Genres

Love Will Tear Us Apart: Joy Division’s ‘Closer’ at 40
The life and death of an album that defined and abruptly ended an era.
YOU GOTTA HEAR THIS: The Cosmic Creeps’ ‘Crawl’
The Fort Worth psych rockers drop one helluva debut.
YOU GOTTA HEAR THIS: Omni’s ‘Networker’
A stripped-down vision of post-punk that’s no less thrilling.
ALBUM REVIEW: Green Day Keeps It Brief on ‘Father of All…’
While no one really needs a new Green Day album, the aging punks' latest effort doesn't overstay its welcome.
The Top 5 Alt Rock Albums of 2019
Emo, indie and post-punk all had a big year.
ALBUM REVEIW: ‘Prison on a Hill’ Is Somos at Their Most Anthemic
The Boston emo outfit dropped one of 2019's most underrated LP.
Claire Brown’s Top 25 Albums of 2019
If you don't know many of these, you're probably over the age of 25.
The 10 Best Rock Albums of 2019
Australia killed it this year.
ALBUMS OF THE DECADE: Jónsi’s ‘Go’
MMC Writers reflect on their favorite records of the 2010s.
ALBUMS OF THE DECADE: Father John Misty’s ‘I Love You, Honeybear’
MMC Writers reflect on their favorite records of the 2010s.
ALBUMS OF THE DECADE: Public Service Broadcasting’s ‘Every Valley’
MMC Writers reflect on their favorite records of the 2010s.
YOU GOTTA HEAR THIS: Jaakko Eino Kalevi’s ‘Dissolution’
The Finnish artist gets funky on new mini-album.
EP REVIEW: Bradford Cox and Cate le Bon Don’t Live up to the Myth
The indie alchemists fail to make magic on their collaborative EP.
ALBUMS OF THE DECADE: Girls’ ‘Father, Son, Holy Ghost’
MMC Writers reflect on their favorite records of the 2010s.
ALBUM REVIEW: Robert Glasper Expresses Both Sides of Himself on ‘Fuck Yo Feelings’
No one marries jazz and hip-hop quite as masterfully as Robert Glasper.
ALBUMS OF THE DECADE: The Roots’ ‘Undun’
MMC Writers reflect on their favorite records of the 2010s.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: Sufjan Stevens’ ‘Michigan’
Sufjan cut no corners on the first (and second to last) installment of his 50 States Project.
ALBUMS OF THE DECADE: Tokyo Police Club’s ‘Champ’
MMC Writers reflect on their favorite records of the 2010s.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: Mumford & Sons’ ‘Sigh No More’
The album that broke indie-folk into the mainstream is a heck of a lot deeper than banjos and catchy choruses.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: MGMT’s ‘Oracular Spectacular’
MGMT's classic 2008 debut is an album unlike anything found in the furthest reaches of space.
Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Tusk’ Turns 40
If 'Rumours' made Fleetwood Mac superstars, 'Tusk' made them legends.
ALBUMS OF THE DECADE: Jamie xx’s ‘In Colour’
MMC Writers reflect on their favorite records of the 2010s.
THE UNDERDOGS: Animal Collective’s ‘Centipede Hz’
A column about underrated albums that didn’t get their due.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: Cream’s ‘Disraeli Gears’
The gospel of the '60s psych rock reformation.
Ginger Baker Dead at 80
Ginger Baker was a madman. A self-described hellraiser. An explosive temper known to physically attack
YOU GOTTA HEAR THIS: Cosmo Sheldrake
If the visionary London-based multi-instrumentalist isn't on your radar yet, he should be.
YOU GOTTA HEAR THIS: Freya Ridings is on Fire
What you'd get if Florence Welch picked up Adele's songbook.
ALBUMS OF THE DECADE: ‘The Head and the Heart’
MMC Writers reflect on their favorite records of the 2010s.
ALBUM REVIEW: Post Malone Draws No Blood on ‘Hollywood’s Bleeding’
The hitmaker may have gotten stuck inside his own formula.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: ‘Abbey Road’ Side A
Fifty years later, 'Abbey Road' might be the greatest breakup letter ever written.
Girls’ ‘Album’ Turns 10
Music this profound often comes from a dark place.
ALBUMS OF THE DECADE: Destroyer’s ‘Kaputt’
MMC Writers reflect on their favorite records of the 2010s.
You Can Soon Hear the Bob Dylan-Johnny Cash Sessions in Full
The Bootleg Series Vol. 15 is on its way.
ALBUM REVIEW: Sleater-Kinney Sounds like Someone New on ‘The Center Won’t Hold’
Depending on your perspective, the riot grrrl heroes' St. Vincent-produced ninth LP is either a triumph or a tragedy.
