Category: Music

“Frenetic,” “harried,” “cacophony,” “drudgery,” “chaotic,” “punishing,” and as Pitchfork uniquely called it “a cawing of crows.” These are common words used to describe the 2020 Psychedelic Furs release, Made of Rain. And they are all from very positive reviews! I guess I’m in the minority on this one. After repeated listens I still can’t get…

Alphabetland, the first album from X in 27 years is a full throttle return for the the seminal L.A punk band. It’s 27 minutes in length(!) with only one song topping in over three minutes (and that’s 3:04). The title song opens the album and from the opening welcome from Exene you know you’re in…

And now for something different…let’s move from more guitar-focused bands to a synth-pop group. I hate to define bands into such a tight corner, but it gives you an idea of where we’re headed. I am just discovering Future Islands with their 2020 release As Long as You Are and it’s their sixth album. Future…

Doves are an alt rock band from Manchester, England. They put out four albums between 2000 and 2009, with the fifth, The Universal Want, coming out in 2020. The trio is made up of twins Andy and Jez Williams on drums and guitar, respectfully, and Jimi Goodwin on bass guitar. All three contribute to songwriting…

As another Grammy Awards show has come and gone with nary a rock band anywhere to be found (although, hey, A Hero’s Death, by Fontaines D.C. highlighted in my first Rn’R in the 2020s post, got nominated for Best Rock Album), here’s a couple more rockin’ albums for you to consider in 2021. First up,…

Rolling Stone Song of the Year 2020: “WAP” by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion. RS Album of the Year 2020: Folklore by Taylor Swift. Both lists contain Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Korean boy band BTS. How about a longer look back? RS song of the 2010s decade: Robyn, “Dancing…