United States

“Pumped Up Kicks” still running for Foster the People

“Pumped Up Kicks” still running for Foster the People | Toronto Star L.A. group’s momentum from deathless single takes them to Sound Academy.    Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Wed Sep 28 2011   With its bubbly melody, whistle-happy chorus and slightly funky dance beat, Foster The People’s Top 10 hit “Pumped Up Kicks” seemed the perfect candidate for 2011’s official breezy summer anthem. It wasn’t until…


Marnie Stern makes guitar her own

Marnie Stern makes guitar her own | Toronto Star Highly personal sound keeps it interesting for indie musician bound for Wrongbar.     New York guiatarist Marnie Stern tries to keep it interesting. Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Tue Sep 20 2011 Throughout the history of contemporary music, the domain of the lightning-fingered guitar hero has been inextricably defined by testosterone-driven DNA. But for every six-string trailblazer…


Jeff Tweedy’s take on Black Eyed Peas trips up Wilco album

Entertainment / Music Lark of covering pop hits taking attention from diverse new tunes from Wilco, coming to Massey Hall for two nights.       Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Wed Sep 14 2011 A few days after becoming a YouTube viral sensation with his surprising acoustic guitar recitatives of the Black Eyed Peas hits “I Gotta Feeling,” “Rock That Body” and “My Humps,” Wilco principal Jeff Tweedy…


Urban renewal, thanks to country

Urban renewal, thanks to country | Toronto Star Keith Urban’s prowess and that of his crack band coaxed fresh depth out of his songs at the Air Canada Centre. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Sun Sep 11 2011 Many have talked the talk when it comes to promising something innovative in a country music concert format, but at the Air Canada Centre over the weekend, Keith Urban…


Sara Evans, stronger than ever?

Sara Evans, stronger than ever? | Toronto Star Country singer glad to carry momentum into CMT festival.   Sara Evans, now an Alabama resident, comes north to Oro, Ont., near Barrie, for the first CMT Music Festival this weekend. Special to the Star Nick Krewen Published on Wed Aug 24 2011 You won’t find a more relevant country music album title at the moment than Sara Evans’ Stronger. Ever since the…