YOU GOTTA HEAR THIS: Paul Cauthen’s ‘Room 41’
Strap in for a G-funk infused country freakout.
ALBUM REVIEW: ‘We Love You Tecca’ is a Trap for Young Players
A little variety would have gone a long way.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: Arcade Fire’s ‘Funeral’
The indie rock royals made their perfect debut 15 years ago.
ALBUMS OF THE DECADE: alt-J’s ‘An Awesome Wave’
MMC Writers reflect on their favorite records of the 2010s.
ALBUM OPERATOR’S CRATE CLASSICS: Edan’s ‘Beaty and the Beat’
On “Crate Classics,” Album Operator dusts off the records of his college radio sets in Boston ('96-'00) and his days DJing NYC in the early '00s.
ALBUM REVIEW: Lana Del Ray Finds the Silver Lining on ‘Norman Fucking Rockwell’
We knew Lana can swear like a sailor, but the knowledge that she can feel things comes as more of a shock.
ALBUM REVIEW: Jidenna Paves the Way for Retro-Afro-Futurism on ‘85 to Africa’
The Nigerian-American hip-hop crooner continues his trendsetting path.
ALBUMS OF THE DECADE: The National’s ‘High Violet’
MMC Writers reflect on their favorite records of the 2010s.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: ‘Long May You Run’
"Funny how some things that start spontaneously end that way."
YOU GOTTA HEAR THIS: Rebecca Lou’s ‘Bleed’
The Danish rocker delivers timeless songs that go straight into your soul.
ALBUMS OF THE DECADE: Japandroids’ ‘Celebration Rock’
MMC Writers reflect on their favorite records of the 2010s.
ALBUM REVIEW: Drew Holcomb’s ‘Dragons’ Takes the Long Way Home
The Tennessee trio adds a dash of pop to their trusted Americana formula.
Hidden Gems: Lil Ugly Mane’s ‘Mista Thug Isolation’
With Hidden Gems, we look back at great albums that haven't gotten the attention they deserve.
ALBUM REVIEW: Tycho Finds a New Forecast on ‘Weather’
The new LP marks a collaborative turning point for the ambient outfit.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: Mac Miller’s ‘Swimming’
We lost Mac Miller a year ago this week.
YOU GOTTA HEAR THIS: bLAck pARty’s ‘Endless Summer’
The Los Angeles R&B artist encapsulates the sound of a California sunset.
ALBUM REVIEW: You Can’t Be Immune to Clairo
Forget the backstory and let this sunny pop album play the summer out.
ALBUM REVIEW: The Murder Capital Plays like There’s No Tomorrow on ‘When I Have Fears’
The brooding hostility on the Irish post-punks' debut suggests a band that are absolutely certain of their worth.
ALBUM REVIEW: Oh Sees Look Back for Once on ‘Face Stabber’
John Dwyer weaves together the many threads of his past.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: Banks & Steelz’ ‘Anything But Words’
When you think about it, the unlikely, underrated rap-rock collaboration makes perfect sense.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: Interpol’s ‘Turn On The Bright Lights’
Interpol's debut is equal parts visceral euphoria and perspicacious workout.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: Wu-Tang Clan, “Enter The Wu (36 Chambers)’
'36 Chambers' quintessentially terra-formed the topography of rap.
YOU GOTTA HEAR THIS: Channel Tres’ ‘Black Moses’ EP
The L.A. artist's second project is the coolest damn thing you'll hear this year.
Sunset Rubdown: A Decade of Absurdity and Escapism
Ten years since their final album, Sunset Rubdown's discography is a welcome reprieve from the modern world.
ALBUM REVIEW: Black Dresses Come Out to Play on ‘Love And Affection for Stupid Little Bitches’
With their third release of 2019, the experimental duo has finally begun to garner some much deserved attention.
THE UNDERDOGS: Spoon’s ‘Transference’
A column about underrated albums that didn’t get their due.
ALBUM REVIEW: ‘We Are Not Your Kind’ Sets Slipknot Apart
The nu metal heroes produce a blistering return to form.
Sturgill Simpson is Back in Action (and Anime)
Bet you didn't see this coming!
ALBUM REVIEW: Ty Segall Finds a New Flavor on ‘First Taste’
Ty’s latest drags you through a minefield of sounds—with surprisingly little guitar.
Dust off That VCR: The Elephant 6 Doc Is out Now
Coming to a Blockbuster near you!
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: Cory Branan’s ‘The No-Hit Wonder’
It's a wonder this alt-country LP wasn't more of a hit!
