There's a moon-goddess mysticism in the electro-pop of Niki and The Dove, something that brings a primal warmth to the icy pop sensibilities they share with similar Nordic acts (The Knife, Robyn). Their underrated 2012 release, Instinct, harnesses these humanizing influences: Prince, Kate Bush,... More >>

For lovers of laughter, the next few weeks (Jan. 24-Feb. 10) will be an orgy of hilarity filling every crevice of this city, from prestigious museums to dingy video store basements. Inventive and inspired, the 12th annual Sketchfest offers everything from competitive erotic fan fiction to... More >>

When it comes to innovation and sheer volume, the Bay Area literary scene is unrivaled. What other city devotes an entire month to literature (Litquake) and a dedicated pub crawl for the written word (Lit Crawl) every year? We’ve been known to hold readings in abandoned apartments (Live... More >>

When a band reaches the impressive achievement of record No. 10, it's okay to wonder if monotony and apathy are perhaps playing key roles in keeping the act afloat. But on new album Parastrophics, German experimental electronic duo Mouse on Mars stomps all over that assumption. Jan St. Werner... More >>

As long as humans feel nostalgia, there shall be nights looking back at decades the kids may or may not have been alive to go through the first time. DJ parties focused on the '90s are popping up all over town: the Western Addition version — I ♥ the '90s — is at Madrone, where... More >>

​In late 2010 we attended a reading we'll never forget. We didn't know it, but a madman was about to take the stage. Except he didn't take the stage. He hopped down off it, and immediately a dozen people rushed to form a semicircle around him on the floor. What came next was a controlled... More >>

Ever wish you were on the set of your favorite indie music video, dancing in a meadow with flowers and half-naked hipsters surrounding you? Well, good, we don't either. It's much more preferable to live out this indie dancing fantasy in a small club, where shots are pouring and pollen allergies... More >>

If the 20th Century is far too futuristic for you already, settle back into the '80s, and all its hip-hop glory, at That '80s Show. Bomb Hip-Hop DJs Dave Paul and Jeff Harris spin from the golden era of beats and emcees, or, as they put it, "Cabbage Patch Kids, Rubik's Cube, Live Aid,... More >>