Alternative Music: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Top 10 Albums of 2012 So Far
It's never too early for an albums-of-the-year list. Here's the best records to have arrived in 2012 thus far.
It's never too early for an albums-of-the-year list. Here's the best records to have arrived in 2012 thus far.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Beach House Intrvw. (Victoria)
The Beach House vocalist talks about the 'sexual' qualities of their third LP, 'Teen Dream'.
The Beach House vocalist talks about the 'sexual' qualities of their third LP, 'Teen Dream'.
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.
10 Acts to Watch in 2012
From Bleached to Trust, here's ten bands bound to breakout in 2012.
From Bleached to Trust, here's ten bands bound to breakout in 2012.
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 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?
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 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 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.
Top 20 Indie Record Labels
The greatest ever indie record labels.
The greatest ever indie record labels.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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?
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?
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 100 Albums of the '00s
The best records of the '00s.
The best records of 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 Bands to Watch at SXSW 2012
Trying to make sense of the mad crush in Austin? Try Blouse, Grimes, Quilt, and the rest of these picks to click.
Trying to make sense of the mad crush in Austin? Try Blouse, Grimes, Quilt, and the rest of these picks to click.
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.
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 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.
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.
Nirvana - Artist Profile
Profile of the life and death of the alternative legends
Profile of the life and death of the alternative legends
Best Coast 'The Only Place'
In moving from lo-fi to hi-fi, Bethany Cosentino loses a little of Best Coast's charms in the process.
In moving from lo-fi to hi-fi, Bethany Cosentino loses a little of Best Coast's charms in the process.
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 '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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 - 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,
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.
Best Coast Interview (2012)
The Best Coast leader talks Jon Brion, backlash, gossip culture, existential angst, and expectations.
The Best Coast leader talks Jon Brion, backlash, gossip culture, existential angst, and expectations.
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.
10 Best Indie Bands to Follow on Twitter
The most entertaining indie-rock Tweeters.
The most entertaining indie-rock Tweeters.
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
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.
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.
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...
Iron & 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.
Top 20 Drag City Albums
The greatest albums from one of indie music's greatest-ever labels.
The greatest albums from one of indie music's greatest-ever labels.
Death Cab for Cutie - Profile
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 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.
St. Vincent - Artist Profile
A look at the life and career of fearsome fretboard shredder, old-fashioned romantic, and all-around dork, Annie Clark.
A look at the life and career of fearsome fretboard shredder, old-fashioned romantic, and all-around dork, Annie Clark.
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.
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
Vampire Weekend Interview
The VW frontman defends himself against charges of cultural appropriation.
The VW frontman defends himself against charges of cultural appropriation.
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.
10 International Acts to Watch at SXSW 2012
With bands coming from all over the world to Austin, here's ten acts from foreign shores set to impress.
With bands coming from all over the world to Austin, here's ten acts from foreign shores set to impress.
Grimes 'Visions'
The third Grimes LP finds Claire Boucher exploring bright new realms of genre-transcending electronic pop.
The third Grimes LP finds Claire Boucher exploring bright new realms of genre-transcending electronic pop.
Beach House Interview (2012)
The Beach House gets philosophical when discussion his band's pursuit of artistic 'truth'...
The Beach House gets philosophical when discussion his band's pursuit of artistic 'truth'...
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.
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.'
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.
TV on the Radio - Profile
Let us chart the rise and rise of the Brooklyn outfit who's never met a bad review.
Let us chart the rise and rise of the Brooklyn outfit who's never met a bad review.
The Decemberists - Profile
Profile of the fore'er whimsical folk-pop troupe from Portland.
Profile of the fore'er whimsical folk-pop troupe from Portland.
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.
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.
Artist Profile: Sharon Van Etten
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.
The Horrors Interview
Once a band defined by their wardrobe, The Horrors have grown greatly since their salad days. Tom Cowan talks change.
Once a band defined by their wardrobe, The Horrors have grown greatly since their salad days. Tom Cowan talks change.
Perfume Genius Interview
The Perfume Genius frontman talks controversy, 'Twin Peaks', rehab, and 'Put Your Back N 2 It'.
The Perfume Genius frontman talks controversy, 'Twin Peaks', rehab, and 'Put Your Back N 2 It'.
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.
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.
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.
10 Acts to Watch in 2010
From Beach House to Sleigh Bells, here's ten bands who'll make 2010 their own personal coming-out party.
From Beach House to Sleigh Bells, here's ten bands who'll make 2010 their own personal coming-out party.
10 Awesome SXSW 2012 Shows
Trying to make sense of SXSW's overload of shows can be painful. Here's ten killer shows to lessen the pain...
Trying to make sense of SXSW's overload of shows can be painful. Here's ten killer shows to lessen the pain...
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Factory Records: Graphic Album
Manchester's legendary Factory Records were long defined by their consistent, insistent visual aesthetic. This art-book chronicles the label's entire output.
