Robin D.G. Kelley’s massive new biography Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original is first and foremost a demystification of the composer’s life. Kelley, who holds a chair at the University of Southern California, spent 14 years researching the book, and it’s the most comprehensive biography yet of its subject.

1 Comment »

Everyone talks about a how a specific record changed their life. I can’t really say that about any one album, but there have been records that touched my core. One of them is Agaetis Byrjun by Sigur Ros.

No Comments »

R.E.M. revisits past glories with an inspired 39-song live set that features new material alongside some of the band’s deepest, most enduring album cuts from the ’80s.

No Comments »

Featured picks include an R.E.M. live album that’ll put a smile on the faces of diehard fans of the venerable Athens quartet and a Fela Kuti double disc compilation that demands to be heard. Tune in and turn it up!

No Comments »

Among the world’s diverse religious beliefs is the notion ERIC CLAPTON IS GOD. It’s hardly the wackiest idea, and it has more evidence behind it than most. Unlike Zeus and Wilt Chamberlain, Eric Clapton is as real as you or me, only considerably more awesome.

No Comments »

Another year and another absolutely pristine reunion album from a seemingly left for dead 90’s alt-rock casualty. The band reborn this time is math-rock vets, Polvo.

No Comments »

There are many ways for musical artists to break it big these days, but winning an Academy Award might be the most unorthodox of all. That’s the path that Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova took. The two hooked up to star in the indie film Once two years ago, and the rest is history.

No Comments »

On the album, One Fast Move Or I’m Gone, Jay Farrar takes snippets from Big Sur, rearranges them a bit, and then adds the music. He asked Gibbard aboard to share the vocals.

No Comments »