Darren Paltrowitz

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader: MUSIC:  Superdrag / Industry Giants – Original lineup intact, Superdrag returns with Industry Giants, their first new studio album in more than half a decade. Furthermore, it's the first album to feature songwriting and lead vocal contributions by bassist Tom Pappas and guitarist Brandon Fisher. Older and wiser, the group's tempos, dynamics, and lyrical themes are all over the place this time around. But for a taste of manic, high-energy rock, start with the John Davis-penned album opener “Slow To Anger.” Touring in support of the album will start…

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader: MUSIC: Parry Gripp Song Of The Week – First coming into the spotlight as the singer and songwriter of Nerf Herder, Parry Gripp has maintained a cult following for almost 15 years. From Nerf Herder’s 1996 radio hit “Van Halen” to Internet viral phenomenon “Do You Like Waffles?” Gripp has consistently crafted catchy and topical songs that showcased his charisma. Now doing things the 21st century way, Gripp now posts a new song almost every week on his website. Visitors can listen to the whole song, and if they…

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader: MUSIC: The Methadones / 21st Century Power Pop Riot – Cover albums tend to polarize serious music listeners.  Some fans may look at them as a band’s excuse to not write new material, while other fans enjoy hearing interpretations of tracks that inspired the musicians.  In this case, the Illinois-based Methadones – led by ex-Screeching Weasel member Dan Schafer – take on songs of the 1970s and 1980s, mostly of the power-pop, glam, and punk rock varieties.  Fans of Cheap Trick, Elvis Costello, and Joe Jackson ought to take…

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader: ALBUM: Fleet Foxes / Fleet Foxes – Hailing from Washington State, Fleet Foxes formed in 2006 and quickly earned a quarter-million visits to their MySpace.  Not long after, their debut full-length came out on Sub Pop and reached many-a Best Of 2008 list.  Driven by harmonies with a folky spin, it is another great album featuring the production of Phil Ek, who is also known for working with Built To Spill, The Shins, and Band Of Horses.  New listeners ought to start with the second track (and first single)…

Here are 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader: ALBUM: The Stills / Oceans Will Rise – In recent years, attention has been drawn to Montreal as a “new Seattle” for its export of great bands. The Stills is among the noted pack with The Arcade Fire.  I first discovered The Stills a few years ago when a track of theirs (“Changes Are No Good”) was bundled with a download of Winamp.  Well-textured, lush rock to say the least.  If unfamiliar, use “Being Here” and “Don’t Talk Down” from their MySpace page as starting points. (myspace.com/thestills) BOOK: Chris Jericho…

Here are 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader: MUSIC: The Brilliant Mistakes / Distant Drumming – Recorded in the least likely of places for a smart and hooky rock album (Bronx, NY), Distant Drumming is the third full-length from The Brilliant Mistakes.  Power trio lineup in tact, Erik Philbrook and Alan Walker continue to sing and write the songs while Paul Mauceri holds down the rhythm.  Fans of Crowded House, Elvis Costello & The Attractions, and Candy Butchers ought to take note; Mike Viola can be heard on two tracks. (thebrilliantmistakes.com) LITERATURE: Malcolm Gladwell / Outliers: The Story…

Here are 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader: MUSIC: We Are Balboa / Space Between Bodies – Originally hailing from Madrid, We Are Balboa now calls Brooklyn their home.   With an album produced by Jon Gray (Radio 4, The Subways, Editors) and tour dates alongside The Sounds, Primal Scream, and The Charlatans UK, you would be right to assume that “Space Between Bodies” is a collection of upbeat, jangly, Brit-inspired pop-rock.  But above all, there is undeniable chemistry between vocalist Lua and guitarist Carlos del Amo coming across in the music.  This is the finest Spanish musical export…

Here are 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:MUSIC: Hooray For Earth / Hooray For Earth – With a name like “Hooray For Earth,” you’re likely to expect a happy-go-lucky jam band.  Fortunately, it’s quite the opposite with this Boston quartet.  Instead of the piled-on optimism, you have yourself noisy yet structured rock filled with melody.  Fans of the more subdued material from Cave In, Thrice, and Queens Of The Stone Age are likely to approve.  As a sample, try the “Want Want Want” music video, which you can find on YouTube. (myspace.com/hoorayforearth)LITERATURE: Danny Goldberg / Bumping Into Genius…

Welcome to the 3rd edition of what’s intended to be a bi-weekly column.  A 9-day trip to Japan alongside Mike Viola and The Major Labels has left me jet-lagged and off-schedule, yet no less in awe of new quality entertainment.  But if you feel I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com. Here are 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader: The Changes / Today Is Tonight – As I was visiting the New York office of Kobalt Music Publishing, I heard some great music playing off a desktop and…

Welcome to the second edition of what's become a bi-weekly column.  While the weather has begun to get a little colder, entertainment and online media have not cooled off.  But should I be missing anything worthwhile and deserving of column space, please feel free to reach out to me with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com. Here are 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader: L.E.O. / Alpacas Orgling - Admittedly, I missed the boat on this gem of an album.  Essentially, L.E.O. is a one-off led by renowned singer-songwriter Bleu.  Wearing his E.L.O. influences on his sleeve, Bleu and friends (including…