Well, it’s two weeks after the fact and I’m finally able to wrap my head around the musical smorgasbord that was Bonnaroo 2009. 75,000 people descended on Manchester, TN, (population: roughly 9,500 for 361 days of the year), for the festival’s eighth year.
The musical equivalent of Willy Wonka’s world of pure imagination, Bonnaroo once again [...]

The Avett Brothers were the latest to participate in Bruce Springsteen’s “Hangin’ out on E Street” video series – a clever marketing promo that features modern artists making over their favorite Boss tune.
The Avetts run Springsteen classic “Glory Days” through their folk-rock filter and the result is loose, back-porch fun.
The series also features covers by [...]

Yes, that’s Jesus flipping the bird at Ticketmaster. Do you know why? Because Ticketmaster made him sad. Why did Ticketmaster do that to Jesus? Because the management at that company constantly stomps all over the 11th Commandment: Thou shalt not be a total dick.
It took every ounce of my restraint (which I have in short [...]

As 2008 comes to a close, we at Stranger Dance are starting to look forward to what 2009 holds. A number of our favorite artists (Andrew Bird, Bon Iver, Jason Isbell, M. Ward, Wilco, etc.) have confirmed upcoming albums and even more are flirting with the idea.
A few things stuck out to us while compiling [...]

Bo Diddley (born Ellas Otha Bates), passed away from heart failure this morning. He was 79.
Diddley was a founding father of rock n’ roll, best remembered for his distinctive signature beat. The beat was the backbone to hundreds of songs that followed: Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away,” the Who’s “Magic Bus,” Steppenwolf’s “Magic Carpet Ride,” [...]

I updated the San Francisco Concert Schedule with a fresh crop of shows. Lots of good stuff coming up, including the Black Keys (tonight!), Cat Power, Mike Doughty, Kathleen Edwards, Man Man, Rilo Kiley, SF’s own Rogue Wave, another round of Stephen Malkmus and his Jicks, Jamie Lidell, Tapes N’ Tapes (now featuring Erik Appelwick, [...]

So, apparently you can’t start a music blog without having a top ten list of the past year’s best albums. Even if it’s about a month too late. That’s what Editor-in-Chief The Stranger claims… but relax, the Vague Panther’s list is clearly the best.