• Tuesday Tracks: Your Weekly New Music Discovery – Jan. 26
    Jan 26 2021
    01:00 AM

    Tuesday Tracks: Your Weekly New Music Discovery – Jan. 26

    Chloe Catajan No Comments 0
    Clockwise from top left: Brynn Elliott, CHAI, Cassandra Jenkins, Roisin O, Adult Mom and Deb Never. Every week, there’s a plethora of new music at our fingertips. Artists on platforms like Spotify and Bandcamp are plentiful, and the radio offers a steady deluge of new singles, but who…
  • Interview: Baby Queen knocking on the palace gate after breakthrough year
    Jan 25 2021
    01:00 AM

    Interview: Baby Queen knocking on the palace gate after breakthrough year

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Baby Queen, courtesy. It’s an overnight success story—during a pandemic, no less—that’s two years in the making. South-Africa-born, London-based pop singer-songwriter Baby Queen didn’t sign her first record deal until last April. The Zoom signing was quickly followed by numerous witty singles and an EP that made 23-year-old…
  • Insert Foot: Rx side effects, Bernie Sanders, songs about pickup trucks
    Jan 24 2021
    02:00 AM

    Insert Foot: Rx side effects, Bernie Sanders, songs about pickup trucks

    Tony Hicks No Comments 0
    INSERT FOOT and Bernie Sanders vs. Jon Bon Jovi and pickup trucks. January and February aren’t usually the best months for the entertainment industry. Even when we’re not dodging explosive murder germs. Spring will be here before we know it. Let’s try to keep things … nice, until…
  • REVIEW: Fantastic Negrito gets back in the groove at Fairfield livestream
    Jan 23 2021
    09:01 PM

    REVIEW: Fantastic Negrito gets back in the groove at Fairfield livestream

    Daniel J. Willis No Comments 0
    Fantastic Negrito performs during a livestream concert at the Downtown Theatre in Fairfield, California, on Jan. 23, 2021. Photos courtesy: Nathan McKinley. Fantastic Negrito is a lot of things: Musician, self-described recovering narcissist, two-time Grammy winner who’s likely to make it three in March. But more than all…
  • REWIND: Relive President Biden's inauguration by listening to its music
    Jan 23 2021
    01:30 AM

    REWIND: Relive President Biden’s inauguration by listening to its music

    Daniel J. Willis No Comments 0
    In this screengrab, Gregg Alexander of the New Radicals performs during the Virtual Parade Across America, following the presidential inauguration of Joe Biden, on Jan. 20, 2021. Courtesy: Biden Inaugural Committee. Is it just me or are you in a better mood this weekend? It’s pretty amazing how…
  • Jason Hill on producing and recording with Sylvain Sylvain and New York Dolls
    Jan 18 2021
    04:23 PM

    Jason Hill on producing and recording with Sylvain Sylvain and New York Dolls

    Jason Hill of Louis XIV 1 Comment 0
    Sylvain Sylvain of the New York Dolls (right) with Jason Hill. Courtesy: Hill. Editor’s note: Guitarist Sylvain Sylvain, a founding member of seminal punk band New York Dolls, died Jan. 13 after a battle with cancer. Born in Egypt, the 69-year-old co-started the hugely influential group in 1971.…
  • INTERVIEW: Saxophonist Jake Clemons balancing solo career with E Street Band legacy
    Jan 18 2021
    01:30 AM

    INTERVIEW: Saxophonist Jake Clemons balancing solo career with E Street Band legacy

    Thomas Peele No Comments 0
    Jake Clemons, courtesy. Jake Clemons loves to connect with people. A couple of years ago, he did a national tour of … living rooms, performing intimate shows in fans’ homes for as few as a couple dozen at a time. This, after replacing his legendary late uncle, Clarence…
  • REVIEW: Morgan Wallen gets 'Dangerous' at the Ryman in Nashville
    Jan 12 2021
    08:55 PM

    REVIEW: Morgan Wallen gets ‘Dangerous’ at the Ryman in Nashville

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Morgan Wallen performs during a livestream at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Jan. 12, 2021. Courtesy: John Shearer/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium. Country star Morgan Wallen‘s performance at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville Tuesday evening wasn’t simply another livestream. The concert was attended by several hundred cheering fans—fan club…
  • Q&A: Einar Selvik of Wardruna bridging old Norse myths to today's audiences
    Jan 11 2021
    12:01 AM

    Q&A: Einar Selvik of Wardruna bridging old Norse myths to today’s audiences

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Wardruna (Einar Selvik center), Courtesy: Kim Ohrling. Einar Selvik was once known as “kvitravn,” which translates from old Norse to “the white raven.” That was back in his days as a drummer in the Norwegian black metal scene. Since the early 2000s, Selvik transitioned from black metal to…
  • PROFESSOR MUSIC: This column is going into the mystic
    Jan 08 2021
    02:30 AM

    PROFESSOR MUSIC: This column is going into the mystic

    David Gill No Comments 0
    Van Morrison performs in 2018; courtesy. I’ve invented a moment in musical history that I like to envision over and over again: It’s New York, late summer, 1969 in the penthouse of A & R Recording studios. Producer Lewis Merenstein is at the board with a couple of…
  • Everyone involved in the assault on the Capitol and sedition must face charges
    Jan 06 2021
    10:34 PM

    Everyone involved in the assault on the Capitol and sedition must face charges

    Staff report No Comments 0
    “Trump Inciter in Chief 2021: What the hell do you have to lose?” Illustration courtesy of Chuck Todd; www.chucktodd.net. As you’re all probably aware, on Wednesday a large group of pro-fascist insurgents breached, occupied and ransacked the United States Capitol while both the House and Senate were in…
  • INTERVIEW: Elohim finds solid ground amid pandemic chaos
    Jan 04 2021
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Elohim finds solid ground amid pandemic chaos

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Elohim, courtesy: Chase O’Black. Elohim presumed she had averted a personal tragedy on March 3. A couple of weeks into a headlining tour, she and her band were hours from loading in their gear at Basement East in Nashville when the entire concert hall was destroyed by a…

