track reviews
Gareth David (Los Campesinos!) Talks Alvvays’ “Archie, Marry Me”
The singer of Los Campesinos! managed to find the one bright spot on an otherwise intolerable “alternative” radio channel.
Sadie Dupuis (Speedy Ortiz) Talks Bluffing’s “Sheltered”
Speedy Ortiz's singer-guitarist hates summer but she loves this song. Let her count the ways.
James Rickman (People Get Ready) Talks Jenny Lewis’ “Just One of the Guys”
It’s tempting to say that Jenny Lewis’ song “Just One of the Guys” is to outdoor festival sing-alongs as Friday the 13th is to horny summer...
Princess Superstar Talks Nacey’s “I Own It” featuring Angel Haze
I freakin' love summer. I love that you can just wear basically nothing and don't have to put on a coat and, like, five million other things that...
Meredith Graves (Perfect Pussy) Talks Radiator Hospital’s “Blue Gown” featuring Katie Crutchfield
It’s just before sunrise. Hours in, I feel I have given all I can, the battle is slipping through my fingers. I reach for my phone, I call in...
Craig Finn (the Hold Steady) Talks Sleaford Mods’ “Tied Up in Nottz”
I’m not sure I believe in summer songs. Summer is my least favorite season. I grew up in Minnesota where it’s mostly cold. I can deal with cold.
Tim Showalter (Strand of Oaks) Talks Hiss Golden Messenger’s “Saturday’s Song”
I was in seventh grade, and I was a future burnout kid riding BMX bikes with my best friends. We lived somewhere between nowhere and somewhere else.
Zachary Lipez (Freshkills, Publicist UK) Talks Kirin J. Callinan’s “Embracism”
Kirin J. Callinan’s “Embracism” isn’t my song of the summer yet, but it will be. This song, this lurching life-dirge of Frank Tovey covering...
Amy Klein (Leda, Hilly Eye, Titus Andronicus) Talks Speedy Ortiz’ “No Below”
The western Massachusetts band Speedy Ortiz's “No Below” is a strange summer hit. It’s a song about hitting rock bottom, about literally looking...
Drew Daniel (Matmos) Talks Daft Punk’s “Doin’ It Right”
Before I explain why I’m talking about this song and not “Get Lucky,” I’m going to cough up two kinda obvious points about the Daft Punk album as...
Mish Way (White Lung) Talks Kurt Vile’s “KV Crimes”
My band was on tour somewhere in America. I can’t remember where because that’s what touring does to you. Our guitarist had ripped the latest Kurt...
Greg Saunier (Deerhoof) Talks the Rolling Stones’ “Doom and Gloom”
When we first meet our hero, his maracas are too loud and his guitar is a rectangle. His journey is already complete and his balls are pre-expanded...
