Oscar Wilde nailed it. "The only thing worse than being talked about," he said, "is not being talked about.” He’s describing my job with eerie clarity.

Koko Taylor and Planet Drum headline stunning round-the-world lineup

Exploring used to be such a bother. Years of raising cash, months sailing across uncharted seas, only to find something other than what you were looking for.

Carl Newman rambles eloquently on playing The Game, ever-weirder ways to write songs and always sounding new

If ours were a truly civilized society, Carl Newman would be King. For now, he is front man and chief songwriter for the Canadian pop band The New Pornographers. I had the pleasure of speaking with him last week as he took some time off during the band’s North American tour.

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Hotpants and Ironic Facial Hair

All this hipster rigmarole and so much more awaits you! Snugfit Social Club dance party returns with DJs Paul, Brandon and Ethan plus live electro by The Booty Green. Friday, Sept. 21, at The Launchpad (21+). $4 at the door. Get down. [LM]

Sonic Reducer

Reviews of new music releases.