In Depth by James Skinner
Twelve years ago Omaha natives Conor Oberst, Denver Dalley, Landon Hedges, Ian McElroy and Matt Baum decamped to a studio in nearby Lincoln, Nebraska to record a punk-rock record under the name Desaparecidos. The band broke up not long afterwards, only to release their first new material in a decade late last year. We sent some questions over to Conor on the reunion and his forthcoming solo dates among a bunch of other things.»
In Depth by James Skinner
This column, this time: Words and thoughts on the grim situation here in Spain and two fantastic shows by Calexico and Andrew Bird that took place over two consecutive nights in the city’s beautiful Apolo venue.»
News
by James Skinner
Andrew Bird plays the Roundhouse in London this Thursday, the 8th of November. As a preview of the show, we’ve gathered together some of his videos from the last few years, including the brand-new ‘Three White Horses’.»
In Depth by James Skinner
DiS meets Japandroids’ Brian King in Barcelona to talk life on the road and their exhilarating second album, Celebration Rock.»
Review
by James Skinner
Mumps, etc. simultaneously feels like a fresh start and consolidation for Why?; it encapsulates what makes them so unique while subtly expanding and pushing forward their sound, and as such must be viewed a real triumph.»
Review
by James Skinner
Blur might never again sound quite as carefree as they had done in the past, but Blur made it abundantly clear that they never intended to.»
In Depth by James Skinner
In the fourth of our irregular series of dispatches from Barcelona, DiS ventured to the Parc del Fòrum for the 2012 edition of Cruïlla (‘Crossing’) festival earlier this month, where a sparkling line-up saw luminaries such as Iggy & the Stooges and the Specials alongside newer stars such as M.I.A. and Sharon Jones, propped up by an exceptional array of local and international talent.»
Review
by James Skinner
There are moments on Paul Simon’s Graceland when it sounds transcendent, and there are others when it just sounds vibrant and alive, impervious to any wider concerns or political firestorms. This 25th Anniversary Edition, with accompanying documentary Under African Skies, does a fine job of chronicling the creation and controversy of a modern classic.»
In Depth by James Skinner
Our final report from Primavera Sound 2012 features words on Sharon Van Etten, Jeff Mangum, Jamie xx, Forest Swords, Josh T. Pearson and a bunch more, as well as closing thoughts from our writers in attendance.»
In Depth by James Skinner
Reviews and photos from the second day of Primavera Sound 2012's main event at the Parc del Fòrum, featuring thoughts on Dirty Three, M83 and AraabMuzik.»
In Depth by James Skinner
The 2012 edition of Primavera Sound went down last week in Barcelona with DiSsers Si Truss, James Skinner and Burak Cingi in attendance. Our reviews and photos for Thursday 31st May include Grimes, Beirut, Refused, John Talabot and more.»
Review
by James Skinner
Julia Holter has produced a very fine, fiercely imaginative record in Ekstasis, rife with sonic experimentation and not lacking in heart.»
In Depth by James Skinner
DiS called Anaïs Mitchell while she made a brief stopover in London to discuss her fantastic new album Young Man in America.»
Review
by James Skinner
At once sad and wise, inquisitive, eloquent, repentant – and 77 years on this earth, no closer to unravelling the mysteries of the opposite sex – that Leonard Cohen’s creative spark remains so undimmed as he reaches his twilight years is something worth celebrating.»
In Depth by James Skinner
In our latest column from Barcelona we focus on the unique local website Ornitorrincos (that’s ‘platypus’ in Spanish).»
Review
by James Skinner
A beautiful and ambitious work born out of a rich period for adventurous, subversive re-imaginings of what, exactly, constitutes ‘Americana’.»
Review
by James Skinner
Bon Iver have changed things up to deliver a chilly, unusual second album that is nevertheless every bit as beautiful as you might expect.»
Review
by James Skinner
It’s all about the delivery with Bill Callahan, and this evening he and his players deliver magnificently. »
Review
by James Skinner
Not easy, but often fascinating, wholly rewarding and genuinely cathartic.»
In Depth by James Skinner
Will Sheff was in London recently to play an acoustic show ahead of Okkervil River’s forthcoming LP I Am Very Far. Confusingly, DiS called him from Barcelona.»
Review
by James Skinner
Emma Pollock and her band play a fantastic, intimate show in Barcelona, ably supported by local act Olivemoon.»
Review
by James Skinner
Deer Tick make for loud, messy but compelling viewing in Barcelona's packed-out Sidecar.»
Review
by James Skinner
With The People’s Key Bright Eyes have pulled off the difficult trick of sculpting a record concerned with weighty, complex themes and made it sound like the breeziest, most effortless thing in the world.»
In Depth by James Skinner
DiS called Tim Kasher from Cursive as he took a break from rehearsals in his hometown of Omaha to quiz him on his debut solo album.»
In Depth by James Skinner
DiS calls Sam Beam at home in Texas to talk his brilliant new album Kiss Each Other Clean.»
Review
by James Skinner
Kiss Each Other Clean makes Sam Beam four for four – more if you count the EPs and 2009’s rarities set Around the Well. But more than being just another great album, it suggests a brilliant and unpredictable future from an artist who, unbelievably, appears to be only just getting started.»
In Depth by James Skinner
We bring you the second column from our man in Barcelona, this time focusing on the electronic sounds currently emanating from the city and featuring words from Delorean and John Talabot.»
Review
by James Skinner
It is heartening and not a little bittersweet to be reminded how Weezer once made sad, twisted, broken-sounding songs like these, and they made them work.»
