Matthew Clark

10 Mar 2016

Bob Dylan's 'Desire' still resonates with college students

For musical giant Bob Dylan, the rock and roll voice of the 1960’s, 1976 was more about soldiering on than accepting reality. On Dylan’s, "Desire," which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, he put the feelings and issues of his new surroundings to song, while creating one of his most sonically interesting records ever.

10 Mar 2016

The death of George Martin brings back beloved Beatles memories

In a year that has seen the deaths of many musical giants, music fans all over the world are struggling to keep up with the grieving. On Tuesday night, fans were shocked with yet another fallen giant, Beatles producer Sir George Martin.

25 Feb 2016

Musician Jason Isbell exceeds expectations and continues to rise to the top

Singer-songwriter Jason Isbell performed in Minneapolis on Monday, Feb. 22. Based on his performance, it's clear that Isbell is here to stay, and is just getting started when it comes to what he can do with his music.

18 Feb 2016

Dr. Dog's 'The Psychedelic Swamp' entertains but fails to find identity

I will admit, when it comes to Dr. Dog, I am not well versed. I have a lot of friends who are really into them and I personally really enjoy the song “Shadow People” from their 2010 record Shame Shame. Other than that however, you could call me a Dr. Dog newbie.

11 Feb 2016

Death in the family a humbling experience

There were three major things that stood out to me during the final hours of my grandfather’s life and after some reflection; I wish that I had realized them sooner.

13 Nov 2015

Wisconsin band Porcupine impresses with fourth release

As the year winds down, so does the amount and quality of musical releases. Music promoters start to slowly shift their focus on giant box sets with the hope of attracting Christmas shoppers while many musicians shift their musical direction to subpar holiday records. Every once in a while, a record comes out during this time that provides just enough hope to get through the temporary musical darkness. On their fourth release, Carrier Wave, La Crosse, Wisconsin rockers, Porcupine, create an EP of fuzzy bass lines, angsty guitars, and punchy drums.

29 Oct 2015

Craig Finn puts on incredible show in Minneapolis

On Saturday night, I had the pleasure to attend one of the two homecoming shows for Craig Finn, the front man for the famed rock band The Hold Steady. Finn is on a solo tour supporting his second solo album, Faith In The Future. The first stop of his weekend stay was at The Woman's Club of Minneapolis, located in the Loring Park neighborhood, which is known for its upscale living and devotion to the arts.

15 Oct 2015

The Decemberists churn out a new, excellent EP in 'Florasongs'

After a four-year break, 2015 saw the joyous return of indie folk band The Decemberists with their seventh album "What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World." The album expanded on the minimalist approach of their previous record "The King Is Dead," with more orchestration while still continuing the use of introspective lyrics and themes that would be fit for a Charles Dickens book.

24 Sep 2015

Separation of church and state ought to be held sacred

Today I will spare you the flowery intro that sets up my column and get straight to the question at hand: what the heck is going on with religious interference in American politics?

17 Sep 2015

American culture becomes more understandable in person

This summer, my family and I decided to take an old fashion road trip. The type of trip where you load up the car, buckle up, and drive 26 hours cross country, just to get some “family time.”