The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Music Topics

Behind the Scenes of Bob Dylan's Farm Aid Surprise

Flagging Down the Double E's • 1827 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎶 Music Music Events Music Performance Music Influence
  1. Bob Dylan made a surprise appearance at Farm Aid, playing with members of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.
  2. The performance included '60s classics like 'Maggie's Farm' and 'Positively 4th Street', with Dylan playing guitar on all three songs.
  3. The event was kept secret, with even the Farm Aid crew unaware of Dylan's appearance, creating a buzz in the Dylan world.

Happy Hauntology: A Manifesto

Happy Hauntology • 39 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
🎶 Music Genres Trends Cultural impact Music theory Soundtracks
  1. Happy Hauntology is a new music genre that blends joyful sounds with the idea of past memories and experiences that never actually happened. It's like creating music that makes you feel nostalgic for vacations you never took.
  2. The genre combines various musical styles, such as exotica and electronica, to create a fun and dreamy listening experience. It aims to evoke a sense of wonder and imagination about magical places.
  3. Unlike traditional hauntology, which focuses on the ghosts of lost futures, Happy Hauntology invites listeners to enjoy the happy memories of fictional, whimsical worlds, often resembling the feeling you get from theme parks.

James Taylor: The Creator Series #1

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 239 implied HN points • 08 Jun 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Performance Music Industry Artist spotlight Cultural influence
  1. James Taylor believes songwriting is more of a mysterious process that comes from within. He says that sometimes, it feels like he's just the first person to hear the songs that were already there.
  2. Performing in front of small audiences helped him grow as a musician. He values those early experiences because they allowed him to test his skills and connect with audiences.
  3. For James, music is not just a job, but a way to connect with a community. He feels that playing music creates a shared emotional experience with the audience, which can be very powerful.
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Perpetual War and 'World' Music

Dada Drummer Almanach • 72 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
🎶 Music World music Live performance Touring Cultural Exchange
  1. After 9/11 and the wars that followed, stricter visa rules and political boycotts led to cancellations of many international music tours, especially from the Middle East and Africa. These obstacles included costly processing, delays, and perceived prejudicial treatment.
  2. World music concerts create rare local spaces where different communities meet, celebrate shared culture, and broaden American audiences’ understanding. They help diasporas feel seen and connect neighbors who might otherwise never gather.
  3. Political isolation and travel bans threaten these cultural exchanges and risk making society more divided, eroding the cross-cultural encounters that help shape American identity. Without these connections, neighborhoods and national culture grow more insular.

“She makes me nervous”

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 777 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎶 Music Rock History Culture Pop Influence
  1. Brenda Lee was a key figure in the early rock and roll era, showcasing a mix of innocence and surprising power at a young age. She captured audiences with her unique performances that hinted at deeper themes.
  2. The shift from rock and roll to country music in the late 1960s reflected a larger cultural change. Artists like Brenda Lee felt the need to disconnect from the counterculture, which led many back to their roots in country music.
  3. Brenda's journey shows the challenges women face in the music industry as they age. Unlike some of her male counterparts, she adapted her style and image in ways that reflected the societal expectations for female artists.

James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" + "You Can Close Your Eyes" with his son Henry Taylor

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 239 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🎶 Music Artists Songs History Performance Culture
  1. James Taylor's song 'Fire and Rain' was inspired by his struggles with addiction and the loss of a friend. He wrote it during tough times in his life.
  2. The song became a huge hit in the 1970s, helping to launch the singer-songwriter movement and leading to James' successful music career.
  3. Over the years, 'Fire and Rain' has been covered by many artists and is considered a classic, recognized for its emotional depth and beautiful sound.

Scene creation engines and apprenticeships

Escaping Flatland • 1572 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎶 Music Music Industry Music education Songwriting Music Production
  1. Sweden's success in music is due to scene creation engines and apprenticeships that foster talent development.
  2. The infrastructure in Sweden with public music schools and study circles nurtured a culture of music-making and collaboration.
  3. The tradition of established songwriters mentoring young talent through apprenticeships has been a key factor in Sweden's music industry success.

