For nearly a century and a half, scholars and fans have puzzled over a mysterious line in Richard Wagner’s 1882 opera, “Parsifal.” During the first act, a wise knight named Gurnemanz describes the Grail castle to the fool Parsifal: “You see son, here time becomes space.” There’s a Quora…

It’s almost 2020. We’re living in an era when many of science fiction’s classics are supposed to take place. As a science fiction writer and a scholar who studies the genre, I’m acutely aware that we are not yet living in the stainless steel techno-utopia we were promised. Where’s…

Oh Sees have always been an exercise in Lamarckian evolution. Helmed by guitarist and vocalist John Dwyer, the psychedelic veterans have changed lineups almost as many times as they’ve changed their name—OCS, The Ohsees and Thee Oh Sees. The revolving door of musicians coincides with the band’s transformation from a sloppy,…

Mono performs at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on June 5, 2019. Photos: Joaquin Cabello. SAN FRANCISCO — After the Japanese drone outfit Mono filed onto the stage at The Great American Music Hall to the soothing synthesized sounds of “God Bless,” the quintet launched immediately into…

Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets perform at The Masonic in San Francisco on March 15, 2019. Photos: Joaquin Cabello. SAN FRANCISCO — Drummer Nick Mason is the only member of Pink Floyd to be featured on every one of the band’s albums, which have gone on to sell over…

  I’m gonna be honest with you: I’m writing this from the Treehouse at the Oakland Coliseum while watching batting practice, so you don’t really have my full attention. I mean, of course I’ve given thought to the choices, but come on, this is my view right now: I…

Roger Waters, “Is This the Life We Really Want?” Twenty-five years between albums may seem like a long time, but when you’re the father of the most successful concept albums in the history of rock music, who’s going to rush you? Roger Waters is back with Is This the life…