This list is partly an appreciation, partly a primer for folks who may grow to appreciate P.D.Q. Bach given some options for staring points, and partly as way for me to process the loss of a truly gifted musician and humorist. The post 10 Little Moments from P.D.Q. Bach’s Oeuvre That Play in My Head with Shocking Regularity first appeared on All The City Lights ..read more

When I tally up my most-played artists of the last year, the vast majority of my Top 10 is basically indistinguishable from my Top 10 most-payed artists from 20 years ago. Is it my fault they insist on still putting out strong, fresh material? The post Rankstravaganza: My 30 Favorite Songs of 2023 first appeared on All The City Lights ..read more

This is an alternately twangy-and-laid-back and groovy-and-danceable and noisy-and-unhinged playlist this month. Just press play and treat yourself to the perfect mix for having your mind blown by the vastness of the night sky as you get ready to hit the clubs for a night of ranging against the machine. The post Most Captivating New Releases by East Bay Musicians, May 2023 first appeared on All The City Lights ..read more

It's going to take more time to let these songs rattle around in my noggin. But there's potential. Listen for yourself to this month's playlist. The post Most Beguiling New Releases by East Bay Musicians, April 2023 first appeared on All The City Lights ..read more

This is a good month, folks. I am excited about several of these new musical offerings from Oakland and Berkeley singer-songwriters, rappers, mystery jazz ensembles, alter-egos, you name it. I want to just jump right into it. The post Most Intriguing New Releases by East Bay Musicians of March 2023 first appeared on All The City Lights ..read more

OK, so you might argue the Oakland alt-rock quartet is overplaying the "endearingly awkward" schtick. But those melodic riffs? The casual Teenage Fanclub mention in album PR write-up? The goofy DIY music videos? That genuinely funny bio ("internationally ignored song stylists")? Objection overruled! The post Most Intriguing New Releases by East Bay Musicians of February 2023 first appeared on All The City Lights ..read more

It can be time consuming to hunt for actual new releases by actual East Bay musicians. Is anyone crazy enough to do all that work and blog about it once a month for a non-existent readership and zero compensation from Bandcamp? We shall see! The post Most intriguing new releases by East Bay musicians of January 2023 first appeared on All The City Lights ..read more

If you're a Dad Rock and '90s Nostalgia aficionado, have I got 30 tunes for you to check out. The post Rankstravaganza: My 30 Favorite Songs of 2022 first appeared on All The City Lights ..read more

Diverse influences mix together to create genre-defying sounds, particularly laid-back grooves that conjure up carefree summer afternoons hanging with friends? That's the Oakland sound in 2022. The post Rankstravaganza: Five Great 2022 Albums (+ Two EPs) by Oakland/East Bay Musicians first appeared on All The City Lights ..read more

Across the Bay Area, swarms of drivers are popping up twice a day or more. Police say these "flash mobs" are dangerous to everyone and prevent virtually any other uses of the public right of way ..read more