News

    • Derick Almena pleads guilty for Ghost Ship deaths
      Derick Almena pleads guilty for Ghost Ship deaths
      January 22, 2021 at 1:22 pm
      Derick Almena booking photo. After his first trial in September of 2019 ended with a hung jury, Derick Almena, the master tenant of the Ghost Ship…
      SF Ballet opens digital season with 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' film
      SF Ballet opens digital season with ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ film
      January 20, 2021 at 5:56 pm
      Esteban Hernandez as Puck in Balanchine’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ Rendering courtesy of Erik Tomasson and Sky Alsgaard. San Francisco Ballet launches its 2021 Digital Season on…
    • The music artists performing at the Biden-Harris Inauguration
      The music artists performing at the Biden-Harris Inauguration
      January 19, 2021 at 9:21 pm
      John Legend is one of numerous music artists performing at the Joe Biden inauguration on Wednesday. The inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will, out…
      Sierra Leone's Refuge All Stars fundraising in midst of yet another disaster
      Sierra Leone’s Refuge All Stars fundraising in midst of yet another disaster
      January 17, 2021 at 6:12 pm
      Sierra Leone’s Refuge All Stars, courtesy: Cumbancha. The members of Sierra Leone’s Refuge All Stars, the music group that was formed in 2002 in a refugee…
    • Obituary: Fairness demands remembering Phil Spector for who he was
      Obituary: Fairness demands remembering Phil Spector for who he was
      January 17, 2021 at 2:01 pm
      Phil Spector photographed in the 1970s, and a recent booking photo. I heard Phil Spector died and immediately thought of the end of “Fast Times at…
      Kronos Quartet, Meklit, Rep. Barbara Lee to appear at virtual MLK celebration
      Kronos Quartet, Meklit, Rep. Barbara Lee to appear at virtual MLK celebration
      January 13, 2021 at 4:13 pm
      “In the Name of Love” is co-produced by Living Jazz and UnderCover, and includes performances by Kronos Quartet and Meklit. Bay Area artists like Kronos Quartet, Meklit…
    • SF Ballet Artist Director Helgi Tomasson announces 2022 departure
      SF Ballet Artist Director Helgi Tomasson announces 2022 departure
      January 6, 2021 at 12:53 pm
      SF Ballet Artistic Director and Principal Choreographer Helgi Tomasson. Courtesy: Erik Tomasson/SF Ballet. After nearly four decades as artistic director and principal choreographer of the San…
      Hip-hop artist MF DOOM dead at 49
      Hip-hop artist MF DOOM dead at 49
      December 31, 2020 at 7:49 pm
      MF DOOM performs during the Pitchfork Music Festival at Union Park on July 18, 2009 in Chicago. Courtesy: Roger Kisby/Getty Images. The wife of underground hip-hop…
    • SF Symphony's Esa-Pekka Salonen awarded British honorary knighthood
      SF Symphony’s Esa-Pekka Salonen awarded British honorary knighthood
      December 24, 2020 at 9:03 am
      New San Francisco Symphony Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen. Courtesy: Andrew Eccles. Queen Elizabeth II awarded an honorary knighthood to San Francisco Symphony Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen…
      Former Nico Vega members put Trump on blast for using their song
      Former Nico Vega members put Trump on blast for using their song
      December 22, 2020 at 11:09 am
      Nico Vega performs at America’s Cup Pavilion in San Francisco on May 31, 2013. Roman Gokhman/STAFF. Aja Volkman-Reynolds and Dan Epand of the band TWO, formerly…
    • COVID relief to include $15B for music venues: The specifics
      COVID relief to include $15B for music venues: The specifics
      December 20, 2020 at 9:51 pm
      First Avenue in Minneapolis photographed on May 19, 2020. Photo: Todd Johnson. While most headlines about the newly-passed, long-awaited second round of COVID relief are focused…
      HeadCount to hold daylong virtual fest for Georgia runoff election
      HeadCount to hold daylong virtual fest for Georgia runoff election
      December 18, 2020 at 12:20 pm
      Georgia Comes Alive. Courtesy. Nonpartisan nonprofit organization HeadCount and several partners have organized a daylong virtual music streaming event in support of getting out the vote…
    • SF Sketchfest announces Festpocalypse!, star-studded livestream fundraiser
      SF Sketchfest announces Festpocalypse!, star-studded livestream fundraiser
      December 17, 2020 at 12:28 pm
      SF Sketchfest announces Festpocalypse! SF Sketchfest on Thursday announced Festpocalypse!, a virtual fundraiser for the annual wintertime event. Festpocalypse! will include cast reunions of “The Kids…
      Musicians fundraise for Georgia Senate runoffs with festival, music releases
      Musicians fundraise for Georgia Senate runoffs with festival, music releases
      December 2, 2020 at 4:52 pm
      Tom Morello performs with Prophets of Rage at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View on Sept. 13, 2016. Morello will join the Save the Senate streaming event…
    • Oakland's Living Jazz to stage live music for people in need at West Oakland Food Pantry
      Oakland’s Living Jazz to stage live music for people in need at West Oakland Food Pantry
      November 24, 2020 at 7:31 pm
      Pickup Sessions, courtesy: Living Jazz. Living Jazz, an Oakland organization devoted to the empowerment of people through music, has partnered with the West Oakland Food Pantry…
      Apple Music Awards announces winners of second annual competition
      Apple Music Awards announces winners of second annual competition
      November 18, 2020 at 11:21 pm
      Megan Thee Stallion, courtesy. Apple on Wednesday announced the winners of the second annual Apple Music Awards, recognizing musicians who have had an impact on global culture.…
    • BottleRock 2021 postponed to Labor Day Weekend, likely with new headliners
      BottleRock 2021 postponed to Labor Day Weekend, likely with new headliners
      November 17, 2020 at 10:59 am
      Mumford & Sons perform at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on May 26, 2019. BottleRock Napa Valley, which was scrapped in 2020 following…
      SF Symphony ventures virtually with Esa-Pekka Salonen, collaborators
      SF Symphony ventures virtually with Esa-Pekka Salonen, collaborators
      November 11, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Esperanza Spalding performs in “Throughline: San Francisco Symphony—From Hall to Home.” Other artists highlighted include Bryce Dessner of The National and violinist Pekka Kuusisto. Courtesy: SF…
    • NIVA's fundraising branches off as National Independent Venue Foundation
      NIVA’s fundraising branches off as National Independent Venue Foundation
      November 10, 2020 at 3:54 pm
      The UC Theatre photographed on Sept. 27, 2020. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. The National Independent Venue Association has reorganized, with a separate nonprofit National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF),…
      The Fox Theater in Oakland collecting food and supplies for area nonprofits
      The Fox Theater in Oakland collecting food and supplies for area nonprofits
      November 6, 2020 at 1:27 pm
      The Fox Theater, closed, on the afternoon of March 17, 2020, the first day of a shelter-in-place to combat coronavirus. Roman Gokhman/STAFF. The Fox Theater in…
    • System of a Down releases new songs in support of Armenia
      System of a Down releases new songs in support of Armenia
      November 6, 2020 at 11:20 am
      System of a Down. Clockwise from top left: Daron Malakian, John Dolmayan, Shavo Odadjian and Serj Tankian. Courtesy. System of a Down, which recently lobbied the U.S.…
      StubHub, Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation gift 4,300 recorders to SFUSD fourth graders
      StubHub, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation gift 4,300 recorders to SFUSD fourth graders
      October 28, 2020 at 12:38 am
      Children playing recorders. Photo: Getty. StubHub and Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation have gifted recorders to 4,300 San Francisco Unified School District fourth graders, spread across 72…
    • SF Ballet switching to online subscription model for 2021 season
      SF Ballet switching to online subscription model for 2021 season
      October 27, 2020 at 11:10 pm
      Yuan Yuan Tan and Tiit Helimets in Tomasson’s Swan Lake. Courtesy: Erik Tomasson/San Francisco Ballet. The San Francisco Ballet, which had previously announced a delayed 2021…
      SF will waive entertainment venue taxes as part of COVID-19 pandemic assistance
      SF will waive entertainment venue taxes as part of COVID-19 pandemic assistance
      October 26, 2020 at 9:11 pm
      The Independent in San Francisco, closed, on March 16, 2020. Roman Gokhman/STAFF. About 300 San Francisco businesses that have been unable to open since March, including…

