While we all know and love NASA for its spaceships and satellites and stuff, the organization has rarely been portrayed as a boon to the arts. But when it approached Kronos Quartet founder David Harrington about a collaboration, the violinist kept his ears open.

As it turns out, outer space generates some pretty interesting sounds. NASA had outfitted the Voyager shuttle with a special antenna designed to pick up ambient noise and thought some forward-thinking, well-respected musicians might be interested. [Read article]

The words "Carnatic music" don't usually conjure up images of Indian guitar virtuoso Prasanna and legendary drummer for multi-platinum rock band Journey, Steve Smith, jamming together on the same stage.

In fact, most people would ask: "Carne what? Is that a burrito?"

Regardless, the duo will showcase the ancient form of Indian classical music at the UA tomorrow night.

"It's just like European classical music, in the sense that it's very highly evolved," Prasanna said. [Read article]

"Could you slow down, John?" are the first words I say after introducing myself to John Dwyer, the lead singer of Coachwhips. I have to say this because he's speaking way too quickly, beyond my comprehension really. But he's funny and extremely intelligent. Possibly coked out of his mind, but good.

"You should be a court reporter if you can type this fast," John said.

"Yeah, I really can't type this fast," I said, not wanting him to slide out of this freewheeling dialogue. So he slows down enough for me to make out almost every other word, and I begin to get intimate with John Dwyer. [Read article]

Ever since discovering the guitar at the age of 12, Now It's Overhead's Andy LeMaster has been one busy musical madman.

He has contributed to Bright Eyes and recorded most of the music on NIO's self-titled debut and its recent release Fall Back Open.

Though listeners might not be able to tell, LeMaster says his songwriting influences range from R.E.M. to Bruce Springsteen to My Bloody Valentine. [Read article]

With the release of his new movie, "Jersey Girl," director and writer Kevin Smith has grown up a bit, and for the time being, ventured away from Jay and Silent Bob. In a conversation with students from across the country, Smith shared his thoughts on the new movie, as well as some insight into the status of "The Green Hornet" movie, which he is set to direct.

Q: "Jersey Girl" is different from what you usually do; were you worried that you might lose your core group of fans? [Read article]

It's gone from an original band to a cover band, from playing frat parties to local bars. But on Thursday nights, The Mocking Birds' home is O'Malley's.

The Mocking Birds ÷ James Couzens, drummer; Brett Beuckman, lead vocals and rhythm guitar; Rick Hill, lead guitar; and Jason Claybaugh, bass guitar ÷ is an '80s cover band that has been playing at O'Malley's, 47 N. Fourth Ave., for five years. [Read article]

OK, OK, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "Why, oh why, did Kevin Smith make a cheesy movie about a single father? Liv Tyler? PG-13? Where the hell are Jay and Silent Bob?" I know you're thinking this because I thought it, too. But as an avid Kevin Smith fan, I felt that it was my duty to go and see why he has strayed so far from the path we have all enjoyed him beating. So, to all Kevin Smith fans and non-Kevin Smith fans alike, I am here to report that he has not sold out. He's grown up. [Read article]

I thought "The Matrix" trilogy was excellent. While others held their noses aloft at the cheesy special effects and pseudo-intellectual musings, I maintained that there was something genuinely satisfying about seeing a movie that was fun to watch, but also tried to make you question the way you perceive reality ÷ and there was an awesome rave scene.

But perhaps you, too, thought "The Matrix" was kind of stupid. Maybe "The Matrix" series didn't answer all the questions you've ever had about love, philosophy, perception, and sweet, sweet special effects. Then I recommend you see "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." [Read article]

In Dante's "Inferno," the psychics and fortunetellers have their heads turned backward as an ironic punishment for looking too far forward into the future. It seems a more suiting punishment would be to have their heads shoved up their asses. But I guess they're pretty much up there anyway. That was my conclusion after spending a few too many hours at the Psychic Fair at the Viscount Suite Hotel on Broadway. [Read article]

David Byrne

Sounds Like: World Beat minus the Enya factor.

See Also: Rhythm of the Saints-era Paul Simon.

Grown Backwards

David Byrne ranks among the few 50-plus rockers who haven't surrendered their dignity to gaudiness and irrelevance. The former singer of the Talking Heads circumvents the problem by keeping his finger in as many pies as possible, including a new book and other ventures. Grown Backwards delves deeper into Byrne's fascination with world music. Byrne challenges himself with material as disparate as two opera arias ("Au Fond du Temple Saint" and "Un di Felice, Eterea") and a cover of Lambchop's "The Man Who Loved Beer." His voice remains the same: jittery, strained and oddly charming, just like that now legendary cardigan-sporting stoic on stage at CBGB's. [Read article]

TODAY