The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Music Topics

The Haunting Beauty of "Wichita Lineman" - Glen Campbell and James Taylor

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 99 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🎶 Music Artists Songs History Genres Memories
  1. The song 'Wichita Lineman' by Glen Campbell evokes deep emotions, often making listeners feel nostalgic or even cry.
  2. Glen Campbell and James Taylor both have a special talent for connecting with people's feelings through their music, making their songs resonate with many.
  3. Glen Campbell had a remarkable career and was part of the famous Wrecking Crew, a group that played on many hit songs in the 60s and 70s.

Eyes Wide Open

The Better Letter • 196 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎶 Music History Criticism Innovation Popularity Impact
  1. The Beatles' success was a result of luck and timing, as well as their innovation and willingness to take risks.
  2. Critics initially dismissed The Beatles' music, but later recognized their impact and influence on the music industry.
  3. The Beatles faced criticism and skepticism from critics throughout their career, but their music ultimately endured and influenced generations to come.

Surface Noise

Dada Drummer Almanach • 9 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🎶 Music Recording Technology Listening History Copyright Production Sound
  1. Analog recordings keep both the music and the marks of their use — surface noise, tape hiss, and studio sounds — and those imperfections make listening feel tactile and time‑bound.
  2. Digital formats remove physical friction and surface noise, giving cleaner sound and huge libraries, but that intangibility often encourages skipping and shallower listening instead of close, time‑rich attention.
  3. New technologies from the player piano to magnetic tape and multitrack recording transformed how music is made and edited, enabling creative splicing and overdubs while also introducing limits like tape hiss and prompting changes in copyright law.

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🎶 Music Artists Albums Genres Reviews Events
  1. Tom Petty's music carries themes of longing and boundaries, suggesting to others to stay away when needed.
  2. His lyrics often reflect a sense of personal struggle and discontent, which resonates with many listeners.
  3. Enjoying a musical interlude can provide a break and a moment of reflection in daily life.
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Audio Autopsy, 1991: "Perspex Island"-The Robyn Hitchcock Interview by Amy Hughes

Front Row & Backstage • 373 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🎶 Music Interview Albums Songs Artists Performance
  1. Robyn Hitchcock's music defies typical pop sensibilities with clever, eccentric, and thought-provoking lyrics.
  2. The interview gives insight into Robyn Hitchcock's songwriting process, choice of songs for albums, and collaboration with producers.
  3. Robyn Hitchcock reflects on his music career, changes in his style, and the impact of commercial success on his artistic expression.

The Zakir Hussain Remembrance Edition

Why is this interesting? • 542 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎶 Music Classical Fusion Cultural Collaboration
  1. Zakir Hussain was a master of the tabla, a traditional Indian drum. He started learning at just three years old from his famous father, showing early talent.
  2. Hussain blended classical tabla music with modern influences and worked with big names like George Harrison and the Grateful Dead. He made the tabla more popular by bringing it to new audiences.
  3. His love for music started as a baby when his father sang tabla rhythms to him. This deep connection shaped his incredible career in music.

The Black Dog

Flow State • 176 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎶 Music Music Production
  1. The Black Dog is a techno trio from Sheffield, UK, known for their brutalist techno sound and unique recording methods.
  2. Their album 'The Grey Album' features a spare, reduced sound created by recording on one synth each in separate warehouses.
  3. Their album 'Music for Real Airports' showcases a unique blend of less percussion with scene-setting audio, creating a distinctive listening experience.

Jerskin Fendrix (Interview)

Flow State • 176 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎶 Music Composer Interview
  1. Jerskin Fendrix is an English composer and singer based in London, known for his avant-pop and hyperpop sounds.
  2. Fendrix composed the soundtrack for the film 'Poor Things,' which earned him and the filmmaker Oscar nominations.
  3. Fendrix's music is deeply inspired by various influences, and he aims to capture emotions and essence rather than conform to traditional scoring.

Raye. Revenge of a late bloomer.

