“Groove Theory” tries to make the work of staying in love feel as easy as possible, even when it isn’t.
music
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
Featuring stories by John Woodrow Cox, Justin Sayles, Aryn Baker, Moran Barkai and Paul Tullis, and Russell Cobb and Sarah Brandvold.
Remembering D’Angelo: The Eternal Spell of ‘Voodoo’
“’Voodoo’ has remained one of the pillars of soul music that’s transcended its era and defined its genre, nearly as much as one video almost came to define D’Angelo.”
Tyler, the Creator Always Does Things His Way
“Known for both his openness and his mysteriousness, the rapper, producer — and now actor — keeps people guessing.”
20 Years Later: Little Brother, “The Minstrel Show”
Like minstrelsy, Little Brother’s album shows you one hand, convinces you of one thing, while something else works behind the scenes.
My Father, Guitar Guru to the Rock Gods
“When the greatest musicians of the 1970s needed an instrument—or a friend—my dad was there.”
Who Killed the Mercy Man?
“An obscure murder keeps resurfacing in Black story and song.”
My 24 Guitars
“Music was hazardous in my family, yet I couldn’t help playing—even in my sleep.”
Sister Inquiry
“The Pelly twins on music, writing, and life beyond algorithms.”
For the Back Street Kids
“The voice of Ozzy Osbourne was unlike anything before it. It changed rock’n’roll, opened up the metal genre, and became the innate sound of alienation, darkness, and high gothic drama. John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats reflects on the loss of the singular frontman.”
