OUDaily.com | Joshua Boydston

The best albums of 2010

December 13, 2010 | 4 comments

The Daily’s Life & Arts staff voted on the best albums of 2010. The top 25 from that poll are included here. READ MORE

New Music Tuesday: Bruce Springsteen, Curren$y, My Chemical Romance, Air Waves

December 7, 2010 | 0 comments

The Daily reviews new and notable music releases from Bruce Springsteen, Curren$y, My Chemical Romance and Air Waves READ MORE

New Kanye Tuesday: The Daily reviews 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'

November 30, 2010 | 0 comments

Kanye West is one of the biggest names in popular music today — with the talent and ego to match. We felt a single review wouldn’t do his latest album justice. READ MORE

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin brings long name, pop tunes to Opolis

November 23, 2010 | 0 comments

Springfield, Mo.-based four-piece Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin is perhaps best known for its hilariously long band name, but the band’s indie-pop tunes are seriously good. READ MORE

New Music Tuesday: Girl Talk, Keith Urban

November 23, 2010 | 0 comments

The Daily reviews new and notable music releases from Girl Talk and Keith Urban READ MORE

Island roots inspire Texas-based trio's music formula

November 19, 2010 | 0 comments

Austin three-piece Shearwater began as the side project of Okkervil River members Jonathan Meiburg and Will Sheff, but as the folk rock project launched to unexpected heights, the demand of recording and touring for both bands led to a shake-up in 2008. READ MORE

Comedy review: Dane Cook creates sense of immediacy in Oklahoma City show

November 17, 2010 | 1 comment

The 2000s were good to Dane Cook — too good really. READ MORE

New Music Tuesday: Elliott Smith, The Parting Gifts, Girls, Ben Folds

November 16, 2010 | 0 comments

The Daily reviews new and notable music releases from Elliott Smith, The Parting Gifts, Girls and Ben Folds READ MORE

Dr. Dog — all this band needs is love

November 10, 2010 | 0 comments

Being a member of Dr. Dog affords you a lot of things — acclaimed records, adoring fans, sold-out concerts — but membership comes with something that not a lot of other bands offer: a nickname. The five-piece thrives off happiness and childhood fun, and from its inception, Dr. Dog has modeled itself after the He-Man Woman Haters Club from “The Little Rascals,” hoping to find a chemistry that goes beyond a working relationship. READ MORE

Conan O'Brien's return to TV ends a long, laughless late-night spell

November 10, 2010 | 1 comment

Conan O’Brien’s return to TV Monday with his newest program — simply titled “Conan” — proved to be all that Conan fans really wanted: Their gangly, pale, ginger best friend simply returning to where he belongs. READ MORE

New Music Tuesday: Syd Barrett, Cee Lo Green, Kid Cudi, N.E.R.D.

November 9, 2010 | 0 comments

The Daily reviews new and notable music releases from Syd Barrett, Cee Lo Green, Kid Cudi and N.E.R.D. READ MORE

This isn't your grandfather's music

November 3, 2010 | 0 comments

You wouldn’t be too far off-base if you confused a Grandchildren show for a marathon; there’s a lot of racing around to be accomplished. “We do a lot of switching of the instruments depending on what needs to be played,” said Roman Salcic, drummer for the band. READ MORE

New Music Tuesday: Matt & Kim, Taylor Swift, Skating Polly

November 2, 2010 | 1 comment

The Daily reviews new and notable music releases from Matt & Kim, Taylor Swift and Skating Polly. READ MORE

Your playlist for the zombie apocalypse

October 29, 2010 | 0 comments

It’s Halloween and America’s love affair with the undead is hitting its yearly peak. Sure, you can watch zombie-themed movies (“Land of the Dead”) and television (“Walking Dead”), but music has its fair share of undead undertones as well. So here it is, your playlist for surviving the impending zombie apocalypse. READ MORE

Hallopolis promises tricks, treats

October 28, 2010 | 0 comments

In the scheme of music and holidays, there’s no better fit than rock ‘n’ roll and Halloween (other than Phish and 4/20). True rock stars live like it’s the 31st of October every day. READ MORE

New Music Tuesday: Klaxons, Octopus Project, Warpaint

October 26, 2010 | 1 comment

The Daily reviews new and notable music releases from Klaxons, Octopus Project, Warpaint, Lovers, Crowded House and Shakira. READ MORE

Comedy on the fly arrives in Norman

October 21, 2010 | 0 comments

It’s hard to be funny. It’s even harder to be funny on the spot. Actors get the benefit of having a script; stand-up comedians have been rehearsing their acts for years. READ MORE

New Music Tuesday: Kings of Leon, Sugarland, Chiddy Bang

October 19, 2010 | 1 comment

The Daily reviews new and notable music releases from Kings of Leon, David Bowie, Sugarland, Chiddy Bang and John Lennon. READ MORE

