Among the biggest negative effects of the auteur theory is the idea that filmmakers are knowable; that every director not only has a distinctive influence on every film they touch, but that their influence can be traced and defined and…
From the Record Crate: The Smiths – “The Queen is Dead” (1986)
Thirty years ago, The Smiths released their best studio album The Queen is Dead. I’m sure plenty of people have a different favorite Smiths album, but most will probably agree that this was their peak in the album format. Except…
Album Review: Brandy Clark – Big Day in a Small Town
In 2013, a year when albums from Kacey Musgraves, Ashley Monroe and Pistol Annies made it seem like country music had never been better, songwriter Brandy Clark’s debut album 12 Stories was among the year’s most anticipated. The first single…
Every Song from the ‘Hamilton’ Cast Album, Ranked
This year, Hamilton took home 11 Tony Awards, a predictable but exciting sweep that highlights how important and resonant the musical is on and off Broadway. This major victory for the show is somewhat bittersweet, happening just as contract negotiations are going…
From the Record Crate: The Psychedelic Furs – “Talk Talk Talk” (1981)
The Psychedelic Furs’ eponymous 1980 debut begins with “India,” a six minute song that opens with a two minute ambient intro. This sets up an album full of both beauty and darkness. For instance, to convey the sadness and disarray…
Album Review: Tegan and Sara – Love You to Death
Tegan and Sara’s musical progression has been perhaps the most logical of any group in the 21st century. Beginning as a poppy indie-folk group, they jumped to a more electric, instrumentally varied sound for 2007’s The Con before turning to…
Album Review: Bob Dylan – “Fallen Angels”
Bob Dylan is among the many musical geniuses who love messing with everyone. We know that he, along with Neil Young, Kanye West and the late Lou Reed, could have stuck to what made them beloved artists in the first…
