey. The producers of BottleRock Napa Valley will sell a limited number of advance tickets to the 2022 iteration of…
      Obituary: The singular genius of Stephen Sondheim
      Obituary: The singular genius of Stephen Sondheim
      November 28, 2021 at 5:36 pm
      Composer Stephen Sondheim speaks at the Great Writers Thank Their Lucky Stars annual gala hosted by The Dramatists Guild Fund on Oct. 21, 2013 in New…
    • SF Sketchfest returns with Cheech & Chong, Laraine Newman, David Alan Grier, many more
      SF Sketchfest returns with Cheech & Chong, Laraine Newman, David Alan Grier, many more
      November 19, 2021 at 12:01 am
      SF Sketchfest, courtesy Bill Plympton. Tributes to Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, original “Saturday Night Live” cast member and comedian Laraine Newman and actor David Alan Grier,…
      Concertgoer struck by stray bullet in front of the Fox Theater
      Concertgoer struck by stray bullet in front of the Fox Theater
      November 10, 2021 at 9:44 pm
      The Fox Theater, closed, on the afternoon of March 17, 2020, the first day of a shelter-in-place to combat coronavirus. UPDATED on Nov. 11, 10:15 a.m.…
    • Menlo Park theater reopens as a concert hall
      Menlo Park theater reopens as a concert hall
      November 9, 2021 at 1:49 pm
      Concept rendering, courtesy The Guild Theatre. The Guild Theatre in Menlo Park will reopen a a concert hall run by the nonprofit Peninsula Arts Guild. The remodeled 500-capacity…
      Attendees welcome Halloween Outside Lands
      Attendees welcome Halloween Outside Lands
      October 30, 2021 at 12:46 am
      Attendees pose with Ranger Dave and Ranger Ruth at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The last time…
    • "Hamilton" actor Marja Harmon (Angelica Schuyler) on returning to the stage
      “Hamilton” actor Marja Harmon (Angelica Schuyler) on returning to the stage
      October 25, 2021 at 12:01 am
      “HAMILTON,” courtesy Joan Marcus/Broadway San Jose. Before regathering at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre in July to rehearse and re-kick-off their tour, the last time the cast…
      Oakland ghouls gather for rejuvenated boogaloo Halloween Meltdown
      Oakland ghouls gather for rejuvenated boogaloo Halloween Meltdown
      October 17, 2021 at 4:42 am
      Attendees at Halloween Meltdown at Mosswood Park in Oakland on Oct. 16, 2021. Sean Liming/STAFF. OAKLAND — One by one, they shuffled onto the small stage…
    • Radio station Alt 105.3 switches formats to 'adult hits'
      Radio station Alt 105.3 switches formats to ‘adult hits’
      October 15, 2021 at 3:33 pm
      Dave FM. Longtime Bay Area alt-rock radio station KITS 105.3 has been rebranded to the “adult hits” format DAVE FM by Audacy, which operates the station.…
      'Madame X' shows Madonna continue her reign on Paramount+
      ‘Madame X’ shows Madonna continue her reign on Paramount+
      October 8, 2021 at 6:00 am
      “Madonna: Madame X,” courtesy. Madonna has been Madonna for so long it’s hard to think of her as anything but that. Yes, she’s drifted into film…
    • SF Symphony to kick off 2021-'22 season with Esperanza Spalding, surprise trio
      SF Symphony to kick off 2021-’22 season with Esperanza Spalding, surprise trio
      September 28, 2021 at 10:05 pm
      San Francisco Symphony Music Director Esa Pekka Salonen, courtesy Minna Hatinen. The San Francisco Symphony will officially kick off its new season with three concerts featuring…
      Hardly Strictly Bluegrass distributing $1 million in grants to arts organizations
      Hardly Strictly Bluegrass distributing $1 million in grants to arts organizations
      September 25, 2021 at 2:32 pm
      Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell perform at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Oct. 6, 2013. Courtesy: Jay Blakesberg. The producers…
    • Outside Lands announces 2021 night shows
      Outside Lands announces 2021 night shows
      September 21, 2021 at 1:48 pm
      The Midnight performs at The Independent in San Francisco on Oct. 20, 2018. Shawn Robbins/STAFF. The producers of Outside Lands revealed its lineup of night shows…
      Metallica at the Independent: What attendees are saying
      Metallica at the Independent: What attendees are saying
      September 16, 2021 at 5:58 pm
      Metallica at the Independent on Sept. 16, 2021. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. This running post will be updated as more information is reported from the Independent. Just past…
    • PHOTOS: Tame Impala kicks off Chase Center concerts after postponements
      PHOTOS: Tame Impala kicks off Chase Center concerts after postponements
      September 16, 2021 at 2:15 am
      Tame Impala performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sept. 15, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The first band to see its Chase Center…
      PHOTOS: Korn and Staind a contrast in COVID era at Shoreline show
      PHOTOS: Korn and Staind a contrast in COVID era at Shoreline show
      September 12, 2021 at 6:54 am
      Korn performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif., on Sept. 11, 2021. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Despite singer Jonathan Davis still recovering from a bout…
    • Is BottleRock Napa different this year?
      Is BottleRock Napa different this year?
      September 4, 2021 at 10:07 am
      Crowds at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on Sept. 3, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. NAPA — It was just like in years past—for the…
      Obituary: Lee "Scratch" Perry dead at 85 in Jamaica
      Obituary: Lee “Scratch” Perry dead at 85 in Jamaica
      August 29, 2021 at 4:10 pm
      Lee “Scratch” Perry, courtesy. Artist and producer Lee “Scratch” Perry, a reggae pioneer, inventor of dub music, whose use of recording techniques also made significant gains for…
    • Sigmund Stern Grove heavily damaged after water main break, final festival concert canceled
      Sigmund Stern Grove heavily damaged after water main break, final festival concert canceled
      August 25, 2021 at 2:35 pm
      Flooding damage from a water main break at Sigmund Stern Grove in San Francisco on Monday, Aug. 23. Courtesy. A water main rupture on Sloat Avenue…
      Obituary: Charlie Watts, the bedrock of The Rolling Stones, dead at 80
      Obituary: Charlie Watts, the bedrock of The Rolling Stones, dead at 80
      August 24, 2021 at 9:28 pm
      Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones with performs with his other band, The ABC & D of Boogie Woogie, at the Casino in Herisau, Switzerland on…
    • Don Everly of the Everly Brothers dead at 84
      Don Everly of the Everly Brothers dead at 84
      August 23, 2021 at 8:55 pm
      Phil Everly (L) and Don Everly (The Everly Brothers) perform on TV on April 1, 1960. Photo: V&A Images/Getty Images. Don Everly, cofounder of Rock and…
      Friends of Zion I's Zumbi gather to pay tribute in virtual memorial
      Friends of Zion I’s Zumbi gather to pay tribute in virtual memorial
      August 22, 2021 at 8:45 pm
      Screenshot from the live-streamed “Celebrate the Life of Zumbi” memorial on Aug. 22, 2021. Around 1,000 viewers tuned in on Sunday evening for a live-streamed memorial…
    • Oakland honors Shock G with food drive, procession and performances
      Oakland honors Shock G with food drive, procession and performances
      August 22, 2021 at 12:12 pm
      A mural of Digital Underground’s Shock G by artist Ryan Anthony Martinez in Oakland. Relatives and friends of Shock G, as well as musicians and fans honored…
      Oakland Symphony Music Director, maestro Michael Morgan dies at 63
      Oakland Symphony Music Director, maestro Michael Morgan dies at 63
      August 21, 2021 at 12:14 am
      Michael Morgan, courtesy Oakland Symphony. Long-time Oakland Symphony conductor and Music Director Michael Morgan died Friday after a years-long illness, the symphony announced. Morgan expounded orchestral…

