Penelope Isles’ New LP ‘3’ Is Both Comforting and Sad
Penelope Isles’ 3 is a sad album, something of a song cycle about heartbreak, reflection, and uncertainty. Yet it’s usually more comforting than depressing.
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.
Lee Scratch Perry Was at the Height of His Powers in 1973
Lee Scratch Perry’s Flashing Echo captures a seminal artist at the peak of his powers, just before those powers were transferred from one context to another.
Slowdive’s In-Between Band Mojave 3 Reissue Their Catalog
Mojave 3 may always be remembered as a lengthy diversion between phases of Slowdive. They still had plenty of winning moments of their own.
When Lee “Scratch” Perry and Mouse on Mars Teamed Up
When Mars on Mars were in the studio with Lee “Scratch” Perry in late 2019, they didn’t realize they were getting the last chance to capture his essence on tape.
The Sound on ‘Bill Evans at the BBC’ Is Badly Distorted
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Laibach Coat Their ‘Musick’ in Pop-Colored Gloss
Laibach’s Musick has its moments, but ultimately it’s a reminder that there is plenty of good pop music that skewers itself without being so belabored about it.
The Charlatans’ ‘Some Friendly’ Is Surprisingly Important
The Charlatans’ subsequent career has, in hindsight, rendered Some Friendly more valuable than most anyone expected. It’s one of their most important.
Band of Horses’ ‘Everything All The Time’ Is Essential at 20
Band of Horses’ Everything All the Time was a declaration that rock music could be big without being dumb, sentimental without being saccharine.
Lucid Express Lay on the Sweetness for ‘Instant Comfort’
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Musik Music Musique 1979: The Roots of Synth Pop
Based on the best tracks on this new synth pop collection, 1979 was a time that drew equally from traditionalist pop songcraft and new musical technology.
Steppin’ Out: The Roots of Garage Rock 1963-1965
Steppin’ Out: The Roots of Garage Rock 1963-1965 immediately becomes an efficient, economical alternative to all kinds of crate-digging and online scouring.
‘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.