Kesha’s ‘Gag Order’ Is an Artistic Cry for Help
Is Kesha’s new experimental art-pop record, Gag Order, a cautionary tale? A cry for help? A cathartic release? Most likely, it’s all of the above.
art pop
Ane Brun Releases Two LPs and Shares “Hand in the Fire” (premiere)
Norwegian alt-pop artist Ane Brun releases two compilation records tomorrow, while today, she shares the previously unreleased “Hand in the Fire” with a video.
A Man Out of Time: On Scott Walker’s ‘Scott 2’
Scott Walker is a funhouse version of David Bowie. He carved out his own space in music, one almost stubbornly unfashionable but also indispensable in the way one-of-a-kind things often are.
15 Essential Scott Walker Songs
We celebrate the career of experimental pop pioneer Scott Walker through 15 of his essential songs.
Angel Olsen’s EP ‘Forever Means’ Provides a Coda for ‘Big Time’
Angel Olsen’s Forever Means reaffirms her rising status as a worthy successor to esteemed figures like Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, and Iris DeMent.
Philosophy and Pop Harmonize on Scritti Politti’s ‘Songs to Remember’
In Scritti Politti’s Songs to Remember, Green Gartside comically challenges hegemonic structures in a perfect harmony of philosophy and pop.
The Legendary Waves Behind Fiona Apple’s Grand Debut ‘Tidal’
Using the spirals of poetry and jazz that formed her, Fiona Apple’s Tidal established the 18-year-old as an honest and revolutionary voice in music.
Graham Coxon’s Memoir ‘Verse, Chorus, Monster!’ Sees Beyond the Blur
Graham Coxon could have made his memoir Verse, Chorus, Monster! a Blur / Britpop tell-all, but he wraps up honest observations in a lovely, conversational tone.
Gorillaz Push Boundaries on the Wildly Inventive ‘Cracker Island’
Gorillaz’s Cracker Island includes Stevie Nicks and reggaeton star Bad Bunny on an unrestrained set of dystopian songs with Damon Albarn’s melodic gift.
Caroline Polachek Ascends to Greatness on ‘Desire, I Want to Turn Into You’
Caroline Polachek dives into the contradictory crux of the human experience on Desire, I Want to Turn Into You, an album of breathtakingly original pop songs.
Young Fathers Are Back and Getting ‘Heavy Heavy’
Young Fathers declare their awareness of what’s going on but take it a step further. Heavy Heavy urges the audience to do the heavy lifting and “have fun”.
The Beatles’ ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ Outraged the Adults But Turned on the Kids
Magical Mystery Tour was an innovative hybrid if never quite adequately realized. As a chapter in the life of the Beatles, it continues to exert fascination.