‘Kind of Blue’ Turns 60
There's a reason Miles Davis' seminal work is widely acknowledged as the greatest jazz album of all time.
ALBUM REVIEW: Dude York Switches It Up on ‘Falling’
The nostalgic rock trio lets a new voice emerge on LP3.
ESSENTIALS: Before The Shins, There Was Flake Music
James Mercer is so meta he named his second band after his first band.
The xx’s Debut Turns 10
Some albums are forever linked to a specific place and time.
ALBUM REVIEW: Black Milk Flexes on ‘DiVE’
The Detroit producer/MC shows off his multifaceted skills.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: The Garden State Soundtrack
The generation-defining soundtrack turns 15 years old this week.
Hidden Gems: Sweet Trip’s ‘velocity:design:comfort.’
With Hidden Gems, we look back at great albums that haven't gotten the attention they deserve.
David Berman Dead at 52
The poet, writer and indie rock narrator was the force behind Silver Jews and Purple Mountains.
What’s In A Name: Pink Floyd
A series exploring how our favorite bands got their name.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: Pink Floyd’s ‘The Piper at the Gates of Dawn’
A free-form fusion of kaleidoscopic engineering, psychotropic songwriting, and symphonically-expanded consciousness.
Jay Reatard’s ‘Watch Me Fall’ Turns 10
The Memphis punk legend's last album shows the incredible talent that slipped away before we knew him.
‘Fear Of Music’ Turns 40
Talking Heads' third record remains one of the most foreboding records ever made.
ALBUM REVIEW: Fontaines D.C. Make One Hell of an Impression on ‘Dogrel’
The Irish post-punk outfit's loaded debut is a love letter to Dublin.
THE UNDERDOGS: The Cars’ ‘Candy-O’
A column about underrated albums that didn’t get their due.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: The Strokes’ ‘Is This It’
The turn of the century classic turns 18 years old this week.
ALBUM REVIEW: Khruangbin Reaches for the Sky on ‘Hasta El Cielo’
The Texas trio gives their 2018 masterpiece a dub redux.
ALBUM REVIEW: Beyoncé’s Lion King Album Tries Too Hard
Quality performances and curation are marred by mixed execution.
‘Paul’s Boutique’ Turns 30
The commercial flop and sample-based masterpiece could have easily never happened.
ALBUM REVIEW: Hatchie’s ‘Keepsake’ Isn’t Worth Holding Onto
The Aussie dream-pop singer's '90s-soaked debut is too much pop and not enough dream.
ALBUM REVIEW: Titus Andronicus Keeps It Simple on ‘An Obelisk’
The New Jersey punks embrace a straightforward approach on their Bob Mould-produced sixth album.
ALBUM REVIEW: Mannequin Pussy Has No ‘Patience’
The Philly outfit is loud and noisy on brief third LP
ALBUM REVIEW: The Black Keys Get Back to Basics (Sort of) on “Let’s Rock”
The Akron duo's first self-produced record in 13 years is, if nothing else, catchy as hell.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: ‘Born in the U.S.A.’
Thirty-five years later, it's still a subversive proclamation about everyday Americans.
ALBUM REVIEW: The Raconteurs Offer More of the Same on ‘Help Me Stranger’
Their first record in 11 years is bogged down by the same old mistakes.
ALBUM REVIEW: Black Midi’s ‘Schlagenheim’ is a Promising Start
The exciting young experimentalists may have lost something when translating their frenetic live show to the studio.
The 5 Best Heavy Albums of 2019 So Far
MMC Writers look back at the last six months in music.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: Florence + The Machine’s ‘Lungs’
Much like respiration, Florence Welch's debut is as easy to listen to as it is invigorating.
THE UNDERDOGS: The Avalanches’ ‘Wildflower’
A column about underrated albums that didn't get their due.
Dev Del Molino’s Top 6 Hip-Hop Albums of 2019 So Far
MMC Writers look back at the last six months in music
EP REVIEW: Lil Nas X’s ‘7 EP’ is a Mixed Bag of Nothing
As it turns out, the viral wonder is a fairly versatile artist, but it doesn't do him any favors.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: Regina Spektor’s ‘Far’
The singer-songwriter's ambitious and brilliant fifth album came out 10 years ago this week
Dinosaur Jr’s ‘Farm’ Turns 10
The sound of an immortal band refusing to accept themselves as a legacy act
Philippe Zdar Dead at 52
The Grammy-winning French producer was best know as one half of Cassius, as well as Motorbass
Rolling Thunder Revisited: You Don’t Know Jack About Bob Dylan
And other revelations of Netflix's 'Rolling Thunder Review'
Frightened Rabbit Announce New Tribute Album for ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’
Featuring Julien Baker, Aaron Dessner, Lauren Mayberry, Ben Gibbard, Craig Finn and more.
