Thanks, Devo
I would have never discovered Sator if the Devo newsletter hadn’t called them out. It’s a perfect little album of short, tight post-punk sounds reminding me of both the Ramones and the Dickies. Fun, sharp, awesome.
Read MoreAuthor: stuart
31 songs from 2021: mask up
Every year brings old and new faces alike, even if they all arrive masked. We’re starting to see artists adapt to the reality of a post-pandemic world where performance, recording, and fandom have all taken some strange turns. Music abides, though, and artists persevere despite significant obstacles.
Read More31 songs from 2020: we will not be stopped
Fuck Covid. Music isn’t going anywhere. Live shows may have ground to a halt. Musicians are learning entirely new skills, mastering the live streaming broadcast. And we’re seeing a whole new side of our favorite artists, often set in their living rooms.
Read More31 songs from 2019: hits keep hitting
A solid dozen new faces this year, and another eight making their second appearance. Buckle up for some new stuff.
Read MoreLauper Rollins?
Never thought I’d see a Cindy Lauper and Henry Rollins duet. Wonder abounds.
31 songs from 2018: don’t boo, vote
2018 sees the return of several favorite and familiar artists: Elvis Costello, the Decemberists, Editors, Neko Case, Richard Thompson, and Metric.
Read More31 songs from 2017: heavy losses
2016 was no easy year and to say 2017 is somehow better would really miss the mark. So many musicians lost across so many ages and all lost too soon: Grandaddy, Steely Dan, Husker Du, Smithereens, Tom Petty, Glen Campbell. These are the musicians of my youth, my adulthood, and my life. With their passing come new artists rising to comfort a saddened world and recharge a weary soul.
Read MoreHello, William Onyeabor
David Byrne turned me onto this stunning psychedelia compilation from West Africa. He was moved to eulogize the passing of his friend, William Onyeabor, an amazing talent I am only now discovering. I am pretty dumbstruck by how amazing this is and I hope you are, too.
31 songs from 2016: ashes to ashes
2016, musically, will forever be my worst. Music from the 31 list covers some tremendous acts, new and familiar. But I lost David Bowie; we all did. Not only was he my musical touchstone, spanning an entire adult life, he inspired me to listen to new artists and genres. He made it glorious to be weird and inspired unrepentant self-expression. Bowie’s influence went far beyond music yet remained anchored to the epochs defined by his albums: Ziggy, the thin white duke, a harlequin. With his passing it feels like time, itself, has been set adrift.
We have no real choice but to live. And to live means celebrating the things that make us alive. Bowie always embraced new sounds and new visions. I will honor his memory with each new song and share them with you.
Read More31 songs from David Bowie: in memoriam
The world knew Bowie but every fan – from dilettante to diehard – has their own unique experience. Having hung on every new Bowie release for decades, picking 31 songs was not easy. I won’t claim my take is definitive as none are. Instead I hope to show the diversity of his genius in a way that inspires deeper exploration.
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