20 Years Ago OK Go Debuted With an Underappreciated Power-pop Gem
After 20 years, it’s clear that OK Go’s most complete album is their self-titled debut which combines a penchant for big hooks and a love for big guitars.
pop rock
‘The Best of Roxy Music’ Gets a Vinyl Re-Issue
As this vinyl reissue of Roxy Music’s 2001 compilation makes clear, the only thing cooler than Roxy Mark II was Roxy Mark I.
The Rolling Stones in the Twilight Zone: In Praise of the Disco-y “Emotional Rescue”
Even the Rolling Stones fans who could endure “Lady Jane” never recovered from Jagger’s falsetto, among other things, in “Emotional Rescue”, but that’s their loss.
Demi Lovato’s ‘Holy Fvck’ Is One Reset Too Many
Demi Lovato’s eighth album Holy Fvck is a rock star about-face that might have substance but comes too soon after her last reinvention to feel authentic.
Blondie’s Career Given Epic Tribute in ‘Against the Odds 1974-1982’
No group combined the rebellious, enterprising ambition of the punk movement with the grand and performative nature of major pop superstardom like Blondie did.
New Weds and Nearly-Deads: 10 Under-Appreciated Elvis Costello Albums
While many of Elvis Costello’s albums are regularly heralded as masterpieces, these ten albums don’t get nearly the love they deserve.
Elton John Kicks Off Last North American Farewell Tour
Elton John played his 52nd and last show in Philadelphia last Friday night, and it was a joyous and life-affirming farewell.
Christina Perri Becomes Herself on ‘A Lighter Shade of Blue’
A Lighter Shade of Blue encapsulates Christina Perri’s artistry in a way that reflects her journey in life and motherhood and is also a compelling reflection on grief.
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.
Mandy Moore Celebrates in Many Ways After Becoming Mom ‘In Real Life’
Singer-songwriter and This Is Us star Mandy Moore discusses making music, babies, and unforgettable TV magic as she and her husband Taylor Goldsmith hit the road.
The Beach Boys’ ‘That’s Why God Made the Radio’ Begs to Be Knocked
The Beach Boys’ That’s Why God Made the Radio is unsettling and inoffensive in a way I cannot compare to any album except God Bless Tiny Tim.
Roxy Music Invented the 1980s with Their Swan Song ‘Avalon’
Forty years ago, Roxy Music stepped away from the recording studio, but not before leaving behind an album that defined the 1980s. It’s the ultimate marriage of high concept, high art, and high-quality popular music.
