“The answer involves a remarkable — and lucrative, and ridiculous — scheme to game the way we find music today.”
music
Posted inEditor's Pick
A Notorious Pitchfork Reviewer Was My Biggest Musical Influence
“Pitchfork reviews have always been just as much about where and how music fits in the culture as they have been about the music itself.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Joni Mitchell’s Best Album Is Turning Fifty. It’s Not Blue
“She was done playing the starry-eyed hippie. She was tired of singing dirges.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Michael Stipe Is Writing His Next Act. Slowly.
“How do you reinvent yourself after being a global superstar? The former R.E.M. frontman is still figuring that out.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
The Silence Is the Loudest Part of ‘Renaissance: A Film’
“More than anything, ‘Renaissance’ is a testament that Beyoncé is a brand that stands for absolutely nothing beyond its own greatness.”
Posted inReading List
Imperial Eras: A Taylor Swift Studies Reading List
How Taylor Swift reflects every possible version of ourselves.
Posted inEditor's Pick
Swiftology: Taylor Swift Inspires KU Professor’s Teaching, Research
“What can millions of Swifties tell us about human community and pop culture? A KU sociology professor is finding out.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Peak Badu
“She’s a Fashion Week standout who rejects the notion that clothes should define you. Come join a four-hour phone call with Erykah Badu.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Sean Paul Is Still Busy
“For more than 20 years he’s taught generations to let loose on the dance floor. He’s not stopping anytime soon.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Remembering the Rappers We Lost
“Biggie. Tupac. DMX. We pay tribute to 63 stars who died too young.”