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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…

Two years ago, Billy Joel brought his first solo tour to Australia after almost a decade.  The shows sold out fast, real fast, and a great time was had by all. He is currently back Down Under with pretty much the same show, the only difference being that he has dropped some later songs in favor of his earlier works.  After taking our seats side-on to the stage (great view), we spent a little time talking about what to expect and what surprises BJ might have in store for us.  The arena (capacity 16,000) was filling quickly as show time…

Jon Troast is up front about what you get when you book him for a house concert on his now year-long “100 Dollar Tour” -- a one-hour show in your living room for as many (or few) people as you want to invite, copies of his most recent CDs and a chance to hang out with the artist.  The side benefits are less well-advertised.  When I mention shortly after he arrives that our house is the cleanest it's been in months, his response is a wry grin and “I get that a lot.” The relationship between artist and audience is rarely…

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…

Nine Inch Nails -- aka Trent Reznor -- has a lot to sing about. Literally, with four albums released in the past two years, which is a truly unprecedented blast of activity from a guy known for lingering obsessively over an album for four to five years. Having not seen them live for several years, I was excited to hear gobs of new material along with the venerable faves, and I was not disappointed. The VWA was a cozy little venue, with about 2,500 souls on hand. Opening act Health was a completely unknown quantity prior to the lights going…

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…