Author: Billy Thieme

Aging punk rocker with a deep of all things musical and artistic, enough to remain constantly young and perpetually mystified. Billy has journalistic dreams, but of a decidedly pastoral, Scottish nature.
Interview: The Alltunators, courting Denver with a sweet, folksy, bygone sound
September 5, 2009 Off

Interview: The Alltunators, courting Denver with a sweet, folksy, bygone sound

By Billy Thieme

Both live and on record, The Alltunators masterfully mix honest and passionate acoustic constructions behind Jessica Slater’s heartfelt lyrics and sweet and earnest, soft-spoken vocals, and add brilliant, bluesy jams behind Andy Miller’s sassy juke joint crooning. . . . The result is a summery Sunday afternoon feeling – fresh, relaxing, almost drowsily comforting.
I had a chance to interview the band recently about where they’ve come from, and where they’re going.

Modest Mouse @ The Fillmore, Sept. 2, 2009 – Reverb
September 5, 2009 Off

Modest Mouse @ The Fillmore, Sept. 2, 2009 – Reverb

By Billy Thieme

I love it when two drummers can pull it off playing together, and Green and Plummer played as if they were one — with the benefit of eight limbs. At the same time Fairchild’s guitar performance came as close as possible to actually replacing Johnny Marr, arguably one of indie rock’s most innovative players.

Reverb Interview: Fruit Bats
September 1, 2009 Off

Reverb Interview: Fruit Bats

By Billy Thieme

“. . . it’s hard to make the Shins comparisons on Fruit Bats’ excellent new album, “The Ruminant Band,” which edges closer to the rambling vibe of ’70s classic rock than the Shins’ ’60s-tinged missives.” – John Wenzel, Denver Post

The Flaming Lips bury Red Rocks with confetti, lasers and peace
August 25, 2009 Off

The Flaming Lips bury Red Rocks with confetti, lasers and peace

By Billy Thieme

Having seen the Flaming Lips some 12 times over the past 15 years, the question I kept pondering before their next appearance was “How are they ever going to be able to top the last one?”
Since their appearances on the side stage in 1994’s Lollapalooza tour – the last time they put on any type of “regular” show – the Oklahoma natives seem to out-do themselves on every tour. August 23rd’s Red Rocks show was no exception.

Spot @ The Meadowlark, August 21, 2009 – Reverb
August 24, 2009 Off

Spot @ The Meadowlark, August 21, 2009 – Reverb

By Billy Thieme

did have some idea of what type of music Spot would offer up that night, though, and he did not disappoint. In fact, his skill, jovial charisma and simple, blues-driven, folky punk did everything to completely wipe away any preconceived images I may have had, and replaced them with an almost loving respect for the gentleman musician he really was.