Who Are We Kidding

Dada Drummer Almanach • 221 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🎶 Music AI music Streaming Music Trends Cultural impact
  1. AI music is everywhere now, with a huge number of fully generative tracks being uploaded daily. This means we have to rethink how we view and interact with music today.
  2. Many people can't tell the difference between AI-generated music and real music, which shows just how far AI has come. However, most of this AI music isn't very good.
  3. Instead of focusing on stopping AI music, we should focus on celebrating and promoting human creativity and the value of real music. There can be a comeback for human-made music, and it's important to start rebuilding now.

Spread your tiny wings and fly away

Disaffected Newsletter • 1099 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🎶 Music Performance Artistry History Genres
  1. The female contralto voice is very special and beautiful, but it's quite rare. Many famous singers, like Karen Carpenter, have this unique vocal range.
  2. As artists grow older and revisit their earlier songs, they often bring new depth and emotion to their performances.
  3. Anne Murray's recent performance shows how time can enhance a song, making it more meaningful than when it was first released.

Throwing Muses 'Hunkpapa' at 35; A Quick Look at the Band's 1989 Breakthrough Record

On Repeat by Kevin Alexander • 786 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎶 Music Album review Music Influence
  1. Throwing Muses' 'Hunkpapa' album redefined indie rock in 1989 and continues to inspire bands today
  2. The album features intricate lyrics and a distinctive sound that sets it apart from other music of its time
  3. The band's dynamic between Kristen Hersh and Tanya Donelly, along with their commitment to lyrical depth, contributed to their lasting impact on the music industry

Annotated Songs: July July!

Colin Meloy's Machine Shop • 1434 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🎶 Music Lyrics Songwriting
  1. The song 'July, July!' was written in 2001 and is based on personal experiences and reflections.
  2. The lyrics of the song contain references to specific places and events in the author's life at that time.
  3. The chorus of the song 'July, July!' pays homage to another band's lyrics and reflects the author's personal relationship experiences.

"Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 279 implied HN points • 11 May 24
🎶 Music Rock Pop Film History
  1. The song "Just Dropped In" was originally meant to warn kids about the dangers of LSD, showing the weird experiences of an acid trip. Over time, it became associated with fun and comedy, especially with the character of the Dude in 'The Big Lebowski.'
  2. Mickey Newbury, the songwriter, had a unique background as an Air Force veteran turned hippie cowboy. Despite his influence on many famous artists, he never achieved mainstream success like others did.
  3. Kenny Rogers led the First Edition, which blended styles like rock and country. Although they had hits, they struggled to define their identity as a band, leading to their eventual breakup.

Hania Rani

Flow State • 766 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎶 Music Composer Collaboration
  1. Hania Rani is a talented Polish composer and pianist.
  2. She draws influences from Bach, Mozart, and Chopin.
  3. Listen to her works like 'On Giacometti' and 'Inner Symphonies'.

Bob and The Band Take Madison Square Garden

Flagging Down the Double E's • 648 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎶 Music Concerts Bob Dylan
  1. Bob Dylan and The Band had energetic and star-studded concerts at Madison Square Garden in 1974.
  2. The shows were recorded for the live album 'Before the Flood' but only one song from the New York shows made it to the album.
  3. Despite a strained voice and a hectic schedule, Dylan's performances received ecstatic responses from the crowd, leading to multiple encores.

I Was There When Trance Went Bad

First Floor • 668 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎶 Music Electronic Genre Culture
  1. Trance music faced criticism for being bombastic and disconnected from dance music's roots.
  2. The perception of trance went from being reviled to experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
  3. The genre went through a phase of creativity decline in the early 2000s, after enjoying a period of commercial success.