Features

    • INTERVIEW: Saxophonist Jake Clemons balancing solo career with E Street Band legacy
      INTERVIEW: Saxophonist Jake Clemons balancing solo career with E Street Band legacy
      January 18, 2021 at 1:30 am
      Jake Clemons, courtesy. Jake Clemons loves to connect with people. A couple of years ago, he did a national tour of … living rooms, performing intimate…
    • INTERVIEW: Elohim finds solid ground amid pandemic chaos
      INTERVIEW: Elohim finds solid ground amid pandemic chaos
      January 4, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Elohim, courtesy: Chase O’Black. Elohim presumed she had averted a personal tragedy on March 3. A couple of weeks into a headlining tour, she and her…
    • Interview: San Francisco's Rachel Garlin brings activism to the forefront
      Interview: San Francisco’s Rachel Garlin brings activism to the forefront
      December 28, 2020 at 1:00 am
      Rachel Garlin, courtesy: Irene Young. After growing up in Berkeley, singer-songwriter Rachel Garlin ventured off to New York in pursuit of the big city life. But…
    • Introducing Tatum Lynn: Indy pop artist driven by more than success
      Introducing Tatum Lynn: Indy pop artist driven by more than success
      December 21, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Tatum Lynn, courtesy: Sergio Garcia. Tatum Lynn has always been comfortable singing in front of people. It eventually led to the first of several big breaks…
    • INTERVIEW: Buzzy Lee, aka Sasha Spielberg, on writing music and painting dogs
      INTERVIEW: Buzzy Lee, aka Sasha Spielberg, on writing music and painting dogs
      December 16, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Sasha Spielberg (Buzzy Lee), Courtesy. Reached by phone several week ago, Sasha Spielberg, whose album Spoiled Love as Buzzy Lee comes out Jan. 29, had to take a…
    • INTERVIEW: Rozzi gazes through "Orange Skies" to raise climate awareness
      INTERVIEW: Rozzi gazes through “Orange Skies” to raise climate awareness
      December 7, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Rozzi, courtesy. San-Francisco-born Rozzi found musical inspiration through the climate tragedy of wildfires and hopes to use it for positive change. The powerhouse vocalist penned what…
    • INTERVIEW: Heart's Ann Wilson celebrates compromise as core American altruism
      INTERVIEW: Heart’s Ann Wilson celebrates compromise as core American altruism
      November 30, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Ann Wilson of Heart, Courtesy: Criss Cain. Ann Wilson of Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Heart is still a West Coast woman at heart, but…
    • 'America's Got Talent' winner Brandon Leake has big goals for himself, south Stockton
      ‘America’s Got Talent’ winner Brandon Leake has big goals for himself, south Stockton
      November 23, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Brandon Leake at Edison High School in Stockton, Calif., on Nov. 2, 2020. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. Stockton’s “America’s Got Talent” winner Brandon Leake is still waiting for…

Podcasts

    • RIFF Radio: Chris Daughtry finds creative freedom amid a chaotic world
      RIFF Radio: Chris Daughtry finds creative freedom amid a chaotic world
      September 7, 2020 at 2:30 am
      Daughtry. Courtesy photo. Chris Daughtry‘s enthusiam over his band’s upcoming sixth record is palpable. Speaking from his home in Nashville in a room decked out in…
    • Rock'N Vino: 'The Delicacy' documentary dives into treacherous waters
      Rock’N Vino: ‘The Delicacy’ documentary dives into treacherous waters
      May 22, 2020 at 3:30 am
      Filmmaker Jason Wise working on his new documentary, ‘The Delicacy,’ off the coast of Santa Barbara. Courtesy. Filmmaker Jason Wise, best known for “The Somm,” a hit…
    • Rock'N Vino: Jackson Family Wines pivot to preserve jobs, deliver wine
      Rock’N Vino: Jackson Family Wines pivot to preserve jobs, deliver wine
      May 10, 2020 at 12:30 am
      Courtesy: Jackson Family Wines. As unemployment caused by the coronavirus pandemic continues to rise, some are taking steps to adapt to keep their employees working. Much…
    • RIFF RADIO: Talinda Bennington turns adversity into strength with 320 Changes Direction
      RIFF RADIO: Talinda Bennington turns adversity into strength with 320 Changes Direction
      May 6, 2020 at 12:30 am
      Talinda Bennington, Courtesy: Big Picture Media. The many shelter-in-place orders nationwide have impacted just about every part of society. While the circumstances are difficult for some,…

