This Was 1993: 20 Years Ago I Heard The Perfect Rap Song
by Kiese Laymon
Writer Kiese Laymon says back then he would have sworn on everything he loved that hip-hop would never be the same after The Coup's "Not Yet Free."
The Fans
Listeners connect with music in countless ways. Essays and interviews about why we love the music we love and questions about what our choices as fans mean.
The Music Of The Venezuelan Presidential Campaigns
by Jasmine Garsd
In Caracas, emotions run high and there's noise to match. Supporters of both major candidates for Venezuela's president have created soundtracks that are a constant presence on the city's streets.
Justin Timberlake And The AC/DC Rule
by Chris Molanphy
A lesson from the career of the Australian classic rockers explains why the pop star's newest album, which hasn't generated glowing reviews or massive radio hits, still had an explosive opening sales week.
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Remembering Paul Williams, Founder Of Rock Magazine 'Crawdaddy!'
by Pat Thomas
Paul Williams started the first American rock magazine as a college student in 1966, and pioneered a style of intelligent music writing from a fan's perspective.
Why I'm Not Going To SXSW This Year
by Andrea Swensson
In the annual Texas showdown between fledgling bands and crushing industry excess, one longtime SXSW attendee has started feeling like she's coming out behind.
Music, The Food Of 'Amour'
by Daoud Tyler-Ameen
The Best Picture nominee about two musicians nearing the end of life uses music sparingly but crushingly.
After 30 Years, I Finally Went To A Barry Manilow Concert
by Danyel Smith
The night wasn't about kitsch for her. Writer Danyel Smith fulfilled the real dreams of her 13-year-old self when she saw the pop singer live on Broadway.
Saving The Sounds Of America
by Tom Cole
It's not easy, even for audio recorded in the last 10 years. The Library of Congress has released a plan for preserving the country's long but fragile archive of recorded audio.
Mumford & Sons Take Home Album Of The Year Grammy
by Jacob Ganz
Call it diversity or a lack of consensus, but no single act dominated this year's awards. Instead, the Grammys spread the love, though rock bands — including The Black Keys and fun. — fared well.
Listening To My Bloody Valentine Three Ways
Otis Hart, Ann Powers and Lars Gotrich
On Saturday night the band unexpectedly released its first album in 22 years. Ann Powers, Lars Gotrich and Otis Hart spent Sunday soaking in the band's new wall of sound and gave us their first impressions.
