Ozzy Osbourne Was Heavy Metal’s Legendary Shaman
On the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, we trace the feedback loop of a life lived loud and a legacy equal parts chaos, catharsis, and strange, enduring grace.
J. Simpson
Occupying the Interzone between criticism and creativity, J.
Simpson believes that great art makes the world a better place. Specializing in covering dark and experimental art, he believes there's
more to the world than meets the eye and more to life than chasing
the bottom line. He is also published with Spectrum Culture and Freq Magazine and edits the Forestpunk blog.
Music/All Things Reconsidered/Feature Sub Head/Featured: Top of Home Page/Features/Music Features/Pop Past
Before Darkness Descends: Elliott Smith’s Self-Titled at 30
Elliott Smith’s self-titled sophomore album marks the beginning of his solo career in earnest, and it remains one of the finest indie records of the 1990s.
Death in Vegas Have Never Never Sounded So Good
Richard Fearless delivers his most personal Death in Vegas album yet, 30 years into his career, on Death Mask. He’s never sounded so good.
Music/All Things Reconsidered/Feature Sub Head/Featured: Top of Home Page/Features/Music Features/Pop Past
Kyuss Captured a Unique Moment in Metal History 30 Years Ago
While not a perfect record, Kyuss’ …And the Circus Leaves Town captures the Californian stoner rock juggernauts at a unique moment in time.
Blonde Redhead Create Remarkably Well-Crafted Music
Blonde Redhead prove they’ve got just as much style as substance on their new record. They follow their instincts and make remarkably well-crafted music.
Holden & Zimpel Explore the Emancipatory Power of Technology
Electronic music’s Holden & Zimpel give us hope that perhaps science and technology might just liberate us from some of life’s unnecessary struggles and strife, after all.
Maiya Blaney Creates a Fascinating, Densely Woven Tapestry
Brooklyn’s Maiya Blaney explores her darkness with a fascinating blend of drum ‘n’ bass, folk-infused R&B vocals, and metal guitars.
FaltyDL’s ‘Neurotica’ Is Inspired By Electropop and Hyperpop
FaltyDL’s new LP is one more nail in the coffin of the idea that pop music can’t be smart or ambitious and the misconception that electronic music needs to be serious.
![Mourning [A] BLKstar Deliver a Rich and Nuanced Album](https://www.popmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mourning-A-BLKstar-by-Emanuel-Wallace-720x380.webp)
Mourning [A] BLKstar Deliver a Rich and Nuanced Album
Cleveland’s Mourning [A] BLKstar give their community their flowers with an album of sprawling, intuitive free jazz and soul on Flowers for the Living.
Sami Galbi’s ‘Ylh Bye Bye’ Is an Incredible Debut
Swiss-Moroccan producer Sami Galbi crafts a warm, inviting blend of chaabi, North African folk music, trap, and global club sounds, creating a DIY street party
billy woods’ ‘GOLLIWOG’ Is a Stunning Achievement
In GOLLIWOG, billy woods explores the endlessly shifting shades of horror. It’s not an easy listen, but it’s a stunning achievement.
15 Albums to Help You Fall in Love With Poetry
Whether you’ve been a poetry lover for decades or never read a stanza in your life, you’re likely to find something to make you fall in love with poetry among the batch.