Grimes caught my eye following Pitchfork’s glowing reviews, particularly of this track: At the end of 2014, they called it the best song of the first half of the decade, with a very thoughtful analysis of the song’s and its music video’s politics and resonance. I agree with their take, but I won’t bother recapping…
There are songs in a category I call STATMYALTIYCHBBITGSOAT (song that, at the moment you are listening to it, you can’t help but believe it’s the greatest song of all time). It’s a classification reserved for the most rousing, epic tracks, “Won’t Get Fooled Again” definitely falls into the category, even post-memeification. From the opening chord…
The saga of Kesha’s repeated abuse by her producer and mentor, Dr. Luke, is heartbreaking on numerous levels. That such horrific things could happen to women who should ostensibly have the most agency of anyone — wealthy and revered — is terrifying, and it’s harrowing and awful to hear the stories. Thank goodness she’s finally…
I’m as baffled as anyone that Fall Out Boy has endured for more than a decade. Was there any band that seemed trendier in 2006, more destined to be a bullet point in a “Rememba the Early 2000’s?” listicle in 2018, than Fall Out Boy? That’s certainly what I expected. Yet they had a Top…
One of the annual traditions I’ve picked up in the past few years is playing to “This Will Be Our Year” as the very first song of the year. I’m pleased to say that tradition has continued in 2018. I mean, just listen to it. How can you feel pessimistic about the upcoming 365 days with this…
Hey friends: In 2018, I’m planning to occasionally spotlight a “song of the day.” Here are all the postings, starting with most recent. Overview For each song I spotlight, I will write a brief description of the song and my reaction to it. The songs will not necessarily be my favorite songs, but they will…
No worries; I am here to expand our already robust coverage of Adventure Time: Will ranked the 25 best episodes through Season 6 and Brian assembled an excellent primer on the show and its appeal. In fact, I suggest you go read Brian’s article instead of this one; his analysis of the show’s strengths and weaknesses…
I have a vague recollection of Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical becoming, in 2006, a tween “cult hit” (if that’s even a thing) that gradually became so popular it moved into “crossover hit” territory. The plot is as broadly sketched and predictable as you’d expect, though I still admire that it only took us…
This is my review of Hamiltony, part 2 of “Fulfilling My Hamiltonian Destiny.” Read part 1, detailing my winding path to seeing the musical at Rodgers Theater. Hamilton is marvelous. It exceeded my fairly astronomical expectations. Writer and star Lin-Manual Miranda is a certifiable genius. A significant portion of its charm derives from its central conceit:…
10. Butterfly Album-ending acoustic numbers are a bit of a tacky tradition. They’re usually throwaways, even when they’re good. “Butterfly” is fine on its own, but shines as a great closer in the context of the album — the hangover after the hand-wringing and self-flagellation that precedes it, charged with guilt and shame. I’ll also…