LHB’s Shorties (Big Star, The Runaways, and More)
Michael Chabon examines Big Star's Keep an Eye on the Sky box set.
Power pop is a prayer offered by atheists to a God who exists but doesn’t hear. Keep an Eye on the Sky is a worthy temple of this bittersweet faith.
Chicagoist interviews Chuck Criss of Freelance Whales.
C: And, of course, then the comparison game begins. Two major ones that consistently pop up for the Whales are Sufjan Stevens and Arcade Fire. What do you think of those comparisons? Has the trend toward comparison in music press driven you crazy yet?CC: No, I mean, I think it's flattering. I don't think the comparisons are trying to pigeonhole bands. They're just a way of expressing if you like this band or artist, you might like this, too. If that's part of a platform for us to share our music, we're cool with that. A lot of the comparisons don't really stem from the sound of the whole album as much of one section of one song, and that's where we see a Sufjan or Arcade Fire comparison. But it hasn't driven us crazy. There are far worse comparisons writers could be making.
New York Magazine's Vulture blog ponders the significance of the Hold Steady's new album cover.
At eMusic, Douglas Wolk lists the 22 essential Sub Pop albums.
NPR's All Things Considered interviews Broken Bells' James Mercer and Danger Mouse about the band's self-titled debut album.
Follow NPR Music's extensive SXSW Music coverage.
Interview interviews Joan Jett about the new Runaways biopic.
The A.V. Club unveiled its "Undercover" series with Ted Leo covering Tears for Fears' "Everybody wants to Rule the World."
A Jay Reatard tribute will be held Thursday at Beerland in Austin from 1-6 (for people attending SXSW Music).
The Line of Best Fit interviews Ryan McPhun of The Ruby Suns about the band's wonderful new album, Fight Softly.