Manchester's legendary Factory Records were long defined by their consistent, insistent visual aesthetic. This art-book chronicles the label's entire output.
Mogwai Interview
The guitarist of the Scottish post-rock heroes is howling.
The guitarist of the Scottish post-rock heroes is howling.
10 Bands to Watch at Coachella 2012
If you're baking in the desert this April, here's ten can't-miss acts to see.
If you're baking in the desert this April, here's ten can't-miss acts to see.
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.
10 Most Disappointing Albums of 2010
M.I.A., Belle and Sebastian, Blonde Redhead... 2010 was a year in which many a great name made a musical mis-step...
M.I.A., Belle and Sebastian, Blonde Redhead... 2010 was a year in which many a great name made a musical mis-step...
Cat Power Interview
Working on her ninth album, the Cat Power songstress is reminded of making her classic 'Moon Pix' LP 12 years earlier.
Working on her ninth album, the Cat Power songstress is reminded of making her classic 'Moon Pix' LP 12 years earlier.
Top 10 Breakout Bands of 2011
Every year, a host of indie bands come from nowhere to suddenly be everywhere. Here's the class of 2011.
Every year, a host of indie bands come from nowhere to suddenly be everywhere. Here's the class of 2011.
Chairlift Interview
The Chairlift starlet talks blog sexism, Gemini nature, neural plasticity, and the songs on 'Something'.
The Chairlift starlet talks blog sexism, Gemini nature, neural plasticity, and the songs on 'Something'.
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.
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.
10 Bands to Watch at SXSW 2011
ANR, Austra, Grimes, Tune-Yards: these be the bands to check out amidst the frenzy in Austin.
ANR, Austra, Grimes, Tune-Yards: these be the bands to check out amidst the frenzy in Austin.
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
Animal Collective Interview
With 2009 coming to a close, AC's headlamp-wearer casts his eye back over the year his band blew up big time.
With 2009 coming to a close, AC's headlamp-wearer casts his eye back over the year his band blew up big time.
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.
Sufjan Stevens - Artist Profile
Sufjan Stevens is an artist defined by his ambition.
Sufjan Stevens is an artist defined by his ambition.
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.
Definitive Albums: Slint
Slint's legacy grew in a fashion that matched the music: slow, steady, barely perceptible, ultimately legendary.
Slint's legacy grew in a fashion that matched the music: slow, steady, barely perceptible, ultimately legendary.
The National Interview #2
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'.
Ra Ra Riot 'The Rhumb Line'
The first LP-proper from these pals-of-Vampire-Weekend shows a band begging for brighter lights and bigger stages.
The first LP-proper from these pals-of-Vampire-Weekend shows a band begging for brighter lights and bigger stages.
Ariel Pink - Artist Profile
The life-and-crimes of A. Pink: home-taping enthusiast turned unexpectedly-influential indie music sage.
The life-and-crimes of A. Pink: home-taping enthusiast turned unexpectedly-influential indie music sage.
Top 15 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.
Joanna Newsom Interview
Philosophical musings with the harp-playing heroine.
Philosophical musings with the harp-playing heroine.
Definitive LPs: Spiritualized
J. Spaceman's towering landmark builds heartbroken symphonies mixing shoegaze with gospel, rock-n-roll swagger with bowed confessional.
J. Spaceman's towering landmark builds heartbroken symphonies mixing shoegaze with gospel, rock-n-roll swagger with bowed confessional.
Bon Iver Interview
The woolly Wisconsinite discusses his blessed 2008, whether he's actually ever read Thoreau, and his skillz on the basketball court.
The woolly Wisconsinite discusses his blessed 2008, whether he's actually ever read Thoreau, and his skillz on the basketball court.
Top 10 Breakout Bands of 2010
Every year bands come from nowhere to suddenly be everywhere. Here's the class of 2010.
Every year bands come from nowhere to suddenly be everywhere. Here's the class of 2010.
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.
The Walkmen Interview
Eight years and four albums into things, the ultra-moody New Yorkers are in career-best form. Their throaty vocalist talks it like they walk it.
Eight years and four albums into things, the ultra-moody New Yorkers are in career-best form. Their throaty vocalist talks it like they walk it.
Definitive LPs: United States
In 1968, a group of San Francisco avant-gardist decided to try their subversive hands at a rock'n'roll band.
In 1968, a group of San Francisco avant-gardist decided to try their subversive hands at a rock'n'roll band.
Constellation Records Profile
Chronicle of Canadian post-rock powerhouse Constellation Records.
Chronicle of Canadian post-rock powerhouse Constellation Records.
Beach House 'Bloom'
Baltimore's Beach House have had quite the career: growing bolder, bigger, and better with each LP.
Baltimore's Beach House have had quite the career: growing bolder, bigger, and better with each LP.
Various 'Dark Was the Night'
The National's Dessner brothers solicited every indie act in existence to help them achieve one goal: making a charity compilation that doesn't suck.
