Kenneth Partridge

Kenneth Partridge's work has appeared in such publications as USA Today, the Village Voice and the Hartford Courant, as well as online at MTV Hive and HowAboutWe, among other sites. He's helped to edit two encyclopedias -- one on Latin music, the other on reggae -- and penned biographies about Louis Armstrong and the opera singer Marian Anderson. He lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with his beloved wife and slightly less beloved record collection.

Doors Keyboardist Ray Manzarek Dead at 74

Ray Manzarek, founding keyboardist for the Doors, died earlier today (May 20) at the RoMed Clinic in Rosenheim, Germany, according to a press release. The 74-year-old rock legend had been battling bile duct cancer, and he's said to have died with his wife, Dorothy, and two brothers by his side.

Wake Island, ‘Use It As a Weapon’ – Free MP3 Download

Truly an international crew, Montreal foursome Wake Island features musicians from Lebanon, Canada and the United States. It's a brainy band -- one of 'em is studying cell biology -- and that really came through on their 2009 debut, 'Fairytales From the Island,' an attempt to, in their words, "reach a common center" through elaborate, orchestral rock.

Smashing Pumpkins Wrap SXSW 2013 at Red Bull Sound Select Showcase

As Prince blew minds and brought the funk at La Zona Rosa, the Smashing Pumpkins closed out SXSW 2013 with their own exclusive Austin showcase, performing at the Red Bull Sound Select Stage for a crowd of 350. As mxdwn.com reports, Billy Corgan and the gang turned in a career-spanning set, mixing such classics as 'Cherub Rock' (watch above) and 'Tonight, Tonight' with cuts from last year's 'Oceani

2013 Grammys: Trent Reznor’s ‘Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’ Wins Best Score

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have won the 2013 Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media for their work on 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,' director David Fincher's 2012 film adaptation of the popular novel of the same name. In winning the prize, the Nine Inch Nails mastermind and his frequent collaborator beat out such Hollywood heavies as John Williams.

2013 Grammys: Black Keys’ ‘Lonely Boy’ Wins Best Rock Song

The Black Keys' 'Lonely Boy' has won Best Rock Song at the 2013 Grammys. The tune kicks off the Ohio garage-rock duo's seventh full-length, 'El Camino,' which also came up big at tonight's ceremony, earning Best Rock Album honors.

My Bloody Valentine Release New Album ‘m b v’ + Launch Website

Update: My Bloody Valentine's new website has launched, and the band's long-awaited new album, titled 'm b v,' is officially for sale. The record is available in three formats: vinyl ($30.50), CD ($22) and digital download ($16). The first two options come with instant downloads, and fans have the additional option of choosing the file type: 16bit CD-quality WAV files, 320kbps MP3 or 24bit 96 K WA

Green Day Announce Rescheduled 2013 Tour Dates

The new year is already looking rosy for Green Day fans, as the band has announced a string of rescheduled 2013 tour dates. The pop-punk trio was forced to scrap a series of shows earlier this year, after singer Billie Joe Armstrong entered rehab for undisclosed substance-abuse issues, but now, things appear to be back on track, and the group will cruise through North America in March and April 20

Stream the 12-12-12 Concert for Sandy Relief

Tonight's 12-12-12 Concert for Sandy Relief at New York City's Madison Square Garden features a ridiculously stacked lineup of musical superstars, among them Eddie Vedder, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, the Who and Paul McCartney -- who just might lead Dave Grohl and Krist Novaselic in what's being billed as a Nirvana reunion...

Funniest Guitar Faces

The guitar face -- the look axemen get when they're too caught up in the majesty of shredding to worry about how ridiculous they look -- is typically associated with metal and classic rock. Fans of these genres have long embraced guitar solos, which tend to produce the funniest guitar faces, but even in alt-rock and indie, where musicianship is less of a factor, and power chords sometimes take the