The glass bottom boat of the cultural press
In the news today: Blur, Spoon, Vinyl, Hopscotch Music Festival, Pavement, Japanese Breakfast, American Football, Siouxsie Sioux, Cruel World 2023, Pavement, American Football, Bridget St John, Yoshiki, Sueños Music Fest, Andy Rourke, The Smiths, Blur, Reunion Tour
It’s been 45 years since Chrissie Hynde initially hit her stride with the Pretenders, and she hasn’t slowed down for anybody since.
Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied. Review by May Terry.
Courtney Barnett might think she’s pedestrian at best, but her popularity racing ahead on overdrive with no signs of slowing down. May Terry was left to sit and think after the CB3’s musical pit-stop at Terminal 5.
What begins as a reunion pub crawl for five friends turns into a night of booze, bodies, and the bizarre, delving deeper into chaos as it leads to redemption, love, loss, and hope at a pub called The Worlds End.
Jen Cray is delighted to report that Green Day has morphed into an unstoppable rock ‘n’ roll band, capable of holding entire arenas of fans in the palm of its collective sweaty hand. Whether you believe it or not is up to you.
Journey to the West (XL Recordings). Review by Carl F Gauze.
Kill Twee Pop! (Slumberland). Review by Aaron Shaul.
Everything. Now! (Twentyseven). Review by Aaron Shaul.
Make History (Frenchkiss). Review by Jen Cray.
Brit-pop smash Starsailor is working on a foothold in America. Chris Catania sat down with James Walsh to find out about breaking in a new country, Bright Eyes and why American crowds giggle during “Alcoholic.”
The Vice and Virtue Ministry (Undeniable). Review by Aaron Shaul.
London’s Bloc Party capture the essence of a rainy summer day at Atlanta’s Music Midtown Festival, winning over a skeptical Jen Cray in the process.
Feed (Burnside). Review by Aaron Shaul.
Think Tank (Virgin). Review by Aaron Shaul.
Life On Other Planets (Island Records). Review by Sean Slone.
Kill The Moonlight (Merge). Review by Kiran Aditham.
Liza Hearon talks to the man with the plan – The Dismemberment Plan, that is – in this provocative conversation with Travis Morrison.
Gorillaz (Virgin). Review by Julio Diaz.
Today’s Smmoth Jazz Roundup is a collection of short reviews of easy-to-listen-to jazz.
In Perfect Harmony: The Lost Album (Jazz Detective). Review by Bob Pomeroy.
The Mighty Warriors: Live in Antwerp (Elemental Music). Review by Bob Pomeroy.
40 years on, Michael Gira and Swans continue to bring a ritualistic experience that needs to be heard in order to be believed. Featured photo by Reese Cann.
The biggest astronomical event of the decade coincides with a long overdue trip to Austin, Texas.
Sofia and Louise have just graduated nursing school. They have no idea what they’ve signed up for.
At the Showcase: Live in Chicago 1976/1977 (Jazz Detective). Review by Bob Pomeroy.
Atlantis Lullaby: The Concert in Avignon (Elemental Music). Review by Bob Pomeroy.
Hamilton, Ontario rap artist Cadence Weapon drops Rollercoaster (MNRK Music) today.
Shall I compare thee to an “Old Bronco”? Sure, if thou art The Bacon Brothers.