Album Reviews

    • REVIEW: Old souls Clap Your Hands Say Yeah display some 'New Fragility'
      REVIEW: Old souls Clap Your Hands Say Yeah display some ‘New Fragility’
      January 26, 2021 at 2:00 pm
      Alec Ounsworth has been around the block. Eloquent and verbose, his band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah has been a stable pillar in indie rock. Through all…
      REVIEW: Ani DiFranco looks for answers and new kind of ‘Revolutionary Love’
      REVIEW: Ani DiFranco looks for answers and new kind of ‘Revolutionary Love’
      January 26, 2021 at 10:00 am
      It is not hard to relate to what’s been on Ani DiFranco’s mind the last year that inspired Revolutionary Love. The veteran artist and activist found…
    • Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson focuses on the message on 'The Future Bites'
      Porcupine Tree’s Steven Wilson focuses on the message on ‘The Future Bites’
      January 26, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Prog rock is a strange beast. Over time, “progressive” has become synonymous with “difficult” and, even worse, up its own ass. The self-indulgence of some bands…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Weezer surprises with introspective 'OK Human'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Weezer surprises with introspective ‘OK Human’
      January 24, 2021 at 9:00 pm
      Think of the most on-brand thing that Weezer could do. Was your answer to surprise-drop a Beach-Boys-inspired album in the middle of a pandemic while everyone…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Wardruna channels the essence of Nordic culture with 'Kvitravn'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Wardruna channels the essence of Nordic culture with ‘Kvitravn’
      January 20, 2021 at 12:01 am
      It’s been two years since Wardruna dropped Skald, and half a decade since the last album featuring the full Nordic folk collective. Skald featured solo performances…
      QUICK TAKES: Rhye finds a new 'Home' in '70s funk and disco
      QUICK TAKES: Rhye finds a new ‘Home’ in ’70s funk and disco
      January 19, 2021 at 12:00 pm
      Toronto alt-R&B musician Rhye‘s newest album, Home, takes the ambient trends of today’s most popular acts like Joji and blends them together with the stylings of ’70s funk…
    • Steve Hackett conjures brooding musical history on 'Under A Mediterranean Sky'
      Steve Hackett conjures brooding musical history on ‘Under A Mediterranean Sky’
      January 18, 2021 at 2:30 am
      According to a 1970 ad he placed in British music magazine Melody Maker, guitarist and songwriter Steve Hackett displayed an early interest in pushing “beyond existing…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Illy looks back to 'The Space Between' his life
      ALBUM REVIEW: Illy looks back to ‘The Space Between’ his life
      January 15, 2021 at 5:35 am
      Introspection continues to be the name of the game on The Space Between, the newest album by Melbourne rapper Illy, which took him three years to…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: 'Nobody is Listening' to Zayn Malik, but you should be
      ALBUM REVIEW: ‘Nobody is Listening’ to Zayn Malik, but you should be
      January 14, 2021 at 7:03 pm
      In 2016 he was the American Music Awards’ New Artist of the Year and one of Glamour Magazine’s Top 100 Sexiest Men. The following he was Billboard’s…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Melvins' Dale Crover gets heavily weird on 'Rat-A-Tat-Tat!'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Melvins’ Dale Crover gets heavily weird on ‘Rat-A-Tat-Tat!’
      January 13, 2021 at 4:00 am
      Dale Crover is perhaps the most interesting man in grunge music. The Melvins’ drummer formed a band with Kurt Cobain in the 1980s called Fecal Matter…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: You Me At Six land an uppercut On 'Suckapunch'
      ALBUM REVIEW: You Me At Six land an uppercut On ‘Suckapunch’
      January 12, 2021 at 1:00 am
      English rockers You Me At Six wanted to travel to uncharted musical territory on their seventh studio album, Suckapunch, so they did just that by.going to a…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Why Don’t We have some ‘Good Times and the Bad Ones’ on new LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Why Don’t We have some ‘Good Times and the Bad Ones’ on new LP
      January 10, 2021 at 9:00 pm
      Why Don’t We, the five-member boy band from Los Angeles, went completely dark on social media in January 2019. Their fans, in a panic, started a…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Viagra Boys' 'Welfare Jazz' is a blend of inspired hijinks
      ALBUM REVIEW: Viagra Boys’ ‘Welfare Jazz’ is a blend of inspired hijinks
      January 6, 2021 at 2:51 pm
      Viagra Boys play off a European stereotype that hardly exists in the U.S.: dirtbag leftist spongers on the social welfare system who live a bohemian life,…
      REVIEW: Passenger wallows in despair on 'Songs for the Drunk and Broken Hearted'
      REVIEW: Passenger wallows in despair on ‘Songs for the Drunk and Broken Hearted’
      January 6, 2021 at 5:51 am
      Folk-pop sensation Passenger (Michael David Rosenberg) follows up his 2020 quarantine baby, Patchwork, with a solemn examination of dissatisfaction on his latest release, Songs for the Drunk and Broken Hearted.…
    • Barry Gibb goes country on 'Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1'
      Barry Gibb goes country on ‘Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1’
      January 5, 2021 at 2:30 am
      Most folks associate the Bee Gees with John Travolta’s strut down gritty New York City sidewalks in the classic 1977 film “Saturday Night Fever.” The famous…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Morgan Wallen does it all on sophomore LP 'Dangerous'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Morgan Wallen does it all on sophomore LP ‘Dangerous’
      January 4, 2021 at 4:00 pm
      A 30-song album is ambitious, no matter who you are. Morgan Wallen was up to the challenge with Dangerous: The Double Album. Heralded by a handful…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Burner Herzog contains multitudes on 'Big Love'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Burner Herzog contains multitudes on ‘Big Love’
      December 22, 2020 at 2:30 am
      A lot of music nerds are like John Cusack’s character in the 2000 film, “High Fidelity”—otaku geeks who click their tongues, critiquing and ranking the musical…
      ALBUM REVIEW: An old Beatle surprises with 'McCartney III'
      ALBUM REVIEW: An old Beatle surprises with ‘McCartney III’
      December 14, 2020 at 12:01 am
      It’s usually too much to ask for: a legitimately good new chunk of music standing on merit alone from the guy who could’ve retired 40 years…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Osees rearrange with 'Panther Rotate,' their third LP of 2020
      ALBUM REVIEW: Osees rearrange with ‘Panther Rotate,’ their third LP of 2020
      December 11, 2020 at 7:25 pm
      If only we could all have such a creative incubation as John Dwyer and company during the pandemic. Osees (or Thee Oh Sees, Oh Sees or…
      REVIEW: Kid Cudi comes back down to earth 'Man on the Moon III: The Chosen'
      REVIEW: Kid Cudi comes back down to earth ‘Man on the Moon III: The Chosen’
      December 11, 2020 at 12:11 am
      On his last Man on the Moon album, released 10 years ago, Kid Cudi explored the darker recesses of his mind, primarily, his substance abuse and depression around…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Taylor Swift delivers second lyrical punch on 'evermore'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Taylor Swift delivers second lyrical punch on ‘evermore’
      December 10, 2020 at 10:55 pm
      Leave it to Taylor Swift to shock the music world by releasing a surprise album just a handful of months after dropping… well, a surprise album. Evermore serves…
      ALBUM REVIEW: M. Ward honors Billie Holiday on intricate 'Think of Spring'
      ALBUM REVIEW: M. Ward honors Billie Holiday on intricate ‘Think of Spring’
      December 9, 2020 at 10:00 am
      Matt Ward—better know as M. Ward—feels a connection with Billie Holiday that dates back to hearing her music while shopping at a San Francisco mall when…
    • REVIEW: The Avalanches come down the mountain on 'We Will Always Love You'
      REVIEW: The Avalanches come down the mountain on ‘We Will Always Love You’
      December 9, 2020 at 1:00 am
      The Avalanches have been together almost a quarter century and We Will Always Love You is only the Australian duo’s third album. The pair works at…
      REVIEW: Belle and Sebastian thank fans with 'What To Look for In Summer'
      REVIEW: Belle and Sebastian thank fans with ‘What To Look for In Summer’
      December 8, 2020 at 1:00 am
      The secret to the long run of success that Belle and Sebastian have enjoyed seems to be finding whatever band leader Stuart Murdoch never thought they’d…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Rico Nasty is rudderless on 'Nightmare Vacation'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Rico Nasty is rudderless on ‘Nightmare Vacation’
      December 4, 2020 at 5:51 am
      Despite a wide array of similarities and having come up around similar times, punk and hip-hop have seen crossovers here and there with only a select…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Shawn Mendes offers carousal of sounds, little 'Wonder' on new LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Shawn Mendes offers carousal of sounds, little ‘Wonder’ on new LP