Festival News

    • SF Sketchfest returns with Cheech & Chong, Laraine Newman, David Alan Grier, many more
      SF Sketchfest returns with Cheech & Chong, Laraine Newman, David Alan Grier, many more
      November 19, 2021 at 12:01 am
      SF Sketchfest, courtesy Bill Plympton. Tributes to Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, original “Saturday Night Live” cast member and comedian Laraine Newman and actor David Alan Grier,…
      Outside Lands 2021: The best and worst of Sunday
      Outside Lands 2021: The best and worst of Sunday
      November 1, 2021 at 1:39 am
      A concertgoer at the Lands End stage at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. Once again, Outside Lands has come to…
    • Outside Lands: J Balvin, Burna Boy and 5 more we loved Sunday
      Outside Lands: J Balvin, Burna Boy and 5 more we loved Sunday
      November 1, 2021 at 1:02 am
      J Balvin performs at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — There are a lot of accolades you can…
      Outside Lands 2021: The best and worst of Friday and Saturday
      Outside Lands 2021: The best and worst of Friday and Saturday
      October 31, 2021 at 1:48 am
      Attendees walk under the windmills at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. Usually, I write up the best and worst of…
    • Outside Lands: Lizzo, Lord Huron, 8 more we loved Saturday
      Outside Lands: Lizzo, Lord Huron, 8 more we loved Saturday
      October 31, 2021 at 1:06 am
      Lizzo performs at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — There was only one point in her show at…
      Outside Lands: The Strokes, Tyler, the Creator and 8 more Friday highlights
      Outside Lands: The Strokes, Tyler, the Creator and 8 more Friday highlights
      October 30, 2021 at 1:42 am
      The Strokes perform at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF and courtesy. SAN FRANCISCO — Indie rock band The Strokes’ set…
    • Attendees welcome Halloween Outside Lands
      Attendees welcome Halloween Outside Lands
      October 30, 2021 at 12:46 am
      Attendees pose with Ranger Dave and Ranger Ruth at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The last time…
      Interview: A R I Z O N A, back in the studio, ready to get weird
      Interview: A R I Z O N A, back in the studio, ready to get weird
      October 27, 2021 at 12:01 am
      A R I Z O N A, courtesy Christian Lanza It’s been two years since A R I Z O N A released its second album, Asylum,…
    • Interview: Marc E. Bassy welcomes the haters with 'Little Men'
      Interview: Marc E. Bassy welcomes the haters with ‘Little Men’
      October 26, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Marc E. Bassy, courtesy Blair Brown. On his first two albums, Marc E. Bassy was decidedly inspired by hip-hop. For his third, Little Men, he decided…
      Interview: EarthGang finds a higher calling with 'Ghetto Gods'
      Interview: EarthGang finds a higher calling with ‘Ghetto Gods’
      October 25, 2021 at 12:01 am
      EarthGang, courtesy Ant Soulo. After recording their past recent albums and EPs either while on the road or in brief breaks between tours, inventive hip-hop duo…
    • Interview: Bay Area native Camaron Ochs (Cam) pursuing difficult conversations
      Interview: Bay Area native Camaron Ochs (Cam) pursuing difficult conversations
      October 22, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Camaron Ochs, better known as Cam. Courtesy Chelsea Kornse. Looking at it with hindsight, longtime Bay Area resident Camaron Ochs sees the clear connection between the…
      Navigating Outside Lands 2021: An hour-by-hour guide for all three days
      Navigating Outside Lands 2021: An hour-by-hour guide for all three days
      October 21, 2021 at 6:43 pm
      Attendees at Outside Lands at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco photographed on Aug. 11, 2019. Outside Lands 2021 includes headliners Lizzo, Tame Impala and The…
    • Interview: Trevor Daniel putting the past behind him on 'That Was Then'
      Interview: Trevor Daniel putting the past behind him on ‘That Was Then’
      October 20, 2021 at 12:10 am
      Trevor Daniel, courtesy Grant Spanier. Like many of us, Trevor Daniel had to come to terms with the highs and lows of 2020 before he could look to the…
      Aftershock Day 4: Metallica, Rise Against, 6 more we loved Sunday
      Aftershock Day 4: Metallica, Rise Against, 6 more we loved Sunday
      October 11, 2021 at 1:04 am
      Metallica performs at Aftershock Fest in Sacramento on Oct. 10, 2021. Courtesy Aftershock. SACRAMENTO — Aftershock Fest couldn’t contain Metallica to just one night night. For the…
    • INTERVIEW: Claud puts in the work on Bleachers tour, Outside Lands next
      INTERVIEW: Claud puts in the work on Bleachers tour, Outside Lands next
      October 11, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Claud, courtesy. Pop singer-songwriter Claud is in Texas, where the next day they’ll take the stage at Austin City Limits. Just a few weeks later they’ll…
      Aftershock Day 3: Mudvayne, The Original Misfits, 3 more we loved Saturday
      Aftershock Day 3: Mudvayne, The Original Misfits, 3 more we loved Saturday
      October 10, 2021 at 6:17 am
      Mudvayne performs at Aftershock Fest in Sacramento on Oct. 9, 2021. Courtesy Aftershock. SACRAMENTO —Saturday night Aftershock line-up was marked by two reunions, of sorts. The…
    • Aftershock 2021 Day 2: Metallica reigns at revitalized hard rock festival
      Aftershock 2021 Day 2: Metallica reigns at revitalized hard rock festival
      October 9, 2021 at 6:09 am
      Metallica performs at Aftershock Fest in Sacramento on Oct. 8, 2021. Photos courtesy Aftershock. SACRAMENTO — Metallica frontman James Hetfield was clearly back in his element…
      Outside Lands announces 2021 night shows
      Outside Lands announces 2021 night shows
      September 21, 2021 at 1:48 pm
      The Midnight performs at The Independent in San Francisco on Oct. 20, 2018. Shawn Robbins/STAFF. The producers of Outside Lands revealed its lineup of night shows…
    • BottleRock Day 3: Foo Fighters, Megan Thee Stallion, 13 others we loved on Sunday
      BottleRock Day 3: Foo Fighters, Megan Thee Stallion, 13 others we loved on Sunday
      September 6, 2021 at 7:45 am
      Foo Fighters perform at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on Sept. 5, 2021. Photos: Adam Pardee/STAFF with the exception of Foo Fighters (courtesy…

