The Ever Colorful GIZMO After five years of hammering the hard-hitting rock scene in Charm City,
GIZMO is audaciously poised for finer things with their first full length album (in the works).
...continue reading. By Jose Torres Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Musicians Resource: Bandbo.com In music scenes throughout the nation (and throughout the world, some may argue), there are the pessimists and the optimists.
...continue reading. By Jose Torres Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Baltimore Chop! More Than Just Books... Andy Rubin opened
Baltimore Chop on baseball’s opening day last year with the intention of supplying the demand for an independent sports bookstore and music venue. That intention has come to fruition and morphed into Baltimore’s hippest place to enjoy fine organic coffee, books of all sorts, as well as entertainment. As Mr. Rubin explains, “Live events in a bookstore are critical to keeping in touch with the community.” Rubin’s aspiration of helping create a vibrant scene in Baltimore is shared by many. Having a place to manifest those dreams and having an owner not tied down by the restraints of corporate America is why Baltimore Chop is a unique and refreshing experience. The daytime and night events include poetry readings, book signings, and of course, live music, which often include regional and even nationally touring acts.
...continue reading. By Jose Torres Thursday, February 7, 2008
Basshound Lovers of funk and the musically obscure can feast on the assortment of flavors provided by the quartet
Basshound. Hailed as one the finest bands in Baltimore and a “must see,” one must take a peek in from stirred curiosity.
...continue reading. By Jose Torres Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Film Review: CONTROL I have to admit, the band
Joy Division slipped by me, since I was two when they emerged out of the punk music scene in 1973. The semi-biographical movie “Control,” centered on the life of singer Ian Curtis, was directed by Anton Corbijn, who has directed music videos for
Nirvana and
Metallica, and also shot the famous U2’s “The Joshua Tree” album cover. The story, shot almost entirely in black and white, captures the essence of Ian Curtis (played by Sam Riley) from the perspective of a young man struggling in the social norm of his environment, near Manchester, England. His prospect on life was rather bland, marrying very young and holding a desk job. That was until he met some buddies at a Sex Pistols concert who were looking for a singer/frontman. Perhaps some inner voice compelled him to join what would soon become the Joy Division, setting in motion an ascent into relative fame and his ultimate date with Destiny, but what comes to life on screen is the true in life drama of a man falling to pieces. Corbijn, who collaborated with Ian Curtis’ widow, Deborah Curtis, delivers the riveting story without seams, engaging the audience with dark, cold imagery. Ian Curtis dealt with epilepsy, drug abuse, infidelity, and an inevitable divorce that was too much for him to handle. Corbijn has masterfully pieced together the story of Joy Division in this brilliant film with fine actors and a wonderful script. A must see for music lovers who often have misconception about what it’s like to be a rockstar.
...continue reading. By Jose Torres [ In film reviews ] Tuesday, November 13, 2007
