The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Welcome to Critic at Large

Critic at Large • 159 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The newsletter 'Critic at Large' focuses on cultural creations, old and new, exploring their meaning and value.
  2. The author will analyze works from literature, poetry, art, music, cinema, etc., to understand their significance in expressing the human condition.
  3. Readers of 'Conversations With Myself' have been offered a free subscription to 'Critic at Large' and are encouraged to engage in community discussions.

Weekly Wednesday Wisdom #9

Weekly Wisdom • 159 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Music
  1. Reflect on what is within your control and what is important, like the Stoic practice of awareness.
  2. Anticipate and plan for upcoming projects or trips to keep yourself motivated and excited.
  3. Consider the reasons behind why you want to write a book, balancing your passions and audience expectations.

Anna Gát: What to Read This Weekend #20

interintellect • 157 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. A study found that car seat laws saved children, but also reduced births due to limited car space.
  2. Maintain friendships as they might ebb with age and distance; a letter to a friend carries much ardor.
  3. The idea of the self-made man shifted to a capitalist tone in the 19th century, focusing on money and frugality.

When the cymbals come in

Register Spill • 157 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Gear doesn't always make a significant difference in performance.
  2. Focus on practicality and pragmatism in decision-making.
  3. Consider if details truly matter in the grand scheme of things.

We’re All Reasonabilists Sometimes

The Better Letter • 157 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Biased reasoning is common and can be found across the political spectrum.
  2. Our deeply held values and desires often lead to confirmation bias, making it hard to accept new information that contradicts our beliefs.
  3. It's crucial to recognize our own biases and the impact they have on our perception of reality.
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Moving Places

Earthly Fortunes • 157 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The concept of being at the center of the map is an old idea that dates back to before the 1650s, and it is not a reflection of reality.
  2. Different readers interpret and react to written work in unique ways, similar to how chefs create different dishes using the same recipe.
  3. Maps, both physical and metaphorical, play a significant role in how we perceive importance and authority, shaping our understanding of the world.

Based Safety vs. Cringe Propaganda #53

Safety Propaganda • 157 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Based Safety highlights interesting events in underground art and music scenes.
  2. Cringe Propaganda criticizes mainstream figures and media, questioning their authenticity.
  3. Both newsletters bring a mix of art, culture, and controversial opinions to their audience.

Best of 2023

Obvious Bicycle • 657 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The post shares a list of the author's favorite things from 2023, including music, live events, essays, art & photography, movies, books, TV shows, and quotes.
  2. The author appreciates music as their favorite art form, sharing a ranked list of songs they discovered in 2023.
  3. The author also highlights their experiences of attending live events like cricket and football matches, a marathon, and a Taylor Swift concert, making these a memorable part of their year.

was she born with it or was it god damn Maybelline?

Both Are True • 192 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Commercial taglines and songs from childhood can stick with us and shape our lives in unexpected ways. They often act like the 'gospels' we learn from as kids.
  2. It's okay to admit that you don't know something. Society often pushes us to have all the answers, but not knowing can be a valuable lesson too.
  3. High school often teaches us strange ideas about relationships and sex that can stick with us as we grow up. Many of these lessons come from silly or inappropriate sources.

Good Luck / Block

Nice Try • 59 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Sometimes noise and chaos can block our creativity. It's important to find quiet moments to think clearly.
  2. Writers can struggle with finding things to say, especially during tough times. It's okay to feel stuck, but we can always work through it.
  3. Our environment affects how we write. A good or bad environment can change our mood and productivity.

Poopity Scoopity: A Review of Kanye West’s Twitter Account

Default Wisdom • 177 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Kanye West is facing both artistic and mental health struggles. His recent works show a decline in creativity and direction, highlighting his challenges.
  2. His attempt to shift towards a Christian theme with his album 'Jesus is King' didn’t receive the recognition he hoped for. This may have affected his artistic journey and mental state.
  3. Kanye's social media presence has turned chaotic and negative, reflecting deeper issues. Many believe he needs help and support to navigate these tough times.

Godspeed, Olivia Newton-John

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Losing famous figures can remind us of our own memories and experiences from the past. It's not just about their death but about the changes we've seen over time.
  2. Middle age can bring a mix of clarity and contentment, but it also comes with a feeling of loss as we realize how fleeting life can be.
  3. Seeing things from our childhood age and fade can lead to a deeper understanding of life's temporary nature and evoke feelings of mourning.

