The Listening Room (album reviews) The Low Numbers Demo, The Low Numbers (Low Numbers, 2003) With their debut release, The Low Numbers walk the very narrow line between being a rock band that pays homage to the blues and being a pure nostalgia act emulating the blues-rock of the late ’60s and early ’70s. The … Read more
Sara Watkins, one third of bluegrass-turned-acoustic-pop sensation Nickel Creek, is sick of wasting paper to-go cups at her favorite coffee shop in San Diego, where she lives. “I’m going to borrow this mug,” she murmurs into her cell phone. “I mean, I come in here all the time, so I don’t think they’ll mind.” She’s … Read more
Jon Spencer, front man for the way-past-cool Blues Explosion, still says “rock ‘n’ roll” without irony — and with plenty of machismo — because he just believes in it. Even if playing it loses audiences and confounds music critics. “We’ve always been a rock ‘n’ roll band, and we’re still doing it,” Spencer noted in … Read more
Olympia accosts the viewer. Hers is the strong gaze of a woman unconcerned, and unafraid. That piercing look caused a huge scandal when Edouard Manet’s painting was first unveiled in France in the middle of the 19th century. Olympia, from 1865, shows a lady of the evening, living in comfort and attended by a cheerful, … Read more
It was an unusual Oscar show this year: I was only twice tempted to hurl a brick through the TV screen — when Chris Cooper won Best Supporting Actor and when Eminem won Best Song. (Of course, that’s exempting the Oscar audience’s reaction to documentary filmmaker Michael Moore’s acceptance speech.) Alas, my hostess had neglected … Read more
Outside the door of our Fairview home stands a magnificent beech tree. Each day we pass beneath it; for as many years as my family has lived here, we’ve watched this venerable Treasured Tree grow up over the house and offer shelter to all creatures — including us. When you live with so grand a … Read more
One of the most elegant additions to any small garden is a big pot overflowing with blooming lilies. Few perennials take to pot culture with the ease of these magnificent flowers. Once in containers, they can be moved around the terrace or garden with ease, bringing glorious color to hitherto dark corners. Then, when the … Read more
“People who are interested need to get involved now.” — Council member Brian Peterson If a tentative plan by the Grove Park Inn takes shape, Asheville’s skyline could soon be dramatically transformed. The historic inn is considering erecting a pair of high-rise towers (containing a mix of condominiums, stores and offices) smack in the middle … Read more
I wonder how many local drivers have the same nasty little demon inside them that I do — the one that curses you every time you pull up to the pump, shaming you for your fossil-fuel consumption. “Fine,” I tell its scraggly head and accusing little eyes. “I’ll take the bus tomorrow, when I’m not … Read more
Cross-cultural adventure benefits local nonprofit Want to learn more about the Latin people living in our community? How about getting a chance to sample some delicious homemade dishes and enjoy their traditional music and dance? “A Latin Feast for the Senses,” a benefit for International Link (87 Patton Ave. in downtown Asheville) happens Saturday, April … Read more
