Calvin Johnson and Karl Blau

Wednesday, October 25, Chielle, 303-722-1877.

Calvin Johnson has never made a hit single, and unless "down" suddenly becomes "up," "wrong" changes to "right" and "injustice" and "justice" swap meanings, he never will -- despite the slew of music he's created by himself or as part of Beat Happening, Dub Narcotic Sound System or the Halo Benders. Nevertheless, Johnson's put his mark on America's independent music scene by dint of K Records, which he founded. The label served as a temporary home for acts such as Beck, Modest Mouse, Built to Spill, Kimya Dawson and the late Elliott Smith, and while Nirvana signed elsewhere, Kurt Cobain was enough of a fan to have tattooed its logo on his arm. Moreover, K's river of talent continues to flow, if Karl Blau is any indication. Beneath Waves, Blau's solo debut for the imprint, includes "Into the Nada," an oddly catchy offering with a brass section that suggests a Salvation Army band on a bender. "Nada" will never be a hit, either -- but as Johnson knows, there are other ways to have an impact.

 
My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest
 

Concert Calendar

  • May
  • Tue
    21
  • Wed
    22
  • Thu
    23
  • Fri
    24
  • Sat
    25
  • Sun
    26
  • Mon
    27
Denver Event Tickets
©2013 Denver Westword, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Denver / Boulder

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city