The Optimist Died Inside of Me: Death Cab for Cutie’s ‘Narrow Stairs’
Fifteen years ago, Death Cab for Cutie’s Narrow Stairs tackled the malaise of early 30s careers and marriages, and what happens when those don’t pan out.
Features
Silent Film’s Raymond Griffith Pulled Tricksters Out of Top Hats
In Raymond Griffith: The Silk Hat Comedian, the two clever silent films Paths to Paradise and You’d Be Surprised, make a working-class hero out of a toff in a top hat.
The 10 Most Memorable Non-Smash Hit Singles of 1984
A singular confluence of classic rock, New Wave, and indie rock experimentation made 1984 a captivating musical brew. All but two cracked the Billboard Top 40.
30 Years of Slowdive’s ‘Souvlaki’
Slowdive’s seminal 30-year-old album, Souvlaki, transcends the negativity that followed its release and carries strength through emotional relatability.
Everything You Know Means Nothing: Problematic Art and Crystal Castles’ Legacy
An abusive past with Crystal Castles haunts former singer Alice Glass. Glass haunts her past back with her multi-artist, confrontational goth synthpunk.
Featured: Top of Home Page/Features/Lists/Music/Music Features/PopMatters Picks/The Best Music of 2013
The 15 Best Americana Albums of 2013
Jump back a decade and visit one of the best years for Americana albums ever, including Jason Isbell, Neko Case, the Devil Makes Three, and the Lone Bellow.
Sara Petite Has Fun “Bringin’ Down the Neighborhood”
Outlaw country’s Sara Petite premieres a new video as she rises to the top of her game on her latest LP with tales of revelry and rage, addiction, and rejection.
The 10 Best Indie Rock Albums of 2013
Jump back a decade and visit the best indie rock albums of 2013, which include King Krule’s debut, My Bloody Valentine’s return, and Waxahatchee’s brilliance.
Liberation Blues: Tinariwen Invoke the Sahel’s Complex History on ‘Amatssou’
Connections with Jack White and Daniel Lanois are great, but West African blues collective Tinariwen had to navigate Covid and political unrest to deliver their surprisingly exuberant new LP.
No Sex Please, We’re British: Coil’s Subversively Overt Homosexuality
Homosexuality drove experimental band Coil’s creativity, yet they rejected the demand that they either embrace performative homosexuality or remain discreet and closeted.
Jeff Buckley’s ‘Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk’ at 25
Anyone who wants to hear the truest Jeff Buckley—the artist he was on the way to becoming when he died young—should make sure to find ‘My Sweetheart the Drunk’.
Ranking the 34 ‘Ted Lasso’ Episodes
We dive into ‘Ted Lasso’ to see where the beloved AFC Richmond gaffer won and lost. Episodes were judged by their cohesion, heart, humor, and message.