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C.J. Prusi on September 11, 2019
The rap gods have smiled on San Jose. This weekend’s Kings of the West extravaganza brings a completely stacked lineup—including Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, The Game, E-40 and Warren G—to the Shark Tank. These hip-hop heroes come to town as part of a broader series of concerts celebrating the SAP Center’s 25-year history. There isn’t much that hasn’t been said already about these OGs of West Coast rap. Whether you loved Are We There Yet?, prefer to partake in any number of Snoop’s cannabis-related online ventures, or want to go dumb alongside one of the Bay Area’s most infamous lyricists, it’s all here. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on September 11, 2019
For two decades San Jose native Kung Fu Vampire has batted away record contracts even as he’s charted favorably and toured with the biggest names in horrorcore. Like an undead, white-irised Frankie Blue Eyes, he’s done it his way. In 2016, with Look Alive, he ditched the colored contacts and Bella Lugosi do in favor of chonky shades and a ball cap. He celebrates his latest LP with his first hometown show in three years. Come Dawn finds Kung Fu embracing a neon palate, wild hair and a new electric ride. Album opener “1986” has him rolling up to the party “like Elon Musk.” Continue reading »
I get that you’re into some weird shit, but I never asked to hear about it. So, I don’t understand why you feel compelled to send me unsolicited text messages looping me into your fucked-up sex life. Like, that’s cool that you enjoy a good romp with your friendly neighborhood courtesans, but I find your invitations to join you on said libertine ventures just a tad inappropriate. What have I ever done to make you think I’d appreciate the invite? While I commend you for at least asking if I’d be interested in fulfilling your voyeur fantasy, consider my answer from now on the same in perpetuity: hard pass.
I Saw You is an anonymous “man on the street” column. Email your rants and raves about co-workers or any badly behaving citizens to [email protected], or send to 380 S. First St, San Jose, 95113. Submissions should stick to about 100 words.
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Bill Kopp on September 4, 2019
It’s best not to read too much into the fact that eclectic musician and songwriter Mary Timony’s band Ex Hex took its name from a solo album she made back in 2005. “Honestly, I just saw Ex Hex as a cool name for a band a long time ago, and since I didn’t really have a band at the time, I just named the record that,” she says. “It’s not really that deep.” Continue reading »
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Erika Rasmussen on September 4, 2019
¡Pinche Juan! the crowd would yell for lead vocalist Rubén Albarrán. He changes his moniker for just about every album Café Tacvba releases. Thus far, he’s adopted at least 15 stage names. The group itself proves just as fluid. They’ve dipped their toes into just about every genre one might imagine. During their early days, back in the ’90s, they experimented with ska and hip-hop. Then they moved on to a punky, alt-rock, metal-infused Latin sound, which helped them gather a cult following of rock en Español fans. Currently on their 30th anniversary tour, Café Tacvba have shifted gears once again—putting their own spin on traditional Mexican roots music, mixing indigenous textures with their own modern sensibilities. Continue reading »
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Wallace Baine on September 4, 2019
Nobody alive in the 1980s with the scantest interest in music could escape the force of Duran Duran. The slick synth-heavy proto-boy-band from the UK became an MTV sensation, thanks in large part to pouty sex-symbol lead singer, Simon LeBon. Sure, it’ll never be 1983 again, but DD has proved to be a surprisingly enduring group. They’ve been releasing new records consistently for the past 40 years. Their most recent work, 2015’s Paper Gods, even brings in hip contributors such as Janelle Monae and the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s John Frusciante. Let’s see Culture Club do that! Continue reading »
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Matei Predescu on September 4, 2019
New Zealand roots reggae icons Katchafire started 20 years ago as a Bob Marley tribute band—taking their name from The Wailers’ debut record, Catch a Fire. After the 2018 release of their fifth album, Legacy, which topped international charts, the group has solidified its presence on the forefront of the contemporary reggae scene. Katchafire channels influences from ska and dub with deep bass grooves and easy-going vocals on songs like “I Can Feel it a Lot,” from Legacy. On other numbers, such as “Fyah in the Trenches,” reverb-laden horns and Rhodes harmonies add to the head-bobbing bass-and-drums mix. Continue reading »
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Metro Staff on September 4, 2019
One of the Peninsula’s largest summer street fairs, the Mountain View Art & Wine Festival packs a whole lot into two days. The public party features artwork from more than 500 artists and makers, live music, plenty of kid-friendly activities, plus beer, wine and signature cocktails—all on Castro Street. Also this year, the Pigskin Party Lounge returns. Gather round the outdoor big screen to watch the Giants take on the Dodgers and the 49ers challenge the Buccaneers. For more information, visit mountainview.miramarevents.com. Continue reading »
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Erika Rasmussen on September 4, 2019
Presented by the Morgan Hill Downtown Association, the annual Brew Crawl returns for its eighth year. Attendees can sample rare craft brews and ciders, four bands performing live music and games across 20 tasting locations—all within walking distance. Tickets include beer samples, a custom glass and a beer passport to keep track of your favorite sips. Participating breweries include Strike Brewing Co., Clandestine Brewing, South City Cider Works and Gordon Biersch. The festivities start at 1pm, but attendees may check in as early as noon. For info head to morganhilldowntown.org. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on September 4, 2019
We all know Dierks Bentley as a singer, songwriter and country music veteran…but it turns out he might also be a Burner. He’s currently on the road, pushing his 2018 LP, The Mountain, whose lead single, “Burning Man,” seems to pay homage to the weeklong party in Nevada’s Black Rock desert. The tune deals with struggles and triumphs, and conflicting urges for rambling and remaining grounded. The album—his ninth studio set in 15 years—mixes elements of bluegrass with straightforward rock & roll. Bentley’s label mate Jon Pardi and rising country singer Caylee Hammack open. Continue reading »
