AJ RamirezAbout AJ RamirezHailing from California, AJ Ramirez is a PopMatters contributor with a propensity to hang around libraries looking for books on music and history. Having graduated with a BA in English in 2006, he then spent two years working as co-music director at freeform college radio station KDVS 90.3 FM. He firmly believes that Prince’s Purple Rain is the greatest album of the 1980s. Features
Nirvana: BleachStarting with Nevermind, Kurt Cobain intentionally simplified his compositions in order to emphasize their pop components. Less song-focused than later Nirvana works, Bleach acts as an interesting showcase of the band’s musical chops. [5 November 2009] Reviews
Asobi Seksu: RewolfAsobi Seksu's new album of acoustic reworkings of old material is not a startling musical reinvention, but it does allow the group to emphasize its melodies and songcraft. [10 November 2009] Aerosol: AirborneA rather good effort by this Danish post-rocker-turned-electronic-soundscapist, although not a knockout. [1 November 2009]
Nouvelle Vague: 3Diminishing returns are beginning to set in for Nouvelle Vague's French pop reinterpretations. [30 October 2009]
Hudson Mohawke: ButterScottish musician creates an enjoyable, captivating blend of R&B production and electronic experimentalism on his full-length debut. [28 October 2009] BlogsSound Affects: Depeche Mode - “Master and Servant” [20 November 2009]Sound Affects: “Bela Lugosi’s Dead”: 30 Years of Goth, Gloom, and Post-Post-Punk [31 October 2009]Sound Affects: Ultravox - “Vienna” [29 October 2009]Sound Affects: Sonic’s Rendezvous Band - “City Slang” [28 October 2009]Sound Affects: In Memoriam: Ian McCulloch’s Voice [15 October 2009]Sound Affects: The Smashing Pumpkins - “Hello Kitty Kat” [11 October 2009]Sound Affects: Some Highlights from the 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ballot [30 September 2009]Sound Affects: The Beatles - “Dear Prudence” [23 September 2009]Sound Affects: Kanye West: No Sign He’ll Ever Learn Anything [18 September 2009]Sound Affects: Courtney Love, Ex-Nirvana Members Blast ‘Guitar Hero 5’ Cobain Avatar [17 September 2009]Sound Affects: Adorable - “Sunshine Smile” [15 September 2009]Sound Affects: Ready for the World - “Oh Sheila” [10 September 2009]Sound Affects: Hüsker Dü: New Day Rising [3 September 2009]Sound Affects: Bad Lieutenant - “Sink or Swim” [1 September 2009]Sound Affects: Noel Gallagher leaves Oasis. Again. [29 August 2009]Sound Affects: Ye Shall Be Entertained, So Sayeth Queen [26 August 2009] |
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