Alternative Music: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
30 Best New Bands of 2012
From Diiv to Tops to Trust, these bands have stood out in a year of new music.
From Diiv to Tops to Trust, these bands have stood out in a year of new music.
10 Bands to Watch in 2013
Looking for potential breakout bands in 2013? From Indians to Savages, here's ten sure bets.
Looking for potential breakout bands in 2013? From Indians to Savages, here's ten sure bets.
The National 'Trouble Will Find Me'
On the sixth National album, Matt Berninger ruminates on the lure of heaven.
On the sixth National album, Matt Berninger ruminates on the lure of heaven.
Top 20 Albums of 2013 So Far
The moment My Bloody Valentine issued their third album, 2013 was a great year for indie music.
The moment My Bloody Valentine issued their third album, 2013 was a great year for indie music.
Top 20 Indie Record Labels
The greatest ever indie record labels.
The greatest ever indie record labels.
Top 10 Shoegaze Albums
Dewy, dreamy, distorted guitar. Mumbled, barely-there vocals. It's ten classic shoegaze LPs, from MBV on down...
Dewy, dreamy, distorted guitar. Mumbled, barely-there vocals. It's ten classic shoegaze LPs, from MBV on down...
Top 10 Albums by The Fall
Ever wondered where's the best place to start for a Fall neophyte?
Ever wondered where's the best place to start for a Fall neophyte?
Top 10 Post-Rock Albums
10 records, no singing. Well, almost. Ten of the brightest lights shining in post-rock's instrumentalist darkness.
10 records, no singing. Well, almost. Ten of the brightest lights shining in post-rock's instrumentalist darkness.
Top 10 Lo-Fi Albums
Home taping didn't kill music, it revolutionized it. Here's 10 classic home-made records committed straight to analogue tape.
Home taping didn't kill music, it revolutionized it. Here's 10 classic home-made records committed straight to analogue tape.
Top 10 Belle and Sebastian Songs
The Scottish outfit have had a long (and brilliant) career of sterling pop-songs. Here are the ten best.
The Scottish outfit have had a long (and brilliant) career of sterling pop-songs. Here are the ten best.
Upcoming Album Release Dates
Sort through the glut of new releases with this guide to the upcoming indie-music release schedule.
Sort through the glut of new releases with this guide to the upcoming indie-music release schedule.
Top 50 Albums of 2012
2012 was a killer year for indie music LPs. From the well-known to the unknown, here's the best albums of the year.
2012 was a killer year for indie music LPs. From the well-known to the unknown, here's the best albums of the year.
Top 10 Krautrock Albums
West Germany in the 1970s was a fertile time for progressive, mind-altering music.
West Germany in the 1970s was a fertile time for progressive, mind-altering music.
Vampire Weekend Interview
The VW frontman talks blog haters, African pop-music, and his lyrical love of polysyllabic words.
The VW frontman talks blog haters, African pop-music, and his lyrical love of polysyllabic words.
Top 30 Albums of the 1960s
The radical records that broke the mold, moved music forward, and influenced generations of artists to come.
The radical records that broke the mold, moved music forward, and influenced generations of artists to come.
Top 10 Twee Albums
The class releases that defined the growth of twee from tiny, self-contained English scene to global underground culture.
The class releases that defined the growth of twee from tiny, self-contained English scene to global underground culture.
Top 10 Slowcore Albums
Slow, sad, frighteningly quiet: a rollcall of classic 1990s LPs from these masters of the spartan.
Slow, sad, frighteningly quiet: a rollcall of classic 1990s LPs from these masters of the spartan.
Top 10 Math-Rock Albums
Tally your time-signatures! A guide to the essential, indispensable math-rock records.
Tally your time-signatures! A guide to the essential, indispensable math-rock records.
Top 10 Indie Music Documentaries
Ranging from portraits of cult heroes (Roky Erickson) and global icons (Radiohead), here are the greatest music documentaries of all-time.
Ranging from portraits of cult heroes (Roky Erickson) and global icons (Radiohead), here are the greatest music documentaries of all-time.
Top 10 Post-Punk Albums
The '77 UK punk explosion has long been wildly overrated. It was everything that came after that was truly revolutionary.
The '77 UK punk explosion has long been wildly overrated. It was everything that came after that was truly revolutionary.
