Joshua Valocchi

Campaign for Change Watch Party

2008-08-27T21:24:00.008-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyAugust 27, 2008Editor's Picks Campaign for Change Watch Party »For BluebloodsCampaign for Change Watch Party Thurs., Aug. 28, 8pm. Free. Independence Mall, Fifth and Market sts. 267.886.8591. my.barackobama.com Surely the historical significance of watching Barack Obama’s nomination process and acceptance speech (on a 20-foot-by-30-foot screen, no less) just a stone’s throw

Laurel Hill Cemetery Tour

2008-07-09T21:31:00.003-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJuly 9, 2008A-List Laurel Hill Cemetery Tour, Chikara Pro, Uhuru Solidarity Flea Market at Clark Park and Inventos: Hip Hop Cubano. »picnic tour The Cemetery and the River: A Tour and BYOF Picnic Overlooking the Schuylkill Sun., July 13, noon. $20. Laurel Hill Cemetery: The Underground Museum, 3822 Ridge Ave. 215.228.8200.

Club d'Elf

2008-07-02T21:34:00.001-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJuly 2, 2008A-List Club d’Elf, Orpheus, Fourth of July Dance Party, Pardon My Freedom and the Cat’s Meow: 40th Annual CFA Cat Show »Musical Guests Club d’Elf Sat., July 5, 7:30pm. $11-$16. With Paradigm. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. 215.222.1400. www.worldcafelive.com In stark contrast to their fellow Massholes, Club d’Elf

Paine's World: A Benefit for Paine's Park

2008-06-25T20:51:00.002-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJune 25, 2008Editor's PicksPaine’s World: A Benefit for Paine Park »fundraiser Paine’s World: A Benefit for Paine’s Park Sat. June 28, 9pm. $22. With Yah Mos Def, Broadzilla, Emynd & Bo + Rock Tits. Urban Outfitters Facility, Philadelphia Navy Yard. www.painesparkproject.org Get up, stand up people. Calling all skateboarders, ex-low rollers

Too Black for B.E.T.

2008-04-09T20:46:00.002-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyApril 9, 2008Editor's PicksToo Black for B.E.T. Fri., April 11, 6pm. Free. With Spank Rock + William Pym. Mad Decent Mausoleum, 531 N. 12th St. www.jaysonmusson.com If Barack Obama’s race speech sparked a fuse leading to the powder keg of race relations in America, former PW contributor Jayson Musson’s Too Black for

Colbert Nation Invades Philadelphia

2008-03-19T21:18:00.003-04:00

PhillyistMarch 19, 2008 Colbert Nation Invades Philadelphia Editor's Note: We mentioned Mr. Colbert's impending visit to our fair city yesterday (and announced a contest, no less), but Phillyist Joshua felt this historic event deserved more in-depth coverage. Enjoy! If we’re to trust Hillary Clinton’s supposition that It Takes a Village, wouldn’t logic then dictate that a

Building a Broken Mousetrap

2008-02-06T20:43:00.002-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyFebruary 6, 2008PW's Picks For The Week>>Clogosphere Building a Broken Mousetrap Thurs., Feb. 7, 7pm. $5-$7. International House, 3701 Chestnut St. 866.468.7619. www.ihousephilly.org When Dutch punks the Ex visited New York’s Knitting Factory on the third anniversary of 9/11, the city was feeling more than a little colicky.

Northern Liberties Winter Music Fest

2008-02-06T20:39:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyFebruary 6, 2008Opening RiffNorthern Liberties Winter Music Festby Joshua ValocchiWinter Wonderland The opening night of this year’s Northern Liberties Winter Music Fest includes a nod to the good ol’ days in the form of a bluegrass jam featuring Mason Porter and the awesomely named Wissahickon Chicken Shack. Comprised of eight mostly classically trained

Kiss 'n' Fly

2008-01-09T20:36:00.001-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJanuary 9, 2008A-List>>Spin crowd Kiss ’n’ Fly Wed., Jan. 9, 9pm. Free. With DJ RMT + Strawberry Mansion. Barbary, 941 Frankford Ave. www.myspace.com/thenewbarbary When John Redden opened the Barbary it was a given he’d have no problem booking DJs. Even so, the lineup at the little-Fishtown-club-that-could has gotten downright

