George Michael

A Hazy Shade of Christmas

The Godfather of Espaol

You just can't help falling in love with El Vez.

Mile High Makeout: Gratitude without platitudes

One of the great challenges of our time lies in accurately and earnestly expressing one's emotions without simply regurgitating words that have been received through the music, TV and films of our ubiquitous and intrusive popular culture.

Q&A with Sebastien Tellier

French singer-songwriter Sebastien Tellier isn't shy about talking about either his sexuality or Sexuality, his new album, throughout which he delves into matters of the flesh with great delight. But he also sees the sacred side of salaciousness, as he makes clear in a December 4 Westword profile ... More >>

Backwash

A local band leader urges musicians to give peace music a chance.

The beauty and ugliness of Damien Hirst

A local band leader urges musicians to give peace music a chance.

Vine Street Pub

A new tavern pours on the charm.

Music and Lyrics

Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore do not make sweet, sweet music.

Pandora's Box

Pandora.com offers a whole new approach to discovering music.

Dial Another Day

Twenty-four hours inside Denver radio: A survivor's story.

War on War Songs

Iraq and roll don't go together well when rockers protest

Peoples Get Ready

As part of underground hip-hop's newest dream team, Dilated Peoples are at the top of their game.

Bleep That

The FCC's fining of a Colorado radio station is giving broadcasters headaches from coast to coast.

Like a Prayer

Ever since Madonna called, remix artist and DJ Victor Calderone has been basking in a ray of light.

Animal Husbandry

Two native sons seek ideal mates in Smiling Fish & Goat on Fire.

A Bad Rap

Terrell Davis throws down some rhymes, but can't complete the play.

Creep Show

The joys of navigating Creeper Lagoon.

Playlist

The joys of navigating Creeper Lagoon.

Letters

The joys of navigating Creeper Lagoon.

Playlist

The joys of navigating Creeper Lagoon.

The Simpel Truth

The joys of navigating Creeper Lagoon.

THE JACKSON FAMILY DISHONORS

THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS OF AMERICAN MUSIC'S MOST DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY.

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THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS OF AMERICAN MUSIC'S MOST DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY.

Nostalgia and nausea: Putting together the perfect '80s mix

You've had the experience. You're driving in the car or Pandora-ing or even - gasp! - listening to the radio when that song comes on - the one you can't believe you forgot all about. Instantly, you're transported in time and space - back to that kegger during your freshman year when you got so ... More >>

Q&A with Dick Valentine of Electric Six

​Electric Six have been bringing the party to the unwary for six albums in as many years, starting with 2003's Fire and leading up to the brand-new Kill. The group's songs combine '80s rock, disco and New Wave into a cranked-up, ultra-catchy sound all its own, with lyrics that mix a David Lee Roth ... More >>

Geek Bowl IV: How geeky are you?

​Electric Six have been bringing the party to the unwary for six albums in as many years, starting with 2003's Fire and leading up to the brand-new Kill. The group's songs combine '80s rock, disco and New Wave into a cranked-up, ultra-catchy sound all its own, with lyrics that mix a David Lee Roth ... More >>

Five Reasons to love Scissor Sisters, even if you aren't a gay man

​ Once upon a time, pop music -- like the rest of American popular culture -- was in closet. From Liberace and his floor-length furs to George Michael's dangly earrings, gay men were marketed as female conquests. Thankfully minds and attitudes have (for the most part) evolved, and a band like ... More >>

Guess what a "meat bundle" is and win, uh, a meat bundle

It's not this.​Never before has a coupon led to so many dick jokes. As one of the party favors at this week's Dish, Tony's Market, the excellent shop and bistro across the street from our office, offered 10 percent off coupons -- at the top of which was this cryptic phrase: "Gift cards and mea ... More >>

10 Christmas songs we never want to hear again

​Dear stores, we get it: It's Christmas time. It only comes but once a year -- yadda, yadda, yadda. That's great and all, but being bombarded by Christmas music while searching for the perfect gifts is driving us nuts -- it's like being a mouse in an endless maze with no buttons to push. And, ... More >>

Ten non-traditional Christmas records you should listen to this year

Stop! You don't have to!​So we're well into the Christmas season, and chances are good you're getting a bit tired of Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby and the Time-Life Christmas collection in general. What had been a charming return to familiar holiday standards -- and perhaps the only reason to ... More >>

"Born This Way," Lady Gaga's glimmering, fabulous return

​Lady Gaga's back with "Born This Way," which was officially released to much fanfare on her web site. It's a ridiculous, home-run swing of a pop anthem, replete with about a thousand keyboard tracks and a full-choir chorus that gets an a capella breakdown the last time through. Gaga, somewhat ... More >>

Willie Nelson's freedom for a song? Alternate sentencing ideas for musician's who screw up

​We all love when stars get busted. There's nothing better than seeing that terr-awesome mug shot online, but face it, we're a little tired of the same old punishment. In Willie Nelson's recent pot bust, the judge got wicked creative and suggested he sing "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" in the ... More >>

Tonight: The Supervillains at the Fox

​Not that there needs to be an excuse for a 420-style celebration in Colorado, but tonight at the Fox Theatre, weed enthusiasts the Supervillains (along with Tatanka and Bop Skizzum) get the party started, just a day ahead of the annual blowout. Rising up alongside similar acts like Slightly S ... More >>

Bob Dylan turns 70 today (happy birthday, big guy!): A list of our favorite Bob Dylan albums

As you're probably already aware, Bob Dylan turns seventy today. We want to take this moment to thank Mrs. Zimmerman for giving birth to one of the most influential musicians of our time. We're hard-pressed to find a musician that is more versatile or as cool as Dylan. He has been called the voice o ... More >>

Dear Mall Santa: Get here already. And bring that guy who smelled like Christmas with you.

Quit hiding the Ice Palace. Gimme Santa.​The Ice Palace will open its doors at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center at 5 p.m. today -- which means that Santa Claus will finally be in the house. Er, the mall. The Ice Palace -- a fancy name for a faux icicle-covered indoor forest -- will feature six ... More >>

Aretha Franklin is the greatest vocalist of all time

​Aretha Franklin is the greatest soul singer to ever live. She's the reason we have Mary J. Blige, Cee-Lo Green, Adele, you name it. The singer, born Aretha Louise Franklin in March 1942, paved the way for all of the artists who followed. The Queen of Soul sang on a slew of hits such as "Natur ... More >>