Studio album purists might have a sound argument when it comes to certain rock acts, but few Deadheads would ever argue that the quality of the Grateful Dead's studio work superseded their live recordings. Most of their studio albums we’re muddled down by the likes of Warner Brothers, big time L.A. record executives that wanted a four minute track, or just poor planning and execution. Only the Terrapin Station studio suite superseded its live performance.

Long heralded and firmly entrenched as the psychedelic stalwarts of Austin, Texas, The Black Angels run on a reputation of mysticism that has them surrounded by dark, fuzzy guitar riffs and distorted vocals. Not adhering to conventions of modern rock, though grappling with elements of surf and late sixties acid rock, they’ve carved out their own slice of the Indie music scene.

On the last Saturday of Jazz Fest, the late night grids displayed a smorgasbord of concert choices all over town.

I had the pleasure of catching this homespun Nederland crew at Quixotes a couple weeks ago. It’s a venue I feel gracious to walk in alone to and find friends of all forms waiting inside. Gipsy Moon adds a whole new arena of affability to the experience. Though they are young, they take on the somber musical sentiment of an ensemble years ahead of their time. They represent an old time classic grass that’s both invigorating and enriching, but in the most laid back of manners.

It's amazing that Built To Spill has been around for over 20 years. In that time, Doug Martsch's little outfit has released seven full albums, three compilation and live albums, several EP’s and singles and gone through numerous lineup changes. Remarkably, however, the band’s sound has stayed relatively consistent, as have the excellent live performances. This is all a credit to Martsch, whose passion for songwriting and performing haven’t waned one bit over the years.

After a spirited Jazz Fest, the Meter Men (3/4 of the original Meters) and Page McConnell from Phish came to Denver to play a sold out show at the Ogden Theater. They even added another show because of the huge demand for a place to see these legends culminate on stage.

There is a geek inside me that prefers Times New Roman, 12 point font.  If I could do anything professionally, I would be writing all day, every day.  I wish to write well and to write often.  This got me thinking about why I love writing for Grateful Web. By trade, I am a server, a lowly waitress.  I once waited the table of a local musician and although I was probably too busy to engage in conversation, he is a really talented bass player. I couldn’t help it.  I lollygagged about and eventually it came out.

During the early 1990s while growing up in middle America I was making the transformation from teenager to adult.  My personal changes were not unlike what the country in general was going through.  The awkward years of George Bush gave way to the prosperous reign of President Clinton. During this time there was another interesting transition going on in popular music and culture.  The dominant days of hair metal bands were fading (like my stone-washed jeans), and the glam gave way to grunge which ushered in a new era of rock n' roll.

Earth Day is celebrated around the world by a billion people in several different ways. In some way or another many people no matter where they live take time out to observe and celebrate our resilient “mother.” Red Rocks is always the best location to see a concert no matter who you are seeing.

The neo-soul scene in the UK is as vibrant as ever, with upstarts popping up left and right. But don’t mistake Alice Russell for a newbie. She’s been releasing albums for almost ten years now.