20 Years Ago OK Go Debuted With an Underappreciated Power-pop Gem
After 20 years, it’s clear that OK Go’s most complete album is their self-titled debut which combines a penchant for big hooks and a love for big guitars.
Chris Conaton
Chris Conaton graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Michigan State University. After bouncing around in several different music teaching jobs as well as a stint working at Lowe's in Michigan, he moved to Houston, Texas. He now teaches elementary school music in suburban Houston. Aside from a couple of minor freelance gigs and keeping a blog specifically for writing reviews, PopMatters is his first regular writing gig.
Spacemoth’s Simple Indie Synthpop Brings the Hooks
Spacemoth’s No Past No Future is a smorgasbord of synth-oriented indie-pop sounds, covering a lot of musical ground while retaining a core style.
Triathalon’s R&B-Adjacent Jams Get a Bit Samey on ‘Spin’
Adam Intrator’s breathy vocals often mesh quite well with Triathalon’s music on Spin. That uniformity in style can also make every Triathalon track sound the same.
Of Montreal’s Pandemic-fueled Freewave Lucifer Is a Challenging Listen
Of Montreal’s Freewave Lucifer was inspired by and created during COVID’s isolation. Here and there is a catchy moment, but those bits are rarely repeated.
Anteloper Explore How a Producer Can Affect Improvisation on ‘Pink Dolphins’
For those who enjoy jazz improvisation, jam-rock, or ambient electronics, Anteloper’s Pink Dolphins has a lot to like, including Jeff Parker’s production.
TV Priest’s ‘My Other People’ Feels Like a Work in Progress
TV Priest’s My Other People pushes sonic boundaries while still sounding post-punk. The breadth of styles here is impressive, as is the musicianship.
Horsegirl’s Enticing Guitar Noise Could Use a Little More Songwriting
Horsegirl’s guitar tones are alternately cool and abrasive, and that sound sets the template for the band’s mixture of indie, punk, and art-rock.
‘Cheers’ to Another Excellent Jukebox the Ghost Record
Cheers nicely balances new sonic wrinkles with Jukebox the Ghost’s established strengths. It’s smartly constructed and one of their best albums.
Eliza & the Delusionals Need More Hooks ‘Now and Then’
Genuinely catchy moments on Eliza & the Delusionals’ Now and Then are too few and far between, which means the songs don’t have hooks to make them memorable.
Radiohead Became Worldwide Rock Stars 25 Years Ago With ‘OK Computer’
The Bends hinted at Radiohead’s potential, but OK Computer allowed Radiohead the freedom to experiment and started their progression to forward-looking music.
Craig Finn’s Storytelling Takes Center Stage on ‘A Legacy of Rentals’
The Hold Steady’s Craig Finn made a particular effort to keep the music low-key on A Legacy of Rentals, while his storytelling abilities continue to shine.
Arcade Fire’s ‘WE’ Takes the Idea of Hit and Miss to Extremes
Somehow, Arcade Fire have created an album that’s one half an exciting return to form and the other a continuation of their worst impulses with WE.