      December 3, 2020 at 10:52 pm
      Shawn Mendes got his start by playing his acoustic guitar on social media apps, which has made his transformation into a bonafide glossy pop star all…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Darkness reigns over Sigur Rós' 'Odin's Raven Magic'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Darkness reigns over Sigur Rós’ ‘Odin’s Raven Magic’
      December 2, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Sigur Rós‘ newest album, Odin’s Raven Magic, is both the long-anticipated release since 2013’s Kveikur as well as being almost 18 years in the making. Originally developed…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Geographer thrives 'Down And Out In The Garden Of Earthly Delights'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Geographer thrives ‘Down And Out In The Garden Of Earthly Delights’
      December 1, 2020 at 2:30 am
      Note from the editor: The new album by Geographer (Mike Deni) had been postponed twice, most recently to Dec. 4. After the publication of this review…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: The Smashing Pumpkins attempt an experiment on 'CYR'
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Smashing Pumpkins attempt an experiment on ‘CYR’
      November 26, 2020 at 9:00 pm
      There’s a scene in “The Simpsons” in which a group of children is brought in to serve as a focus group to give their opinions on…
      REVIEW: Miley Cyrus shape-shifts again as vintage rock hero on 'Plastic Hearts'
      REVIEW: Miley Cyrus shape-shifts again as vintage rock hero on ‘Plastic Hearts’
      November 26, 2020 at 9:00 pm
      Miley Cyrus has covered a staggering amount of musical territory over her seven-album catalog. Each time she reinvents herself, it’s not simply just adding a few…
    • REVIEW: Jahari Massamba Unit makes order out of chaos on 'Pardon My French'
      REVIEW: Jahari Massamba Unit makes order out of chaos on ‘Pardon My French’
      November 25, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Jazz, as the cornerstone of practically all modern American music, doesn’t always get critical acknowledgment—particularly in an era where people are increasingly listening to eclectic and…
      REVIEW: Hatebreed channels the feelings of the forgotten on 'Weight of the False Self'
      REVIEW: Hatebreed channels the feelings of the forgotten on ‘Weight of the False Self’
      November 24, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Back in the late ’90s, Hatebreed was innovative and bordering on groundbreaking. By performing heavy metal within the boundaries of hardcore punk, the Connecticut band helped…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: NCT expands its 'boys to men' statement on 'RESONANCE Pt. 2'
      ALBUM REVIEW: NCT expands its ‘boys to men’ statement on ‘RESONANCE Pt. 2’
      November 22, 2020 at 9:00 pm
      It’s been just about a month since K-pop collaborative group NCT—which includes members of SM Entertainment stalwarts NCT 127, NCT U, SuperM, WayV and NCT Dream—released…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Megan Thee Stallion comes bearing 'Good News'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Megan Thee Stallion comes bearing ‘Good News’
      November 20, 2020 at 5:30 am
      Megan Thee Stallion comes bearing Good News amid her chaotic year. Between legal issues with her record label, being shot and dropping the monumentally viral “WAP” with Cardi…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: King Gizzard builds on its strengths and adds new ones on ‘K.G.’
      ALBUM REVIEW: King Gizzard builds on its strengths and adds new ones on ‘K.G.’
      November 18, 2020 at 8:48 am
      By Thomas Richards The everchanging Australian group King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard keeps its reputation of being one of the most eclectic bands intact with…
      REVIEW: Mike Campbell, The Dirty Knobs ride with a ghost on 'Wreckless Abandon'
      REVIEW: Mike Campbell, The Dirty Knobs ride with a ghost on ‘Wreckless Abandon’
      November 17, 2020 at 9:25 pm
      Novelist William Faulkner famously wrote, “The past isn’t dead. It’s not even past.” The maxim is not simply applicable to the study of history. People are…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Neil Young quantifies the 1970s on 'Archives Volume II'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Neil Young quantifies the 1970s on ‘Archives Volume II’
      November 17, 2020 at 9:05 am
      In the first half of the 1970s, Neil Young—like a number of rock stars of his generation—battled to stay relevant as industry demands attempted to direct his…
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Cribs break free with 'Night Network'
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Cribs break free with ‘Night Network’
      November 11, 2020 at 2:30 am
      With so many storylines converging, Night Network, the new album by The Cribs, was destined to be a compelling album. It emerges after a rare 18-month…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: The Nels Cline Singers follow the music on 'Share the Wealth'
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Nels Cline Singers follow the music on ‘Share the Wealth’
      November 11, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Guitar shredders are a dime a dozen. A quick perusal of Instagram reveals a seemingly endless string of bedroom guitarists who can unleash a firehose spray…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Chris Stapleton hones songwriting chops on 'Starting Over'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Chris Stapleton hones songwriting chops on ‘Starting Over’
      November 10, 2020 at 3:00 pm
      Country artist Chris Stapleton has been praised for his work as a songwriter. The recipient of five Grammy awards, Stapleton has realized success binding the multiple…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Aesop Rock leads us through his 'Spirit World Field Guide'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Aesop Rock leads us through his ‘Spirit World Field Guide’
      November 10, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Ever-elusive underground hip-hop recluse Aesop Rock has returned from the ethereal depths of his recent journeys to deliver his Spirit World Field Guide. Known for his complex and…
      REVIEW: Taemin resurrects an idea of self on 'Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 2'
      REVIEW: Taemin resurrects an idea of self on ‘Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 2’
      November 9, 2020 at 7:08 am
      As the Ace of SM’s experimental boy band, SHINee, Taemin solidifies his status as one of the top solo artists in K-pop today. Following the release…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Just when we discounted AC/DC, they're back to 'Power Up'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Just when we discounted AC/DC, they’re back to ‘Power Up’
      November 8, 2020 at 9:00 pm
      For AC/DC to even put out a new record in 2020 is a serious accomplishment. Power Up AC/DC Columbia Records, Nov. 13 7/10 Just in the…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Brian Eno scores points on latest compilation, 'Film Music 1976-2020'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Brian Eno scores points on latest compilation, ‘Film Music 1976-2020’
      November 6, 2020 at 2:30 am
      Unless you’ve been living underneath a sub-woofer for the last 40 years, you already know that Brian Eno is one of the most important figures in…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Neil Young polishes a gem with 'Return To Greendale' set
      ALBUM REVIEW: Neil Young polishes a gem with ‘Return To Greendale’ set
      November 4, 2020 at 2:00 pm
      Fans of classic rock and folk music can’t accuse Neil Young of taking it easy in the latter half of his prolific career. In addition to…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Kylie Minogue searches for her inner Donna Summer on 'Disco'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Kylie Minogue searches for her inner Donna Summer on ‘Disco’
      November 3, 2020 at 9:00 pm
      DISCO, the 15th album by Australian dance queen Kylie Minogue, brings full circle a career that began way back in 1987, with a decidedly disco cover…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Hanson turns the clock back with 'Perennial'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Hanson turns the clock back with ‘Perennial’
      November 3, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Hanson, the pop-rock trio from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who are known for their Grammy-nominated hit song “MMMBop,” when the brothers were still kids, have maintained a consistent…
      REVIEW: Bring Me The Horizon traverses the pandemic on ferocious 'Post Human'
      REVIEW: Bring Me The Horizon traverses the pandemic on ferocious ‘Post Human’
      October 30, 2020 at 6:42 am
      Sheffield, England alt-rockers Bring Me the Horizon have an ambitious plan for the release of their forthcoming album, opting to release the record in three EPs.…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Sam Smith sets no boundaries on cinematic 'Love Goes'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Sam Smith sets no boundaries on cinematic ‘Love Goes’
      October 30, 2020 at 6:06 am
      “If you want to judge me then go and load the gun,” sings Sam Smith on “Young,” the opening track of the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter’s new album, Love…

