The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Music Topics

A Tale of Three Guitars

So Here’s a Thing • 1061 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
🎶 Music Instruments Memories Skill development Music genres
  1. The author recalls acquiring three guitars over a span of forty years, each holding sentimental value and marking different stages in their life.
  2. The first guitar, bought in Moscow in 1978, was a humbling but cherished possession with flaws yet served as a valuable training ground for the author's musical journey.
  3. The most recent guitar, a Martin 000-15M, was a significant gift from the author's late father, embodying warmth and richness in sound that has enhanced the author's musical experience.

Miles Davis

Flow State • 569 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎶 Music Jazz Musician Album Biography Recommendation
  1. Miles Davis was an American trumpeter and composer known for his 'cool jazz' sound
  2. Davis incorporated funk, rock, and electronic styles into his music in the 70s
  3. One of Davis's notable albums, 'Agharta', captured a live performance in Japan

The First Tour '74 Soundboard

Flagging Down the Double E's • 609 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎶 Music Concerts
  1. The post discusses the first soundboard recordings from Bob Dylan's 1974 tour.
  2. The recordings feature unique performances and familiar songs like 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door' and 'Don't Think Twice'.
  3. Despite the setlists becoming more defined, the energy of the performances remains dynamic and engaging.

"I Heard It Through the Grapevine"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 219 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🎶 Music Rock Soul Cover songs Songwriting Music history
  1. The song 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine' has many great versions by famous artists like Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight. Each version brings something special to the song.
  2. The song was created by talented Motown songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, who wrote many hits for various artists. Their work has had a lasting impact on music.
  3. Many artists have covered this song across different genres, showing its versatility and appeal. It's a song that continues to resonate with both old and new fans.
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Sly Fidelity

Dada Drummer Almanach • 139 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🎶 Music Albums Live Performances Recording Music culture
  1. Many 'live' albums aren't actually live. They often use studio tricks to sound better, meaning what we hear isn't exactly what happened on stage.
  2. Listening to a live album can make you feel connected to an event, even if it was faked. Our imagination fills in the gaps and makes the experience feel real.
  3. The sound and quality of a recording can change how we perceive the music. Sometimes, what sounds perfect on an album is very different from a real live performance.

Mom Punk

Sucks to Suck • 943 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🎶 Music Rock Punk Alternative Folk Indie
  1. Getting older doesn't mean you have to stop enjoying music and youth culture.
  2. Supporting small acts and discovering new music can be fulfilling at any age.
  3. Music can speak to you in different ways throughout your life, even addressing adult experiences like parenthood.

All American Bitch Playlist 🎵

SHERO • 530 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎶 Music Playlist
  1. The playlist is described as feisty and unapologetic, guaranteed to make you dance.
  2. The playlist is dedicated in honor of E. Jean Carroll and Taylor Swift, celebrating strength and empowerment.
  3. You can find and enjoy the playlist on Apple iTunes and Spotify to lift your spirit.

Polygonia

Flow State • 569 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎶 Music Electronic Producer
  1. Polygonia is an electronic music producer based in Munich
  2. She has released five LPs, thirteen EPs, and many singles since 2019
  3. Polygonia's music combines techno templates with lifelike synths and organic samples to create a connection between electronic music and nature

Iasos

Flow State • 589 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎶 Music New Age Composer Albums Influence Biography
  1. Iasos was a Greek-American new age music composer who had a significant impact on the genre.
  2. He released albums like 'Inter-Dimensional Music' and 'Essence of Spring' which are known for their unique sound.
  3. Iasos passed away at the age of 77 but his music continues to inspire many listeners.

Tune Tag #27 with Nic Briscoe, Pt. 2: Jeff Buckley, Red Hot Chili Peppers, David Bowie, 10cc, Wax + One Historic 150-Year-Old Piano

Front Row & Backstage • 491 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎶 Music Rock Pop Songwriting Recording
  1. Nic Briscoe shares insights about music and recording experiences in a UK studio.
  2. The Tune Tag series features songs by Jeff Buckley, Red Hot Chili Peppers, David Bowie, 10cc, and Wax.
  3. Songs like Jeff Buckley's 'Last Goodbye' and 10cc's 'I'm Not in Love' hold personal significance.

How Eric Clapton got "Bell Bottom Blues" and wooed away George Harrison's "Layla"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 179 implied HN points • 22 May 24
🎶 Music Rock Artists Albums History Influence
  1. Eric Clapton wrote many songs for Pattie Boyd, who was originally married to George Harrison. His famous songs like 'Layla' and 'Bell Bottom Blues' were inspired by his love for her.
  2. The band Derek and the Dominos formed when Eric was struggling with his feelings for Pattie. They recorded an album that was initially not very successful but later became a classic.
  3. Pattie felt a lot of pressure being a muse for two rock stars. She eventually left George and married Eric, but their relationship had its challenges.

