(Editor’s Note: I interviewed Chris Manak (PB Wolf) for a couple local websites before his big show in San Jose a few weeks back. We talk a lot about his early history, specifically his start in San Jose. Take a look Stones Throw fans! – DM)
HOMECOMING: PB WOLF PLAYS FIRST SAN JOSE SHOW IN DECADES W/ EGYPTIAN LOVER
Stones Throw is a defiant panoply of inventive music, a cadre of artists whom flout convention while making some of the most varied, artful projects in recent memory. It’s all due to Chris Manak, who helms the powerhouse label which he founded in San Jose, his hometown and early base of operations. Continue reading “Homecoming King: PB Wolf Q&A”→
I still love covering local stories, especially when it’s about two 80+ year old dudes who run the largest and oldest record store in my area. Joe (pictured above) yells “there he is!” every time you walk through the door. I wrote this a few months back but if you’ve ever been in the South Bay or been by Al’s through the years, check the story HERE.
The latest issue of Clout Magazine just dropped, featuring an in-depth piece I did with the legendary D-Styles. Not only is D one of the most precise DJs to ever do it, he’s one of the nicest, most humblest dudes ever. Gotta respect that. Pick up the latest issue (and a hat or two) at the Clout Store and peep this Low End Theory podcast by D himself.
Doctor Nurse is a San Jose band whose perfectionist (and laissez faire) approach delayed this release for years. Besides a droning, 8-minute instrumental interlude (aptly called “Graveland”) the other songs have touching lyrics that volley between detailed, real life moments and abstract imagery. The melodies are bright and replete with illustrative musicianship that combines traditional tools with vintage synths like the Prophet-600 (Sequential Circuits). Occasional French horns, vibraphones, and organs flesh out the rest.
The 4 members (and 2 guest musicians) are multi-instrumentalists whose roles rotate depending on the cut. The songs are laid-back compositions—short, garage-y, indie-rock tunes with occasional psychedelic flare. The joint above, “Phantom Lights,” is a personal favorite and displays a sense of reverie that Calm Seas... is bound with.
*JB of Doctor Nurse, who plays guitar, sings, and writes all the songs, will be sharing an amazing interview he did with pioneering ’70s filmmaker, Jamaa Fanaka. This has been a long time in the making. Be ready.
To hear more of Calm Seas, Phantom Lights and to purchase it, please click HERE or contact Doctor Nurse directly at DOCTORNURSEMUSIC@yahoo.com.
