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Frost Children Go for Synthpop and Almost Pull It Off » PopMatters

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 1h

With 'SISTER', Frost Children haven’t quite figured out the balance between engaging songwriting and just reaching for the big hooks.

REVIEW: tinyurl.com/FrostChild

With SISTER, Frost Children haven't quite figured out the balance between engaging songwriting and just reaching for the big hooks.

Jazz Saxophonist Jon Irabagon Is a Magician and Shapeshifter » PopMatters

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 1h

It’s a blessing that artists like Jon Irabagon are unafraid to defy convention, playing music that is both challenging and satisfying, rich in feeling yet daring to have an edge.

'Someone to Someone' is a #PMPick out now.

REVIEW: tinyurl.com/Irabagon25

It's a blessing that artists like Jon Irabagon are unafraid to defy convention, playing music both challenging and satisfying, rich in feeling but daring to have an edge.

Charlie Kaplan Wrings a Masterpiece Out of Love, Pain, and Loss » PopMatters

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 2h

Charlie Kaplan has always been a master of creating the perfect arrangement around his engaging, deeply felt compositions, but this time around, he’s at his absolute peak.

@ciwk.bsky.social's 'A Hat Upon the Bed' is a #PMPick [9/10] out now.

REVIEW: tinyurl.com/CKaplan25

Charlie Kaplan has always been a master of creating the perfect arrangement around his engaging, deeply felt compositions, but this time around, he's at his absolute peak.

Jay Som Blows Up Her Old Formula on 'Belong' » PopMatters

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PopMatters @popmatters.com · 2h

Jay Som's guitar may have taken a more minor role, but the production and attention to the tiniest details throughout 'Belong' show a new level of artistry.

#PMPick out now via @polyvinyl.bsky.social

REVIEW: tinyurl.com/JaySom25

Jay Som's guitar may have taken a more minor role, but the production and attention to the tiniest details throughout Belong show a new level of artistry.

Diane Keaton Was All Loveliness and Light » PopMatters

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 2h

The incredible power in Diane Keaton's genius is that she was all loveliness and light. She didn't need a comedy bit to be funny or appealing. She was enough. RIP.

READ: tinyurl.com/DKeaton25

The incredible power in Diane Keaton's genius is that she was all loveliness and light. She didn't need a comedy bit to be funny or appealing. She was enough.

Thomas Pynchon's 'Shadow Ticket' Knocks Readers Sideways » PopMatters

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 17h

Thomas Pynchon’s ‘Shadow Ticket’, should it be his last, showcases that even when he’s not at his very best, the man can pack an artful wallop.

READ: tinyurl.com/PynchonWallop

Thomas Pynchon's Shadow Ticket, should it be his last, showcases that even when he's not at his very best, the man can pack an artful wallop.

TikTok and the Murder of Long-Form Music Writing » PopMatters

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PopMatters @popmatters.com · 22h

TikTok and the Murder of Long-Form Music Writing

When it comes to music criticism, which version is real? The serious opus or the #TikTok goofy snippet?

READ: tinyurl.com/TikTokMurder

When it comes to music criticism, which version is real? The serious opus or the TikTok goofy snippet?

"Captain" Curtis Harding's Excellent Journey » PopMatters

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PopMatters @popmatters.com · 23h

Curtis Harding's new LP may take a few listens to absorb fully. Once it does, it will yield rewards for fans of retro soul, current soul, and adventurous pop.

'Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt' is a #PMPick [9/10] out now via @antirecords.bsky.social

REVIEW: tinyurl.com/CHarding25

Curtis Harding's new album might take a few listens to sink in. Once it does, it will yield rewards for fans of retro soul, current soul, and adventurous pop.

Rhett Miller Reflects on 'A Lifetime of Riding By Night' » PopMatters

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 23h

Rhett Miller's 'A Lifetime of Riding by Night' isn't an instant attention-grabber; it likely suits its titular setting. It is a deep and rewarding meditation.

@rhettmiller.bsky.social's new LP is out now via @atorecords.bsky.social

READ: tinyurl.com/RMiller25

Rhett Miller's A Lifetime of Riding by Night isn't an instant attention-grabber; it likely suits its titular setting. It is a deep and rewarding meditation.

Luke Cissell's String Quartet Collection Is a Beautiful Ride » PopMatters

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 23h

Luke Cissell has shown his immense skill in summoning the dissonance of Bartok and the harmonic depth of Schubert as easily as the sounds of the Kentucky countryside.

'String Quartets Nos. 1-5' is a #PMPICK [9/10] out now.

REVIEW: tinyurl.com/Cissell25

Luke Cissell has shown his immense skill summoning the dissonance of Bartok and the harmonic depth of Schubert as easily as the sounds of the Kentucky countryside.

Richard Ashcroft Loses His Poetic Charm » PopMatters

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 1d

On 'Lovin' You', Richard Ashcroft still seems too caught up in love, amidst attempts to try something new, and rarely taps into what made him such a songwriting force.

REVIEW: tinyurl.com/Ashcroft25

On Lovin' You, Richard Ashcroft still seems too caught up in love, amidst attempts to try something new, and rarely taps into what made him such a songwriting force.

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 1d

We are experiencing technical difficulties at PopMatters presently.

Publishing will resume as soon as humanly possible, likely later today.

'One Battle After Another' Trips Up the Timeline » PopMatters

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 2d

‘One Battle After Another’ suggests that while the liberationist politics of the 1960s made for a good show, they don’t have much to offer in terms of how society might better organize itself.

