In an age when “news” has all but been reduced to vapid talking heads, ethically challenged blogosphere reportage and the sub-140 character inanity of the Twitterati, it’s hard not to long for the days when the term “journalism” meant more than snippet-sized bits of info, when “reading the paper” meant actually having the ability — and the time — to read. So, in this spirit we offer the first-ever, super-sized, crazy extended edition of “Soundbites.” Because we care.... Read more

People like to bitch. And moan. And in some instances, both. And why not? It’s always easier to point out why something sucks than to make the effort to find the silver lining, right? Though it’s not unique to the area by any means, rampant complaining is one of those little peculiarities that is amplified by our state’s diminutive size. Vermonters will grouse about anything. Weather? Check. Taxes? Check. Dirty pictures on a snowboard? Boy howdy.

And then there is the music scene.... Read more

It was a very good year. Wait a sec. No, it wasn’t. Seventeen sucked. In my final year of high school (about to embark on a blessedly brief tour of a decidedly un-groovy local institution of higher learning, and working as the world’s worst waiter), my life was like a bad episode of “The Wonder Years,” minus the nostalgic Daniel Stern commentary. And, yes, I realize there was never a bad episode of that show. But that’s hardly the point.... Read more

Since September of last year, I’ve taken every chance I could get to rave about the unbridled indie-folk brilliance that is Providence’s The Low Anthem. And, fortunately, there have been numerous occasions to do so, as they’ve made Vermont a regular stop on their regional itinerary.... Read more

For once, the rampant rumors are true. Suspect speculation is dead on. Frustrating falsehoods are, in fact, fact.

Radio Bean is blowin’ up.... Read more

Oh, that wacky Burlington rumor mill. Over the last few months, our ever-productive factory of half-truths, misinformation and outright falsehoods has been working overtime — although, given the economy, it’s nice that someone is getting some OT. Maybe it’s a result of cabin fever, but lately loose lips have been responsible for a slew of doozies almost too numerous to mention: Nectar’s is discontinuing live music (dumb); Dan Bolles is leaving Seven Days (dumber); Phish is getting back together ... oh, wait.... Read more

No really, I did. Take that, David Brooks.... Read more

If you were there, you’re probably still high — metaphorically speaking, of course. If you missed it, you’ll probably say you were there anyway. And if you still haven’t returned ... well, you’re probably fired.... Read more

Merry Christmas, hippies! Let us gather ’round the bong, light the patchouli Advent candles and take a moment to consider the true meaning of the season, which is, of course, money. So, really, Hippie Christmas is just like regular Christmas, only, you know, with better drugs.... Read more

Ah, the wonders of social networking!... Read more