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  • ‘Take’ two
    Strangely enough, Phantom Buffalo likely owes some of its local popularity to television star Zach Braff, whose 2004 film “Garden State”…
  • From rocker to writer
    After 20 years of living the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, Freeport resident J.A. Landry has turned his talents to literature. Early this year…
  • Carrying their ‘Weight’
    You rarely hear a bad Americana group. If bandmates are mature enough to find the beauty in this simple, yet emotionally raw, type of music, chances…
  • Melynda Amann has battled -- and won
    After a fight and victory over breast cancer, Melynda Amann, frontwoman of By Blood Alone, is back on stage for a summer full of gigs. I interviewed…
  • Pubcrawlers drink ‘Again’
    Unsurprisingly, The Pubcrawlers’ sophomore album, “One Too Many Again,” is best listened to in the midst of the ultimate social…
  • Jonesin’ for country-pop
    With a new self-titled CD and a summer tour, Laurie Jones is on fire. Playing what some might call country-pop or folk rock — or maybe…
  • Creative ‘Urges’
    It is often difficult to understand how some bands make the leap from humble beginnings to creative genius. A classic example remains The Beatles…
  • The real band
    Pinsky is a brand-spankin’ new band in Portland driven by the love of rock, musical growth and community. Band members Andre Tranchemontagne…
  • Usher takes a ‘Stand’
    Usher’s massive career has yielded three smash records, yet with the release of his next surefire smash, “Here I Stand,” he has…
  • Attack ...
    Giraffe Attack is a new-ish three-piece rock band comprised of Eric Bettencourt (lead vocals and guitar), Chris “The Cheese” Chasse (bass…


SWITCH SOUNDZ
Maine native Bill Earl is a student at Ithaca College serving a writing internship with USA Today. Check out his blog at http://theithacan.org/blogs/sharpnotes or email him at williamjearl@gmail.com.

Usher takes a 'Stand'
Death Cab For Cutie
Tokyo Police Club develops sound
Chatting up … Truth About Daisies
Gnarls Barkley's odd success
Mountain 'Pride'
In the studio…with Vanessa Torres
Kravitz calls for 'Revolution'
Triumphant Shills debut
Radiohead goes for writing
Best lesser-knowns of 2007
Jay-Z returns to gangster roots
Down debut
Good news for foos
Liars challenge expectations
American Hero
Piano man
Prince — mellowed
Staying Stagnant
Beastie Boys
Jason Spooner
Overlooked Greats
R. Kelly
Travis: "The Boy with No Name"
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Former Phish sideman
Timbaland
Modest Mouse
Amy Winehouse

WHAT'D I SAY
Music Q&A with Amy Martin. Email her at amartin@themaineswitch.com

Pinsky
Giraffe Attack
Greetings from Area Code 207
Darien Brahms
Gotta have that funk
All that JAZZ
Maine blues
Call & Reponse
Slap-tastic tour
Gothic hip hop
Doomed for Success
Up to No Good
Hittin' it Big
Take a bow
wepushbuttons
Heavy messages
Impossible to pigeonhole
Beginning the fight
'80s material girl
School of Rock — Learning history with Joe Harrington
Twisted Roots — Rock sound's still evolving
Sydney Bourke — Writing on
Meantone — the man
Ryan Dolan of Hiss Chambers