When Thelonious Monk passed away in 1982, his status as an innovator and one of the leading figures in modern jazz music was well established. A pianist who cut his first recording in 1944, Monk went on to work with fantastic musicians over his remarkable career including Sonny Rollins (tenor sax), Art Blakey (drums), Miles Davis (trumpet), John Coltrane (tenor sax) and many others. An unusual and versatile performer, Monk’s personal behavior was often just as spontaneous, and his relationships with others, including his wife and child, were as challenging as some of his best music. ...

It's tough to believe that Spoon have been playing in Austin for almost thirteen years. Few who saw them gig during their early, Pixies-inspired days would've predicted that in 2007, Spoon would have one of the most bulletproof catalogs in indie rock. Their entire tenure with Merge Records has been stellar, showcasing a band who found confidence in independence and the concept of a slow but deliberate artistic and commercial build. Britt Daniel hasn't......

The Golden Globes are not the most esteemed of the arts awards, but their nominations can sometimes be a sign of what films/people/TV shows will be nominated for Oscars and Emmys. If you are into that kind of thing, you probably already picked your favorites when the nominations were announced Thursday morning. Our GG items of note: Penelope Cruz is up for best actress in a drama for Volver. We saw this film at a......

Hey, did you all hear that Haley Joel Osment pleaded no contest to drunk driving and drug possession charges? Can you imagine being in an AA meeting with that kid who saw dead people? Man, he is totally that guy now. Sad. Anyway, on to this week's new movie releases, which feature actors whose careers may or may not eventually take a turn for the worst! *Flags of Our Fathers Clint Eastwood's son makes......

Scott Biram is like Tom Waits in a meshback with lots of side-story between songs and a gruff whisky slur. Hold up. That’s really just Tom Waits in a meshback. Except Tom Waits never got hit head-on by an 18-wheeler at highway speed. Biram’s an Austin native who goes solo on the stage, where he spins grim yarns of lost lust/love, fumbling with the evils of humanity, and chasing the desire to do whatever the......

There is a place on Burnet called the Knife Sharpist. It's a knife store. They deal with knives--kitchen knives to fantasy knives. No, we don't know what fantasy knives are, you'll have to ask them. Oh, and they also carry swords. Gotta love a place that stocks swords. I don't think you can get them at Wal Mart, you know. We admire a mom and pop shop keeping the dream alive. Austin is full......