The Way Out Is Through: Nine Inch Nails’ ‘Hesitation Marks’ at 10
Nine Inch Nails’ Hesitation Marks creates an objective point for looking back with wiser eyes, showing that the way to a better life is to push through the past.
All Things Reconsidered
Public Image Ltd’s Debut Album Put the “Post” in Post-Punk
The Sex Pistols blew away the old rock of the ’50s and ’60s, but then John Lydon formed Public Image Ltd and created new musical possibilities with post-punk.
Blink-182’s ‘Untitled’ Showed Foresight We Could Only See in Hindsight
It’s easy to see how untitled‘s themes acted as a harbinger of the years to come for Blink-182. There’s longing and yearning; a distance that can’t be crossed.
The Legacy of Caetano Veloso’s Masterpiece ‘Transa’
Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso’s most celebrated work, Transa, still resonates with audiences young and old 50 years later.
Getting High on Your Own Supply: ‘Scarface’ as an Allegory of Capitalism
Scarface implies that under capitalism, “getting high on your own supply” is inevitable, as the system is based on the exploitation of dissatisfaction.
In the Wake of the Grateful Dead in 1973
Looking back after 50 years at the Grateful Dead’s pivotal year of 1973, including Wake of the Flood and three November nights at Winterland.
Mariah Carey Declared Herself Queen of Christmas with One Song
Through one hit single, Mariah Carey declared herself the Queen of Christmas, and judging from its perennial success, it looks as if her reign isn’t over anytime soon.
‘Doble Vida’ at 35: Soda Stereo’s Great Consolidation in Perspective
When Soda Stereo’s Doble Vida reached the hands of their fervorous fans, it was clear: the boys wanted to make it big – even bigger than they already were.
Sheila Jordan’s ‘Portrait of Sheila’ at 60
The DNA of jazz vocalist Sheila Jordan’s Portrait of Sheila can be heard in so much popular music of the intimate, dreamlike, and nocturnal kind across genres.
Todd Solondz’s Satire ‘Happiness’ Still Unsettles
Todd Solondz’s 1998 satire, Happiness, is a savage takedown of the family-focused, banal sitcoms of the decade with a message that resonates to this day.
The Who’s ‘Quadrophenia’ Shines Brightly on Its Golden Anniversary
A tale of UK Mod culture and failed dreams, Quadrophenia is easily the Who’s best album, and perhaps, it’s the best rock opera ever.
Dancing Post-Pinochet to Los Prisioneros’ ‘Corazones’
Los Prisioneros evolved from a politicized youthful New Wave sound to a synthpop-infused dynamic that would propel the trio to post-Pinochet stardom.