The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Music Topics

The 100 Best Recordings of 2024 (Part 1 of 2)

The Honest Broker • 7746 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎶 Music Genres Artists Music Industry Cultural Trends
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Steve Earle

Van Cliburn Punched Me In The Mouth • 158 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Politics Cultural impact Artistry Music Industry
  1. Steve Earle believes music has always had a political side, and right now it might be more important than ever. He thinks artists should write about what they feel strongly about, even if those topics are heavy.
  2. Earle points out that in the past, music played a big role in social change. He feels that today's artists have the chance to create impactful songs, especially with current issues in the world.
  3. He also emphasizes the need for empathy in songwriting. When artists connect with their emotions and experiences, they can reach people's hearts better, making them more powerful in conveying their messages.

My New Favorite Music Genre Is Polish Noir

The Honest Broker • 8344 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎶 Music Genres Artists Cultural Trends Music Reviews Creative Expression
  1. There's a new music genre called Polish Noir, which has a dark and melancholic vibe but also feels uplifting. It's perfect for those looking for deeper, more meaningful sounds.
  2. Polish Noir music often has a trance-like quality and is influenced by mysticism. It's different from mainstream music and invites listeners to connect with their emotions.
  3. The genre features talented artists like Hania Rani who create unique, ritualistic music that's not about commercial success. It's about artistry and evoking a special feeling.

Tori Amos

Van Cliburn Punched Me In The Mouth • 178 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🎶 Music Artist Profiles Songwriting Interviews Live performance
  1. Tori Amos explains that she can't force creativity like some songwriters can. Inspiration for her songs comes from moments in life, not from a set schedule.
  2. She emphasizes that great songs and hit records are not the same thing, and real artists often avoid formulas to make authentic music.
  3. Tori believes that understanding emotions and personal experiences is crucial for songwriting. Living a full life helps writers create deeper, more meaningful art.

The Kompakt Selects Edition

Why is this interesting? • 180 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🎶 Music Artists Genres Record Labels Playlists Music culture
  1. Kompakt is a well-known music label from Cologne that recently celebrated its 500th release. It has a unique style and perspective in the music industry.
  2. Philip Sherburne is recognized as an important music and culture writer who recently wrote a great retrospective on Kompakt.
  3. The label shares similarities with others like Ghostly International, showcasing a strong artistic vision and identity.
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My 10 Favorite Paul McCartney Post-Beatles Musical Moments

The Honest Broker • 7014 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎶 Music Artists Albums Genres Live Performances Music history
  1. Paul McCartney had a successful solo career after the Beatles, showcasing his incredible talent beyond the famous band. His post-Beatles work is impressive enough to secure his legendary status.
  2. A touching moment from McCartney's 2022 performance featured him singing with a video of John Lennon, highlighting their deep connection even years after the band's breakup. This moment resonated with many fans, evoking strong emotions.
  3. In a lesser-known performance, McCartney played with an Afrobeat band from Malawi, demonstrating his versatility as a bassist. It's surprising that this performance didn't get more attention, as it showcases his unique style.

An Open Letter to Taylor Swift

The Honest Broker • 38632 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🎶 Music Industry Artists Streaming Live Music
  1. The music ecosystem faces various challenges like declining artist incomes, corporatized platforms, and struggling live music venues.
  2. Big players like streaming platforms, record labels, and technocrats may not provide solutions for these challenges.
  3. Taylor Swift is encouraged to lead a new initiative to empower musicians, create fair music distribution, and revitalize the music industry.

The 100 Best Recordings of 2024 (Part 2 of 2)

The Honest Broker • 4521 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎶 Music Genres Artists Albums Listening
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Why Is Music Journalism Collapsing?

The Honest Broker • 24402 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎶 Music Journalism Music Industry Streaming platforms Artists
  1. Music journalism faces a crisis with major layoffs and company mergers.
  2. The decline in music journalism mirrors broader issues in the music industry, like layoffs in music companies and streaming platforms.
  3. The root cause of the crisis includes industry focus on old music, passive listening, and AI-generated tracks, leading to a lack of support for new artists.

Morning report

Patti Smith • 11871 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🎶 Music Live performance Music Artists Music Events
  1. Patti Smith had a great show in Cincinnati with The National's Homecoming.
  2. She sang 'I Need My Girl' with The National's singer and got a cool hoodie from Dave Willis.
  3. Packing her things, Patti Smith is off to Washington D.C., with Michael Stipe and The Walkman members making appearances.

