How the Beach Boys Went Political in the Early ’70s
For a brief period in the early ’70s, the Beach Boys went political and gained relevance in the tumult of the “Me Decade”. If only it had lasted.
Music
The Beths’ ‘Auckland, New Zealand, 2020’ Documents a Liberating Concert
The Beths’ new live album, Auckland, New Zealand, 2020, features possibly the most exhilarating music to yet come out of the COVID darkness.
Wesley Stace Tries a New Style on the Deeply Satisfying ‘Late Style’
After more than 30 years’ worth of albums, Wesley Stace steps out of his comfort zone, with splendid results on Late Style.
Jeremy Loops Teams with Ladysmith Black Mambazo for “This Town” (premiere)
South Africa’s Jeremy Loops and legends Ladysmith Black Mambazo combine for “This Town”, a powerful new Afropop song full of hope and a killer melody.
Mariah Carey’s ‘Glitter’ Is One of the Best Dance-Pop Albums of the Last 20 Years
A smart, loving paean to 1980s dance-pop, post-disco, synthpop, and pop-funk, Mariah Carey’s Glitter is a brilliant work of genius released 20 years ago.
The ’80s Were No Fun: An Interview with Bob Mould
Bob Mould discusses being gay in the 1980s, the far-right threatening LGBTQ rights, his recent political LP Blue Hearts, and how he still has faith.
Is Billy Idol Still Vital?
Billy Idol’s string of pop-punk hits and unmistakable sneer propelled him to 1980s stardom. Idol sounds more mature than ever on the new EP The Roadside.
Yann Tiersen’s ‘Kerber’ Is a Sonic Tribute to His Home of Ushant
Yann Tiersen integrates synth elements, redefining his piano arrangements and giving each piece otherworldly layers on Kerber.
Guitarist Guy Buttery’s ‘One Morning in Gurgaon’ Is a Spontaneous Dream
Guy Buttery, Mudassir Khan, and Mohd. Amjad Khan’s music on One Morning in Gurgaon is inspired, a transcontinental encounter that stirs the imagination.
Lizzie Loveless Delivers a Striking Debut with ‘You Don’t Know’
Formerly one-third of the indie-pop band TEEN, Lizzie Loveless is out on her own with a mature, sophisticated album that spans genres and moods.
Country’s Hailey Whitters Asks “How Far Can It Go”
Hailey Whitters and Trisha Yearwood team up on the video for “How Far Can It Go”, a cute country-pop song about the power of love.