The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

What Tom Lehrer Left Us

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 644 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Tom Lehrer was a fun and sharp satirical songwriter and mathematician known for his music from the 1950s.
  2. The influence of Lehrer’s music can be felt even today, despite many not growing up in musical families.
  3. Listening to Lehrer’s songs brings nostalgia and a unique blend of humor and intellect to the musical landscape.

Life imitates comedy

Austin Kleon • 3397 implied HN points • 13 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Life often reflects comedy, showing how funny situations can mirror our daily experiences.
  2. Reading multiple books at once can spark creativity, as different ideas interact and inspire new thoughts.
  3. The acceptance speeches at the Golden Globes highlighted themes of resilience and the importance of perseverance in life.

The Monday Media Diet with Chris Nashawaty

Why is this interesting? • 723 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Reading physical newspapers and magazines provides a unique experience that's hard to replace with digital media. The tactile feel of paper and ink makes it more enjoyable for many readers.
  2. Hard Case Crime books are a thrilling dive into classic crime fiction that's not only fast-paced but also very entertaining. They bring old-school hardboiled stories back to life for modern readers.
  3. Conversations about film history can be incredibly engaging, and books like 'Pictures at a Revolution' show how pivotal moments in cinema reflect larger cultural changes. It's a great prompt to explore other recommended reads.

Suzy Weiss: Are You Enterpained?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 653 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. People are openly sharing their struggles and therapy experiences, often for entertainment, creating a trend called 'enterpainment'.
  2. Music and pop culture are shifting towards themes of sadness and emotional challenges, with artists focusing on breakups and personal battles.
  3. Celebrities, like Justin Bieber, are discussing their mental health publicly, reflecting a growing acceptance of vulnerability and seeking help in front of others.
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Waiting for the miracle

Austin Kleon • 3417 implied HN points • 23 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Trying times can bring both fun and challenges, like dealing with a painful kidney stone. It's important to find joy and comfort from friends even in tough situations.
  2. Reading can be a delightful escape, and keeping lists helps to remember our favorite books and moments from the year. It's fun to reflect on what we've enjoyed.
  3. Good advice often reminds us to focus on what we want instead of just running away from negativity. It's all about moving towards something positive.

On this date...

Austin Kleon • 2497 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Curiosity is important, but sometimes we miss things we should be curious about. It's good to reflect on what interests us.
  2. Sharing art can be a fun and engaging experience. It's great to connect with others and see various creative works.
  3. Keeping a journal can be a magical space for thoughts and ideas. It's a good way to explore your feelings and creativity.

Going through the motions

Austin Kleon • 2897 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Starting something can feel tough, but just going through the motions can help get you going. It's a great way to break the ice and find your rhythm.
  2. Roget's Thesaurus has a quirky history that's more fascinating than you might expect. It's not just a reference book; it's filled with unusual ideas about language.
  3. Artists are always in the process of creating, even when it seems like nothing is happening. Like plants staying alive in winter, their work is growing beneath the surface.

The 20th Century Is the Only Century

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 570 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The 20th century feels like the only real century for many people because of the cultural moments and media it produced. It was a time when creativity thrived and set the stage for everything that followed.
  2. Artists like Sammy Davis Jr. and Little Richard showed the power of identity and performance in music. They navigated their careers through cultural shifts, either evolving or holding on to their roots.
  3. Michael Jackson represents a blend of past influences and new forms of expression. His legacy is complex, revealing how artists can be both celebrated and misunderstood in their lifetimes.

A great Florentine-Renaissance alternate history, two Prince-inspired masterpiece albums, and a strange and spooky Terence Stamp phantasmagoria

Read Max • 474 implied HN points • 25 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. There's a cool mystery-thriller set in a different version of Renaissance Florence, which blends art and intrigue.
  2. A short horror film featuring Terence Stamp and a beautiful Ferrari offers a spooky experience worth checking out.
  3. Two new albums inspired by Prince showcase his lasting influence and are a must-listen for fans of his music.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 611 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Reading about the experiences of others can bring strong emotions to the surface, especially when it relates to identity and culture.
  2. Social media can make us question our own traits, like being hypermobile, which might not apply to everyone.
  3. Engaging with different forms of storytelling, like essays and articles, helps us connect with diverse perspectives and ideas.

Productive procrastination

Austin Kleon • 2957 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Productive procrastination can help you get things done while also allowing you to avoid tasks you might not want to do right away. It's about using your distractions to make progress on other things.
  2. Book design is important and can greatly impact how people perceive a book. Great designs, like those of Carin Goldberg, can become iconic in the literary world.
  3. Enjoying the little moments, like sitting around a fire, can help you focus better and recharge creatively. It's okay to take time for yourself in a busy world.

Poor Lazarus and the Mark Death Made

Five’s Substack • 219 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. American folk music explores deep feelings of homesickness and the desire to wander. These emotions are the driving themes in many famous songs.
  2. Gillian Welch's work reflects on the contradictions in life and music, connecting the past with present experiences without offering easy answers.
  3. Welch's song 'I Dream a Highway' captures a feeling of endless searching and longing. It questions what it means to be truly home and how we cope with our losses.

