An Awesome Wave, the debut release by British quartet, ∆ (pronounced Alt-J) is instantly a highly prized band by fans and critics. Perhaps “instantly” isn’t the right word to describe An Awesome Wave. Alt-J was formed back in 2007.

DeadPhish Orchestra, yea, it’s exactly what it sounds like. If you’ve never heard of them and aren’t attracted by the name immediately don’t dismiss them quite so soon, because they probably have something your craving. Whether its complex jams topped with screaming guitar climaxes or the simple tunes that everyone can enjoy, DPO can and will provide the best of both worlds.

On a night in the Rockies that provided us such amazing music, there were many decisions to make as to which show to choose.

Music often invokes a different emotion or nostalgia in everyone. Not only do these emotions or feelings warm our hearts, but they keep us wanting more. Groups such as Elephant Revival have no problem unlocking these emotions within us, and do so in an impressive yet joyful fashion.This 5-piece acoustic or “transcendental” folk band comes to Fort Collins to play a New Years Eve show at the Aggie Theatre. By playing a mix of folk, bluegrass and americana this group truly creates an innovative heart-felt sound.

Sometimes we don't realize just how good we have it these days.  High Definition video has given us unparalled clarity, especially when it comes to live concert recordings.  In recent years Phish have embraced current technology and have given fans not only super clean live web streams of their shows, but also crisp high-def DVD recordings such as recent releases Alpine Valley 2010 and Live at Utica.

The Victor Wooten Band put on a show featuring four bassists, all switching up on multiple instruments at various times during their set, along with a vocalist with a truly, truly unforgettable voice plus two extremely talented drummers.  Their set was as unique as it was enjoyable. If rhythm sections float your boat, you better be prepared for a musical tsunami with this bunch.

The music of Frank Zappa could be considered the most important compositional contributions to American popular music in the 20^th century. Many might find this claim blasphemous. What about Miles Davis? John Coltrane? Bing Crosby? The list could go on. Zappa's music blended important elements of orchestral and jazz music while serving as a working parody of music and popular culture.

The name Perpetual Groove indicates a stylistic form for the veteran jam band. You hear the name and imagine long songs segueing through jams from one to the other. In a sense, Perpetual Groove could define many jam bands, but with PGroove, you get the name, and an assortment of various musical tastes and styles that careen from the stage like a robotic factory on overdrive.

Seventeen years ago in September, the iconic American rock band the Grateful Dead announced a well-thought but difficult decision. Without their fallen band mate Jerry Garcia, who had passed that August, they would not be able to continue touring as the band Grateful Dead. It was a tough choice to make as certain band members were divided about what should become of their future tours or even the possibility of continuing without Jerry.

I spent the better part of the year after college graduation driving around my hometown, fretting, blasting Pedro the Lion’s “Options.” The powerful, simple chords resonated within my bones and the lyrics spoke to me on an entirely different level. Control, the album that hosts “Options,” turned 10 years old recently, so David Bazan and his band hit the road to give the album the recognition it deserves.