In the mid 1980s, the US Senate (provoked by a high-powered busybody wives club called the PMRC) held a series of hearings on so-called “porn rock”—music containing lyrics about violence, sex, drugs, and the occult. The hearings were pointless but hilarious, providing a public venue for several old, rich, uptight assholes to make fools of themselves reciting lyrics from songs by prominent 80s rock bands. And though the hearings are probably best remembered for testimonies... more ›

If you haven't heard of Mark "Melancholy" Kozelek, there's not necessarily something wrong with you; we're not trying to make anyone feel silly here. What you deserve is friendly pity, a lengthy bear hug, some chamomile tea, and a toasty copy of any album he's ever made. Preferably, his band Red House Painters' first effort, after which you can begin feverishly seeking out the rest of his catalog like a Philly crackhead. Kozelek and... more ›

On the fifth anniversary of 9/11, Austin, its sister cities around the world, and 40 other cities around the country will team up in what's being billed as The September Concert. The concurrent event is somewhat bittersweet, as it's intended to both commemorate the tragedy that conspired on September 11th and celebrate the golden anniversary of Sister Cities International, founded by Eisenhower during the historic White House Summit on Citizen Diplomacy. "Fifty years ago,... more ›