One of the reasons I don’t see live music much anymore (in addition to all the reasons that come with being a grumpy old tossup, such as “it’s too damn loud”) is that the era of smartphones has undone the very reason live performance exists. The notion of a small, sweaty room devoting its full Read More
Bob Mould is the Ben Franklin of indie pop. Founding member and driving force of ’80s punk trio Hüsker Dü (whose influence resonates today through Foo Fighters and Ryan Adams), Mould has succeeded at everything he’s tried, and he’s tried a lot. Credits include the post-Hüsker band Sugar (classic record Copper Blue), solo hits including Read More
Stephin Merritt, the East Village songwriter who ravished critics last year with 69 Love Songs , is back with something he put together before he finished those three CD’s. Released under the tongue-punishing “group” name the Sixths and called Hyacinths and Thistles (Merge), it too is a tour de force, for Mr. Merritt has convinced Read More
Combine Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” with young Tom Cruise playing air guitar in his underpants in Risky Business and you’ve nutshelled the sublimity of the electric guitar. Hendrix’s plugged-in national anthem is a perfect example of the instrument’s power to howl, sputter and bend notes while Mr. Cruise’s prancing epitomizes Read More
