The 12 Best Brian Wilson Songs
From massive hits to experimental pop compositions, Brian Wilson’s music is always thoughtful, idiosyncratic, and as thrilling today as it was in the 1960s.
avant-pop
Stereolab Debuted with the Fluorescent ‘Peng!’ 30 Years Ago
Three decades ago, the lucid yet obscure (and antiquated yet postmodern) first entry in Stereolab’s superabundant catalog foreshadowed greatness. Peng! is 30.
Melissa Weikart’s “Ocean Song” Finds Renewal at Its Center (premiere)
Pianist Melissa Weikart’s offbeat, harrowing avant-pop song “Ocean Song” represents a return to our purest selves with a video set in the calanques of Marseille.
Universal Songs? Interpreting Stevie Wonder’s ‘Songs in the Key of Life’
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life is 45 years old. It’s a towering masterpiece in the histories of soul, pop, American music, and Black music worldwide.
We’re All SOPHIE’s Children Now
It was thrilling to think of where SOPHIE was going to take us next after having deconstructed both club music and pop. But even without her here to lead us, the tenacity and impactfulness of her bold body of work can guide us.
John Lennon’s Minimalist Journey to Independence
How an audacious, daring record from disgruntled ex-Beatle John Lennon became a major musical landmark.
All Things Reconsidered/Featured: Top of Home Page/Features/Music/Music Features/Pop Past/SAVE/ IGNORE: popular
Kate Bush’s Splendidly Transitional ‘Never For Ever’ at 40
Kate Bush's Never for Ever served as the stepping stone for the artist to reach her full potential as a bona fide musical genius.
Counterbalance/Featured: Top of Home Page/Features/Music/Pop Past/SAVE/ IGNORE: popular/Sound Affects
Counterbalance 26: Prince – ‘Sign o’ the Times’
Prince’s 1987 Sign o' the Times was His Royal Badness’ second double LP. Counterbalance discuss this critics’ darling over starfish and coffee.
100 gecs Remix Debut with Help From Fall Out Boy, Charli XCX and More
100 gecs' follow up their debut with a "remix album" stuffed with features, remixes, covers, and a couple of new recordings. But don't worry, it's just as blissfully difficult as their debut.
U.S. Girls Reckons With Being a Breakout Indie Star on ‘Heavy Light’
Meghan Remy's experimental pop project U.S. Girls ventures into more mainstream territory to mixed results on Heavy Light.
Coil’s ‘Stolen & Contaminated Songs’ Is a Document of a Different Time
Coil's undeniable sonic invention can't quite mask an almost quaint self-seriousness on their 1992 album, Stolen & Contaminated Songs, which was recently re-released.
Stereolab Reissue Their Classics: ‘Emperor Tomato Ketchup’
Now is the perfect time to reacquaint -- or acquaint -- yourself with Stereolab's landmark 1996 album, Emperor Tomato Ketchup.
