Grupo Fantasma’s experience with Prince may not have been chummy, but it was certainly memorable. “He made it clear from the get-go that he wasn’t trying to make new friends and wasn’t interested in hanging with us. He liked our music and wanted to experience that music, to not only take something from it, but […]
Music Features
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‘White’ noise
The event is a celebration of the reinstallation of modern art into the museum’s Sandy Bell Gallery, following renovations. The staff thought White Denim was a good fit for such a celebration, according to museum spokesperson Michael Bendure. “We felt like it was a really nice way to complement the contemporary modern art,” he said. […]
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The Workweek — Promises, Promises
The highlights of the album are mature, thoughtful songs that fit comfortably into the listener’s ear. The simplest songs here are the strongest, as in the plaintive acoustic ballad “What You Wanted” and the lazy-Sunday vibe and great pedal steel of “Can You Hear Me Now.” That number and “Ain’t So” call up comparisons to […]
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Scales of war
Things aren’t exactly going to plan for Tulsa band Lizard Police. Not that it’s a bad thing, as its original aspirations were far from grandiose. “In the beginning, we just wanted to play rowdy, stupid shows for our friends,” singer Mitch Gilliam. “We were just focused on playing fun music, as cliché as it sounds, […]
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Go Witt the flow
Why? The redheaded thesp, perhaps best known for her work in “Urban Legend,” “Mr. Holland’s Opus” and TV’s “Cybill,” is also an accomplished singer/songwriter and classically trained pianist. Having spent the last three years performing songs of her own creation in venues nationwide, she’ll do the same at The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley. In […]
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Glossy Mag
7:30 p.m. Sunday Lions Park, 400 S. Flood, Norman PASNorman.org, 307-9320 free The sweet, sincere Maggie McClure might not seem too imposing in person, but she’s huge in Japan. “I was sent a picture of the display in one of the record stores over in Tokyo — a life-size cutout of me. That was a […]
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Zipper parts
Having too much good material isn’t the worst problem to have, but it does present a few challenges. Oklahoma City nerd rockers Dr. Pants didn’t know what to do with the 20-plus quality songs they had amassed for a new album. Their first thought was to pile them together, but a double-disc release seemed too […]
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Death Cab for Cutie — Codes and Keys
The 2003 masterpiece, “Transatlanticism”? A fond memory. The not-so-masterful 2005 release, “Plans”? Also in the back of the band’s mind. While the four-piece continues the trend of not repeating work on “Codes and Keys,” the unit also proves that behind-the-scenes thoughts can influence the stage. Old-school fans will do a double-take at “Doors Unlocked and […]
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Local musicians remember Speedy West
In a world full of jaded, egocentric guitar heroes, local musician Gary “Speedy” West Jr. was a generous soul whose genuine love for people was as impactful as his sharp, soulful skills on the pedal steel guitar. Sadly, West passed away on May 4 after a long battle with cancer. He was 58. Multi-instrumentalist Brent […]
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Charlie’s sheen
In the past 26 years, the Charlie Christian International Music Festival has grown a great deal. “It was a grassroots party, if you will,” said Anita Arnold, executive director of festival sponsor Black Liberated Arts Center. “You could even call it a block party.” Named for the Oklahoma City-raised, influential swing and jazz guitarist Charlie […]