Recommendations

Nice Try • 139 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Bud Smith will start two weekly series on his newsletter: 'Reviews of My Life' on Tuesdays, which is free for all readers, and 'Good Luck' on Thursdays, which is a paid series about his memories and creative life.
  2. He discussed the musical rivalry between Brian Wilson and The Beatles, clarifying that Wilson was inspired to create 'Pet Sounds' after the American version of 'Rubber Soul'.
  3. After reading several Stephen King novels, he decided to take a break, feeling that they were entertaining but not challenging enough, and instead chose to read more classic literature like Flaubert's 'Sentimental Education'.

Forté #19

SJF • 78 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. The beauty and significance of orange blossoms in Tunisia
  2. Alternative ways to share work and life outside of social media
  3. Exploration of ethereal ambient music like the self-titled record from Christina Vantzou, Michael Harrison, and John Also Bennett

Weekly Top Picks #94

The Algorithmic Bridge • 201 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Music
  1. OpenAI's new model is not just a chatbot; it's designed to help users think and set goals differently.
  2. AI progress is happening fast, but many people aren't aware of it, making it hard to get ready for big changes ahead.
  3. There are worries about AI tools and trust issues, so it's essential to think carefully about how we use and talk about AI.

The Sound of (Grade School) Music

Fireside Chat Logs • 99 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Attending your child's grade school concert can be a heartwarming and rewarding experience, showcasing their talents and accomplishments.
  2. Grade school concerts often feature a mix of orchestral pieces and choir performances, highlighting the joy and enthusiasm of young performers.
  3. Encouraging and supporting children's involvement in music can lead to exciting opportunities for them to explore their talents and passion.

The Superette

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 725 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. A Superette is a unique word that combines aspects of a supermarket and convenience store, with some preliminaries and follow-ups.
  2. The author discusses the challenge of evolving as a writer while staying true to their own style, without being influenced by readers' preferences.
  3. The essay delves into the author's critical views on music genres like rock and rap, exploring the cultural and racial dynamics of different musical movements.

Paid content: The space station on Earth

Wood From Eden • 240 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The concept of a space station on Earth suggests a unique space for exploration and innovation. It's like having a mini-universe right here at home.
  2. Paid content often provides deeper insights that you might not find elsewhere. This could encourage people to subscribe for more exclusive information.
  3. Engaging with paid content might help support creators and allow them to continue sharing valuable ideas.

Data arithmetic

benn.substack • 536 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. In analyzing data, focus on simple steps like observing trends, hypothesizing causes, and adjusting actions.
  2. Data interpretation doesn't have to be complex; sometimes, a straightforward approach is enough.
  3. In the world of marketing, brands can face challenges when unexpected people endorse their products.

What's got my attention this week #15

The Shift With Sam Baker • 139 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The writer curates a weekly round-up of interesting articles, providing links to thought-provoking pieces on various topics like fashion, friendships, and menopause.
  2. There's a focus on critical issues like retouched magazine covers, the environmental impact of returns, and the relationship dynamics affecting friendships.
  3. Notable mentions include Naomi Klein's new book, the impact of menopause on income, and insights into the fashion industry's approach to clothing sizes and fits.

A road trip Q&A

Austin Kleon • 739 implied HN points • 18 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. A road trip can bring a refreshing change and spark interesting conversations and reflections.
  2. Reading diverse books can broaden your horizons and offer new perspectives on life.
  3. Sharing experiences, like school lunches, can create deeper connections and memories with others.

Michelle Pfeiffer Needs Help?

The Better Letter • 137 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Even though Michelle Pfeiffer looked perfect, she needed a lot of help to appear perfect
  2. Managing expectations is crucial - both in beauty standards and in investments
  3. Expectations of high returns in investments are often unrealistic and can lead to unhappiness

Before You Go #1: Bar Bruno

London in Bits • 137 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The 'Before You Go' series showcases endangered spots in London that people love.
  2. Bar Bruno in Soho is an iconic spot with a rich history and unique charm.
  3. Cafe blogger Russell Davies highlights the importance of cafes evolving while maintaining their authenticity.

NYC Street Performance

Splattern • 99 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Performing in public can be a fun and freeing experience. It allows a person to connect directly with people and share joy.
  2. Building confidence is important, and sometimes small steps can help overcome fears. Wearing something like a suit can create a sense of credibility.
  3. Street performance may not always pay well, but the joy and smiles shared with others can make the experience worthwhile and fulfilling.