Top 10 Bright Eyes Songs
Ridiculous ambition, vicious self-loathing, attacks on God, and a scream bordering on hoarse: the best works of Conor Oberst.
Ridiculous ambition, vicious self-loathing, attacks on God, and a scream bordering on hoarse: the best works of Conor Oberst.
Top 10 Riot-Grrrl Records
Riot-grrrl's righteous indignation of sloganeering politics produced a run of raucous, rocking records.
Riot-grrrl's righteous indignation of sloganeering politics produced a run of raucous, rocking records.
Alternative vs Indie?
We debate the question that has plagued mankind for centuries: what do 'alternative' and 'indie' actually really mean? And is it just the same thing?
We debate the question that has plagued mankind for centuries: what do 'alternative' and 'indie' actually really mean? And is it just the same thing?
Iron and Wine - Artist Profile
Shy southerner Sam Beam's quiet songs have made a loud noise on the alternative scene.
Shy southerner Sam Beam's quiet songs have made a loud noise on the alternative scene.
2000s' Most Influential Bands
Though they may not've always been the most popular, these are the 10 acts whose influence loomed large upon their contemporaries in the '00s.
Though they may not've always been the most popular, these are the 10 acts whose influence loomed large upon their contemporaries in the '00s.
10 Infamous Concerts
Ten bizarre, embarrassing, and much-remembered underground live-shows that have endeared their own, modern-day mythology.
Ten bizarre, embarrassing, and much-remembered underground live-shows that have endeared their own, modern-day mythology.
10 Best Indie Bands to Follow on Twitter
The most entertaining indie-rock Tweeters.
The most entertaining indie-rock Tweeters.
Top 50 Albums of 2011
Another avalanche of albums arrived in 2011. Here's the jewels sorted from the rubble; the very best of the year.
Another avalanche of albums arrived in 2011. Here's the jewels sorted from the rubble; the very best of the year.
Top 20 Concept Albums
Tired of records that sound like random collections of files? Here's 20 LPs of singular theme and sustained narrative.
Tired of records that sound like random collections of files? Here's 20 LPs of singular theme and sustained narrative.
Top 10 Alternative Starter Albums
The defining entries in any alternative record collection. The iconoclasts whose singular sound has shaped a whole generation of underground acts.
The defining entries in any alternative record collection. The iconoclasts whose singular sound has shaped a whole generation of underground acts.
Interview: Bryan Devendorf of
The National's perpetually-pounding drummer talks about dealing with the weight of expectations on 'High Violet'.
The National's perpetually-pounding drummer talks about dealing with the weight of expectations on 'High Violet'.
Bon Iver - Artist Profile
Justin Vernon made a heartbroken record in a Wisconsin cabin in the middle of winter. Plenty of people have warmed to it.
Justin Vernon made a heartbroken record in a Wisconsin cabin in the middle of winter. Plenty of people have warmed to it.
Top 10 Indie Band-Name Clichés
Whilst alternative music fused into strange new shapes in the '00s, all the band names started to sound the same.
Whilst alternative music fused into strange new shapes in the '00s, all the band names started to sound the same.
Genre Profile - Lo-Fi
Crack out your Shrimper cassettes! It's a history lesson in the lo-fi movement.
Crack out your Shrimper cassettes! It's a history lesson in the lo-fi movement.
Top 100 Albums of the '00s
The best records of the '00s.
The best records of the '00s.
Top 20 Matador Albums
Few record-labels have had an ongoing, unbroken run of pop-cultural credibility like Matador Records.
Few record-labels have had an ongoing, unbroken run of pop-cultural credibility like Matador Records.
Top 20 Sub Pop Albums
Though it'll be forever associated with grunge, Seattle's legendary Sub Pop Records has reinvented itself in the new millennium, presiding over an eclectic lineup of increasingly-successful acts. Here're 10 picks from the label's first 20 years.
Though it'll be forever associated with grunge, Seattle's legendary Sub Pop Records has reinvented itself in the new millennium, presiding over an eclectic lineup of increasingly-successful acts. Here're 10 picks from the label's first 20 years.
Alternative Music 101
Your guide to the confusing basics of Alternative Music. Just remember: there are no dumb questions.
Your guide to the confusing basics of Alternative Music. Just remember: there are no dumb questions.