Taylor Swift, AI cults and the pain of the personal brand

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 638 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Modern living rooms heavily feature large TV screens, but there's a rising trend towards hidden technology, like TVs that blend into backgrounds.
  2. There's a significant shift towards concealing technology in everyday objects, like smart speakers disguised as lamps or laptops made to look like books.
  3. Personal screens have become an integral part of daily life, but there's a growing desire to minimize their visibility, especially accentuated during the pandemic.

A strange, singular, funny American tale; an extremely cool gangster flick; and more

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. There's a funny and touching story that mixes passion and conflict, like something from famous authors Charles Portis and John Kennedy Toole.
  2. A new book explores language and L.L.M.s, alongside essays about A.I., labor, and changes in the literary world.
  3. There's a really cool Hong Kong gangster movie to check out, plus four great music tracks that I’ve been enjoying.

Modern heists, Wikipedia porn and bygone tickets

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 658 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Forcing ourselves to be constantly engaged with podcasts and media might be hindering our ability to have independent thoughts.
  2. Our constant consumption of content may lead to a passive existence where we are not actively choosing what we listen to, limiting our experiences.
  3. Reflecting on the impact of modern technologies like QR codes in theaters can help us appreciate the changes in our daily interactions and the loss of physical records.

Labor's Design and the Making of Good Music

Scott's Substack • 687 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🔬 Science Music
  1. The paper discusses the importance of 'design' in addressing selection bias in causal inference.
  2. Design focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind treatment assignment in data analysis.
  3. Good writing is crucial in academic work, emphasizing the significance of clear communication in quantitative research.

What's got my attention this week #35

The Shift With Sam Baker • 619 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The newsletter highlights interesting links, recommendations, and topics worth exploring throughout the week.
  2. Readers can find valuable insights on determining personal value, relatable life questions, and thought-provoking articles.
  3. The post includes diverse content recommendations like books, podcasts, and TV shows for entertainment and personal growth.

Best of The Free Press: We’re All Gonna Make It

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1799 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Even in tough times, there's a sense of optimism that things can get better. It's about hoping for change and taking action instead of giving in to despair.
  2. People are finding joy in unexpected places, like celebrating together even when plans go wrong. It's about making the best out of challenging situations.
  3. There’s a shift in how young people view education, with many choosing southern colleges over prestigious Ivy League schools for a more enjoyable experience and a different environment.

Ice and owls

Austin Kleon • 2757 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. February often feels repetitive, almost like every day is the same. It can serve as a reminder of life's cycles, feeling like we're stuck in an ice storm each year.
  2. A '30-minute noticing workout' can help people become more mindful and spark creativity. It encourages taking time to observe the world around us.
  3. With the right tools, like a spotting scope and a camera app, you can enjoy and capture nature, like watching owls in your backyard.

Firsts of the year

Austin Kleon • 2977 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The author shared their first creative projects of the year, including collages and vegetable printmaking. It's a great way to start the year with fresh artistic ideas.
  2. They mentioned their diverse reading choices, highlighting the joy of exploring different books and authors. Reading can keep your mind engaged and expand your knowledge.
  3. The author reflected on recent celebrity deaths, reminding us to appreciate influential figures in arts and culture. Remembering their contributions helps us honor their legacy.

Where you look is where you go

Austin Kleon • 2797 implied HN points • 20 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Where you focus your attention affects your direction in life. Just like biking, if you look in a certain way, that's where you'll end up.
  2. Reading and exploring new stories, whether in books or through documentaries, can provide insights and deepen your understanding of various subjects.
  3. Having fun and enjoying art, like comedy specials or music, is important for a balanced life. It adds joy and connection to our everyday experiences.

The Movie Will Begin In Five Moments

Public Universal Friend • 19 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Loneliness can feel overwhelming, but it can often be soothed with small comforts like food or company. It’s important to find things that can help lift that heavy feeling.
  2. Boredom is a significant trigger for risky behaviors, and it's important to address it by seeking connection and friendship. Making friends can help ease feelings of isolation.
  3. As we grow older, we often deal with deeper feelings and struggles that can feel like they grow out of us, but we keep trying to support one another. We all have a role in helping each other through the tough times.

100 things that made my year

Austin Kleon • 2917 implied HN points • 30 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Reflecting on the year can highlight significant moments and experiences that brought joy or growth. It's important to take time to acknowledge what made the year special.
  2. Books, movies, music, and other forms of entertainment can shape our experiences and provide comfort or inspiration throughout the year. Curating favorites can help in remembering those moments.
  3. Sharing recommendations and engaging with a community can enhance our enjoyment of various media and foster connections with others who have similar interests.

Simply the Best

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 1139 implied HN points • 28 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Tina Turner played a significant role in promoting Rugby League and making the sport more popular among viewers and players.
  2. In the 1980s, Australia had a unique sports landscape with different football codes in different states and a strong class divide between rugby league and rugby union.
  3. Attending a Tina Turner concert in Australia in the 1980s involved navigating issues of gambling, age restrictions, and the unique cultural and political climate of the time.