The Common Reader • 1275 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🎶 Music Success Talent Exploration Exploitation
  1. Raye's story shows the importance of persistence and bravery in pursuing your passion, even if it means taking risks and going against the norm.
  2. Late bloomers like Raye may experience a period of exploration before transitioning to a phase of exploiting their talents, which is crucial for achieving success.
  3. The support of networks, hard work, and the courage to make significant changes are key elements that contribute to the success of late bloomers like Raye.

🎷Brad, Terry, Herbie Mann, and All That Jazz: Improv Reflections on the Uniquely American Music🎺🎶

Front Row & Backstage • 353 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🎶 Music Jazz Improvisation Instruments Artists Performances
  1. Jazz can be a rich experience with different interpretations from various artists.
  2. Listening to jazz involves focusing on individual instruments and appreciating the interplay.
  3. Jazz requires musicianship and expertise to navigate through improvisation within a structured framework.

Tina Turner, The Link Between Legends, 1966: Phil Spector's "River Deep-Mountain High"

Front Row & Backstage • 353 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🎶 Music Legends Production History Recordings
  1. Tina Turner was a legendary artist who inspired other musicians like Phil Spector.
  2. The song 'River Deep-Mountain High' marked a significant collaboration between Tina Turner and Phil Spector, showcasing their talents.
  3. The recording process for 'River Deep-Mountain High' was intense and intricate, leading to a masterpiece in pop music history.

Audio Autopsy, 1984: The Difford & Tilbrook Duo LP, Labelled With Squeeze

Front Row & Backstage • 353 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎶 Music Songwriting Album review Music journalism
  1. The album 'Difford & Tilbrook' was released in 1984 as a project by the key songwriters of the band Squeeze.
  2. The album was considered a mix of blue-eyed soul and synthesizer sounds, but failed to achieve commercial success.
  3. Despite its lack of commercial success, the album is still appreciated by serious fans of Squeeze for its consistency and unique sound.

Audio Autopsy, 1985: Prefab Sprout, Paddy McAloon: Steve McQueen UK/Two Wheels Good US Album + 2023 Acoustic Vinyl

Front Row & Backstage • 353 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🎶 Music Albums Artists Genres Reviews Music Production
  1. The album 'Steve McQueen' by Prefab Sprout has an interesting history of different titles between the UK and the US.
  2. Prefab Sprout's music from the mid-'80s is considered sophisticated and beautiful, standing out from other popular music of that time.
  3. In 2023, an acoustic version of 'Steve McQueen' album was released in the US, bringing a new take on the classic songs.

Audio Autopsy 1975: Head East "Never Been Any Reason," A&M Records (+ Petra, John Schlitt)

Front Row & Backstage • 353 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🎶 Music History Bands Musicians Albums Genres
  1. Head East's hit song "Never Been Any Reason" caught the attention of A&M Records and lead to a re-release of their album.
  2. Lead singer John Schlitt's musical journey with Head East and Petra showcases a career transformation from rock band to Christian music.
  3. The song features unique Minimoog solos and vocal arrangements that contributed to its classic rock success.

First Floor #203 – Looking in the Mirror

First Floor • 176 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎶 Music Reviews Electronic Music Journalism
  1. Many recent articles have highlighted challenges faced by music journalism, especially in the era of streaming and social media.
  2. Former Resident Advisor editor Ray Philp offers constructive criticism on music reviews and suggests potential improvements.
  3. Music journalists are exploring solutions to industry challenges, such as declining demand for music news and the evolving media landscape.

George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 79 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
🎶 Music Rock History Artists Songwriting Culture
  1. George Harrison's song 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' was not just about music; it shows how the Beatles were starting to drift apart. Harrison faced challenges getting his songs recognized while John and Paul took the spotlight.
  2. Eric Clapton's contribution to the song was significant, as he was invited to play guitar, something that hadn’t happened with other artists on Beatles records. This added a new dynamic and was part of Harrison's growth as a musician.
  3. The song represented a shift in rock music during the late 1960s, marking a divide between the pop music of the past and the heavier, more political sound that was emerging. This change in style played a role in the band's eventual breakup.

Rick Beato on The Carpenters

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎶 Music Music theory Artist analysis Cultural impact
  1. Watching young people react to old music can be joyful because they feel real emotions. It's great to see their surprise and connection to genuine artistry.
  2. Rick Beato brings a mature understanding of music, especially The Carpenters, and helps people see the beauty in their chords and melodies.
  3. You don't have to be a music expert to appreciate music; learning a bit about music theory can deepen your enjoyment and understanding of what you love.