READ: tinyurl.com/1BattleTrips

One Battle After Another suggests that while the liberationist politics of the 1960s made for a good show, they don’t have much to offer in terms of how society might better organize itself.

The 9 Best Artists at FME 2025 » PopMatters

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PopMatters @popmatters.com · 3d

The 9 Best Artists at FME 2025

Of all the dozens of artists at FME 2025, a few stood out more than others, many of whom showcased just how good the Québec music scene is right now.

READ: tinyurl.com/FMEfest

Of all the dozens of artists at FME 2025, a few stood out more than others, many of whom showcased just how strong the Québec music scene is right now.

Grey DeLisle & Friends Honor Songwriter Cindy Walker » PopMatters

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 3d

With her own deep roots in music, Grey DeLisle recognizes the significance of Cindy Walker's legacy as a pioneering country music auteur.

'It's All Her Fault: A Tribute to Cindy Walker' is a #PMPick out now.

REVIEW: tinyurl.com/GreyDeLisle

With her own deep roots in music, Grey DeLisle recognizes the significance of Cindy Walker's legacy as a pioneering country music auteur.

Barry Can't Swim's 'Loner' Is a Classic Touring Album » PopMatters

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 3d

LONER will see Barry Can't Swim continue his rapid ascent and, in turn, cement his status as one of the most exciting new talents in electronic dance music.

#PMPick out now via @ninjatunehq.bsky.social

REVIEW: tinyurl.com/BarryCant25

Loner will see Barry Can't Swim continue his rapid ascent and, in turn, cement his status as one of the most exciting new talents in electronic dance music.

Cate Le Bon's New LP is Filled with Lush and Eccentric Gems » PopMatters

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 3d

As Cate Le Bon navigates difficult emotional states, it may seem like the road was a challenging one to traverse, but it has resulted in some of her best work.

'Michelangelo Dying' is a #PMPick out now via @mexicansummer.bsky.social.

REVIEW: tinyurl.com/CateLeBon25

As Cate Le Bon moves through difficult emotional states, it may seem like the road was a challenging one to navigate, but it has resulted in some of her best work.

Madi Diaz Leans Into the Anguish on 'Fatal Optimist' » PopMatters

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PopMatters @popmatters.com · 3d

On her confessional new album 'Fatal Optimist', Madi Diaz lays everything bare and achieves a certain wisdom through the heartbreak.

Out now via @antirecords.bsky.social.

REVIEW: tinyurl.com/MadiDiaz25

On her confessional new album Fatal Optimist, Madi Diaz lays everything bare and achieves a certain wisdom through the heartbreak.

Greil Marcus Tells His Stories About Others' Stories » PopMatters

Reposted by PopMatters

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 6d

Greil Marcus talks with PopMatters about the art of listening not for what you want to hear, but for what is so richly there in others’ stories.

READ: tinyurl.com/GMStories

Greil Marcus talks with PopMatters about the art of listening not for what you want to hear, but for what is so richly there in others' stories.

An Insane Clown Posse Hatchetman for Every Deathmatch » PopMatters

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PopMatters @popmatters.com · 5d

Loud, theatrical, defiant, and determined to be heard on their terms, Insane Clown Posse lived the same struggles as every deathmatch wrestling performer.

READ: tinyurl.com/InsaneDthMtch

Loud, theatrical, defiant, and determined to be heard on their terms, Insane Clown Posse lived the same struggles as every deathmatch wrestling performer.

Greil Marcus Tells His Stories About Others' Stories » PopMatters

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 6d

Greil Marcus talks with PopMatters about the art of listening not for what you want to hear, but for what is so richly there in others’ stories.

READ: tinyurl.com/GMStories

Greil Marcus talks with PopMatters about the art of listening not for what you want to hear, but for what is so richly there in others' stories.

Greil Marcus' Mystery Train Keeps on Rollin' » PopMatters

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Reposted by PopMatters

PopMatters @popmatters.com · 9d

Certain books make you dream; Greil Marcus’ Mystery Train wakes you up to the blunt fact that you are alive and living in an ever-rollin' mythology. #PMPick

READ: tinyurl.com/GMarcusRollin

Certain books make you dream; Greil Marcus' Mystery Train wakes you up to the blunt fact that you are alive and living in an ever-rollin' mythology.

Cormac McCarthy's 'Blood Meridian' Diagnoses Everyday Fascism » PopMatters

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PopMatters @popmatters.com · 7d

If everyday fascism's essence is the anti-humanist view of living beings as disposable instruments, then Cormac McCarthy's 'Blood Meridian' is its field manual and warning

READ: tinyurl.com/BldMrdnFscsm

If everyday fascism’s essence is the anti-humanist view of living beings as disposable instruments, then Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian is its field manual and warning.

Dar Williams Commits to the 'Hummingbird Highway' » PopMatters

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PopMatters @popmatters.com · 8d

INTERVIEW: Folk artist Dar Williams has long leaned on songwriting to cast off and expose her blood and beauty to the world. She discusses this and more with PopMatters.

@darwilliams.bsky.social's 'Hummingbird Highway' is out now via @righteousbaberecs.bsky.social.

READ: tinyurl.com/DarWilliams25

Folk artist Dar Williams has long leaned on songwriting to cast off and expose her blood and beauty to the world. She discusses this and more with PopMatters.