10 Most Influential Alternative Musicians
From studio perfectionists to singular idealists, with a host of rockbands in between, here's ten figures of infinite influence.
From studio perfectionists to singular idealists, with a host of rockbands in between, here's ten figures of infinite influence.
Scott Walker - Artist Profile
Teen pin-up turned avant-garde recluse. The strange music and even stranger life of Scott Walker.
Teen pin-up turned avant-garde recluse. The strange music and even stranger life of Scott Walker.
Top 30 4AD Albums
The best 30 albums from the first 30 years of the all-conquering indie powerhouse.
The best 30 albums from the first 30 years of the all-conquering indie powerhouse.
20 Best New Bands of 2011
There've been countless bands who've debuted in 2011. Here's the 20 best brand new acts.
There've been countless bands who've debuted in 2011. Here's the 20 best brand new acts.
Genre Profile - Shoegaze
What it Means: Distortion. Lots of distortion. And reverb. And phase. And flange. And delay. Basically,
What it Means: Distortion. Lots of distortion. And reverb. And phase. And flange. And delay. Basically,
10 Most Anticipated Albums of 2013
Could 2013 really mark the return of The Avalanches, The Knife, and My Bloody Valentine?
Could 2013 really mark the return of The Avalanches, The Knife, and My Bloody Valentine?
Top 10 'Obscure' Starter LPs
These unique, unusual, underground albums sound thrilling, strange, and amazing to this day. They're the best 'Obscure' albums lurking in popular music's fringes, inspiring many with their abundant artistry and individuality.
These unique, unusual, underground albums sound thrilling, strange, and amazing to this day. They're the best 'Obscure' albums lurking in popular music's fringes, inspiring many with their abundant artistry and individuality.
Vampire Weekend 'Modern Vampires of the City'
The third Vampire Weekend album makes the band's most varied, divisive, daring work.
The third Vampire Weekend album makes the band's most varied, divisive, daring work.
Grizzly Bear - Artist Profile
An in-depth look at the harmony-draped folk-pop experimentalists.
An in-depth look at the harmony-draped folk-pop experimentalists.
Alt History - Kurt at VMAs
Back in 1992, what t-shirt you wore really mattered.
Back in 1992, what t-shirt you wore really mattered.
Top 10 Classic Indie-Rock Records
Given the climate of reissues and reformations, it's no longer ironic to call these records 'classic indie-rock.'
Given the climate of reissues and reformations, it's no longer ironic to call these records 'classic indie-rock.'
10 Bands to Watch at SXSW 2013
Come March, all roads lead to Austin. From Bleached to Diana to Wax Idols, here's ten of the best bands en route.
Come March, all roads lead to Austin. From Bleached to Diana to Wax Idols, here's ten of the best bands en route.
Genre Guide
Don't know your shoegaze from your space-rock? Your twee from your C86? Read on to discover the peculiar secrets of all those baffling genre names.
Don't know your shoegaze from your space-rock? Your twee from your C86? Read on to discover the peculiar secrets of all those baffling genre names.
Genre Profile - Post-Rock
A look at the ragged instrumentalists and jazz-schooled dorks that've made up post-rock's wordless movement.
A look at the ragged instrumentalists and jazz-schooled dorks that've made up post-rock's wordless movement.
Matador Records Profile
A traipse through the history of New York's venerable mega-indie, Matador Records.
A traipse through the history of New York's venerable mega-indie, Matador Records.
2011: Year of the Saxophone
With Destroyer and Bon Iver leading the way, saxophone came roaring back in indie music in 2011.
With Destroyer and Bon Iver leading the way, saxophone came roaring back in indie music in 2011.
Modest Mouse - Artist Profile
Isaac Brock's adventures with The Pixies, God, jail, Johnny Marr, and chart-topping success.
Isaac Brock's adventures with The Pixies, God, jail, Johnny Marr, and chart-topping success.
Beach House - Artist Profile
Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally recall the history of their slow, narcotic Baltimore duo.
Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally recall the history of their slow, narcotic Baltimore duo.
Top 10 Bands Who'll Never Reform
In an era of retromania, are the any bands left that aren't reforming? Gladly, there are...
In an era of retromania, are the any bands left that aren't reforming? Gladly, there are...
Barlow Fired From Dinosaur Jr
When the Dinosaur Jr honcho obtusely let his bassplayer go, Barlow turned around and aired his grievances in a series of Sebadoh songs.
