A soul revue of eight airtight musicians travels through groovy songs showcasing two strutting backup singers. If the crowd is already gyrating with joy and anticipation when the lead singer arrives, her hands held high …
March 28, 2014
Articles by Michael Caldwell
What is the name of this funk-bound train? Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings!
An evening with Rush has few equals
Bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee struggled to hit the high notes on the opener, keyboard-centric “Subdivisions,” which was no surprise considering the studio versions helium-high voice. However, Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer Neil Peart were so …
November 29, 2012
Japandroids yell like hell to the heavens
Like a juvenile Neil Young, guitarist/vocalist Brian King cast electrified chords to the night sky over UCSD’s (partially open-air) Porter’s Pub. As the last blast drifted on the wind, the ample crowd applauded. King beamed, …
November 16, 2012
De Vermis Mysteriis, by High on Fire
Woe to you of earth and sea, for this time the devil sends the beast from Oakland with mitigated wraith! And the problem is Jesus’ twin, who perished at birth, is reincarnated into a time …
April 18, 2012
"Let Me See Your Hands!" Rubblebucket Testifies at Casbah
Less than six months since their inaugural visit to San Diego, Rubblebucket returned as seasoned road warriors with a new album, Live in Chicago, and accompanying DVD. Appearing relaxed and joyous, the septet shredded the …
April 11, 2012
Hotpants and Tequila! Rubblebucket at Soda Bar
Brooklyn-based dance band Rubblebucket hit the Soda Bar stage with "Worker" from their album Omega La La. The band's bad-ass brass front line punched horn blasts over a dreamy and funky rhythm section. On "Breatherz …
November 13, 2011
Rubblebucket's Omega La la
Just in time to thwart the summertime blues comes the auditory salve of Rubblebucket's sophomore full-length, a collection of prog-pop glory that often sounds like an indulgence-free Yes. Kalmia Traver provides captivating, ethereal vocals for …
July 25, 2011
Why Aren't You Singing?
Cool blue lighting bathes the stage as sultry guitar tones initiate "The Sea" from Morcheeba's 1998 debut Big Calm. Opening with what is arguably their most recognized song, the group sets the bar high for …
March 14, 2011
Pixies Deliver Doolittle to Rimac Arena
Perhaps reluctant to reveal their advanced age and weight, indie-rock icons the Pixies took to a darkened Rimac stage and opened with the obscure "Dance the Manta Ray." Like an insecure lover, the group kept …
September 30, 2010