Santigold’s (a.k.a. Santi White, formerly Santogold ) 2008 debut was easily my favorite album of that year. Indeed, there was much to love about the album, with its unabashed nods to new wave while tossing in dashes of reggae, pop, and hip hop. I played the hell out of the album in the summer months, which were a personal transition for me as I migrated from Iowa City (my home of four years) to Baltimore. (I had the pleasure of […]
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Spin Cycle: Jack White’s “Blunderbuss”
Here’s a review of Jack White’s “Blunderbuss!” You know you wanna read it.
Gonzo’s Top Picks for RSD 2012
Although Record Store Day is now five years strong, 2010 was the first year that I formally recognized the holiday, and 2011 was the first year that I fully indulged. Record Store Day seems to grow each year. Artists and labels dish out increasing amounts of exclusive releases, and a growing number of customers happily part with some of their hard earned pay to snag these collectibles, while supporting their local shops. The RSD release list is now one of my most highly anticipated moments in the […]
The Implications of Holographic Celebrity Resurrections
Blerditorial / hip-hop / music / news / pop culture / Pop Music / R.I.P. / rock music / Uncategorized
We live in interesting times. Over the years, The Coachella Valley Music Festival has become one of the premiere music festivals, whose only real competition in the US is Bonnaroo. Perhaps moreso than its Eastern counterpart, Coachella is known for producing magical moments each year. Beyond the consistently stellar lineup of electronic, indie, hip hop and pop acts that Coachella presents annually, the festival has also become known for providing a platform for highly anticipated (though not necessarily expected) reunions. […]
We Saw It! Van Halen @ Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh, PA 3/30/2012
I’ve seen a lot of shows over the years. And while a handful certainly rise above the rest, it’s incredibly rare that I leave a show feeling disappointed. I’m a sucker when it comes to music, and I can pretty easily get lost in the thrill and energy of a live performance. So in those very rare instances that a show flat out disappoints me, something really has to have gone horribly awry with the performance. I can be very […]
Discography Fever!: Van Halen (Part Two)
When the temptation of solo success became too strong for David Lee Roth, many took this as news of the band’s demise. But then a funny thing happened – they returned. The band recruited established rocker Sammy Hagar, who’s recording career began just about the time that Van Halen began theirs. So began one of the most enduring debates among rock fans – David or Sammy? We all have our preferences, and the geekiest among us continue to debate the […]
The Singles Bar: M.I.A.’s “Bad Girls”
Settle down, it isn’t a Donna Summer cover. In the midst of growing rumors that she’ll join Madonna onstage at the Super Bowl halftime show, M.I.A. has released the first glimpse at her upcoming fourth LP, to be released this summer. When last we heard from Ms. Arulpragasam, she had issued the ASCII abusive /\/\ /\ Y /\ album. Following two very solid releases (2005’s Arular and 2007’s Kaya), M.I.A.’s third album left much to be desired – a few […]
The Singles Bar: Jack White’s “Love Interruption”
If you and I have had any discussion about the music of the previous decade, I’ve probably made it painfully aware that I’m a huge fan of Jack White. From The White Stripes to The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, his production work with Loretta Lynn and Wanda Jackson, the innovative things that he’s doing with Third Man Records , and hell, even off the wall TV appearances like this recent episode of American Pickers – I’m consistently impressed with White’s output (let’s just slide that collaboration with the Insane Clown Posse under the rug, shall we?). The only thing more impressive […]
The Viewfinder: Santigold’s “Big Mouth”
I know that I’m not alone among the Popblerd staff in my love of Santi/Santogold’s debut album from 2008. It was a tight and consistent disc, pulling influences from new wave, rock, dancehall and electro. I was so enamored with it, in fact, that I named it my pick for album of the year in 2008. So it is with great excitement that after four years, we’re getting new music from Santigold. Sure, she’s spent a lot of time in […]
Political Excursus: SOPA, PIPA and the Future of the Internet
As you perused the web yesterday, you no doubt noticed that a number of sites – Reddit, Wikipedia, WordPress, the Cheezburger Network (of I Can Haz Cheezburger and FailBlog fame) among them, went dark. As you no doubt discovered this was in a collective move to protest something called SOPA/PIPA. Popblerd decided not to go dark for the day. However, we do feel that this is an important issue that has received little media attention until the blackouts. We thus […]
Diggin’ in the Crates: The Supremes’ “A Bit of Liverpool”
The 1960s were filled with tons of incredible (and forgettable) music. Two of my most-loved musical institutions are products of that decade – The Beatles and Motown. So I was taken aback to find this little gem at Missing Link Records in Austin, Texas last summer. Although I was unaware of the album’s existence, it makes a great deal of sense. The Beatles were heavily influenced by American pop and soul, including Motown. Indeed, the Fabs’ early discography includes memorable […]
The Viewfinder: Murder Mystery’s “I Am (If You Are)”
Brooklyn-based quartet Murder Mystery are set to release their new EP Problems this month. The band has been recording tracks over the last few years, but until now hasn’t issued a formal release. These 6 all-new tracks have the band working through their breezy brand of indie-pop that is at once toe-tapping and sentimental. And HEY! This week only, you can get the Problems EP for $2 at www.groopease.com . You can’t beat that! Check out the video for the lead single, “I […]