When the Dinosaur Jr honcho obtusely let his bassplayer go, Barlow turned around and aired his grievances in a series of Sebadoh songs.
Genre Profile - Math-Rock
The staunchly-punk, time-signature-juggling, nerdy instrumentalist mayhem of math-rock.
The staunchly-punk, time-signature-juggling, nerdy instrumentalist mayhem of math-rock.
Warpaint Interview
Theresa Wayman feels out the emotions running deep in Warpaint's debut LP.
Theresa Wayman feels out the emotions running deep in Warpaint's debut LP.
10 Obscure LPs That Became Classics
Ignored, reviled, or 'lost' on their original release, these obscure LPs eventually proved hugely influential.
Ignored, reviled, or 'lost' on their original release, these obscure LPs eventually proved hugely influential.
20 Overlooked, Underrated 2012 LPs
Think you've heard every great underground indie record from 2012? Think again. Here's 20 LPs flying way under-the-radar.
Think you've heard every great underground indie record from 2012? Think again. Here's 20 LPs flying way under-the-radar.
Nirvana - Artist Profile
Profile of the life and death of the alternative legends
Profile of the life and death of the alternative legends
Genre Profile - Freak-Folk
A look at the fleeting flourish of folk-revival revivalists who've redreamt the imaginary hippy utopia for the new century.
A look at the fleeting flourish of folk-revival revivalists who've redreamt the imaginary hippy utopia for the new century.
Deerhunter 'Monomania'
After the melancholy 'Halcyon Digest,' Deerhunter turn it up on 'Monomania.'
After the melancholy 'Halcyon Digest,' Deerhunter turn it up on 'Monomania.'
Elliott Smith - Artist Profile
Chronicle of the rise and demise of the ultimate depressive songsmith.
Chronicle of the rise and demise of the ultimate depressive songsmith.
Panda Bear Interview
Panda Bear felt the pressure of following up 'Person Pitch.' Rising above it was, he says, like battling depression.
Panda Bear felt the pressure of following up 'Person Pitch.' Rising above it was, he says, like battling depression.
Sufjan Stevens - Artist Profil
Sufjan Stevens is an artist defined by his ambition.
Sufjan Stevens is an artist defined by his ambition.
Top 10 Broadcast Songs
English electronic act Broadcast presided over a brilliant career of beautiful, strange, eerie songs.
English electronic act Broadcast presided over a brilliant career of beautiful, strange, eerie songs.
10 International Bands to Watch at CMJ 2012
From Chad Valley to Daughter to Savages, here's ten bands coming to New York for CMJ 2012.
From Chad Valley to Daughter to Savages, here's ten bands coming to New York for CMJ 2012.
Alt History - The Sex Pistols
40 people were there, 4000 claim they were. A look at one of the most legendary, influential gigs in modern music history.
40 people were there, 4000 claim they were. A look at one of the most legendary, influential gigs in modern music history.
MGMT - Artist Profile
An in-depth look at the brief history of the hype-starting New Yorker duo.
An in-depth look at the brief history of the hype-starting New Yorker duo.
Active Child Interview
Pat Grossi is a 28-year-old from Los Angeles who records as Active Child. Grossi grew up a childhood
Pat Grossi is a 28-year-old from Los Angeles who records as Active Child. Grossi grew up a childhood
Mazzy Star - Artist Profile
Their narcotic balladry went platinum in the '90s, then they disappeared. The story of Mazzy Star.
Their narcotic balladry went platinum in the '90s, then they disappeared. The story of Mazzy Star.
Kisses Interview
With his disco-ish side-project Kisses, Jesse Kivel was hoping to achieve sentimentality and sincerity without cheesiness.
With his disco-ish side-project Kisses, Jesse Kivel was hoping to achieve sentimentality and sincerity without cheesiness.
The National Interview (2013)
After the tense 'High Violet,' The National's 'Trouble Will Find Me' is a fun record about dying.
After the tense 'High Violet,' The National's 'Trouble Will Find Me' is a fun record about dying.
Vampire Weekend Interview (2013)
Fighting off Saab enthusiasts and a chorus of hater, Vampire Weekend remain eternally undaunted.
Fighting off Saab enthusiasts and a chorus of hater, Vampire Weekend remain eternally undaunted.
