No Slump Here: 10 Excellent Sophomore Albums
Every now and then, a promising act pulls it all together on their second outing. When careers are done, it’s these special second efforts we remember most.
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10 Pop Songs Too Good to Be Hits
We list ten pop songs officially deemed “Too Good to Be a Hit”. Our sole requirement is cracking the official US Billboard Top 40 chart for at least one week.
Identity, Geography, and an Overload of Nostalgia in My Mother’s Son
My Mother's Son could have been an unforgettable and evocative portrait of a lost era.
Time Out of Minds: Interview with Author Ryan Walsh on Van Morrison’s ‘Astral Weeks’
Ryan Walsh chronicles the making of Van Morrison's Astral Weeks and the chaotic Boston scene that gave birth to it and tells us all about it in this expansive interview.
‘Astral Weeks’ and the Making of a Van Morrison Classic
Ryan H. Walsh's Astral Weeks beautifully captures a not-so-distant era of free-form radio playing the "boss-town sound", people living communally, thriving underground newspapers -- and a 22-year-old Van Morrison coming into his own.
L’Orange and Mr. Lif: The Life and Death of Scenery
North Carolina and Boston team up to save the world from overlords set to rid the world of art and culture, Star Wars meets Style Wars.
Brought to You By the Letter ‘E’: Thalia Zedek on Her New Records, New Band
Thalia Zedek discusses how she turned toward quieter music after the breakup of Come and how a creative rut led her back to the land of the loud.
Barnstar!: Sit Down! Get Up! Get Out!
In spite of a few generic weaknesses and maybe a little too much joy, Barnstar!'s sophomore effort's a boot-stomping good time.
Pile: You’re Better Than This
Pile finally return to the studio, foaming at the mouth, after last year's excellent "Special Snowflakes" single.
We Were Astronauts – “Keep It Together” (audio) (Premiere)
Boston rockers We Were Astronauts have a fun new summer jam in the .38 Special-esque "Keep It Together", which should fit cozily on any summer road trip playlists.