Features

    • Interview: The 24kGoldn life of SF's Golden Landis Von Jones
      Interview: The 24kGoldn life of SF’s Golden Landis Von Jones
      November 24, 2021 at 12:01 am
      24kGoldn performs at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. Las Vegas photos courtesy Mike Kirschbaum. SAN FRANCISCO — Hip-hop artist 24kGoldn…
    • Interview: Dan Wilson of Semisonic on his songwriting breakthroughs
      Interview: Dan Wilson of Semisonic on his songwriting breakthroughs
      November 11, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Dan Wilson of Semisonic, courtesy. In the late ’90s, Dan Wilson was the frontman for Semisonic. The band went on hiatus in 2001 and, by the…
    • INTERVIEW: OTTTO ready to break through, preps heavy new record
      INTERVIEW: OTTTO ready to break through, preps heavy new record
      November 4, 2021 at 12:01 am
      OTTTO, courtesy Justin Mohlman. Performance photos: Adam Pardee/STAFF. NAPA — We first meet our protagonists at BottleRock Napa Valley. The fest is known for bringing in…
    • Interview: The Verve Pipe embraces fate on new album 'Threads'
      Interview: The Verve Pipe embraces fate on new album ‘Threads’
      November 1, 2021 at 11:30 am
      The Verve Pipe, courtesy Jamie Geysbeek. On the day this conversation was first supposed to happen, The Verve Pipe vocalist and bandleader Brian Vander Ark was…
    • Interview: A R I Z O N A, back in the studio, ready to get weird
      Interview: A R I Z O N A, back in the studio, ready to get weird
      October 27, 2021 at 12:01 am
      A R I Z O N A, courtesy Christian Lanza It’s been two years since A R I Z O N A released its second album, Asylum,…
    • Interview: Marc E. Bassy welcomes the haters with 'Little Men'
      Interview: Marc E. Bassy welcomes the haters with ‘Little Men’
      October 26, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Marc E. Bassy, courtesy Blair Brown. On his first two albums, Marc E. Bassy was decidedly inspired by hip-hop. For his third, Little Men, he decided…
    • Interview: EarthGang finds a higher calling with 'Ghetto Gods'
      Interview: EarthGang finds a higher calling with ‘Ghetto Gods’
      October 25, 2021 at 12:01 am
      EarthGang, courtesy Ant Soulo. After recording their past recent albums and EPs either while on the road or in brief breaks between tours, inventive hip-hop duo…
    • Interview: Bay Area native Camaron Ochs (Cam) pursuing difficult conversations
      Interview: Bay Area native Camaron Ochs (Cam) pursuing difficult conversations
      October 22, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Camaron Ochs, better known as Cam. Courtesy Chelsea Kornse. Looking at it with hindsight, longtime Bay Area resident Camaron Ochs sees the clear connection between the…

Podcasts

    • RIFF RADIO: Halestorm roars 'Back From the Dead' on new LP
      RIFF RADIO: Halestorm roars ‘Back From the Dead’ on new LP
      October 21, 2021 at 12:04 am
      Halestorm, courtesy Jimmy Fontaine. Finishing up a tour press day might typically be just a part of the job for a musician, but today Halestorm drummer…
    • RIFF RADIO: The Warning prep 'heavy,' diverse major label debut
      RIFF RADIO: The Warning prep ‘heavy,’ diverse major label debut
      June 14, 2021 at 12:01 am
      The Warning, courtesy Chino Zenteno. There’s much to be excited about for the sisters of rock trio The Warning. Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, the band is…
    • RIFF RADIO: Lacey Sturm finds raw honesty in return to hard rock roots
      RIFF RADIO: Lacey Sturm finds raw honesty in return to hard rock roots
      March 29, 2021 at 12:30 am
      Lacey Sturm, courtesy. Initially, Lacey Sturm wasn’t quite ready for the release of her latest two singles, “State of Me” and “The Decree.” The duo of…
    • RIFF RADIO: Serena Ryder embraces mental health on 'The Art of Falling Apart'
      RIFF RADIO: Serena Ryder embraces mental health on ‘The Art of Falling Apart’
      March 8, 2021 at 1:00 am
      Serena Ryder, courtesy. As we enter another year of physical distancing and health protocols while waiting on vaccinations, the isolation of it all has increased an…

