May 02, 2022
By Austin Saalman
What exactly is The Polyphonic Spree? Over the years, speculation has surrounded the Dallas-founded robed choral ensemble led by ex-Tripping Daisy frontman Tim DeLaughter. Some will claim that The Polyphonic Spree is a way of life and state of mind, others that the organization is some sort of commune or cult. In reality, however, The Polyphonic Spree is a revolving door of skilled musicians with whom DeLaughter collaborates in developing utterly enchanting paisley-patterned neo-psychedelic prog pop hymns as few others can. More
May 02, 2022
By Austin Saalman
Continuing the foray into rock begun on 1971’s Givin’ It Back, The Isley Brothers’ 10th studio album Brother, Brother, Brother serves as yet another advancement in the Cincinnati-founded R&B/soul outfit’s signature sound, which carried it to superstardom on the following year’s 3+3. Though understated and restrained in comparison to their more bombastic masterworks, Brother, Brother, Brother is an important Isley Brothers release, its crisp Midwestern soul backbone providing ample support for the group’s more ambitious rock and funk aspirations. More
May 02, 2022
By Austin Saalman
Underrated Los Angeles rock group Little Feat’s sophomore release Sailin’ Shoes stands among the finest of its decade. With a lineup including Roy Estrada and the late Lowell George—both former members of Frank Zappa’s legendary freak rock outfit The Mothers of Invention—the group continued its unique fusion of rock, country, blues, R&B, and jazz, Estrada and George incorporating the unconventional sonic techniques they had contributed to the Mothers the previous decade. More
Apr 27, 2022
By Austin Saalman
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ seventh album Henry’s Dream, despite its polarized fan reception and Cave’s own vocal disapproval of its production value, is a misunderstood masterpiece, remaining a significant transitional release for the group. The album, which saw Cave and his band officially leaning into the rusted phantasmagoria explored further on the subsequent Let Love In and Murder Ballads, boasts several of their finest tracks and introduced the influential post-punk outfit to a wider American audience. More
Apr 01, 2022
By Austin Saalman
By 2005, rock and roll had since breathed its final breath. Gone were the days of golden gods and spiders from Mars. Kurt Cobain was dead, The Smashing Pumpkins had since disbanded, and Bob Dylan was performing in Victoria’s Secret ads. The bleak reality, we feared, had at last settled in: no longer would we rock. In those frosty Bush-era dawns, the disheartened listener could only place their faith in the hands of fate, trusting that the tides would eventually turn and a revelation would appear from above. More
Apr 01, 2022
By Austin Saalman
Singer/songwriter Jim Croce’s third album, You Don’t Mess Around with Jim, also served as his commercial breakthrough, launching the formerly obscure guitarist from the shadowy confines of dimly lit New York clubs to the stage of American Bandstand, where he performed the record’s title track, his song soon peaking at #8 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. More
Mar 30, 2022
By Austin Saalman
Among the most electrifying debuts of any musical artist, 1992’s Dry introduced popular culture to the force of English singer/songwriter Polly Jean Harvey and her former band. Harvey’s vision, which whips and winds its howling way through the stark gallows of her soul, is one of sentimental abrasion, her biting punk sensibilities pairing ideally with the sporadic rhythm of her sincere indie rocker’s heart. More
Mar 29, 2022
By Austin Saalman
When tracing the roots of emo’s third wave, several major releases quickly emerge as integral to the movement. Taking Back Sunday’s seminal debut Tell All Your Friends remains a central influence on this phenomenon, which soon unfolded and ultimately dominated ’00s popular culture. More
Mar 17, 2022
By Austin Saalman
The mythology perpetuated by atomic society and the ensuing geopolitical nightmare stemming from its advent form the backbone of The Atomic Café, directors Jayne Loader, Kevin Rafferty, and Pierce Rafferty’s exploration into the sociopolitical mania so deeply embedded within many of the 20th century’s post-war institutions. More