Stellastarr*, courtesy. SAN FRANCISCO — Stellastarr* were once one of the hottest buzz bands out the Brooklyn new-wave movement. But while some bands like Interpol have continued to climb beyond buzz-band status and others have fallen away long ago, Stellastarr* are content with their place. The quartet of singer Shawn…

Bell X1, Courtesy: Johnny Savage SAN FRANCISCO — With Bono focusing his humanitarian efforts on Africa, we should consider ourselves lucky we have our own Irishman to help out in America. Irish vacationers are now experiencing here the same thing that Americans were when they visited Ireland in the…

Nada Surf, courtesy. This story originally appeared in the Oakland Tribune. SAN FRANCISCO — In the world of pop music, you’re either “popular” or you’re forgotten. Nada Surf knows how it is. The New York indie band — singer-guitarist Matthew Caws, drummer Ira Elliot and bassist Daniel Lorca —…

Explosions in the Sky perform at The Fox Theater in Oakland on Sept. 16, 2019. Joaquin Cabello/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO —“Cinematic rock” has become a cliche of sorts, but it holds true for Texas instrumental quartet Explosions in the Sky. And while plenty of instrumental indie rock bands have sprung…

Matchbox Twenty performs at HP Pavilion in San Jose on March 12, 2008. This story originally appeared in the Oakland Tribune. SAN JOSE — Nineties nostalgia overtook the HP Pavilion Wednesday night as recently reunited Matchbox Twenty, touring in support of greatest hits/new material double album “Exile on Mainstream,”…

She & Him perform at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on March 2, 2008. This story originally appeared in the Oakland Tribune. SAN FRANCISCO — You knew she could sing retro after Will Farrell walked in on her belting out “Baby It’s Cold Outside” in a…

This story originally appeared in the Oakland Tribune. PLEASANTON, Calif. — If you’re reading this — and statistics say that you are most likely over 16 years old — you have probably never heard of the Jonas Brothers.  But your teen or tween daughter has. Because anyone who watches…

Boyz II Men perform at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif., on June 24, 2007. Roman Gokhman/STAFF. This story originally appeared in the Oakland Tribune. PLEASANTON — What if Elvis or the Beatles didn’t disappear suddenly and publicly, but rather faded away slowly and quietly? What if after…

U2 frontman Bono makes his way from his limousine to his fans before the soundcheck for Sunday’s show at the Rose Garden in Portland on April 15, 2001. This story first ran in the Oregon Daily Emerald. PORTLAND — There were no giant screens, hanging hydraulic automobiles, or 40-foot mirrorball…