I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: “It was the sound of post-independence Nigeria, not Vampire Weekend.” Suffice it to say that Afrobeat has become an increasingly prominent element in today’s fusion music. Yet we seldom stop to think where these unique tones originated. So this compilation marks the beginning of a series dedicated to investigating the peaks and troughs of a glossed-over genre. After all, no musical victory is without its unsung heroes. more ›

It’s a Savage Steve Holland double feature at the Aero Theatre tonight. Who’s Steve Holland? Well, he’s the guy who directed two of John Cusack’s good early films. In 1985’s Better Off Dead, Cusack plays a guy dumped by his girlfriend for a jock and wants to off himself by “suicidal ski run” – but meets a girl who gives him reason to live again. The film’s followed by One Crazy Summer that had Cusack playing against Demi Moore. There’s a discussion tonight with Savage Steve Holland and cast members. more ›