Jim O'Rourke

Nicolas Basque of Plants and Animals on progressing from sprawling instrumentals

Plants and Animals (due tonight at the hi-dive) began life as an all instrumental band in Montreal making sprawling rock epics informed by an improvisational sensibility. But by the time the band was ready for its 2008 debut full-length, Parc Avenue, it no longer seemed to feel the need to explore i ... More >>

Facebook gets worked up over Nevermind: Ten notably more offensive album covers (NSFW)

​This week, Facebook claimed the cover of Nirvana's Nevermind, which features a baby and his hanging do-dad, violated its terms of use when it was displayed on the official Nirvana fan page. The social networking site later reversed its decision, but it can only be assumed it was initially due ... More >>

Tonight: Bill Callahan at the Hi-Dive

​Performing and recording under then moniker Smog for the first half of his career, Bill Callahan (playing tonight at the hi-dive with Neil Morgan) changed over to his given name with the release of 2007's Woke On A Whaleheart, but his sound and style remained unaffected. The vastly prolific s ... More >>

Bill Callahan on misunderstandings and his collaborations

Goya SkyeBill Callahan​ Bill Callahan (due Monday, June 27th) started releasing music under the moniker Smog in 1990. He was connected to the then-emerging underground network of music that included the indie label Kill Rock Stars, which included his song "37 Pushups ." Callahan's emotionally ... More >>

Strangers Die Every Day

Hi-Dive

Nationalistic

Our music writers pick the year’s national bests.

Loose Fur

Born Again in the USA (Drag City)

Comfort Food

Beth Orton leaves the icing off her musical cake.

Moore Substance

Youth and success are relative to Thurston Moore.

Warming Trend

At long last, Edith Frost is done chilling out.

Sonic Youth

Sonic Nurse (Geffen)

Sonic Youth

Murray Street (Geffen)

Playlist

The Aluminum Group, Patricia Barber, Schneider TM, The Souvenirs

Their Noise

After ten years, Superchunk and Merge Records are still working. But they are not working for you.

Below Freezing

Edith Frost creates music that fits the season perfectly.

The Aging of Sonic Youth

The ultimate indie band embraces the past, the present and the future.

PLAYLIST