Musical Interlude: Live to Tell

Disaffected Newsletter • 839 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🎶 Music Pop Performances Artists Emotional
  1. Madonna's emotional ballads show her true feelings, especially in 'Live to Tell'. It's a standout piece that showcases her talent beyond her public persona.
  2. The song holds personal significance, echoing themes of trauma and understanding that resonate with many listeners.
  3. Alternative performances of 'Live to Tell', especially those by Patrick Leonard and during Madonna's later concerts, bring a new depth to the song that enhances its impact.

Prelude no. 1 in C major---music you should know by name

Disaffected Newsletter • 1099 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
🎶 Music Classical Composition Theory Instruments Performances
  1. Bach's Prelude no. 1 in C Major is a beautiful and well-known piece of music that many people recognize, even if they don't know its name.
  2. The piece is part of a collection called the Well-Tempered Clavier, which showcases different musical keys and tuning systems.
  3. You can hear similarities between Bach's Prelude and the song 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina', showing how classical music influences modern songs.

"Stage Fright" by The Band (1970) with Todd Rundgren as engineer/producer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 559 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock Songwriting Music history Artist Profiles
  1. Todd Rundgren worked as the engineer and producer for The Band's album 'Stage Fright,' which showed his skills in the studio. He had to face challenges while recording, like setting up a makeshift control room.
  2. The song 'Stage Fright' is about the feelings many artists face, capturing the emotion of performing. It became one of the highlights of the album and a classic rock song.
  3. Despite being younger and less experienced than The Band members, Todd's dedication and hard work helped make the project a success, boosting his reputation in the music industry.

Crushing on the singer or rock star

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 419 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists Culture Interviews Emotions Performance
  1. It's normal to crush on musicians and rock stars. They create strong feelings in us through their art, and it feels like we connect with them on a deeper level.
  2. People often confuse their feelings for the artist with feelings for the person. We get swept up in the emotions their work brings out in us.
  3. Many of us don't pay enough attention to each other. When someone really listens, it makes us feel seen and loved, leading to these intense crushes.

What We've Lost in Music Criticism

Freddie deBoer • 8787 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎶 Music Criticism Pop Rock Diversity
  1. Indie rock no longer exists in 2024, with no cool clubs or scene left to produce new albums, showing a cultural shift away from 'indie' music.
  2. The embrace of poptimism in music criticism led to a shift towards conformity and popular music elevation, changing the role of the critic from highlighting underappreciated music to reassuring popular tastes.
  3. Music criticism has lost its diversity and focus on challenging artistic expressions due to the dominance of poptimism, impacting the vibrancy and depth of music discussions.

The Death of the B-Side Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1327 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎶 Music Album Vinyl Streaming Cultural impact
  1. B-sides were special songs that didn't fit on albums, offering hidden gems that fans could discover. In today's music scene, the magic of finding these tracks has almost disappeared.
  2. While people think albums are dying, many artists, like Taylor Swift, continue to create and sell vinyl records, showing that albums are still popular. They are more resilient than people might believe.
  3. Streaming services change how we discover music, focusing on what we already like. This can make us miss out on new, unexpected music, which is what B-sides used to provide.

"Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin and Big Brother & the Holding Company (1968)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 379 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🎶 Music Rock History Artists Performances Albums
  1. Janis Joplin was full of life and passion, especially during her time in San Francisco's vibrant counterculture scene. She really embraced the rock and roll lifestyle.
  2. Her hit song 'Piece of My Heart' helped make her a star, showcasing her powerful voice and unique style. It was a big moment for her career.
  3. Even though Janis was a natural performer, she sometimes struggled with the recording process. She preferred the excitement of live shows over studio work.

"Last Night I Had a Dream" by Fanny (1973) with Todd Rundgren as producer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 459 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock History Culture Bands Producers
  1. Fanny was a pioneering all-female rock band formed in 1969, recognized for their talent and influential music. They had several hits and were supported by notable music figures.
  2. Todd Rundgren produced Fanny's fourth album, emphasizing their song structure and harmonies, which earned positive reviews despite no chart-topping hits.
  3. Although Fanny faced challenges in the tough music industry and eventually broke up, their legacy inspired future all-female bands and individual members continued to make their mark in music.

Christian Wolff

Dada Drummer Almanach • 86 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎶 Music Composition Performance Jazz Classical
  1. Music exists through performance, meaning it comes alive when played by musicians. The written score is important, but it doesn't define the music completely.
  2. Christian Wolff contributed to a style of music that allows performers to interpret and play it in different ways. This makes each performance unique.
  3. Wolff was part of the New York School of composers, which focused on new musical ideas and included famous figures like John Cage. Their work influenced how we think about music today.

