Music

The South by Southwest 2015 Playlist

21 bands to check out, from psychedelic rock to socially conscious rap

• Spencer Kornhaber
• March 23, 2015

The Power in Kendrick Lamar's Complexity

To Pimp a Butterfly is challenging, but that's because it reflects a challenging world.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• March 17, 2015

The Lost Joy of The Bends

Twenty years after its release, the energy of Radiohead's second album is more refreshing than ever.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• March 14, 2015

The 'Blurred Lines' Verdict Could Be Bad for Music

A jury orders Robin Thicke and Pharrell to pay $7.4 million to Marvin Gaye's estate, possibly lowering the bar for what's considered creative theft.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• March 10, 2015

The Legend of Grimes's Lost Album

The experimental musician just released a demo that's as good as anything on the radio.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• March 9, 2015

Wu-Tang Clan and Hip-Hop's Obsession With the Art World

A $5 million auction is the wrong way to prove rap is worthy of respect.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• March 5, 2015

Starbucks's Failed Music Revolution

Once upon a time, the coffee chain represented hope that record-buying could remain a physical experience for most people. What happens when it stops selling CDs?

• Spencer Kornhaber
• February 25, 2015

The Power of a Gimmick-Free Gaga

Her Sound of Music medley at the Oscars highlighted her underlying talent, just at the right time.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• February 23, 2015

Is Pussy Riot Helping the Eric Garner Cause or Hijacking It?

The group's new song, "I Can't Breathe," uses an individual tragedy and national movement for a far broader mission.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• February 19, 2015

Drake's Workaholic Triumph

The rapper's trying very hard on If You're Reading This, It's Too Late, and that's a great thing.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• February 17, 2015

Reading Taylor Swift's Lips

The "Style" video is her latest attempt to set herself apart from the pop mainstream with a classic, and fraught, fashion choice.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• February 13, 2015

Annie Lennox, the New Grammy Idol

Younger pop stars should take note—a performer has to actually perform.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• February 9, 2015

Kanye Should Have Taken the Mic From Beck at the Grammys

In so many ways, it was an offensively boring night.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• February 9, 2015

The Great Grammy Hypocrisy

The ceremony offers a radically inclusive vision of music; the awards do the opposite.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• February 6, 2015

The Terror and Glory of Katy Perry's Super Bowl Performance

A halftime vision from pop culture's uncanny valley

• Spencer Kornhaber
• February 2, 2015

Taylor Swift and the Fraught History of Navel-Gazing

Hollywood's decades-old fight against (and fascination with) the female belly button

• Lenika Cruz
• January 26, 2015

How to Show Up Paul McCartney and Kanye West

Rihanna's new track "FourFiveSeconds" showcases a pop singer's power.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• January 26, 2015

The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of the Ukulele

The little instrument has gone from being an exotic new trend to the embodiment of kitsch since it arrived on Hawaii 125 years ago, but is currently enjoying a revival.

• Marion Jacobson
• January 25, 2015

Why Musicians Disappear, Why They Come Back, and What Happens Next

Just a few months after releasing his first full-length in 13 years, Aphex Twin has put out more new music. Wouldn't it be cool if D'Angelo did that too?

• Spencer Kornhaber
• January 23, 2015

Björk's Vulnicura Is the Definition of Devastating

Her ninth album is a gorgeous, scary, and totally moving breakup ballad.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• January 22, 2015