Coriander Café offers fresh dishes, fair prices

October 18, 2010 | 0 comments

Coriander Café — a small Vietnamese restaurant located on Campus Corner — quietly opened its doors on Sept. 2 and has quickly become a quaint, cozy oasis of sophisticated Vietnamese comfort food. The new Asian eatery offers much-needed alternative options in the loaded Campus Corner food market: fresh, healthy plates prepared with expertise and a refined edge. READ MORE

Upcoming concerts for Oct. 18-21

October 18, 2010 | 0 comments

The Daily's Joshua Boydston highlights upcoming concerts this week that feature country star, nu metal acts. READ MORE

New Music Tuesday: Belle & Sebastian, Sufjan Stevens

October 12, 2010 | 0 comments

The Daily reviews new and notable music releases from Belle & Sebastian, Sufjan Stevens and Antony & the Johnsons. READ MORE

Museum to debut exhibit of local architect's works

October 7, 2010 | 0 comments

Most kids grow up with affection for building and designing, whether with Legos or Lincoln Logs. Famed architect Bruce Goff wasn’t any different, except that he opted for a more professional approach. READ MORE

Vampire Weekend not easing pace, work ethic

September 30, 2010 | 0 comments

There really isn’t anything about Vampire Weekend that doesn’t scream Ivy League. The band formed while the members were attending school at Columbia, lead singer Ezra Koenig pens lyrics that bind Lil’ Jon and grammar rules together and the rock band favors boat shoes and chinos instead of leather boots and denim cutoffs. READ MORE

Country quartet Eli Young Band strives for honesty

September 29, 2010 | 0 comments

Eli Young Band — a country group based in Denton, Texas — formed in 2000, while attending the University of North Texas. It released its debut album in 2002 and was eventually signed to Universal South Records for its 2008 record “Jet Black & Blue.” The four-piece plays after the OU-Texas game at the Texas State Fair, and lead singer Mike Eli talked to The Daily’s Joshua Boydston about being honest, keeping things rolling and staying neutral. READ MORE

Smashing Pumpkins don't disappoint in Tulsa

September 27, 2010 | 0 comments

Oklahoma still hearts the 90s, as evidenced by the sold-out Smashing Pumpkins show Friday night at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa. The Chicago-based act rose to the ranks of Nirvana and Soundgarden in the early part of the decade on the heels of a barrage of smash singles, huge tours and critically acclaimed albums. READ MORE

The Boom Bang's EP may be a 'Bummer,' but its year has been anything but

September 16, 2010 | 2 comments

It was another hot and sweaty night at The Deli, and The Boom Bang had just stumbled through its song “Spies Like Us.” Beer was dripping from the steaming air conditioner vent; drinks had literally been flying across the room. READ MORE

New Music Tuesday: Weezer, of Montreal, Les Savy Fav

September 14, 2010 | 0 comments

The Daily reviews new and notable music releases from Weezer, of Montreal and Les Savy Fav READ MORE

Folk-punk duo finds inspiration in many genres

September 13, 2010 | 0 comments

Since forming in 2004, Andrew Jackson Jihad — a folk duo from Phoenix — has been traversing the country with its unique blend of acoustic punk and Americana, and the band makes a stop in Oklahoma City tonight. Lead singer Sean Bonnette took the time to chat with The Daily’s Joshua Boydston about West Texas, Ice Cube and getting recognized at Starbucks. READ MORE

At an Intersection

September 9, 2010 | 0 comments

If OU professor Jonathan Hils is anything, he’s one hell of a craftsman. When Hils isn’t fabricating his own large-scale, highly intricate sculptural works, he’s molding the minds of students, teaching them how to execute their own artistic visions. READ MORE

New Music Tuesday: Interpol, The Thermals

September 7, 2010 | 0 comments

The Daily reviews new and notable music releases from Interpol and The Termals. READ MORE

Examining the minds of fans

September 1, 2010 | 0 comments

This weekend, millions of people will huddle together in stadiums and sports bars across the country to root, cheer and holler for groups of people they have most likely never met. There are fans of every sport in every country, but the highest levels of dedication are on full display each Saturday of every passing fall. READ MORE

New Music Tuesday: Jenny and Johnny, Phil Selway and Dead Confederate

August 31, 2010 | 0 comments

The Daily reviews new and notable music releases from Jenny and Johnny, Phil Selway and Dead Confederate. READ MORE

Comedian Todd Barry still learning as he goes

August 30, 2010 | 0 comments

By most accounts, Todd Barry is a normal guy. He lives in a small New York City apartment. He jokes around about searching for wallets at Old Navy. When asked what he had been up to the day of the interview, he answered simply, “Just catching up on laundry.” READ MORE

Local label announces holiday concert at OU

August 27, 2010 | 0 comments

Christmas comes a little early this semester with the announcement of "Checking it Twice: A Nice People Holiday Companion," a compilation album of holiday-themed songs — recorded by a host of Oklahoma artists — set to be released in December. READ MORE

