The Stratford 4

The SF-based dream-pop band is finally gaining the recognition it deserves with the release of second album Love & Distortion. Singer Chris Streng gives us the low-down.

“I just love the fact that in making this album we did it quickly. We did it on instinct as opposed to, in some studio situations, when you’re really afforded the luxury of too much time and control of the recording, and you split hairs, back up, and keep second-guessing until something sounds right.”

Chewing the Fruit with Loquat

They just have to do it or else they'll go mad! Loquat confesses their affliction with music and other juicy tidbits...

“I’m definitely paying a price to do this, but it’s definitely not a choice. And I don’t think it is for anybody in this band.”

Garth Steel Klippert

He may be broke, but at least this Oakland songwriter's got soul.

“I like it when music is attached to haircuts and blue jeans and t-shirts and drugs and certain looks—it’s fun. I don’t think that’s bad. I’m definitely not a purist. But I think maybe that’s the point: I don’t think anyone else is either. I think that people who consider themselves purists are just limiting themselves, and not enjoying what there is to enjoy, y’know?”

Plus...

Reviews of live shows: Cat Power, Noise Pop, Mark Gardner, Black Heart Procession, The Faint, Engine Down, Turbonegro, DJ Vadim

Buzz's Bands To Watch: Joanna Newsom, Kelley Stoltz, The Lovemakers, DJ Nova

CD reviews: The Bigger Lovers, Caitlin Cary, The Cowlicks, D.O.A., Ester Drang, The Epoxies, Erasure, flanelhed, Fleshies, FM Knives, For Against, Lisa Germano, Jolie Holland, Eric Idle, The Influents, Inventing Edward, The Jam (DVD), The Junior Panthers, Little Brother, Ian McCulloch, Joanna Newsom, The Postal Service, Replicator, Run_Return, Shipping News, Sorry About Dresden, Kelley Stoltz, Throwing Muses, and more…

Also… K-leen’s Cheers & Jeers and “Stage Left” by dani eurynome