Album Reviews

    • REVIEW: LP tells their own story on 'Churches'
      REVIEW: LP tells their own story on ‘Churches’
      November 29, 2021 at 12:01 am
      The beauty of pop is how expansive and malleable it can sound. The music and lyrics can be pushed in various directions, emulating instruments and writing…
      REVIEW: Deep Purple 'Turning to Crime' is unexpected, audacious, sometimes great
      REVIEW: Deep Purple ‘Turning to Crime’ is unexpected, audacious, sometimes great
      November 22, 2021 at 12:01 am
      One could ask whether the world needs another cover of “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu,” “See See Rider”  (part of Mitch Ryder medley “Jenny…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Adele continues her reign over pop on '30'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Adele continues her reign over pop on ’30’
      November 18, 2021 at 11:03 pm
      Whether you’re someone who has been anxiously anticipating the return of Adele after a six-year break, or if you’re simply aware of her return due to…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Elbow makes a quiet, understated return with 'Flying Dream 1'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Elbow makes a quiet, understated return with ‘Flying Dream 1’
      November 17, 2021 at 12:01 am
      If you followed Elbow during the early days of the pandemic, you saw the British band create “elbow rooms” online but in real-time. It was new,…
    • REVIEW: Sting searches for connection and common ground on 'The Bridge'
      REVIEW: Sting searches for connection and common ground on ‘The Bridge’
      November 16, 2021 at 1:06 pm
      Sting, “The Bridge.” Sting has stayed busy in recent years, releasing three albums and staging a Broadway musical; yet his musical output has centered largely on…
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Darkness gives fans its big, beating ‘Motorheart’
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Darkness gives fans its big, beating ‘Motorheart’
      November 16, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Like Orson Welles with Citizen Kane, The Darkness was both blessed and cursed to achieve perfection on its first try. Eighteen years after its release, Permission…
    • REVIEW: Willie Nelson employs his kin for their first collaborative album
      REVIEW: Willie Nelson employs his kin for their first collaborative album
      November 15, 2021 at 12:31 am
      Just nine months after his tribute album to long-time friend Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, now 88 and a half years old, is back with his second…
      REVIEW: Aesop Rock and Blockhead reunite in refuse on 'Garbology'
      REVIEW: Aesop Rock and Blockhead reunite in refuse on ‘Garbology’
      November 12, 2021 at 6:14 am
      After spending the last year away from others, perhaps we all got a glimpse into the isolation and madness that colors the mind of hip-hop hermit Aesop…
    • Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak seduce on 'An Evening With Silk Sonic'
      Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak seduce on ‘An Evening With Silk Sonic’
      November 11, 2021 at 11:42 pm
      Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars have finally released their debut album as Silk Sonic. Mars has been playing with the idea of funk since 2015’s global…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Little Mix stays above the fray on 'Between Us'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Little Mix stays above the fray on ‘Between Us’
      November 11, 2021 at 8:50 am
      Little Mix, “Between Us.” Little Mix is celebrating 10 years with its first greatest hits album, Between Us, which includes four new tracks (five in the deluxe…
    • REVIEW: IDLES show a more introspective side on 'Crawler'
      REVIEW: IDLES show a more introspective side on ‘Crawler’
      November 9, 2021 at 5:02 pm
      IDLES are back with their fourth studio album, Crawler, a grating and explosive collection of rock from the Bristol rockers who have continued to make waves…
      Album Review: Courtney Barnett reminds us that 'Things Take Time, Take Time'
      Album Review: Courtney Barnett reminds us that ‘Things Take Time, Take Time’
      November 9, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Remember that your grass and your fingernails take a long time to grow. And that your car might rust in the snow and you’ll have to…
    • REVIEW: Dave Gahan is moody and magnificent on 'Imposter'
      REVIEW: Dave Gahan is moody and magnificent on ‘Imposter’
      November 9, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode is a master interpreter. Having sung lyrics handed to him by bandmate Martin Gore for most of his career, it makes sense…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Walk the Moon rises to the occasion on "Heights"
      ALBUM REVIEW: Walk the Moon rises to the occasion on “Heights”
      November 8, 2021 at 12:01 am
      From bassist Kevin Ray leaving the band due to “actions out of alignment with the band’s values” to a pandemic recording pause, the last two years have…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: ABBA finds it's better late than never for a grand reunion
      ALBUM REVIEW: ABBA finds it’s better late than never for a grand reunion
      November 4, 2021 at 9:00 pm
      ABBA, “Voyage.” It’s the most unorthodox of comeback stories for Swedish pop megastars ABBA. One of the most commercially successful pop groups in history, the band…
      Aimee Mann is a woman, interrupted on 'Queens of the Summer Hotel'
      Aimee Mann is a woman, interrupted on ‘Queens of the Summer Hotel’
      November 3, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Aimee Mann, Queens of the Summer Hotel If a musical version of “Girl, Interrupted” sounds tasteless to you, then Queens of the Summer Hotel, the latest…
    • Even with that golden voice, Steve Perry delivers few gifts on 'The Season'
      Even with that golden voice, Steve Perry delivers few gifts on ‘The Season’
      November 2, 2021 at 9:00 pm
      Does the world need a Steve Perry Christmas record? Beyond the shadow of any human doubt … no. It doesn’t. The Season Steve Perry Fantasy Records, Nov.…
      Review: Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats mine the past on 'The Future'
      Review: Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats mine the past on ‘The Future’
      November 2, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, ‘The Future.’ Denver singer-songwriter Nathaniel Rateliff produced two of the most emotionally wrenching albums of the last decade in a…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: James Arthur learns 'It'll All Make Sense In The End'
      ALBUM REVIEW: James Arthur learns ‘It’ll All Make Sense In The End’
      November 1, 2021 at 12:46 pm
      James Arthur, It’ll All Make Sense In The End “The X Factor UK” winner James Arthur, best known in the United States for his tender and…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Diana Ross shows that she's still the boss on 'Thank You'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Diana Ross shows that she’s still the boss on ‘Thank You’
      November 1, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Considered by some to be one of the greatest female vocalists of all time, Diana Ross is back with her 25th studio album, Thank You. As…
    • REVIEW: Ed Sheeran returns to dominate pop with '='
      REVIEW: Ed Sheeran returns to dominate pop with ‘=’
      October 28, 2021 at 11:34 pm
      Ed Sheeran’s album ÷ was so widely played and internationally successful it’s hard to believe it’s been over three and a half years since its release. Though…
      Review: The War On Drugs looks for answers on 'I Don't Live Here Anymore'
      Review: The War On Drugs looks for answers on ‘I Don’t Live Here Anymore’
      October 27, 2021 at 8:29 am
      For its fifth album, The War On Drugs looked inward for musical and lyrical inspiration. While the songs weren’t specifically written for post-pandemic times, the lyrical…
    • Black Veil Brides keep it simple on conceptual 'The Phantom Tomorrow'
      Black Veil Brides keep it simple on conceptual ‘The Phantom Tomorrow’
      October 26, 2021 at 2:31 pm
      For a band whose early days was marked by bombastic larger-than-life emo-meets-metal, L.A. rockers Black Veil Brides have matured and focused their sound, leading to some…
      Album Review: Mastodon gets epic, big and long on 'Hushed and Grim'
      Album Review: Mastodon gets epic, big and long on ‘Hushed and Grim’
      October 25, 2021 at 12:19 pm
      Mastodon had a lot of steam to blow off. Hushed and Grim Mastodon Warner, Oct. 29 7/10 Between the death of the band’s longtime manager, Nick…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Wale displays unflinching confidence on 'Folarin II'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Wale displays unflinching confidence on ‘Folarin II’
      October 22, 2021 at 6:53 am
