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[Editor's note: Cover images of albums previously reviewed on the DV have been linked to the review.]In the '90s, we saw hair metal and boy bands destroyed by grunge and alternative rock, only to have boy bands resurface stronger than ever at the end of the decade. At the beginning of this decade, we saw boy bands be destroyed once again, but by what was up for debate. Thanks to file sharing, MySpace and Internet radio, musical tastes became more and more divergent. As a result, there was no galvanizing movement like grunge or superstar like Michael Jackson to steer…

[Editor's note: Cover images of albums previously reviewed on the DV have been linked to the review.]In the '90s, we saw hair metal and boy bands destroyed by grunge and alternative rock, only to have boy bands resurface stronger than ever at the end of the decade. At the beginning of this decade, we saw boy bands be destroyed once again, but by what was up for debate. Thanks to file sharing, MySpace and Internet radio, musical tastes became more and more divergent. As a result, there was no galvanizing movement like grunge or superstar like Michael Jackson to steer…

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:MUSIC: Visqueen – Straddling the line between power-pop and punk-pop, Visqueen is a Seattle group that is heavy on hooks. Earning rave reviews from NPR, The Village Voice, and GNR bassist Duff McKagan alike, new album Message To Garcia has been making waves in spite of it being self-released on frontwoman Rachel Flotard’s Local 638 Records label. Fans of The Muffs, The Fastbacks and The Ramones ought to take notice. (visqueenonline.com)   BOOK: Paul Shaffer with David Ritz / We’ll Be Here For The Rest Of Our Lives – Paul…

[Editor's note: Cover images of albums previously reviewed on the DV have been linked to the review.] In the '90s, we saw hair metal and boy bands destroyed by grunge and alternative rock, only to have boy bands resurface stronger than ever at the end of the decade. At the beginning of this decade, we saw boy bands be destroyed once again, but by what was up for debate. Thanks to file sharing, MySpace and Internet radio, musical tastes became more and more divergent. As a result, there was no galvanizing movement like grunge or superstar like Michael Jackson to steer…

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:MUSIC: Jupiter One – A recently discovery at a CMJ showcase, Jupiter One recently released Sunshower, their second full-length album on Rykodisc. Currently on tour with Regina Spektor, the Brooklyn-based group has previously had music featured in TV shows like Heroes and Kyle XY and video games including Madden NFL 08 and FIFA 09. Fans of Phoenix and MGMT ought to take note. (jupiterone.com)   BOOK: Daniel Coyle / The Talent Code – New York Times scribe Daniel Coyle’s new book The Talent Code aims to explain why greatness is…

[Editor's note: Cover images of albums previously reviewed on the DV have been linked to the review.]In the '90s, we saw hair metal and boy bands destroyed by grunge and alternative rock, only to have boy bands resurface stronger than ever at the end of the decade. At the beginning of this decade, we saw boy bands be destroyed once again, but by what was up for debate. Thanks to file sharing, MySpace and Internet radio, musical tastes became more and more divergent. As a result, there was no galvanizing movement like grunge or superstar like Michael Jackson to steer…

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:MUSIC: The Bird & The Bee – A duo comprised of Inara George and Greg Kurstin –- both veteran L.A. songwriters –- The Bird & The Bee serves up tropicalia-influenced electro-pop. First making waves with unique singles “Again & Again” and “Love Letter To Japan,” the group has an underground buzz going with its not-yet-released Hall & Oates covers disc. No, not kidding. No matter where you stand regarding Daryl Hall and John Oates’ legacy, this is some recommended listening. Fingers crossed it sees the light of day with a…

It’s fair to say Charlie Fink, frontman of London indie-folksters Noah And The Whale, hasn’t had the best run of luck. First, he endured a painful relationship split from former band member – and now accomplished artist in her own right – Laura Marling, an event that seems to have provided much of the inspiration for the band’s second album, The First Days Of Spring. Then, not long into the tour to promote the second album, the band had thousands of pounds worth of irreplaceable equipment stolen after a gig in Manchester. It’d be enough to make even Tony Robbins…

The rain let up over Boston just in time to spare the fans queuing up for a night of great music. The House Of Blues sits in the shadow of Fenway Park, and happy rockers lined up noshing bratwurst from street vendors, extolling the virtues of the Sox, and waiting for one of the rare U.S. performances of Porcupine Tree, one of only 12 North American shows on this tour. (This was a sold-out show so the venue was packed, a testament to their growing popularity). Opening the show were veteran rockers Kings X (Doug Pinnick – bass/vocals, Ty Tabor…

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:MUSIC: Father Dude – The brainchild of Harlem, New York-based Mitch Conwell, Father Dude is an R&B/soul throw-back -- but in an entirely fresh and exciting way. Sonically somewhere between Nick Ashford (of Ashford & Simpson fame) and Maxwell, Conwell fronts a four-piece band that can not only do funky, but also guitar-based heavy. Check out Father Dude’s website for tracks from the new EP, in addition to a cover of Edgar Winter’s “Dying To Live.” (fatherdude.com)   BOOK: Mike Sacks / And Here’s The Kicker – Subtitled “Conversations With…