10 Bands to Watch at Coachella 2013
From reformations (The Postal Service, The Make-Up) to buzz bands (Savages, Lord Huron), here's 10 intriguing Coachella picks.
From reformations (The Postal Service, The Make-Up) to buzz bands (Savages, Lord Huron), here's 10 intriguing Coachella picks.
Genre Profile - Chillwave
It's the summery, nostalgic, warped-sounding electronic music that blew up the blogosphere in 2009.
It's the summery, nostalgic, warped-sounding electronic music that blew up the blogosphere in 2009.
10 Most Anticipated Albums of 2012
Could 2012 really be the year the second Avalanches album arrives?
Could 2012 really be the year the second Avalanches album arrives?
Young Galaxy 'Ultramarine'
'Ultramarine' is populated by young dreamers dealing with the sadness of growing up.
'Ultramarine' is populated by young dreamers dealing with the sadness of growing up.
She and Him - Artist Profile
Burying the stigma of the 'actor turned singer' forever, Zooey Deschanel's collaboration with M. Ward has produced some wondrous music.
Burying the stigma of the 'actor turned singer' forever, Zooey Deschanel's collaboration with M. Ward has produced some wondrous music.
10 Trailblazing Female Musicians
Tired of tepid 'women in rock' lists? Here's ten fiery heroines that blazed radical new musical trails.
Tired of tepid 'women in rock' lists? Here's ten fiery heroines that blazed radical new musical trails.
Top 20 Alternative Christmas Records
Here's how humbug hipsters stuck at family gatherings can commandeer the stereo and not upset the seasonal apple-cart.
Here's how humbug hipsters stuck at family gatherings can commandeer the stereo and not upset the seasonal apple-cart.
Genre Profile - Riot Grrrl
Chronicle of the riot grrrl movement's furious surge in the early 1990s.
Chronicle of the riot grrrl movement's furious surge in the early 1990s.
Beach House Interview (Alex)
Baltimore-based duo Beach House's slow, droney, comedown dream-pop has legions of listeners analyzing it for meaning. But the band's Alex Scally isn't one of them.
Baltimore-based duo Beach House's slow, droney, comedown dream-pop has legions of listeners analyzing it for meaning. But the band's Alex Scally isn't one of them.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs 'Mosquito'
On their first EP, Yeah Yeah Yeahs made two instruments sound huge. On Mosquito, many instruments sound small.
On their first EP, Yeah Yeah Yeahs made two instruments sound huge. On Mosquito, many instruments sound small.
Animal Collective - Artist Pro
Biographical history of Animal Collective, the shape-shifting American outfit who's earned a reputation as one of the new millennium's most important musical acts.
Biographical history of Animal Collective, the shape-shifting American outfit who's earned a reputation as one of the new millennium's most important musical acts.
Death Cab for Cutie - Artist P
Potted, spotted history of the impossibly successful Seattle indie-rock icons, as told by its members.
Potted, spotted history of the impossibly successful Seattle indie-rock icons, as told by its members.
Top 30 Albums of 2010
From Joanna Newsom to everyone else trying to keep up, these are the best LPs to arise in 2010.
From Joanna Newsom to everyone else trying to keep up, these are the best LPs to arise in 2010.
Top 10 K Records Albums
10 all-time great albums on the ultimate underground indie label.
10 all-time great albums on the ultimate underground indie label.
The National - Profile
The National's slow, steady progression, from unknowns to the band who soundtracked Hope and Change.
The National's slow, steady progression, from unknowns to the band who soundtracked Hope and Change.
Genre Profile - Slowcore
Slow, quiet, sad, introspective, pretty: a look at those fearless slowcore rebels who first dared to not-rock.
Slow, quiet, sad, introspective, pretty: a look at those fearless slowcore rebels who first dared to not-rock.
Dirty Projectors - Artist Prof
Dave Longstreth's project has gone from bedroom four-tracking to six-piece blow-out in a march from obscurity to popularity.
Dave Longstreth's project has gone from bedroom four-tracking to six-piece blow-out in a march from obscurity to popularity.
Definitive: Neutral Milk Hotel
Neutral Milk Hotel main-man Jeff Mangum still hasn't been able to bring himself to attempt a successor to this slice of longplaying perfection.
