about contributors submissions book series advertising contests tour dates Mixed Media PopMatters Picks
|
|
Estella HungReviewsThe Darlings: Yeah I KnowThe Darlings suffer from the double whammy of appearing like a band past its prime, while making music past its prime. [1 November 2009] 
Massive Attack: Splitting the Atom EPFar from being the band that every other band wants to sound like, this compilation-style EP suggests that Massive Attack are indiscriminately mining for something to make their own. [9 October 2009] 
Horse Meat Disco: Horse Meat DiscoNo one throws a party like its 1976 like Horse Meat Disco. For proof, just ask the guy who swore that after one party he was abducted by a giant glass unicorn and taken to a basement where the ghost of Ron Hardy was playing. [28 September 2009] 
Nathan Haines: Right NowJazz multi-instrumentalist Nathan Haines may be New Zealand’s equivalent of Giles Peterson, but his sixth album is underwhelming. [23 September 2009] 
My Sad Captains: Here & ElsewhereHere & Elsewhere might not steer twee-ness out of the woodlands, but when you have something that could soundtrack a wistful Super 8 home movie, only the most jaded will resist it. [20 September 2009] 
Fink: Sort of RevolutionSort of Revolution is even more pared back and softly spoken Jeff Buckley-style than Fink's previous folk outings and therefore serves as an audacious riposte to the current vogue in pop excess. [18 September 2009] 
GusGus: 24/7Warts and all, 24/7 marks GusGus at a level of maturity that allows them to shun the sonic pyrotechnics that have charmed dance outfits across Europe, while communicating more. [17 September 2009] 
Muse: The ResistanceThe Resistance lacks the kickass histrionics and monumental spectacle of previous efforts that kept imitators away with a 10-foot obelisk. [14 September 2009] 
DJ Food: One Man’s Weird Is Another Man’s WorldAfter a nine-year hiatus, DJ Food returns with a teaser EP of an upcoming concept album revolving around his undying fascination with retro-futuristic absurdism. [8 September 2009] 
Datarock: RedDatarock fail to pass the second album test with another collection of Teflon '80s post-punk tunes. [2 September 2009] 
Little Dragon: Machine DreamsMachine Dreams is an exercise in scoping out the frontiers of avant-garde electronic pop not seen since the early '80s. [31 August 2009] 
DJ Vadim: U Can’t Lurn ImaginashunThe Russian producer's outing into the mainstream provides a breezy, top-down cruise through reggae, ska, soul and good ol' hands-in-the-air dancefloor filler, but risks being MOR. [24 August 2009] 
Simian Mobile Disco: Temporary PleasureWhile Temporary Pleasure is not quite the mirage that is virtual reality, it is certainly fleeting and a perfect addition for those looking to update their summer soundtrack playlist for 2009 (or 2007). [17 August 2009] 
Quantic and His Combo Barbaro: Tradition in TransitionThis is a crate digger’s virtuoso attempt at giving a new lease of life to sounds he’s excavated without resorting to the typical producer’s trick of splicing pre-recorded material and keeping the beat with a drum machine. [14 August 2009] 
Scratch Perverts: BeatdownScratch Perverts return to the decks with a polished but unremarkable mix perfect for an amphetamine-fuelled club night. [10 August 2009] 
The Herbaliser Band: Session 2The Herbaliser bids adieu to its feted cinematic groove with a polished retrospective. [5 August 2009] 
Howling Bells: Radio WarsThe Aussie band has trumped expectations with a brilliant second coming. [30 July 2009] 
Various Artists: Unfold Presents: Tru Thoughts Hip-HopUK label Tru Thoughts celebrates its tenth birthday by gifting listeners with an enlightening retrospective of some of Britain’s best but unsung hip hop. [27 July 2009] 
Coffee Garner: Subprime BoogieThe latest album is a proverbial gem that’s worth the dedicated excavation it takes to unearth it from the DJ’s oceanic catalogue. [19 July 2009] 
Flevans: 27 DevilsBrighton DJ Flevans kiboshes cut-and-paste sampling for real instruments. [17 July 2009] 
The Mystery Girls: IncontinopiaIf a question mark hangs over the Mystery Girls it’s because this Wisconsin quintet of wiry white (non-effeminate) boys has yet to come out of the garage. [8 July 2009] 
Spyro: BiodegradableIt may sound esoteric on paper, but Spyro's Biodegradable is ineffably digestable for both soma and soul. [6 July 2009] 
Minus 8: Slow MotionEqual parts ambient wallpaper and club shindig plucked straight from Café del Mar and Hed Kandi compilations. [24 June 2009] 
J Boogie’s Dubtronic Science: Soul VibrationsThis is no frivolous club soundtrack that one dances to but never savours. [10 June 2009] |
Now on PopMatters
Features
:. Re-Meet the Beatles: PopMatters Salutes the Still Fab Four :. Ayn Rand And the World She Made by Anne C. Heller
Columns
Rabble Without a Cause: Table Space: The Final Frontier PopShots: PopShots: The Lighter Side of Swine Flu
Blogs
Short Ends and Leader: Aliens in the Attic (2009): Blu-ray Peripatetic Postcards: What’s Hot in Korea
Music
:. Echo & the Bunnymen: The Fountain :. Ray Davies and the Crouch End Chorus: The Kinks Choral Collection :. Efterklang and the Danish National Chamber Orchestra: Performing Parades :. Lisa Germano: Magic Neighbor :. On Fillmore: Extended Vacation :. Various Artists: Si, Para Usted: The Funky Beats of Revolutionary Cuba Vol.2 :. Anjulie: Anjulie
DVDs
:. You Weren’t There: A History of Chicago Punk 1977–1984 :. Merry Sitcom: Christmas Classics From TV’s Golden Age :. Note By Note: The Making of the Steinway L1037
News
:. Craig Ferguson’s autobiography is a testimony to America’s eternal appeal to immigrants :. INTERVIEW:Jeff Bridges abides, and works like crazy :. Roland Emmerich’s latest big-budget doomsday extravaganza is his ‘darkest film’ to date :. INTERVIEW:Hit repeat with Steely Dan and ‘Aja’ :. INTERVIEW:Lily Tomlin has had an extraordinary career being ordinary :. Film changes student’s course: ‘Precious’ star pursuing acting
|
