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!
Hey Baltimore: Feeling the sorrow of another year the O’s wont bring home the pennant? Ease your soul with the Noise in the Basement festival, featuringsome of the best in soul and hip hop, including Janelle Monae, Nappy Roots and One Block Radius, featuring my old frined MDA from my Music Plus TV hosting days. … More Feed Your Soul – Noise In The Basement Music Festival
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.
When bands on the road roll into town, they usually are looking for some hedonistic Hollywood fun and want to see the sights: The Capitol building. Lemmy’s barstool at the Rainbow. The Viper Room sidewalk where River died…the beach. Often times the cool indie rock chick in Los Angeles can fall into the role of … More AFTER THE GLITTER FADES – PASSENGER AND THE PAPARAZZI
It’s not like Peanut Butter Wolf has a lot of time on his hands. The man runs Stones Throw records, in addition to recording, producing, and spinning all over the world. So for Wolf to follow up last year’s 7 days of Heaven with 888: 8 days of music videos at 8 clubs in 8 … More Peanut Butter Wolf’s 888 kicks it at Root Down
I don’t eat red meat. But I sure do love me some Cheeseburger. So when I got word that the boys from Brooklyn were coming to town on the Tales of Colt 45 tour, I decided I’d definitely brave the tidal wave of douchebaggery to see some great cock rock. Now, it’s hard to get … More Cheeseburger, well done.
Here’s a throw down for the ages…Cassettes is challenging Mr. West to an internet duel. We all know how graceful Kanye is under pressure…and since I often enjoy watching egos implode, I highly suggest you log on and help CWL beat Kanye. Plus, it could provoke a “George Bush hates black people” truthiness response…fingers crossed. Cassettes … More Cassettes Won’t Listen launches a Beat Kanye site – It’s On!
Rock journalism isn’t for the faint of heart. Though my suburban relatives may think that my professional life is a playground filled with hedonistic delights, they’re only partly right. There is a part of The Rock Life that is seedy, dark and filled with tragic stories of squandered brilliance and the leeching and blood letting … More Caught Between Rock And A Hard Place – the pitfalls of an embedded rock journalist
One of the perks of living in a high priced, high stress, high-octane city like LA or New York is The Warm Up Show. Often limited to friends and uber fans, or kept a secret until the last minute, the warm up show allows a bigger act to play in a small intimate setting and … More A Tale of Two Warm Up Shows: She Wants Revenge & Hot Hot Heat
ALI MacLEAN 