The hottest Artists Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Music Topics

Songs for Drella

Austin Kleon • 1318 implied HN points • 04 Oct 22
🎶 Music Albums Artists History Reviews
  1. The album 'Songs for Drella' is a tribute to Andy Warhol, created by Lou Reed and John Cale, who were once estranged.
  2. The nickname 'Drella' combines 'Dracula' and 'Cinderella,' reflecting the complex nature of Warhol's personality.
  3. The songs on the album present Warhol's life from different perspectives, including his own and those of Reed and Cale.

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.

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.

What's got my attention this week #45

The Shift With Sam Baker • 99 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Midlife Artists News Essays Personal Growth
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker newsletter offers a variety of curated content, including essays, round-ups, book clubs, and more for readers.
  2. The newsletter contains interesting links and recommendations on topics like relationships, celebrity encounters, personal reflections, and societal issues.
  3. Paid subscribers get access to exclusive posts and support the work of the newsletter creator.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

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.

🎷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.

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.

Saul Steinberg at play

Austin Kleon • 1338 implied HN points • 12 Jul 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Cartoons Exhibitions Artists Art history
  1. Saul Steinberg was a unique artist who described himself as a 'writer who draws'. He inspired others to see art in new ways.
  2. His famous work, 'View of the World from 9th Avenue', is well-known and a great introduction to his style and ideas.
  3. Steinberg had a long history with 'The New Yorker' magazine, which showcases his diverse range of artistic styles and contributions.

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.

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.

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.

Radimir Koch & Anna Pederson, "Secrets to Graceful Living" at Alyssa Davis Gallery

Do Not Research • 159 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Exhibition Gallery Artists Installation Creativity
  1. The exhibition 'Secrets to Graceful Living' by Radimir Koch & Anna Pederson is hosted at Alyssa Davis Gallery from January 13 to February 25, 2024, showcasing unique aesthetic experiences.
  2. The exhibition involved a remote viewing session documenting raw intelligence about various aesthetic experiences using a specific protocol known as Distant Flame Protocol.
  3. Participants in the session provided detailed observations and interpretations of a mysterious gateway covered in moss, evoking feelings of being woven into something with elements of machinery and nature.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 339 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🎶 Music Genres Artists Albums History Reviews
  1. Music can evoke emotions and memories. Listening to a song might remind you of a special moment or feeling.
  2. Sharing music with others builds connections. When you share a song, it can create a shared experience that brings people closer.
  3. Art, like music, often reflects personal experiences. The stories behind songs can be just as compelling as the melodies themselves.

The Song That Made Me Leave

The Reclamation Era • 19 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Lyrics Pop culture Artists
  1. Breaking points often lead us to wake up to ourselves and make important life changes. It's essential to recognize when it's time to move on from a situation that no longer serves us.
  2. Music can deeply influence our emotions and decisions. Songs, especially those from artists like Taylor Swift, can resonate with our personal experiences and help us process feelings.
  3. Sharing stories about personal struggles, like marriage and divorce, can be powerful and cathartic. Many people connect with these topics, and writing about them can lead to healing.

Some Notes on Notes

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 522 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
📚 Literature Writing Artists Creativity Procrastination Discipline
  1. Writers often procrastinate due to fear of difficult subjects, exposure, rejection or mistakes.
  2. Social media has become a common distraction for writers, but its impact on creativity seems to be diminishing.
  3. Discipline plays a key role in creativity, and writers can start creating with just a pen and paper, bypassing the need for a perfect setup.

White Wine in the Sun

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 45 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎶 Music Songs Performances Artists Albums Festivals
  1. The song 'White Wine in the Sun' by Tim Minchin is a seasonal favorite for many people. It's a catchy tune that brings joy during the holidays.
  2. There's a recommended version of the song performed on the James Corden show, featuring Bryan Cranston. It's worth checking out to get into the festive spirit.
  3. The message is one of warmth and happiness, wishing everyone a merry and bright holiday season. It's a nice reminder to celebrate with loved ones.

61 – A book about sustainable ceramics

Ceramics Now Weekly • 157 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Ceramics Artists Exhibitions Techniques Materials
  1. Yuliya Makliuk's book 'Potters Save the World' focuses on sustainable ceramics and environmental responsibility.
  2. Ceramics Now Weekly #61 features new artists and the latest news in the ceramic world.
  3. Various ceramic events, exhibitions, and discussions are happening worldwide, offering opportunities for artists to showcase their work and engage with the community.

Musical Heresies (Part 2)

Secretum Secretorum • 429 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🎶 Music Genres History Artists Philosophy Influence
  1. Recorded music can have harmful psychological effects, suggesting music should be performed live and reserved for special occasions.
  2. Ancient cultures viewed music as a powerful force for transformation and knowledge, with musicians being revered as heroes.
  3. The historical significance of music extends beyond entertainment, as it played a crucial role in shaping societal worldviews and countercultures.

The Cult of Productivity

The Intersection • 158 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity Productivity Authenticity Artists Personal Growth
  1. Productivity is gaining more importance than creativity, with a focus on producing more content rather than emphasizing quality.
  2. Productivity tools may not necessarily make us smarter, as genuine thinking and insights happen internally and resist automation.
  3. Authenticity will ultimately prevail over chasing algorithms and shortcuts in creativity and content creation.