The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Music Topics

Peter Farrelly was a Danfan first

Expanding Dan • 314 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎶 Music Filmmaking Songwriting Music Industry Music history
  1. Peter Farrelly discovered Steely Dan while at a boarding school and was deeply moved by their music, leading to a lifelong appreciation.
  2. Farrelly's interaction with Walter Becker for the 'Me, Myself & Irene' soundtrack showcased his passion for Steely Dan and the importance of their music in his films.
  3. Farrelly reflects on his career, his love for Steely Dan's less popular songs, and the inspiration he drew from creative duos like the Zucker brothers and his unconventional encounters with musicians.

On Mahler

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🎶 Music Classical Composition Analysis History Influence
  1. Gustav Mahler's music feels unique because it's complex and doesn't fit into traditional categories of melody and harmony. His pieces blend several melodies together in a way that feels seamless.
  2. He composed music without being tied to the piano, using multiple staves instead. This means he imagined his music without testing it out, much like coding without running the program until it's done.
  3. Despite not having a large amount of music, Mahler's works are filled with deep emotions and beauty. His few compositions leave a lasting impact that few others can match.

"The Letter" - The Box Tops and Joe Cocker

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 79 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎶 Music Music history Artists Albums Rock Soul
  1. The Box Tops had their big hit 'The Letter' when their lead singer, Alex Chilton, was just 17, showing that young talent can shine quickly in the music industry.
  2. Joe Cocker's version of 'The Letter' three years later highlighted his unique voice, even though he faced tough times with stress and financial troubles during his career.
  3. The Box Tops and Joe Cocker both represent lasting legacies in music, illustrating how artists can influence each other and continue to be celebrated over time.

Kanye the Vulture

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 301 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎶 Music Hip-hop Album review
  1. Kanye West emerged as a unique figure in hip-hop, transitioning from producer to main attraction in the music industry.
  2. Despite controversies and canceled endorsements, Kanye West's art still garners attention and proves his musical brilliance in 2024.
  3. Separating the artist from their controversial actions is a common practice in appreciating geniuses like Kanye West, despite his offensive behavior.
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Psychedelic Music: The British Invasion of ‘60s Psychedelic Sound

Tripsitter • 139 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎶 Music Psychedelic Rock
  1. Psychedelic music in the '60s was heavily influenced by psychedelic substances and the counterculture movement, with iconic bands like The Beatles and Pink Floyd paving the way for the genre.
  2. The story of Syd Barrett from Pink Floyd showcases the complexities of the relationship between psychedelics and creativity, with his experiences leading to both innovation and personal struggles.
  3. While The Rolling Stones briefly dabbled in psychedelia, their encounters with psychedelic drugs highlighted the era's experimentation and cultural impact, contributing to rock and roll history.

Sunday March 12 2023

S/FJ • 294 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🎶 Music Events Criticism Interviews
  1. You can pre-order the memoir 'Earlier' by Sasha Frere-Jones, releasing on October 24th, 2023.
  2. Hammer & Hope is a new magazine about Black politics and culture, with the first issue available for free.
  3. Enjoy some recommended music including a Radiohead show, Kassel Jaeger's latest work, and a compilation of an '80s Congolese band called Balka Sound.

November 3 2023

S/FJ • 255 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎶 Music Reviews Albums Playlists Music Industry
  1. The author worked on a piece about Ryuichi Sakamoto and a review of Teju Cole's work
  2. The new Black To Comm album is described as a nightmare but cathartic
  3. Hive Mind Records issues music from artists outside the English-speaking sphere with a unique perspective

REPOST: I Will Remove All My Content From Spotify if They Continue to Platform "Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney

I Might Be Wrong • 13 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🎶 Music Artists Content Platforms Censorship Criticism
  1. The author expresses strong dislike for Paul McCartney's song 'Wonderful Christmastime', claiming it's a terrible piece of music. They feel it negatively impacts their enjoyment of the holiday season.
  2. They argue that by continuing to include this song, Spotify is being complicit in promoting bad music. The author believes a choice must be made between their content and the song.
  3. Despite loving The Beatles, the author finds it disappointing that McCartney created such a song. They hope to disassociate themselves from 'Wonderful Christmastime' out of personal conviction.

Out for a Duck

Logging the World • 279 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🎶 Music Performance Genres Artists Live Events Memories
  1. The musician Donald 'Duck' Dunn, known for his work on bass, had a significant impact in the music world and was part of iconic performances.
  2. Collaborations in the music industry, such as those involving the MGs and other notable artists like Neil Young and Eric Clapton, created powerful and memorable live performances.
  3. Music has the unique ability to evoke strong emotions and memories, bringing joy and connection through shared experiences.

Magical Music

Clinsights • 275 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎶 Music Reflections Jazz Artists
  1. Music has the power to communicate directly into our souls.
  2. A substance-induced buzz can enhance the music experience by removing barriers.
  3. Sharing music with someone can be a magical time travel experience.

Mikhail Glinka's Doubt

Variations on a Theme • 39 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🎶 Music Classical
  1. The song _Doubt_ by Mikhail Glinka was featured in a novella by Dostoevsky, creating a unique connection between literature and music.
  2. In Dostoevsky's novella _The Eternal Husband_ the story unfolds in a complex web of relationships and hidden letters, leading to comedic situations.
  3. The arrangement of _Doubt_ for a cello quartet is accessible to intermediate to advanced players, offering a nice musical challenge.

