Post Tagged with: "We used to call this alternative"

How Talk Talk’s Brilliant ‘Laughing Stock’ Set the Stage for Radiohead

How Talk Talk’s Brilliant ‘Laughing Stock’ Set the Stage for Radiohead

For those who bought a copy 30 years ago this month, and there weren’t many, Talk Talk’s ‘Laughing Stock’ led the way into an as-yet-unformed genre. You’re welcome, Radiohead.

Chris Frantz – ‘Remain in Love: Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, Tina’ (2021): Books

Chris Frantz – ‘Remain in Love: Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, Tina’ (2021): Books

From bleak urban scenes came fascinating music – including that of Chris Frantz’s own band, Talking Heads – and then, life-long love.

Death Cab for Cutie, “Summer Skin” from ‘Plans’ (2005): One Track Mind

Death Cab for Cutie, “Summer Skin” from ‘Plans’ (2005): One Track Mind

Released 15 years ago today, Death Cab for Cutie’s meaningful and idiosyncratic “Summer Skin” seems to be about youth, but really it’s all about growing up.

How Bob Mould Tempered His Techno Edge on ‘Body of Song’

How Bob Mould Tempered His Techno Edge on ‘Body of Song’

Released 15 years ago today, ‘Body of Song’ updated the excessive, naive electronics of ‘Modulate’ with the return of Bob Mould’s razor-sharp guitar.

Deerhoof, feat. Wadada Leo Smith – ‘To Be Surrounded By Beautiful, Curious, Breathing, Laughing Flesh Is Enough’ (2020)

Deerhoof, feat. Wadada Leo Smith – ‘To Be Surrounded By Beautiful, Curious, Breathing, Laughing Flesh Is Enough’ (2020)

Get good music, help a cause and celebrate the union of two powerful improvising forces, Deerhoof and Wadada Leo Smith. May there be many more such unions.

Pearl Jam, “Soon Forget” from ‘Binaural’ (2000): One Track Mind

Pearl Jam, “Soon Forget” from ‘Binaural’ (2000): One Track Mind

Issued 20 years ago today, “Soon Forget” isn’t the only binaural recording on Pearl Jam’s ‘Binaural,’ but it’s the one that really shows off the technique.

Gary Ritchie – ‘Head On a Swivel’ (2020)

Gary Ritchie – ‘Head On a Swivel’ (2020)

Heavy on mouth-watering melodies, arresting licks and clear and confident vocals, Gary Ritchie’s ‘Head On a Swivel’ brings back the fun in pop music.

The Smiths’ ‘How Soon Is Now?’ Is the Gen-X ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’

The Smiths’ ‘How Soon Is Now?’ Is the Gen-X ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’

Released 35 years ago today on the U.S. edition of the Smiths’ second album, “How Soon Is Now” provided an era-defining riff to a new generation.

Adrian Belew’s ‘Side One’ Was a Journey Through His Rich Musical History

Adrian Belew’s ‘Side One’ Was a Journey Through His Rich Musical History

Released 15 years ago this week, Adrian Belew’s ‘Side One’ began four separate installments of adrenaline-charged, twisty guitar. Better buckle up!

You Probably Never Heard Adam’s Farm’s ‘Rock Music Machine,’ and That’s a Shame

You Probably Never Heard Adam’s Farm’s ‘Rock Music Machine,’ and That’s a Shame

Issued 25 years ago, ‘Rock Music Machine’ was the first of just three mid ’90s-era releases from Adam’s Farm.