OU grad uses art, love for Red Bull, creates Michael Jackson memorial

August 24, 2010 | 0 comments

For Jeremy Leal, an OU grad and current Red Bull employee, being limited in subject matter proved to be a boon to originality. “It serves as a fundamental foundation and allows you to think outside of that,” Leal said. “Everyone is using the same inspiration with different mediums ... now how do you springboard that into something creative?” READ MORE

NEW MUSIC TUESDAY: Sufijan Stevens, Ra Ra Riot and more

August 24, 2010 | 0 comments

The Daily reviews new and notable music releases from Sufijan Stevens, Ra Ra Riot, !!! and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. READ MORE

The Daily’s summer music encyclopedia

August 19, 2010 | 0 comments

While you spent your summer traveling the country, working an internship or just sleeping in, a lot of music came out. The Daily's Joshua Boydston and Matt Carney catalog the releases your ears may have missed. READ MORE

U2 heats up University of Oklahoma with 360° tour

May 10, 2010 | 1 comment

Who would have thought that the biggest event of the year held in Oklahoma Memorial Stadium would not be a football game? On the weekend of the Red River Rivalry game in Texas, U2 made Sooner fans forget the hurt of another loss when the group performed October 18 on campus with superstar pop group the Black Eyed Peas. READ MORE

Campus concerts keep music fans entertained

May 10, 2010 | 0 comments

It was a good year for music around the state, and it was just as good a year for music on campus. READ MORE

The soundtrack to finals week

May 7, 2010 | 0 comments

OK, so you’ve been downing Red Bulls like a 13-year-old at a sleep over for two weeks straight, the tour of pizza boxes in your living room is really sort of starting to resemble the Sydney Opera House and the last time you slept the Thunder was still in the playoffs (too soon?). READ MORE

Class of 2010: Norman Music Festival awards

April 27, 2010 | 7 comments

Another Norman Music Festival has come and gone, but that does not mean we will forget the graduating class of 2010. Stay awesome guys, don’t ever change. READ MORE

Norman Music Festival - Best of Sunday

April 27, 2010 | 0 comments

The Daily continues yesterday’s “Best of Saturday” piece with our picks for the best performances on the second day of Norman Music Festival. READ MORE

Norman Music Festival - Best of Saturday

April 25, 2010 | 0 comments

The Daily's Life and Arts staff recaps some of the highlights from the Norman Music Festival on Saturday. Featuring The Boom Bang, The Stuffies and ... READ MORE

NMF Artist Profile - Dirty Projectors

April 23, 2010 | 0 comments

Just one year ago, Dirty Projectors were relative unknowns. Not to say that the band wasn’t building momentum, it was just taking awhile in doing so. READ MORE

Gov. Henry declares April 25 Norman Music Festival Day

April 23, 2010 | 0 comments

Friday morning, Governor Brad Henry signed a proclamation declaring Sunday, April 25, as Norman Music Festival Day, urging Oklahoma citizens to attend the expanded event to help foster growth in tourism and economy for the state of Oklahoma. READ MORE

NMF Artist Profile - The Sword

April 22, 2010 | 0 comments

Norman Music Festival had not yet been blessed by the thunder of a true metal band, so to dive in headfirst with The Sword is a bold and epic choice. READ MORE

NMF Artist Profile - The Non + Cloud Collision Orchestra

April 22, 2010 | 0 comments

Formed just a few years ago, The Non — composed of guitarists Zach Zeller and Wil Norton, bassist Tom Bishop and drummer Mack Hawkins — has enchanted Oklahoma audiences with its tense ambiance and intricately orchestrated melodies. It made short order of becoming a local favorite, releasing two albums (2007’s “Paper City” and 2010’s “Tadaima”) and being named the “Best Rock Band” of 2008 by the Oklahoma Gazette. READ MORE

Longtime friends come together just in time to play Norman Music Festival

April 21, 2010 | 0 comments

What do you get when you add together the blues-rock chaos of El Paso Hot Button and the drummer of the well-versed indie group Student Film? READ MORE

New Music Tuesday: The Tallest Man on Earth and Two Door Cinema Club

April 20, 2010 | 1 comment

The Tallest Man on Earth is really just a guy named Kristian Matsson. He’s from Sweden, he sings like Bob Dylan and his new album, “The Wild Hunt,” is fantastic. The guitar work is consistently lovely. READ MORE

Oklahoma punk band is dripping with venom

April 8, 2010 | 0 comments

Sometimes, a name just sticks. “The first time we were practicing together, and we spotted a package of Copperhead strings on the floor and thought ‘damn, that sounds awesome’,” said Jesse Sparks, bassist for Oklahoma City’s Copperheads. READ MORE

Articles by Joshua Boydston