Neutral Milk Hotel main-man Jeff Mangum still hasn't been able to bring himself to attempt a successor to this slice of longplaying perfection.
My Bloody Valentine - Artist P
A career chronicle of the recently-reborn godheads of the shoegaze movement.
A career chronicle of the recently-reborn godheads of the shoegaze movement.
Kings of Convenience Interview
The non-spectacled half of the Norwegian soft-pop bards talks about staying true to their 'Quiet is the New Loud' ideal.
The non-spectacled half of the Norwegian soft-pop bards talks about staying true to their 'Quiet is the New Loud' ideal.
Chromatics Interview
The Italians Do It Better mastermind talks the 'Drive' soundtrack, Chromatics' ascent, and being patient in an impatient era.
The Italians Do It Better mastermind talks the 'Drive' soundtrack, Chromatics' ascent, and being patient in an impatient era.
Top 20 Vincent Moon Videos
Vincent Moon's 'Take Away Shows' revolutionized live music video. Here are the highlights of his inspired, improvised work.
Vincent Moon's 'Take Away Shows' revolutionized live music video. Here are the highlights of his inspired, improvised work.
10 Iconic Album Covers
The most distinctive, most striking, most lauded album covers in indie music history.
The most distinctive, most striking, most lauded album covers in indie music history.
Top 10 Breakout Bands of 2012
Every year, a handful of bands make the leap from buzz bands to bona fide festival staples. Here's 2012's.
Every year, a handful of bands make the leap from buzz bands to bona fide festival staples. Here's 2012's.
Artist Profile: Sharon Van Ett
Sharon Van Etten's songs are stark confessionals recounting life in a destructive relationship.
Sharon Van Etten's songs are stark confessionals recounting life in a destructive relationship.
10 Bands to Watch at Lollapalooza 2012
From the reformed Afghan Whigs to the ascendent Bear in Heaven to the regal Walkmen, here's ten prized Lolla picks.
From the reformed Afghan Whigs to the ascendent Bear in Heaven to the regal Walkmen, here's ten prized Lolla picks.
Top 30 Albums of 2009
2009 featured an avalanche of inspiring music made by independent artists out to cross boundaries, break down borders, and dance long into the strange, weird, beautiful night...
2009 featured an avalanche of inspiring music made by independent artists out to cross boundaries, break down borders, and dance long into the strange, weird, beautiful night...
Chad Valley Interview
Sunny Casinos and 2007's Lions and two EPs, 2009's Whistle Low and 2010's One Hundred Suns â that ran
Sunny Casinos and 2007's Lions and two EPs, 2009's Whistle Low and 2010's One Hundred Suns â that ran
Grizzly Bear Interview
Daniel Rossen talks his Elvis-obsessed childhood, mimicking Nick Drake, Department Of Eagle's dark songs, and the joyousness of 'Veckatimest'.
Daniel Rossen talks his Elvis-obsessed childhood, mimicking Nick Drake, Department Of Eagle's dark songs, and the joyousness of 'Veckatimest'.
Definitive LPs: Scott Walker
Walker's unquestioned masterpiece is an uneasy mixture of MOR balladry, lyrical savagery, and hesitant avant-gardism.
Walker's unquestioned masterpiece is an uneasy mixture of MOR balladry, lyrical savagery, and hesitant avant-gardism.
Mogwai Interview
The guitarist of the Scottish post-rock heroes is howling.
The guitarist of the Scottish post-rock heroes is howling.
My Bloody Valentine 'MBV'
My Bloody Valentine's remarkable third album manages to live up to 22 years of wild expectations.
My Bloody Valentine's remarkable third album manages to live up to 22 years of wild expectations.
10 Acts to Watch in 2011
From Braids to Yuck, here's ten bands bound to be bigger when 2011 ends than they were when it begins.
From Braids to Yuck, here's ten bands bound to be bigger when 2011 ends than they were when it begins.
Definitive LPs: Joanna Newsom
Joanna Newsom's debut disc was a startling arrival from an alien artist, the virtuoso harpist a true musical original.
Joanna Newsom's debut disc was a startling arrival from an alien artist, the virtuoso harpist a true musical original.
10 Forgotten '90s Bands That Need to Be Remembered
In the internet era, it's nearly impossible for a band to vanish. But these 10 awesome acts have come sadly close.