Listen Now

    • REWIND: Relive President Biden's inauguration by listening to its music
      REWIND: Relive President Biden’s inauguration by listening to its music
      January 23, 2021 at 1:30 am
      In this screengrab, Gregg Alexander of the New Radicals performs during the Virtual Parade Across America, following the presidential inauguration of Joe Biden, on Jan. 20,…
      Tuesday Tracks: Your Weekly New Music Discovery – Jan. 19
      Tuesday Tracks: Your Weekly New Music Discovery – Jan. 19
      January 19, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Clockwise from top left: Woodlock, CLAUD, Kalbells, Noga Erez, Charlotte Cardin, and Haviah Mighty with Old Man Saxon. Every week, there’s a plethora of new music…

Q&A Interviews

    • Q&A: Einar Selvik of Wardruna bridging old Norse myths to today's audiences
      Q&A: Einar Selvik of Wardruna bridging old Norse myths to today’s audiences
      January 11, 2021 at 12:01 am
      Wardruna (Einar Selvik center), Courtesy: Kim Ohrling. Einar Selvik was once known as “kvitravn,” which translates from old Norse to “the white raven.” That was back…
    • Q&A: Songhoy Blues spread 'Optimisme' on their boldest statement yet
      Q&A: Songhoy Blues spread ‘Optimisme’ on their boldest statement yet
      October 26, 2020 at 12:30 am
      Songhoy Blues, Courtesy. At one point a decade ago, the members of Malian rock band Songhoy Blues weren’t allowed to play shows. The ban had nothing to do…
    • Q&A: The real Sammy Brown on Zach Sobiech, 'Clouds,' Saturday's livestream
      Q&A: The real Sammy Brown on Zach Sobiech, ‘Clouds,’ Saturday’s livestream
      October 23, 2020 at 3:12 pm
      Thanks to the new Disney+ film “Clouds,” Zach Sobiech‘s 2012 hit song of the same name is again at the top of streaming charts, seven years…
    • Q&A: Argentinean Nicki Nicole crashes through 'Mala Vida' waiting out the world's longest quarantine
      Q&A: Argentinean Nicki Nicole crashes through ‘Mala Vida’ waiting out the world’s longest quarantine
      October 12, 2020 at 2:30 am
      Nicki Nicole, Courtesy: Pull&Bear. Rising Argentine R&B and pop artist Nicki Nicole has taken the world by storm with her electrifying dance anthems. She broke out with…
    • Q&A: Gaidaa on self-discovery, accepting pandemic 'Overture'
      Q&A: Gaidaa on self-discovery, accepting pandemic ‘Overture’
      September 30, 2020 at 3:00 am
      Gaidaa, Courtesy: Segraphy. Just two years ago, Sudanese-born and Netherlands-based R&B singer-songwriter Gaidaa caught the attention of Dutch producer Full Crate with a cover of a Kehlani…
    • INTERVIEW: Lydia Loveless looks to find herself on 'Daughter'
      INTERVIEW: Lydia Loveless looks to find herself on ‘Daughter’
      September 23, 2020 at 1:30 am
      Lydia Loveless, Courtesy: Megan Toenyes. After crisscrossing the country in support of her 2016 album, Real, singer-songwriter Lydia Loveless was emotionally and physically spent. By that…
    • Rexx Life Raj on his family history of activism, systemic racism, how to help
      Rexx Life Raj on his family history of activism, systemic racism, how to help
      August 28, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Rexx Life Raj photographed at the Berkeley Marina on Aug. 18, 2020. Matt Pang/STAFF. Additional photos by Pang and Karen Goldman/STAFF. Singer and rapper Rexx Life…
    • Q&A: Biffy Clyro calls for action to avoid ultimate 'endings'
      Q&A: Biffy Clyro calls for action to avoid ultimate ‘endings’
      August 17, 2020 at 2:30 am
      Biffy Clyro, Courtesy: Ash Roberts. A Celebration of Endings, the new album from Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro ends with a screamo-prog-metal-funk journey “Cop Syrup,” on which…
    • Q&A: All We Are find an eternal summer in 'Providence'
      Q&A: All We Are find an eternal summer in ‘Providence’
      August 13, 2020 at 12:01 am
      All We Are, Courtesy: Rebecca Hawley. From the Liverpool band’s home inside a 160-year-old decommissioned school near the center of the city, the three members of…

Festival news

    • BottleRock 2021 postponed to Labor Day Weekend, likely with new headliners
      BottleRock 2021 postponed to Labor Day Weekend, likely with new headliners
      November 17, 2020 at 10:59 am
      Mumford & Sons perform at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on May 26, 2019. BottleRock Napa Valley, which was scrapped in 2020 following…
    • National Independent Venue Association, YouTube announce virtual fest to save venues
      National Independent Venue Association, YouTube announce virtual fest to save venues
      October 8, 2020 at 1:15 pm
      First Avenue in Minneapolis (photographed on May 19, 2020) will host Dizzy Fae as part of #SOSFEST this month. Photo: Todd Johnson. YouTube Music and the…
    • SXSW going online in 2021; still hopes for physical festival
      SXSW going online in 2021; still hopes for physical festival
      September 22, 2020 at 11:53 pm
      CNN’s Jake Tapper and The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah speak onstage at the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals on March 9, 2019 in Austin, Texas. Courtes:…
    • SF Sketchfest 2021 postponed, virtual series planned
      SF Sketchfest 2021 postponed, virtual series planned
      September 17, 2020 at 12:15 pm
      Dana Gould performs at SF Sketchfest at the Speakeasy in San Francisco on Jan. 18, 2019. Jon Bauer/STAFF. Producers of SF Sketchfest, the annual San Francisco…
    • Outside Lands joins the pack, goes virtual in 2020 as 'Inside Lands'
      Outside Lands joins the pack, goes virtual in 2020 as ‘Inside Lands’
      August 7, 2020 at 12:19 pm
      The Outside Lands windmill arch on Aug. 10, 2019. Adam Pardee/STAFF. Joining festivals throughout the country like BottleRock and Lollapalooza, Outside Lands is going virtual in…

Opinion

    • OPINION: The ramifications of American fascism, which is still here
      OPINION: The ramifications of American fascism, which is still here
      January 19, 2021 at 1:00 pm
      A gallows erected by pro-Trump rioters outside the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021. Courtesy: Tyler Merbler. All of this was entirely…
      Jason Hill on producing and recording with Sylvain Sylvain and New York Dolls
      Jason Hill on producing and recording with Sylvain Sylvain and New York Dolls
      January 18, 2021 at 4:23 pm
      Sylvain Sylvain of the New York Dolls (right) with Jason Hill. Courtesy: Hill. Editor’s note: Guitarist Sylvain Sylvain, a founding member of seminal punk band New…
    • Obituary: Fairness demands remembering Phil Spector for who he was
      Obituary: Fairness demands remembering Phil Spector for who he was
      January 17, 2021 at 2:01 pm
      Phil Spector photographed in the 1970s, and a recent booking photo. I heard Phil Spector died and immediately thought of the end of “Fast Times at…
      Insert Foot: Yes, kids need sports, so let them play—the right way
      Insert Foot: Yes, kids need sports, so let them play—the right way
      January 17, 2021 at 1:30 am
      Insert Foot vs. “Let Them Play.” I involuntarily cringe every time I see something on social media about the “Let Them Play” movement. It seems we’ve…

