track reviews Archives

How Is a Song Like a Time Machine?

Music

By Freda Love Smith | March 11, 2016

How Is a Song Like a Time Machine?

Freda Love Smith exclusively premieres an early Blake Babies demo — and more than a few ’88 memories.

Songs of the Summer 2015: Norman Brannon (Texas Is the Reason) Talks Sam Feldt featuring Kimberly Anne’s “Show Me Love”

Music

By Norman Brannon | August 21, 2015

Songs of the Summer 2015: Norman Brannon (Texas Is the Reason) Talks Sam Feldt featuring Kimberly Anne’s “Show Me Love”

A true song of the summer reminds us that while the club is where we are free to be, the reality of life outside won't stay outside for long.

Joe Casey (Protomartyr) Talks Sauna Youth’s “Creeping”

Music

By Joe Casey | August 21, 2015

Joe Casey (Protomartyr) Talks Sauna Youth’s “Creeping”

"Creeping" is a summer song because it's perfect for shouting along to in the car, with the warm rush of wind and the buzz of insects outside.

Songs of the Summer 2015: Sadie Dupuis (Speedy Ortiz) Talks Melkbelly’s “Bathroom at the Beach”

Music

By Sadie Dupuis | August 20, 2015

Songs of the Summer 2015: Sadie Dupuis (Speedy Ortiz) Talks Melkbelly’s “Bathroom at the Beach”

Melkbelly's song reminds our writer of "childhood's summer ether," inspiring her to be strange, to get out the face glitter and hunt for salamanders.

Songs of the Summer 2015: Adam Schatz (Landlady) Talks Shamir’s “Call It Off”

Music

By Adam Schatz | August 19, 2015

Songs of the Summer 2015: Adam Schatz (Landlady) Talks Shamir’s “Call It Off”

It's really hot out, and Scott the Minivan is turning into a swamp, but when our writer hears "Call It Off," his body dances and his soul pops.

Songs of the Summer 2015: Mike Doughty Talks Leikeli47’s “Heard Em Say”

Music

By Mike Doughty | August 17, 2015

Songs of the Summer 2015: Mike Doughty Talks Leikeli47’s “Heard Em Say”

"Heard Em Say" might have a cold sound that's currently fashionable in pop music, but Leikeli47’s voice fills it with beautiful, uncommon humanity.

Lauren Mayberry (Chvrches) Talks Wolf Alice’s “Bros”

Music

By Lauren Mayberry | July 24, 2015

Lauren Mayberry (Chvrches) Talks Wolf Alice’s “Bros”

Blessed with a rare summer at home, the singer in a hard-touring band connects with this song because it reminds her of something important: friends.

Jana Hunter (Lower Dens) Talks Beach House’s “Sparks”

Music

By Jana Hunter | July 23, 2015

Jana Hunter (Lower Dens) Talks Beach House’s “Sparks”

For five minutes and 21 seconds, "Sparks" creates a universe where you don't have worry about all the nonsense and you can just...live.

Meredith Graves (Perfect Pussy) Talks Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”

Music

By Meredith Graves | July 22, 2015

Meredith Graves (Perfect Pussy) Talks Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”

This is no typical song of the summer. Celebrating resistance and community in the face of dehumanizing violence, it sends exactly the right message.

Dan Wilson (Semisonic) Talks Kamasi Washington’s “Change of the Guard”

Music

By Dan Wilson | July 21, 2015

Dan Wilson (Semisonic) Talks Kamasi Washington’s “Change of the Guard”

Majestic, broad and cinematic, this 12-minute epic takes jazz to the beach—and brings Mahler, McCoy Tyner and the Star Trek theme along for the ride.