Janis Joplin

The ten traits of the perfect frontperson

The best frontmen and women all have something in common. Whether it's their ability to connect with a crowd or the swagger with which they carry themselves, their fashion sense, the intrigue that surrounds them or their reckless disregard for their own well being, they all have that ineffable "it" ... More >>

Five best live concert films

While infinitely different than being there in the flesh, a live concert film can provide an up-close, multi-angled, cinematically inspired perspective of the music experience -- not to mention a glimpse into history for those who were born decades later. Such will be the case for a majority of the ... More >>

The ten best concerts this weekend: Dec. 14-16

It feels like we say this every week, and we probably do, but we're continually astounded by how good we have it here music wise. If you haven't noticed, this time of year, the number of touring acts decreases dramatically, generally in line with the music industry itself, which pretty much slows to ... More >>

The ten best concerts this week: December 10-14

We're blessed to live here, you know. If you haven't already come to this conclusion on your own from feeling the ever-present sunshine and observing the wondrous sunset paintings we're treated to each evening, all you have to do is take a look at the brimming concert calendar. Whereas the live musi ... More >>

Twenty fabled moments in Denver music: #8: The Jimi Hendrix Experience's last show

Over the next few weeks, Backbeat will be finishing our count down of the twenty most fabled moments in Denver music history. Today, we take a look back at Barry Fey's Denver Pop Festival, a three-night musical event in June 1969 that culminated with the final appearance of the Jimi Hendrix Experien ... More >>

The ten best concerts this weekend: Oct. 26-28

Welcome to the weekend, amigos! Ah, yes, we finally made it. Is it just us, or has this seemed like the longest week ever? Ah, maybe it's just the weather. Whatever the case, it's in the rearview now, and it's time to blow off some steam. Drinks are on the horizon and there's a full slate of great m ... More >>

Celebrities on bikes: Ten best costumes at last night's Denver Cruisers ride

The Denver Cruisers have been known to get wild and wacky on their weekly Wednesday rides. (On their website, however, they will warn you: The group is not intended for hook-ups.) Last night's celebrity theme brought out the troops once again, this time in easy-to-recognize (and occasionally, imposs ... More >>

What's in your bag? A rubber flamingo, catnip and more!

While many are counting the days until fall, others are still reveling in summer's glory. Catie Long is one of those. We spotted her on South Broadway, where her fashions were a definite standout. Find out more about Long's funky, vintage street style straight ahead. See also: What's in your bag? G ... More >>

With the help of a psychic, Barry Fey reconnects with some old friends and one bitter adversary

See Also: Barry Fey on that time that he held a gun to Axl Rose's head Harry Tuft and Barry Fey inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame Red Rocks' famous hidden tunnel: A peek at the rock star signatures Dan Fong's unpublished rock photos on display this Friday at the Gallery This year, Barr ... More >>

Review: Ministry at Ogden Theatre, 6/17/12

Denver's ten best karaoke bars

While there are a countless number of places to do karaoke around town, we've picked ten best spots to conjure your inner crooner. Some of these places cater to singers every night of the week, while others only do karaoke on specific nights. Page down to see which spots made the list. Did your favo ... More >>

Lauren Larson of Ume: "I want to help lead a whole new generation of female musicians."

See Also: Q&A with Ted Stevens of Cursive, sharing the bill this Sunday. At this point, much has been mythologized about the badassery of Ume (due at the Larimer Lounge this Sunday, February 12). The heavy-rocking Texas trio is fronted by an almost precociously petite blonde, but Lauren Larson has ... More >>

The 27 Club? More like the posthumous platinum club: Albums sales spurred by death

​You can go on for days debating the musical mysteries of the so called 27 Club -- which includes Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and now Amy Winehouse -- but one thing is certain: The death of these artists had a profound impact on their subsequent sales. Pearl, for example, was rele ... More >>

R.I.P. Amy Winehouse, 9/14/83 - 7/23/11

​By now, you've probably heard the news -- if not, sorry to be the bearer of sad news, darkening an otherwise sunny afternoon -- Amy Jade Winehouse has passed away at the age of 27. At 4 p.m. London time today, authorities reportedly found the singer dead in her apartment. The cause of death h ... More >>

Bonnie & the Beard

Bonnie & the Beard
Victory Garden Records

Nathaniel Rateliff, Sleigh Bells and Bruno Mars top our playlists this week

​As people who think about, talk about, listen to and make music, the most common question we encounter is, "What are you listening to right now?" So whether you're looking for recommendations, trying to get a feel for our individual sensibilities, or are just curious, we've compiled a list of ... More >>

Over the Weekend: CMJ Music Marathon in NYC

Whitney Van CleaveFans waiting between sets at Crash Mansion. ​College Music MarathonOctober 20-25, 200975 Venues in Brooklyn and ManhattanBetter than: Fighting swarms of tourists to see the Statue of Liberty. This year's CMJ (College Music Journal) Music Marathon offered more music than any avid ... More >>

Taking Woodstock

The newer generations' love of classic rock shows a lack of imagination

Think Ink

The Denver Tattoo Convention celebrates permanent decoration.

Delegating Denver #48 of 56: Texas

Aged Gracefully

Laughing is good for this old soul.

Mile High Makeout: Shocking the Monkey

Random Thoughts On Five Songs While I Pretend To Work

Across the Universe

Run for your life if you can, little girl: Julie Taymor’s ’60s-set musical is a bust.

On the Town

Jay-Z

Kingdom Come
Roc-A-Fella

Westword Music Showcase 2006

Be there or be square!

The December Question

Oriental Theater

Retroactive

Yes

Michelle Malone

Friday, August 20, Larimer Lounge, 303-291-1007; Monday, August 23, Trilogy, Boulder, 303-473-9463.

The Beat Goes On

Linda McCartney's photos of '60s rockers roll

Drink of the Week

Pabst Blue Ribbon

Freak Show

This band doesn't take rock and roll for granted.

My Dinner With Barry

Returning to true north at the Northwoods Inn.

Hit Pick

Dear Marsha

Join the Club

The crowd and the drinks are mixed at Don's.

The Janis Fund

When it comes to Janis Joplin's music, there's not all that much to rediscover.

Suddenly Susan

Susan Tedeschi is painting the radio dial blue.

Feedback

Playlist

Thrills for the week

SUCCEEDING AT FAILURE

HANDS UP

THRILLS

MIX AND MATCH

HOW TO PICK THE PERFECT SUMMER CONCERT FOR YOU.

VOICES CARRY

DELUNA TUNES

STAIRWAY TO HELL

OUR LIST OF THE MOST OVERPLAYED CLASSIC-ROCK SONGS OF ALL TIME.

THRILLS