The Slits; Unleashed Animal

The Slits 5 member band photo

It’s been 30 years since the release of The Slits’ influential debut album, Cut. Ari Up, only 14 years old when she started the group, was a woman destined for greatness––after all, she grew up in a household that became a stomping ground for punks and, well … her stepfather was Johnny fucking Rotten of the Sex Pistols. … read more

The Used: Fuck You Cakes and French Movies

Say what you will about Orem’s The Used, but I have a small place in my heart for the first local band I ever interviewed on air and the first rock band to really “make it big” outside this small bubble. The last time we spoke, it was to reminisce about Asian massage parlors on Pico and Bundy (no shit). This time it was a bit more professional. … read more

Este: Forks, Ranch, Pineapple and the Red Sox are for Suckers

Wes O'Keefe enjoys a slice at Este Downtown.

I’m not sure how closely Este follow the regulations put in place at the original location involving no forks, no ranch, no pineapple and no Red Sox attire, but I am often tempted, when I’ve got my pizza at home, to flip on a Red Sox game, throw some pineapple on top of the pie, grab a knife and fork and dip that fuckin’ slice in some ranch dressing. … read more

Spinnerette: Changing in a Big Way

Spinnerette frontwoman Brody Dalle

Spinnerette’s first album opens with erraticly grunged-up guitar and the unmistakable voice of frontwoman Brody Dalle letting you know she’s just a “girl out looking for love.” Before you react with your preconceived notions about what that might mean, she’s a lot more settled down than her lyrics and image might suggest. … read more