Dead Kennedys’ ‘Frankenchrist’ Is Sadly Relevant at 40
Dead Kennedys’ Frankenchrist is a full-scale assault on Reagan’s America–the hypocrisy, seedy undercurrent beneath the slogans, and institutional racism.
All Things Reconsidered
OutKast’s ‘Stankonia’ Uses Mirrors and Oppositions
OutKast’s Stankonia is a diptych that opposes and mirrors the duo; creating a stylistic reverence for an inimitable vision.
Chubby Checker’s Unexpected Journey Into Psychedelia
Chequered! is an obscure, long-out-of-print “psychedelic” album from 1971 by the most unlikely musician: Chubby Checker, the man behind the 1960 hit “The Twist”.
Naked Eyes’ 1983 Debut Delivers Sincerity in an Ironic World
Naked Eyes’ 1983 debut, Burning Bridges, is a good album for reflecting on our ironic modern world, as it can’t help but wax nostalgic for the sincerity of the past.
Wolf Parade’s 2005 Debut Is Still a Revelation
Montreal band Wolf Parade’s haphazard formation and instant momentum yielded their most captivating work, including what would become their defining anthem.
The Brilliant Eartha Kitt Is “Miss Kitt” to You
Eartha Kitt’s best recordings from the 1950s represent the bedrock of her career and deliver a charming respite from a world in turmoil. Miss Kitt, to You is a revelation.
Bobby Brown’s Funkiest Last Dance
Although its release date was unfortunately mistimed, Bobby Brown’s Bobby presented the funkiest last dance of the entire New Jack Swing era.
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“Only Dogs Have Their Day”: Son Volt’s ‘Trace’ at 30
Thirty years later, we can finally hear the songs that Son Volt’s Jay Farrar wrote without the alt-country baggage critics perpetuated to the point of cliché.
Michael Jackson’s ‘HIStory’ Still Defies History
Thirty years on, Michael Jackson’s HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I is among the most ambitious and personal pop statements of the 1990s, born from pressure, transformed into autobiography, and forever in our History.
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Constantines’ ‘Tournament of Hearts’ Is Their Secret Success
Constantines are Canadian, but they understand the death of the American Dream, with their quiet, dignified stories of working-class struggles.
The New Pornographers’ ‘Twin Cinema’ Is Still Captivating 20 Years Later
The New Pornographers took their power pop to another level on Twin Cinema, with Carl Newman’s impeccable songwriting and all three vocalists dialed in.
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Bruce Springsteen’s Extraordinary ‘Born to Run’ at 50
Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run is one of the great rock albums; it showcases youthful idealism’s shortcomings while keeping one enraptured with its false promises.