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.
Music
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.
Laura Wolf Brings Emotional Resonance to Glitches and Samples on ‘Shelf Life’
Laura Wolf takes us on a true sonic adventure, marrying glitchy samples with emotional execution. It makes you want to hear more from this unique voice.
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.
Squid’s ‘O Monolith’ Is a Paranoid Post-Genre Maelstrom
Squid follow up 2020’s Bright Green Field with a tighter, leaner, more refined version of their signature melding of sonic chaos and compositional ambition.
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.
Beach Fossils Commence Summer with the Excellent ‘Bunny’
Beach Fossils have progressed in their songcraft on Bunny and it gives you a lift, some time to recover, a soundtrack for good memories, and a desire for more.
Atmosphere’s ‘So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously’ Expands Their Palette
Ant and Slug of Atmosphere craft an album that expands the duo’s palette, explores the intersections of opposites, and makes portraits out of poetry.
Brandy Clark Presents Herself With Brandi Carlile’s Help
Brandy Clark is a mixed bag. The country singer-songwriter sees herself and others with a well-trained eye but doesn’t always reveal what she has learned.
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.
