Stories by Katie Steen
Atlas Sound combines shape-shifting beats with University flavor
- Kranky
BY KATIE STEEN
Atlas Sound — known more recently for his unusual stage antics including but not limited to playing an hour-long cover of the aforementioned tune — will be arriving in Ann Arbor tonight to play at the Michigan League Ballroom.
Effort doesn't shine through on Bear in Heaven's new release
- Hometapes
BY KATIE STEEN
There are moments that seem to indicate that the band put a lot of effort and thought into the making of the record, but in the end, it’s not that amazing for outsiders looking in. It’s an all right album, it’s cool.
Miike Snow will make club-goers and causal fans alike 'Happy' with sophomore release
- Universal Republic
BY KATIE STEEN
With unspecific lyrics and a web of distortion and interwoven instrumentation over every chorus, Happy to You is an album thick with all sorts of delights.
Tanlines can't avoid bringing summer boredom into the studio
- True Panther
BY KATIE STEEN
They’ve made plenty of remixes and some surprisingly popular singles, but Mixed Emotions serves as an examination of whether Tanlines can create an album that stands on its own.
Dumbed-down Bird breaks from past complexity
- Mom + Pop
BY KATIE STEEN
Fans of Andrew Bird who pride themselves on their ability to understand the violinist’s enigmatic musings may want to find a new hobby.
Sleigh Bells is nothing short of terrifying on latest 'Reign'
- Mom + Pop
BY KATIE STEEN
Sleigh Bells has gotten a little scarier. Almost everything that made their music such an infectious success is completely absent in this album, so all that’s left is screeching, thrashing noise pollution.
Tennis sails smooth but hits rough waters on latest effort
- Fat Possum
BY KATIE STEEN
Last time Moore and Riley were on the radar, they were known as the couple that makes short, sunny tunes about their seafaring vacation. But their newest LP, Young & Old, offers a more diverse, land-locked mix
Finding snazzy second-hand styles around Ann Arbor
- Todd Needle/Daily
BY KATIE STEEN
Fashionistas craving a change in scenery may want to explore some of Ann Arbor’s lesser-known resale shops. Visiting these stores may entail extreme rummaging sessions, but they can result in inexpensive, one-of-a-kind successes.
Barnes is back and as frenzied as ever on 'Paralytic Stalks'
- Polyvinyl
BY KATIE STEEN
Hey, psych majors: This album’s for you! Of Montreal’s latest LP, Paralytic Stalks, is almost an hour’s worth of Kevin Barnes singing, chatting, chanting and shrieking about his bouts of depression. Enjoy!
Powerful vocals can't hide shallow core on Del Rey's debut effort
- Interscope
BY KATIE STEEN
The transfixing nature of Lana’s vocals isn’t enough to carry Born to Die. The album is unashamedly produced, incorporating orchestral flourishes, innumerous sound effects of incoherent yelling and a hip-hop backing in almost every song.