      Wale wastes no time whatsoever on Florian II, getting at the heart of his frustration with critics, superficiality of his peers and asserting his status within the…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Lana Del Rey connects her past via 'Blue Banisters'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Lana Del Rey connects her past via ‘Blue Banisters’
      October 21, 2021 at 11:41 pm
      Blue Banisters has arrived. After one of the most confusing and ill-planned album releases in recent memory, the eighth studio effort from Lana Del Rey is finally out.…
    • REVIEW: Duran Duran travels between musical eras on 'Future Past'
      REVIEW: Duran Duran travels between musical eras on ‘Future Past’
      October 20, 2021 at 10:41 am
      For the release of the band’s 15th studio album, Future Past, Duran Duran looked to fuse old and new, and no more is that present than…
      REVIEW: Lee Chae-rin (CL) is the ‘ALPHA’ on her solo debut
      REVIEW: Lee Chae-rin (CL) is the ‘ALPHA’ on her solo debut
      October 19, 2021 at 9:00 pm
      Lee Chae-rin, better known as CL, is one of the most formidable female artists in the K-Pop industry to date. After breaking away from the popular…
    • REVIEW: Elton John makes a yearbook for his 2020 on 'The Lockdown Sessions'
      REVIEW: Elton John makes a yearbook for his 2020 on ‘The Lockdown Sessions’
      October 18, 2021 at 9:23 am
      Elton John, “The Lockdown Sessions.” Like many of us, Elton John found some extra time in 2020 after his plans came crashing down. At the time,…
      REVIEW: My Morning Jacket feels lucky to be alive on self-titled LP
      REVIEW: My Morning Jacket feels lucky to be alive on self-titled LP
      October 18, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Jim James feels lucky to be alive, and you can hear his exultation on the new self-titled album from My Morning Jacket. “Lucky to be Alive” is…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Young Thug shows his hand on 'Punk'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Young Thug shows his hand on ‘Punk’
      October 15, 2021 at 8:46 am
      It’s kind of wild that Punk is only the second album from Young Thug, considering his prolific output of 19 mixtapes. The rapper had expressed a desire to embrace…
      Kelly Clarkson celebrates the season on 'When Christmas Comes Around...'
      Kelly Clarkson celebrates the season on ‘When Christmas Comes Around…’
      October 15, 2021 at 12:17 am
      Kelly Clarkson, “When Christmas Comes Around…” It’s become trendy for artists to put out Christmas songs and albums as the season rolls around. Some are serious,…
    • REVIEW: Coldplay delights and disappoints on 'Music of the Spheres'
      REVIEW: Coldplay delights and disappoints on ‘Music of the Spheres’
      October 14, 2021 at 11:45 pm
      Music of the Spheres, the ninth album from Coldplay, is the auditory culmination of years of electronic experimentation. Over the course of about two decades, Coldplay…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Finneas finds his own voice and footing on 'Optimist'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Finneas finds his own voice and footing on ‘Optimist’
      October 14, 2021 at 12:19 am
      If you’re unaware of Billie Eilish and her songwriting partner, producer and older brother Finneas, then you simply haven’t been paying attention to pop culture in…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Zac Brown Band back at it with 'The Comeback'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Zac Brown Band back at it with ‘The Comeback’
      October 12, 2021 at 12:01 am
      While Zac Brown Band last made a new album just two years ago with The Owl, that album saw the group experiment with its sound. Truth…
      REVIEW: Carlos Santana a gracious host on 'Blessings and Miracles'
      REVIEW: Carlos Santana a gracious host on ‘Blessings and Miracles’
      October 11, 2021 at 12:01 am
      It seems that with many duet albums that bring disparate popular music talents together, there’s a sort of sliding scale of how much influence the “host”…
    • REVIEW: Sam Fender revels in teen angst on 'Seventeen Going Under'
      REVIEW: Sam Fender revels in teen angst on ‘Seventeen Going Under’
      October 5, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Sam Fender, Seventeen Going Under British singer-songwriter Sam Fender made waves with his debut EP, Dead Boys, back in 2018, a six-track endeavor that he penned entirely solo.…
      James Blake examines lost connections on ‘Friends That Break Your Heart’
      James Blake examines lost connections on ‘Friends That Break Your Heart’
      October 4, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Last year saw singer-songwriter-producer James Blake return to his club roots on a daring four-track EP. A step slightly left from his recent catalog’s intense melancholia,…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Meek Mill bares the cost of 'Expensive Pain'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Meek Mill bares the cost of ‘Expensive Pain’
      October 1, 2021 at 6:06 am
      “All that glitters isn’t always gold,” so the saying goes. Expensive Pain, the fifth studio album from Meek Mill, rides largely on the idea that money can’t…
      REVIEW: Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett reunite once more on 'Love For Sale'
      REVIEW: Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett reunite once more on ‘Love For Sale’
      September 30, 2021 at 10:43 pm
      Paying tribute to the legendary composer and songwriter Cole Porter—and of course the undeniable legacy of Tony Bennett, now 95 and living with progressing Alzheimer’s—Bennett and…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Yes stays in its comfort zone on 'The Quest'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Yes stays in its comfort zone on ‘The Quest’
      September 28, 2021 at 12:01 am
      English progressive rock band Yes has been around for more than 50 years. It was among the first prog-rock bands to break through to the mainstream…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Brandi Carlile enters her blue period with ‘In These Silent Days’
      ALBUM REVIEW: Brandi Carlile enters her blue period with ‘In These Silent Days’
      September 27, 2021 at 12:01 am
      To get a bead on In These Silent Days, the new album by Brandi Carlile, it may help to compare it to an LP that came out 50…
    • REVIEW: Third Eye Blind makes a strong return on 'Our Bande Apart'
      REVIEW: Third Eye Blind makes a strong return on ‘Our Bande Apart’
      September 26, 2021 at 4:18 pm
      Say what you will about Stephan Jenkins (and there’s plenty to say), but he’s a poet, and he’s always had unique phrasing and wordplay that have…
      ALBUM REVIEW: G-Eazy faces his image on 'These Things Happen Too'
      ALBUM REVIEW: G-Eazy faces his image on ‘These Things Happen Too’
      September 24, 2021 at 6:05 am
      G-Eazy, “These Things Happen Too.” Everyone has regrets, and G-Eazy holds his share. His fourth LP, These Things Happen Too, finds G-Eazy having to grapple with the fallout…
    • REVIEW: X Ambassadors make a muddle of heartbreak on 'The Beautiful Liar'
      REVIEW: X Ambassadors make a muddle of heartbreak on ‘The Beautiful Liar’
      September 22, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Don’t get it confused, kids: X Ambassadors’ The Beautiful Liar is a breakup album. Its bookending children’s audiobook conceit, its Jung-for-beginners Shadow figure and its incongruous…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Natalie Imbruglia brings the '90s sound back on 'Firebird'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Natalie Imbruglia brings the ’90s sound back on ‘Firebird’
      September 21, 2021 at 8:51 am
      The ’90s were a good time for Natalie Imbruglia. Her cover of “Torn” was a huge hit back then, and she racked up awards and modeling…
    • Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine re-conceive 'A Beginner's Mind'
      Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine re-conceive ‘A Beginner’s Mind’
      September 21, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine, courtesy. What could be more beautiful than an artist drawing inspiration from another piece of art to then create his…
      REVIEW: Poppy packs plenty of punch, goes with the flow on 'Flux'
      REVIEW: Poppy packs plenty of punch, goes with the flow on ‘Flux’
      September 20, 2021 at 12:01 am
      “Flux,” by Poppy. Just when you think you’ve got Poppy figured out, think again. On her new album, Flux, the musical shapeshifter stays within the rock universe…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Lil Nas X stands strong on 'Montero'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Lil Nas X stands strong on ‘Montero’
      September 16, 2021 at 9:00 pm
      Lil Nas X performs during WiLD 94.9’s Jingle Ball at The Masonic in San Francisco on Dec. 8, 2019. The debut album by Lil Nas X, Montero,…

