Island Records Inc.

Marley is a heartfelt tribute to a mesmerizing performer

U2's The Joshua Tree turns 25

It's difficult to imagine, but U2 used to be cool. Not just cool, but one of the most innovative, inspiring and mysterious bands of their generation. The group challenged the sounds, look and emotional resonance of rock music, forever redirecting the cultural stream for good or ill. Today, while man ... More >>

Nick Drake's Pink Moon turns forty

In his best selling book Killing Yourself to Live, Chuck Klosterman asserts that "the best career move any musician can make is to stop breathing." When examining Kurt Cobain's post-mortem transformation from junkie dad to iconic voice of a generation, Klosterman notes that the suicide told everyone ... More >>

Spell and '57 Lesbian due at Pure Sunshine II at the Bluebird

Michael LavineSpell Mississippi, if you dare.​Do you know what you're doing yet on Friday, March 2? Have plans? If so, you might consider canceling them. That night, Spell and '57 Lesbian, a couple of iconic Denver bands are getting together at the Bluebird Theater for Pure Sunshine II to pay ... More >>

Jared Piccone of Innerpartysystem on the band's evolving sound and its growing popularity in CO

​When we last spoke with Jared Piccone of Innperpartysystem back in 2009, the act had just come off its split with Island Records. There was rampant speculation amongst fans about the future of the band, but Piccone assured us that it was a step in the right direction for everybody involved.

Q&A with Jared Piccone of Innerpartysystem

​Innerpartysystem knows all about the DIY approach. Since their formation, the members have spent countless hours dissecting technology, transforming it to suit their needs. Their light show, for instance, aside from a few stock lasers, was all hand built. Any fan that has seen the act more than o ... More >>

Top Ten Dance Collections of 2008, Both Mixed and Unmixed

Over the next couple of weeks, Backbeat will feature some Top Ten lists from around the Village Voice Media chain. Click here for previous year-in-review coverage from Backbeat and VVM. Any knucklehead with DSL and a laptop can now make an electronic track. With a half hour of clicking and fiddlin ... More >>

The Fluid

Sub Pop's twentieth anniversary spurs this year's unlikeliest local band reunion.

Listen Up

Fast reviews of recent releases

Imogen Heap

This singer-songwriter is a child prodigy turned adult prodigy.

Release Me

A roundup of six local imprints.

The Beatdown

Putting Denver on the musical map.

The Beatdown

Giving KTCL’s Project Next a whole new spin.

Band of Brothers

War is hell, but for the Bronx, so is rock and roll.

Angel of Death

Through tragedy and triumph, Bambi Lee Savage returns to Denver with new music and new hope.

The Frantix

My Dad's a Fuckin' Alcoholic (Afterburn Records)
Dark Days (Glazed Records)

Eternal Flame

After half a century, Burning Spear is still stoking the fire in reggae's soul.

A Boy Named Sue

After half a century, Burning Spear is still stoking the fire in reggae's soul.

Ace in the Hole

Hip-hop's Aceyalone looks for ways to climb up from the underground.

Born to Die

Knowing how Nick Drake expired helps bring his music to life.

Best rockin' mama

Chanin Floyd

Postivly Negativ

Sampling ad infinitum with America's sonic outlaws.

On the Mark

Guitarist Mark Ribot stumbles upon the hottest trend in popular music.

Feedback

Guitarist Mark Ribot stumbles upon the hottest trend in popular music.

Bring Back That Sunny Ade

The King of juju makes party music with a message.

Letters

The King of juju makes party music with a message.

Feedback

The King of juju makes party music with a message.

Still Wailing

Aston "Family Man" Barrett of the Wailers is keeping a reggae tradition alive.

Justin's Times

Aston "Family Man" Barrett of the Wailers is keeping a reggae tradition alive.

The Jeers of a Clown

A major label tried to muzzle Violent J of the Insane Clown Posse. Here's why.

Music Showcase, Take Three

A major label tried to muzzle Violent J of the Insane Clown Posse. Here's why.

Feedback

A major label tried to muzzle Violent J of the Insane Clown Posse. Here's why.

Cash on the Barrelhead

After a period of obscurity, Johnny Cash is once again a wanted man.

Seeing Red

Red House Painter Mark Kozelek wants you to know that he isn't suicidal.

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Red House Painter Mark Kozelek wants you to know that he isn't suicidal.

Feedback

Red House Painter Mark Kozelek wants you to know that he isn't suicidal.

Free Willie

A gospel album on a Denver record label is the latest step in the rehabilitation of Willie Nelson's career.

CRITIC'S CHOICE

A gospel album on a Denver record label is the latest step in the rehabilitation of Willie Nelson's career.

BURN, BABY, BURN

AT FIFTY, REGGAE'S BURNING SPEAR HASN'T COOLED OFF YET.

THE DAISY CHAIN

FROM OBSCURITY TO A TOUCH OF NOTORIETY WITH TRIPPING DAISY.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FROM OBSCURITY TO A TOUCH OF NOTORIETY WITH TRIPPING DAISY.

ZOONER OR LATER

FROM OBSCURITY TO A TOUCH OF NOTORIETY WITH TRIPPING DAISY.

PANZER DIVISION

FROM OBSCURITY TO A TOUCH OF NOTORIETY WITH TRIPPING DAISY.

SPEARHEAD'S UP

THERE'S NOTHING DISPOSABLE ABOUT MICHAEL FRANTI'S LATEST ADVENTURE IN HIP HOP.

THE ORIGINAL GINN

EX-BLACK FLAG GUITARIST GREG GINN STILL KNOWS HOW TO DEAL WITH PUNKS.

TODAY, BOULDER. TOMORROW, THE WORLD

KBCO'S FORMAT SPROUTS UP AROUND THE U.S.

SPELLBOUNDWILL SPELL FINALLY PUT DENVER ON THE ROCK-MUSIC MAP? CASTING A SPELL

HOW LOUD IS THIS BAND? LOUD ENOUGH TO BE HEARD NATIONWIDE.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

DONALD KINSEY CONTINUES THE BLUES TRADITION OF HIS BIG DADDY.