The Sea

2008-01-09T20:20:00.002-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJanuary 9, 2008Editor's Picks>>THEATER The Sea Fri., Jan. 11, 8pm. $12-$15. Through Jan. 19. Old Swedes’ Church, 916 S. Swanson St. 215.389.1513. www.jamessugg.com Local renaissance man James Sugg brings a wealth of experience to the story of a captain’s quest for his mermaid daughter through salty monologues and

Weekend Dig! - 12/28 - 12/30

2008-01-01T20:14:00.000-05:00

DigPhillyDecember 28, 2007 Weekend Dig! Dec. 28-30 By Joshua Valocchi Posted: Dec 28, 2007 12:51 PM You may as well skip New Year's Eve all together because the good stuff is happening in the next three nights: Gospel, dirty roasts and "special" BBQs. Although the nannies over here at

Standing (Digi)Tall

2007-12-19T10:33:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyDecember 19, 2007Opening RiffBy Joshua ValocchiStanding (Digi)Tall Since its inception in 1999, Ropeadope has been somewhat of a maverick among record labels. From the demonstrated propensity to sign unknown acts based on little more than the strength of a single live club set to mixing genres through unlikely artistic collaborations, they’ve

Valley of the Dollies

2007-12-19T10:31:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyDecember 19, 2007A-ListValley of the Dollies Wed., Dec. 19, 11pm. $1.99. Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St. 215.545.4511. www.dumpstaplayers.org Continuing their storied tradition of rude and raucous rabble-rousing, the Dumpsta Players are back, getting all up in your grill with cautionary tales of Christmas

Becker's Birthday Bash

2007-12-19T10:29:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyDecember 19, 2007Live MusicBecker’s Birthday BashThurs., Dec. 20, 9pm. $8. With Future Tips, Taggart, Late Night Television + Art DiFuria. North Star, 23rd and Poplar sts. 215.787.0488. www.northstarrocks.com In the hierarchy of financially rewarding occupations, playing guitar in a local rock outfit ranks woefully low. But while rent

Instrument Drive

2007-12-19T10:27:00.000-05:00

December 19, 2007The Spirit The Fire and Intercultural Family Services Music and Mentorship Program’s Fifth Instrument Drive. Thurs., Dec. 20, 7pm. Free admission with instrument donation; $7 without. With Super Humble Country Band, Spinning Leaves, Great Unknown, Campbell Apartment. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave. 267.671.9298. www.iourecords.com/thefire/ Joshua Valocchi “Without music

Weekend Dig! 12/14 - 12/16

2007-12-14T14:05:00.000-05:00

DigPhillyDecember 13, 2007 Weekend Dig! Dec. 14-16 By Joshua Valocchi Posted: Dec 13, 2007 1:37 PM Just because the weather outside is frightful, there’s no need to deny yourself something delightful this weekend. As is usually the case – thanks to someone’s idea of a cruel joke

Lake Trout - Daily Dig! 12/13/07

2007-12-13T14:03:00.000-05:00

DigPhillyDecember 13, 2007 Thursday Dig: Lake Trout By Joshua Valocchi Posted: Dec 13, 2007 3:38 PM Tonight North Star Bar hosts Lake Trout, the band that toured with the Flaming Lips this past September, for only $16 a pop. Go.Lake Trout Dec. 13, 9 p.m. $16. With Underwater + What Monsters.

Tiger Lillies

2007-12-12T11:48:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyDecember 12, 2007Editor's PicksMusic Tiger Lillies Wed., Dec. 12, 7pm. $25. With Our Hollow Earth by Geoff Sobelle and  Bradford Trojan. Fillmore at the TLA, 334 South St. 215.922.1011.  www.livenation.com Trafficking in Brechtian cabaret sprinkled with dark humor and shocking lyrics, Tiger Lillies continue to shatter convention as they tour the world, garnering equal

Human Light Winter Solstice Party

2007-12-12T11:45:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyDecember 12, 2007A-Listspare crib Human Light Winter Solstice PartySun., Dec. 16, 1pm. $25-$30. With Mel Lipman, String Theory + Martha Knox. Williamson Restaurant, 500 Blair Mill Rd., Horsham. 215.794.8548. www.hagp.org One of the major downsides of atheism is the lack of seasonal invitations. Many Americans simply don’t want to