Music for stillness

Silentium • 159 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎶 Music Instrumental Classical
  1. The post is about music for stillness and an invitation to silence.
  2. The featured music is Arvo Pärt's Symphony No. 4 'Los Angeles', which is described as being touched by the Divine in every note.
  3. Readers can keep exploring by starting a 7-day free trial on Silentium's website.

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 459 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🎶 Music Artists Albums Lyrics Music history Music culture
  1. Some artists, like Suzanne Vega, are so great that people will buy their music without hearing it first. Her music is special and touches many hearts.
  2. Winning her album on the radio was a memorable moment, and it led to a personal connection when the artist replied to a thank-you letter.
  3. The lyrics of her songs often explore deep and thoughtful themes, connecting listeners to emotions that feel universal.

The metaverse of post-punk taxonomy

Message from the Underworld • 255 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🎶 Music
  1. It's important to condemn all forms of violence against innocent civilians, regardless of the circumstances.
  2. Reuniting with past band members can bring back enjoyable memories and a sense of fulfillment.
  3. Exploring different genres and styles in music can lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations.

Ed Motta is still learning from Steely Dan

Expanding Dan • 235 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎶 Music Interview Album review Music Production Music genres
  1. Ed Motta is a dedicated student of Steely Dan and draws inspiration from their music for his own work.
  2. Motta's music combines influences from jazz-rock, South American traditions, funk, R&B, and 20th-century orchestral compositions.
  3. His latest album, 'Behind the Tea Chronicles,' showcases Motta's craftsmanship and storytelling with a nod to Steely Dan.

A lake that's on fire

The Day After Tomorrow • 79 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🎶 Music AI music Composition Technology impact Creativity
  1. AI can now create music by using poems and other inputs, making it easier for people without musical skills to share their creativity.
  2. This technology challenges our ideas about who can be a musician and what music truly means, as machines can produce similar emotional experiences as humans.
  3. As AI music becomes more common, we may need to rethink how we value music and the connections we feel to it, regardless of whether it's made by humans or machines.

Musicking

Dada Drummer Almanach • 264 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎶 Music Performance Listening Community Relationships
  1. Musicians need to adapt to different performance spaces and adjust their habits accordingly, even if they were formed early in their careers.
  2. Performers should listen to the space they're in and consider how their music is being experienced by the audience, especially in various venue settings.
  3. Music is not just about playing notes; it's about creating relationships and connections with the audience and other musicians through listening and gestures.

September 12 2023

S/FJ • 235 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🎶 Music Ambient Music genres Music Production
  1. Hiroshi Yoshimura's album 'Surround' is being reissued and considered a classic ambient album
  2. Memories and experiences tied to 9/11 and Elliott Smith in LA are shared
  3. The author lists types of music they don't want to receive, including vaporwave and certain experimental styles

Taylor Swift for the Therapy Generation

The Reclamation Era • 59 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🎶 Music Artists Albums Lyrics Mental health Cultural impact
  1. Taylor Swift's music resonates deeply with many women, especially because it feels like therapy. Her songs help listeners process their emotions and experiences.
  2. Her different musical eras represent various parts of her life, encouraging fans to reflect on their own identities and emotions. This idea aligns with concepts from Internal Family Systems therapy.
  3. The release of her album and the ongoing discussions about self-acceptance have created a cultural moment where exploring one's feelings and personal history is celebrated and encouraged.

Music NFTs: Passing Fad or Future of Music?

DeFi Education • 499 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🎶 Music Music Industry Consumer behavior Technology impact NFTs
  1. Music has changed a lot over the years, especially with technology. Today, artists can reach fans easily, but streaming often doesn't pay them well.
  2. True fans engage more than just listening. They buy merch and go to shows, which is why artists want to connect with them.
  3. Music NFTs can be a helpful tool for artists and their loyal fans. They don't need to change the whole music industry to be valuable.

The Hits of The Mamas & the Papas

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 59 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🎶 Music Pop Rock History Culture Entertainment
  1. The Mamas & the Papas were a short-lived but influential band from 1965 to 1968, making a big impact on music and culture during that time.
  2. Their breakout was largely thanks to their appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show, which helped them reach a huge audience and boost record sales.
  3. Many of their songs reflect personal experiences, and their unique style combined fun with deep themes, which made them stand out in the music scene.

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 359 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
🎶 Music Genres Artists Lyrics Production Culture
  1. Music can express feelings and emotions deeply. It often connects with personal experiences and thoughts.
  2. Songs can serve as a source of comfort, especially during tough times. They can remind us that we are not alone in our struggles.
  3. Listening to music can be a way to reflect and find peace. It helps us process our feelings and understand our situations better.

My Abuelo

Eric Harper • 39 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎶 Music Personal Story Inspiration
  1. Family members, even if not around for long, can leave a lasting impact on our lives.
  2. Different life events and people influence parts of our background and identity.
  3. Our experiences and relationships with family shape us, even if they are brief or distant.