On first listen, the second album from London singer-songwriter Arlo Parks sounds like something to luxuriate in; Parks sings and lays down poetry over plush textures and simmering beats. But a closer listen reveals that these pillowy structures are, in fact, cushions against the blows of modern life—bulwarks that keep …
Read More »When Beyoncé Met Her Idol, Tina Turner: 'She's the Ultimate'
It’s difficult to understate Tina Turner‘s enduring influence on modern musicians. Since the announcement of her death on Wednesday, May 24 at 83 years old, artists across genres have testified to it. “She was my moms hero, she was the ultimate superhero to me too,” Kid Cudi wrote on Twitter. …
Read More »Brittany Howard on Why Tina Turner Was 'So Punk'
For Brittany Howard, Grammy-winning solo artist and frontwoman for the Alabama Shakes, Tina Turner was a lifelong hero. After Turner’s death on Wednesday, May 24, at age 83, Howard shared some thoughts on her life and work. (Meanwhile, Howard reveals that her own second solo album will be “coming quicker …
Read More »Paramore Premiere 'This is Why' Deep Cuts 'Figure 8' and 'Big Man, Little Dignity' Live on Tour
Two deep cuts from Paramore‘s latest album, This is Why, made their way onto the setlist for the band’s current tour. After a stretch of shows in England and Ireland, the band kicked off the North American leg in Charlotte, North Carolina, last night, where they performed “Figure 8” and …
Read More »Taylor Swift Will Get Extra 'Karma' Points With Ice Spice Remix
Taylor Swift has expanded Midnights even more with a new remix of “Karma” featuring rising star Ice Spice. On Wednesday, the singer announced Midnights (Til Dawn Edition) deluxe album, featuring a new version of “Snow on the Beach,” now with more Lana Del Rey as well as “Hits Different.” It …
Read More »Offset Still Finds It Too Painful to Talk About Takeoff: 'I Get Through My Day Thinking It's Fake'
Music and art have been the easiest mediums for Offset to grieve the death of his Migos bandmate and cousin, Takeoff. During a recent interview with Variety, the rapper beamed while previewing the music they had been working on together before the 28-year-old was shot and killed at a Houston …
Read More »Bill Lee, Jazz Bassist and Father of Spike Lee, Dead at 94
Bill Lee, the jazz bassist who recorded with the likes of Bob Dylan and Aretha Franklin and was the father of filmmaker Spike Lee, has died at the age of 94. Lee died Wednesday at his home in Brooklyn, Spike confirmed to The New York Times. No cause of death …
Read More »The Dare Brings Back Early-2000s NYC Rock for 12 Joyless Minutes on 'The Sex EP'
To even comment on the Dare, the provoca-pop project of 27-year-old private-school substitute teacher turned downtown NYC enfant celebre Harrison Patrick Smith, is to have lost the game. The Dare, which released its debut EP last week, feels like a musical pseudo-event, existing only for the purpose of feeding its …
Read More »Tina Turner, Queen of Rock & Roll, Dead at 83
Tina Turner, the raspy-voiced fireball who overcame domestic abuse and industry ambivalence to emerge as one of rock and soul’s brassiest, most rousing and most inspirational performers, died Wednesday at age 83. “Tina Turner, the ‘Queen of Rock & Roll’ has died peacefully today at the age of 83 after …
Read More »Big Thief's Buck Meek Heads to the Mountains for New Solo Album
From the Swiss Alps to a submerged volcano in the Cyclades, Big Thief‘s Buck Meek took to the mountains for his new solo album Haunted Mountain, out August 25. Meek also accompanied the announcement with the title track, a serene pedal steel stunner he performs with his band in the …
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