Ian Mahan

Minus the Bear comes out of hibernation with 'Omni'

It’s been more than three years since Minus the Bear’s last release. But while that’s not a tremendous amount of time for most bands to release an album, for Minus the Bear the time off almost put them on the edge of indie obscurity. May 6, 2010 | 3:01 am

Usher's 'Raymond v Raymond' brings the performer's career full circle

He’s skinny, he can dance and he has the pipes that most singers could only dream of having. No, not Justin Bieber, though the artist in reference is responsible for his success. Apr 28, 2010 | 11:09 pm

Chain Gang's 'White Guts' reinventing disco

Forget the “Saturday Night Fever” and the bell-bottom pants. How about a little more of an indie touch and some skinny jeans with those catchy dance beats? Look no further. Apr 15, 2010 | 1:26 am

Music review: Jesse Barrera's 'Love in Techicolor' brings a fresh sound

Not very often are new genres created, but clearly Jesse Barrera believes they should be. The former My American Heart member emerged in March with his debut solo album, “Love In Technicolor,” offering a cross of alternative pop-rock with easy listening R&B. Apr 8, 2010 | 12:53 am

Flobots not quite ready for a big kid bike

Before the Denver-based band Flobots consider having a guest singer appear on an album, maybe they should consider putting the handlebars and training wheels back on its bike. Apr 1, 2010 | 12:05 am

Jamie Cullum is chasing more than just dreams

The only thing more unpredictable than a jazz composition is the artists who emerges successful from the genre. So move over Harry Connick Jr. and Michael Buble, there’s a new kid in town. Mar 25, 2010 | 1:10 am

Music review: Broken Bells ring loudly with debut album

If collaborations aren’t your bag, click the fast-forward button. But first, let’s see if this is appealing: a collaboration between one of the most accomplished electronic artists and a seminal indie front man. Mar 11, 2010 | 1:17 am

The Rocket Summer crash lands with 'Of Men And Angels'

Somewhere along his musical career Bryce Avary went wrong. Horribly wrong. Mar 7, 2010 | 4:32 pm

Butch Walker cuts major recording labels

For an artist so far under the radar in mainstream music, Butch Walker doesn’t seem to be trying all that hard to stay that way. Then again, maybe he is one of those best-kept secrets. Feb 25, 2010 | 12:46 am

Collegiate prep rockers, Vampire Weekend return with ‘Contra’

Rarely do bands ever make a name for themselves by producing a sound that is completely unique. Most bands can be related to another band that preceded them, but Vampire Weekend is a special breed of band.
They don’t sound like anyone, let alone themselves. After the success of their 2008 self-titled debut, the New York-based quartet returns with “Contra,” the highly anticipated follow-up filled with all of the quirky instrumentals that fans have come to expect. Jan 21, 2010 | 1:24 am

Music Review: Much to 'Love' about Angels and Airwaves

After the reunion of Blink-182, many thought Tom DeLonge’s brainchild, Angels and Airwaves, would be no more. Feb 18, 2010 | 12:10 pm

Ke$ha is one wild 'Animal'

The music world has Mickey Avalon, but until now it didn’t have its female equivalent: Ke$ha. The reign of the wholesome, romantic female pop-presence came to an end when Ke$ha, a 22-year-old pop star from Los Angeles, was let out of her cage. Feb 11, 2010 | 12:26 am

Regret Night to soon be living the good life

Every so often a band will come along and turn ordinary melodies into catchy hooks and rhythm. Sometimes a band will come along that has the potential to revolutionize the genre that they just so happen to fall into. Enter Denver-based pop-rock act Regret Night, and the release of their brand new EP, “Living The Night Life.”
The EP is more than just a collection of five songs with clever lines and foot tapping melodies; it is stacked with songwriting that would make Blink 182 turn their heads and notice. Feb 4, 2010 | 1:37 am

Orianthi's 'Believe' creating believers of pop music

Just when the bubble-gum pop genre reached an unbearably high level of notoriety came along a somewhat tolerable hybrid. Best known as Michael Jackson’s guitarist during his recent tours, Orianthi has broken onto the scene with her debut album “Believe.” Orianthi proves with “Believe” that she isn’t just another pop sensation. Instead she’s a fret-shredding demon on the guitar with musical hooks to back it up. Jan 28, 2010 | 12:53 am

Timbaland's 'Shock Value II' more shock, less value

Jan 18, 2010 | 12:51 am

Dashboard Confessional's new album doesn't 'Alter' the style

Release Date: November 10, 2009
Sounds Like: Midtown, Yellowcard Emo is back. Then again, when it comes to Chris Carrabba, it never really left. Dec 17, 2009 | 1:25 pm

Them Crooked Vultures, supergroup anything but crooked

With so many bands these days coming off bland just like the group before, musicians are finding ways to come together like never before. Dec 17, 2009 | 12:56 pm

'Battle Studies' a lesson well-learned for Mayer

Release Date: November 17, 2009

Sounds Like: Stevie Ray Vaughn, Maroon 5

After abandoning the signature acoustic rock sound that gave Mayer his claim to fame with “Continuum” and “Room For Squares” and focusing more on a blues-driven sound, Grammy Award-winning recording artist John Mayer finds a healthy medium with his latest studio release, “Battle Studies.” The opening track, “Heartbreak Warfare,” sounds like the opening track to an indie film with a synthesized melody playing throughout the song. Dec 16, 2009 | 1:55 pm

Say Anything saying everything and more

Sounds Like: Mayday Parade, Motion City Soundtrack Release Date: Nov. 3, 2009 "I hate everyone," sarcastically claims Say Anything vocalist Max Bemis in the chorus of "Hate Everyone," for the band's return this week with a new self-titled album. The song is a pop-punk anthem of satirical confusion and the first single released off the album. Jan 20, 2010 | 1:23 pm

The Swell Season's 'Strict Joy' a star-crossed lover's album

Release date: 10/26/09 Sounds like: Sarah McLaughlin, Joshua Radin, Bob Dylan Nearly two years removed since being ushered offstage during her Oscar acceptance speech, Marketa Irglova returns with songwriting companion Glen Hansard with a vengeance, no matter how romantic it may be. Jan 20, 2010 | 1:23 pm