experimental rock

The Smile’s American Tour Rolls on Through New York City

The Smile’s American Tour Rolls on Through New York City

For the Smile, Sons of Kemet’s Tom Skinner provides a deeper London jazz groove to lock into while the Radiohead side offer moody rock elements.

Fifty Years of Motorik Celebrated in ‘Neu! 50!’

Fifty Years of Motorik Celebrated in ‘Neu! 50!’

Neu! 50! highlights how when Neu! were good, they were great, and when they weren’t great, they had the good taste to be interesting, at the very least.

We Are Future Ghosts: Haunting David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ 45 Years Later

We Are Future Ghosts: Haunting David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ 45 Years Later

David Bowie’s Heroes expresses Berlin’s fractured psyche in 1977, caught between decadence and desolation, and mirrors his struggles to make a fresh start.

Can’s ‘Live in Cuxhaven 1976’ Still Packs a Punch

Can’s ‘Live in Cuxhaven 1976’ Still Packs a Punch

Live in Cuxhaven 1976 enjoys life as a short-but-sweet footnote in a mind-blowing campaign reminding that a live Can performance must have been incredible.

Lou Reed Unplugged: The Velvet Underground Reimagined on ‘Words and Music’

Lou Reed Unplugged: The Velvet Underground Reimagined on ‘Words and Music’

Lou Reed and John Cale hint at the other side of the swinging ’60s with a fascinating collection of mid-’60s demo recordings for the Velvet Underground.

Ron Anderson Releases Demos Foreshadowing His 2011 Masterwork ‘Secret Curve’

Ron Anderson Releases Demos Foreshadowing His 2011 Masterwork ‘Secret Curve’

Ron Anderson’s The Ashfield Session features early takes of the Secret Curve material from Anderson’s famed PAK trio. This thing will blow your mind.

Black Midi Continue Their March Into Madness with Excellent ‘Hellfire’

Black Midi Continue Their March Into Madness with Excellent ‘Hellfire’

With their third LP Hellfire, Black Midi continue to put out adventurous and challenging music that keeps listeners on the tips of their toes.

Wire Finally Embrace the Old, Forbidden Bootleg ‘Not About to Die’

Wire Finally Embrace the Old, Forbidden Bootleg ‘Not About to Die’

Not About to Die is a bootleg cassette of scrappy Wire demos recorded in the late 1970s that circulated in the early 1980s. It’s finally an official release.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds in Berlin: God, of Sorts, Is in the House

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds in Berlin: God, of Sorts, Is in the House

Melodic carnage, transcendental lyrics, cathartic delivery, and divine communion between Him and his flock are expected and delivered from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds performing live in Berlin.

Malka Spigel Updates ‘Gliding’ EP with New Songs for ‘Gliding & Hiding’

Malka Spigel Updates ‘Gliding’ EP with New Songs for ‘Gliding & Hiding’

Malka Spigel fastens an older EP of reworkings to a newer EP of reworking. Gliding & Hiding is a small-scale revolution and a highly listenable one.

Between the Grooves of Radiohead’s ‘The Bends’

Between the Grooves of Radiohead’s ‘The Bends’

PopMatters takes a deep dive into Radiohead’s first musically important album, The Bends, where the group’s experimental inclinations initially took flight.

Radiohead Became Worldwide Rock Stars 25 Years Ago With ‘OK Computer’

Radiohead Became Worldwide Rock Stars 25 Years Ago With ‘OK Computer’

The Bends hinted at Radiohead’s potential, but OK Computer allowed Radiohead the freedom to experiment and started their progression to forward-looking music.