‘The Return of the Durutti Column’ Is Long Overdue
Listening to The Return of the Durutti Column is like being given the key to a world that, while not as secret as before, is well worth exploring.
John Bergstrom
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.
Doves Celebrate Their Best on ‘So, Here We Are’
So, Here We Are: Best of Doves shows how their secret is making music that’s grandiose yet unpretentious. It’s big music with a small ego.
This Is Supposedly the Best of Everything But the Girl
As Everything But the Girl, Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt were one of the most unique British acts of the 1980s and 1990s.
OMD’s ‘Crush’ Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary
OMD’s Crush is a self-contained, ultra-romantic package that both encapsulates and transcends the 1980s. They had never sounded this sleek, sexy, and cool before
Nation of Language Create a ‘Dance Called Memory’
Dance Called Memory is something of a pivotal album in its own modest way. It’s Nation of Language’s most introspective and darkest record.
Pop Academics Saint Etienne Say Goodbye with Final LP
With International, these pop academics have left us with one final lesson: if you must fade away, do so gracefully. Saint Etienne most certainly have.
Kenny Dorham Played Blue Bossa in the Bronx
In the years since his death in 1972 from kidney disease, Kenny Dorham has become one of those artists who are famous for not having been famous—for being underrated.
North American Power Pop of the 1980s Is Delightful
Power pop was always music for other musicians to like, or for people whose record collections eclipsed their social lives. The songs were catchy and poppy.
Be-Bop Deluxe’s Restlessness and Energy Are Superb
While much 1970s rock went straight up its arse, Be-Bop Deluxe offered a swift yet elegant kick in the crotch. Who knew that decades later it would still feel good?
The Pale Fountains Practically Invented Twee Pop
For the Pale Fountains, The Complete Virgin Years is evidence of a group that had more ideas than two studio albums would allow. A few of those ideas were sublime.
Lifeguard Are Ready-Made for Critical Adoration
Every so often, a band like Lifeguard appear and aren’t experimental, but flaunt their impeccable influences in a way that’s so brash and confident.
Kenny Burrell Is Mesmerizing at the Five Spot Café
Jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell’s collection feels more like a warm vignette than a cynical freeze-frame. This is one occasion where digital files simply won’t suffice.