ALBUM REVIEW: *repeat repeat’s ‘Glazed’ Is Tooth-Achingly Sweet
With help from a Black Key, the Nashville unit gives their sound a shiny coat of paint.
Joy Division’s ‘Unknown Pleasures’ Turns 40
The claustrophobic post-punk masterpiece still stuns four decades later.
Sigur Rós’ ‘Ágætis Byrjun’ Turns 20
The Icelandic post-rockers' magnum opus remains miles ahead of everything that preceded or followed.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: David Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’
The first taste of Bowie's infinite potential.
EP REVIEW: Is Miley Cyrus Even Trying on ‘She Is Coming’?
Miley is flying on autopilot, armed with a fatal lack of self-awareness
Dirty Projectors’ ‘Bitte Orca’ Turns 10
When avant garde meets pop accessibility, magical things can happen.
‘Californication’ Turns 20
A soundtrack for the end of the '90s
Dr. John Dead at 77
The New Orleans music legend was truly one of a kind.
ALBUM REVIEW: Steve Lacy Sputters to Moon and Back on ‘Apollo XXI’
When launching into space, small miscalculations can be fatal.
ALBUM REVIEW: Holly Herndon Pushes New Boundaries on ‘PROTO’
The Berlin-based experimental artist's latest work was recorded in collaboration with a unique vocalist: an AI computer named Spawn.
S.U.S.H.I EP 007: “Honey, I Smoked The Mids”
A bi-weekly playlist diary of “Stuff U Should Hear Immediately.”
ALBUM REVIEW: Denzel Curry Forgot to Try on ‘ZUU’
The South Florida sensation attempts to freestyle another masterpiece, and fails.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: Neil Young’s ‘Harvest’
One of the most celebrated and endlessly influential albums in rock history.
Roky Erickson Dead at 71
The 13th Floor Elevators singer led a brilliant career and a hard life.
‘Ill Communication’ Turns 25
Could Beastie Boys' wildly entertaining 4th album in fact be their best?
Leon Redbone Has Crossed over the Delta
"He departed our world with his guitar, his trusty companion Rover, and a simple tip of the hat."
The Bitter Battle for “Bittersweet Symphony” Ends on a Sweet Note
A rock and roll hatchet has finally been buried.
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: ‘Straight Outta Compton’
They don't call 'em "The World's Most Dangerous Group" for nothing
Grizzly Bear’s ‘Veckatimest’ Turns 10
The late '00s were a strange time for popular music.
‘Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix’ Turns 10
An effortless, infectious indie pop classic as witty as it is wise.
Hear Side 1 of Bill Callahan’s New Album
'Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest' drops in full on June 14.
The New Leonard Cohen Doc Looks as Beautiful as One of His Poems
'Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love' hits theaters this July.
S.U.S.H.I EP 006: “Hoes Mad x24”
A bi-weekly playlist diary of “Stuff U Should Hear Immediately.”
‘The Undertones’ Turns 40
The old farts turn 40, but they are still able to give you the teenage kicks!
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: Greta Van Fleet’s ‘Black Smoke Rising’
What do you do when you’re part of a set of twin musicians, with a
Kiefer’s Music Mondays: ‘Zeppelin IV’
Otherwise known as "ZoSo," "Runes," or by its technical name: four indescribable symbols.
Hip-Hop Radar: May 20, 2018
A weekly recap of what’s new in Hip-Hop and R&B.
Emma Ruth Rundle’s ‘Some Heavy Ocean’ Turns 5
Five years later, the singer-songwriter’s solo debut still haunts.
EP REVIEW: Interpol’s ‘A Fine Mess’ Is Just Fine
An uneven EP of leftovers from an uneven album.
ALBUM REVIEW: Nots’ ‘3’ Is Paint-By-Numbers Post-Punk
The Memphis post-punk outfits' third LP is a generic example of today's legitimately interesting post-punk revival.
“Old Town Road” Got the Epic Music Video It Deserves
Every once in a while, a song comes along and mucks up the entire hit machine.
‘The Soft Bulletin’ Turns 20
The Flaming Lips album where everything came together.
Moby’s ‘Play’ Turns 20
Looking back at Moby's groundbreaking masterpiece.
ALBUM REVIEW: Tank and The Bangas Miss their Mark on ‘Green Balloon’
Having won NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2017, New Orleans R&B outfit Tank and the
The B-52’s Announce ‘Cosmic Thing’ Expanded Edition
Featuring B-sides, remixes and live cuts.