Music for quiet rooms

Silentium • 199 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎶 Music Silence Improvisation
  1. Lorenz Weber is a musician and artist creator of Music for Quiet Rooms.
  2. He found inspiration for his work at the Arvo P\u00e4rt Centre.
  3. You can listen to his music playlist 'Music for Quiet Rooms' on Spotify.

Audio Autopsy, 1986: XTC "Season Cycle" from Skylarking LP, Produced by Todd Rundgren

Front Row & Backstage • 334 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🎶 Music Artists Albums Songs Influences Production
  1. XTC's song 'Season Cycle' from the 1986 Skylarking LP is deeply influenced by 1960s music and the Beach Boys.
  2. The album 'Skylarking' by XTC was a loose concept album produced by Todd Rundgren.
  3. The songwriting and recording process of XTC, especially during their Dukes of Stratosphear project, showcased a creative homage to 1960s music.

In The Heir Tonight: Drummer, Nic Collins, 22, More Than Just Genesis "Phil-in"

Front Row & Backstage • 334 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎶 Music Band Touring Influences Songwriting
  1. Nic Collins has his own band and tours with Mike + The Mechanics.
  2. Nic Collins is kind and caring towards his family, including being a supportive figure for his father Phil Collins.
  3. Nic Collins is determined to make a global impact as a drummer and songwriter, aiming to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Tony Bennett Never Went Anywhere

The Melt by Jason Diamond • 334 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🎶 Music Legends Music Industry Songwriting Popular culture
  1. Tony Bennett remained a constant and influential figure in the music industry for decades.
  2. He had a unique ability to adapt and appeal to different generations while staying true to his classic style.
  3. Bennett's music, particularly his 'Unplugged' album, resonated with younger audiences and introduced them to the beauty of classic standards.

Dianna Lucia Dragonetti: How Beautiful Are the Feet

Do Not Research • 219 implied HN points • 25 Dec 23
🎶 Music Classical
  1. The post discusses the performance of 'How Beautiful are the Feet' from Handel's Messiah at Trinity Lutheran church of Manhattan on May 14, 2023.
  2. The oratorio was composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741, and the post shares details about this English-language work.
  3. Dianna Lucia Dragonetti is mentioned in the post, possibly connected to the performance or the discussion about the composition.

What I Learned Going to 100s of Concerts - Part II

Can't Get Much Higher • 157 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎶 Music Concerts Artists Memories Genres Experience
  1. Missed opportunities to see favorite artists at concerts can lead to regrets and disappointment.
  2. Live music can evoke strong emotions and create lasting memories, connecting people over shared experiences.
  3. Attending concerts, especially with friends and family, can have a profound impact on one's perspective and appreciation for music.

Should Condé Nast Subsidize Pitchfork?

The Seat of Loss • 14 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🎶 Music Music journalism Music Criticism Music Industry Media Business Monetization Digital Media Subscription Models
  1. Music sites can’t rely on ads the way they used to, so album reviews need subscription revenue to be sustainable. Putting reviews and commenting behind a paywall is a market response to that reality.
  2. Large publishers subsidizing cultural outlets insulated them from market pressures and warped expectations for readers, writers, and smaller competitors. That subsidy made it harder for scrappy innovators to compete and created an unsustainable bubble.
  3. Condé Nast shouldn’t be expected to keep footing the bill indefinitely; Pitchfork should try to build a real subscription product and invest in podcasts and short-form video. If it can’t find a viable business model, it may be better for the site to close so the people who work there can pursue sustainable opportunities elsewhere.

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🎶 Music Nostalgia Pop Rock Vinyl
  1. Growing up in the '80s felt magical and full of possibilities. It seemed like the world was just waiting for you and your friends to explore it.
  2. Nostalgia for music from your youth is common. For some, the songs from 1980 to 1991 bring back strong memories and emotions.
  3. Hearing songs from the past can trigger deep feelings. A familiar melody can suddenly bring tears after many years.