newcritics

After XTC released their minor masterpiece Nonsuch in 1992, the boys from Swindon went on strike against Virgin records due to a contentious contract dispute. When Virgin finally blinked, allowing them to sign with another label, Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding had at least two albums worth of stellar material. It was a tough time [...]

The late humorist Jean Shepherd was part Irish, which may explain why he was such a natural storyteller. During Shepherd’s first trip to Europe he explored Dublin and the surrounding countryside. On St. Patrick’s day in 1967, Shep describes his first impressions of Ireland as he walks the streets of Dublin and drinks stout at [...]

Back in the late 90s, L.A. band, The Negro Problem were once described as a cross between Sly and the Family Stone and XTC. After repeated listens to their second album, Joys and Concerns, I had to admit it was spot-on: melodic funk meets quirky pop. I was instantly a big fan. Those of [...]

When Imperial Teen opened for The Breeders in 2002 they caused quite a sensation. The San Francisco indie-pop band nearly stole the show at Irving Plaza. Lucky for the Deal sisters that John Cameron Mitchell made a special appearance on stage that night.
After a five year hiatus from recording and touring, Jone Stebbins, Roddy [...]

(Cross-posted at The Sawpit.)
Since the recent death of Swedish director Igmar Bergman, I’ve been thinking of his many films I’ve seen over the years. The one that still haunts me today is his 1961 Academy Award winner, The Virgin Spring. I first saw it twelve years ago, shortly after being laid off from my print [...]

I was recently invited to an art show opening at a large Soho gallery where a friend’s work was being exhibited. I found most of the paintings, drawings and photographs on display quite interesting, with some exceptions. After a while, I noticed that most of the people surrounding me in the gallery were more interested [...]

My friend Tyler introduced me to Apples in Stereo back in the late 90s. I found their jangly, sunny, hook-infested pop quite charming and inspired. If Daniel Johnston had never developed mental illness, he may have started a band like the Apples. After 2002’s disappointing “Ramones on helium” Velocity of Sound, the latest Apples release, [...]

(Cross-posted at The Sawpit.)

I just finished reading the new paperback edition of Ann Finkerbeiner’s 2006 non-fiction book, The Jasons: The Secret History of Science’s Postwar Elite, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in post-war American history. Finkerbeiner dispels some of the myths surrounding this clandestine organization of brilliant scientists (including many Nobel laureates) [...]

Mike Milazzo recently handed me a copy of his first solo album, The World Outside, which showcases his talents as an accomplished songwriter, singer, guitarist, bassist, and mandolin player. His songs traverse the familiar emotional landscape of destructive love affairs, artistic self-doubt, and the bitter philosophy of middle age. All through The World Outside you [...]