L7’s First Album in 20 Years is Nothing New
The L.A. punk legends sound rusty.
Hip-Hop Radar: May 13, 2018
A weekly recap of what's new in Hip-Hop and R&B.
Say It Ain’t So: Weezer’s Blue Album Turns 25
How many songs have maintained constant rotation on alternative rock radio for the past 25 years? This album has four of them.
The New Led Zeppelin Doc is Going to Be Epic
Just in time for the band's 50th anniversary.
S.U.S.H.I EP 005: “Banana Bread At Work Dude, HELL YEAH”
A bi-weekly playlist diary of “Stuff U Should Hear Immediately.”
ALBUM REVIEW: Sunn O))) Take Their Sound to Its Core Elements on ‘Life Metal’
Whether you like the Drone Metal pioneers' latest depends on whether you like Drone Metal.
Hip-Hop Radar: May 6, 2018
A weekly recap of what's new in Hip-Hop and R&B.
ALBUM REVIEW: Nico Segal and Nate Fox Fail to Tie It All Together on ‘Intellexual’
The Donnie Trumpet members fall flat on new project. But it 'sounds' great!
ALBUM REVIEW: King Gizzard Gets Bluesy on ‘Fishing For Fishies’
The prolific rock chameleons go full Allman Brothers.
‘The Stone Roses’ at 30
The album that broke (and typified) the Madchester scene.
The Cure’s ‘Disintegration’ at 30
The album that said goodbye to the dark ‘80s and led it into the living rooms of the next decade.
Hip-Hop Radar: April 29, 2018
Ft. ScHoolboy Q, Rico Nasty & Kenny Beats, Kevin Abstract and more.
ALBUM REVIEW: Cage The Elephant Sound Confined on ‘Social Cues’
If Cage the Elephant was trying to do something new on LP5, they ended up with a forgettable repeat of their formula.
ALBUM REVIEW: Drugdealer Goes Full Yacht Rock
On his second album as Drugdealer, Michael Collins adds polish to his laidback AM pop.
ALBUM REVIEW: White Denim Sounds Stuck on ‘Side Effects’
Austin, Texas is well known for its flourishing psych and experimental music scene, and White
ALBUM REVIEW: Chemical Brothers Throw It Back on ‘No Geography’
The Chemical Brothers return to the beats and driving grooves of their early LPs.
ALBUM REVIEW: A Final Statement from the Last Delta Bluesman
'The Angels in Heaven Done Signed My Name' is a solid last statement by a man who lived the blues all of his life
My First Vinyl Record: Modest Mouse’s ‘We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank’
In honor of Record Store Day, a few of our writers have shared the story of their first vinyl record.
My First Vinyl Record: ‘Album’ by Girls
In honor of Record Store Day, a few of our writers have shared the story of their first vinyl record.
My First Vinyl Record: ‘Abbey Road’
In honor of Record Store Day, a few of our writers have shared the story of their first vinyl record.
Hole’s ‘Live Through This’ at 25
On the 25th anniversary of Hole’s 'Live Through This', Ben Demars share his appreciation of the grunge classic.
ALBUM REVIEW: Logic’s Book Soundtrack Sucks
The next 'Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven'?
ALBUM REVIEW: Marvin Gaye’s ‘You’re the Man’ Reveals a Genius in the Middle of His Process
The soul icon's "lost album" is a revealing new look at a critical and uncertain point in his evolution.
‘Breakfast In America’ at 40
Carlo Thomas gives his modern assessment of Supertramp’s overblown dad rock classic.
ALBUM REVIEW: The Japanese House Emerges Fully Built on ‘Good At Falling’
Amber Bain enters the indie pop elite with long-awaited debut.
ALBUM REVIEW: The Claypool Lennon Delirium Trips Hard on ‘South of Reality’
Side effects may include lyrical analysis paralysis, a synesthesia smells, and a burning desire to get high
ALBUM REVIEW: Offset Shows Off His Worth on ‘FATHER OF 4’
The Migos member's solo debut is anything but whack!
ALBUM REVIEW: What Were You Really Expecting from Lil Pump’s ‘Harverd Dropout’
The young delinquent is may not be cut out for an album-length project.
ALBUM REVIEW: The Specials Confront Modern Times on ‘Encore’
A worthy addition to the band's vital catalog
Everybody’s Talking About Harry Nilsson
And that can't be a bad thing!
MC5’s ‘Kick Out The Jams’ Turns 50
The first punk rock landmark.
ALBUM REVIEW: Steve Gunn Broadcasts Mixed Signals on ‘The Unseen In Between’
An album that warmly invites you in while holding you at arm's length.