The Prehistory of Music

Dada Drummer Almanach • 52 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎶 Music Music history Anthropology Cultural Theory Evolutionary Theory
  1. Music has deep roots in human history, showing how important it has been in shaping cultures. It connects us to our past and influences how we live today.
  2. The study of music isn't just about its notes and rhythms; it's also about understanding its role in society and culture. Music can help create and define the world around us.
  3. Exploring how humans developed musical abilities can lead to insights about our evolution and what makes us unique as a species. It's fascinating to think about why we can engage with music in such powerful ways.

"O-o-h Child" by the Five Stairsteps (1970)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 299 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🎶 Music Genres History Artists Reviews Albums
  1. The song 'O-o-h Child' by the Five Stairsteps was released in 1970 and aimed to uplift listeners during tough times. It reminds us that things can get better, even when the world feels chaotic.
  2. The Five Stairsteps were a family music group from Chicago, known as 'The First Family of Soul.' Their name came from how they looked lined up by age, like steps on a staircase.
  3. The group's style evolved from matching suits to embracing individuality. Their performances reflected the changing culture of the late 60s and early 70s, showing off their talent and creativity.

Making mixtapes

Austin Kleon • 2218 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🎶 Music Collage Playlist Listening
  1. Making mixtapes can be a fun and creative way to enjoy music. You can use old cassettes to create something new and personal.
  2. This activity involves covering old songs and artwork, allowing for a fresh mix that reflects your current favorites.
  3. It's a great way to explore music and share it with others, helping to connect through your favorite tracks and discover new ones.

"Dancing Barefoot" by the Patti Smith Group (1979) with producer Todd Rundgren

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 379 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock Artists Albums Songwriting
  1. The song 'Dancing Barefoot' by the Patti Smith Group is a notable track from their 1979 album 'Wave', produced by Todd Rundgren. It's well-loved and has been covered by many artists.
  2. Patti Smith and Todd Rundgren share a deep friendship that began in the late 60s. Their bond was built on mutual respect and admiration for each other's artistic talents.
  3. The song is dedicated to women artists, showcasing Patti's love for strong female figures. It's recognized as a powerful piece about love and longing.

"Hello It's Me" by Todd Rundgren (1972)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 459 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists Genres Albums History Culture
  1. Todd Rundgren's song 'Hello It's Me' became a big hit in the early 1970s, reaching high positions on music charts. Many people connect the song to feelings of young love and heartbreak.
  2. The song has two versions: a popular solo version and one from his band The Nazz. It's interesting to see how his songwriting evolved from his teenage years to his later work.
  3. Rundgren is a self-taught musician who used his piano skills creatively. His unique style and fashion choices also reflected the glam rock trends of that time.

How I Stopped Hating Steely Dan

The Honest Broker • 21177 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🎶 Music Music history Music Analysis Music Industry
  1. The author's initial resistance to Steely Dan changed as they discovered the band's depth and artistry.
  2. Steely Dan's music challenged pop banality and conventionality, offering a unique and edgy perspective.
  3. The fusion of jazz elements in Steely Dan's art pop style inspired the author to appreciate skilled studio musicians and rethink elitist attitudes in music.

Music and Revolution

Dada Drummer Almanach • 96 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎶 Music Artists Interviews History Albums Genres
  1. Caetano Veloso, a famous musician, had a memorable moment reflecting on his past beauty while signing an album. He seems to appreciate the admiration from others as well as his own history.
  2. During an interview, Veloso shared that one of his earlier albums, which flopped, was significant in his career. It shows how even setbacks can shape a person's journey.
  3. The playful banter and compliments exchanged between Veloso and his friends reveal a sense of camaraderie and humor, highlighting the importance of connections and support in life.

Suspended emotion

Disaffected Newsletter • 1538 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🎶 Music Music theory Emotional Expression Personal Reflection
  1. Music can be deeply emotional, and sometimes it can be tough to face those feelings. Taking a break from music during hard times can seem like a way to protect ourselves.
  2. Suspended notes in music create tension and beauty, making songs feel more powerful. This technique helps our hearts connect with the music on a deeper level.
  3. Understanding some music theory can enhance our listening experience. It shows us how sound works and helps us appreciate music more, even if we're not musicians ourselves.

Todd Rundgren as a songwriter and performer: The Creator Series #5

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 279 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Performing Music Industry Creative Process
  1. Todd Rundgren believes there are different levels of musicians: entertainers, performers, and artists, with artists being the rarest who create unpredictable and unique expressions. He thinks being a performer is the best way to make a stable living in music.
  2. He values artistic freedom over chasing fame, using his success as a producer to create music that reflects his true self without worrying about commercial success. He sees the process of creating something from nothing as a key motivation for his work.
  3. Todd emphasizes the importance of practical help for artists, sharing how his manager supported him in both personal and professional matters, allowing him to focus on his music. He also finds inspiration from the music ecosystem around him and the collaborations he engages in.