Sharon Jones + the Dap Kings

2007-12-12T10:20:00.000-05:00

December 12, 2007The SpiritSharon Jones and the Dap-Kings Fri., Dec. 14, 9pm. $15. With Budos Band. Fillmore at the TLA, 334 South St. 215.922.1011. www.livenation.com Joshua Valocchi Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings Fri., Dec. 14, 9pm. $15. With Budos Band. Fillmore at the TLA, 334 South St. 215.922.1011. www.livenation.com Joshua Valocchi Making an all-too-rare Philadelphia appearance,

Doug Wallen - Daily Dig! 12/11/07

2007-12-11T15:46:00.000-05:00

DigPhillyDecember 11, 2007 Tuesday Dig: Cold, Cold Heart Created By: Joshua Valocchi Posted: Dec 11, 2007 3:15 PM Basically, this little shindig is wrapped in an excuse-proof skin. Most of you probably live in Fishtown anyway. If not, there’s a good chance you’re couch-surfing there. It’s a

Weekly Dig! Dec. 11-13th

2007-12-11T14:35:00.000-05:00

DigPhillyDecember 11, 2007 Weekly Dig! Dec. 11-13 Created By: Joshua Valocchi Posted: Dec 11, 2007 12:42 PM As the holidays approach and Old Man Winter finally gathers enough gumption to raise an admittedly shaky middle finger to global warming, Philly’s nightlife scene heats up to near-NYC levels,

Grammar Debate - Daily Dig! 12/6/07

2007-12-06T17:34:00.000-05:00

DigPhillyDecember 6, 2007 Thursday Dig: Grammar Debate! Created By: Joshua Valocchi Posted: Dec 06, 2007 2:25 PM Updated: Dec 06, 2007 2:51 PM Local power pop purveyors Grammar Debate! (GD!) cart their jangly indie rock sensibilities out to Fairmount Thursday night as part of a four-band blowout at

Aunt Dracula - Daily Dig! 12/5/07

2007-12-06T17:32:00.000-05:00

DigPhillyDecember 5, 2007 Wednesday Dig: Werewolves, waffles and weirdos Created By: Joshua Valocchi Posted: Dec 05, 2007 2:25 PM Updated: Dec 05, 2007 2:36 PM Holy psychedelic freakout, Batman! As if Aunt Dracula’s twisted take on post-punk wasn’t strangely endearing enough, they’ve recently added

Weekly Dig! 12/4/07

2007-12-04T15:19:00.000-05:00

DigPhillyDecember 4, 2007 Weekly Dig! Created By: Joshua Valocchi Posted: Dec 04, 2007 In our never-ending efforts to keep our readers ahead of the hip-couture curve, we here at DigPhilly are implementing a new feature today: Dig! Today’s inaugural edition brings you the Sex Mob, turntables and karaoke that doesn't

The Cold War Kids

2007-11-29T16:18:00.002-05:00

PhillyistNovember 29, 2007 The Cold War Is Over But the Kids Are Alright Just in time for tonight's party (will you be there?), Phillyist adds another new writer to the mix, this one the very talented—and extensively published—Joshua Valocchi. We'd like to emphasize that we brought him on as a writer long before he said nice things about Editor Jill's place of employment in a

Anthony Bourdain - No Reservations

2007-11-28T12:13:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyNovember 28, 2007FOOD FEATURE Chef off and Die Philly vegetarians are terrorist scum, says Bourdain.by Joshua Valocchi Anthony Bourdain has the best job ever. He trots the globe in search of

All Blogs Considered

2007-11-28T12:11:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyNovember 28, 2007Opening RiffAll Blogs Consideredby Joshua ValocchiIt’s no secret the folks behind the scenes at NPR have some pretty eclectic musical tastes. The tiny bumper snippets of tunes played on Fresh Air or You Bet Your Garden heading into sponsor breaks range from beatnik jazz and Delta blues to Bhangra and calypso. It’s always fun to play “name that tune”

