Email Author Ryan Wasoba

2012 Stories by Ryan Wasoba

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  Narrows

  published March 15, 2012

  Botch was not the only band making artistic, relevant hardcore records at the end of the 1990s, but it's seemingly the only one not reuniting... More >>

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  The Vijay Iyer Trio combines math, diplomacy and dancing

  published March 15, 2012

  The title track of Accelerando, the newest album by the Vijay Iyer Trio, is the most immediate, compelling piece of recorded jazz music... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  The Six Best Bass Lines Of All Time

  published Mar 06, 2012

  Bass has many forms -- electric, upright, synthesized. Whatever its shape, it is a crucial element to popular music. Most songs don't need good bass lines, but the ones that have them are propelled ... More >>

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  Lez Zeppelin

  published March 8, 2012

  Lez Zeppelin is an all-female tribute to Led Zeppelin. The group's appeal goes beyond the hard-rocking, accurate portrayal of its idols —... More >>

• American Idiot at Peabody Opera House: Review

  published Mar 05, 2012

  American Idiot Peabody Opera House March 2, 2012 The average age of the attendees of American Idiot's opening night at the Peabody Opera House hovered around the mid fifties, neither the target demog... More >>

• American Idiot (The Musical) Proves Green Day Is Still Punk Rock

  published Mar 01, 2012

  It is possible that no band maintains a more complicated relationship with punk rock than Green Day. Ever since the group's breakout Dookie, its existence has been paradoxical, a flow chart that alter... More >>

• Six Best Sophomore Albums By One Hit Wonders

  published Feb 28, 2012

  In the business model of the one hit wonder, the commercially unsuccessful follow-up album is essential to the tag. Had the second album not flopped, the artist would be at least a two-hit wonder. Man... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  The Six Best Presidents Of The United States Of America Songs

  published Feb 20, 2012

  Just as Thanksgiving was a reminder of Irish rock band the Cranberries, today's national holiday is a celebration of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and quirky Seattle alternative rock trio the Pre... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Name This Band: The Artist Formerly Known As Stinkfoot

  published Feb 15, 2012

  At RFT Music, we know that deciding on a band name is not easy. We're here to help. In our series Name This Band, we invite local musicians to answer some questions about their startup groups. Using t... More >>

• Six Most Overwrought Valentine's Day Emo Songs

  published Feb 13, 2012

  Valentine's Day has come again, meaning you are either celebrating your love life or hating on those who are. The holiday's backlash is the perfect vehicle for emo, the genre that strives on tragedy a... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Craig Finn Talks About His Solo Tour and Why Most Christian Bands Suck

  published Feb 09, 2012

  Most listeners know Craig Finn as the poetic frontman of The Hold Steady. His show Friday at Off Broadway (3509 Lemp Avenue, 314-773-3363) puts him in a quieter context as he plays songs from his solo... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Six Worst Musical Thefts by White People

  published Feb 08, 2012

  February is Black History Month, the mere existence of which is a reminder that white people have spent a majority of America's existence being total dicks. When it comes to popular music, Caucasians ... More >>

• You Decide the Name of Steve Prane and Adam Retherford's New Band

  published Feb 03, 2012

  At RFT Music, we know that deciding on a band name is not easy. We're here to help. For our new series Name This Band, we've invited local musicans to answer some questions about their startup groups.... More >>

• Mama's Bed n Brunch offers a respite for touring bands

  published February 2, 2012

  Sharon Scherer has no problem divulging her age — 55 — and takes no issue with her long-time nickname, "Mama." She also has no... More >>

• Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio

  published February 2, 2012

  It's a true sign of badassness in our culture to be called doctor without proper credentials. Dr. Lonnie Smith fits the bill. A master of funky... More >>

• The Six Best Key Changes In Pop Music

  published Jan 30, 2012

  The key change is an essential device in the pop canon. Play song, move chords and melody up a half step or so, continue in new key until otherwise noted. It's simple, really, and often effective, whi... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  The Six Abandoned Songs Most Worth Reevaluating

  published Jan 24, 2012

  Sometimes we just need to take a break from a song. One can only hear the same words and melody so many times until it loses all meaning, like saying "sandals" or "popcorn" a few dozen times. Unfortun... More >>

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  FEATURED STORY

  Six Best Lookout! Records Releases

  published Jan 17, 2012

  Lookout! Records officially shut down this month, which is not shocking news to anybody familiar with the long-running punk rock label. The company's financial struggles were well known to the public,... More >>

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  Branford Marsalis & Joey Calderazzo Duo

  published January 19, 2012

  Pianist Joey Calderazzo entered the general consciousness in the late '80s as a sideman for Michael Brecker. Saxophonist Branford Marsalis,... More >>

• Mike Cracchiolo and Kenny Snarzyk's favorite Cicero's Shows

  published Jan 12, 2012

  In this week's music feature, RFT reported on Cicero's surprising decision to fire booking agent Mike Cracchiolo and publicist Kenny Snarzyk after less than nine months of employment. They were unders... More >>

• Six Least Appropriate Radiohead Songs to Make Out To

  published Jan 10, 2012

  "Summer after high school when we first met / We make out in your Mustang to Radiohead" Such is the opening couplet of "The One Who Got Away" by the inescapable Katy Perry. The namedrop is confusing.... More >>

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  Buyer's Remorse: Cicero's cans its booker and publicist

  published January 12, 2012

  When Mike Cracchiolo and Kenny Snarzyk attended their weekly meeting at Cicero's last Monday, they were in good spirits. Snarzyk, the venue's... More >>

• The Bad Plus at Jazz at the Bistro: Review

  published Jan 07, 2012

  The Bad Plus Jazz at the Bistro 7:30 p.m., January 6, 2012 Last time The Bad Plus rolled through Jazz At The Bistro, the trio played with the fire of a group intent on proving itself. This time aroun... More >>