Darren Paltrowitz

[Editor's Note: Former Contributing Writer Darren Paltrowitz has authored two ongoing columns for the Daily Vault over the years. Both the original model (Moving In Stereo) and the more recent Keeping Up (With Darren Paltrowitz), which ran 50 episodes from 2008 through 2011, featured an eclectic mix of news and observations about musical and pop culture doings. For the site's 20th anniversary, Darren returned with a characteristically wide-ranging and quirky set of albums that influenced him.] 1. Superdrag – Head Trip In Every Key Superdrag had one of the key rock radio hits in 1996 with "Sucked Out." In turn,…

Here are some more quick picks for you, the loyal readerMUSIC: Take It Or Leave It: A Tribute To The Runaways – Some people became aware of The Runaways in the 1970s as one of the first all-female rock bands. Others took note after founding members Joan Jett and Lita Ford launched successful solo careers. Others very recently when a bio-pic was released starring Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart. Any way you slice it, The Runaways were an influential band and among those paying tribute on Take It are The Dandy Warhols, The Donnas, Shonen Knife, and David Johansen of…

Here are some more quick picks for you, the loyal readerMUSIC: Dredg – More than 15 years into their existence, California-based Dredg has not only survived since leaving major label Interscope, but they have thrived in doing so. Dredg's fifth full-length (the interestingly-titled Chuckles And Mr. Squeezy) is their second since going independent, as produced by the legendary Dan The Automator (Gorillaz, Deltron 3030, Handsome Boy Modeling School). “Bug Eyes” from 2005's Catch Without Arms ought to be a great starting point for someone unfamiliar with Dredg, a band that tends to be simultaneously anthemic and sincere. (dredg.com) FILM: Rock…

Here are some more quick picks for you, the loyal reader:BOOK: Sammy Hagar / Red: My Life Uncensored In Rock – Sammy Hagar is arguably best known for fronting Van Halen. However, prior to joining Van Halen, he had millions of dollars in the bank thanks to a solo career and business start-ups. Oh, and even prior to that he sung for Montrose. The man has a lot of great stories and this book makes for a quick read. (redrocker.com) TOOL: Award Wallet – What Mint.com does for your financial accounts, Award Wallet does for your rewards programs. In other…

Here are some more quick picks for you, the loyal reader:MUSIC: Heidecker & Wood / Starting From Nowhere is the debut album from Tim Heidecker and Davin Wood, two folks best known for their work on “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” The album is largely inspired by 1970s soft-rock –- often referred to nowadays as “yacht rock” –- coming across as sound-alikes of artists like Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, and Seals & Croft. Therefore, a subtler form of comedy than Heidecker is generally known for. (heideckerandwood.com) SHOW: The League – I stumbled across this series when browsing…

Here are some more quick pick for you, the loyal reader:MUSIC: The Strokes / Angles – Believe it or not, it has been 10 years since The Strokes released their debut Is This It on RCA Records, and five years since the New York City-based quintet released First Impressions Of Earth. On Angles, the band goes back to the original lo-fi guitar-heavy approach, this time with all 5 members contributing to the writing. Strokes fans old and new ought to be delighted. (thestrokes.com) BOOK: Mark Di Vincenzo / Your Pinkie Is More Powerful Than Your Thumb – Although a veteran…

Here are some more quick picks for you, the loyal reader:MUSIC: If By Yes – Featuring members of That Dog, Cibo Matto and Cornelius, If By Yes is most likely a side project for its members. Even so, fans of Bird & The Bee and other lush, tropicalia-influenced pop artists ought to love If By Yes. Their debut album will soon be released on Chimera Music, a label operated by fan and friend Sean Lennon. (chimeramusic.com/ifbyyes.html) FILM: I Am Comic – A documentary made by former stand-up comic Jordan Brady, I Am Comic shows what it is like to be…

Here are some more quick picks for you, the loyal reader:MUSIC: Kurt Baker / Got It Covered – Formerly the frontman of The Leftovers, Kurt Baker makes his solo debut with the Got It Covered EP. Featuring covers of Blondie, Rick Springfield, Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello & The Attractions -- to name 4 out of 7 -- Baker shows his power-pop influences while adding his own energy to the mix. Produced by Linus Of Hollywood and featuring a cameo by Kay Hanley, Got It Covered is a pleasant reminder of how great the Top 40 used to be. (kurtbakermusic.com)…

Here are some more quick picks for you, the loyal reader:MUSIC: The Damned Things / Ironiclast – An all-star band of sorts, The Damned Things features 2/5 of Anthrax, 2/4 of Fall Out Boy, and 2/5 of Every Time I Die. Somewhere between arena rock,  metal and Misfits-inspired punk, The Damned Things are dark yet heavy on hooks and riffs. Hopefully this is not just a “side project” and there are more albums to come. (thedamnedthings.com) BOOK: Craig Ferguson / American On Purpose – Craig Ferguson is best known as the host of the Late Late Show on CBS, which…

Here are some more quick picks for you, the loyal reader:MUSIC: Gorillaz / The Fall – Damon Albarn –- leader of Gorillaz, Blur and The Good The Bad & The Queen -- decided to end his 2010 with a massive challenge: making an entire album on an iPad. Which he gave out to fan club members on Christmas for free. Which was on the heels of the top-notch 2010 release Plastic Beach. Whether or not you love the genre-bending music of Gorillaz (Plastic Beach is undeniably far superior to The Fall), the work ethic of the nearly-all-star band is practically…