"Peace Train" by Yusuf/Cat Stevens (1971)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 239 implied HN points • 07 Aug 24
🎶 Music Artists Albums History Genres Live Performances
  1. Cat Stevens was super popular in the early 70s, with his albums selling millions of copies. Songs like 'Peace Train' and 'Morning Has Broken' were huge hits.
  2. He left the music industry in 1977 after converting to Islam, which shocked many fans. It was a big deal because he gave up a successful career.
  3. Cat made a comeback in 2006 under the name Yusuf and has been creating music and touring ever since. His song 'Peace Train' remains a favorite for its catchy and uplifting melody.

How Miles Davis Hired John Coltrane

The Honest Broker • 8710 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎶 Music Jazz Artists Narrative Biography Music Industry
  1. Miles Davis hired John Coltrane out of necessity, as his band needed a saxophonist for an upcoming tour.
  2. John Coltrane's musical talent and knowledge of Miles Davis's repertoire impressed during tryouts, leading to his eventual hiring.
  3. Their initial interactions were characterized by Miles Davis's aloofness and Coltrane's uncertainty, but despite difficulties, Coltrane eventually joined Davis's band.

"Baby Blue" by Badfinger (1972) with Todd Rundgren as producer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 339 implied HN points • 20 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock Artists Production Songs Albums
  1. Todd Rundgren took over as the third producer for Badfinger's album _Straight Up_, stepping in after the previous producers faced challenges. He worked quickly to finalize the album in under two weeks.
  2. The hit song 'Baby Blue' was written by Pete Ham about a woman he met on tour. It became popular, hitting #14 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in the U.S. and was later featured in _Breaking Bad_.
  3. Todd's approach to production was more controlling than the previous producers, which caused some tension with the band. However, his work led to successful singles and helped build his reputation as 'The Fixer'.

"I'm a Believer" by the Monkees (1966)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 399 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock Pop Songwriting Bands Music history
  1. The Monkees were a popular band created for a TV show, and they captured the hearts of many young fans with their music and antics.
  2. Their song 'I'm a Believer' was a huge hit written by Neil Diamond, making it one of the best-selling albums in the U.S. during its time.
  3. The B-side 'I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone' shows a different side of the band with a more psychedelic and edgy vibe.

Reclaiming Sinéad O' Connor

Letters from Suzanne • 4972 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🎶 Music Music
  1. The post discusses reclaiming Sinéad O' Connor.
  2. There is mention of Sinéad O' Connor's powerful voice and impactful songs like "Troy" and "Mandinka".
  3. To access the full post, a 7-day free trial subscription is offered.

SIXTY MILE PER HOUR WINDS

Entering The Lung • 2928 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎶 Music Recording
  1. The author experienced a severe blizzard with high winds in Vermont, but power stayed on.
  2. The author expressed gratitude for the supportive community and feedback on a post about serial murderers.
  3. The author shared excitement and anxiety about recording a new music project, while mentioning a studio dog named Coco.

9 New Albums I'm Recommending Right Now

The Honest Broker • 7746 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎶 Music Genres
  1. The best music nowadays often comes from small indie labels and self-produced albums, flourishing in unexpected places without massive marketing campaigns.
  2. Exploring different genres, styles, and countries can lead to discovering unique and captivating music experiences.
  3. Homemade albums, like those created in bedrooms or unconventional spaces, showcase raw talent and creativity that defy mainstream radio norms.

In Search of Dupree Bolton

The Honest Broker • 8245 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎶 Music Jazz Musician Music history Music Industry
  1. Dupree Bolton was a mysterious and talented jazz trumpeter who emerged suddenly on the West Coast jazz scene in the 1950s, made recordings marked by his unique style, but then disappeared abruptly.
  2. Despite his brief career, Dupree Bolton left a lasting impact with his remarkable trumpet playing on records like 'The Fox' and 'Katanga!' alongside saxophonist Curtis Amy.
  3. Researcher Ted Gioia tracked down Dupree Bolton years later in San Francisco, where the musician was playing on the streets, revealing a complex and troubled life story that included struggles with drugs and internal conflict.

"This Is a Hell of a Statement I'm About to Make—But He Superseded Miles"

The Honest Broker • 7846 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎶 Music Streaming Jazz Culture Media Investment
  1. Spotify is facing challenges with fake artists, playlists, and financial losses, raising concerns about the music streaming service's business model.
  2. The shift from macroculture to microculture is evident in the media industry, with traditional legacy outlets experiencing layoffs while alternative platforms like Substack thrive.
  3. There is a trend towards investment firms buying song catalogs, the decline of live music reviews in mainstream media, and interest in the transformative power of sound highlighted through the work of Hans Jenny in 'Cymatics'.