Winter’s Bone, the 2010 film adapted from Daniel Woodrell’s 2006 book of the same name, tells the story of Ree Dolly, who must navigate the treacherous, meth-ruined landscape of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, in search of her erstwhile father, Jessup. The bank is closing in on the home she…
“Gather around, ugly children, and uncle Mushroomhead will tell you a story.” But these are no ordinary stories. The tales told on Cleveland industrial/metal outfit Mushroomhead’s latest album, Beautiful Stories for Ugly Children, are the stuff of nightmares. The band has stated the album title came from an ’80s comic…
The first song on the EP, “Girl Not Gonna Leave,” is quite possibly the best song — it’s also a song that the band has been working on and playing at their live shows for quite some time. Singer/guitarist James Mulhern recently took some time to share some tidbits on…
, according to Yahoo News.The hacker group, which calls itself Lulzsec and the Lulz Boat, posted a fake story on the PBS NewsHous page of the company’s website saying that everyone’s main man of the ’90s, Tupac, is alive and well in New Zealand. They wrote and posted the article…
What does a drive from Phoenix to the Big Bend area of Texas sound like? Well, according to psych-rock band Pontiak (who are from some place called Holtzclaw, Virginia), a road trip through the landscapes of the southwest sound like a stripped-down, four-part country-blues jam. Pontiak’s upcoming EP, Comecrudos (scheduled…
This month marks the two-year anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death. Though the King of Pop passed away June 25, 2009 at the age of 50, he left behind an incomparable body of work, one that stands among the greatest contributions to entertainment of the past century. It’s okay if you’re…
Bolstered by lead single “Hangin’ On To Black Metal,” Circuital finds Jim James and company yet again refining their Americana rock roots. The titular track “Circuital” is a delightful give and take between an all-out rock offering and its meandering, folk-twinged prelude. “The Day Is Coming” harkens back to MMJ’s…
When the people behind the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival — Paul Tollett and Goldenvoice — announced they had a big announcement set for 10 a.m. today, my curiosity was piqued. I have been attending the festival for six years now, and no two years were under as much scrutiny in…
Good news for fans who are still miffed at Bob Dylan for canceling his appearance here in 2009: he’s scheduled to play Comerica Theatre on July 18, and the stage is indoors and air-conditioned. Back in 2009, Mr. Dylan and co. canceled a stop at Camelback Park in Glendale due…
, according to the Fab Life.Winehouse is still up to her old tricks. After her father confronted her about drinking too much, she agreed to check herself back into rehab Wednesday night to get clean before her upcoming European tour, which starts in June. She plans to be out of…
Legendary spoken word, soul, jazz and hip-hop pioneer Gil Scott-Heron has passed away at 62, according to a report by NPR Music.As of yet, no cause of death has been released. Scott-Heron is most widely known for his song “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” After spending time in jail…
Earlier this week, we wrote about five comics by or about rock stars, in anticipation of Phoenix Comicon, taking place now through Sunday, May 29 at Phoenix Convention Center. While attending opening night festivities last night, I ran across yet another comic book about a rock band — but this…
It’s been less than a month since local pop band Peachcake released their current EP, This Wasn’t Our Plan, and if you haven’t gotten a copy yet, now you can download the disc for free at www.peachcake.bandcamp.com. According to singer Stefan Pruett, the band had always wanted to give away…
For those keeping track, I am choosing to write about a band named after the son of a late NASCAR legend that has recorded a downtempo, electronic cover of a Beach Boys classic. Dale Jr., as goofy and kitschy as they may seem, are as solid a new band that…
Stephen “Psyko Steve” Chilton The Valley-based music promoter has more than 20 events he’s producing, which may be found at www.psykosteve.com When you put your key in the ignition and turn on the radio, what station would play right now? When I am in the car, I mostly listen to NPR…
Zach Sciacca (a.k.a. Z-Trip) is arguably the biggest DJ ever to come outta Phoenix.Enjoying a level of superstardom that many local turntablists and mix masters can only dream about, the 38-year-old Valley native has spent the past decade and a half using his stellar scratching skills to propel himself to international…
Fans of Irish rockers U2 who are eagerly anticipating the band’s next album, tentatively titled Songs of Ascent, will have to wait a while longer. The record was first expected in 2010, and in January of this year, the German branch of Amazon.com listed the release date as May 27,…
I really wanted to drop some Randy Newman jams on KWSS this morning, but alas, time didn’t permit. Newman will be in town this weekend, doing a two-night stand at the Biltmore. If you are only familiar with his soundtrack work — or know him as simply as the butt…
Troubled hip-hop star DMX, whom we profiled just after he was sentenced to a year in the clink last December, will be released on July 1, according to the website hiphopwired.com. DMX (real name: Earl Simmons) was on the comeback trail last year when he was sentenced to a year…
If you’re like us, you’re probably already sick of hearing about the Rapture that didn’t happen last Saturday. But we reserve the right to kick dead horses, even in the midst of our apocalypse fatigue. This week, Up on the Sun comic artist Robbie Pfeffer explores a world without Christians…
This week, New Times ran a list in our print publication highlighting some of the most interesting posts published at Up On The Sun over the past week. Here are links to those posts.Which national music blog featured local band St. Ranger’s new single? What was late pro wrestler “Macho…
A million name changes weren’t enough for Sean Combs. Apparently, it was time for another one, according to Paste.Rapper and producer Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs, can’t seem to ever settle on a name. Even this time he feels that his new alter ego will only be suitable…
