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M.I.A.: Straight to Hell and Back
Is the controversial singer "real" or not? Who cares—her latest album, released this week, is terrific
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Downtempo Pop: When Good Music Gets a Bad Name
"Chillwave," a new genre of rock, has been dismissed by critics for everything from its name to its influences. Ignore them.
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Rambling
Select verses from rapper Raekwon illuminate discussions of race, hip-hop culture, and even the Civil War
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B.o.B.'s Music Video Problem
The from "Airplanes" to "I'll Be in the Sky," the rapper's videos have been uninspired so far—but there's hope with a little help from OutKast
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Interview: Harvey Pekar on Jazz
The author, who died this week, is remembered for his "American Splendor" comics, but he was also an ardent music fan
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Robb Cohen / AP The Case Against Modest Mouse
The Seattle-based band has plenty of potential, but it doesn't live up—either on its albums or live in concert
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Death of the Vuvuzela -- and the Novelty Song
The buzzing horns have dominated the World Cup culture conversation and may soon be forgotten, just like the "Macarena"
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Out of the Concert Hall, Into the Night Club
What do classical music and electronica have in common? A lot, actually.
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Rooting for Kelly Rowland
If there must be a song of the summer, it should be Rowland's "Commander," a decent slice of pop
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Hip-Hop Doesn't Need Saviors
Drake's disappointing debut album underscores the need to abandon the industry-imposed good rapper vs. bad rapper stereotype
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Michael Jackson's Unparalleled Influence
No artist had a more profound impact on the 20th century than the King of Pop—not Faulkner, not Picasso, not even Elvis Presley
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The Harpsichord: Where Bach Meets Eminem
An exploration of the instrument's legacy in classical music and its continuing influence today on everything from rap to rock.
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You're Nobody 'Til Somebody...
Michael Jackson's estate made millions of dollars in the past year and is on track to take in more money than Elvis Presley's
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Deeper Roots
Reflecting on The Roots' latest, "How I Got Over": why their concerts may be better than their albums, and why the new disc could improve with age
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'What You're Asking Me Now, Disastrous Now'
An interview with James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem on the artistic process is both fascinating and maddening
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In the Beginning There Was Jack
One of the advantages that come with age is the appreciation of musical genres once dismissed, like Chicago house music
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Eminem: 'Relapse', 'Recovery', and Rebirth
The rapper's latest album showcases a new, humble side while offering a quality of music fans haven't heard in years
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'A Sip or a Spoonful Won't Do'
What's so special about the song "Poison Cup" by M. Ward? A range of theories about the source of its greatness
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You're in My Hut Now
Neither crunk, Miami bass, snap or g-funk manage to deliver the endorphin spike that the Jungle Brothers do with "I'll House You"
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What Stephen Strasburg Has in Common With a Violinist
Like athletes, musicians must meet physical requirements to excel in their field. The third in a series on appreciating classical music.
