Email Author Mike Appelstein

2011 Stories by Mike Appelstein

• Vivian Girls songwriter Cassie Ramone talks about outliving the hype

  published April 21, 2011

  Internet buzz-band fame is arguably not far from reality-show fame. You get all of the annoying aspects of public recognition, few of the... More >>

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  COVER STORY

  Kitsy Christner and Therese Williams recorded a novelty album as ten-year-olds. Forty years later, Dandelions is an Internet sensation.

  published April 14, 2011

  One typical 1970 afternoon, Thérèse Williams, nicknamed "Tres," and her best friend Kitsy Christner gathered for their usual... More >>

• Crocodiles

  published April 14, 2011

  When San Diego's Crocodiles first emerged a few years ago, it ditched the hardcore inflections of its former bands, the Plot to Blow Up... More >>

• Reading Rainbow/Palace/Dubb Nubb

  published April 14, 2011

  On Prism Eyes, the Philadelphia duo Reading Rainbow nudges itself into a comfy space between the no-nonsense, low-tech buzz of... More >>

• Crocodiles

  published April 7, 2011

  When San Diego's Crocodiles first emerged a few years ago, it ditched the hardcore inflections of its former bands, The Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel... More >>

• The Trashcan Sinatras' resurgence continues with a new acoustic tour and plenty of give-and-take with its loyal fans

  published March 24, 2011

  Life in the Trashcan Sinatras isn't always easy. Since entering the public consciousness in the '90s via albums such as Cake and singles... More >>

• Interview Outtakes: Dan Zanes on Playing in Bahrain, the Impact of Children's Music and the Del Fuegos Reunion

  published Mar 10, 2011

  Children's music isn't just about Raffi, Disney and Kidz Bop anymore, and thank goodness for that. From They Might Be Giants to Elizabeth Mitchell, more and more respected artists are trying their han... More >>

• Dan Zanes moves from the Del Fuegos to children's music, with ease and grace

  published March 10, 2011

  Children's music isn't just about Raffi, Disney and Kidz Bop anymore, and thank goodness for that. From They Might Be Giants to Elizabeth... More >>

• The city's long-running slop-pop experts celebrate turning eighteen this weekend

  published March 10, 2011

  Bunnygrunt turns eighteen this month. If the band were a person, it would be just about ready to graduate from high school. It would be able to... More >>

• Review: Dum Dum Girls at the Billiken Club, Wednesday, February 23

  published Feb 24, 2011

  Even before Dum Dum Girls took the stage, its onstage backline (which all three bands used) suggested this would be a special show. There was a mouthwatering array of vintage amplifiers and guitars, i... More >>

• Review: The Godfathers at Off Broadway, Tuesday, February 22

  published Feb 23, 2011

  When we interviewed lead Godfather Peter Coyne, he spoke of possessing a spirit of "revenge." But revenge, though sweet, is not always easy. The band, which recorded its best-known hits in the 1980s, ... More >>

• Interview: Godfathers Vocalist Peter Coyne on Acting, Journalism and New Songs

  published Feb 22, 2011

  After visa issues forced the Godfathers to postpone a few shows on its current U.S. tour, the show is happening tonight at Off Broadway. Here are outtakes from our recent interview with vocalist Peter... More >>

• The Dum Dum Girls' retro-pop perfection comes into clear focus on new EP

  published February 17, 2011

  In the past two years, California's Dum Dum Girls has transformed from a one-woman home-recording project into an indie-rock contender. After... More >>

• '80s UK rockers the Godfathers start their first tour in two decades at Off Broadway, energized for touring and making new music

  published February 3, 2011

  Ask Peter Coyne why he's reformed the Godfathers, and the lead singer will give it to you straight. "Revenge," he says, calling from London.... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  The Welders: Maximum Rocknroll Cover Stars!

  published Jan 12, 2011

  Word is slowly catching on about last year's Welders seven-inch on BDR Records. Record collectors love mysteries, and certainly the Welders - a band of St. Louis teen girls who recorded a batch of in... More >>