Music
▼ Concerts & Festivals
Modest Mouse/Rilo Kiley Show Review
When I left work to drive to this show, I had mixed feelings. I was stoked to be going to the show courtesy of my SLUG Mag credentials, but the fact that it was an arena show “de-stoked” me a great deal, yet I did my best to stay positive. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one of those “Modest Mouse sold out!” kinds of people; in fact, almost the opposite. I’m stoked they have a few radio songs here and there-good for them! … read more
Strung Out Show Review
I should really know better than to show up at In the Venue at the advertised start time. Doors were supposed to open for this show at 7, so I decide to show up around 7:30 only to be greeted by a giant fucking line of people still waiting to get in. … read more
Mastodon Show Review
For the many times I have seen Mastodon play, this was the first time I was completely sober. Listening to them through this clearer mindset just reaffirmed why I like them so. However, with this new album and new set of songs they seem to be reaching for a different sound than their earlier recordings.. All the regular dramatics are still present. … read more
Stray Cats Show Review
This was the Stray Cat’s first tour in a decade. No one has really cared about the The Pretenders since the early 80s. ZZ Top has maintained their original members for more than 35 years. What do these three aging bands have in common? … read more
Sinead O’Connor Show Review
I remember hearing Damien Dempsey’s album Seize the Day and not connecting with its dominant theme of Celtic pride but as he takes the stage, a man and an acoustic guitar standing alone against an audience anticipating Sinead O’Connor I can’t help but notice that there is something captivating about him. His introduction of each song is humorous, filled with wisdom and hope. … read more
Less Than Jake Show Review
Going to ska-punk shows does two things to me: 1. They make me feel old and 2. They make me feel relatively attractive. Ska-punk is an inherently dorky genre of music, and sad though it may be, the dorky tend to be less attractive than the non-dorky. Now I’m not saying that I’m a prime cut of 100% American Male myself, but goddamn those ugly kids sure made me feel good about myself (operative word being “kids”). … read more
Gaslight Anthem Show Review
Salt Lake City, I’m mighty disappointed in you. At the Gaslight Anthem’s first ever show in our fine city, they were greeted by a grand total of 10 people, four of whom were members of opening band Signal to Noise. … read more
Pelican Show Review
Pelican has become quite prolific since their humble beginnings, partly thanks to signing with Hydra Head Records, and their associations with ISIS. It’s funny to me that Pelican started as a side-project to another band, Tusk, however it makes sense that the Pelican project would have a bit more success. … read more
Murder Junkies—The Greatest Day of My Life
When I found out the Murder Junkies were playing in Salt Lake City last summer, I begged SLUG for the opportunity to interview them; one of my favorite bands. In case you don’t know, the Murder Junkies includes Merle Allin, brother to former Murder Junkie singer and punk rock icon G.G. Allin. … read more
Sage Francis Show Review
Sage Francis, the most sarcastic emcee in underground hip hop, master of irony and double-meaning, sunglass aficionado and founder of the Strange Famous record label blessed Salt Lake with his presence to spread the word about his newest album, Human the Death Dance, and introduce us to a few of the other talented artists in his circle. … read more