Listen Now

    • REWIND: Does Thanksgiving get you down? I have a solution
      REWIND: Does Thanksgiving get you down? I have a solution
      November 27, 2021 at 7:41 am
      Chumbawamba circa 2000. Photo: Jill Douglas/Redferns. Thanksgiving is behind us for another year. For some that’s a sad thing, since Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness,…
      Tuesday Tracks: Your Weekly New Music Discovery – Nov. 23
      Tuesday Tracks: Your Weekly New Music Discovery – Nov. 23
      November 23, 2021 at 12:01 am
      London Mars, courtesy. This week’s Tuesday Tracks covers a live show favorite by phem, a pop-punk alternate universe story by London Mars, 8-bit video game nostalgia…

Q&A Interviews

    • "Hamilton" actor Marja Harmon (Angelica Schuyler) on returning to the stage
      “Hamilton” actor Marja Harmon (Angelica Schuyler) on returning to the stage
      October 25, 2021 at 12:01 am
      “HAMILTON,” courtesy Joan Marcus/Broadway San Jose. Before regathering at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre in July to rehearse and re-kick-off their tour, the last time the cast…
    • Q&A: Erika Wennerstrom of Heartless Bastards learns to go with the flow
      Q&A: Erika Wennerstrom of Heartless Bastards learns to go with the flow
      October 18, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Heartless Bastards, courtesy Aaron Conway. Erika Wennerstrom has been fronting Heartless Bastards since 2003. The Austin roots-rock band’s sixth studio album, A Beautiful Life, which came…
    • Q&A: Molly Moore focusing on herself in life and new music
      Q&A: Molly Moore focusing on herself in life and new music
      October 13, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Molly Moore performs at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on Sept. 4, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. NAPA — After Molly Moore first moved from…
    • Q&A: Chris Pierce opening hearts and changing the face of Americana
      Q&A: Chris Pierce opening hearts and changing the face of Americana
      October 7, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Chris Pierce performs at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on Sept. 5, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. Chris Pierce has been busy. Between his Americana-flavored…
    • Q&A: Work ethic pays off for former auto dealership porter JJ Wilde
      Q&A: Work ethic pays off for former auto dealership porter JJ Wilde
      October 6, 2021 at 12:01 am
      JJ Wilde performs at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on Sept. 4, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. NAPA — Building momentum off a tremendous run…
    • Q&A: Nick Urata of DeVotchKa on how the pandemic reaffirmed his priorities
      Q&A: Nick Urata of DeVotchKa on how the pandemic reaffirmed his priorities
      August 25, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Nick Urata of DeVotchKa performs at SXSW in Austin, Tex. in 2011. Jane Hu/STAFF. Denver quartet DeVotchKa may not have released an album in three years,…
    • Jerry Harrison, Adrian Belew and Turkuaz reimagine the Talking Heads' 'Remain In Light'
      Jerry Harrison, Adrian Belew and Turkuaz reimagine the Talking Heads’ ‘Remain In Light’
      August 9, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads (second from left) and Adrian Belew (second from right) perform with Turkuaz. Courtesy Michael Weintrob. Guitarist Jerry Harrison has wanted…
    • Q&A: Maisie Peters puts the pedal to the metal on Ed Sheeran's label
      Q&A: Maisie Peters puts the pedal to the metal on Ed Sheeran’s label
      August 2, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Maisie Peters, courtesy Lillie Eiger. It took three tries, but Maisie Peters finally got her drivers license, using her parents’ car, naturally. However, soon after that,…
    • Q&A: Cola Boyy on how his prosthetic leg inspired 'Prosthetic Boombox'
      Q&A: Cola Boyy on how his prosthetic leg inspired ‘Prosthetic Boombox’
      July 5, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Cola Boyy, courtesy Ross Harris. Cola Boyy (Matthew Urango) has been changing the dialogue that mainstream music is willing to confront since his debut. A self-described…

