A coal miner’s son from West Virginia, Bill Withers had dreams that were bigger than his hometown of Slab Fork. In 1971, Withers began writing and recording soul, R&B, and blues songs that became big hits, including “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and “Lean On Me.” While he’s one of the most recognizable voices in R&B, Withers […]
Peter Murphy & Boy George – “Let The Flowers Grow”
We haven’t heard a ton from Peter Murphy since summer 2022. That’s when the Bauhaus frontman canceled the US leg of tour and entered rehab, which was only a few months after Bauhaus released their first new song in 14 years. Murphy has still been working, though. In May, he launched his own record label […]
KROQ Announces ’90s-Heavy Almost Acoustic Christmas Lineup With Smashing Pumpkins, Beck, & More
For over three decades, Los Angeles alternative radio station KROQ has presented the annual Almost Acoustic Christmas, a holiday-themed rock festival. They’ve just presented their lineup for the 2024 iteration — going down on Dec. 14 at Kia Forum — and it’s even more heavy on the ’90s standards than usual. This year will feature […]
Band To Watch: Man/Woman/Chainsaw
There is a phase in a young band’s development when they’re starting to find their form, understanding how to harness their collective power, but vestiges of their primordial freeform lunging remain. That’s where we now find Man/Woman/Chainsaw on the rising buzz band timeline. It’s a tantalizing moment for a listener, a window into chaos being […]
Rare DM – “Skater Hits Me Harder”
Rare DM — the project of singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Erin Hoagg — is armed with otherworldly synths, a show-stopping soprano, and great lyrics about sending nudes, longing for luxury, and not wanting any more softboys. Today, the NYC electronica pro explores sex with skaters on her new earworm “Skater Hits Me Harder.” “‘Skater Hits […]
Young Thug FaceTimes Into Emory Law Class To Encourage Students To Pursue Defense Careers
After the longest-running criminal trial in the history of Georgia, Young Thug is free. After two and a half years in jail on suspicion of RICO violations, the Atlanta rap star arrived at a plea deal last week. The conditions of his release are extreme. Thug agreed to 15 years of probation, and he’s effectively […]
Elbow – “Adriana Again”
The elegant veteran British rockers Elbow released their new album Audio Vertigo back in March, and today they’re already returning with a new song. “Adriana Again” is billed as the lead single from a new EP dropping next year. It’s got an irresistible rhythmic undercurrent, some real cool bass work, guitars Guy Garvey has described […]
Jimmy Page Reportedly Revives Neighborly Feud With Robbie Williams
The ongoing feud between Robbie Williams and Jimmy Page is the best kind of petty and meaningless celebrity beef: The type with absolutely no geopolitical ramifications. Instead, these are just two very rich musician types whose mansions are next to one another and who are constantly getting into legal battles over the rich-guy version of […]
West Side Cowboy – “I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)”
About a year ago, the cheekily named West Side Cowboy performed their first-ever gig in a coffeeshop, and now they’re getting ready to open for this year’s Mercury Prize winners English Teacher in their hometown of Manchester. Today, the indie rock four-piece is unleashing their phenomenal debut song “I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I […]
Nation Of Language – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” (Darlene Love Cover)
A week into November, the annual flood of new Christmas music is already well underway. Today it continues with an indie band’s cover of a beloved holiday classic. New York synth-pop favorites Nation Of Language, fresh off their appearance at Brooklyn’s first solar-powered concert, have released a new version of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” […]