Alarmed By the Seduction: Squeeze’s ‘East Side Story’ at 40
For East Side Story, British popsters Squeeze hired a brilliant producer and made an album that’s both eclectic and remarkably consistent 40 years later.
Music
30 Years Ago Primus Went ‘Sailing the Seas of Cheese’
Primus’ Sailing the Seas of Cheese established a template for how a band could achieve both a large, passionate fanbase and a modicum of mainstream success.
The Strange, Emotional World of St. Vincent’s ‘Daddy’s Home’
It takes a real human being to be as disgusted with the world as the performance of St Vincent on Daddy’s Home shows. It requires the talents of Annie Clark.
Big|Brave Live Up to Their Name on ‘Vital’
Montreal experimental metal trio Big|Brave explore damage and the weight of social injustice on Vital. Listen mindfully and you may feel revitalized.
Ben Howard Becomes More Abstract on ‘Collections from the Whiteout’
Ben Howard’s Collections from the Whiteout, produced by the National’s Aaron Dessner, presents a refracted take on the singer-songwriter album.
Slayyyter’s Inferno: In Conversation with the Logged-on and Laser-focused Pop Starlet
Following a chaotic and self-destructive year, laser-focused pop starlet Slayyyter prepares to ascend with her debut album of noisy pop bangers, Troubled Paradise. She tells us her story.
George Michael Abandoned His MTV Past for Musical Maturity on ‘Older’ 25 Years Ago
George Michael’s Older showed an artist who was firmly in the mainstream yet still chafed at being dismissed as merely a “pop star”.
Keen Dreams Create Majestic, Timeless Noise on ‘The Second Body’
On their debut, The Second Body, New Orleans’ Keen Dreams lean into a 1980s aesthetic while still sounding fresh, vibrant, and forward-thinking.
KEiiNO’s Happyfest aka “Summer of My Life” Is the Summer Song You Need
Norway’s Keiino take the prize for the catchiest, hook-filled happy-fest of the week, “Summer of My Life”. It’s the summer song you need right now.
The Unique Mundanity of R.E.M.’s ‘Reveal’ at 20
Reveal is more than just another R.E.M. album because it holds a particular maturity and balance unique to their oeuvre.
Italy’s Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino Discuss Their Thrilling New LP ‘Meridiana’
Mauro Durante and Justin Adams discuss making the new Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino LP, Meridiana, under Covid-19’s challenging conditions and suspended time.