In the internet era, it's nearly impossible for a band to vanish. But these 10 awesome acts have come sadly close.
The Dead Weather Interview
Pulling double-duty in The Kills and The Dead Weather, Alison Mosshart is just trying to keep up with Jack White.
Pulling double-duty in The Kills and The Dead Weather, Alison Mosshart is just trying to keep up with Jack White.
Spacemen 3 - Artist Profile
The rise and fall of infamous English noiseniks Spacemen 3.
The rise and fall of infamous English noiseniks Spacemen 3.
Top 10 Constellation Albums
Ten picks from the tastefully-artwork'd back catalogue of the mighty Montréal indie, from Godspeed You Black Emperor! to Clues.
Ten picks from the tastefully-artwork'd back catalogue of the mighty Montréal indie, from Godspeed You Black Emperor! to Clues.
10 Biblical Indie Albums
Call them anti-Christian-Rock records: 10 mighty albums rich in religious theme and biblical heft.
Call them anti-Christian-Rock records: 10 mighty albums rich in religious theme and biblical heft.
10 Most Overrated Albums of 2011
From Girls to Washed Out, here's ten wildly overpraised albums that got way too much love in 2011.
From Girls to Washed Out, here's ten wildly overpraised albums that got way too much love in 2011.
St. Vincent Interview
What do you hope to get out of interviews? âThereâs only one real goal I have, which is: I try not to
What do you hope to get out of interviews? âThereâs only one real goal I have, which is: I try not to
Constellation Records Profile
Chronicle of Canadian post-rock powerhouse Constellation Records.
Chronicle of Canadian post-rock powerhouse Constellation Records.
Sub Pop Records Profile
In-depth historical profile of the influential, (semi-)independent Seattle label.
In-depth historical profile of the influential, (semi-)independent Seattle label.
Definitive LPs: Red House Painters
Essentially the early demos of Mark Kozelek, the debut Red House Painters' LP is a landmark in slow, sad, sombre songwriting.
Essentially the early demos of Mark Kozelek, the debut Red House Painters' LP is a landmark in slow, sad, sombre songwriting.
Factory Records Profile
Chronicle of the rise and fall of Manchester's legendary Factory Records, home to Joy Division, New Order, the Happy Mondays and more.
Chronicle of the rise and fall of Manchester's legendary Factory Records, home to Joy Division, New Order, the Happy Mondays and more.
Interview: Ariel Rosenberg of
Ariel Pink's volumes of lo-fi home-recording were, he thinks, a form of therapy.
Ariel Pink's volumes of lo-fi home-recording were, he thinks, a form of therapy.
Panda Bear - Artist Profile
Biography of Animal Collective member Panda Bear, from his teenaged home-recordings to his solo flowering whilst living in Portugal.
Biography of Animal Collective member Panda Bear, from his teenaged home-recordings to his solo flowering whilst living in Portugal.
Broken Social Scene - Profile
Potted history of the sprawling, many-membered, ever-evolving Canadian concern, as told by founders Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning.
Potted history of the sprawling, many-membered, ever-evolving Canadian concern, as told by founders Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning.
Definitive: Belle & Sebastian
The Scottish pop outfit's second LP is one of the greatest records ever committed to disc.
The Scottish pop outfit's second LP is one of the greatest records ever committed to disc.
Definitive LPs: Tim Hardin
Tim Hardin's singular Suite for his newfound family makes for his most personal, profound album.
Tim Hardin's singular Suite for his newfound family makes for his most personal, profound album.
Definitive Albums: The Fall
For all intents and purposes, The Fall begins and ends with 'Hex Enduction Hour.'
For all intents and purposes, The Fall begins and ends with 'Hex Enduction Hour.'
WU LYF Interview
Go Tell Fire to the Mountain , and quietly renounced their anonymity: the band now publicly outed as
Go Tell Fire to the Mountain , and quietly renounced their anonymity: the band now publicly outed as
Alt History - Suicide's 23 Minutes Over Brussels
A riot breaks out, a bootleg is recorded, a mythical show is born.
A riot breaks out, a bootleg is recorded, a mythical show is born.
10 Most Disappointing Albums of 2012
From Best Coast to Scott Walker, a host of big indie names failed to live up to expectations in 2012.