Spread cheer!

Austin Kleon • 799 implied HN points • 24 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Reading good books is important. Some favorites this year included 'Matrix' by Lauren Groff and 'The Master and his Emissary' by Iain McGilchrist.
  2. Celebrating the lives and works of great writers is valuable. Remembering Eve Babitz and Joan Didion highlights the impact of their writing.
  3. Finding joy and comfort in art, like playing video games or listening to music, can really help us relax and feel better.

Links for July

By Reason Alone • 59 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Having a flip phone can help you focus more on life without constant phone distractions. It's a cool way to stay reachable in emergencies without being glued to your smartphone.
  2. Brick architecture has a rich history and interesting properties. Learning about it can change the way you appreciate the buildings around you.
  3. More people are staying married, while fewer are actually getting married nowadays. This shows changing social trends around relationships.

One thing leads to another

Austin Kleon • 739 implied HN points • 07 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Books and year-end lists can inspire creativity. Sharing your favorites might encourage others to reflect on their own experiences.
  2. Creating playlists or lists is a great way to track what you love over time. It's fun to see how tastes evolve year by year.
  3. Using ideas from past projects can spark new creations. It's like a 'chain smoking' method where one thought leads to another.

Hope this finds you well

Austin Kleon • 799 implied HN points • 19 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Creating collages from magazine type can be a fun and creative activity. It's a great way to express yourself using found text.
  2. Reading is a wonderful escape, and a novel about medieval nuns can be a perfect choice for late-night adventures. It’s engaging and might resonate with anyone who’s ever struggled with sleepless nights.
  3. There’s always interesting news in music, from unexpected collaborations to quirky music platforms. Keeping up with music can be a fun way to discover new sounds and artists.

Last Week in AI #218: Hinton warns of AI dangers ahead, rapid rise of AI-produced music, AI chatbots can now run locally on old computers, and more!

Last Week in AI • 258 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🕹 Technology Music
  1. Geoffrey Hinton leaving Google highlights concerns around generative AI and the need for responsible technological stewardship
  2. The surge in AI-generated music raises questions about artists' rights, cultural appropriation, and the balance between technology and ethics
  3. Development of chatbots like MLC LLM running on various devices shows potential for local AI processing and privacy benefits

Woodstock 1999: When Influencer Marketing Goes Wrong

Litverse • 259 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Influencer marketing, with its significant impact and reach, has become a prominent and desirable career option in today's world.
  2. Woodstock 1999 serves as a cautionary tale of how influencer marketing, choice of influencers, and audience dynamics can lead to disastrous outcomes.
  3. In the realm of influencers, the artists become as influenced by their own influence as everyone else, which can sometimes lead to issues of authenticity, growth, and perpetual self-actualization.

Links and Thoughts (Feb '24)

Secretum Secretorum • 454 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
📚 Literature Music
  1. Beautiful video pairings like "Wings of Desire" with Linda Perhacs' song; "Breathless" with "Time Moves Slow" by BADBADNOTGOOD evoke haunting beauty.
  2. The origin of "tree hugger" is surprisingly hardcore, stemming from the Khejarli massacre in 1730, where villagers protected sacred trees at all costs.
  3. Discover the word of the day - "Cacoethes" - an irresistible urge to do something inadvisable, along with an intriguing quote about presuming improvement.

The Land of Confusion

Malt Liquidity • 10 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Nostalgia and simple pattern recognition make formulaic TV and procedural stories pleasurable, and modern engagement-driven incentives are pushing shows toward easier, less nuanced writing.
  2. AI-generated text often produces plausible but flat patterns that tempt people to overinterpret and can trigger a referential, feedback-loop style of thinking.
  3. A practical defense is to treat beliefs like market positions: put stakes or predictions on them, balance conviction with measurable outcomes, and accept that many things are ultimately unknowable.

Exhumations and Resolutions

The Lifeboat • 149 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📚 Literature Music
  1. Art is a way to express our feelings and ideas, even if it feels abstract or confusing. It's important to keep creating, no matter the medium.
  2. Writing music and poetry can be a fun challenge. It’s good to learn the skills needed to improve and enjoy the process.
  3. Setting resolutions helps to focus on creative goals, like finishing a project or getting others to read your work. Sharing those goals can motivate you and others.