Stones Throw B-Ball Zombie War Tour

2007-11-28T12:09:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyNovemeber 28, 2007Live Music Stones Throw B-Ball Zombie War Tour Mon., Dec. 3, 7:30pm. $15. With Peanut Butter Wolf, Madlib, Guilty Simpson, Percee P, J-Rocc + Karriem. Starlight Ballroom, 460 N. Ninth St. 866.468.7619. www.r5productions.comTo put it bluntly, Peanut Butter Wolf is the most underrated DJ on the much-maligned backpacker scene. The founder of Stones Throw

Marina Rosenfeld

2007-11-28T12:07:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyNovember 28, 2007A-ListJazz you like it Marina RosenfeldWed., Dec. 5, 5:30pm. $3-$6 (free with Penn ID). Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th St. 215.898.7108. www.icaphila.orgMarina Rosenfeld is an avant-garde jazz turntablist in the coolest sense—meaning she messes with the delicate sensibilities of the oh-so-precious dance cognescenti just as much as she tweaks the

Roy Ayers

2007-11-28T12:05:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyNovember 21, 2007Live MusicRoy AyersFri., Nov. 23 and Sat., Nov. 24, 8pm. $35. Warmdaddy’s, 1400 Columbus Blvd. 215.462.2000. www.warmdaddys.comWhether you’ve been gettin’ your swerve on to old Puff and Biggie tracks, catching up on classic Pam Grier blaxploitation vehicles or keepin’ it real with vintage Tribe and Brand Nubian, you’ve been listening to a lot of Roy Ayers

Grand StorySlam

2007-11-14T11:47:00.000-05:00

DigPhillyNovember 13, 2007 Heroin makes heroine of Philly’s best storyteller Created by: Joshua Valocchi Posted: November 13, 2007The "Greatest Storyteller in Philadelphia" wins title on hilarious and heartbreaking tale of heroin, rehab and music.“So, for my 24th birthday, my friends and family all got together and … sent me to rehab for heroin.” Thus began the sordid

Buck 65

2007-11-14T11:45:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyNovember 14, 2007Opening Riffby Joshua ValocchiThe Buck Stops Here On Buck 65’s MySpace Music page, a solitary word occupies the “Sounds Like” section: “nothin’.” It’s a surprisingly apt and impossibly brief summary of what the Paris-by-way-of-Halifax country-punk-philosophical white rapper is all about. “When I’m writing songs and sampling beats, I never consider how it

Galactic

2007-11-14T11:43:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyNovember 14, 2007Live Music Galactic Fri., Nov. 16, 9pm. $20-$22. With Chali 2na, Boots Riley, Mr. Lif + Lifesavas. Fillmore at the TLA, 334 South St. 215.922.1010. www.livenation.comHaving cut their teeth in the New Orleans funk scene for the better part of a decade, Galactic shifted gears in 2003, tapping hip-hop knob-twiddler Dan the Automator (Handsome Boy Modeling

Moustachio Bashio

2007-11-14T11:41:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyNovember 14, 2007Editor's PicksCONTEST Moustachio Bashio Tues., Nov. 20, 8pm. Free. Ten Stone, 21st and South sts. 215.735.9939. www.tenstone.com The question on everybody’s upper lips: What, exactly, is the Moustachio Bashio? The brainchild of resident Ten Stone pranksters Brenna McGinnis and Papaya, the Bashio is a good old-fashioned mustache

Lewis Black

2007-11-14T11:38:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyNovember 14, 2007A-ListHit and misanthrope Lewis BlackThurs., Nov. 15, 8pm. $45-$65. Academy of Music, Broad and Locust sts. 215.893.1999. www.kimmelcenter.orgLike a pre-9/11 Dennis Miller on crank, the genuinely angry and always hilarious Lewis Black takes a circuitous but sharp-fanged approach, attacking the bastards who run things with a frustrated gusto that sometimes

First Person Arts Festival

2007-11-06T20:52:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia WeeklyNovember 7, 2007ART FEATUREMore Than Meets the “I” The First Person Arts Festival features storytelling with a twist.by Joshua Valocchi Senior prom. Easily one of the most memorable experiences of high school. For Adam Dorn—aka Mocean Worker—especially, but for different reasons.“While most of my friends were having drunk and awkward sex, I was in the studio with Miles Davis,” he explains. Gettin’

