Music in the Telegram

Today's Go section has a bunch of great music stories, covering a pretty broad range of tastes. First off, my What You're Listening To column is back, with a new format. Now, I'll be focusing on three to five songs by local artists a week. In the print edition, you'll get capsule reviews. In the Web edition, you'll get music players for the actual songs. Of course, that limits me to songs that artists have up on SoundCloud, ReverbNation and the like right now, but really? I can go a long time on those alone. Anyway, this week we're starting with a blues-jazz bang with The Duende Project, Dale LePage, Cara Brindisi, James Keyes and Niki Luparelli. Go listen, and if you're an artist who performs locally, drop me a line backchannel to suggest a song.

I'm glad I got to focus on talented locals, beause circumstances have forced us to focus on a couple acts that ... well ... let's just say I don't have quite as much love for. In his column, Craig Semon reviews the newest from Train, with results you might expect, and freelancer Alan Sculley takes us backstage at Nickelback's forthcoming show at the DCU Center.  (thank you, Alan, for deftly excusing Craig and myself for having to write something nice abiout Nickelback! I don't think either of us could have survived the experience.)

Lastly, for fans with different taste, Nancy Sheehan previews tonight's screening of the documentary Under the Boardwalk at Beatnik's, which details the growing love for that humble instrument, the ukulele. Really, there's something for everyone in this one. Even if that someone loves Nickelback.

ETA: Almost forgot! Today's our weekly American Idol chat, at 1 p.m. EST. As always, Scott Croteau will be driving the show, but my question for him is, "Was Holli smart to go country?" Chime in and tell us what you think!