There’s a tried-and-true indie rock algorithm that states that former schoolteacher and Guided By Voices mastermind Robert Pollard + anything = a song. Like Billy Corgan and Ryan Adams after him, the man’s songwriting muse is so restless that one imagines they must spend their days holed up in a smoky bedroom with the shades drawn, eagerly committing every phrase they’ve ever learned to a series of spiral-bound notebooks in an effort to mold the entire English language into a […]
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Spin Cycle: Common’s “The Dreamer/The Believer”
Has Common regained his footing with his new album “The Dreamer, The Believer”? Read our review and find out!
bLISTerd Presents: Drew’s Top 11 Albums of 2011
As we reach the inevitable list-making portion of the year, all of the usual concerns arise: how to order? What was the one album of the year that stands head and shoulders above the rest? Will LMFAO come back next year, and if so, is there any way to stop that from happening? But me, I’ve got a special reason to celebrate: this year, my good buddy The Blerd roped me back into doing some more of that writing stuff […]
The Jukebox From Hell 08: “Christmas Shoes”
This Jukebox From Hell installment is a special one, dear friends. Even as I write this, a Christmas tree glows proudly in my window; stockings for Drew, wife, and pets line the bookcase; in preparation for the holiday at hand, rolls of wrapping paper are stacked in the corner like the most festive teepee framework ever assembled. The brisk air is scented with the pine-scented Yankee Candle to my right; it’s almost depleted, but fear not, for we have backups. […]
Spin Cycle: The Roots’ “Undun”
The Roots are back with a concept album called “Undun” and Drew has the scoop.
Spin Cycle: The Black Keys’ “El Camino”
The Black Keys follow up their breakthrough, “Brothers”, with a new album called “El Camino.” Does this album reaffirm Dan & Patrick’s superstar status?
The Jukebox From Hell 07: “If I Were A Boy”
If you and I are friends – and if we’re not, we probably should be – you’re undoubtedly scratching your head right now, wondering why I’m about to lay into Beyonce. After all, I’ve been a vocal and unabashed fan of Lady B even before she went solo; I’ve got love for Miss Knowles (Mrs. Z?), and I don’t care who knows. She’s one of the finest pop stars of our time, a classy performer with an ear for a […]
Spin Cycle: Drake’s “Take Care”
Does Drake successfully avoid the sophomore slump with his new album “Take Care”? Andrew Ratliff reviews the new work by the Canadian singer/rapper/actor.
Spin Cycle: Betty Wright & The Roots’ “Betty Wright: The Movie”
Ms. Betty Wright and the legendary Roots crew have joined forces for a soul triumph. Check out our review.
Spin Cycle: Gym Class Heroes’ “The Papercut Chronicles II”
Titling their latest album as a sequel to their debut seems like a curious move for Gym Class Heroes. Back in 2005, The Papercut Chronicles was safe hip-hop for the Fueled By Ramen set – the Heroes wove strands of aggro punk and emo into their stylistic tapestry, and the results were more Fall Out Boy than Kanye West. (This, of course, long before Fall Out Boy ironically acquired Kanye’s penchant for hubris, outsized ambition, and Jay-Z cameos.) They’re a peculiar […]
One DJ’s Opinion: 15 Horrifying Karaoke Songs
Dear readers, it’s time to come clean. Sure, by day I’m Drew, prolific album reviewer and Popblerd contributor; but at night, I put my DJ cap on, and provide karaoke to the masses with the same mixture of good-natured pomposity, mild music snobbery, and hit-or-miss humor that you see in these pages every day. I used to be a karaoke fiend, searching for the best seedy spots to score applause and compliments, but I’ve moved on to hosting; which, like […]
Spin Cycle: Christmas Album Round-up 2011
Hear those jingle bells ringin’/ Either someone’s breaking into your house or the holiday season is approaching. Join Drew as he listens to a few of the season’s most interesting Christmas albums.