The National's Dessner brothers solicited every indie act in existence to help them achieve one goal: making a charity compilation that doesn't suck.
Devendra Banhart - Profile
Born in: May 30, 1981, Houston, Texas Key Albums: Oh Me Oh My... the Way the Day Goes By the Sun Is Setting
Born in: May 30, 1981, Houston, Texas Key Albums: Oh Me Oh My... the Way the Day Goes By the Sun Is Setting
EMA 'Past Life Martyred Saints'
Tales of painful small-town adolescence add up to a secretly-funny soundtrack for a looming apocalypse.
Tales of painful small-town adolescence add up to a secretly-funny soundtrack for a looming apocalypse.
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.
Sufjan Stevens Interview
Michigan-born, Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and composer Sufjan Stevens is one of
Michigan-born, Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and composer Sufjan Stevens is one of
10 Entertaining Interviews
Quotable notables, amusing anecdotes, public repudiations, and choice chit-chat. Here's ten killer conversations with indie royalty.
Quotable notables, amusing anecdotes, public repudiations, and choice chit-chat. Here's ten killer conversations with indie royalty.
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.
Beirut Interview
Beirut's one-time wunderkind discusses growing up on record, life on the road, and finding a home on 'The Rip Tide'.
Beirut's one-time wunderkind discusses growing up on record, life on the road, and finding a home on 'The Rip Tide'.
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.
Spiritualized - Artist Profile
Chronicle of Jason Pierce's grandiose gospel-space-rock-soul outfit Spiritualized, from post-Spacemen 3 beginnings to his near-death experiences.
Chronicle of Jason Pierce's grandiose gospel-space-rock-soul outfit Spiritualized, from post-Spacemen 3 beginnings to his near-death experiences.
'The Psychic Soviet'
The greatest rock-n-roll book in the world by the greatest rock-n-roll frontman in the world. And I'm not talking about Bono's autobiography.
The greatest rock-n-roll book in the world by the greatest rock-n-roll frontman in the world. And I'm not talking about Bono's autobiography.
Thrill Jockey Records Profile
Profile of Chicago's influential independent label Thrill Jockey.
Profile of Chicago's influential independent label Thrill Jockey.
Dirty Projectors - Profile
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 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.
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.
Panda Bear Interview
The Animal Collective bro talks Coachella, Ariel Pink, chillwave, expectations, depression, and children.
The Animal Collective bro talks Coachella, Ariel Pink, chillwave, expectations, depression, and children.
Belle and Sebastian - Profile
The life and times of the Scottish twee institution.
The life and times of the Scottish twee institution.
Interpol - Artist Profile
Chronicle of these well-dressed New Yorker dudes and their moody post-punk gloom.
Chronicle of these well-dressed New Yorker dudes and their moody post-punk gloom.
My Bloody Valentine Tour!
A sweet decade-and-a-half after last hitting the States, the revitalized My Bloody Valentine have gotten the band back together, and are playing a string of North American shows.
A sweet decade-and-a-half after last hitting the States, the revitalized My Bloody Valentine have gotten the band back together, and are playing a string of North American shows.
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.
Yeasayer - Artist Profile
Yeasayer are a quartet that accomplishes no small task: defying genre.
Yeasayer are a quartet that accomplishes no small task: defying genre.
Top 10 Kill Rock Stars Albums
The label that gave riot-grrrl to the world has grown into an iconic independent imprint beholden to no singular sound or style.
The label that gave riot-grrrl to the world has grown into an iconic independent imprint beholden to no singular sound or style.
Antony & the Johnsons Profile
Profile, history, biography of the warbling New Yorker troubadour.
Profile, history, biography of the warbling New Yorker troubadour.
Beach House 'Teen Dream'
On their third album, Beach House sound primed for a breakout.
On their third album, Beach House sound primed for a breakout.
10 Classic Rough Trade Albums
From Young Marble Giants to The Smiths to Galaxie 500, here's ten awesome Rough Trade LPs, from the golden age of indie.
From Young Marble Giants to The Smiths to Galaxie 500, here's ten awesome Rough Trade LPs, from the golden age of indie.
Spacemen 3 - Artist Profile
The rise and fall of infamous English noiseniks Spacemen 3.
The rise and fall of infamous English noiseniks Spacemen 3.
Animal Collective - Profile
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.
Jeffrey Lewis - Artist Profile
Born: November 20, 1975, New York City, New York Key Albums: The Last Time I Did Acid I Went Insane (2001),
Born: November 20, 1975, New York City, New York Key Albums: The Last Time I Did Acid I Went Insane (2001),
Top 20 Albums of 2007
Let's count 'em down: the very best alternative and/or indie records of 2007. From Animal Collective to, um, Panda Bear, it's the definitive list of the year's essential listening.
Let's count 'em down: the very best alternative and/or indie records of 2007. From Animal Collective to, um, Panda Bear, it's the definitive list of the year's essential listening.