My soundtrack for the weekend is “A Wasteland Companion”

By SHAUN SMITH
Blogger-in-chief

M. Ward will not disappoint fans of his stripped down, reel-to-reel sound on his latest album A Wasteland Companion.

Ward (Matt Ward) has obviously been influenced by his musical relationship with Zooey Deschanel and it shows on the upbeat piano-laded “Beautiful Girl,” which stands not as a detachment of his signature style but an expansion of his talented reach. Fans of the doe-eyed hipster wonder will enjoy her standing beside Ward on “Sweetheart” and “Me and My Shadow.” Recording with Ward on this record makes her Patsy Cline style and hand claps sound authentic rather than retro.

The High Note blog

You can hear the options: a poll

“I play my music loud because you know it’s got clout to it (It’s a trip, it’s got a funky beat… and I can bug out to it.”

-Mike D, Beastie Boys “B-Boy Bouillabaisse: Mike on the Mic,” Paul’s Boutique [side 2, track 7 (h)]

I use pretty much all of those options and I’m curious to see how people listen to music. I’m going to use the results to provide links and embedded music in future Vibes posts.

Music ReviewsFolk

“Boys and Girls” blends talent and emotion

By SHAUN R. SMITH
Blogger-in-chief

The Alabama Shakes has filled a void in my musical world. Blending a groovy bluesy motown sound with the sultry voice of singer/guitarist Brittany Howard, the band’s debut album “Boys & Girls” is a unique, emotional and danceable.

Music ReviewsFolk-rock

‘Be the Void’ doesn’t lose appeal

By SHAUN SMITH
Blogger-in-Chief

Dr. Dog unleashes its potential on the band’s latest record, Be the Void. The Pennsylvania-based folk-rock band’s sixth album (released Feb. 6 on Anti-) reaches deep with a beautifully woven arrangement of songs showcasing blues, roots, and acid-rock jams that create a unique, bombastic folk-rock sound.

Concert ReviewsFolk

DMB Caravan Coverage

Travel with Shaun Smith as he delves deep into the Dave Matthews Band Caravan June 24-26, 2011. Click Here for a link to live coverage

Concert Reviewselectronic

Lebowskifest brings Dudes to Philly

A festival for its time and place

Lebowskifest Philadelphia — Lebowskifest came to the Theater of Living Arts in Philadelphia Friday, June 3

By SHAUN SMITH

Blogger in Chief

PHILADELPHIA – They were there to fix the cable. Fans of the Big Lebowski packed into the Theater of Living Arts for Lebowskifest Friday, June 3.

For nearly 10 years, co-founders Scott Shuffitt and Will Russell have been traveling the country with Lebowskifest celebrating the 1998 Cohen Brothers film and “what have you.”

Lebowskifest - Scott and Will welcome — Lebowskifest co-founders Scott Shuffitt and Will Russell welcome the crowd at the Theater of Living Arts.

The two-day festival included a bowling party and costume contest Saturday at North Bowl.

The TLA was nearly at its capacity with a Maude Lebowski serving up the house special: a Caucasian (otherwise referred to as White Russian) which is the preferred beverage of choice Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski.

“Achievers” the moniker that lovers of the film wear proudly, were mingling in the bar and theater for nearly an hour before the show began.