Here is the BackstageRider interview in which MD shares his thoughts on new album Yes And Also Yes, and maintains Warp Speed Wit and Self Awareness. I would like Mike Doughty to write me a love song for $10, because I love me some MD. You should too.

Cult hero and wondernutter Daniel Johnston played the Rio Theatre in Vancouver on August 27, to a supportive and beer-drunk crowd. It was surreal, odd, and heartbreaking and kinda inspirational, and just the way you’d expect a Daniel Johnston show to go.

What do you get when you cram punk rock legend Keith Morris’ band OFF! into a tiny bar in Copenhagen and fill it with the city’s hardcore…and then put me on the guestlist? Sweat. Chaos. Mental pics. And a good story. Read on.

Is it just me or are the really good bands getting younger these days? Oh it’s just me. Getting older. Here’s to London’s Yuck and Portland’s Unknown Mortal Orchestra, the newish kids on the block.

On a night when Vancouver was home to four really good gig choices at the same time. Photog hero Kris Krüg and I “settled” on Kurt Vile and Thurston Moore. Good choice. Great mumblerock from Vile and some sonic youthful explorations from Moore.

Brooklyn’s bespectacled small-rock god Mike Doughty has announced his new album, and a tour to match. Dates and details here. But seeing as this is the BSR, I’ve also added in some links to strange and beautiful poetry. BECAUSE I CAN.

Hardcore troubadour Steve Earle was back in town, with a few stories and a full band. And I went backstage. Of course. Please find herein the review, amazing photos by Brittney Kwasney, and a few memories.

You can be full of shit and still wonderful. Are the UK’s current most-hyped indie rock band WU LYF one or t’other? Or both? Or neither? Read this, have a listen to “Go Tell Fire to the Mountain” and let us know.

Super Furry Animals’ Gruff Rhys brought his deadpan and wholly charming narrative (and props!) to the Biltmore Cabaret in Vancouver on June 4. Before popping backstage to chat with him, I grinned like a loon. Check the review and gallery of this brilliant show.