If Patrick Tape Fleming and Chris Ford weren’t already two of the biggest names in Iowa music, who’ve played shows before adoring crowds of thousands (with The Poison Control Center and Christopher the Conquered, respectively), Gloom Balloon would still be an easy sell. It seems like this group (it’s just the two of them) may
Iowa City live music
Posted inArts & Entertainment
I’m a Stranger Here Just Like You: An Interview with Pete Bernhard of The Devil Makes Three
Rarely do I run across a band whose sound is so unique that it’s hard to describe their music, but any attempt at defining The Devil Makes Three leaves me stumbling…
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Show preview: Dustin Wong at the Trumpet Blossom Cafe
Experimental/art-rock guitarist Dustin Wong is set to perform in Iowa City this Friday at the Trumpet Blossom Cafe. Originally making a name for himself as a member of indie rock groups Ecstatic Sunshine and Ponytail, Wong has since taken time to expand his craft through a solo career. With two major releases in the last year…
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Prairie Pop
An interview with Michael Timmins of the Cowboy Junkies
To paraphrase Grand Funk Railroad, Cowboy Junkies are a Canadian band—and a family band. It features siblings Margo Timmins on vocals, Michael Timmins on guitar, Peter Timmins on drums and longtime friend and collaborator Alan Anton on bass. Their quiet, hypnotic sound (imagine the Velvet Underground backing Patsy Cline) was cemented on their breakthrough 1988 album…
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The Envy Corps swing into Iowa City this Thursday
Those jokers at Raygunsite.com used to sell a T-Shirt, designed in collaboration with the band, that says “The Envy Corps: Radiohead For Coldplay Fans.” So they’ve spoiled the main insight any music critic would bring to bear in describing their music. There’s no denying that these guys sound quite a bit like Radiohead. The best way
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Photos: White Mystery, Lee Ranaldo and the Dust at Gabe’s
Rockers White Mystery joined Lee Ranaldo and the Dust for an excellent show at Gabe’s Thursday. Ranaldo, for those who missed our show preview or are otherwise unfamiliar, is the co-founder of the iconic indie rock group Sonic Youth. The Dust, meanwhile, feature Sonic Youth’s drummer Steve Shelley along with Alan Licht and Tim Lüntzel. […]
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On the Beat: Three October shows that will leave you satisfied
For those wishing to escape the stresses of late October in a decidedly less agro manner, head over to the Trumpet Blossom Café and spend an evening drifting…
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Sonic Youth co-founder Lee Ranaldo plays tonight at Gabe’s
Lee Ranaldo has a lot of history with ‘loud music’ fans, beginning with his 30-odd years as a member of Sonic Youth. Starting in the downtown New York No Wave…
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This weekend: Aimee Mann to play the Englert Theatre
Aimee Mann is set to appear at the Englert this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. for what promises to be an intimate performance from one of music’s most comforting voices. Still avoiding hyperbole, it can easily be argued that Mann’s voice belongs in the pantheon of instantly-recognizable styles that match hand-in-hand with the genre they occupy.
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Tonight at Blue Moose: Motion City Soundtrack and Bayside take the stage
Tonight at 6:00 p.m., punk rockers Bayside are set to perform at the Blue Moose Tap House alongside Minnesota’s Motion City Soundtrack. What’s Eating Gilbert and…
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Show Preview: Surfer Blood is catchy as hell and you should see them on Saturday
Surfer Blood is heading to Gabe’s this Saturday alongside Team Spirit and Andy Boay, and the first thing you should know about this group is that they’re catchy…
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Innovative and absurd: An interview with Quintron
It’s difficult to put a finger on the mystery of New Orleans — the vast wasteland of the crescent city and its perpetual soirees are both alarming and captivating at the same time. Inventor and organist Mr. Quintron, along with his partner, peppy puppeteer Miss Pussycat, embody this spirit with their transcendent, R&B dance stomp…