The Beatles Diaries: Celebrating 60 Years and The Feb 9, 1964 Appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show"

Front Row & Backstage • 589 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎶 Music History Impact Artists Memories
  1. The Beatles made a significant impact on American culture with their first appearance on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' in 1964, influencing a generation of musicians and fans.
  2. The Beatles had a strong sense of identity and confidence in their music, which helped them stand out in the rock 'n' roll industry at the time.
  3. The Beatles' innovative sound, style, and attitude during their 'Ed Sullivan Show' appearance changed the course of pop music history, inspiring many musicians to pursue music careers.

My Favorite Music of 2023

In the Flash • 899 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🎶 Music Reviews Recommendations Playlist
  1. The author shares their favorite music of 2023 including a variety of artists and genres.
  2. Music has played a significant role in the author's life, from childhood experiences to discovering new artists and albums.
  3. The post provides links to the Spotify playlist of the best music of 2023 and recommends other music writers on Substack.

The Day of Your Awakening: Five Hours with Bright Eyes

Five’s Substack • 159 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🎶 Music Albums Lyrics Artists Themes Cultural impact
  1. Time feels different in summer, like a slow heat. It's always moving, whether we notice it or not.
  2. Bright Eyes' album _LIFTED_ explores deep questions about life and struggle, reminding us that we're not alone in our feelings.
  3. The songs reflect on love, loneliness, and anger, showing how we can connect with each other despite life's challenges.

Christmas Medley

imetatronink • 904 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🎶 Music
  1. Post about Christmas Medley with tunes for holiday enjoyment
  2. Author is William Schryver
  3. Includes a Tip Jar link for supporting the author

My 60 Favorite Nonesuch Albums (Part 1 of 3)

The Honest Broker • 4255 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎶 Music Albums Artists Genres Record Labels
  1. Nonesuch label is known for maintaining high standards and integrity in releasing music, balancing commerce and artistry effectively.
  2. The list showcases a diverse range of Nonesuch albums, representing various genres and time periods, from Laurie Anderson's 'Big Science' to John Adams' 'City Noir.'
  3. The music by Nonesuch reflects a unique blend of traditional and avant-garde sounds, capturing the essence of different cultures and musical styles.

The Band's Role on Tour '74 (by Annie Burkhart)

Flagging Down the Double E's • 589 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎶 Music History Art Analysis Critique Performance
  1. The Band's role on the 1974 tour was significant, as they played two sets each night with their own big hits alongside Bob Dylan's songs.
  2. The Band faced struggles and burnout in 1974, with some members dealing with substance abuse and creative decline.
  3. The group's performance in Fort Worth in 1974 showcased their vulnerability and struggle, highlighted by songs like 'The Weight' and 'The Shape I'm In.'

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.

So this is 2024, huh

So Here’s a Thing • 629 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎶 Music Artists Documentary Inspirational Live performance
  1. The author is transitioning from vacation mode to work mode and shares music recommendations in their post.
  2. They highlight artists like Olivia Rodrigo, David Bowie, Blue October, and The Stones, along with their personal connections to music.
  3. The author reflects on the past year, shares insights on their listening habits, and expresses positivity for the new year.

My 60 Favorite Nonesuch Albums (Part 2 of 3)

The Honest Broker • 3989 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎶 Music Albums Artists Genres Instruments Songs
  1. Nonesuch Records is a unique label that focuses on nurturing creative work and high-quality music rather than just commercial success.
  2. Ted Gioia shares his favorite Nonesuch albums, showcasing a range of artists and eclectic music genres.
  3. Artists like Emmylou Harris and Lake Street Dive found creative freedom and success after joining Nonesuch Records.

First Floor #201 – Down the Drain

First Floor • 609 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎶 Music Electronic Music Music journalism Music recommendations
  1. Pitchfork, a prominent music publication, underwent major restructuring, signaling a dark moment for music journalism.
  2. The recent resurgence of independent newsletters, blogs, and podcasts is linked to the decline of professional music media.
  3. Quality music journalism is in danger, with a need for consumers to support and pay for it to keep it alive.