When a major landmark or institution closes or is destroyed, it’s common for a mourning period to follow. The passing of monument will be an elegiac era of super size proportions which will break hearts and hard ons across the world…yes, early this morning, a fire gutted The Body Shop in Los Angeles. There are … More This Sex Was On Fire
Peter Beste is a very talented music photographer. His greatness lies in his ability to really immerse himself in the world of the subject, whether it be London grime, Houston hip hop, Southern strip joints or Norwegian metal. The result is vivid, arresting photos that juxtapose the subject with a surprising surrounding. Metal star in … More Peter Beste, Black Metal, & Spinal Crap
It’s been 14 years, seven months and twenty two days since Kurt Cobain died. Not that I’m counting. I always loved Nirvana but I wasn’t a crazed fan. I just knew that they blasted open a special place in music for millions of people and are one of the few bands of our era, the … More Smells Like Unclean Spirit
As a best selling British novelist once said, It’s been the best of times and the worst of times. I’ve been kicking ass up and down each coast of this big country…but it’s the country that has me worried. It seems like we’ve just done lost our collective minds. Sarah Palin? Really? Fuck. Los Angeles, … More The Rules Of Britannia – An American in London
It’s a bit difficult for someone with a hearing problem, such as myself, to try and explain my love of prog rock to others. Especially when the math rock co-title gets bandied about. Several high school tutors and a SAT prep teacher can attest to the fact that I sucked at math. My brain doesn’t … More Honest To Prog – The Secret Machines Go Dark.
Last year I wrote an essay on the Hollywood dream for my friend Harmon Leon, and now it’s being published in his new book American Dream. It’s been recommended by Howard Stern, jimmy Kimmel, and other funny folk. The book is out on October 6th, but you can pre-order your copy NOW on Amazon. Amazon. … More The America Dream – my essay in a new book!
Shame on you, newscasters. why does it take a stand up comedian to hold the bullshitters accountable? This isn’t American Idol. This is the freakin presidential election! For leader of the free world! Put on your thinking caps and put the boxing gloves on and do your job!!! Jon Stewart, will you marry me? You … More Is Jon Stewart the only sane man in America with a microphone?
Bringing DJ culture back to it’s roots and shining a spotlight on Dj culture, turntablism, community and activism, this festival will be a mixture of music and speakers, including KRS ONE. And it’s taking pace in Dubya’s back yard. Torch it for me, guys. –Ali On The Air The Million DJ March DJ’s have been … More MILLION DJ MARCH DROPPING IT HOTSAUCE STYLE ON D.C.
I suppose I should preface all of this by admitting – I am emo for The Walkmen. By now, I’ve seen them play in every possible scenario: Large Los Angeles concert hall, cramped Austin 6th street bar, alongside the Queen Mary at the All Tomorrows Parties festival, at an all night warehouse rave somewhere in … More The Walkmen and Me, or How ‘You And Me’ turns me into an emo scribe
8 years of W. An insane look at what happens when a complacent, paranoid and indifferent country gets caught sleeping. Sounds like a horror book by Orwell, does it not? Now hip hop artist Mr Lif will write the epilogue – and hopefully the first chapter in a new story. Hopefully a story about a … More Mr Lif embeds himself in the campaign/election trail
ALI MacLEAN 