Rex Orange County performs at Paramount Theatre in Oakland on Nov. 19, 2024. Aaron Lee/STAFF. OAKLAND — “What’s up Oakland!” Rex Orange County shouted on the first night of a three-night stay at Paramount Theatre, in the East Bay. Rex Orange County 8:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday Paramount Theatre,…

Rex Orange County, ‘Who Cares?’ Alexander James O’Connor, better known as Rex Orange County, keeps things laidback despite the stresses and anxieties of life on his third album, Who Cares? The 11 tracks are quick and punchy, with the record clocking in at just over 30 minutes. He blends a…

Rex Orange County performs at The Masonic in San Francisco on Jan. 16, 2020. Onome Uyovbievbo/Staff. SAN FRANCISCO — In a year when cynicism is widely available, and often quite convincing, a pop star’s optimism invokes a healthy skepticism. On record, Rex Orange County wavers at times from tween-pop…

Rex Orange County, “Pony.” For those who haven’t kept up with Alexander O’Connor’s work as Rex Orange County, perhaps his work on Tyler the Creator’s Flower Boy will ring a bell. His combination of neo soul, alternative hip-hop and art-pop has set him apart since his 2016 self-released debut, bcos…

David Byrne performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Aug. 22, 2018. Photos: Paige K. Parsons. I don’t usually rank my top 10 shows, but this year’s best show was so far above the rest, I decided to make it clear who was at the top:…

Ranger Dave at Outside Lands in San Francisco on August 10, 2018. Photos: Shawn Robbins and Joaquin Cabello Outside Lands reveals its best and worst to me throughout the day, and it might not be what you expect. The best and worst of Friday are below. In short, I…

Photos: Joaquin Cabello and Shawn Robbins SAN FRANCISCO — The Weeknd put on a headliner-caliber show to close out the first day of Outside Lands on Friday. It’s hard to believe the Canadian artist was just another YouTube singer only eight years ago. His polished neo-R&B vocals were accompanied by…