What Our World Sounds Like Now

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🎶 Music Music creation Music technology AI music Music culture Music Industry
  1. After a head injury, the author feels an intense need to create music, even though they don't have formal training. They wonder if everyone has hidden musical talents waiting to be discovered.
  2. They find it challenging to express the music in their head, often feeling frustrated by their lack of skills. However, they are using technology, like AI music platforms, to help bring their ideas to life.
  3. The author reflects on how new tech is changing our experience of music, suggesting that AI music might capture the leftovers of human culture rather than the true creative essence.

Release Radar: J Robbins 'Basilisk'

On Repeat by Kevin Alexander • 471 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎶 Music Review Artist profile Music Production Music Industry
  1. J Robbins has released an impressive sophomore record titled 'Basilisk', five years after his solo debut.
  2. Robbins' music in 'Basilisk' showcases a mix of driving rhythms, anthemic choruses, and shinier melodies for an accessible sound.
  3. The album 'Basilisk' represents a departure in lyrics and songwriting style from Robbins' previous work, offering a more personal and adaptable approach to music.

The White Zombie Edition

Why is this interesting? • 663 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🎶 Music Rock Metal Influence Culture History
  1. 'More Human Than Human' by White Zombie mixed industrial metal with themes of horror, influencing music and art for years. It's catchy yet unique, easy to remember but also strange.
  2. The song came out at a crucial time in music history, blending grunge's decline and nu-metal's rise, catching the attention of MTV and mainstream media.
  3. Even with its odd sound, 'More Human Than Human' reached number 7 on the Billboard charts, showing that being different can lead to commercial success.

For The Record- 10. February. 2024

On Repeat by Kevin Alexander • 452 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎶 Music News Artists Memories Concerts
  1. Time moves swiftly: Year Progress on Twitter reminds us that time keeps ticking, and before we know it, days turn into years.
  2. Memories fade: The passage of time can make entire years seem like a blur, with only snippets of memories left behind.
  3. Nostalgia for the past: Looking back at favorite records and shows brings a wave of nostalgia, reminding us of special moments and experiences.

It's that "Time of the Season" to "Tell Her No," but uh-oh "She's Not There"!

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 199 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🎶 Music Rock History Culture Albums Artists
  1. The Zombies are a famous 1960s band known for their unique sound and hit songs like 'She's Not There' and 'Time of the Season.'
  2. Their successful music came from a mix of talent, early musical backgrounds, and the impressive environment at St. Albans School.
  3. After some ups and downs in their career, the band reformed and is still creating new music and touring, showing they still have the magic from their early days.

Biosphere

Flow State • 550 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎶 Music Electronic Ambient
  1. Biosphere is an electronic/ambient project by Norwegian musician Geir Jenssen.
  2. In his latest LP, Inland Delta, Biosphere plays with synth drones and melodies on stripped-down tracks.
  3. The 1997 record Substrata + Man with a Movie Camera by Biosphere layers field recordings and radio transmissions over synths.

Doing "The Twist" with Chubby Checker

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 179 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🎶 Music Rock Dance Culture History Entertainment
  1. Dancing is for everyone, no matter your age or skill level. You can move to your favorite music in any way that feels good.
  2. Chubby Checker's song 'The Twist' became a huge hit twice, and it's a dance that anyone can do easily and with fun.
  3. Over time, people often lose their confidence to dance, but it's important to embrace joy and creativity, just like we did as kids.

THE MIND OF SONNY ROLLINS

The Nelson George Mixtape • 452 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎶 Music Jazz Musician Biography History
  1. Sonny Rollins was obsessed with study and rehearsal, enjoying practice more than performing for an audience.
  2. Sonny Rollins' music and philosophy were influenced by Buddhism, yoga, and the streets of New York.
  3. To learn more about Sonny Rollins, recommended readings include 'Saxophone Colossus' by Aidan Levy.

Aphex Twin

Flow State • 452 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎶 Music Electronic Ambient
  1. Aphex Twin is an electronic music composer from Cornwall, UK.
  2. Enjoy vibrant curation of Richard D. James on YouTube with compilations like 'Music for Sleeping.'
  3. Listen to 'Selected Ambient Works Volume II' by Aphex Twin for a chill weekend vibe.

Inside Tracks #32: Plimsouls, 1983, "A Million Miles Away" w/1990 Cover by Goo Goo Dolls (A Collab with Keith R. Higgons of "Abandoned Albums")

Front Row & Backstage • 471 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎶 Music Artists Albums Music Production
  1. The article discusses the original and cover versions of the song 'A Million Miles Away'.
  2. The author shares personal stories related to the two recordings and the emotional connection to music.
  3. There is a comparison between The Plimsouls' and Goo Goo Dolls' versions, showcasing different interpretations and personal preferences.

Benoît Pioulard

Flow State • 452 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎶 Music Ambient Composer Album Collaboration
  1. Benoît Pioulard is an ambient composer from Michigan based in Brooklyn.
  2. His latest album 'Sunder' is a collaboration with Offthesky, filled with staticky synth pads.
  3. The album 'Bloodless' features frosted, drifting chords and some spoken vocals.

