White Lung has an appetite in ‘Hungry,’ The Kills challenge the reaper in ‘Do It to Death,’ and Explosions in the Sky ponder the ‘Logic of a Dream’ in singles this week.
The 1975 Channels the ’80s Through Synth-Pop and Groove
The 1975’s ‘I Love You When you Sleep’ invites new elements and sounds, while remaining tied to its unique style and tone.
Macklemore, Lewis’ ‘Unruly Mess’ Uses Tonal Variability to Inharmonious Ends
‘Unruly Mess’ truly lives up to its name as all its varied ideas create more discord than meaningful juxtaposition, in Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ sophomore collaboration.
Stefani’s “Make Me Like You” Is a Sultry Artistic Spectacle
Gwen Stefani’s “Make Me Like You” video is full of exuberant performances and represents more of an artistic romp than a sellout or push for relevancy.
Lumineers, Jake Bugg, and Simple Plan In Singles This Week
Jake Bugg’s “On My One” feels like a throwback, Lumineers’ “Orphelia” draws from the pop-folk scene, and Simple Plan tries to be rebellious in “Opinion Overload.”
Bland Sound and Throwaway Choruses Plague Wolfmother’s ‘Victorious’
Wolfmother ironically comes up with a loss in its latest album ‘Victorious’ as uninspiring instrumentals and lyrics run rampant in the latter half of the album.
Yoko Ono Challenges Listeners With Crowded Sounds in ‘Yes, I’m a Witch Too’
Song to song adhesion suffers in Yoko Ono’s latest album, ‘Yes, I Am a Witch Too,’ as she remixes and samples from her own library on songs.
Macklemore, Gwen Stefani, BJ the Chicago Kid in Singles This Week
Macklemore gets goofy in ‘Spoons,’ Stefani’s ‘Make Me Like You’ infects the airwaves, and BJ the Chicago Kid entrances listeners with ‘The New Cupid.’
A Reflection on the ‘Alternateen’ Phase
When bands connect with us, we memorize lyrics, touring schedules, and even deface our clothing. In doing so, we engage more than in the simple act of being a fan, but in being part of a larger group of people passionate about music.
Nicki Minaj and Old-School Kanye: The Soundtrack to My Stride
Even on the busiest days, music has the power to improve anyone’s mood. My morning commute to class is made better with a soundtrack of old-school rap.