The term “indie rock” has become devalued in the age of ever-more-twee car commercials and other millennial marketing efforts. Still, Hopscotch’s lineup includes several outfits making good on the idea. PILE: Known throughout Boston’s basement-show scene as the favorite act of most every musician, Pile veers through moods with guitars blazing on the potent You’re […]
Maura Johnston
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In challenging her old faith and ways, Mackenzie Scott has made one of the year’s most bracing LPs as Torres
Torres with See Gulls Tuesday, June 30, 9 p.m., $12 The Pinhook 117 W. Main St. Durham 919-667-1100www.thepinhook.com During the title track of Torres’ absorbing, sometimes-startling second album, Sprinter, bandleader Mackenzie Scott reflects on her religious roots, pulls them into the present and protests them all at once. “The Baptist in me chose to run,” […]
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Taylor Swift’s push into pop compels division, not debate
Taylor Swift Tuesday, June 9, 7:30 p.m.$39.50–$139.50 PNC Arena 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh 919-861-2300, www.thepncarena.com In her move to the top of pop’s heap, Taylor Swift has become the focus of debates about pop, authenticity and whether it’s heresy to say “Eh, this isn’t for me” when it comes to modern music’s biggest star. […]
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Can Asheville’s American Idol winner, Caleb Johnson, overcome the Idol curse?
Caleb Johnson With Jason Adamo Wednesday, May 27, 8 p.m., $12–$15 Lincoln Theatre 126 E. Cabarrus St., Raleigh 919-821-4111 www.lincolntheare.com American Idol suffered a series of endings at the start of April. Season 14 closed with a hail of confetti, the new winner Nick Fradiani and lower finale ratings than the previous season. Fox had […]
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Record review: Kat Robichaud and the Darling Misfits’ self-titled
Kat Robichaud plays the Lincoln Theatre Friday, Feb. 20, at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12–$15. The Hell No and The AMFMs open. Though NBC’s The Voice has been a big hit for the struggling Peacock, the singing show has yet to mint a new superstar, a la American Idol‘s Kelly Clarkson, Phillip Phillips or Scotty […]
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Did Lady Gaga use Tony Bennett to help a career in crisis?
Tony Bennett with Antonia Bennett Wednesday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. $66–$125 DPAC 123 Vivian St., Durham 919-680-2787 dpacnc.com Tony Bennett has sashayed around the music business’s block long enough to know that the kids matter. On Sunday night, when the Grammys offer pop music its biggest chunk of prime-time exposure not surrounded by a football […]
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How this summer’s Monumentour testifies to the resilient role of rock ‘n’ roll
Monumentour: Fall Out Boy and Paramore with New Politics Tuesday, July 22, 7 p.m., $26–$66 Walnut Creek Amphitheatre walnutcreekamphitheatre.com During a humid tour stop in Darien Lake, N.Y., earlier this month, onetime-tabloid favorite, former Ashlee Simpson spouse and Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz expressed elation. His Chicago-born quartet is spending the summer with the […]