Handsome Boy Modeling School

Pretty Lights, Ween and Jay-Z filled our playlists this week

​As people who think about, talk about, listen to and make music, the most common question we encounter is, "What are you listening to right now?" Whether you're looking for recommendations, trying to get a feel for our individual sensibilities, or are just curious, we've compiled a list of al ... More >>

Ten eleven albums for your summer road trip

With the passing of Memorial Day we can finally say summer is here. And with summer comes summer camp, vacations and tours -- and how do we get there? We drive. That's how. This is America, after all. In celebration of seemingly endless sunny days and left-arm tans, we've picked some of our favori ... More >>

On the Down-Low

Shovel away all that Usher, Prince and Lil Jon you've been jamming and dig this year's buried black-music treasures.

Head Automatica

Decadence (Warner Brothers)

Living Out Loud

After a difficult beginning, J-Live gives hope to hip-hop.

Frazer's Edge

Paula Frazer artfully crosses the country divide with Tarnation. As a solo artist, she sticks more to the shadows.

Judgment Day

Backbeat contributors offer up their favorite recordings of 1999.

Handsome Boy Modeling School/Quannum Projects

So...How's Your Girl?
(Tommy Boy)

Quannum Spectrum
(Quannum Projects)