What I'm reading about Iran, a great new 'Heat'-like heist thriller, and more

Read Max • 658 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. There's a collection of articles that help explain the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. It’s good material for anyone wanting to understand the situation better.
  2. A new heist thriller movie has been released that feels similar to the classic film 'Heat.' It's a must-see for fans of action and suspense.
  3. The post also shares some great music recommendations. If you're looking for fresh tracks to listen to, there are four new ones highlighted.

Bits and bobs

Disaffected Newsletter • 1238 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Enjoy music that is simple and emotional, focusing on melody and harmony over complicated sounds. This resonates with many people on a deeper level.
  2. When speaking out, the goal isn't to make friends or convince everyone; it's about reducing the influence of those you disagree with in society.
  3. A basic chicken recipe can be delicious and easy to make by ensuring you season the meat under the skin. It's a simple way to enjoy a tasty meal.

SUPER STURGEON MOON 2023

The Lunar Dispatch • 1100 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Recently, there was a hearing about UFOs where officials confirmed secretive programs
  2. There was a simulation of receiving a message from aliens sent by media artist Daniela de Paulis
  3. Learning about people like Stanley Kubrick and John Lennon who had interesting encounters and beliefs related to aliens

MY RESPONSE TO JANN WENNER

The Nelson George Mixtape • 1081 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Jann Wenner made insulting comments about women and black artists in an interview.
  2. Wenner is publishing a book called 'The Masters' featuring rock stars but excluded black and female artists.
  3. Nelson George posted a video response to Wenner's controversial views.

A classic, twisty English manor-house mystery; a smooth, stupid, fun European-heist movie; and more

Read Max • 553 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. There's a fun mystery story set in a classic English manor that twists and turns. It's exciting to figure out the secrets inside.
  2. A European jewel-heist movie offers unexpected enjoyment; it’s a mix of action and comedy that keeps you entertained.
  3. Four great music tracks are recommended, showcasing new sounds that might surprise you.

Learning to love. How the poet Dana Gioia discovered his vocation through music.

The Common Reader • 1701 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Dana Gioia discovered his love for poetry while being exposed to opera. He found that experiencing opera deeply influenced his understanding of music and poetry.
  2. His time in Vienna showed him the value of spontaneity. He went there to study music but ended up realizing he wanted to be a poet instead.
  3. The experience taught him that sometimes things don’t go as planned, but unexpected gifts can lead to new passions, like how losing relationships led him to find inspiration in the arts.

The Most Beautiful Swim You've Ever Taken

Culture Study • 1436 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Natural disasters like fires can have a big impact on communities. It's important for people to come together and support those affected.
  2. Organizations like World Central Kitchen play a vital role in helping during crises. They provide food and support to people in need after disasters.
  3. Staying informed and being willing to help others can make a big difference in tough times. Communities can work together to support those who are struggling.

HOW I RUINED COURTNEY LOVE’S DRESS

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 1041 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The author recounts a story of ruining Courtney Love's dress, a vintage nightgown gifted to her by Love's grandmother.
  2. The author reflects on the consequences of lying about not destroying the dress and the impact it had on their relationship with Courtney Love.
  3. The story ends with a heartfelt apology to Courtney Love for ruining the vintage dress, recognizing the sentimental value it held.

The fabric Nightclub Book Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1266 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The fabric nightclub in London is unique because it has maintained a strong focus on music and guest experience for many years. Many nightclubs chase nightlife trends and greed, but fabric stays true to its roots.
  2. The book about the nightclub captures its rich history and the passion of its community, including famous DJs and emerging artists. It highlights how important these connections are to the club's identity.
  3. Hospitality is essential for a great night out. At fabric, every detail, from security to coat checks, is handled carefully to create a welcoming experience where guests feel safe and taken care of.

Up close & comfortable

gen yeet • 530 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Close-listening to music can lead to newfound appreciation and discoveries.
  2. Art and relationships both open up new worlds of possibilities to explore.
  3. Understanding the significance of database logic and narrative in today's digital landscape.

The art of imperfection

Austin Kleon • 2717 implied HN points • 09 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Embracing imperfection in art can lead to unique and heartfelt expressions. It's okay to be a little rough around the edges.
  2. Reading can be a refreshing escape, and trying different books can bring new inspiration to your life. It's fun to explore different genres.
  3. Starting and ending your day with books can create a nice routine. It helps frame your day in a thoughtful way.

What I'm reading about the tech right and Trump, a gonzo Iron-Age movie with dialogue in proto-Latin, my all-time favorite album now on streaming

Read Max • 1290 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. There are lots of interesting articles out there about tech leaders like Trump, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg. They cover some pretty serious topics.
  2. A fun Italian movie set in the Iron Age is being recommended. It's cheesy and entertaining, perfect for a light watch.
  3. One of the all-time favorite albums of the author is now available to stream online. It's exciting to have it accessible again.