Aesop Rock / Cage and Blockhead

2007-10-02T13:27:00.000-04:00

Written for PLAY Magazine Aesop Rock, Cage and Blockhead Joshua Valocchi Saturday brings an underground hip-hop show of arguably epic proportions to the Starlight Ballroom. Aesop Rock, easily defined as one of the true godfathers of the modern-day independent hip-hop movement will be flanked by fellow Definitive Juxtaposition (Def Jux) labelmate Cage and beatmeister/producer

The Rub / Cosmo Baker

2007-10-02T13:22:00.000-04:00

PLAY MagazineSeptember 4, 2007 Aye, There's the Rub Joshua M. ValocchiContributing Writer DJ Cosmo Baker returns home to Phillyto rub the dance floor at Fluid this weekend Robert Frost once opined, "Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in."Although it's doubtful that Cosmo Baker - and the rest of his NYC-based crew, the Rub - will

Opening Riff - Bruce Warren's Music Blog

2007-10-02T13:20:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyAugust 29, 2007 Opening Riff by Joshua Valocchi When did Philadelphia become the new Montreal? More important, when are people outside the local press and music intelligentsia circles going to take more than a casual notice of this brewing situation? Perhaps

Wawapalooza

2007-10-02T13:15:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyAugust 29, 2007Oh! What a Lovely Wawa A Fringe show delivers some in-convenience-store truths.by Joshua Valocchi

Oakley Hall

2007-10-02T13:14:00.000-04:00

PLAY MagazineAugust 28, 2007 Don't Call Them Alt-Country Joshua ValocchiContributing Writer Oakley Hall is much more versatile than you think On paper, Oakley Hall comes across as just another run-of-the-mill entry into the No Depression sweepstakes. Band members cite Dylan and old-school country artists such as Johnny Paycheck and Kitty Wells as influences. Guitarist

Reef the Lost Cause

2007-10-02T13:12:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyAugust 22, 2007Live MusicReef the Lost Cauze Sat., Aug. 25, 9pm. $10. With Jake Lefco, Lyricists + Head Turners. Khyber, 56 S. Second St. 215.238.5888. www.thekhyber.com On 2005’s Feast or Famine Reef the Lost Cauze boasts, “I belong in a rap zoo, with a sign that reads ‘Please Don’t Feed the Angry Black Dude.’”Anger and animalistic instincts aside, Reef has spent years

Franklin Paine Skate Park Project Benefit

2007-10-02T13:10:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyAugust 22, 2007A-ListKeeping it WheelFranklin Paine Skate Park Project Benefit Thurs., Aug. 23, 9pm. $10. With McRad, Smiles Project, Shane Mac, Cubehead + SICU. Khyber, 56 S. Second St. 215.238.5888. www.thekhyber.comIt’s been five years since the city, in its infinite wisdom, declared LOVE Park a no-skate zone, effectively killing Philly’s rep as the world’s street-skating

Frankie Avalon Interview

2007-10-02T13:05:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyAugust 22, 2007MUSIC FEATUREFrankie, My Dear American Bandstand turns 50.by Joshua Valocchi Few television programs hold a candle to American Bandstand in terms of social influence, viewership and general popularity. Think American Idol of the ’50s and ’60s, but with talent and relevance. Perhaps Total Request Live is a more apt comparison. Bandstand actually

Operation Ozomatli

2007-10-02T13:02:00.000-04:00

PLAY MagazineAugust 21, 2007 OperationOzomatli Joshua ValocchiContributing Writer When the U.S. State Department wanted to win hearts and minds in the Middle East, they sent Ozomatli More than a million people are ready for rebellion / This shit is ill / Sunset to the crack of dawn / If you're black or blonde / Uncle Sam is robbing you blind and putting shackles upon /

Grimace Federation

2007-10-02T12:58:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyAugust 15, 2007Live MusicGrimace Federation Wed., Aug. 22, 7:30pm. $10-$12. With Beans, Red Rocket + Orbit to Leslie. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. 215.222.1400. www.worldcafelive.com Has Philly been sleeping on Grimace Federation long enough that we should be surprised that Beans—a member of the fabled Anti-Pop Consortium—is joining them as a “special guest” this week?

