If music is universal and transcends cultural barriers, then an interview with French superstar Emilie Simon is a walk in the park. However, this park ended up being in the Green room at the Roxy. After tackling a plethora of topics ranging from fashion, east coast versus west coast, strange American habits and playing new material, I came to this profound conclusion: despite political differences, Americans and French appreciate multi-talented artists such as Emilie Simon. Are we friends now?
RacketGail: First of all, Emilie, I noticed that you have an amazing …

Gramercy Arms
Gramercy Arms
7/10
Gramercy Arms from New York City pours out their melting pot sound deliciously into the group’s self-titled debut album. It is packed with an all-star line-up of the current and former members of Guided by Voices, Joan Wasser of Joan as Police Woman, Luna, Dead Air and The Damnbuilders lead singer Dave Darby (who composed most of the album). If that is not enough enticement, maybe these guest performances sweeten the pot: female comedian Sarah Silverman, Lloyd Cole, Chris Brokaw, Joan Wasser, present and former Nada Surf members, …

CENTREVOL
BEGGARS AND THIEVES
Self-released
9/10
When I got my most recent stack of CDs to review I picked through a stack of what looked like absolute garbage. The only CD that really caught my eye (in a good way, anyhow) was a CD by a trio named Centrevol. Looking at the album liner I immediately thought “The Police.” When it comes to trios, no matter how incredible The Jam was, The Police are the most renowned and recognizable of all time. There was more to it than that; something …