Phantom Planet explores cults in 'Raise the Dead'

There is a dark side to pop. It can be heard in the Beatles' "Helter Skelter," the Rolling Stones' "Midnight Rambler," Elvis Costello's "Accidents Will Happen." For songwriters, bad news can be an inspiration. Alex Greenwald, the singer-guitarist of L.A.-based Phantom Planet, certainly went to dark places for his band's latest album, "Raise the Dead," which explores the grim phenomenon of cults. His new songs dig into some of the darkest American tales and tragedies of the 20th century, feeding on the legacies of Charles Manson, David Koresh, Jim Jones and others.

By Steve Appleford

June 12, 2008