Greg Thomson’s ‘Pretending’ CD has blue-collar grit of Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty

Reviewed by Alison Murphy Greg Thomson/Pretending California-based singer/songwriter Greg Thomson doesn’t sound like your stereotypical West Coast rocker. His songs have a certain blue-collar grit to them; you simply cannot imagine him surfing with Jack Johnson anytime soon. It’s been ages since any new artist has been compared to John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom […]

‘No Air Guitar Allowed’ book is ‘bullseye accurate’ portrayal of concertgoers

Reviewed by Alison Murphy Steve Weinberger with Sarah Torribio/No Air Guitar Allowed Looking for a serious, in-depth analysis of rock concerts and the people who often attend them? No Air Guitar Allowed isn’t what you’re looking for. Authors Steve Weinberger and Sarah Torribio aren’t pushing for a scholarly tome with million-dollar words and academic data. […]

Sunny music from Feed the Need provides late summer soundtrack

Reviewed by Alison Murphy Feed the Need/Feed the Need There are moments when Feed the Need could be called Weezer, Jr. Maybe it’s due the group’s boyish, almost nerdy vocal harmonies which are in plain view on a number of tracks, especially “Ride the Wave” and “Sooner Than Later.” However, the lads aren’t as angst-ridden […]

Seattle singer/songwriter Tj Sherrill unites folky warmth and grunge angst

Written by Carson James Based in Seattle, Washington, where he actively gigs in clubs and wineries, singer/songwriter Tj Sherrill occupies the space between folk and grunge in the Emerald City’s always fascinating music culture. Sherrill’s debut EP, High Horse, is a work of a true independent spirit, revealing the tortured emotions of a previous era […]