Elephant Man

2007-10-02T12:55:00.000-04:00

Written for Philadelphia WeeklyElephant Man Fri., Aug. 17, Doors at 9pm, show at 1am. $25. With Round Head, Roger Culture + Marlon Hype. Pinnacle, 720 Arch St. 215.413.7720. http://ladydawnpromotions.blogspot.com/2007/07/elephant-man-comes-to-philly.htmlIt’s difficult to distinguish what’s most endearing about Elephant Man. Is it his Rodman-esque orange-red hair? Or is it the unbridled energy

Girls Rock Philly Showcase

2007-10-02T12:52:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyAugust 8, 2007Live MusicGirls Rock Philly ShowcaseSat., Aug. 11, 6pm. $5. Girard College, 22nd St. and Girard Ave. 215.789.4879. www.girlsrockphilly.org Having grown tired of the media praise piled upon 98 Degrees and LFO, and having deemed the Spice Girls too crotchety, the ladies at Girls Rock Philly take matters into their own hands this weekend.Following six grueling

Portugal the Man

2007-10-02T12:50:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyAugust 8, 2007Live MusicPortugal the Man Sat., Aug. 11, 3pm. $10-$12. With PlayRadioPlay!, Photo Atlas + Only Children. Trocadero, 1003 Arch St. 215.922.LIVE. www.thetroc.com Although last month’s release of Church Mouth finds Portugal the Man shying away from the experiments in sonic trickery showcased on last year’s Waiters: “You Vultures!”, the Alaskan trio manage to retain

Say Word Wednesdays

2007-10-02T12:46:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyAugust 8, 2007A-ListSpoke fiendsSay Word Wednesdays Wed., Aug. 15, 9pm. Free. Arts Garage, 1520 Parrish St. 215.765.2702. www.myspace.com/crashersinc If the thought of attending a spoken-word event turns your stomach, you’re not alone. The prospect of being forced to sit through a single minute of Def Poetry Jam’s Slam makes me want to kick puppies.So why is it that Say Word

Budos Band

2007-10-02T12:41:00.001-04:00

PLAY MagazineAugust 15 2007Budos BandJoshua ValocchiContributing WriterAn 11-piece explosion of deep soul and dusty groove, Budos Band erupted from Staten Island’s surprisingly fertile jazz hotbed of the ‘90s. Today the band shares members with Sharon Jones’s Dap-Kings as well as Amy Winehouse’s crackerjack back-up players. This week, Budos Band celebrates the release of their second

Beastie Boys

2007-10-02T12:36:00.000-04:00

PLAY MagazineAugust 8, 2007GETTIN' SOMEThe Beastie Boys Show Although the beloved Beastie Boys were the main focus on the Festival Pier last Wednesday night, the UWISHUNU VIP Tent was the place to be before the three MC's and one DJ took the stage.Featuring old-school b-boy battles on the faux parquet and the distinctive stylings of local legend Schoolly D on the wheels of steel, the

War on Drugs

2007-09-30T13:23:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyAugust 1, 2007Live Music War on Drugs Wed., Aug. 8, 8pm. $8. With Shortstack, Garland of Hours + Levee Drivers. Khyber, 56 S. Second St. 215.238.5888. www.thekhyber.com With their dual drummer assault and Adam Granduciel’s mad scientist approach to loops and sampling, War on Drugs come across like a mix of the E Street Band on

Plastic Little's Dopeness Video

2007-09-27T14:26:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyAugust 1, 2007Pop Rocks Plastic Little’s “Dopeness” Video Philadelphia’s Plastic Little are in danger of being taken seriously.To be clear, it certainly won’t be their lyrics that propel them to such heights. Though informative in a ghetto fabulous sense (“Crambodia,” for instance, defined a “banana boat” as “a lotta coke.” Who knew?), they’re not exactly

Gift of Gab

2007-09-27T14:23:00.000-04:00

PLAY MagazineJuly 30, 2007COVER STORYDefenders of Hip Hop Joshua ValocchiContributing Writer Gift of Gab talks about the glory days of hip hop what's wrong with rap today "The new generation of hip-hoppers and rappers just didn't grow up with the sense of culture we have... to them, it's just a business; a way of making money."Sadly, truer words haven't been spoken. Sadder