Concert Reviews

    • REVIEW: Morgan Wallen gets 'Dangerous' at the Ryman in Nashville
      REVIEW: Morgan Wallen gets ‘Dangerous’ at the Ryman in Nashville
      January 12, 2021 at 8:55 pm
      Morgan Wallen performs during a livestream at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Jan. 12, 2021. Courtesy: John Shearer/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium. Country star Morgan Wallen‘s…
      REVIEW: MisterWives flourish in vivid 'Superbloom' live dream stream
      REVIEW: MisterWives flourish in vivid ‘Superbloom’ live dream stream
      December 13, 2020 at 9:00 am
      Misterwives perform during their “SUPERBLOOM: The Live Dream” livestream on Dec. 12, 2020. Courtesy of the band. MisterWives’ streamed performance on Saturday was an embodiment of…
    • REVIEW: Liam Gallagher flips a low-flying bird to the London Eye in cinematic livestream
      REVIEW: Liam Gallagher flips a low-flying bird to the London Eye in cinematic livestream
      December 5, 2020 at 5:24 pm
      Liam Gallagher performs during his livestream concert “Down by the River Thames” in London on Dec. 5, 2020. By Mason Meyers LONDON — Liam Gallagher’s Saturday…
      REVIEW: Blossoms’ livestream not ‘The Keeper’ but fit for the times
      REVIEW: Blossoms’ livestream not ‘The Keeper’ but fit for the times
      December 5, 2020 at 9:44 am
      Blossoms perform at The O2 in London on Dec. 3, 2020. Courtesy: MelodyVR. LONDON – Blossoms’ show at The O2 Academy on Thursday was a far cry…
    • REVIEW: Jayhawks' faithful 'Sound of Lies' livestream rings true
      REVIEW: Jayhawks’ faithful ‘Sound of Lies’ livestream rings true
      November 30, 2020 at 11:39 am
      The Jayhawks perform in Minnesota during their livestream on Nov. 29, 2020. Courtesy: Mandolin. Sound of Lies was the perfect album for the Jayhawks to showcase…
      REVIEW: COIN sets its winning pop-rock combo free at virtual concert
      REVIEW: COIN sets its winning pop-rock combo free at virtual concert
      November 21, 2020 at 9:42 am
      COIN performs during “An Immersive Virtual Experience,” a virtual show. Courtesy: SingleMusic. It’s been eight months since a pandemic-induced lockdown sent live music spontaneously combusting into…
    • REVIEW: Thundercat lays a funky foundation at the Fox Theater
      REVIEW: Thundercat lays a funky foundation at the Fox Theater
      March 7, 2020 at 8:12 am
      Thundercat performs at the Fox Theater in Oakland on March 6, 2020. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. OAKLAND — Stephen Lee Bruner is a man who can really play the…
      REVIEW: KISS and David Lee Roth say goodbye to Oakland (maybe)
      REVIEW: KISS and David Lee Roth say goodbye to Oakland (maybe)
      March 7, 2020 at 2:12 am
      KISS performs at the Oakland Arena in Oakland on March 6, 2020. Gary Chancer/STAFF. OAKLAND — The Centers for Disease Control was likely not happy with…
    • REVIEW: Brothers of a Feather Chris and Rich Robinson take SF to The Chapel
      REVIEW: Brothers of a Feather Chris and Rich Robinson take SF to The Chapel
      March 7, 2020 at 1:33 am
      Chris and Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes perform as Brothers of a Feather at The Chapel in San Francisco on March 6, 2020. Roman Gokhman/STAFF.…
      REVIEW: I've seen The Struts' act before, but it worked again at the Warfield
      REVIEW: I’ve seen The Struts’ act before, but it worked again at the Warfield
      March 4, 2020 at 7:42 am
      The Struts perform at The Warfield in San Francisco on March 3, 2020. Gary Chancer/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO —  Somewhere near the end of their wild rock…
    • Noise Pop Review: Slow Hollows plays their last SF show at Cafe Du Nord
      Noise Pop Review: Slow Hollows plays their last SF show at Cafe Du Nord
      March 1, 2020 at 5:54 am
      Slow Hollows perform at Cafe Du Nord in San Francisco on Feb. 29, 2020. Gary Chancer/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — San Fernando Valley’s Slow Hollows had been…
      Noise Pop Review: Best Coast celebrates all things California at the Regency Ballroom
      Noise Pop Review: Best Coast celebrates all things California at the Regency Ballroom
      March 1, 2020 at 4:33 am
      Best Coast performs at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco on Feb. 29, 2020. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Best Coast, fresh off releasing its fourth…
    • Noise Pop Review: Jacques Greene, NAVVI look like the past's future at Starline Social Club
      Noise Pop Review: Jacques Greene, NAVVI look like the past’s future at Starline Social Club
      March 1, 2020 at 3:31 am
      Jacques Greene performs at Starline Social Club in Oakland on February 29, 2020. Kate Vides/STAFF. OAKLAND — Saturday night’s show at the Starline Social Club was…
      Noise Pop Review: Bag Raiders unleash signature synth-and bass-combo at the Independent
      Noise Pop Review: Bag Raiders unleash signature synth-and bass-combo at the Independent
      February 29, 2020 at 9:29 am
      Bag Raiders perform at The Independent in San Francisco on Feb. 28, 2020. Gary Chancer/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Australian turned L.A. electro-disco duo Bag Raiders came out…
    • Noise Pop Review: Raphael Saadiq comes home to Oakland
      Noise Pop Review: Raphael Saadiq comes home to Oakland
      February 29, 2020 at 2:57 am
      Raphael Saadiq. Courtesy of Sony Music. OAKLAND — Raphael Saadiq is from here. East Oakland, specifically. He’s an alum of Castlemont High, his mom worked at…
      REVIEW: Miranda Lambert in cruise control at SAP Center 'Wildcard' stop
      REVIEW: Miranda Lambert in cruise control at SAP Center ‘Wildcard’ stop
      February 29, 2020 at 1:41 am
      Miranda Lambert performs at SAP Center in San Jose on Feb. 28, 2020. Courtesy: Tyler Conrad. SAN JOSE — Miranda Lambert covered all the bases at…
    • Noise Pop Review: Shigeto Live Ensemble blends jazz and electronic loops at the New Parish
      Noise Pop Review: Shigeto Live Ensemble blends jazz and electronic loops at the New Parish
      February 28, 2020 at 8:08 am
      Shigeto Live Ensemble performs at The New Parish in Oakland on Feb. 27, 2020. Sean Liming/STAFF. OAKLAND — Underground electronic musician Zachary Saginaw, better known by…
      Noise Pop Review: Joan and Ralph hold power pop rendezvous at Swedish American Hall
      Noise Pop Review: Joan and Ralph hold power pop rendezvous at Swedish American Hall
      February 27, 2020 at 6:14 am
      Joan performs at Swedish American Hall in San Francisco on Feb. 26, 2020. Sean Liming/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — One of the most compelling aspects of Noise…
    • REVIEW: Warpaint's Jennylee and TT converge solo endeavors at Noise Pop
      REVIEW: Warpaint’s Jennylee and TT converge solo endeavors at Noise Pop
      February 26, 2020 at 8:55 am
      Jennylee & TT perform at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco on Feb. 25, 2020. Joaquin Cabello/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — “We have some special things…

The Most OK of 2020

RIFF's 2020 in Review... in review!
Jan 07 2021
1:00 am

RIFF’s 2020 in Review… in review!

