Archive: 2024

Joe Bataan’s Riot! is a landmark in the history of Latin soul, a genre that captures the cultural hybridity and restless energy of late 1960s New York City. Already a rising star in Fania Records’ roster with the release of his debut album, Gypsy Woman, the sophomore release of Riot! saw Bataan solidifying his reputation […]

In 1994, Born Jamericans burst onto the scene with their debut album Kids From Foreign, an electrifying blend of dancehall reggae and hip-hop that not only captured the essence of the duo’s Jamaican heritage but also redefined cross-genre collaboration. Comprising Mr. Notch (Norman Howell) and Edley Shine (Horace Payne), the American-born duo created a sound […]

The LA punk scene in the early 80s was wild. You had bands like X, Black Flag, the Germs, and The Screamers all essentially helping to create their own regional flavor of punk, a genre that was just in its infancy. But the bands and fans were also open-minded enough to latch onto a group […]

Melanie MacLaren’s natural aptitude for nuanced delivery, wistful guitar playing, and her ability to write about life as if life were simply writing itself are everything you could want from a modern folk musician. She released her stunning debut EP “Kill My Time” in 2022 independently to enthusiastic critical reception before gaining the attention of […]

Formed in the spring of 2020, Hot Mustard is the recording duo of producer Jack Powell (guitar, keys, bells, and whistles) and Nick Carusos (bass,) whose dynamic low-end anchors the project. Powell’s production style combines his love of assemblage art and collage into his musical approach in which improvised sessions are recorded and then chopped […]

On November 24th, Sturgill Simpson brought the US leg of his Why Not? Tour to a triumphant conclusion at Boston’s MGM Music Hall, delivering a sonic experience that left the audience breathless. The sold-out show was a testament to Simpson’s unwavering dedication to his craft and ability to connect with audiences profoundly. Gifting his fans […]

This guide is shorter than our usual article on archival releases. Still, it summarizes ten never-before-released jazz and blues recordings that will be available on Black Friday, November 29.  While Sun Ra and Bill Evans have appeared either on Black Friday or Record Store Day in April, we feature Al Jarreau, Emily Remler, Charles Tolliver, […]

Since its launch in 2021, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have been an industry game-changer. According to Meta, the latest generation of this advanced eyewear is pulling in significant sales across the board.  In 60% of Ray-Ban’s physical stores in key locations, like Asia and the Middle East, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are outselling […]

Las Vegas can often be described as the “Entertainment Capital of the World”. Indeed, while most will often read about the iconic location on news sites like New Zealand Daily for its casinos and Strip, or perhaps even the recent F1 Grand Prix race which saw Max Verstappen be crowned the World Champion once again, […]

It would be fair to say that the overbearing influence of American culture stretches way beyond the nation’s geographical borders. The Gaming industry is among the most noteworthy sectors which has been unable to resist its charms, particularly when it comes to game design. Rocking the Gaming World American music has been integrated into gaming […]

Most everybody knows that Martin Scorsese’s classic movie The Last Waltz is one of the greatest concert films of all time, a fantastic documentary of The Band’s farewell performance at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco that took place one magical night way back in 1976. It was no ordinary evening indeed, not only because […]

For over two decades, Norma Jean has been a trailblazer in the metalcore scene. Originating in Atlanta, Georgia, the band emerged in the early 2000s with a sound that blended unrelenting aggression, chaotic arrangements, and introspective lyricism. Taking their name from Marilyn Monroe’s birth name, Norma Jean quickly gained a reputation for their fearless experimentation […]

In today’s postmodern, narrative-driven world, what 30-plus-year-old band led by a college professor hasn’t released an anthology presenting its own career in a parallel universe? Ok, well, maybe there’s just one: Cracker.  Fronted by singer/songwriter David Lowery—also of Camper Van Beethoven—Cracker has had a lengthy, decades-long career, even if some listeners only associate them with […]

Sahara Grim is a visionary artist, musician and composer. She makes music that is as innovative as it is emotional, holding an eclectic background in bossa nova, classic rock, jazz and Indian classical music. Sahara has recently established a new artistic direction, joining minds with producer & artist Luke Temple in the creation of her […]

“This song certainly comes from the times we’re living in. It’s hard to turn away from the political climate, where autocrats and strongmen seem to be thriving. It’s not a political song by any stretch, but the bowlegged rider reflects a terrible person doing terrible things… and persisting,” says singer-songwriter and filmmaker Matt Cascella about […]

It’s Thanksgiving week here in the States, so to help whet your appetite for that notoriously gluttonous holiday, we’re serving up some scrumptious old-school KoЯn via this vicious performance of “Clown” from 1995. People tend to forget just how legitimately twisted and dingy the band was when they first burst onto the scene with their […]

There’s a spotlight over Bob Weir and his silver mane. He stands in front of dozens of Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra members and the Wolf Bros, but he’s in a space of his own as he looks out into the Auditorium Theater on November 18th, 2024, and sings: There were days, and there were days/ And […]

Earlier this month, New York pop-punk outfit State Champs released their new, self-titled album, with single “Silver Cloud” asking the question: “So can we get back to basics, somehow?” In a pop-punk context – with standout support from Daisy Grenade, Meet Me at the Altar, and Knuckle Puck – the answer was a resounding “yes,” […]

When Sixteen Stone hit the shelves in December 1994, it catapulted Bush into the stratosphere of alternative rock fame. Their mix of post-grunge aggression, melodic accessibility, and Gavin Rossdale’s brooding charisma made them an international sensation. Despite not gaining much traction in their native Britain, Sixteen Stone was certified 6x Platinum in the U.S. and […]