Opening Riff - The Join

2007-09-27T14:21:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJuly 25, 2007Opening Riffby Joshua ValocchiIn the rock pantheon, trios rule the roost. The Police. Cream. The Doors. Remove one member from any of these threesomes and all hell breaks loose. Enter the New Deal, a self-described “live progressive breakbeat house” outfit from Toronto. Conventional wisdom dictates that minus one player, these guys

Blue Movie Bingo

2007-09-27T14:18:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJuly 25, 2007A-ListPORN AGAIN Blue Movie Bingo Wed., July 25, 10pm. $3. Bob and Barbara's, 1509 South St. 215.545.4511. www.myspace.com/bob_and_barbaras No longer relegated to church basements and other haunts of the blue-hair set, bingo has been making a steady resurgence among bohemians and same-sexers since the early '90s.It was

Trouble Everyday

2007-09-27T14:17:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJuly 18, 2007Live Music Trouble Everyday Fri., July 20, 9:30pm. $8. With Prowler, End of Radio + AD Lawless. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 Frankford Ave. 215.739.9684. www.johnnybrendas.com In 2001’s Trouble Every Day, Vincent Gallo’s character is afflicted with the insurmountable urge to physically devour the objects of his lust

Vice Magazine's Tales of Colt 45 Party

2007-09-27T14:14:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJuly 18, 2007A-ListLIQUOR VIRGIN Vice Magazine’s Tales of Colt 45 Party Wed., July 25, 9pm. Free. With Broadzilla DJs + Mike Z. Silk City Lounge, 435 Spring Garden St. 215.592.8838. www.myspace.com/broadzilladjs Throughout his ’80s heyday Billy Dee Williams (aka the Sidney Poitier of Colt 45 commercials)

Deadstring Brothers

2007-09-27T14:13:00.000-04:00

PLAY MagazineJuly 17, 2007Motor City Moxie Joshua ValocchiContributing Writer Detroit's Deadstring Brothers rise above the city's storied musical past and make music on their own terms Starting a band in Detroit is somewhat akin to opening a soft pretzel joint in South Philly. The pressures associated with strong tradition and civic pride are enough to crush the life out of

Okay Paddy

2007-09-27T14:12:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJuly 11, 2007Live Music Okay Paddy Fri., July 13, 9pm. $8. With Creeping Weeds + Buried Beds. Khyber, 56 S. Second St. 215.238.5888. www.thekhyber.com Okay Paddy have been busy crafting the new Philly sound for the past few years. Mixing a Wilcoesque sound with Elephant 6 sensibilities, the Scranton-bred quartet have quietly

Catwalk Tragedy

2007-09-27T14:10:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJuly 11, 2007A-ListGENDER CIVILIZATION AS WE KNOW IT Catwalk Tragedy Fri., July 13, 8pm. $13-$16. With Suicide City, Azoic, Peek-a-Boo Revue, Percocettes, Chas Paris, Mighty Mike Saga + DJ Phranque. Trocadero, 1003 Arch St. 215.922.LIVE. www.thetroc.com The Miss America Pageant is fine for those whose stunted libidos

Soul Food at Bob & Barbara's

2007-09-27T14:09:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJuly 4, 2007Pop Rocks Soul Food at Bob and Barbara’s Sundays make me hungry. Come to think of it, so do Wednesdays. We should totally hang at Bob and Barbara’s for bouncer grub.Known as the “Best Bouncer in Town,” B&B’s resident chucker-outer Lucky (“It’s just Lucky”) likes to flex his culinary muscle twice weekly when he

Chromeo

2007-09-27T14:07:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJuly 4, 2007Live Music Chromeo Sat., July 7, 9pm. $10-$20. With Flosstradamus, Mickey Avalon + Andre Legacy. Fillmore at the TLA, 334 South St. 215.922.1011. www.livenation.com When Chromeo rolled onto the scene sporting jeweled grills and gangsta attitudes while fronting a synth-funk outfit, it was impossible to take their

Puppies Are Biodegradable

2007-09-27T14:05:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJuly 4, 2007Editor's PicksART “Puppies Are Biodegradable” Fri., July 6, 6pm. Free. Through July 30. FUEL Collection, 249 Arch St. 215.592.8400. www.fuelcollection.comTake a drive along Business Route 30 West and you’ll see the billboards. They all say the same thing: Puppy mills must be stopped.First time I saw them, I couldn’t figure out why anyone would open a strip-mall