Festival news

    • SF Sketchfest returns with Cheech & Chong, Laraine Newman, David Alan Grier, many more
      SF Sketchfest returns with Cheech & Chong, Laraine Newman, David Alan Grier, many more
      November 19, 2021 at 12:01 am
      SF Sketchfest, courtesy Bill Plympton. Tributes to Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, original “Saturday Night Live” cast member and comedian Laraine Newman and actor David Alan Grier,…
    • Outside Lands 2021: The best and worst of Sunday
      Outside Lands 2021: The best and worst of Sunday
      November 1, 2021 at 1:39 am
      A concertgoer at the Lands End stage at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. Once again, Outside Lands has come to…
    • Outside Lands: J Balvin, Burna Boy and 5 more we loved Sunday
      Outside Lands: J Balvin, Burna Boy and 5 more we loved Sunday
      November 1, 2021 at 1:02 am
      J Balvin performs at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — There are a lot of accolades you can…
    • Outside Lands 2021: The best and worst of Friday and Saturday
      Outside Lands 2021: The best and worst of Friday and Saturday
      October 31, 2021 at 1:48 am
      Attendees walk under the windmills at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. Usually, I write up the best and worst of…
    • Outside Lands: Lizzo, Lord Huron, 8 more we loved Saturday
      Outside Lands: Lizzo, Lord Huron, 8 more we loved Saturday
      October 31, 2021 at 1:06 am
      Lizzo performs at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — There was only one point in her show at…

Opinion

    • Obituary: The singular genius of Stephen Sondheim
      Obituary: The singular genius of Stephen Sondheim
      November 28, 2021 at 5:36 pm
      Composer Stephen Sondheim speaks at the Great Writers Thank Their Lucky Stars annual gala hosted by The Dramatists Guild Fund on Oct. 21, 2013 in New…
      Insert Foot: 'Get Back' clears up misconceptions and highlights Beatles' joy
      Insert Foot: ‘Get Back’ clears up misconceptions and highlights Beatles’ joy
      November 28, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Insert Foot is loving Peter Jackson’s “Get Back” Beatles documentary. Phone lines and the internet burned all over the world this week, and it wasn’t people…
    • Insert Foot: This Thanksgiving may get some giving thanks, after all
      Insert Foot: This Thanksgiving may get some giving thanks, after all
      November 21, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Insert Foot finding the joy in Thanksgiving again. Rendering: Adam Pardee/STAFF. Thanksgiving is a date on a calendar. Beyond that, its meaning and value depends on…
      Insert Foot: Britney Spears is back. Now what?
      Insert Foot: Britney Spears is back. Now what?
      November 14, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Protestors at the #FreeBritney Termination Rally in in Los Angeles on Nov. 12, 2021. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images. Britney’s free, bitch. Now what do we…