Illustration: Skott Bennett/STAFF. None of us here at RIFF would blame you if you just wanted to forget 2020 ever happened. We certainly do. But one of the few brights spot was that some…
    • 13 albums we're anticipating in 2021, and one we're not
      13 albums we’re anticipating in 2021, and one we’re not
      January 1, 2021 at 12:01 am
      You should be excited about new albums from (clockwise from top left) Kelly Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Lorde, My Bloody Valentine, Lykke Li, Tierra Whack, Modest Mouse,…
      Daniel J. Willis: The worst of 2020 in music, and everything else
      Daniel J. Willis: The worst of 2020 in music, and everything else
      December 31, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Editor Daniel J. Willis’ reaction to just about everything this year. Here’s his 2020 in review. The last couple years I’ve done a column of the…
    • What will concerts look like in 2021? Our (not very) realistic predictions
      What will concerts look like in 2021? Our (not very) realistic predictions
      December 30, 2020 at 12:01 am
      The future of concerts. Rendering: Roman Gokhman and Chloe Catajan/STAFF. Yes, 2020 has lasted about two centuries, but eventually it will be over. Really, we promise.…
      Tuesday Tracks: RIFF's best finds of 2020
      Tuesday Tracks: RIFF’s best finds of 2020
      December 29, 2020 at 12:30 am
      Clockwise from top left: Mr. Bungle, Charlie Burg, Kurt Baker, Mobley, Teenage Wrist and Secret Machines. If there’s one silver lining in the dark cloud of…
    • The 22 concerts we missed most in 2020, starring Billie Eilish, BTS and Taylor Swift
      The 22 concerts we missed most in 2020, starring Billie Eilish, BTS and Taylor Swift
      December 29, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Among the shows we most regret were canceled or postponed: BTS, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Nathaniel Rateliff, The Killers, Mew, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, BottleRock Napa…
      PLAYLIST: Behind the scenes with Roman Gokhman’s year in interviews
      PLAYLIST: Behind the scenes with Roman Gokhman’s year in interviews
      December 28, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Roman Gokhman writes about some of his favorite interviews of the year: Loyal Lobos; Damian Lillard; Allan Rayman; Lindsey Stirling; Brandon Leake; James Hersey; Rufus Wainwright;…
    • Insert Foot: Was there a flip side to 2020?
      Insert Foot: Was there a flip side to 2020?
      December 27, 2020 at 1:00 am
      Insert Foot is ready for 2021 with a little help from John Wooden. I usually hate optimists; maybe out of jealousy. Maybe because they always seem…
      In Memoriam: Eddie Van Halen and 24 other artists we lost in 2020
      In Memoriam: Eddie Van Halen and 24 other artists we lost in 2020
      December 24, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Row 1: Neil Peart, Riley Gale, Martin Birch, Peter Green, Lee Kerslake. Row 2: Ken Hensley, Pete Way, McCoy Tyner, Billy Joe Shaver and Bill Withers. Row 3:…
    • Rachel Goodman’s top 30 alt-rock and alt-pop songs of 2020
      Rachel Goodman’s top 30 alt-rock and alt-pop songs of 2020
      December 23, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Rachel Goodman’s top alt-rock and alt-pop songs of 2020. L to R; Row 1: Tame Impala, Caribou, Washed Out, Trace Mountains, The Big Moon, Future Islands.…
      Joaquin Cabello’s top 10 concerts of 2020, starring Motion City Soundtrack
      Joaquin Cabello’s top 10 concerts of 2020, starring Motion City Soundtrack
      December 21, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Photographer Joaquin Cabello’s favorite concerts of the year included Thrice, Refused, Motion City Soundtrack, This Will Destroy You, Dashboard Confessional, Keane, Strife, Jennylee and TT of…
    • Max Heilman’s 60 best metal albums of 2020: 10-1
      Max Heilman’s 60 best metal albums of 2020: 10-1
      December 18, 2020 at 12:01 am
      The 60 best metal albums of 2020 include (clockwise from top left): Mr. Bungle, The Ocean Collective, Wailin’ Storms, Liturgy, Emma Ruth Rundle & Thou, Ulcerate,…
      Max Heilman’s 60 best metal albums of 2020: 20-11
      Max Heilman’s 60 best metal albums of 2020: 20-11
      December 17, 2020 at 12:01 am
      The 60 best metal albums of 2020 include (clockwise from top left): Code Orange, Napalm Death, Garganjua, Pallbearer, Xibalba, Imperial Triumphant, Bell Witch & Aerial Ruin,…
    • Max Heilman’s 60 best metal albums of 2020: 30-21
      Max Heilman’s 60 best metal albums of 2020: 30-21
      December 16, 2020 at 12:01 am
      The 60 best metal albums of 2020 include (clockwise from top left): Deftones, Tallah, Loathe, Ulthar, Pyrrhon, Bedsore, Orthodox, Katla, -(16)- and Boris. Thirty down, 30…
      Max Heilman’s 60 best metal albums of 2020: 40-31
      Max Heilman’s 60 best metal albums of 2020: 40-31
      December 15, 2020 at 12:01 am
      The 60 best metal albums of 2020 include (clockwise from top left): Killer Be Killed, Winterfylleth, Igorrr, Kall, Incantation, Wayfarer, Ether Coven, Eye of Nix, In…
    • RIFF's best concert photography of 2020, starring Tove Lo and KISS
      RIFF’s best concert photography of 2020, starring Tove Lo and KISS
      December 14, 2020 at 12:01 am
      RIFF photographers’ best work in 2020 included these shots of Poppy, Seventeen, The Struts, Colony House, Little Image, KISS, Injury Reserve, Suzi Analogue, Elbow, Tones &…
      Max Heilman’s 60 best metal albums of 2020: 50-41
      Max Heilman’s 60 best metal albums of 2020: 50-41
      December 14, 2020 at 12:01 am
      The 60 best metal albums of 2020 include (clockwise from top left): The Black Dahlia Murder, Elder, Sumac, Botanist, Vile Creature, Today is the Day, Cult…
    • Max Heilman’s 60 best metal albums of 2020: 60-51
      Max Heilman’s 60 best metal albums of 2020: 60-51
      December 13, 2020 at 12:01 am
      The 60 best metal albums of 2020 include (clockwise from top left): Great American Ghost, Azusa, Oranssi Pazuzu, Primitive Man, Obsidian Kingdom, Malokarpatan, My Dying Bride,…
      The 20 best hip-hop albums of 2020
      The 20 best hip-hop albums of 2020
      December 9, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Our list of the 20 best hip-hop albums of 2019 includes Megan Thee Stallion, Big Sean, Backxwash, Dizzee Rascal, Busta Rhymes, Aminé, Bambu, Nas, Public Enemy,…
    • The 75 best albums of 2020: 10-1
      The 75 best albums of 2020: 10-1
      December 8, 2020 at 12:01 am
      The best albums of 2020 include (clockwise from top left): Fiona Apple, Doves, Run The Jewels, Thurston Moore, Fantastic Negrito, Jónsi, Code Orange, Hayley Williams and…
      The 75 best albums of 2020: 20-11
      The 75 best albums of 2020: 20-11
      December 7, 2020 at 12:01 am
      The best albums of 2020 include (clockwise from top left): Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Caribou, The Chicks, Joji, Nathaniel Rateliff, Deftones, he Psychedelic Furs, Open Mike…
    • The 75 best albums of 2020: 30-21
      The 75 best albums of 2020: 30-21
      December 6, 2020 at 12:01 am
      The best albums of 2020 include (clockwise from top left): Sufjan Stevens, Jehnny Beth, John Frusciante, METZ, Pearl Jam, clipping., Hailey Whitters, Black Thought, Throwing Muses…
      The 75 best albums of 2020: 40-31
      The 75 best albums of 2020: 40-31
      December 5, 2020 at 12:01 am
      The best albums of 2020 include (clockwise from top left): Bob Dylan, Aesop Rock, Allan Rayman, The Cribs, Beabadoobee, Taemin, Bring Me The Horizon, Greg Puciato,…
    • The 75 best albums of 2020: 50-41
      The 75 best albums of 2020: 50-41
      December 4, 2020 at 12:01 am
      The best albums of 2020 include (clockwise from top left): The Jayhawks, Lady Gaga, Royce da 5’9”, Poppy, MisterWives, The Weeknd, Donna Missal, Caleb Landry Jones,…
      The 75 best albums of 2020: 60-51
      The 75 best albums of 2020: 60-51
      December 3, 2020 at 12:01 am
      The best albums of 2020 include (clockwise from top left): Benny the Butcher, Sault, The Soft Pink Truth, Jacob Collier, Lucinda Williams, Jahari Massamba Unit, Bruce…
    • The 75 best albums of 2020: 75-61
      The 75 best albums of 2020: 75-61
      December 2, 2020 at 12:01 am
      The best albums of 2020 include Washed Out, the Mountain Goats, Ethan Gruska, Tom Petty, Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown, Logic, The Strokes, Moses Sumney, Fleet…
      Year-end blitz: RIFF's 2020 in review lists are coming!
      Year-end blitz: RIFF’s 2020 in review lists are coming!
      December 1, 2020 at 12:01 am
      Illustration: Skott Bennett/STAFF. It’s been a year like no other. When the Bay Area shut down on March 11 and 12, RIFF had to quickly pivot…