Blog Post

Keeping Up (Vol. 31)

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader: MUSIC: Nirvana / Live At Reading – It almost goes without saying that a new Nirvana release is big news. In this case, Live At Reading is both a CD and DVD –- although available for purchase in either only formats -- spotlighting the band in concert at their arguable prime in 1992. Fans of drummer Dave Grohl also ought to be aware of the debut self-titled album of Them Crooked Vultures, a supergroup trio also featuring Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones and Queens Of The Stone Age…
Read More

Sean McCarthy’s Top 100 Of The 2000s (Part V)

[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…
Read More

Sean McCarthy’s Top 100 Of The 2000s (Part IV)

[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…
Read More

Keeping Up (Vol. 30)

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…
Read More

Sean McCarthy’s Top 100 Of The 2000s (Part III)

[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…
Read More

Sean McCarthy’s Top 100 Of The 2000s

In November 2009, Sean McCarthy set out to tackle reviewing his personal Top 100 albums of the first decade of the 21st century.  These 100 capsule reviews are broken into sets of 20, with the first set published on November 2, 2009.  Collect 'em all! Top 100 Of The 2000s 11/2/09 -- Numbers 100 through 81 11/9/09 -- Numbers 80 through 61 11/16/09 -- Numbers 60 through 41 11/23/09 -- Numbers 40 through 21 11/30/09 -- Numbers 20 through 1  
Read More

Sean McCarthy’s Top 100 Of The 2000s (Part II)

[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…
Read More

Keeping Up (Vol. 29)

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…
Read More

Sean McCarthy’s Top 100 Of The 2000s (Part I)

[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…
Read More

Keeping Up (Vol. 28)

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…
Read More