The Hush Sound has loud and loyal fans, some of whom were a bit intoxicated by the time the band took the stage. They played each song with enthusiasm as each band member’s voice echoed around the crowded theater. I was impressed when the drummer stepped up and took the mic while one of the lead singers took a seat and manned the drums.

Henry Pope, my former bassist, migrated westward a few years ago (with my Orange amp in tow) to get closer to the music business.  Pope’s last band Boomerang Politik got name-dropped in URB Magazine’s “Next 100,” and now new band Lemonwilde is getting a little bit of play--airplay, that is--on one of the planet’s finest dial positions--103.1 FM in LA.

The woman behind the silky voice that caught the world’s attention in Apple’s unforgettable “1-2-3-4” commercial earlier this year comes to Denver this month, and the Canadian siren promises to deliver much more than a catchy commercial jingle.

Charles Thompson has had a rough time living up to his legendary back catalogue.  The Pixies, which he fronted under stage name number one Black Francis, have been nearly universally lauded by everyone from David Bowie to Kurt Cobain, but his solo career since (mostly under the compromising Frank Black guise) has been somewhat uneven. 

Argy is by no means a new player in the dance music world; however, here in the States his name isn't heard much outside the DJ booth.

All that is about to change.

Most of us have forgotten that Peter Murphy is still out there making music, but Denver’s aging goth crowd gathered loosely at the Ogden Theatre Wednesday night to worship remembers quite enthusiastically. 

SOS (aka Sex on Substance) brings together the suave styling of Desyn Masiello, his Sexonwax label partner Omid 16B, and co-conspirator Demi. Individually these three have already achieved more than most DJ/Producers could ever hope for; together they epitomize the current state of electronic dance music.

Above & Beyond is one of the best known names in trance today. From sold-out shows to chart-topping originals to remixed masterpieces, A&B has all the bases covered and has certainly raised the bar in their genre of choice. This double-disc set commemorates the 100th release on the Anjunabeats label.

German electro house sensation Booka Shade is a notable exception.  Top U.K. dance site Resident Advisor christened them “Best Live Act” for good reason.  Booka’s Arno Kammermeier and Walter Merziger have been performing with live instruments, under a variety of guises, for nearly two decades now.

In spite of being frequently categorized as depressive and bland, The Cure has become one of alternative rock’s most tenacious and iconic groups. They were alternative before anyone knew pop music needed one. Their chart-topping, Grammy-nominated success is less a testament to their commercial viability and more an indication of just how irresistible their distinctive sound is.