Pop, Populism, and Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.”
The contradictions in Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” makes it ripe for co-opting for Republican political campaigns from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump.
rock
Paul McCartney’s Beautiful Tribute to Lovely Linda McCartney
When Paul McCartney lost Linda McCartney in 1998, he described his grief as all-consuming, grief that haunts her sole solo studio album, ‘Wide Prairie’.
Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Mirage Tour ’82’ Features the Hits
Culled mostly from previously-released material, this triple-vinyl set catches Fleetwood Mac in the midst of their world-beating commercial phase.
Incubus Slay the Bay in Morning View XXIII Tour Finale
Incubus ride high on tour supporting Morning View XXIII released in the spring, a re-recorded version of their 2001 classic that propelled them to stardom.
Skank’s Postmodern ‘Calango’ Keeps Trippin’ at 30
Skank’s Calango mixes Jamaican reggae, Latin percussion, keyboards, and guitars into a blend that sounds very much from Brazil and yet completely alien.
Neil Young at World’s End: ‘On the Beach’ at 50
Neil Young’s On the Beach lodges not in the heart or brain but in the spleen. Perfect for depressed, alienated teenagers in the soft-rock days before punk.
No More Apocalypse Father Plead We Are Winter’s Blue and Radiant Children
On their first missive, We Are Winter’s Blue and Radiant Children create beauty amid the contemporary horror of a vicarious, voyeuristic existence.
Rock en Seine Sets the Bar High for Music Festivals
The 20th edition of France’s famed Rock en Seine sees ever-growing crowds, impressive performances, and an atmosphere to rival the highest of highs.
Enumclaw Do Some Soul Searching on ‘Home in Another Life’
Enumclaw’s sophomore LP, Home in Another Life, again delivers 1990s alternative sounds but is confessional in nature and speaks to what ails us.
‘The Beach Boys’ Documentary Brings the Sun and Surf to the New Kids
The Beach Boys documentary appeals to Gen Z and Gen Alpha via Disney Plus with a breezy, linear, appreciation of the band’s sunny legacy.
Electronic Rockers Fat Dog Go ‘WOOF’
Fat Dog’s combination of live instruments and rock influences with a more modern dance sound seems like a winner for finding an audience in 2024.
The Complicated Life of Moby Grape’s Skip Spence
This bio about Moby Grape’s Skip Spence dissects and casts a glowing light on his work as a composer of some of the most influential music of San Francisco’s psychedelic scene.