The Trees (The Band) Edition

Why is this interesting? • 542 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🎶 Music Rock Folk History Influence
  1. Trees was a folk-rock band in the UK during the late 1960s and early 1970s that had a brief career and released two albums. They were known for their unique sound and a mix of traditional and modern influences.
  2. Their music is still appreciated today and they've gained a kind of cult following, alongside a box-set retrospective to celebrate their work.
  3. The band's second album cover, created by the famous design team Hipgnosis, is considered iconic and likely drew many listeners in, even if they were unfamiliar with the band.

Brian Wilson didn't even surf

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 499 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🎶 Music Pop Rock Cultural impact Music history Songwriting
  1. Brian Wilson, despite not surfing, captured the essence of surfing in his music. His songs are about fun and carefree moments but also touch on deeper feelings.
  2. The Beach Boys combined catchy pop tunes with complex music, making their songs enjoyable for both kids and music lovers. Their harmonies are especially special because they were family members who had a unique bond.
  3. Brian's songwriting and music arrangements were genius-level. He created music that evokes hope and nostalgia, making listeners feel like everything will be okay.

Darkness on the Edge of Town: Bruce Springsteen’s American Dream

American Dreaming • 107 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🎶 Music Rock Touring Songwriting Music Industry Artist biography Live performance
  1. Darkness on the Edge of Town was Springsteen’s angry, mature comeback after a three-year legal and financial fight, and it marked him taking control of his career and artistic identity.
  2. The album shifts from youthful escape to darker, adult themes—working-class struggle, family pain, and a fraying American Dream—backed by a tougher, piano- and guitar-driven sound with autobiographical lyrics.
  3. The 1978 tour turned those songs into powerful live experiences that connected deeply with blue-collar audiences, built a devoted following, and set the blueprint for Springsteen’s later political and musical directions.

"Sunny" - The inspired song that has, in turn, inspired so many other artists

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 199 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Influence History Performance Production
  1. Bobby Hebb's song 'Sunny' became a huge hit in 1966 and has been covered by over 500 artists. Its unique sound influenced many songs across different genres.
  2. The inspiration for 'Sunny' came to Bobby after a personal tragedy and seeing a beautiful sunrise, showing how powerful creativity can arise from tough times.
  3. Bobby's career was deeply influenced by his musical family and key figures in music, highlighting the importance of support and mentorship in achieving success.

The Cristo Redentor Edition

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🎶 Music Music Trends Artists Playlists Genres
  1. The Cristo Redentor Edition is a special track that people might enjoy. It seems perfect for a relaxed Friday vibe.
  2. Sharing music can be a nice way to connect with friends or brighten someone's day. It's great to spread good tunes!
  3. The visuals accompanying the music may enhance the listening experience and make it more enjoyable.

My brother-in-law is a genius

Thinking about... • 496 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎶 Music Opera Composition Performance Songwriting Critique
  1. The phrase 'my brother-in-law is a genius' isn't commonly said, but it can be true for some people. In this case, the brother-in-law is an accomplished opera composer with award-winning works.
  2. Dan Shore's music often reflects contemporary themes while drawing from classical styles, making his operas unique and relatable. He uses his talent to express current events through his performances.
  3. In tough times, music can offer comfort and connection. Sharing songs that mix serious themes with humor can help people cope better with challenging situations.

Peggi Blu on Singing with (and Cooking for) Bob Dylan

Flagging Down the Double E's • 786 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🎶 Music Interview Collaboration History Cooking Friendship
  1. Peggi Blu had a personal and musical connection with Bob Dylan, singing duets and background vocals for him.
  2. Despite their close friendship, Peggi Blu kept Bob Dylan's personal life private, including his marriage to Carolyn Dennis.
  3. Bob Dylan enjoyed singing with backing singers like Peggi Blu, creating harmonious and enjoyable performances.

Music algorithms failed us

The Rectangle • 84 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🎶 Music Streaming Discovery Algorithms Curation Industry Culture
  1. Streaming made the whole world of music easy to access, but recommendation systems focus on keeping you listening rather than showing truly new or surprising music.
  2. Algorithms reduce taste to data and similarity, so they mostly suggest songs that sound like what you already listen to and create echo chambers instead of serendipitous discoveries.
  3. Human curation and chance encounters used to surface more meaningful, unexpected music, and moving discovery away from people to machines has made finding real gems harder and more effortful.

Donald Fagen: an interview

Expanding Dan • 786 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🎶 Music Interview Life Music Tour
  1. Steely Dan is starting a tour with the Eagles at Madison Square Garden.
  2. Donald Fagen answered questions about the tour, memories of Wayne Shorter, favorite albums, and his love for iced tea.
  3. The interview is available to paid subscribers only.

Hiroshi Yoshimura

Flow State • 727 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🎶 Music Ambient Artist Albums
  1. Hiroshi Yoshimura is a Japanese ambient artist from Yokohama.
  2. His music from the 1980s, like 'Surround', is considered canonical in ambient music.
  3. A recommended album is 'Music for Nine Post Cards' from 1982.