Way back in 1995, this humble writer ran across this weird album by a "band" of sorts called Sparklehorse. It claimed the unwieldy-yet-poetic title Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot, and about the only other thing I knew about it at the time was that it was written and recorded by a guy who was friends with Cracker/ex-Camper Van Beethoven frontman David Lowery. Oh, and it had a creepy clown's head on the cover that haunts me to this day... [more] || [Jeremy Hart] || [09/10/06]

Overall, The Dead Science present a sophisticated picture: they're the perfect gentlemen. Formed in 2000, the current members of the self-named "tallest band in Seattle," Sam Mickens (vocals, electric guitar), Jherek Bishoff (electric bass, stand-up bass), and Nick Tamburro (drums/percussion) stand like slight, friendly giants at around a height of 6' 4", all with a colorful, easy, self-honest manner... [more] || [Alicia Crowder] || [09/10/06]

Look, I know it was a Tuesday. I know that most of us have jobs. But seriously, how is it possible that a well-advertised, strong band lineup (three bands for eight dollars) show in the fourth-largest city in the country only draws 50 people (I counted)? And I'm pretty sure that most of those attendees were friends or girlfriends or parents of the bands. As a Seattle transplant, I'm appalled. There a midweek show like this would draw 200 easy... [more] || [Andrew Perkins] || [09/10/06]

A lengthy line of black clothing-clad fans extended out the front entrance to the Reliant Arena on this hot Houston summer day; they ignored the unbearable heat because they were ready for an ear-splitting day of heavy metal. Headlined by the legendary Slayer, the Unholy Alliance Tour also featured a slew of newer groups, so there was a diverse range of ages among the attendees... [more] || [Patrick Graham] || [09/10/06]