From Best Coast to Scott Walker, a host of big indie names failed to live up to expectations in 2012.
The National 'High Violet'
Two years after soundtracking Hope and Change for Obama, The National try to come to grips with being a Big, Important Rockband.
Two years after soundtracking Hope and Change for Obama, The National try to come to grips with being a Big, Important Rockband.
10 Alternative Starter Albums
Top 10 Starter Alternative Albums
Top 10 Starter Alternative Albums
Grimes Interview
On the release of 'Visions', Grimes talks indie bands as brands, cognitive neuroscience, and Montréal.
On the release of 'Visions', Grimes talks indie bands as brands, cognitive neuroscience, and Montréal.
Top 20 Albums of 2008
Let's count 'em down: the very best alternative and/or indie records of the year. Old favorites, new loves, strange surprises, unexpected treasures. The essential picks of the '08.
Let's count 'em down: the very best alternative and/or indie records of the year. Old favorites, new loves, strange surprises, unexpected treasures. The essential picks of the '08.
Factory Records' 10 Greatest Catalogue Items
Manchester's legendary Factory Records assembled an artful discography of far more than albums.
Manchester's legendary Factory Records assembled an artful discography of far more than albums.
Kurt Vile Interview
Growing up, Kurt Vile dreamed of being signed to Matador Records. Now he is.
Growing up, Kurt Vile dreamed of being signed to Matador Records. Now he is.
Top 10 Breakout Acts of 2009
From Passion Pit to the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The XX to Girls, here are the 10 bands who came from out of nowhere to suddenly be everywhere in '09.
From Passion Pit to the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The XX to Girls, here are the 10 bands who came from out of nowhere to suddenly be everywhere in '09.
Deerhunter Interview
B-Cox talks blog haters, the Bob Pollard Curse, record stores, and about himself in the third person.
B-Cox talks blog haters, the Bob Pollard Curse, record stores, and about himself in the third person.
How to Dress Well Interview
The hipster-R&B trailblazer talks loss, grief, melancholia, and sincerity as a philosophical belief.
The hipster-R&B trailblazer talks loss, grief, melancholia, and sincerity as a philosophical belief.
Frightened Rabbit - Profile
Frightened Rabbit are an emotionally-driven guitar-rock combo from Scotland. Learn more about their strange ways.
Frightened Rabbit are an emotionally-driven guitar-rock combo from Scotland. Learn more about their strange ways.
Definitive LPs: Au Pairs
An exploration of 'sex' as broad social phenomenon, Au Pairs' debut LP is a post-punk landmark of gender politics.
An exploration of 'sex' as broad social phenomenon, Au Pairs' debut LP is a post-punk landmark of gender politics.
Top 10 Merge Albums
From Superchunk to Destroyer, Guv'ner to the Arcade Fire, we count down 10 choice discs served up in the history of North Carolina's Merge Records.
From Superchunk to Destroyer, Guv'ner to the Arcade Fire, we count down 10 choice discs served up in the history of North Carolina's Merge Records.
Def. LPs: 13th Floor Elevators
Austin's garage-rock wailers invented psychedelic rock, tapped into the counter-cultural underground, and provided an early spark for punk.
Austin's garage-rock wailers invented psychedelic rock, tapped into the counter-cultural underground, and provided an early spark for punk.
Definitive: Nirvana 'Bleach'
The best $606.17 recording budget Sub Pop ever presided over.
The best $606.17 recording budget Sub Pop ever presided over.
The Pixies - Artist Profile
The Pixies blistering use of broad dynamics and innovative re-write of pop-song forms redefined guitar music.
The Pixies blistering use of broad dynamics and innovative re-write of pop-song forms redefined guitar music.
Kill Rock Stars Profile
Profile of the long-running, fiercely-independent Pacific Northwest imprint, from riot-grrrl beginnings to its rebirth in Portland.
Profile of the long-running, fiercely-independent Pacific Northwest imprint, from riot-grrrl beginnings to its rebirth in Portland.
Grizzly Bear Discography
Grizzly Bear's entire discography, track by track.
Grizzly Bear's entire discography, track by track.
Genre Profile - Twee
C86 cassette, which celebrates England's insular community of clumsy, fey, out-of-time pop-bands, enshrining
C86 cassette, which celebrates England's insular community of clumsy, fey, out-of-time pop-bands, enshrining