John Bergstrom has been writing various reviews and features for PopMatters since 2004. He has been a music fanatic at least since he and a couple friends put together The Rock Group Dictionary in third grade (although he now admits that giving Pat Benatar the title of “first good female rocker” was probably a mistake). He has done freelance writing for Trouser Pressonline, Milwaukee’s Shepherd Express, and the late Milk magazine and website. He currently resides in Madison, Wisconsin with his wife and two kids, both of whom are very good dancers.
Features
Tuesday, March 13 2012
Can't Even Be Bothered: Two Great British Indie Rock Albums Turn 20
They are not the best-known or most-celebrated works by their respective bands. But Ride's Going Blank Again and the Charlatans' Between 10th and 11th are seminal touchstones of 1990s British indie rock, "Deluxe Anniversary Editions" or not.
Monday, November 24 2008
Various Artists: Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia
You definitely know Motown. You probably know Stax. But it's time to get (re)acquainted with the other big player in the golden age of soul music -- Philly.
Wednesday, November 8 2006
A Sleek, Sporty European Roadster: Reconsidering Depeche Mode
Throughout the 1980s, Depeche Mode built a consistent, hugely-influential body of work. And then they very nearly parodied it. These three luxury reissues tell that story in thrilling fashion.
Thursday, June 29 2006
(Just) Boys from Basildon: The Depeche Mode Reissues
Were the modern rock heroes masters of their own brand of Socratic irony, or were they just what they claimed to be -- fortunate working-class boys? This excellently-packaged set of remasters offers some fascinating clues.
Reviews
Tuesday, May 22 2012
The Cult: Choice of Weapon
The veteran English rockers hope the third comeback album will be the charm.
Thursday, May 10 2012
Insomniac's Electric Daisy Carnival Experience
This enthusiastic, and at times exhilarating depiction of the 2010 electronic music festival is proof that it's only so much fun to get the juice on the party you missed.
Friday, May 4 2012
Various Artists: Best of Disco Demands
"Disco Demands": a contradiction in terms? Not exactly, says DJ Al Kent.
Monday, April 23 2012
Various Artists: Dirtybird Hatched - Volume 1
The future sounds pretty bright for the San Francisco bass music label.








