Bring the Truth Home

2007-09-27T14:02:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJuly 4, 2007A-ListWargasm Addict Bring the Truth Home Wed., July 4, 6pm. Free. With Joie Venus, Son of Nun + Head Roc. Millcreek Tavern, 4200 Chester Ave. 215.222.1255. www.ivaw.org It’s increasingly difficult to find anyone who supports Bush’s stance on Iraq. There was a time you could count on diehard Republicans in the Midwest

Illvibe Collective Saturday Nights

2007-09-27T13:58:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJune 27, 2007A-ListUNDERGROUNDHOG DAY Grady Illvibe Collective  Saturday Nights Sat., June 30, 11pm. $5. 1520 Parrish St. 215.765.2702.  www.theartsgarage.comWhat do we have to do these days to throw off the pseudo-hipsters? How ’bout taking the most skilled DJs in town out to a hole-in-the-wall spot ’twixt Fishtown and West Philly.The Illvibe Collective have done just

Manu Chao

2007-09-27T13:50:00.000-04:00

PLAY MagazineJuly 27, 2007Manu Chao’s resume is certainly impressive. He sings in seven languages. He’s produced Grammy-nominated albums. He’s crisscrossed the globe bringing his politically-charged lyrics and diverse musical range to the culturally rich, the musically deprived and the oppressed and impoverished alike. He even managed to remain in a touring band with his brother for an impressive

Dawson Street Pub Sundays

2007-09-25T20:43:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJune 20, 2007Pop RocksDawson Street Pub Sundays Sundays at the Dawson Street Pub have long been an exercise in organized chaos tempered by faith in divine providence.Although specific bands are rarely on the official slate, recent evenings have found some of the finest local talent strumming their way through fluid,

Tommy Guerrero

2007-09-25T20:40:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJune 20, 2007MUSICSkate Date A member of Bones Brigade makes sweet tunes.by Joshua ValocchiTommy GuerreroThurs., June 21, 9pm. $8-$10. With Bing Ji Ling + DJ Orb. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 Frankford Ave. 215.739.9684. www.johnnybrendas.com “Hello Again,” the opening track from Tommy Guerrero’s 2006 release From the

The Teeth

2007-09-25T20:37:00.000-04:00

PLAY MagazineJune 19, 2007 Something to Smile About Joshua ValocchiContributing Writer Meet the Teeth, the latest in a long line of great new bands calling Philly home The Teeth are like Philadelphia's musical version of Sybil. Well, minus the debilitating flashbacks to an incredibly painful childhood that is. Of course, the Teeth don't project an air of heartbreaking

Opening Riff - Mad Dragon Records

2007-09-25T20:35:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJune 13, 2007 Opening Riffby Joshua ValocchiShortly before offing himself, Kurt Cobain mused, "I wish there’d been a music business 101 course I could’ve taken." Although it came along a little too late for Mr. Courtney Love, Drexel University’s music industry program offers students real-world experience in every aspect of the business from recording technology to

Ocean's 13 Soundtrack

2007-09-25T20:33:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJune 13, 2007Pop RocksOcean’s Thirteen Soundtrack All hail the king of the soundtrack, David Holmes.The Belfast-born DJ has been slowly but surely wresting the torch from the tightly clenched fist of Danny Elfman ever since his gritty score for 1998’s Out of Sight.Quickly following up that gem with the lounge-hop featured on the Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s Twelve soundtracks,

Hellcat Girls

2007-09-25T20:31:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJune 13, 2007A-Listmy prince will come Once Upon a Tassel: A Burlesque Tribute to Grimm’s Fairy Tales Sat., June 16, 8pm. $12-$15. Trocadero, 1011 Arch St. 215.922.5483. www.thetroc.com Is there a better way to top off a comics/sci-fi convention than an evening gawking at witches and fairy princesses wearing little more than sequined pasties?The voluptuous vixens of the

UNDRCRWN

2007-09-25T20:27:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia WeeklyJune 13, 2007A&EHoops Spring Eternal A Philly-based sneaker firm helps spread the peace.by Joshua Valocchi