Concert Reviews

    • REVIEW: Joji brings 'Nectar' to life at the Warfield
      REVIEW: Joji brings ‘Nectar’ to life at the Warfield
      November 21, 2021 at 2:23 am
      Joji performs at The Warfield in San Francisco on Nov. 20, 2021. Nathan McKinley/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Joji made one of the best albums of 2020.…
    • REVIEW: Lupe Fiasco celebrates 'Food & Liquor' in return to the stage at The Warfield
      REVIEW: Lupe Fiasco celebrates ‘Food & Liquor’ in return to the stage at The Warfield
      November 20, 2021 at 7:34 am
      Lupe Fiasco performs at The Warfield in San Francisco on Nov. 19, 2021. Derek Tobias/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Lupe Fiasco made a triumphant return to the…
    • REVIEW: LANY brings energy to its last show of 2021 at Bill Graham Civic
      REVIEW: LANY brings energy to its last show of 2021 at Bill Graham Civic
      November 19, 2021 at 9:23 am
      LANY performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Nov. 18, 2021. Steve Carlson/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — L.A. alt-pop trio LANY brought their gg bb…
    • REVIEW: Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias still livin' la vida loca at SAP Center
      REVIEW: Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias still livin’ la vida loca at SAP Center
      November 15, 2021 at 2:25 am
      Ricky Martin performs at SAP Center in San Jose on Nov. 14, 2021. Roman Gokhman/STAFF. SAN JOSE — It’s tough to pull off a truly equal…
    • REVIEW: Evanescence, Halestorm deliver heavyweight performance at SAP Center
      REVIEW: Evanescence, Halestorm deliver heavyweight performance at SAP Center
      November 10, 2021 at 5:59 am
      Evanescence performs at SAP Center in San Jose on Nov. 9, 2021. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN JOSE — Two of modern rock’s heavyweight vocalists teamed up for…
    • Outside Lands: J Balvin, Burna Boy and 5 more we loved Sunday
      Outside Lands: J Balvin, Burna Boy and 5 more we loved Sunday
      November 1, 2021 at 1:02 am
      J Balvin performs at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — There are a lot of accolades you can…
    • Outside Lands: Lizzo, Lord Huron, 8 more we loved Saturday
      Outside Lands: Lizzo, Lord Huron, 8 more we loved Saturday
      October 31, 2021 at 1:06 am
      Lizzo performs at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — There was only one point in her show at…
    • Outside Lands: The Strokes, Tyler, the Creator and 8 more Friday highlights
      Outside Lands: The Strokes, Tyler, the Creator and 8 more Friday highlights
      October 30, 2021 at 1:42 am
      The Strokes perform at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF and courtesy. SAN FRANCISCO — Indie rock band The Strokes’ set…
    • REVIEW: The Jayhawks make the Chapel jump for joy on a rainy Sunday
      REVIEW: The Jayhawks make the Chapel jump for joy on a rainy Sunday
      October 25, 2021 at 7:35 am
      SAN FRANCISCO — Two veteran American bands had two-day stands in San Francisco this past weekend, both with loyal fan bases and generous back catalogs from…
    • REVIEW: The Eagles bring 'Hotel California' and more to Chase Center
      REVIEW: The Eagles bring ‘Hotel California’ and more to Chase Center
      October 24, 2021 at 10:39 am
      The Eagles, courtesy Ron Koch. SAN FRANCISCO — For a band that put out only seven studio albums—six of those during the 1970s—The Eagles have retained a…
    • REVIEW: Wilco gets down to business at the Fox in Oakland
      REVIEW: Wilco gets down to business at the Fox in Oakland
      October 18, 2021 at 6:07 am
      Wilco performs at the Fox Theater in Oakland on Oct. 17, 2021. Karen Goldman/STAFF. OAKLAND — A light drizzle fell on Sunday night as Chicago rock…
    • REVIEW: Jack Antonoff and Bleachers bring the Jersey sound to the Masonic
      REVIEW: Jack Antonoff and Bleachers bring the Jersey sound to the Masonic
      October 17, 2021 at 2:02 am
      Bleachers perform at The Masonic in San Francisco on Oct. 16, 2021. Steve Carlson/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Jack Antonoff is a huge star now, thanks to…
    • Aftershock Day 4: Metallica, Rise Against, 6 more we loved Sunday
      Aftershock Day 4: Metallica, Rise Against, 6 more we loved Sunday
      October 11, 2021 at 1:04 am
      Metallica performs at Aftershock Fest in Sacramento on Oct. 10, 2021. Courtesy Aftershock. SACRAMENTO — Aftershock Fest couldn’t contain Metallica to just one night night. For the…
    • Aftershock Day 3: Mudvayne, The Original Misfits, 3 more we loved Saturday
      Aftershock Day 3: Mudvayne, The Original Misfits, 3 more we loved Saturday
      October 10, 2021 at 6:17 am
      Mudvayne performs at Aftershock Fest in Sacramento on Oct. 9, 2021. Courtesy Aftershock. SACRAMENTO —Saturday night Aftershock line-up was marked by two reunions, of sorts. The…
    • Aftershock 2021 Day 2: Metallica reigns at revitalized hard rock festival
      Aftershock 2021 Day 2: Metallica reigns at revitalized hard rock festival
      October 9, 2021 at 6:09 am
      Metallica performs at Aftershock Fest in Sacramento on Oct. 8, 2021. Photos courtesy Aftershock. SACRAMENTO — Metallica frontman James Hetfield was clearly back in his element…
    • REVIEW: In This Moment, Black Veil Brides bring heaviness to The Warfield
      REVIEW: In This Moment, Black Veil Brides bring heaviness to The Warfield
      October 4, 2021 at 8:18 am
      In This Moment performs at The Warfield in San Francisco on Oct. 3, 2021. Nate McKinley/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants win the NL…
    • REVIEW: Michael Bublé charms at long-awaited Chase Center show
      REVIEW: Michael Bublé charms at long-awaited Chase Center show
      September 30, 2021 at 2:43 am
      Michael Bublé performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sept. 29, 2021. Gary Chancer/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — After being postponed three times, Michael Bublé finally brought…
    • REVIEW: Alanis Morissette and Garbage celebrate 'Jagged Little Pill' at Concord Pavilion
      REVIEW: Alanis Morissette and Garbage celebrate ‘Jagged Little Pill’ at Concord Pavilion
      September 30, 2021 at 1:21 am
      Alanis Morissette performs at Concord Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Sept. 29, 2021. Roman Gokhman/STAFF. Garbage photos: Sean Liming/STAFF. CONCORD — Alanis Morissette has such a…
    • From across the pond: Bring Me the Horizon conquers the U.K.
      From across the pond: Bring Me the Horizon conquers the U.K.
      September 29, 2021 at 3:21 pm
      Oli Sykes of Bring Me the Horizon performs at Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England on Sept. 24, 2021. Courtesy: Jamie A. Waters. SHEFFIELD, England — It…

Photos

    • PHOTOS: J. Cole and 21 Savage hit the court at Oakland Arena
      PHOTOS: J. Cole and 21 Savage hit the court at Oakland Arena
      October 21, 2021 at 6:47 am
      J. Cole performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on Oct. 20, 2021. Matt Pang/STAFF. OAKLAND — Months following the release of his acclaimed new album, The Off-Season,…
    • PHOTOS: Tinashe sees the future at the Warfield
      PHOTOS: Tinashe sees the future at the Warfield
      October 20, 2021 at 6:15 am
      Tinashe performs at the Warfield in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2021. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Tinashe brought her 333 Tour to the Warfield Tuesday. The…
    • PHOTOS: System of a Down brings Korn and chaos to Oakland Arena
      PHOTOS: System of a Down brings Korn and chaos to Oakland Arena
      October 19, 2021 at 6:25 am
      System of a Down performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland, Oct. 18, 2021. Derek Tobias/STAFF. OAKLAND — Los Angeles hard rockers System of a Down powered…
    • PHOTOS: Phoebe Bridgers 'reunites'—and ignites—at the Greek Theatre
      PHOTOS: Phoebe Bridgers ‘reunites’—and ignites—at the Greek Theatre
      October 17, 2021 at 3:10 am
      Phoebe Bridgers performs at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley on Oct. 16, 2021. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. BERKELEY – Phoebe Bridgers brought her “Reunion Tour” to the Greek Theatre…
    • PHOTOS: Bell Biv DeVoe and friends recreate '90s R&B magic at Chase Center
      PHOTOS: Bell Biv DeVoe and friends recreate ’90s R&B magic at Chase Center
      October 3, 2021 at 6:54 am
      Bell Biv DeVoe performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2021. Sean Liming/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — It’s been nearly 31 years since New…
    • PHOTOS: Luke Combs brings his 'Five Leaf Clover' to Chase Center
      PHOTOS: Luke Combs brings his ‘Five Leaf Clover’ to Chase Center
      October 2, 2021 at 6:39 am
      Luke Combs performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 1, 2021. Sean Liming/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Luke Combs embraced the isolation of the pandemic and used…
    • PHOTOS: Lil Baby and Lil Durk go 'Back Outside' at Oakland Arena
      PHOTOS: Lil Baby and Lil Durk go ‘Back Outside’ at Oakland Arena
      September 26, 2021 at 6:56 am
      Lil Baby performs at the Oakland Arena in Oakland on Sept. 25, 2021. Matt Pang/STAFF. OAKLAND — Coming off the hype of being featured on two…