8.3
Ben Gel and Mermaid Island Reviewed
March 24, 2026
Ben Gel – Are We Not Men?
What was really the difference between the hippies and the punks? Both inspired grassroots global movements that advertising agencies are still struggling to wrap their heads around.
And, of course, both were affected by dubious…
"Holland, 1945" Meaning by Neutral Milk Hotel Explained
November 24, 2025
Neutral Milk Hotel’s music was a minor miracle, a perfect set of songs and performances that happened in a particular space in time. It can never happen again! Neither Jeff Magnum nor its horde of imitators will be able to reach for it. But what do we have left? Songs…
Bonus Room and Dusty Joy Reviewed
October 24, 2025
Bonus Room – Blessed Be
Most of the truly great, wholly famous pop songs ever composed only contain three, four, maybe five chords. The vast majority of these songs can be picked up by an experienced musician within minutes. And, indeed, these musicians will be…
Rats Department and High Tea Reviewed
August 17, 2025
Rats Department – Dirty Dancing
“It’s a horrible day!” That’s not the opening lyric to a potential pop hit single that plays on the morning radio. And it’s not the slogan of some fast food chain trying to get you to pull over and buy yourself a burger.
Bryan McPherson and HLLLYH (fka Mae Shi) Reviewed
April 15, 2025
Bryan McPherson – American Glory
I’ll be honest with you, and you’ll need to refrain yourself from taking the news out on the messenger. When you speak about the U.S.A. nowadays, whether you do it on a rooftop bar in Oslo or in the train station in Yerevan…
Max Simon and San Carol Reviewed
January 1, 2025
Max Simon – New Moon
Acquiring success in any field is a delicate dance. To do anything meaningful, you can’t just rely on one skill. That must make immensely talented people feel cheated.
Take music, for example. Isn’t it enough to possess the ability to…
The Manky Melters and Scooped Up! Reviewed
October 24, 2023
Scooped Up! – Shoelace
Similar artists: blink-182, MxPx, Koyo, New Found Glory, Simple Plan
Genre: Skate Punk, Punk, Pop Punk
You don’t order a double shot of whiskey hoping you’ll stay sober or a double espresso without knocking that you might get the…
John T. Lamielle – Black Mold
Similar artists: Jesse Stewart, Pat The Bunny, Wingnut Dishwashers Union
Genre: Folk punk
Regardless of what your mom may have told you, the world loves a troublemaker and screw-up. But they’ll love ‘em as long as they can…
Terrifying Everyday Objects: Bradley Palermo x The Shadow Queens and Ian the Idiot Reviewed
October 3, 2023
Ian the Idiot – Travis the Chimp
Similar artists: Elliott Smith, Alex G, Sufjan Stevens, Neil Young, Belle and Sebastian
Genre: Indie Folk, Indie Rock
Life is sad, and it is beautiful. Many times, it feels unbearable for both of these reasons. These are the…